chuck kottke

I think the country in general was finally enjoying a moment of real change, and we're allowed to celebrate!! Personally, it comes as a relief to finally get rid of Bush, and get a President who is so refreshingly honest, level-headed, and willing to listen, reflect, and act thoughtfully in concert with others. And people love him because he is so real! By actually having walked in the shoes of so many American's roles in life, and struggled with their every-day struggles, he has a sense of things few Presidents have had in recent decades, and he has the smarts to think on his feet; he's real. If I had had the funds, I would have gladly taken a train, bus, plane, ship, carpool, anything to be there, just because I sense this within his character, as it truly is his character. Now it's up to us to carry forth the reforms that will be necessary to truly create a government that works on our behalf, and for the best interests of the nation and the world as a whole. But getting back to the Inauguration, there were how many Inaugural Balls? I had heard a figure of 11, but I'm not quite sure. Either way, it's a great excuse for a party, and to ring in the new changes we've all been yearning for. Hip Hip Hooray!!

@ HorrificAttack: Alright, Bully-boy, this is a thread for photos of the Inauguration and for those who enjoyed the events. Quite obviously, you're out of line saying such offensive things in this thread, and if you're unhappy with the whole thing, then simply go to a place where you can discuss your grievances with those who would be most interested.

I'm always surprised too when our radio stations play Coldplay, since so few play 'outside the box' music. But they do on occasion - it was a huge shock to hear one station play Lovers in Japan because not only is it Coldplay, but it isn't just one of the standard "most requested" songs with already high ratings. But it really focuses your attention, and they really do sound way above the typical fare on the stations these days. Hats off to Coldplay!

Fish and Chips Are known as that here some places, if you order the big slab-type cut potato fries with your fish.. There was even a restaurant chain by that name at one time, believe it or not! (No doubt started by some enterprising Brits!):) I prefer them over the French cut fries (crinkle cut), and with mayo or ever tartar sauce is pretty good! But now I'm trying a Double Chocolate ice-cream bar, ooh, Delicious!

Well, absolutely! Arm the non-profits! Everyone should have nuclear tipped, bunker-busting missiles; otherwise, it would be a monopoly, and that's just a terrible thing! Plus, think of all the unique designs! No more stale old neutron bombs, or multiple warhead rockets, but now there could be designer nuclear devices - like nuclear coffee makers, or nuclear automobile bumpers. Now that would put an end to collisions and tailgaters fast!:laugh3: I want an Obama cupcake!! Wahaa!! Pplease??

Some people think in racial terms; I only think in people terms. What does exist are ethnic flavors and traditions; the rest is a figment of imagination. One has only to consider that we are all in essence "out of Africa", and the minor variations are so subtle as to be only cosmetically significant; that is to say, our appearances, and those subtle variations with the degree of cells with melanin in the skin, or the minor differences in our features. I've moved past the whole thing, but I do think there's still a need for some method to ensure that unchecked discrimination based on appearance does not occur; it's hard to detect, except by statistical measure, and we need to ensure that by reducing affirmative action, we're not inadvertently allowing some bad practices to resurface. The problem with nationalism is that it almost always floats towards one group ism, or one idea ism, where most modern Western nations have rejected such absolutes, and believe in a system which allows a diversity of opinions and cultures, provided we adhere to respecting everyone's basic rights. To co-exist is essential, and if anyone thinks they have the exact perfect way, their either nuts or the next messiah. And attempting to label things as "Western" or "Eastern" is yet another oversimplification. Things can be within a continent or geographic region; cultural region or language grouping; Nation-State or Tribal Area. But there is no real "West", only points on a compass, and a planet with a magnetic forcefield provided by an iron-nickel core and magma. States of mind, not states of matter.

A Warm Welcome to Alexandra from Corsica!! Sounds like a nice town, perched near the center of the Island. And it sounds like a pleasant climate!! Lots of grapes and olives, I'm guessing.?

Smart move! Plus, you got to see it in the warmth and comfort of a restaurant!! I thought the bands were fantastic, and some of the best were the unusual ones - wild costumes and all! (what was the one where they were all wearing giant stars??):)

Nice idea, but I believe it would lead to someone just moving in to take over. And a private corporation having the bomb - hmm.. now there's a novel thought! Let's see, it could be the Heritage Foundation vs. the Annenberg Foundation? These would be small nuclear devices, then??:laugh3: What's wrong with reform? Too unlikely at this stage? Too many inter-woven groups? What's the argument against it. Hey, hold on there! We had that once - each colony, as I recall, had their own system, and metered out justice about as evenly as hen house lays eggs. Subject to breed, season, temperment, and if you're from the right flock or not. I'll take the uniform system, but want more equity so that equal justice for all is not just some writing on a piece of paper.. If I'm to select a justice system I like, then the oposing view will want one favorable to their interest. Companies can compete for better products, but market choices for justice just seems a stretch into something which looks unharnessable.

8 Layers?? Holy Cats, that's almost unimaginable to me!!:stunned: But I can understand it, since nobody was moving around enough to really get their metabolisms worked up.. :pI'm happy you're enjoying some hot coco - ooh, that must really help!!:) did you get to see any of the parade, luncheon, or some other goings on?

Jay's private army will also be defending the US, and his justice system will ensure equal justice for all!:P Governments simply will not exist without revenue, which should be made affordable, fair and as efficiently & wisely used as possible; but in my mind better to reform what we've got, than abandon ship and wait for some inevitable calamity. The need for reform is apparent and great; Fair Elections

Zoe, thanks for sharing those beautiful photos!! I'm glad you got to attend and enjoy the camaradrie of so many others!! YAY!!!! :):):):):):):) I saw the whole thing on TV, and the crowd was amazing - I've never seen a crowd that large in my life! I hadn't a clue it would be so popular; And you got to be pretty close to the whole swearing in!! That must have felt like being at a concert, only better I'll bet! Dressing warm, and at least it was sunny - made it bearable, I hope?

In the inaugural address, Obama spent time showcasing how we do come together as a nation and resolve our differences, not through overthrow but through the democratic process, and then work together as a nation. But I have to agree with him that it's time to value the working class and average americans, and stop favoring the wealthy elites. As far as Republicans being so negative about his inauguration, I think they're just over-reacting. Obama will undoubtedly move legislatively to help all Americans, and part of the problems we face are the direct result of Republican policies, vis-vi the corporate softening of rules governing banking and investing. Most of the Republicans I know are shop owners, small and mid-sized business managers, and they haven't benefitted from the derailment in the markets, nor by policies set to favor the top multinational corporations;

Zoe's right - this is a thread about the Inauguration, so Nick, we'd both do better arguing politics on another;). And since Obama's Inauguration was a success, I can't help but be swept up in the enthusiasm either!! Thanks for the photos, Zoe!!:)

I beg to differ with you on this one, Nick. Please consider his degree, earned through honest effort, in the area of Constitutional Law. This is not Bush redux. No silver spoon in mouth - Obama had to earn his degree at Harvard, unlike the some odd 40-50% legacy students I'm told exist at these institutions, including Bush. I believe he did say he was in favor of an Amended version of FISA, and I do recall Feingold mentioning that he had insisted on certain amendments to FISA, to satisfy his Constitutional beliefs. However, I haven't all the details. The Patriot Act as well had been amended, but to what degree I am not certain. Maybe some of the questionable provisions have been removed - more than I have an awareness of at present. One side of him that I hope does change is his too willingness to compromise on some substantive issues. The collegiality of the Senate unfortunately did not leave much room for real debate, since the structure allows the older incumbents so much power that to get anywhere, incoming Senators must obey their rules, so to speak. If not, they risk marginalization, and a loss of future ability to be on key committees, and thus to help their constituents. There again, it is the problem of allowing the excess cash campaign donations which permit the levels of corruption to persist, and setting term limits would go a long ways towards reducing cronyism as well. Obama could not upstage this process without risking a loss of funding for his state and reducing his potential for re-election. You want better results, then change the rules, and make the game fair. But he was willing to tolerate the corruption for a time, in order to advance himself to the Presidency. I do believe in his heart, he has these ideals, but we must be diligent in putting pressure on the matter from the grass-roots in order to bring a change at the political level. I hear what you're saying Nick, but look at it from the perspective of what has always brought change - it's always bottom-up, and many who gained office to work on our side had to do so through the corrupt machines of the day. Look at President Truman, for instance. He had to turn to Pendergast to move ahead in politics. Our part will be to press for real reform; without which even the best President could not argue for real improvement.

I do believe Obama has the conviction of just thinking and actions; he isn't bluff and bluster, Nick. While imperfect, he has a firm grasp of what the average citizen goes through in life, and what the true meaning of representative government is. But to keep him focused on the needs of the citizens will take a great deal of communications and public grass-roots support for real change, so that those who might otherwise try and change his way of thinking do not succeed in altering his convictions, or dampening his desire to do what is right for the nation, or the world. He was a graduate in Constitutional Law as I recall, and as such undertands we have strayed too far from our founding principles (as he aluded to in his speech). If we keep our end of the bargain, and provide the pressure and effort for change, then he will act accordingly, and have the leverage of public opinion to get things done on Congress.

That's not good!:( I hope he's being well cared for.. No fun having those kinds of health issues, that's for sure. George Sr.'s cane caught my attention... But you're right - he was wearing a purple scarf! I would have gladly traded him for his son as president, as the Sr. Bush was a little more cautious and careful about things in general. At least there's reconciliation between administrations, and hopefully a recognition of the errors of the recent past..

What happened with Ted? Well, George Bush Sr. looked pretty shakey as well there.. I thought he might fall on his way down the red carpet, but fortunately the actual ceremony went off without a hitch.

That's right - there's Vegemite!:P

I'm with Bono when he said Sunday, "Today we celebrate the rebirth of a dream. Not just an American dream, but an Irish dream, an African dream, an Israeli dream and a Palestinian dream." The continuation of progress after a dark chapter in our history is what I see. And yes, it will take pressure on all fronts to change things - especially to end the war, to return fairness to the election and campaign processes, and to provide greater economic fairness both within the US and internationally. Keep the torch lit, and keep fire to the feet of those who represent us. Let Freedom Ring!!

@2732 : Listen, I'm just elated. Simply put, speechless. No words are necessary, and adding anything to what has already been said would simply be defiling great art.:P And so where's your "I have a dream" speech, mr. numerical combination? Hmm..?:rolleyes:

YAY!!!!! YAY!!!!! YAY!!!!:):):) Hooray for Barack Obama!!!

dbl post.

Belgium What We Think About Belgium! Steve's family is Flemish.. hmm.. and Bob's is Walloon, so that almost covers the range.. Let's see - there's excellent farmers, good soil: beets, cows, rye, wheat, and potatoes. The cities have great industries, textiles, products made from flax (finished as linen).. Of course the Belgians are famous for their chocolate:), beer, waffles, draft horses.. Antwerp is "The Diamond Capitol" of the world as I recall, and Brussels - besides being the capitol, isn't Brussels also the capitol of the Hague, and EU? You've got land reclaimed from the sea as Netherlanders did also, so I'm guessing lots of bulbs are grown as well (?) Anyhow, good fertile bottom land, excellent for a wide variety of crops. Historically, our state had a great influx of Belgians who were experts at mining, and hence the "Belgian Miners" is synonymous with some of the larger mines in the region (Lead, Iron and Copper). Isn't that where the pasties come from(?) - I think so, because it's either Belgium or Cornish miners who started the tradition.. Brussels Sprouts?:P Antwerp has always sprung to mind as a busy port - heck, I think the print in my room might be a scene from old Antwerp (?) Probably a print from an old Flemmish master..:artist: Anyhow, that's what comes to mind!