Fun Inauguration Facts

Inaugural and The Patriot-News brings us some fun inauguration facts to tickle the cerebral funny bone in all of us.  You probably heard or read some of these at some point in those onerous history classes.  And today you can try to recall if you ever heard such a fact.

• George Washington was inaugurated in New York City on the balcony of Federal Hall, on Thursday, April 30, 1789.  He set the precedents by ad-libbing “so help me God” and a kiss on the Bible.  His svelte attire for the day, Dark brown suit (made in America), with steel-hilted sword, white silk stockings, and silver shoe buckles.
• 1837 – Martin Van Buren was the first President who was not born a British subject.
• 1841 - William Henry Harrison was the first president to arrive in Washington by train.  He also gave the longest address, 8,445 words that lasted almost 2 hours.  He died of pneumonia 1 month later.  The shortest address was by George Washington at 135 words.
• 1845 – James K. Polk had the first Inauguration covered by telegraph, and the first known Inauguration featured in a newspaper illustration (Illustrated London News).
• 1850 to current - Tennessee’s Johnston & Murphy has gifted handmade shoes to every new president, starting with Millard Fillmore. Lincoln’s shoe size has taken biggest size honors yet, at size 14.
• 1897 – William McKinley had the first Inauguration recorded by a motion picture camera.
• 1925 – Calvin Coolidge had the first Inauguration broadcast live by radio.
• 1929 – Herbert Hoover had the first Inauguration recorded by talking newsreel. 
• 1945 – Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first and only President sworn in for a fourth term.  He had a simple Inaugural ceremony at the White House.  At the height of WWII, the Inauguration was simple and austere with no fanfare or formal celebration following the event.  There was no parade because of gas rationing and a lumber shortage.
• 1997- Bill Clinton had the first Inauguration broadcast live on the internet.

See:

• http://inaugural.senate.gov/history/
• http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2009/01/inaugural_facts_nixon_took_oat.html

Incoming And Outgoing Presidents

Image courtesy of http://www.w3f.com/gifs/flag/animated/index.html.

The United States flag flies mightily.  Time for the changing of the guard.

Image courtesy of http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2004/candidates/can_bush-00elect.html.

George W. Bush has completed his two term presidency as 43rd President.  And Barack Obama is walking in to the Oval Office now.  Never a better time to congratulate Bush for his efforts.  And Obama as his royal successor.  The 44th President of the United States.

Image courtesy of http://thecjpoliticalreport.com/obamas_hawaiian_lovesong_of_disunity.htm.

Lincoln’s Head Gear

So many comparisons between Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln.  The nonstop symbolism and commercialization of the Lincoln Memorial with the Inauguration. 

Someone ought to mention to Obama that he has a very tall order to fill.

Image courtesy of printmeister at http://b3ta.com/.

The classic stove pipe hat gets a makeover.  For larger craniums.  Barack has nothing on Abe.

Caroline Kennedy Shoe In For Appointed Senate Seat

No surprises here.  It is great to hear the contenders actually come out and say what the public has largely been thinking already.  The unidentified contender’s comments on New York Governor David Patterson’s supposed uncertainty on picking the Senate replacement for Hillary Clinton’s seat.  And the political posturing over Caroline Kennedy.   New York Post.

“It’s been a done deal from the start,” said the would-be candidate.

“David goes with Caroline with the understanding that Caroline, and her family and its resources, go with David next year. This stuff with Paterson saying he’s looking at other people is a crock,” the source continued.

Wow.  More political legacies.  Caroline can take on Uncle Bobby Kennedy’s seat, the one he held from 1965 to 1968.  And Uncle Ted can rest assured the dynasty will continue.  And Caroline can come out into the public arena for the first time in her adult life and actually work a real job. 

Sounds done.

See:

• http://www.nypost.com/seven/01192009/news/columnists/caroline_the_certain_pick_for_dave__riva_150822.htm

Washing Machine Repairman Becomes Hostage

‘You’re my hostage until you fix my washing machine’: How one desperate grandmother took action against repair man at the Daily Mail.

Pitty the poor woman, who typically does two loads of laundry a day, and was out of a working machine that was still under warranty for three weeks, after having problems intermittently for the previous three months.