So Many Events!

I have decided that there may just be too many inaugural events. The GW Inauguration Website details all of the events going on both around campus and around the city.

In fact, for the Twentieth alone, the website lists all of these events:

Inauguration and Parade Viewing Jack Morton Auditorium, Media and Public Affairs Building, B-03 805 21st Street, NW Cloyd Heck Marvin Center, J Street and Hippodrome 800 21st Street, NW The Pub, Ames Building lower level Mount Vernon Campus 2100 Foxhall Road, NW Members of the GW community are invited to view the swearing-in ceremony and parade. No tickets required.

2:30 p.m.

GW Float Marches in 56th Presidential Inaugural Parade GW's float will participate in the 56th Presidential Inaugural Parade, which begins at the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building, proceeds along Pennsylvania Avenue, and ends at the White House. Deconstructing the GW Parade Float, Washington Post Blog GW Marches in History With 1949 Parade Float, GW Hatchet Parade Float at D.C. Mayor’s View Stand, YouTube

At this point, the dilemma becomes which events provide me with the best opportunity to see and be a part of history. Do I go to the inauguration itself, though I don't have a ticket, or do I watch it on TV in the comfort of one of the many locations broadcasting it? And do I take the time that would save me to hurry over to the parade route to see Obama up close and personal?

Rumor has it they are capping the attendence to the parade at some low number like 300,000, but I can't seem to find any proof of that. And if so, is it worth it to try to go after the inauguration itself?

On an unrelated note, one event I know I will never regret standing in the cold to see was the "We Are One" Concert. I have never seen such a large group of people in person before, and was moved by the sheer amount of patriotism there. There were no democrats or republicans, just people enjoying some (fantastic!) music. Hopefully we'll have many more of these events in the next four years!

Inauguration Fringe Benefits

One plus about inauguration (other than the extended weekend, the upcoming Ball, a new Democratic President, and today's unforgettable "We Are One" concert): pedicabs on campus.

Mixed among the crowds and the MPs with their Humvees hanging out in front of my humble abode, I've been noticing a lot of these guys (and girls) peddling about on campus.

Take note, all you Colonials planning to partake in the extended nightlife options this long weekend. They're cheaper than cabs, and, from my experience, generally make for a more fun mode of transportation than your run-of-the-mill taxicab. Plus, they may be able to take you down streets that will be closed to cabs.

And now, for your ominous viewing pleasure:

Remembering Your Manners

As I type thousands of people are returning from We Are One, the Lincoln Memorial Concert that featured everyone from Beyonce to Bruce Springsteen. But instead of being a joyous celebration, for many people it turned into a testy and heated few hours.

People yelled, accusations were made, there were a few fights, and numerous individuals seemed to have forgotten their manners.

Given that inauguration is a large public event, there is bound to be security and traffic personnel. Rudely speaking to such personnel and not following their directions not only detracts from security measures but also fosters a negative atmosphere. Many personnel are volunteering their time, and are entitled to the decency and respect that they deserve.

Understand that this weekend’s events are going to be crowded and small spaces will be full of people. As a participant do everybody a favor and don’t get bad-tempered if people accidentally bump into you. If you’re sitting on a blanket don’t be surprised if people inadvertently step on it.

For those of you who try to bypass people who have camped out, please walk carefully. Yes, you have a right to participate in inauguration, but you don’t have the authority to trample over everyone. “Excuse me” and “sorry” need to be a part of your vocabulary.

Once you’ve reach your chosen spot act politely. Long hours of standing in cold weather are part of the inaugural experience, so it’s not an excuse to be grumpy. Use the extra time to bond with your fellow crowd members. Cattiness and name-calling aren’t acceptable social norms, and inauguration weekend is no exception. Yelling and shoving is not a part of the inaugural tradition, and participants should aim to keep it that way.

This country is facing some dire times, and for a brief weekend we have the chance to renew the nation’s spirit. In honor of this opportunity, try to remember your manners.

Getting to the National Mall on Tuesday

If you don't have an inauguration ticket and you are planning to walk to the National Mall on Tuesday morning, here is some information that may be of help to you:

WALKABLE ROUTES

• The following access points have been identified as pedestrian-only routes to the National Mall:
  • E Street, NE from Massachusetts Avenue, NE to 3rd Street, NW
  • 7th Street, SW from D Street, SW to Independence Avenue, SW
  • 19th Street, NW from K Street, NW to DuPont Circle, NW
  • 3rd Street Tunnel (I-395) from New York Avenue, NW to SE/SW Freeway
  • Arlington Memorial Bridge from Virginia, around Lincoln Circle to Independence Avenue, SW
  • East Capitol Street, NE to North Carolina, SE to New Jersey Avenue, SE to I Street, SE

• The following access points have been identified as pedestrian-only routes to the Inaugural Parade:
  • 6th Street, NW from K Street, NW to P Street, NW
  • 13th Street, NW from K Street, NW to Logan Circle, NW
  • East Capitol Street, NE to Massachusetts Avenue, NE
  • Arlington Memorial Bridge from Virginia, around Lincoln Circle to Henry Bacon Drive, NW

Also, there will be 2 bike valet stations for anyone considering that method of transportation.

Change we can believe in?

First, let me introduce my self, as it's my first time blogging. My name is Jason Lifton and I am the Vice President for Community Affairs of this year's student Association.

Anyway...After weeks of negative Hatchet Articles bashing the SA, is it possible that there is change in the air? Its clear that President Vishal Aswani has been the target of much criticism, but looking at the past really doesn't accomplish much if you ask me. I am not saying to forget the first semester of this year, but I AM saying that we go into the spring with an open mind.

Vishal has promised change and progress for the upcoming semester, and if he does what he says he will I'm optimistic. I hope that my optimism will stick! Vishal has promised a revised plan for next semester that will be rolled out at some point in the next month or so. I'll be sure to keep you updated on that.

In other news: WE GOT THE FLOAT IN THE PARADE! Yes, for those of you who didn't hear, GW will have a float in the inaugural parade for the first time in like 60 years, thats exciting. HUGE props to Charlie Burgoyne who helped make this happen! I have seen the design picture, and I'm not sure that I understand it but I assume thats because its lost in the CAD translation. It also seems that I'm not the only one who's lost. The Washington Post ran a story this morning about it that made me laugh at bit. Check it out.