Jennifer Hudson Opens Super Bowl XLIII

We loves it. Get it JHud!

Daddys Girls Episode 4: Rev's Angels

In case you missed the episode of Daddy's Girls that aired last night, click the link below to see the show with limited commercial interruption and in its entirety. This time, Ang wants to be a biker babe while Vanessa's new movie role leads her to an uncomfortable situation. I must say this is the best episode yet. So watch below.

Watch Daddy's Girls Episode 4 -- HERE

Additional Randomness: Daddy's Girls has been picked up for another few episodes along with 'The City' and 'Teen Cribs'.

Up Close and Personal -- More Obama Video

Check out the below video shot by John Legend’s team at the end of the Inaugural Concert last week. The best thing about this amateur video is that not only we get to see celebrities up close and acting like themselves, we actually get to see celebrities like Beyonce, Queen Latifah, John Legend and a LOT of other huge stars getting, well… starstruck as they meet President Obama.

At 7:00, when Michelle Obama busts the President and asks him if he told Beyonce about his doing the Single Ladies dance. !?! President Obama says “But I’m not like Justin (Timberlake). I didn’t put on the outfit.”

...classic!!!


Amazing Video on Stage of the Obama Inaugural Celebration
by JayZ15

Tasty Video: Celebs Share in The Day of Change

The Day of Change, African American celebrities take us through their own poignant journeys on election day. From fears and doubts, to jubilation and sighs of relief, you'll be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. Notable celebrities sharing their stories include Taye Diggs, Hill Harper, Regina King, Meagan Good, Columbus Short, Robert Townsend, Shemar Moore, Lauren London and more.

This powerful short film is playing on Starz In Black, and plays throughout February for Black History Month.

Video Premiere: Ice Cube feat Young Jeezy 'I Got My Locs On'

Video Premiere: Keyshia Cole 'You Complete me'

Obama - Whatever I Like (TI Spoof)

My sister sent me this in my email and I thought it was hilarious. Then, I ran across it again today on YouTube and thought it would be befitting for the occasion we all witnessed yesterday. Watch this with a humerous spirit -- and dont think for one minute Pres. Obama doesnt rock T.I on his Blackberry.

Enjoy.

Mya Might Go Straight DC On Ya.. Trust

It's frustrating being a star.

And Mya recognizes that but still feels the need to set the record straight while still letting folk kn ow that the DC in her never dies (and I know that's right!!! NE in the house!!). Anyway read Mya's blog post that was released recently --

“WHEN I SIGNED UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT BIZ, I REALIZED THERE WOULD BE A LIST OF PROS & CONS. ON THE POSITIVE SIDE- PURSUING MY PASSION, TOUCHING LIVES , SEEING THE WORLD THROUGH TRAVEL & PROVIDING FOR MY FAMILY. ON THE NEGATIVE SIDE-CRITICISM, DISAPPOINTMENTS, LIES, LACK OF PRIVACY, SABOTAGE, POLITICS, CORPORATE SLAVERY, LITIGATIONS AND NEVER ENDING FALSE RUMORS. THAT’S JUST THE WAY OF THE MAJORITY OF THE WORLD, ITS MEDIA, IRRELEVANT GOSSIP SITES & THOSE WHO FEEL THE NEED TO CREATE B.S. AS THEIR JOBS AND EXISTENCE DEPEND ON IT.

SO TO ANSWER ALL OF THE INQUIRIES & QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LATEST RUMORS THAT HAVE BEEN CIRCULATING, NO… THERE IS NOT & NEVER WAS A “SUPER HEAD TELL ALL” BOOK OR SEX TAPE. NO, I DID NOT SHOW UP TO A CLUB IN BARBADOS IN WHICH I WAS FALSELY ADVERTISED. I WAS ONLY THERE FOR A CHARITABLE SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT FOR CHILDREN. NO, I AM NOT DATING ANY ENTERTAINERS, ATHLETES, CONGRESSMEN, MARRIED MEN OR BILLIONAIRE’S SON. NO I AM NOT PREGNANT, ENGAGED OR MARRIED. THOUGH CHILDREN ARE BEAUTIFUL, I AIN’T ON THAT PAGE. AS BORING AS IT SEEMS, I AM A HAPPY, SINGLE WOMAN, ENTERING INTO ANOTHER YEAR OF CELIBACY & WORKING ON SELF.YOU WON’T FIND ME IN REHAB OR AA, YOU WON’T FIND ME IN A MENTAL INSTITUTION, YOU WON’T FIND ME IN THE TABLOIDS SHOWING MY TWAT. BUT YOU MIGHT FIND ME IN JAIL AND IN COURT FOR B*TCH SLAPPIN’ THE SH*T OUT OF SOMEBODY! SO PRAY FOR YOUR GIRL & THAT THE D.C. WILL NEVER COME OUT AT THE WRONG PLACE & TIME. THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT. ”

It's ok Mya! We still love you & seeing as though were from practically the same neck of woods - get at me so I can let you in on some of the techniques that work for me in restricting my DC from showing.

Obama Girls Given a Inaugural Night Surprise

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle weren't the only ones who got entertained by A-listers on inauguration night Tuesday. Their daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, received a surprise visit by the Jonas Brothers.

ABC News is reporting that the Obama girls kicked off inauguration night by watching High School Musical 3 and Bolt with some of their friends from their new school Sidwell Friends.

They then had a scavenger hunt around their new home to learn its history. (White House ushers had organized a similar hunt for Chelsea Clinton when she first moved into the White House in 1993.)

At the end of their hunt, according to ABC News, Malia and Sasha opened a door to find Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas (who had performed their hit "Burning Up" for the girls Monday night at the Kids' Inaugural Concert).

That is the cutest thing ever! If only my dad was the President he could surprise me with Tyrese.. I'd be eternally grateful. lol

[source][photo: wireimage/getty]

Designer Jason Wu had No Idea Michelle Obama Chose His Design

New York City-based designer Jason Wu tells Usmagazine.com he had no idea that Michelle Obama would wear his one-shouldered, full-length white gown to the 10 inaugural balls Tuesday night.

"I found out when the whole world found out," he told Us in a telephone interview Wednesday. "I said, 'It looks white. It looks like mine...' I had a box of pizza and it nearly fell over. I was sitting there with my friends, and they were screaming."

Wu -- who has never met the First Lady -- said he was first approached last November. He was told Michelle "wanted something that sparkled. That was it," he said. "I just went for it."

Wu - who called the dress "priceless - told Us it is "going to the Smithsonian."

[source]

The Source Magazine says No More "Booty Ads"

The Source, Hip Hop's former most 'infamous magazine,' is taking a stand against the countless "less tasteful" images of women in Hip Hop according to the New York Times.

Like its counterparts, The Source has in the past accepted ads that touted skin -- usually female models in various states of undress, today, The Source is taking a stand.

According to co-publisher L. Londell McMillan, the magazine will no longer take "booty ads" for pornographic films, websites or escort services."I realize the risk that we’re taking," said Mr. McMillan."We don’t want to just glorify the lowest-hanging fruit."

"There’s a lot of people that want hip-hop but don’t want some of the filth that some of the business carries with it."

Hoping to transform the often raunchy image of hip hop itself, McMillan says the decision to eliminate sexually driven ads was not an easy decision or stance to take but it had to be done.

The Source, he said, should be able to appeal to the core hip-hop audience, while also being something "you wouldn't mind your kids seeing".

Ok yea... did Obama have to take office for you guys to understand the effect that mainstream media has on our youth. Give them something positive and you'll get positivity back. Give them booty and all you'll get are diseases and unwanted pregnancies.

I'm just saying. For once let's call a spade a spade. Kudos to The Source for stepping up and taking "a stand".

[source]

Rihanna Concert Protested In Malaysia

Rihanna's concert stop in Malaysia as a part of the 'Good Girl Gone Bad' tour may not be happening -- even after she agreed to tone down her outfit for the showing.

The Pan Malaysian Islamic Party is demanding that Rihanna be banned from performing in the country due to her sexy outfits and the fact that funds from the concert would go to firms in the United States."Whether Rihanna realises it or not, we know that the taxes she has paid also contributed to the war in Gaza," says Kamaruzaman Mohamad, a PAS youth wing leader.

Kamaruzaman said that the show planned for February 13, part of Rihanna's "Good Girl Gone Bad" tour, would be an insult to Asian values as she often performed suggestively and wore skimpy outfits.

The event was "akin to insulting Eastern culture, belittling local artistes, internationally causing losses to the country's economy and supporting Israel's war policy, which is supported by America," he said.

This is a tad unfair, but in a country that could care less about women's right -- what can you really expect.

Bush Girls Leave Advice for the Obama Girls

In an open letter posted in the Wall Street Journal entitled “Playing House in the White House,” Jenna and Barbara Bush give the Obama girls : Sasha and Malia advice.

According to Jenna and Barbara the girls should:

“Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.

When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game. In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!”

Daddy's Girls Episode 3: Have Your Pastry and Eat it Too

Angela and Vanessa struggle to maintain "brand clarity" and Jessica vies for a company car. Let me just say that anyone who thinks its okay to do business with a dude who's prime reason for wanting you to do business with him is because "you brought the sexy" needs to have their head examined. The fact that Ang even wanted to makes me want to cut my eyes at her for being a little touched. Anyways...watch episode 3 below in its entirety.

Obama Administration Day 1: What's First on the Agenda

Inauguration Video: MTV 'Be The Change' Youth Ball Full Show

Watch the full showing of the "Be the Change" Youth Inaugural Ball sponsored by MTV which aired last night. Even after the President and his wife left the building, the energy in the room was so charged by hundreds of young people who now truly believe they can make a difference.

MTV's Be The Change: Live From The Inaugural - Celebrity News

President Obama's 'Old School' Dance at the MTV 'Be the Change' Youth Ball

Check out the video of our president kicking it 'old school' style.

[photo:mark wilson/getty images]

Celebrities come together to make a 'Presidential Pledge'

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More Inaugural Ball 2009 Photos

[photos: AP]
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Inauguration Video: President & First Lady Obama's First Dance

[photo:AP]

Watch their dance below --



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Inauguration 2009: Neighborhood Ball

[photo:Damon Winter/The New York Times/AP]

We've all been waiting in anticpation for Michelle Obama's Inaugural Ball Dress. Well here it is! The dress is white, with one large sash over her right shoulder. Jason Wu is the designer. “How good lookin’ is my wife?” the new president asks the crowd at the Neighborhood ball, their first of the evening. He wore a black tuxedo with white bow tie and flag pin.

Introduced by actor Denzel Washington, President Obama arrived at the Neighborhood Ball, the first of 10 tonight, but which he said best captured the spirit of his campaign. "We got the idea for the neighborhood ball because we are neighborhood people," Obama said. Organizers invited "everyday Americans" and not the high-rollers who financed much of the inaugural festivities.

Whispering to each other and slowly twirling, the Obamas took their first dance to Beyonce's stylings on "At Last," the classic Etta James love song.

When they finished, the crowd chanted "Obama, Obama."

Aww...they are so cute!

Here is Mariah Carey singin at the Neighborhood Ball

[source][source]

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Inauguration Photos - The Ceremony, Parade & Aftermath

Presidents Bush & Obama


Millions of onlookers crowd the Mall to witness history


Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden


President Barack Obama


President Obama minutes after he took office


Onlookers clap as President Obama signs his first official proclamation


President Obama toasting his wife Michelle at the Presidential Luncheon


Military bands pass the Presidential Viewing area


President Obama and First Lady Michelle waslking down Pennsylvania Ave in the Inaugural Parade


Millions witness history


Presidential Motor-caid

[photos: AP/Getty/ Reuters]

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Celebs Spotted at Inauguration Ceremony 2009

Diddy, Beyonce & Jay-Z


Oprah & Stedman


Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Dustin Hoffman & Samuel L Jackson


Beyonce and her husband rapper Jay-Z


R&B Songstress Alicia Keys


Diddy and to his right Solange, Beyonce & Jay-Z


Oprah Winfrey

[photos: AP/Getty Images]

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Inauguration 2009: Photos - The Ceremony

Barack Obama being sworn into office 20 jan 2009 @ 12:05pm EST


Crowd of over 1.5 million gather on the National Mall for Inauguration cermonies


Senator John McCain arriving to be seated for the cermony

Aretha Franklin sings at the Inaugural Ceremony

Michelle Obama greeting former President Bill Clinton

The Obama girls arriving - Malia (age 10, on left) and Sasha (age 7 on right)

From l to r: President Barack Obama, Laura Bush, Former President George Bush & First Lady Michelle Obama
[photos: AP]

[source]

Inauguration 2009: Michelle Obama's Inaugural Fashion

First Lady Michelle Obama was looking particularly chic in her pale yellow gown by designer Isabel Toledo. Michelle is certainly a trendsetter in her own right and is definitely restoring faith in American designers and the national ideals of fashion.

"Many applauded [her dress choice] as a cheerful message of hope and a vote for the American fashion industry.

She paired the embellished ensemble with green gloves from J. Crew and green shoes.
President Barack Obama wore a red tie and white shirt with his suit, topped with an overcoat adorned with an American flag pin.

Their daughters were style icons in their own right, with 10-year-old Malia in a double-breasted periwinkle-blue coat with a blue-ribbon bow at the waist, and Sasha, 7, in a pink coat with orange scarf and satin belt, a coral-colored dress peeking out at the hem. Their coats were from Crewcuts by J. Crew.

The fashion industry has anxiously looked to the election of Obama for months, embracing his wife as an emblem and ambassador of modern American style. She has won praise for her penchant for lesser-known designers and bold fashion choices, mixed with her unabashed love for mass fashion from mainstream American retailers." [source]

Read more about designer Isabel Toledo here...

Inauguration 2009: Bush Leaves Note for Obama in Oval Office Desk Drawer

Keeping with a White House ritual, Bush left a note for Obama in his desk in the Oval Office, wishing him well as he takes the reins of power.
"I won't provide any details, but the theme is similar to what he's said since election night about the fabulous new chapter President-elect Obama is about to start, and that he wishes him the very best," outgoing White House press secretary Dana Perino said.

She said the two-term Republican incumbent wrote the message to his Democratic successor on Monday and left it in the top drawer of his desk, which was crafted from timbers from the H.M.S. Resolute and given to the U.S. by Great Britain in 1879. [source]

If we all could only be a fly on the wall when Obama read(s) this. I mean honestly, dont you wonder what it said. Could it have said...

Dear Barack,
I realize I've messed over this country and it's people for 8 years now chasing after ideals my father believed in; all in an effort for vendication and revenge -- both domestic and abroad. I realize the magnitude of this and hope you much success in fixing all the crap I messed up. Oh and about the whole economic crisis...dang, that's pretty messed up. My bad man! But, since I'm a citizen now, I sure hope you get that fixed before I lose any money. Okay well have fun being President. I sure did.
Sincerely, G. Dubb

But hey, that's just what I think it said and since I'm no political analyst or speech writer, overall, it probably doesnt matter what I think was in there but it's still pretty interesting to speculate now isnt it??

What do you think he wrote?

Inauguration Video: President Obama's Complete Address

Inauguration Video: The Benediction by Dr. Joseph Lowery

Dr. Joseph Lowery former president of Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) delivers the benediction as Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America.

Inaugural Invocation: Rick Warren

Minister Rick Warren (pastor of the Saddleback church in California and author of the top selling book "The Purpose Driven Life." ) delivered the invocation at Barack Obama's inauguration. The selection of Warren for the prayer was initially met with a lot of criticism from those who do not agree with his stance against same-sex marriage. President Obama also opposes same-sex marriage, but does support civil unions.

Some say Warren's address was "emotional, inclusive, and unapologetically Christian". Personally, I think regardless of your religious affiliation, Min. Warren asked God for all the things this country needs and our new President needs; "the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity and the compassion to lead us with generousity" -- and regardless on who you serve, I'm sure everyone can agree on the principles behind this prayer, even if not with the verbage.

Check the video of the invocation below --

Your thoughts??

Obama's Very First Proclamation as President - Issued at 12:01 EST

[photo: ron edmonds/ap]

Obama's New Media Team has issued his first official proclamation as President via The White House website in which President Obama declares today as --

A National Day of Renewal and Reconcilitation

Read the official proclamation statement below as issued via Whitehouse.gov's Briefing Room at 12:01pm EST
---

NATIONAL DAY OF RENEWAL AND RECONCILIATION, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

As I take the sacred oath of the highest office in the land, I am humbled by the responsibility placed upon my shoulders, renewed by the courage and decency of the American people, and fortified by my faith in an awesome God.

We are in the midst of a season of trial. Our Nation is being tested, and our people know great uncertainty. Yet the story of America is one of renewal in the face of adversity, reconciliation in a time of discord, and we know that there is a purpose for everything under heaven.

On this Inauguration Day, we are reminded that we are heirs to over two centuries of American democracy, and that this legacy is not simply a birthright -- it is a glorious burden. Now it falls to us to come together as a people to carry it forward once more.

So in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, let us remember that: "The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 20, 2009, a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation, and call upon all of our citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

--

That's what I'm talking about. Getting right down to business the very minute after he takes office. For those of you who are unaware, The Constitution says that at 12noon EST on Jan 20 2009 the office of President officially ends and begins, regardless of when the oath is actually taken (which in Obama's case was not taken until 12:05pm EST).

This makes me so excited. Let's all recover and reconcile all that we've lost over the past years. And hey -- why not start today!!

Maya Angelou Speaks on Significance of This Inauguration

CBS News features an interview with Dr. Maya Angelou in where she speaks on the significance of such a historic moment in history and how because of the way in which these events unfolded, pride is what now eminates from her.

Check the CBS video footage below.

Inauguration Video: The Swearing in of the 44th President, Barack Obama

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Women Falls on Tracks in DC

Although today is quite historic, that's not to say that it went along without any hitches. A 68 year old woman slipped from the platform at about 9:25 a.m. ET, and fell onto the tracks in the city's Chinatown district.

It is still unknown how the woman managed to end up on the tracks but The Secret Service told USA TODAY that the woman did indeed fall on the tracks, but she managed to roll into a crawl space and wasn't hit by the train [reports originaly stated the woman was struck by the train]. Secret Service spokesman Darrin Blackford says the woman's injuries are not life threatening.
[source]

Check the video below--

Read President Obama's Inaugural Address

Take a moment to read the empowering words delivered by our 44th President Barack Obama on the Capitol steps at 12:08pm EST.

This transcript is as prepared for delivery and released by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

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My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America -- they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West -- know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

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[photo: scott andrews/ap]

First Obama White House Blog Post

Change has come to WhiteHouse.gov

Welcome to the new WhiteHouse.gov. I'm Macon Phillips, the Director of New Media for the White House and one of the people who will be contributing to the blog.

A short time ago, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States and his new administration officially came to life. One of the first changes is the White House's new website, which will serve as a place for the President and his administration to connect with the rest of the nation and the world.

Millions of Americans have powered President Obama's journey to the White House, many taking advantage of the internet to play a role in shaping our country's future. WhiteHouse.gov is just the beginning of the new administration's efforts to expand and deepen this online engagement.

Just like your new government, WhiteHouse.gov and the rest of the Administration's online programs will put citizens first. Our initial new media efforts will center around three priorities:

Communication -- Americans are eager for information about the state of the economy, national security and a host of other issues. This site will feature timely and in-depth content meant to keep everyone up-to-date and educated. Check out the briefing room, keep tabs on the blog (RSS feed) and take a moment to sign up for e-mail updates from the President and his administration so you can be sure to know about major announcements and decisions.

Transparency -- President Obama has committed to making his administration the most open and transparent in history, and WhiteHouse.gov will play a major role in delivering on that promise. The President's executive orders and proclamations will be published for everyone to review, and that’s just the beginning of our efforts to provide a window for all Americans into the business of the government. You can also learn about some of the senior leadership in the new administration and about the President’s policy priorities.

Participation -- President Obama started his career as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago, where he saw firsthand what people can do when they come together for a common cause. Citizen participation will be a priority for the Administration, and the internet will play an important role in that. One significant addition to WhiteHouse.gov reflects a campaign promise from the President: we will publish all non-emergency legislation to the website for five days, and allow the public to review and comment before the President signs it.

We'd also like to hear from you -- what sort of things would you find valuable from WhiteHouse.gov? If you have an idea, use this form to let us know. Like the transition website and the campaign's before that, this online community will continue to be a work in progress as we develop new features and content for you. So thanks in advance for your patience and for your feedback.

Later today, we’ll put up the video and the full text of President Obama’s Inaugural Address. There will also be slideshows of the Inaugural events, the Obamas’ move into the White House, and President Obama’s first days in office.

For more information -- White House.gov Briefing Room

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Inaguration Video: The Swearing in of Vice President Joe Biden

Barack Obama at Lincoln Memorial Concert

Jan 19th 2009

Where to Watch the Inaguration Live Online

Not all of us were lucky enough to get tickets (although my sister did and shes there reeeally close to the swearing in) or had to work or what have you. If your looking for places where you can stream the ceremony live, they can be found below:

CNN Live

The Official YouTube Channel of the Office of the President -elect

All the big TV networks -- MSNBC, CBS, ABC, Fox -- will also stream inauguration coverage. C-SPAN will run a service called the Inauguration Hub as an online control room, showing multichannel coverage in a grid of different screens.

Most coverage begins at 11am/ EST

Obama's Exclusive Interview: What We Can Expect from Our Next President

Obama's Optimism

Get all Your Inaguration Day News

As we all wait in anticipation to witness this most historical day you can count on us here at TLT to bring you Inaguration Day 2009 updates with videos, pictures and anything else we can find that would be of interest to you to help chronicle this most historic day!