Celebrities for Obama

No it was not the Academy Awards? Or the Grammys? Or the Emmy? Or a championship game between the Celtics and the Lakers at Staples Center? Or even the Super Bowl?

It was the day when the dream from millions takes a step closer to reality as Barack Obama took his oath of office as the 44th president of the US. And as the first African-American president. Celebrities from New York to Los Angeles became part of the millions who made their presence felt for hope and history. According to CNN, it wa broadcast in over 40 languages and one of the most watched events, along side the first steps of Neal Armstrong and last steps of Lady Diana.

Beyonce sang Etta James' "At Last". Sheryl Crow sang at the Midwestern Ball. Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez showed affection for each other at the Western Ball. Other celebrities who performed include Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Sting, Faith Hill, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder and Maroon 5.

Jon Bon Jovi sung the acoustic version of "Who Says You Can't Go Home?" at the Commander in Chief Ball where two officers danced with the Barack and Michelle.

Kid Rock and Kanye West were at the Youth Inaugural Ball where mostly 20-something crowd cheered both young celebrities.
At the swearing-in, celebrities who made their presence felt include Muhammad Ali, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Cusack, Leonardo DiCaprio, Smokey Robinson, Steven Spielberg, Bruce Springsteen, Magic Johnson, Val Kilmer Denzel Washington and many others.

Stevie Wonder and Sting performed at the Neighborhood Ball. Photo by Alex Brandon by AP.

But the real celebrity of all is Barack Obama, who on that day, or on any other day, was the most photographed person on earth… and definitely, the most blogged about person and event in blogosphere. Can’t wait to read the Yahoo Top 10 Searches update! Am sure Barack Obama is number one on that list!

History and Hope

Today, history and hope unfold side by side as Barack Obama takes his oath of office at first black president of the United States.

The first-term Illinois senator will lead the most powerful nation in the world, hopefully out of two wars? He is the fourth youngest president and the son of a Kansas-born mother and Kenya-born father. He is 47 (same as my age), but most important of all, he is the first African-American in real life. In “24” they have had two African-American presidents already.

In a few hours, or rather at high-noon in Washington and amidst cold temperatures, thousands or maybe, even up to two million will gather for witness the dream of Martin Luther King become a reality.

Obama will stand on the West Front of the Capitol and place his left hand on a Holy Bible, which is really the same Bible that President Abraham Lincoln used at his first inauguration in 1861. The 35-word oath of office will be administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, has been uttered by every president since George Washington.

His oath-taking also puts an end to eight years of “W.”