America the Beautiful: January 20, 2009

What a day it was. At times giddy, frightened, ecstatic, mournful, but most often proud and grateful, today's events in Washington DC capped off an amazing past few days where I felt and did things I would never have believed, including the building of a sand dune at the Ballona Creek Wetlands on our new National Day of Service.

A few of the musings from this glorious day.

Dan Quayle doesn't remotely look like a Kennedy - wonder how he spends his time?

Ali! Ali! Ali! The Greatest is shuffling with dignity. Those “Obama Girl” buttons are cool.  What was in the boxes that put Cheney in a wheelchair?

“41” is limping noticeably – why do I like Barbara Bush?

Man, when the Clinton’s came out you could see a visible wave move through the mall as the crowd roared its approval. Is it me or is Teddy starting to look a lot like "Honey Fitz"?

You’d think the moving van that is loading at the White House would have some sort of branding. George W. looks like a leper - no one wants to get near him! What’s the deal with the playing cards with the President’s faces on them? How many cameras is MSNBC shooting with – they got angles everywhere.

The Pomp & Ceremony of this is just fascinating. The 1^st lady of soul is bringing it.

Why is it that “the Lord” always gets such a good seat at these sort of events - who’s his ticket broker - must be "my man, Barry"?

Panning the crowd as Obama walks out – it’s like the scene in LOTR when Aragorn is crowned King.

Gotta say that Joe Biden came prepared and knows his oath. With Yo-Yo-Ma and Itzhak Perlman playing Copland’s Appalachian Spring (A Simple Gift), culture is making a big comeback! I am humbled by the possibilities.

Reverend Lowery – what a voice.

Obama has a face made for Mt. Rushmore. Man, I’m even getting teary eyed at Pepsi’s latest campaign.

I wanted to put together an inauguration mix that could sum up the many moods I felt. You can download the tracks here courtesy of  "You Send It". And for god's sake, pop some bubbles and thank your lucky stars for letting you savor this moment. 

America the Beautiful – Ray Charles
Strike Up The Band – Dick Hyman
A Ray Of Hope – The Rascals
Chill Out (Things Gonna Change) – John Lee Hooker
Oh, Happy Day – Edwin Hawkins Singers
I’m So Proud (Medley) – Todd Rundgren
He’s Misstra Know It All – Stevie Wonder
Happy Day – Talking Heads
We Are Each Other – The Beautiful South
Shiny Happy People – R.E.M.
Beautiful Day – U2
American Symphonette No. 2 – Morton Gould
Get Happy – Benny Goodman
Hallelujah – Django Reinhardt
Appalachian Spring (Shaker Melody) – Aaron Copland
Better Git It In Your Soul – Charlie Mingus
Nothin’ Can Change This Love – Sam Cooke
Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
Feel It (In The Air Tonight) – Naturally 7
Hold On (Change Is Coming) – Sounds of Blackness
We Are All Alone In This Together – Graham Lindsay
It’s All Right – Stevie Winwood