The Inauguration of our 44th President

I've been trying to figure out just what to write about the inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44th President. Candidly, I'm (still) caught up in the emotion and momentum of that historic occasion. In the spirit of "better late than never," I want to share the following thoughts.

The news media and, perhaps more importantly, experts in language have parsed Obama's speech closely. On a personal note, I was struck how he gave historical context to the day, his own place at the podium, and the formidable tasks that lay ahead of this country. A CNN commentator called Obama "Educator in Chief." I hope we see more context-giving with his initiatives and echoes from the powerful voice of history. Obama's words are sending me scurrying to shelves, seeking to learn more about and experience directly the words of Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. As I track what I read in 2009, I'm expecting America's leaders, and some from other shores as well, will figure prominently.

For me, language was a significant part of this Inauguration. Obama's speech seemed infused with poetry. The prayers soared to poetic heights. Rev. Joseph Lowery brought smiles and nods with his rhythm-infused benediction. I was particularly struck by Rev. Gene Robinson, perhaps the most inclusive of the celebrants, who spoke of "God of my understanding," enabled all to find a voice and asked for us to be blessed with challenges. There is beauty and significance in having a poet share her words at the Inauguration. Elizabeth Alexander's Praise Song for the Day was simply inspired.

I was also struck how music informed the celebration. Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, simply rocked it. She looked regal, sounded great, and gave a brilliant performance. The quartet, with their variation on "Simple Gifts," reflected the many faces of America--a cellist of Chinese heritage, a Jewish violinist, an African Amerian clarinet player, and a female pianist--and the harmony to which we aspire.

On a more quotidian issue, I was intrigued by the menu for the Inaugural luncheon--and the attention it received. My next roast duck may just need the sour cherry chutney that the Washington power set enjoyed. Hey, the recipes are there for the making--why not?

In retrospect, I can only say that it was a glorious day for America. Heaven knows we've needed such a day for quite some time. I have confidence that this great nation will now get about the hard work ahead and make the kind of progress that has sustained us through the last two centuries.

Gearing Up for a Week

Thanksgiving week begins. The kids are home from school. All week. We've already had highs . . . the kids reading together, snuggled into a single chair. . . and lows . . . tears and near blows over a game of Sorry!. My son was rescued by a play date this afternoon.

As an antidote (or maybe prophylactic) to the week ahead, we trooped to the library this afternoon. Audio books, DVDs, and yes, good old fashioned printed books all accompanied us home. Here's hoping for a week of engagement and entertainment for the kiddos.

How did we survive before this multimedia world?

Friday Miscellany

NPR has been my constant companion today.

I was impressed that Science Friday has a Twitter address. Not only can you call or email your comments and questions, you can now Tweet them. Based on Ira Flatow's commentary, the Tweeting exceeded expectations.

Obama's press conference proved interesting. I think we have come to expect clear, direct and succinct communication from Obama and he delivered once again. He left some distance between the current economic crisis and his transition to power, saying "Amerian only has one President at a time . . . ." He also had a crew of esteemed economic advisers standing with him at the press conference, offering silent hope that we do have great minds and proven talent working on the issues.

I was struck by the fact that Obama was running about half an hour late for the event. He didn't apologize for the late start, either. I'd like not to believe that's how he values others' time.

Finally, a reporter predictably asked a question about the promised White House dog. He addressed the puppy question with the same seriousness and intensity that he addressed everything else. The commentary, you ask? Malia is allergic to dogs so the dog needs to be hypo-allergenic (his words, not mine). His preference is for a mutt from a shelter but he isn't confident that they'll be able to find a hypo-allergenic mutt. He got a big laugh for saying he preferred "a mutt like me [Obama]." I'll bet every animal shelter around is searching their charges for a hypo-allergenic dog.

Yes, We Can!

And we did! I have never been more proud to be an American. We have made history. We have taken a huge step toward reclaiming our future as a great nation with freedom and justice for all. Congratulations President (elect) Obama and Vice President (elect) Biden!

The road ahead may not be easy but it is full of promise and hope. I look forward to Barack Obama's leadership. May his tenure as President be a blessing to our nation and the world.

Get Out and Vote!

I want to add my voice to the many, many out there encouraging everyone to vote. It's the single thing that needs to be on every American's "to do" list today.

No excuses.

Let your voice be heard.

(Why are you still reading? Get out there!)

Black Friday

Today is the biggest shopping day of the year. I didn't. I find the idea of Buy Nothing Day increasingly appealing. And, let's face it, I don't have a clue yet as to the shape of my holiday gift giving. Today, I did not contribute to the consumer economy. In the next couple of weeks, I will contribute but hopefully in a thoughtful and rational way.

Television for All?

We're not big television watchers, as individuals or as a family. When the tube is on, the kids tend to steer the proverbial ship. With Graham at 6 and Lauren at 4 1/2 we're beyond the little kids programs and (thankfully) not yet into High School Musical and American Idol.

Our family viewing these days revolves around Avatar and The Secret Show, both Nickelodon shows. Avatar is the story of a young boy who will come to master the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. As he makes his mythical quest, he fights the evil Fire Nation and allies himself with a brother/sister team from the Water Tribe. The Secret Show is a secret agent show gone weird, stealing airtime from Floppy Bunnies and battling the evil Doctor Doctor. Professor Professor provides wise and friendly advice and advantages.

Every family needs their downtime. This is our primetime distraction. If you've looked at the broadcast line-up of late, you know it could be much, much worse.