GMTS Newsletter: Inauguration 101

Monday, Jan. 21, 2013

For this week’s edition of Monday Morning Musings, I’m sharing Inauguration Fun Facts.

-The president will be sworn in four times by the time all is said and done: twice his first term, and twice this term. He was sworn in yesterday because federal law says the swearing in has to happen prior to noon on Jan. 20. Makes you wonder what was so special about that date. You’ll remember during his first ceremony, Chief Justice John Roberts put the word “faithfully” in the wrong place, so he re-administered the oath that night at the White House to make sure every base was covered.

- The president and vice president will get gifts from the Joint Congressional Committee: each will get hand cut, etched crystal vase made by Lenox.

-On This MLK Day, the President will use two bibles: one that belonged to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and one owned by Abraham Lincoln. Now that's full circle.

-Stovepipe hats were once tradition among presidents at their inauguration, but that stopped with President Kennedy. You’re welcome, America.

-Lots of people are eager to see what Michelle Obama will be wearing today (besides bangs – and give it a rest already), but the fashion watchers were really surprised by John Quincy Adams. He was the first President to wear long pants to his ceremony – before that, it was colonial “breeches” for everyone.

-William Henry Harrison’s inaugural address took two and a half hours in freezing temperatures. On a related note, Harrison died of pneumonia a month later.

-Chief Justice John Roberts will swear in President Obama, while Justice Sonia Sotomayor will swear in Vice President Biden.

-The first inaugural ball was held in honor of James and Dolley Madison in 1809. Tickets were a steep $4.

-This year, the Ritz-Carlton in D.C. offered a $100,000 Access Washington package that included first class round trip tickets to Washington, four nights at the Ritz, behind the scenes private tours of famous sites, a designer dress and tux, a cupcake decorating party and more.

Enjoy your Inauguration Day.

From Today’s Show:

-Honoring MLK: Of course, today is also Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and there are many activities you can take part in with your family to honor his legacy. Entry to the Freedom Center is free today, and that’s just the start .

-Brrrrr: Dude. It’s gonna be cold. Like, really cold .

Today’s Distracting Link:

Pick a topic – it’ll type the essay for you. Of course, it’s straight from Wikipedia, so use at your own risk.

http://essaytyper.com/