Inauguration 2009, Barack Hussein Obama, 44th President of the United States

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:04 AM

I can't believe there isn't already an inauguration thread!

As you may or may not know, I live in downtown (well, for people that don't know dc, that's the best description -- 10 or 15 blocks from the White House). After a lot of consideration we decided to leave town for the inauguration. The madness that is likely to ensue (and has) was just beyond our level of tolerance.

Tourists are bad enough on a regular day!

Anyway, we're in Charlottesville, VA and watching the inauguration progress unfold. The crowds on the National Mall are already insane. We have a report from a friend that they have been stuck in a subway tunnel for over 3 hours (the ride should take about 25 minutes). It certainly seems insane. Having said that, I am feeling a bit of regret for leaving. But, I'm also very glad I'm not dealing with it.

DaddyTorgo · 01-20-2009, 09:06 AM

bah - you wuss!

did you rent out your apartment?

fuck man - i would have come down and camped out in your place had i known you were leaving, just to say i was there!!

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

bah - you wuss!

did you rent out your apartment?

fuck man - i would have come down and camped out in your place had i known you were leaving, just to say i was there!!

I did not. The prices people were trying to get turned out to be unobtainable and it just wasn't worth it. We have a friend staying in our condo that got tickets to the parade and to one of the balls.

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:15 AM

From wtopnews.com:

Quote:

A 68-year-old woman has been struck by a Metro train at Gallery Place. She is still alive.

Metro says the train struck the woman around 9:30 a.m.

Metro spokesman Doug Karas says it's not clear whether crowding on the platforms is to blame for the woman falling on to the tracks.

Gallery Place Station and Metro Center stations are shut down. Anticipate delays.

DaddyTorgo · 01-20-2009, 09:15 AM

really? people couldn't get decent prices for them? that's a shame. always was under the impression they went for an okay chunk of change.

ah well.

RPI-Fan · 01-20-2009, 09:19 AM

Where are you staying in Charlottesville? What have you been doing around here???

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:23 AM

I'm reading stuff that says the whole surrounding area is jam-packed. They have compeltely closed the 14th street bridge (which was open only to pedestrian traffic) because it is too full. For those that don't know, that is one of the bridges coming over the Potomac River from Virginia, this one from directly south. It is the bridge that enteres closest to the National Mall (considering the Memorial Bridge is completely closed).

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

really? people couldn't get decent prices for them? that's a shame. always was under the impression they went for an okay chunk of change.

ah well.

I mean, people were trying to get ~$1,000/night for a 1 bedroom. It came down to more like ~$300/night.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPI-Fan

Where are you staying in Charlottesville? What have you been doing around here???

Are you in C'ville? We're staying at the Dinsmore House. It's a bed and breakfast right be The Corner, across from the hospital.

DaddyTorgo · 01-20-2009, 09:25 AM

it's pretty damn amazing

Senator · 01-20-2009, 09:26 AM

That is crazy. What is going on down there today?

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:26 AM

Dola: Oh, and we're mostly relaxing.

We went to a movie yesterday, we're watching the inauguration in the room, and we may go see a band at Gravity Lounge tonight.

RPI-Fan · 01-20-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

I mean, people were trying to get ~$1,000/night for a 1 bedroom. It came down to more like ~$300/night.

Are you in C'ville? We're staying at the Dinsmore House. It's a bed and breakfast right be The Corner, across from the hospital.

Yep, I live just outside of Charlottesville proper. Hadn't seen anyone from the board mention being aruond here ever!

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senator

That is crazy. What is going on down there today?

Some dude is giving a speech I think.

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPI-Fan

Yep, I live just outside of Charlottesville proper. Hadn't seen anyone from the board mention being aruond here ever!

My wife went to UVA.

We stay here (at this same B&B) almost every MLK day (since 2005). We also come 1 or 2 other times during the year, generally. Normally for a basketball and/or football game. Wade and I will certainly be here for the W&M vs. UVA game in September.

Lathum · 01-20-2009, 09:29 AM

I'm with LordScarlet, I would have been as far from there as possible ( he could have come and crashed with me)

I hope everyone maintains order, it already looks like a total cluster.

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:32 AM

This picture (from dcist.com) is from 12th & E st NW, which is about 4 blocks east of the White House and about 3 blocks from the National Mall. Apparently theyre only letting 4 people through at a time (as of 8:57, which was a while ago).

wade moore · 01-20-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

I'm with LordScarlet, I would have been as far from there as possible ( he could have come and crashed with me)

I hope everyone maintains order, it already looks like a total cluster.

Yeah, I hate to be this way but I worry about how many things can go wrong with that many people in one place in a city that just isn't built for it.

JPhillips · 01-20-2009, 09:33 AM

CNN was showing the line at the Carrollton station and it stretched well into the parking lot at three different angles. It looked fairly orderly, but I'm certain a lot of people waiting for the Metro won't make it to the inauguration.

Lathum · 01-20-2009, 09:35 AM

I have been to DC but am not 100% familiar with the layout.

How far, in miles, are the stations these people are waiting at from the mall?

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPhillips

CNN was showing the line at the Carrollton station and it stretched well into the parking lot at three different angles. It looked fairly orderly, but I'm certain a lot of people waiting for the Metro won't make it to the inauguration.

And New Carrollton is a fairly far-out metro station. The farthest parking lots were full by about 8am from what I have read.

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

I have been to DC but am not 100% familiar with the layout.

How far, in miles, are the stations these people are waiting at from the mall?

The one that JPhillips is talking about is in the Maryland suburbs. It's about 11 miles from downtown DC.

DaddyTorgo · 01-20-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPI-Fan

Yep, I live just outside of Charlottesville proper. Hadn't seen anyone from the board mention being aruond here ever!

that's because your location is improperly listed as Troy, NY

wade moore · 01-20-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPhillips

CNN was showing the line at the Carrollton station and it stretched well into the parking lot at three different angles. It looked fairly orderly, but I'm certain a lot of people waiting for the Metro won't make it to the inauguration.

Yeah - I worry as it gets closer to Noon and people aren't even on a metro yet, etc. Imagine you showed up at 8am, it's 11:00, the oath is at noon, and you're not on the metro yet.

JPhillips · 01-20-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

And New Carrollton is a fairly far-out metro station. The farthest parking lots were full by about 8am from what I have read.

Carrollton is at the end of the Orange Line if I remember right. The problem with all the other stops is that the trains will be so packed from the first station that nobody else can get on. The Metro stops in between DC and the end stops are likely impossible to use right now.

Lathum · 01-20-2009, 09:42 AM

I can only imagine the gouging that is going on with the cab drivers

Noop · 01-20-2009, 09:42 AM

Wow. This is insane and I can not believe how many historical moments I have seen in my life.

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Carrollton is at the end of the Orange Line if I remember right. The problem with all the other stops is that the trains will be so packed from the first station that nobody else can get on. The Metro stops in between DC and the end stops are likely impossible to use right now.

As I said, we have a friend that has been stuck somewhere on the orange line in Virginia (the text messages aren't very clear) since 6:45am.

lordscarlet · 01-20-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

I can only imagine the gouging that is going on with the cab drivers

It'll be interesting to hear. Most of the roads are blocked off, I don't even know if the cabs are allowed to drive on them.

wade moore · 01-20-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

It'll be interesting to hear. Most of the roads are blocked off, I don't even know if the cabs are allowed to drive on them.

Yeah - my impression is that a cab really wouldn't do you much good.

Lathum · 01-20-2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

It'll be interesting to hear. Most of the roads are blocked off, I don't even know if the cabs are allowed to drive on them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wade moore

Yeah - my impression is that a cab really wouldn't do you much good.

well if it could get you from 11 miles away to 3-4 thats an eaiser walk.

wade moore · 01-20-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

well if it could get you from 11 miles away to 3-4 thats an eaiser walk.

For the Maryland folks I suppose that is true, but all bridges from VA to DC are closed.

Barkeep49 · 01-20-2009, 09:59 AM

Does anyone know where I can find a video of the San Francisco Children's Choir singing "Give Us Hope" this morning? Our school knows the composer of the song, but none of the cable/networks showed it live. We're hoping to show it.

DaddyTorgo · 01-20-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barkeep49

Does anyone know where I can find a video of the San Francisco Children's Choir singing "Give Us Hope" this morning? Our school knows the composer of the song, but none of the cable/networks showed it live. We're hoping to show it.

i'd imagine it would be up on youtube already, if not it should be soon.

failing that, they must have a website right? I'd assume it would be there.

but you're no dolt - i'm sure you've thought of these things.

Barkeep49 · 01-20-2009, 10:06 AM

It's not up on youtube, cnn, msnbc, or hulu that I could find at this time. I'm sure it'll be up in the future, but we're wanting it now

DaddyTorgo · 01-20-2009, 10:06 AM

indeed you have. my google-fu has failed me so far.

M GO BLUE!!! · 01-20-2009, 10:22 AM

You can tell how much Bush-41's back is bothering him.

Neon_Chaos · 01-20-2009, 10:33 AM

Over under on the decibel levels of booing GWBush gets?

Neon_Chaos · 01-20-2009, 10:37 AM

That was smart. Following up Bush and Cheney with a crapload of names.

Didn't give the people a chance to react.

sooner333 · 01-20-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neon_Chaos

Over under on the decibel levels of booing GWBush gets?

None, because we're all supposed to be coming together.

Noop · 01-20-2009, 10:44 AM

I think the happiest person there is George W. Bush.

Senator · 01-20-2009, 10:51 AM

We are one nation. Finally.

Well, that is what they keep telling me.

A friend of mine here at work keeps telling me, "Just think. At the end of the day, you can walk around and complain about the 8 hours of oppression your people have had to endure."

I told him I wanted his 40 acres and his mule.

Izulde · 01-20-2009, 10:52 AM

I liked Diane Feinstein's speech. Warren's prayer's making me snort. Way to overemphasize the monotheism and cracky voice there buddy.

Logan · 01-20-2009, 10:55 AM

I was in DC all last week for work, a few blocks south of the Capitol, and just looking at how it was set up already I couldn't imagine how it could possibly accomodate all those people.

I have a buddy who's a Fairfax County cop...I know they sent their entire riot squad to DC, hopefully they're only used to keep basic order.

Izulde · 01-20-2009, 11:02 AM

I'm digging this instrumental piece they're playing.

JeeberD · 01-20-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izulde

I'm digging this instrumental piece they're playing.

I made sure to record that for my wife, who used to play the cello (and is thinking about picking it back up for the local symphony) and loves Yo Yo Ma.

kcchief19 · 01-20-2009, 11:17 AM

Too bad on the stumble during the oath. Roberts actually read it wrong the first time. He got closer the second time he read it. I think Roberts flubbing it threw Obama off because he seemed to think he had it wrong.

Izulde · 01-20-2009, 11:27 AM

Excellent inauguration speech by Obama.

Izulde · 01-20-2009, 11:31 AM

The bad poem brought the crowd's mood down.

Sun Tzu · 01-20-2009, 11:37 AM

I approve of Obama's speech.

Izulde · 01-20-2009, 11:38 AM

Amusing rimes by Wright. I thought his benediction kicked the tar out of Warren's bit.

01-20-2009, 09:19 AM	#6
RPI-Fan Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Troy, NY	Where are you staying in Charlottesville? What have you been doing around here??? __________________ Quis custodiets ipsos custodes?

01-20-2009, 09:26 AM	#10
Senator FOFC's Elected Representative Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The stars at night; are big and bright	That is crazy. What is going on down there today? __________________ "i have seen chris simms play 4-5 times in the pros and he's very clearly got it. he won't make a pro bowl this year, but it'll come. if you don't like me saying that, so be it, but its true. we'll just have to wait until then" imettrentgreen "looking at only ten games, and oddly using a median only, leaves me unmoved generally" - Quiksand

01-20-2009, 09:26 AM	#11
lordscarlet Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC	Dola: Oh, and we're mostly relaxing. We went to a movie yesterday, we're watching the inauguration in the room, and we may go see a band at Gravity Lounge tonight. __________________ Sixteen Colors ANSI/ASCII Art Archive "...the better half of the Moores..." -cthomer5000

01-20-2009, 09:33 AM	#18
JPhillips Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newburgh, NY	CNN was showing the line at the Carrollton station and it stretched well into the parking lot at three different angles. It looked fairly orderly, but I'm certain a lot of people waiting for the Metro won't make it to the inauguration. __________________ To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.. - Mr. Rogers

01-20-2009, 09:42 AM	#26
Noop Bonafide Seminole Fan Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Florida	Wow. This is insane and I can not believe how many historical moments I have seen in my life. __________________ Living in an Oligarchy.

01-20-2009, 09:06 AM	#2
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	bah - you wuss! did you rent out your apartment? fuck man - i would have come down and camped out in your place had i known you were leaving, just to say i was there!!

01-20-2009, 09:15 AM	#5
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	really? people couldn't get decent prices for them? that's a shame. always was under the impression they went for an okay chunk of change. ah well.

01-20-2009, 09:25 AM	#9
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	it's pretty damn amazing

01-20-2009, 09:29 AM	#15
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	I'm with LordScarlet, I would have been as far from there as possible ( he could have come and crashed with me) I hope everyone maintains order, it already looks like a total cluster.

01-20-2009, 09:35 AM	#19
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	I have been to DC but am not 100% familiar with the layout. How far, in miles, are the stations these people are waiting at from the mall?

01-20-2009, 09:59 AM	#32
Barkeep49 Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Not too far away	Does anyone know where I can find a video of the San Francisco Children's Choir singing "Give Us Hope" this morning? Our school knows the composer of the song, but none of the cable/networks showed it live. We're hoping to show it.

01-20-2009, 10:06 AM	#34
Barkeep49 Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Not too far away	It's not up on youtube, cnn, msnbc, or hulu that I could find at this time. I'm sure it'll be up in the future, but we're wanting it now

01-20-2009, 10:22 AM	#36
M GO BLUE!!! Pro Starter Join Date: Sep 2005	You can tell how much Bush-41's back is bothering him.

01-20-2009, 10:33 AM	#37
Neon_Chaos Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Parañaque, Philippines	Over under on the decibel levels of booing GWBush gets? __________________ Come and see.

01-20-2009, 10:37 AM	#38
Neon_Chaos Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Parañaque, Philippines	That was smart. Following up Bush and Cheney with a crapload of names. Didn't give the people a chance to react. __________________ Come and see.

01-20-2009, 10:44 AM	#40
Noop Bonafide Seminole Fan Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Florida	I think the happiest person there is George W. Bush. __________________ Living in an Oligarchy.

01-20-2009, 10:51 AM	#41
Senator FOFC's Elected Representative Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The stars at night; are big and bright	We are one nation. Finally. Well, that is what they keep telling me. A friend of mine here at work keeps telling me, "Just think. At the end of the day, you can walk around and complain about the 8 hours of oppression your people have had to endure." I told him I wanted his 40 acres and his mule. __________________ "i have seen chris simms play 4-5 times in the pros and he's very clearly got it. he won't make a pro bowl this year, but it'll come. if you don't like me saying that, so be it, but its true. we'll just have to wait until then" imettrentgreen "looking at only ten games, and oddly using a median only, leaves me unmoved generally" - Quiksand Last edited by Senator : 01-20-2009 at 10:53 AM.

01-20-2009, 10:52 AM	#42
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	I liked Diane Feinstein's speech. Warren's prayer's making me snort. Way to overemphasize the monotheism and cracky voice there buddy. __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty)

01-20-2009, 10:55 AM	#43
Logan Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: NYC	I was in DC all last week for work, a few blocks south of the Capitol, and just looking at how it was set up already I couldn't imagine how it could possibly accomodate all those people. I have a buddy who's a Fairfax County cop...I know they sent their entire riot squad to DC, hopefully they're only used to keep basic order.

01-20-2009, 11:02 AM	#44
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	I'm digging this instrumental piece they're playing. __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty)

01-20-2009, 11:17 AM	#46
kcchief19 Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO	Too bad on the stumble during the oath. Roberts actually read it wrong the first time. He got closer the second time he read it. I think Roberts flubbing it threw Obama off because he seemed to think he had it wrong.

01-20-2009, 11:27 AM	#47
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	Excellent inauguration speech by Obama. __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty)

01-20-2009, 11:31 AM	#48
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	The bad poem brought the crowd's mood down. __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty)

01-20-2009, 11:37 AM	#49
Sun Tzu Pro Starter Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: In the thick of it.	I approve of Obama's speech. __________________ I'm still here. Don't touch my fucking bacon.

01-20-2009, 11:38 AM	#50
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	Amusing rimes by Wright. I thought his benediction kicked the tar out of Warren's bit. __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Last edited by Izulde : 01-20-2009 at 11:38 AM.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)