President Barack Obama 2009 Inauguration and Address

CSPAN Reports: President Barack Obama took the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States and delivered an inaugural address focusing on the themes of sacrifice and renewal on January 20, 2009.

-- I sought refuge in the warm lobby of the nearby L'Faunt Plaza Hotel as it was about 13 degrees outside and freezing in the mall. I went out there and had to seek warmth. Still, it was a historic moment I will cherish forever.

Joe Scarborough told me personally that it was the best speech he's listened to since JFK's 1960 adress and that's a high complement.

Obama Inauguration - Columbia Heights House Party

I attended this awesome house party thrown by Brad and Leah, two Obama campaign volunteers who live in the Columbia Heights section of Washington DC. There, we talked about the meaning of President-Elect Barack Obama's Inauguration, and well, just had a great time on the eve of the big day!

Obama Inauguration - Toshira on It's Meaning

As I walked along the Capital Mall the night before The Inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44th President, a young woman came up and asked -- and I kid you not -- "Are you a CNN reporter". I explained that I am an iReporter and we created this video of her message. Pretty funny but she had something to say and I wanted to help her say it.

Obama Inauguration Concert Mass Of Humanity

This was an incredible Sunday concert experience as part of Obama Inauguration festivities, even if, like me, you got their around 2 PM and thus were not able to get close to the Lincoln Memorial, let alone past the Old War Memorial. I estimate the crowd at about 2 million. I've not seen a written estimate yet, but if it's in the thousands, it's just plain wrong!

Angela Bassett, Giancarlo Esposito On Obama and "Gospel Hill"

While In Washington DC for the Inauguration, I was invited to a great
premier of a cool new movie called "Gospel Hill". Directed by Giancarlo Esposito, it stars Angela Bassett, Danny Glover, Esposito, and others including South Carolina Charles James essentially playing
himself. I talked to them about not just the movie, but the Obama Inauguration and the festivties held to that point in time.

Obama Inauguration - President Bush Look-Alike

I was walking to the Willard Hotel when I happened on a man who looked just like current President George W Bush. His name is Ed Thebility, and he says he's got a few pounds on President Bush but that he does get the "You look like" comment alot!

Obama Inauguration - Crowd Enthusiasm "Shout"

CNN Ireporter BlueTexan really got the sprit of the people singing "Shout"! during the Obama "We Are One" concert on Sunday.

Stephanie Miller Obama Radio Nation 2009

This video talks about the role progressive talk radio played in getting Barack Obama elected President of The United States.

Barrack Obama inspirational Speech Wilmington 1/17/09

From YouTuber therealjohnchaney - President Elect Barrack Obama's speech on 1/17/09. The Freedom train arrived. VP elect Joe Biden spoke and then President Obama.

Obama Inauguration Train at Elkton, Maryland

A hearty group of citizens waits at Elkton MD for Barrack Obama and Joe Biden as they travel by train from Philadelphia to Washington DC.

WHY JON GURDEN GOT FIRED FORM THE BUCS - VIDEO

Obama Inauguration Trip - B Smith at Union Station

I attended the swanky affair at B Smith's Restaurant in Washington's Union Station. Produced by Stelfana Broadhead, the event attracted such illuminaries as Actor Delroy Lindo, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, City Manager Robert Bobb, and B Smith herself, who took time to talk with me about what Obama's Inauguration means to her.

Obama's inauguration: sharing it on Twitter, Facebook, other sites - Inside Bay Area

More at Inside Bay Area: “Obama on Tuesday will not simply take the oath to become the 44th president of the United States. He will serve as both emcee and epicenter of the most socially networked moment in political history.
"This is a historic event and the way we'll experience it will be just as historic," says Erica Schaefer. In perfect Generation Y style, the 20-year-old San Jose State University junior will watch the televised version of the ceremony at a local live screening — but she'll also be outfitted in full social-media regalia.
"I'll have my BlackBerry and my mini-laptop, which will allow me to share my status online, and I'll probably be on Twitter following @BarackObama, and on my Facebook chat section where I can talk about it live with hundreds of friends at the same time.”

Inauguration Is Climax to Two Years Of Increasing Security Around Obama - washingtonpost.com

More at washingtonpost.com: “As jubilant Democrats nominated Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president in a Denver convention hall in late August, the U.S. Secret Service in Washington placed its largest ever order for bulletproof glass.

The service requested about 5 tons of "transparent armor," laminated with four layers of virtually unbreakable plastic to resist chemicals, flames and multiple gunshots. When Obama is sworn in as the nation's 44th president Tuesday, the ballistic shield will provide a final layer of safety in a massive exercise in presidential security, the culmination of two years of a steady ratcheting up of the protection around Obama to a level unseen for any of his predecessors.”

Poll Finds Faith in Obama, Mixed With Patience - NYTimes.com

More at NYTimes.com: “President-elect Barack Obama is riding a powerful wave of optimism into the White House, with Americans confident he can turn the economy around but prepared to give him years to deal with the crush of problems he faces starting Tuesday, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll.”

Obama Inauguration Trip - Democratic Housemates

Once I got my bags, got the Super Shuttle, and made to the house that my friend Teka has, I was able to meet our housemates. It turns out they played a big grass roots role in the Obama campaign in rural California

Obama Inauguration Trip - I Made UA Flight 100 To Dulles

I made the flight to Washington for the Inauguration, after all of that drama!! BACKStory: A number of events came together such that I decided to go to Washington DC to cover Inauguration-related happenings. I figured waiting stand-by was my only option -- but not a good one. But I made...

President Obama's Ride on the Whistle Stop Train Tour - Inaugural Weekend

Inaugural Weekend is kicked-off with President-elect Obama's whistle stop train tour from Philadelphia to Washington, DC.

Obama Inauguration Trip - Flying Standby Bad Idea

A number of events came together such that I decided to go to Washington DC to cover Inauguration-related happenings. I figured waiting stand-by was my only option -- but not a good one.

2009 New York City US Airways Plane Crash Live - Plane Crashes Into The Hudson River

NEW YORK - A US Airways plane crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon after striking a bird that disabled two engines, sending passengers fleeing for safety in the frigid waters, a government official said.

Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Laura Brown said the US Airways Flight 1549 had just taken off from LaGuardia Airport en route to Charlotte, N.C., when the crash occurred in the river near 48th Street in midtown Manhattan.

US Airways Jet Engine Plane Crashes In New York City Hudson River 1/15/09

2009 New York City Plane Crash Live - US Airways Plane Crashes Into The Hudson River

Circuit City liquidation Plan Approved by Judge

More at SFGate.com: “A bankruptcy judge says Circuit City Stores Inc. can liquidate its remaining 567 U.S. stores.

Circuit City needed approval from U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Huennekens (HIN-a-kins) to begin to put itself out of business. It sought a buyout deal, but one could not be reached.”

See you at the Inauguration: America Still Has Good People

If you haven't noticed, I have been gone for a long time. Well I am back to show you how good americans can be.

One of the hot items lately is the inauguration tickets. You can find them on craigslist and other sites selling for up to 20,000 bucks just to watch Obama get sworn in. Now what most people dont know, Congress passed a law stating it is a Crime to sell the tickets. Which are supposed to be free.

None the less, you are not able to get new tickets, because they have all been approved for someone else. So your only bet is to buy one..... UNLESS???????????


Enter today,

I live in Washington DC and my wife was born in Montgomery Alabama, her entire family grew up during the civil rights movement. She was just a baby at the end of it, but everyone else went through it. So I figured it would be a crime to be this close an not let my wife experience this once in lifetime experience. What to do?

Enter Craigslist,

Im searching online for tickets and I see the average ticket is going for just about 1300 bucks... well im broke, so i cant do that....... So I just post an ad for people to view, explaining my situation. I am a Disabled Iraq War Veteran, who has a Veteran wife and we would Love to attend but can not afford those prices. It's a long shot, but hopefully someone can sell us the tickets for cheap, or even better, Give us tickets. I knew it was a long shot, but who knows.

Enter Tonight,

I get an email from a college student going to college in washington dc. She informs me that her congressman has approved 2 tickets for her and she would like to give them to me. So monday, I am driving up to dc to get some tickets.

In all the crazed inauguration madness, there are still good people who do good things for others

THIS IS WHAT AMERICA IS ABOUT PEOPLE


Be blessed


Brandon

BART SHOOTING: Ron Dellums, Oakland Mayor Speaks at Protest

In the aftermath of the late-night arrest of BART Officer Johannes Mehserle, a planned Oakland City Hall-based protest went ahead as scheduled Sunday but with a less-angry energy than existed last week, when over 100 people were arrested and many downtown Oakland buildings were damaged in a night of rampaging protests against both Officer Mehserle's actions and the overall response of BART and elected officials.


In today's event, Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums took the microphone and really talked to the crowd about how their voice led to change. Then I talked with Mayor Dellums about his call for change and if that would lead to reforms within the Oakland Police Department.

Here's the video:

Time Pieces: The return of the veteran NFL QB and what it means for the youth movement at the position

Photo above Via Picapp-"hey Vince, you like Country Music, right?? you know i have an album coming out right? Oh,..we're losing?

Time Pieces: The return of the veteran NFL QB and what it means for the youth movement at the position-By Dr. Bill Chachkes-Managing Partner-Football Reporters Online

We have recently seen the trend of veteran QB’s who revive NFL teams when and where they arrive as free agents. Currently two players are having success at the QB position.

Kurt Warner took over for 2006 1st round draft pick Matt Leinart in Arizona. Suddenly Arizona wins their division for the first time in 33 years. Is it the success of the new coaching staff? The change in the running game personnel due to the switch from Edgerrin James to rookie Tim Hightower? The two star wide outs who were just wasting away under the last coaches’ system (ok, maybe not “Wasting” away, but surely they we less productive)?

No, it’s a combination of all three, coupled with Warner’s maturity and experience. He gained that experience under four different coaching staffs. First with Dick Vermeil and Mike Martz in St. Louis, then briefly with Jim Fassel and Sean Peyton in NY, and now in Arizona through two coaching staffs. Warner seemed lost at first in Arizona under Dennis Green. When Matt Leinart was drafted it was with the understanding that he would be “the QB” of the future. His constant struggles and maturity issues have left Owner Bill Bidwell and GM Rod Graves disenchanted with their high profile #1 Selection. Warner has used that backdrop to resurrect his career and, at 37, looks every bit as good as he did at 29 & 30. Most importantly, his team is hosting the NFC Title game this weekend. So while Leinart ponders a movie career( I hear he and Nick Lachey are remaking Ronald Regans’ Hit Movie “Bedtime for Bonzo”) Kurt Warner will just keep on Throwing the rock to whomever the Cardinals have catching it.

Kerry Collins is also proving father time isn’t always on time so to speak. Many thought his last great throw was the loaf of bread into a basket in the NY United Way commercial several years back. Yet when Vince Young had his meltdown. There was Ol’ Kerry, ready to put down his acoustic guitar and pick up the football again. He led the Titans to the #1 Seed in the AFC and, with the exception of this past weekend’s loss to the Ravens, he had every bit as good a season as he did in 2000 in New York. Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher has already stated that he wants Collins back in Nashville next year. So what happens to Vince Young? Does he wait his turn again (or until Kerry throws 6 int’s in a game)? Or does he seek employment elsewhere? I personally think Vince will wait it out, because Kerry’s got a Country Music album coming out in a few months, and as soon as he sees how much cash he can make without subjecting his body to constant punishment, he’ll pack it in and start touring as the opener for Brooks and Dunn or Billy Ray Cyrus.

(note: I was actually going to put Brett “the Farveulous one(sm)” Farve in this article as well, until he held up true to form, and led the J_E-T-S-S-S into another late season Swan Dive like all those Asian high divers at the summer Olympics)

Steve Jobs taking medical leave of absence | Apple

More at CNET News: “Apple has confirmed that CEO Steve Jobs will step down from his CEO post while recuperating from a hormone imbalance. His absence will stretch until the end of June.
Tim Cook, Apple's chief operating officer, will run the company during Jobs' absence, according an e-mail Jobs sent to Apple employees that was released to the media.
Jobs said in the e-mail:
Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well. In addition, during the past week, I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought.
In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.
Trading in Apple's stock was halted following the announcement but resumed around 2 p.m. PT, falling more than 8 percent, as investors digested the news.”

Will Ferrell Promises His Bush On Broadway Will Surprise

Will Ferrell says audiences should expect the unexpected from his upcoming one-man Broadway show and HBO special about President George W. Bush.

read more | digg story

Howie Mandel Rushed To Hospital With Irregular Heartbeat

While filming in Toronto, Canada, he was rushed to the hospital where he is being treated for irregular heartbeat and suspected heart attack

read more | digg story

MARVEL SHOCKER: Samuel L. Jackson Might Not play Nick Fury

Samuel L. Jackson, clearly bristling, said today that negotiations to put him in the role of Nick Fury have broken down because "there seems to be an economic crisis in the Marvel Comics world."

read more | digg story

BART OFFICER JOHANNES MEHSERLE ARRESTED!

http://oaklandfocus.blogspot.com/2009/01/bart-officer-johannes-mehserle-arrested.html - In a shocking turn of events, BART Officer Johannes Mehserle, who was the cop who shot 22-year-old Oscar Grant in the back was arrested Tuesday night.

read more | digg story

Obama Biden, Oakland Riots

Obama Biden, Oakland Riots, originally uploaded by Thomas Hawk.

I certainly hope this isn't the future, but a weird photo and nothing less.

BART OFFICER JOHANNES MEHSERLE ARRESTED TONIGHT

More at Oakland Focus Blog: “In a shocking turn of events, it was reported by KTVU that BART Officer Johannes Mehserle, who was the central focus as the cop who shot 22-year-old Oscar Grant in the back on New Year's Day morning, was arrested in Nevada.  

This is a dramatically fast development, since it was reported that Alameda County District Attorney Tom Orloff wasn't expect to take action until this Friday at the earliest and BART spokesperson Linton Johnson asked for everyone to let the process move forward.”

VIDEO:

BART Shooting: Carol Ward Allen Informs Keith Carson

At the BART Community Meeting held Sunday January 11th Alameda Co Supervisor Keith Carson criticized the BART Board for the timing of the meeting, BART Board's Carol Ward Allen to issue this response explaining timing.

Barack Obama Issues First Veto Threat To Congress

More from Huff Post: “President-elect Barack Obama made his first veto threat Tuesday in a closed-door meeting with Senate Democrats. Obama told his former colleagues that if Congress passes a resolution blocking release of the second half of the financial bailout funds he will veto it, said Sen. Joseph Lieberman after leaving the caucus meeting.”

Hillary Clinton Confirmation Presentation Gets Rave Reviews

Proving that she's more than ready for her "3 AM phone call" President-Elect Obama's Secreatary of State Designate Hillary Rodham Clinton gave a great presentation at today's confirmation hearing. Clinton presented the objective of using "smart power" diplomacy: a combination of tools from economic to military as a last resort.

HOWIE MANDEL LEAVES HOSPITAL, PLANS RETURN TO WORK - New York Post

More at New York Post: “A publicist for Howie Mandel says he's out of the hospital and plans to return to work Wednesday.

Mandel was in Toronto taping his new show "Howie Do It!" when he was taken to the hospital for an irregular heartbeat Monday, said Lewis Kay, publicist for the 53-year-old comedian and game show host.

Mandel was conscious and breathing when police officers responded to a report of a man with a medical condition at a downtown hotel Monday evening. Family members went with him to St. Michael's Hospital, police said.”

Carol Bartz: Former Autodesk CEO Bartz to head Yahoo

More at SFGate.com: “(01-13) 12:17 PST SUNNYVALE -- Yahoo Inc. plans to name former Autodesk CEO Carol Bartz as its new chief executive, according to a published report, ending a two-month high-profile search for the struggling Internet giant.

She will replace Jerry Yang, Yahoo's co-founder, according to a Wall Street Journal article published online today. Yang said in November that he would step down after 17 months at the helm.

Yahoo declined to comment. Autodesk said it had no information. Bartz could not be reached.”

Welcome to Congress, YouTube

Congress enters the 21st Century! This is what is written at "HouseHub", the YouTube channel:

"The leaders of both the Senate and the House announce that Congress is now in session, on YouTube. You can now find your Representatives and Senators' YouTube channels on two new special platforms:

The House Hub: http://www.youtube.com/househub

The Senate Hub: http://www.youtube.com/senatehub

This is your backstage pass to your government - so connect with your elected leaders on YouTube today.

BART protesters in SF: Video From Solaraqua

Solaraqua writes:

"On January 12, 2009 a group of demonstrators gathered at the United Plaza, in San Francisco to protest over the fatal shooting by a BART police officer of Oscar Jullius Grant, an unarmed young Afro-American man,. The incident occurred on New Year's Day at Fruitvalle BART Station, in Oakland and it was witnessed by standing bys and others BART commuters from a distance. Fortunately it was captured by multiple eye witness cell phone's cameras.
BART completed the investigation and now Oakland District Attorney takes over to determine the charges regarding this case."

Ann Coulter on The View 01/12/09 (3 of 4)

Ann Coulter gets on The View and does what she does best -- run her mouth. That means she doens't know what she's talking about.
More on this in my own video, but watch this one.

Kate Winslet WINS the Golden Globe for Best Actress Drama

Kate Winslet was just amazing here because she was so honest in her reaction. It's nice to see someone like what's given to them.

Golden Globe ratings: worst since '96 - LA Observed

More at LA Observed : “Americans who watch TV don't watch the Golden Globes any more, even if the newspapers, blogs and celebrity cable channels continue to insist they are a big thing. An average of 14.6 million viewers nationwide tuned in over three hours, down 26% from two years ago in the 18-49 niche and the worst audience since NBC took over. The Globes's did a little better than "Desperate Housewives" and "24," but only a little better — and "24" is on Fox.”

Do Black Women Support Black Female / White Male Relationships But Not Black Male / White Female?

More at Racialious: “Most Black women who I am close with approve of, and even cheer on, a Black female/White male interracial relationship. But one that’s the other way around evokes a feeling far less warm and fuzzy. For example, if Obama had been married to a White woman… eek. I’m sure we wouldn’t have been as quick to embrace him (and actually, I’ve talked with men and women of every color about this hypothetical situation, all of whom expressed a similar “cringe” - perhaps a topic for a different post).”

-- A great column. As one who's dated inter-colorially (I hate the term race) since I started dating, I predicted this years ago. What bothers me is that television shows more Black female / White Male pairing than for Black male / White female. Why? These images impact social development.

BART Police Gary Gee; BART Website No Oscar Grant Apology

BART Board's Lynette Sweet said BART Police did not explain that they talked to Officer Johannes Mesherle until Sunday. What Gee said is here. BART also has not posted an apology to the Grant Family on its website.

Keith Carson - Alameda Co Supervisor Pissed With BART Board

At Sunday's BART Board Committee Meeting, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson took the mic and let lose, expressing his frustration with the BART Board and the slow pace of the investigation into the matter of the murder of Oscar Grant.

Carson was particularly upset that the meeting was held on a Sunday at 2 PM, when community religious leaders were either in church or just getting out of church.

Indy Colts Coach Tony Dungy Announces Retirement Today

Tony Dungy is my all time favorite NFL head coach. Today, after really about three years of thinking about it, he actually did it. He retired.

Dungy was the modern day Tom Landry, with a stern demenor on the sidelines and a keen football knoweldge. He was first the young star defensive coodinator who's talents were first mentioned by John Madden. Then he became head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and had what to many was his signature game in 1998, when his team upset the San Francisco 49ers, sacking quarterback Steve Young eight times.

But an inability to craft an explosive offense there did him in, and he landed with the Colts. There he built the team into the modern force it is and rallied the community behind them.

Tony's unshakable faith in the Lord is a guide for me. I hope one day U get the chance to meet him.

Call to Service: Join the Obamas on Jan 19th

Michelle Obama recorded a short video to tell you more about an important effort on Monday, January 19th in anticipation of the Inauguration of America's 44th President, Barack H. Obama. Please take a minute to watch it and sign up to host or attend a service event near you.

People like you are committing to renew America together, one community at a time. Volunteer part of your day on the eve of the Inaugural - you'll never forget it.

Whatever service activity you organize or take part in -- cleaning up a park, giving blood, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or mentoring an at-risk youth -- you can help start this important journey. But this is about more than just a single day of service, it's the beginning of ongoing commitment to your community.

Monday, January 19th, is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King taught us to live a life of service, and he led by example. He once said:

"If you want to be important -- wonderful. If you want to be recognized -- wonderful. If you want to be great -- wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness."

Ordinary citizens working together with a common purpose can get this country back on track. Join the Obama's national day of service as your next step. Whatever service activity you organize or take part in -- cleaning up a park, giving blood, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or mentoring an at-risk youth -- you can help start this important journey. Click below to find a service opportunity in your area or to organize one yourself.

Find an Event
Plan an Event

Tony Dungy reported to be resigning as Colts coach - Los Angeles Times

More at Los Angeles Times: “Tony Dungy reportedly will announce today that he is stepping down as coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

The team has called a news conference for 2 p.m. PST.

Various media outlets, citing unnamed sources familiar with the situation, say Dungy is ready to call it quits after nearly three decades of NFL and college coaching. He has long indicated an interest in stepping away from the game at some point, in part to devote more time to his Christian ministry.”

-- Sad news and I would hate to see this happen, but it seems that it's going to happen.

Tony Dungy reported to be resigning as Colts coach - Los Angeles Times

More at Los Angeles Times: “Tony Dungy reportedly will announce today that he is stepping down as coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

The team has called a news conference for 2 p.m. PST.

Various media outlets, citing unnamed sources familiar with the situation, say Dungy is ready to call it quits after nearly three decades of NFL and college coaching. He has long indicated an interest in stepping away from the game at some point, in part to devote more time to his Christian ministry.”

BART Meeting: Linton Johnson - BART Spokesperson On Shooting

BART Spokesperson Linton Johnson expresses his frustration over the bad PR BART has received regarding the BART Fruitvale Shooting just before the start of the community meeting held at MetroCenter on January 11, 2009

Christina Romer explains a new report about job creation

Chair-designate for the Council of Economic Advisers, UC Berkeley's Christina Romer explains how President-Elect Barack Obama's American Recovery Act of 2009 will create or retain over 3 million jobs.