A few impressions: I didn't care much about Rick Warren before, but he was an obnoxious presence, using the occasion to preach rather than pray. Aretha Franklin was the great relief of the day, wiping his bad energy away with the beauty and power of her voice. The song was a bit weird, the "American" version of "God save the queen (king)." Joseph Lowery showed how to offer a prayer to suit the occasion.

Ted Kennedy was one of the few "white" guys who had the good sense to wear a hat. There were a few others wearing Stetsons, ala the Texas Rangers in Dallas when Kennedy's brother was assassinated. "African American" guests and dignitaries, by and large, did have the sense to wear hats, and stylish ones. This could be more a sign of the torch being passed than anything else. Al Roker was the only "newsman" to wear a hat.

Most symbolic of the departing Bush regime was Dick Cheney in a wheelchair, head slumped. Good riddance. Second most symbolic was young Barbara Bush, in a dress too short, making snide comments that were not audible. Low class to the bitter end. Have fun in "Texas."

Brian Williams of NBC felt the need to repeat the fake report that Clinton staffers removed the W letters on the White House typewriters when they moved out. This verifies my suspicion that he is no more than a pretty boy, a TV performer who has no soul.

The TV performers in general couldn't keep their mouths shut. They try to make the event about themselves and their presumed expertise, and interrupt things like the music to pontificate about nothing.

Bush one and his wife wore purple scarves, as if in mourning. They have plenty to mourn about: their misspent lives, and the misspent lives of their offspring.

Joe Biden's wife wore boots more appropriate for Times Square.

There was too much sweety-sweeety with Bush and his various gang member. I hope this doesn't mean there won't be any prosecutions.

Still, it was great. We have a fresh start. Now, for the hard part - saving our civilization.

I've reached the point of wondering if it's just me, but I've been finding Garrison Keillor to be really tiresome and boring. I used to be a dedicated listener to "Prairie Home Companion," I enjoyed hearing his "Writer's Almanac," and enjoyed reading his column.

No more. "Prairie Home Companion" has become a sleepwalk, with gratuitous and cheap political shots crammed in for some reason or other. "Writer's Almanac" induces sleep at a time when I am just waking up. This article is the hat trick. I had to force myself to finish it. No flow, no rhythm, no progression. Just a collection of words.

I didn't notice the mischief in Obama's daughters. Maybe being young and energetic appears as mischief after a certain age. I also didn't notice that Obama and his wife are overachievers. I suppose one could say that if one were making the argument that "African-Americans" shouldn't aim too high. There are certainly many thousands, if not millions, in this country who believe he has achieved above his station.

Writing is not about just putting down whatever comes to mind. It might be tempting when one has reached a plateau of success, but it is an insult to readers.

That was nice. I haven't been a reader of John Updike, but will keep him in mind. Ted Williams is my second-favorite baseball player. I wonder if Updike ever wrote about Sandy Koufax.