First, MSNBC’s coverage of the inauguration:

Rick Warren’s invocation:

Aretha Franklin sings My Country Tis of Thee:

Senator Joe Biden is sworn in as the Vice President:

The special song composed by John Williams:

A poem by Elizabeth Alexander:

And Obama’s swearing in along with the inaugural address:

Last, but not least, here is a transcript of President Obama’s speech:

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 forbearers, 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 short-cuts 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. – source

Post from: Crushable

Good morning Snarkarinos! I’ve taken a walk, drunk a TON of coffee, yelled at my dog to stop barking at the freaking neighbors, and now it’s time for the goss.

So apparently, Aretha Franklin might lose her home over a $445 (!) tax mistake. No worries though – she’ll get it squared away by the March 31 deadline. Because honestly, she probably has that kind of money stuffed in her navel for easy access, no kidding. She’s rich. If you didn’t already know that. Plus, I’m sure if the IRS guys showed up to take her house away, she would knock their penny-pinching heads together while singing “Respect.” The woman is not to be trifled with.

Post from: Crushable

First, Aretha Franklin is pissed, which is scary, because she could probably snap me in half without even blinking.

Aretha Franklin Got Dissed, Yalls

Why is Boobie McBoobiestein so mad? Well, because at the Grammy Awards Sunday night, Beyonce introduced Tina Turner as the “queen”, as in “give it up for the queen”. So Aretha got all miffed and issued a statement through her publicist that “she’s not sure whose toes she stepped on, I’m the Queen, blah blah blah pay attention to me” on and on. Which is completely stoopid, because both Tina and Aretha are queens and to make a big deal over this makes her look petty and small. Plus, we all know that there’s plenty of room for two queens in the world; just look at Elton John and David Furnish, for example.

Next: Star Wars geeks all over the world are presently having a group orgasm, because George Lucas just announced he’s making another movie.

Another Star Wars movie coming our way!

It’s not an actual movie with PEOPLE and everything; it’s going to be animated, but still – it’s an actual Star Wars movie with George Lucas at the helm instead of just another basement living junkie who dresses up in Princess Leia’s metal bikini and sends his picture to people nicknamed “Star_Wars_4er”. Comes out August 15, 2008.- source

Next! Gary Coleman got married to someone who apparently is really, REALLY desperate.

Gary Coleman is Married

Apparently, the cash-poor star has been married to this young lady (she’s 22, he’s 40) since AUGUST. Her name is Shannon Price. Well, so I guess it’s been her selling all his pants on eBay then? - source

Next: Eva Longoria is feeling old and decrepit.

Eva Longoria Finds Something NEW to Whine About

So: apparently, Eva doesn’t like it when people address her as “Mrs.”, even though that’s the respectful way to address someone who is married. She says it makes her feel old. Well, crap, Eva! This sounds like a serious issue! We’d better call up UNICEF and get you signed up straightaway; screw those refugee orphans, this is some REAL SUFFERING here. – source

Next: someone has been dipping into the Botox!

Sylvester Stallone Looks Suspiciously Good

Here’s a before and after so you can see what I’m talking about:

Stallone credits this new look to eating lots of fish. So, I guess the next time I go to Costco, I need to pick up the giant sized bag of haddock or pike or SOMETHING. I hate fish, but what the hell. – source

Next! I’m kind of embarrassed for Catharine Zeta-Jones in her next movie; she’s playing a belly dancer. Uh huh.

Catharine Zeta-Jones Is Making Me Squirmy

Cathy is going to play not only a belly dancer, but a PSYCHIC belly dancer in her next movie coming up with Guy Pearce as Harry Houdini. Oh, yeah, sounds great – has “Oscar” written all over it, I’m sure. Geez, at this point it’s like watching my Auntie slither across the stage dressed in her QVC support garments. – source

Next: Idiot Mom Alert.

Moronic Moms bring their daughters to get taught by Britney Spears

Would you allow your young daughter to be taught ANYTHING from this woman?

Well, some people don’t have your common sense. Apparently, in her spare time between teasing paparazzi, losing custody of her kids, being in the mental ward, and getting drunk/stoned without any panties on, Britney Spears is teaching dance classes. You’ve got to read this, it’s hard to summarize:

“I got a call at 5 p.m. [Monday] saying that Britney was teaching a dancing class at 6 p.m. and that Gigi should come,” mom Grace told Us yesterday afternoon after Spears’ second class.
“So we rush down here and when we arrived, we were ushered to the back. There were photographers on the balconies — it was crazy!”
When they arrived, they immediately spotted Spears, who was “dressed in tiny black shorts with a pink top and black boots,” said mom Grace.
Added daughter Gigi, “[Britney] came up and gave me a big hug. She hugged me three times last night! She was so nice. I brought her a chocolate Valentine rose. She said thank you and put it in her bag.”
Daughter Gigi said they danced to Madonna’s “Material Girl.”
“Britney was very into it and personally made sure every kid was having a great time,” mom Grace said.
As the students left the room, Spears “told us that she appreciates us coming and she hopes we come again,” mom Grace said.
Added daughter Gigi: “She hugged me again. When I got home, I cried in bed because I was so happy.”
They returned Tuesday for a second session.
“We showed up, and she was wearing Cheetah shorts and looked so healthy and beautiful,” the student’s mother, Grace, told Us. “Her butt was hanging out.”
Despite the fashion slip-up, daughter Gigi said Spears was still in control.
“We danced, and she hugged me again. I gave her my phone number on a Valentine card and she said thank you,” Gigi said.
Spears, mom Grace said, “welled up with tears and said that she really appreciated it.”
When asked if she thought Spears is “a good mommy,” daughter Gigi emphatically told Us, “Yes!”
Mom Grace told Us she wasn’t uneasy leaving her daughter under Spears’ guidance.
“I have never seen my daughter so happy!” mom Grace told Us. “She is learning some dance moves too that she was doing all last night.
“She was so excited to show them to Britney today and told her that she practiced for her. Britney said, ‘Awwww!’”
Spears, added mom Grace, “is young and made some mistakes. It is obvious that she loves kids very much and that she is great with children. I will bring my daughter to every one of her classes.”

– source

I just have no clue as to what is going through this idiot’s head (the mom); it’s obvious that she’s eaten a few too many retard sandwiches, but hopefully the kid will be able to bill Britney for the inevitable therapy that will be in her future.

Next: Natalie Cole (remember her?) is mad that Amy Winehouse got a few Grammy awards.

Natalie Cole: Sour Grapes?

So apparently, Nat was miffed that Amy picked up five Grammy Awards; here’s what she had to say:”I don’t think she should have won. I think it sends a bad message to our young people who are trying to get into this business, the ones who are trying to do it right and really trying to keep themselves together,” said Cole, 58. “We have to stop rewarding bad behavior.”

Of Winehouse, 24, who is currently in rehab in England, Cole says: “I’m sorry. I think the girl is talented, gifted, but it’s not right for her to be able to have her cake and eat it too. She needs to get herself together.”

– source

On one hand, I can see her point; on the other hand, the Grammy awards are not based on your personal choices, no matter how good or bad they may be. I think Natalie was just trying to grab some of the limelight; she hasn’t had a hit since what, the 1920’s? It’s okay Natalie – go and sing “Unforgettable” in the mirror to yourself again and you’ll be feeling better in no time.

Next: Mariah Carey has got yet another crappy album out.

Mariah Carey Needs to Stop Already

Here’s the album cover:

The full name of this sure to be masterpiece is going to be (get this): E=MC².Touch My Body. I’m pretty sure she has no idea what “E=MC²” even MEANS; somebody probably told her it means “happy unicorns and rainbows” and she was all like “All RIGHT!”. – source

What else is going on today:

• Christina Aguilera likes penis balloons
• Beyonce at the Grammy after party
• Fergie and Josh move their wedding date up
• Sheri Shepherd talks about her miscarriages
• Vanessa Hudgens got a diamond ring

That’s all for this morning; until later, I’ll leave you with this great video of Frozen Grand Central:

Post from: Crushable

]]> http://crushable.com/entertainment/lets-have-a-little-gossip-with-our-morning-coffee-shall-we/feed/ 0 http://crushable.com/entertainment/aretha-franklin-wants-halle-berry-to-play-her-in-a-movie-of-her-life/ http://crushable.com/entertainment/aretha-franklin-wants-halle-berry-to-play-her-in-a-movie-of-her-life/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2007 19:30:01 +0000 Wendy Boswell http://www.snarkygossip.com/2007/09/20/aretha-franklin-wants-halle-berry-to-play-her-in-a-movie-of-her-life/ More

Post from: Crushable

]]> So I think that this might work, actually. Well, until the point in Aretha’s life where she gained like 300 pounds. Then we might have a problem.

She’s got Halle Berry on a short list of people whom she’d like to see portraying her in a TV movie project that she’s in the midst of working on. In addition, she’s also reported to be taking a look at Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Terrence Howard and Billy Dee Williams as possible additions to the cast. Umm, hmm, Aretha. Sure, you’d like Halle to play you on TV. We’d ALL love to have her play us in the movie version of our lives. Doesn’t mean we actually LOOK like Halle. That’s all I’m saying.

I’ve got Angelina Jolie handpicked to play me in a movie in my life, and George Clooney to play my love interest. Oh, and Brad Pitt can play another love interest, as well as Matt Damon, Keanu Reeves, and Tom Welling. Actually, I’ll need to have David Beckham in there as well. Just to keep it real.

source

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]]> http://crushable.com/entertainment/aretha-franklin-wants-halle-berry-to-play-her-in-a-movie-of-her-life/feed/ 2 http://crushable.com/entertainment/not-for-the-easily-offended-26/ http://crushable.com/entertainment/not-for-the-easily-offended-26/#comments Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:00:33 +0000 Wendy Boswell http://www.snarkygossip.com/2007/08/30/not-for-the-easily-offended-26/ More

Post from: Crushable

]]> Lawsie mercy. I’m going to apologize in advance for this one.

Yes, that is indeed Aretha Franklin, unfortunately going without any kind of support. My back hurts just looking at her.

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