The Obamas Are Here!

Back In Four

Lesly Simmons — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 01:59:54 +0000

Its been just over a month since inaugural insanity gripped Washington, DC. The happy feeling was tangible for days before and after, and it was so exciting to see so many people come together in celebration of a common cause in my adopted hometown. For now the celebrations have subsided, and more serious matters are once again the focus of the nation’s capitol. But for me and many others, the feeling that sprang from this year’s inauguration hasn’t completely left us–people are volunteering to help others, paying more attention to politics, and doing more than ever to be a part of the solution to whatever our problems are. I personally will spend the next few years doing the same, until its time for the inaugural insanity to start all over again.

Posted in inauguration Tagged: dc, parties

Luda and Dionne Dis DC?

Lesly Simmons — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:53:08 +0000

Perhaps it was the pricey tickets or the weird combination of legends like Dionne Warwick and rappers like Ludacris, but apparently their much hyped American Music inaugural balls scheduled to happen Jan. 20th never took place, according to the folks over at BizBash. Not enough people hankering to party with either of them for $400 is my guess at what did the event in… Oh well, they have four years to get it together for next time.

Posted in dc, inauguration

The Inauguration Celebration In Pictures

Lesly Simmons — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:40:02 +0000

Boston.com’s amazing photo website The Big Picture complied an awe-inspiring collection of images from around the world chronicling President Obama’s inauguration. This is one of my favorites, but they are all great.

Posted in Uncategorized Tagged: photos, swearing in

Submit Your Pics For the Official Inaugural Photobook

Lesly Simmons — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:05:36 +0000

Dear World, We're Back! Love U.S.A.

Now that a few days have passed since President Obama’s swearing in, you’ve probably had some time to look at your photos, and maybe you got some really good ones. Now’s your chance for the big time– the Official Barack Obama Inaugural Book is looking for pictures from people who took part in the magic. I really hope the folks over at Better Than Machines who took this one send it in!

Posted in Uncategorized Tagged: dc, events, photos, swearing in

Pissed Off Purple Ticket Holder?

Lesly Simmons — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:23:51 +0000

Fox 5 News in DC reported today that inaugural ticketholders who were turned away from the big event on Tuesday will be eligible for a special token to make up for the drama they experienced:

Thousands of people trying to get to the inauguration are left stranded in the 3rd Street Tunnel under the National Mall on January 20, 2009 (photo submitted by Anna Della Subin to the "Survivors of the Purple Tunnel of Doom" Facebook group page)

WASHINGTON — The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies says ticket holders who were blocked from entering the swearing-in ceremony will receive commemorative inaugural items.

Thousands of ticket holders were kept waiting in a tunnel below the National Mall on Tuesday. Others say access to the U.S. Capitol grounds was cut off.

Committee spokeswoman Carole Florman says those with blue, silver and purple tickets who didn’t make it in will receive copies of the swearing-in invitation and program; photos of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden; and a color print of the ceremony.

She says people should check the committee’s Web site early next week for instructions on how to claim their items.

Authorities say they are reviewing what happened.

Posted in dc, inauguration Tagged: dc, swearing in

Woman Rescued from Metro Tracks Tuesday Morning

Lesly Simmons — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:18:09 +0000

Usually hearing someone came in contact with Metro tracks doesn’t end in good news, but on Tuesday a Houston police officer gave one woman a happy ending after she fell onto the tracks at Gallery Place/Chinatown.

From Metro’s press release:

Houston officer makes inaugural rescue

An officer from the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (Houston Metro) helped rescue a woman who had fallen onto the tracks at the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metrorail station earlier today (January 20).

While patrolling the Red Line platform at the station around 9:15 a.m., Officer Eliot Swainson, a 15-year veteran of the Houston Metro Police Department, heard people yelling that a person was on the tracks. “I turned around and saw a lady standing in the track area,” Swainson said.

He rushed to the woman and with the assistance of a Metro rider, they reached down to try to pull her up from the tracks, but were unable to as a Red Line train heading toward Glenmont was pulling into the station. “The train was coming in closer,” Swainson said. At that point, “I pushed her down and got her tucked down under the platform.” He directed the woman to remain in the crawl space beneath the granite platform edge for safety.

“Due to Officer Swainson’s quick response, the woman was not seriously injured,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn. “He did exactly what was expected, and we are enormously grateful for his actions.”

The 68-year-old Nashville woman was not hit by the approaching train. An emergency response crew pulled her out from under the platform and took her to an area hospital with injuries that were not believed to be serious.

Officers from 18 transit properties across the country joined the Metro Transit Police today to help provide security for the Metro riders on Inauguration Day. After being deputized to police in Washington area on Monday, Jan. 19, the officers received a safety briefing from the Metro Transit Police about what to expect and what to do in emergency situations.

During the morning incident, Red Line riders faced major delays. Normal service resumed around 10:15 a.m.

To view an interview with Officer Swainson, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EtrA3bYaas

Posted in dc, inauguration

Counting Crows at Good Stuff Tuesday

Lesly Simmons — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:51:33 +0000

Got this email from Good Stuf Eatery, one of my fave burger spots in town, about an event on Jan. 20th. If you’re on the Hill and not at the swearing in, why not?

Counting Crows members Perform at Good Stuff

with The Low Stars

Morning of Inauguration

Join us at Good Stuff for a special daytime performance by The Low Stars and Counting Crows members David Immergluck and Charlie Gillingham on Jan. 20, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to promote the Friend Campaign by CrisisLink.

The Friend Campaign encourages individuals and organizations throughout the community to pledge to be a friend when someone they know is facing a hard time and give the number, or make the call to 1-800-273-TALK. Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for those who are sad, depressed, having suicidal thoughts, experiencing emotional distress, or seeking information on available resources.

“As a band, and as individuals, we have collaborated on many projects over the years, but this campaign stood out to us in a very compelling way,” explains Chris Seefried of The Low Stars. “To say we are profoundly excited to support the awareness of a ‘lifeline’ to those facing crisis would be an understatement. Whenever possible, we all have an obligation to be a friend when one is needed.”

Visit the campaign’s web site at www.FriendCampaign.org to take the pledge and to find tips and resources for helping someone who might be depressed or suicidal.

Posted in Uncategorized Tagged: dc, events, swearing in

Tuesday Travel Tips from Metro

Lesly Simmons — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:07:43 +0000

Metro reminds customers to bring four essentials for Inauguration travels.

It’s a strange list, but the 4 things appear to be:

A Metro card with enough money for your round trip
$4 cash to park at a Metro station if your planning to do so
Pick up a Metro commemorative travel guide
No signs or coolers.

Posted in dc

Mambo for Obama Discount Tix Available

Lesly Simmons — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:36:15 +0000

The fine folks putting on the Mambo for Obama have added a new cheaper ticket price for the Sunday night event:

We now offer a fourth ticket option. It’s for those on a little tighter budget or those who are attending other balls or galas that want a place to party when that event ends (we will be open to 4:00am). To view and purchase that ticket OR one of the other options, please visit http://www.mamboforobama.eventbrite.com

$50
-Admission after 11pm or with ticket from another ball or gala
-Complimentary Wine and Champagne until 12am
-Performance by Orquesta La Leyenda
-Dancing until 4am with DJ Bruno

Posted in dc, inauguration

Obama That One Discount Tix Available!

Lesly Simmons — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 14:34:56 +0000

I’ve gotten this email a few times in the last 24 hours. If you want to hit what sounds like a fun event at 50% off, here are the details:

50% off on all ticket levels, JUST FOR YOU, to make sure you are all there to celebrate history in the making!

Come out and celebrate “Obama: That One!” with me this Sunday, January 18th at Newseum, the world’s most interactive, state-of-the-art news museum and THE HOTTEST VENUE in Washington D.C. We have put together an incredible evening of entertainment hosted by Broadway’s own Omar Edwards and honoring the Who’s Who and tastemakers of this amazing era – Hill Harper, Beverly Bond, John Rhea, Senator Roland Burris and Kimatni Rawlins.

Once the awards are over, be prepared to party the night away with Beverly Bonds as she takes command of the stage to bring you the hottest music as we celebrate President-elect Obama, the Change Movement and the New Year! Go to ObamaThatOne.com to purchase tickets – use Coupon Code life4obama and Host Code 41899. I look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday!

Posted in dc, inauguration