GMG Classical Music Forum

The Back Room => The Diner => Topic started by: jchen on January 20, 2009, 04:16:14 AM

Title: Obama's inauguration
Post by: jchen on January 20, 2009, 04:16:14 AM
Well today's the day.
And my school's marching band got picked to play in Washington, D.C.! We are very honored  :D  ;D :D 0:)
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on January 20, 2009, 05:35:12 AM
Congrats!

Watching CNN through Facebook at the moment...
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 20, 2009, 05:42:52 AM
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: ezodisy on January 20, 2009, 07:50:13 AM
the invocation on now is embarrassing.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 20, 2009, 08:08:12 AM
Another POV: My wife called me to let me know the inauguration was exciting.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: ChamberNut on January 20, 2009, 09:24:15 AM
Quote from: mn dave on January 20, 2009, 08:08:12 AM
Another POV: My wife called me to let me know the inauguration was exciting.

So did mine.  :)
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Opus106 on January 20, 2009, 09:46:46 AM
The Executive One taking off was my favourite part. ;D
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Sarastro on January 20, 2009, 09:51:48 AM
Would Philip Glass write an opera L'incoronazione di Obbama?
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: ezodisy on January 20, 2009, 10:29:48 AM
Quote from: mn dave on January 20, 2009, 08:08:12 AM
Another POV: My wife called me to let me know the inauguration was exciting.

sorry, I didn't mean the whole thing, just the invocation part where the religious guy came on and talked about everything seen and unseen belonging to god and so on. Seemed really out of place for what's supposed to be a modern, progressive society.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 20, 2009, 10:31:16 AM
Quote from: ezodisy on January 20, 2009, 10:29:48 AM
sorry, I didn't mean the whole thing, just the invocation part where the religious guy came on and talked about everything seen and unseen belonging to god and so on. Seemed really out of place for what's supposed to be a modern, progressive society.

Yeah, some folks aren't too happy about him.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on January 20, 2009, 10:41:22 AM
Quote from: opus67 on January 20, 2009, 09:46:46 AM
The Executive One taking off was my favourite part.

Quote from: Sarastro on January 20, 2009, 09:51:48 AM
Would Philip Glass write an opera L'incoronazione di Obbama?

;D ;D
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Bulldog on January 20, 2009, 10:52:18 AM
Quote from: ezodisy on January 20, 2009, 10:29:48 AM
sorry, I didn't mean the whole thing, just the invocation part where the religious guy came on and talked about everything seen and unseen belonging to god and so on. Seemed really out of place for what's supposed to be a modern, progressive society.

No surprise - that's what religious guys do.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: karlhenning on January 20, 2009, 11:14:25 AM
Oh, and I suppose the coronation of the next British monarch will not take place in Westminster Abbey?
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Franco on January 20, 2009, 11:16:19 AM
What did you think about the John Williams Simple Things?

Fairly bland, imo, but nice nonetheless.  Interesting also, NYT pointed out that Yo Yo Ma might use a carbon-fiber cello if the weather was too cold for his $2M instrument.  I was listening on the radio and so couldn't know  ...  could anyone tell?
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 20, 2009, 11:19:12 AM
(http://www.faithmouse.com/obama_victory_unicorn.jpg)
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: karlhenning on January 20, 2009, 11:20:33 AM
Quote from: Franco on January 20, 2009, 11:16:19 AM
What did you think about the John Williams Simple Things?

It was easier to put together than if they had commissioned Elliott Carter to furnish a piece.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: jchen on January 20, 2009, 11:41:25 AM
I watched some parts of the inauguration at school. In English class, Math, lunch, and Spanish.
Did anyone see Obama kind of mess up as he was saying the oath? And I didn't see the marching band  :(
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 20, 2009, 11:44:42 AM
I heard he messed up. That means Bush is president for four more years.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: ezodisy on January 20, 2009, 11:51:52 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on January 20, 2009, 11:14:25 AM
Oh, and I suppose the coronation of the next British monarch will not take place in Westminster Abbey?

royalty and divine blessing.

someone born in Hawaii.

not exactly the same thing
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Guido on January 20, 2009, 11:55:05 AM
Didn't use the carbon fibre cello in the end, but certainly didn't use his primary instrument the Montagnana or the Strad either... Not sure which one he did use, could have been a Moes and Moes which is the other instrument he regularly uses. It was a bit bland, but nice none the less. He played wonderfully I thought.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Bulldog on January 20, 2009, 12:13:41 PM
Quote from: jchen on January 20, 2009, 11:41:25 AM
I watched some parts of the inauguration at school. In English class, Math, lunch, and Spanish.
Did anyone see Obama kind of mess up as he was saying the oath?

Don't put it all on Obama; the Chief Justice also messed up.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Homo Aestheticus on January 20, 2009, 12:15:01 PM
Let's get the facts straight on that:

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/i-do-solemnly-swear/?hp
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 20, 2009, 12:15:47 PM
Quote from: ezodisy on January 20, 2009, 11:51:52 AM
royalty and divine blessing.

Funny stuff.  ;)
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Dungeon Master on January 20, 2009, 01:08:46 PM
Great stuff!

For the first time ever, a US president has acknowledged that climate change is a worrying threat (about 15 years too late, but better late than never), and also that unbelievers are a part of US society. George Bush senior stated once that atheists were not to be regarded as citizens or patriots.

Hopefully, Obama can tackle some of the world's and the US's problems, and restore the US's reputation on the international stage, after its dunking by W.

cheers
Rob
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: karlhenning on January 20, 2009, 01:13:56 PM
Quote from: admin on January 20, 2009, 01:08:46 PM
Great stuff!

For the first time ever, a US president has acknowledged that climate change is a worrying threat (about 15 years too late, but better late than never), and also that unbelievers are a part of US society. George Bush senior stated once that atheists were not to be regarded as citizens or patriots.

Hopefully, Obama can tackle some of the world's and the US's problems, and restore the US's reputation on the international stage, after its dunking by W.

Hoy, Rob!

It's certainly a landmark to have climate change and acknowledgement of our 'citizens of non-faith' (as it were) spoken by the President at his inauguration.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Sarastro on January 20, 2009, 05:07:40 PM
Quote from: admin on January 20, 2009, 01:08:46 PM
Hopefully, Obama can

Yes, we can. ©
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Daverz on January 20, 2009, 06:26:27 PM
Wow, the GBP is down to a $1.40 and the Euro is under $1.30.  Go Barack!  :D
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2009, 06:32:55 PM
Holy cow! What a day: first black president, then Rob comes to visit! Were there 2 full moons this month ???  :)

As for the oath slipup, it certainly appeared to me as though the Chief Justice said it wrong and Obama started to repeat it that way and then stopped when he realized it wasn't right. It was fairly quick though, so I may be wrong. :-\

80

----------------
Listening to:
Robert Levin/John Eliot Gardiner - Bia 486 Op 80 Fantasia in c (HIP) ('Choral Fantasy' for Piano, Chorus & Orchestra) 1st mvmt - Adagio - attacca
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Bogey on January 20, 2009, 06:37:45 PM
One of my favorite parts: the use of the Lincoln Bible for the oath.

(http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/lincolnbible.jpg)
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: imperfection on January 20, 2009, 07:12:46 PM
Quote from: admin on January 20, 2009, 01:08:46 PM
Great stuff!

For the first time ever, a US president has acknowledged that climate change is a worrying threat (about 15 years too late, but better late than never), and also that unbelievers are a part of US society. George Bush senior stated once that atheists were not to be regarded as citizens or patriots.

Hopefully, Obama can tackle some of the world's and the US's problems, and restore the US's reputation on the international stage, after its dunking by W.

cheers
Rob

WTF? There's an official "admin" on GMG?  :o
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: aquablob on January 20, 2009, 07:41:28 PM
Quote from: imperfection on January 20, 2009, 07:12:46 PM
WTF? There's an official "admin" on GMG?  :o

Yes — and Rob be his name!
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on January 21, 2009, 12:21:42 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2009, 06:32:55 PM
As for the oath slipup, it certainly appeared to me as though the Chief Justice said it wrong and Obama started to repeat it that way and then stopped when he realized it wasn't right. It was fairly quick though, so I may be wrong. :-\

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/20/justice-roberts-flubs-oba_n_159429.html
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Florestan on January 21, 2009, 12:27:10 AM
Panem et circenses! The King Is Dead, Long Live The King!  ;D

No, really, such a display of pomp and circumstance was strongly reminiscent of the coronation ritual for a mediaeval monarch.

Besides, in these times of dire economical crisis --- or ain't it? --- a $107,000,000-ceremony isn't particularly a sign of restraint.



Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Herman on January 21, 2009, 01:10:26 AM
Quote from: Florestan on January 21, 2009, 12:27:10 AM
Panem et circenses! The King Is Dead, Long Live The King!  ;D

No, really, such a display of pomp and circumstance was strongly reminiscent of the coronation ritual for a mediaeval monarch.

The critical difference being Obama was elected in a democratic process.

And a day of ceremony and splendor does invigorate the nation.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Florestan on January 21, 2009, 01:16:20 AM
Quote from: Herman on January 21, 2009, 01:10:26 AM
The critical difference being Obama was elected in a democratic process.

No doubt.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Guido on January 21, 2009, 04:24:40 AM
Quote from: Florestan on January 21, 2009, 12:27:10 AM
Panem et circenses! The King Is Dead, Long Live The King!  ;D

No, really, such a display of pomp and circumstance was strongly reminiscent of the coronation ritual for a mediaeval monarch.

Besides, in these times of dire economical crisis --- or ain't it? --- a $107,000,000-ceremony isn't particularly a sign of restraint.


What the hell?! How could it have cost that much?
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: bhodges on January 21, 2009, 05:16:27 AM
Quote from: jchen on January 20, 2009, 04:16:14 AM
Well today's the day.
And my school's marching band got picked to play in Washington, D.C.! We are very honored  :D  ;D :D 0:)


Congratulations! 

Quote from: admin on January 20, 2009, 01:08:46 PM
Great stuff!

For the first time ever, a US president has acknowledged that climate change is a worrying threat (about 15 years too late, but better late than never), and also that unbelievers are a part of US society. George Bush senior stated once that atheists were not to be regarded as citizens or patriots.

Hopefully, Obama can tackle some of the world's and the US's problems, and restore the US's reputation on the international stage, after its dunking by W.

cheers
Rob

And hi Rob!  Nice to see your (virtual) face around here, especially during such an auspicious last few days. 

I am in Washington, and saw the Inauguration on the Mall, along with the other 2 million or so people.  It was all very inspiring, to say the least.  It feels like we have the *real* United States back again, and I couldn't be happier. 

--Bruce
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: DavidRoss on January 21, 2009, 07:27:34 AM
Let us hope that Obama's personal graciousness and eloquence can inspire us to remain united rather than to sink back into the viciously destructive partisan rancor that has undermined our nation of late.  A telling phrase from his address that still resonates for me was "...what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose." 

I have faith that conservatives and Republicans will place our national interest first and unite with all of us in common purpose rather than imitate the horrid example of their political opposition during the past eight years.  History will be much kinder to GW than most imagine, and not so kind to the Democratic Party and its leadership...whom I expect may prove more troublesome to Obama than the Republicans as he seeks to implement the values he so eloquently expressed.  But for now, at least, it's wonderful to see America united again for the first time in many years.  Let us hope that an Obama Presidency will be as successful in healing more recent wounds as his election seems to have been in healing more ancient ones.

Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: bhodges on January 21, 2009, 07:30:21 AM
Quote from: DavidRoss on January 21, 2009, 07:27:34 AM
Let us hope that Obama's personal graciousness and eloquence can inspire us to remain united rather than to sink back into the viciously destructive partisan rancor that has undermined our nation of late.  A telling phrase from his address that still resonates for me was "...what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose." 

I have faith that conservatives and Republicans will place our national interest first and unite with all of us in common purpose rather than imitate the horrid example of their political opposition during the past eight years.  History will be much kinder to GW than most imagine, and not so kind to the Democratic Party and its leadership...whom I expect may prove more troublesome to Obama than the Republicans as he seeks to implement the values he so eloquently expressed.  But for now, at least, it's wonderful to see America united again for the first time in many years.  Let us hope that an Obama Presidency will be as successful in healing more recent wounds as his election seems to have been in healing more ancient ones.



Beautiful.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: vandermolen on January 21, 2009, 07:46:06 AM
I was pleased to hear the English Folksong Suite by Vaughan Williams being played by the band before the ceremony.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on January 21, 2009, 08:04:35 AM
Quote from: bhodges on January 21, 2009, 05:16:27 AM
I am in Washington, and saw the Inauguration on the Mall, along with the other 2 million or so people.  It was all very inspiring, to say the least.  It feels like we have the *real* United States back again, and I couldn't be happier. 

--Bruce

Lucky you! I was glued to CNN-Facebook all day, reacting in real time to everything that happened with several friends all over the world. Even virtually, it was an unforgettable experience.

Quote from: bhodges on January 21, 2009, 07:30:21 AMBeautiful.

Seconded.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: DavidRoss on January 21, 2009, 08:11:25 AM
Quote from: bhodges on January 21, 2009, 07:30:21 AM
Beautiful.
Glad you think so, Bruce...not surprising, given your fair-minded and even-tempered nature (as least as revealed on the Web!).  I'm a bit envious of you (not for the first time) for joining the throng on the Mall.  The sense of momentous occasion allied with joyful optimism must have been quite intoxicating.  I cannot think of anything in my experience that might compare.   And though I'm disturbed by the man's voting record on many key issues, I, too, am optimistic about his Presidency, more because of how he handled his only previous executive experience at HLR and for the qualities of character and temperament apparent in his interactions with his family.  I've long suspected that he has what it takes to rise to greatness, to transcend politics and become a true statesman.  I only hope he's given the opportunity to feel at home in the office before getting tested by the first unexpected challenge...which might well come from Pelosi and her gang rather than from the Middle East, Korea, Wall Street, or the Senate Republicans!

Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: karlhenning on January 21, 2009, 08:13:00 AM
Quote from: DavidRoss on January 21, 2009, 08:11:25 AM
Glad you think so, Bruce...not surprising, given your fair-minded and even-tempered nature (as least as revealed on the Web!).

[Just a note that his character is every bit as agreeable in person.]
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: DavidRoss on January 21, 2009, 08:29:10 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on January 21, 2009, 08:13:00 AM
[Just a note that his character is every bit as agreeable in person.]
As is yours, no doubt!  Truly, I've missed both of you, as well as some others around here who know the difference between having character and being a character!
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Bulldog on January 21, 2009, 08:38:49 AM
Quote from: DavidRoss on January 21, 2009, 08:11:25 AM
I only hope he's given the opportunity to feel at home in the office before getting tested by the first unexpected challenge...which might well come from Pelosi and her gang rather than from the Middle East, Korea, Wall Street, or the Senate Republicans!

Yes, my concern is that Pelosi and other Democrats will turn a deaf ear to Obama's call for "inclusion".
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: zamyrabyrd on January 21, 2009, 09:57:47 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on January 21, 2009, 08:13:00 AM
[Just a note that his character is every bit as agreeable in person.]

You met him in person? Lucky...

ZB

Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: zamyrabyrd on January 21, 2009, 10:00:52 AM
Quote from: Bulldog on January 20, 2009, 12:13:41 PM
Don't put it all on Obama; the Chief Justice also messed up.

That was so real and unpretentious, the tone of practically the whole event, including Michele's outfits.

ZB
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: karlhenning on January 21, 2009, 10:09:58 AM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on January 21, 2009, 09:57:47 AM
You met him in person? Lucky...

Yes, Bruce and I have met on at least two occasions.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: greg on January 21, 2009, 12:28:35 PM
Next time, Bruce for president!
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: flyingdutchman on January 21, 2009, 12:41:11 PM
Quote from: DavidRoss on January 21, 2009, 08:11:25 AM
Glad you think so, Bruce...not surprising, given your fair-minded and even-tempered nature (as least as revealed on the Web!).  I'm a bit envious of you (not for the first time) for joining the throng on the Mall.  The sense of momentous occasion allied with joyful optimism must have been quite intoxicating.  I cannot think of anything in my experience that might compare.   And though I'm disturbed by the man's voting record on many key issues, I, too, am optimistic about his Presidency, more because of how he handled his only previous executive experience at HLR and for the qualities of character and temperament apparent in his interactions with his family.  I've long suspected that he has what it takes to rise to greatness, to transcend politics and become a true statesman.  I only hope he's given the opportunity to feel at home in the office before getting tested by the first unexpected challenge...which might well come from Pelosi and her gang rather than from the Middle East, Korea, Wall Street, or the Senate Republicans!



Hogwash.  You never supported him.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Herman on January 21, 2009, 12:49:19 PM
Quote from: DavidRoss on January 21, 2009, 07:27:34 AM
I have faith that conservatives and Republicans will place our national interest first and unite with all of us in common purpose rather than imitate the horrid example of their political opposition during the past eight years.  History will be much kinder to GW than most imagine, and not so kind to the Democratic Party and its leadership...whom I expect may prove more troublesome to Obama than the Republicans as he seeks to implement the values he so eloquently expressed. 

This is indeed the rightwing directive: sound reasonable and interested in cooperation with the White House, but start blaming the Dems ("Pelosi and her gang") already. BTW weren't you the guy who was a firm believer in the Palin magic? So why are you pretending to be an admirer of Obama now?
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: flyingdutchman on January 21, 2009, 03:05:09 PM
Quote from: Herman on January 21, 2009, 12:49:19 PM
This is indeed the rightwing directive: sound reasonable and interested in cooperation with the White House, but start blaming the Dems ("Pelosi and her gang") already. BTW weren't you the guy who was a firm believer in the Palin magic? So why are you pretending to be an admirer of Obama now?

Exactly.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: DavidRoss on January 21, 2009, 03:33:34 PM
Quote from: jo jo starbuck on January 21, 2009, 12:41:11 PM
Hogwash.  You never supported him.
I see you are still confusing hate-filled bigotry for rational discourse.  And insofar as the question of support for Obama is concerned, you are wrong again--as usual.  (Are you sure that you and jbuck are not one and the same?)  See my post here (http://www.classicalmusicguide.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=19919&p=194438&hilit=+obama#p194438) for a statement praising Obama's character predating last year's Iowa caucus.  And whether I supported Obama in the past or not is scarcely relevant to the current discussion.  At issue is whether we, regardless of how we voted, support him now that he is our President and the figurative father of our nation. 

Quote from: Herman on January 21, 2009, 12:49:19 PM
This is indeed the rightwing directive: sound reasonable and interested in cooperation with the White House, but start blaming the Dems ("Pelosi and her gang") already. BTW weren't you the guy who was a firm believer in the Palin magic? So why are you pretending to be an admirer of Obama now?
I see that Herman has been allowed to return again, older but apparently no wiser, still striving to sow enmity rather than to enlighten.

Thanks for the warm welcome, guys!  ;)
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Herman on January 21, 2009, 07:26:01 PM
No comments about Michelle's plug ugly gloves holding the Lincoln Bible?
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Anne on January 21, 2009, 08:42:39 PM
Hi Dave,

Nice to see you here again.  I hope bygones are bygones.

The Chief Justice administered the oath of office to Obama for a second time tonight.  If we want to get picky, where does that put the items Obama signed yesterday after taking the first oath of office?  Are they now in limbo?  I am not serious but I'm curious to see what some of his enemies are going to say.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Opus106 on January 22, 2009, 07:04:19 AM
Okay, here are some BIG pictures (http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_inauguration_of_president.html) from the inauguration.

I have a question about the inauguration. What if an atheist or a person of a different religion becomes the President (however unlikely that may be) - does (s)he still have take the oath with one hand on The Bible?
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on January 22, 2009, 07:40:59 AM
Nice pics! Thanks for the link.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: bhodges on January 22, 2009, 07:46:07 AM
Ditto, fantastic pictures.  Two in particular made me chuckle: the one from Iraq with the guys and hookahs, and the women at an electronics store at the Mall of America in Minnesota, sitting in chairs surrounded by dozens of TVs. 

--Bruce
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Opus106 on January 22, 2009, 07:47:14 AM
You're welcome. :) No. 23 is my favourite of the lot.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Renfield on January 22, 2009, 07:54:23 AM
Quote from: bhodges on January 22, 2009, 07:46:07 AM
the women at an electronics store at the Mall of America in Minnesota, sitting in chairs surrounded by dozens of TVs. 

That one also gave me a laugh.

Thanks for the pictures, opus67!
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: DavidRoss on January 22, 2009, 09:38:26 AM
Quote from: opus67 on January 22, 2009, 07:04:19 AM
Okay, here are some BIG pictures (http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_inauguration_of_president.html) from the inauguration.
My heart likes 40 best, my mind likes 33.  I still remember how stunned and dismayed many were in response to Carlos & Smith's salute on the victory stand.  I doubt there was ever a more effective protest.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Wendell_E on January 22, 2009, 09:59:28 AM
Quote from: opus67 on January 22, 2009, 07:04:19 AM
Okay, here are some
I have a question about the inauguration. What if an atheist or a person of a different religion becomes the President (however unlikely that may be) - does (s)he still have take the oath with one hand on The Bible?
(http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_inauguration_of_president.html)

The oath's in the constition, but it doesn't say anything about a bible, so I guess the answer is "no".  According to the Wikipedia article on the oath, " Theodore Roosevelt did not use a Bible when taking the oath in 1901", and "Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in on a Roman Catholic missal on Air Force One."
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: DavidRoss on January 22, 2009, 10:00:50 AM
Quote from: Anne on January 21, 2009, 08:42:39 PM
Hi Dave,
Nice to see you here again.  I hope bygones are bygones.
Hello, Anne--nice to hear from you and thanks for the welcome.  I'm happy to forgive and move on, but it's a challenge at times on a site whose visitors include a few shit-stirring wackos seeking targets for their misplaced hostility.  But for the grace of God, eh?  At least I see that the fellow with a history of making nasty comments and then editing them so as to feign innocence has edited another unprovoked attack on me and changed it to a petulant attack on Michelle Obama.  

Cheers, y'all!
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Anne on January 22, 2009, 06:36:25 PM
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. 
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: zamyrabyrd on January 22, 2009, 08:22:06 PM
Quote from: Franco on January 20, 2009, 11:16:19 AM
What did you think about the John Williams Simple Things?

Fairly bland, imo, but nice nonetheless.  Interesting also, NYT pointed out that Yo Yo Ma might use a carbon-fiber cello if the weather was too cold for his $2M instrument.  I was listening on the radio and so couldn't know  ...  could anyone tell?

It was pretaped.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090123/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_recorded_music
Whether you loved or hated the classical music played at President Barack Obama's inauguration, what you heard was a recording made two days earlier unless you were sitting within earshot of the celebrated performers.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Opus106 on January 23, 2009, 06:35:36 AM
Quote from: Renfield on January 22, 2009, 07:54:23 AM
Thanks for the pictures, opus67!

Quote from: Anne on January 22, 2009, 06:36:25 PM
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. 

You are welcome. The Big Picture is an amazing site! It is frequently updated with pictures like these from events around the world (and sometimes from outside it too!)

Quote from: Wendell_E on January 22, 2009, 09:59:28 AM
The oath's in the constition, but it doesn't say anything about a bible, so I guess the answer is "no".  According to the Wikipedia article on the oath, " Theodore Roosevelt did not use a Bible when taking the oath in 1901", and "Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in on a Roman Catholic missal on Air Force One."

Thanks. :)
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Bunny on January 23, 2009, 10:15:59 AM
Quote from: Franco on January 20, 2009, 11:16:19 AM
What did you think about the John Williams Simple Things?

Fairly bland, imo, but nice nonetheless.  Interesting also, NYT pointed out that Yo Yo Ma might use a carbon-fiber cello if the weather was too cold for his $2M instrument.  I was listening on the radio and so couldn't know  ...  could anyone tell?

Quote from: Guido on January 20, 2009, 11:55:05 AM
Didn't use the carbon fibre cello in the end, but certainly didn't use his primary instrument the Montagnana or the Strad either... Not sure which one he did use, could have been a Moes and Moes which is the other instrument he regularly uses. It was a bit bland, but nice none the less. He played wonderfully I thought.

I guess no one has seen the NYTimes.  Apparently he didn't use the cello at all during the inauguration. In the words of Gizmodo.com, Itzhak and Yo-Yo Go Milli Vanilli With John Williams's Inaugural Soundtrack (http://i.gizmodo.com/5137852/itzhak-and-yo+yo-go-milli-vanilli-with-john-williamss-inaugural-soundtrack).  They prerecorded the music two days before the inauguration.  Steel strings contract so much in the cold that it's impossible to keep them in tune.

Here's what the NY Times reported:



But what the millions on the Mall and watching on television heard was in fact a recording, made two days earlier by the quartet and matched tone for tone by the musicians playing along.

The players and the inauguration organizing committee said the arrangement was necessary because of the extreme cold and wind during Tuesday's ceremony. The conditions raised the possibility of broken piano strings, cracked instruments and wacky intonation minutes before the president's swearing in (which had problems of its own).
(http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/arts/music/23band.html?_r=1&hp)
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Opus106 on January 24, 2009, 05:37:01 AM
Quote from: Bunny on January 23, 2009, 10:15:59 AM
I guess no one has seen the NYTimes. 

And I guess that you didn't notice zamyrabyrd's post a couple above yours. ;)
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Christo on January 24, 2009, 05:59:16 AM
Quote from: Herman on January 21, 2009, 07:26:01 PM
No comments about Michelle's plug ugly gloves holding the Lincoln Bible?

No, we just loved every bit of the ceremony.  ;)
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Opus106 on January 24, 2009, 06:02:34 AM
Quote from: Christo on January 24, 2009, 05:59:16 AM
No, we just loved every bit of the ceremony.  ;)
Faithfully.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Opus106 on January 24, 2009, 06:12:29 AM
Obama's Inauguration in 3D in Google Earth (http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GoogleEarthBlog/~3/9Bz5ZNlwQ5c/obama_inauguration_in_3d_in_google.html). ;D
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Christo on January 24, 2009, 06:32:23 AM
Quote from: opus67 on January 22, 2009, 07:04:19 AM
Okay, here are some BIG pictures (http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_inauguration_of_president.html) from the inauguration.

I particularly liked the one of President Mugabe cheering on the occasion ...  ;)

             
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: eyeresist on January 26, 2009, 07:02:13 PM
Quote from: Christo on January 24, 2009, 06:32:23 AM
I particularly liked the one of President Mugabe cheering on the occasion ...  ;)
             

::) I guess he had the sound turned down...
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: Herman on January 28, 2009, 06:53:06 PM
AFter yesterday's vote it certainly doesn't look like it's "Pelosi and her gang" (DR) who are the obstructionist party.
Title: Re: Obama's inauguration
Post by: DavidRoss on January 29, 2009, 08:21:30 AM
Quote from: Herman on January 28, 2009, 06:53:06 PM
AFter yesterday's vote it certainly doesn't look like it's "Pelosi and her gang" (DR) who are the obstructionist party.
Au contraire, my unrepentant stalker "friend."  Anyone with enough integrity to look beyond a deceptive headline parroting his prejudices will quickly discover that Pelosi is actively subverting the "spirit of bipartisanship" promised by Obama.  Rather than working with House Republicans to craft a bipartisan bill that all can agree with, she's using her majority to cut Republicans out of the process.   This is precisely the sort of behavior that prompted my assessment (falsely characterized above by you) that Obama might well find dealing with Pelosi & her inner circle of partisan thugs much more problematic than dealing with Republicans or even Islamic terrorists!

Despite Obama's call for bipartisanship, Pelosi hasn't gotten the message and has continued her efforts to ride roughshod over Republican concerns.  Voting against the proposed bill as a block is a pretty strong way to call attention to its problems--rather daring when you consider the political riskiness of voting nay when the national media will almost certainly present the story as sheer Republican hatefulness.  Granted, only idiots would be satisfied with such a superficial and plainly biased analysis, but then idiots are the target audience for such proclamations, aren't they?

I suspect that the Congressional Republicans would love nothing better than a truly bipartisan stimulus bill they can support.  What they won't support is something fundamentally flawed and counter-productive and which completely ignores their concerns.  For an explanation of some of the issues, see this Washington Post article by the economist Martin Feldstein (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/28/AR2009012802938.html?hpid=opinionsbox1).  And here are some telling statements taken from a Politico story about the vote and House Republicans' meeting with Obama to discuss the stimulus bill (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18024.html):

Quote from: Politico
Rep. Peter J. Roskam (R-Ill.), who served in the state Senate with Obama, told his former colleague that Democrats in the House have not observed the president's campaign pledge to rise above party labels, complaining that there is more money for new sod on the National Mall than the $41 million for small-business tax cuts.

Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) closed the meeting by arguing that Republicans had been left out of the drafting process and had minimal contact with Pelosi and other House Democrats.

Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said: "The most encouraging statement I think the president made today was the fact that he had no pride of authorship in this bill. We take that to mean that [the] vote is only the first step in the process, only the beginning."

Finally, on a personal note, please stop stalking me in your pathetic effort to "get even" for my having held you to account for your vicious attack on a Spanish newbie's less-than-perfect English a few years ago.  Although you haven't yet reached the depths of snideness you've sunk to in the past, I've resumed posting here for little more than a week, in which time you've already begun stalking my posts and twisting my words to attack me, repeating the pattern of behavior that's previously gotten you banned from this site and at least one other.  Like many participants at GMG, I suspect, I rather value your contributions about music, a subject you clearly know something about.  I even value some of your contributions on subjects about which you clearly know far less than you imagine.  I do not, however, value the petulant nastiness you exhibit from time to time and I will not tolerate you trolling my posts and stalking me.  I've seen how low you can sink, here and elsewhere.  In hopes of nipping this in the bud, I will flag this post for the moderators so they will at least be made aware of the potential for mischief should you prove ungrateful for Rob's amnesty.