Barack Obama Inauguration wrap-up/superlatives

January 21, 2:53 PMDC Tourism & Travel ExaminerBen Shlesinger

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Favorite Celebrity Sighting- Cheryl Hines. She was really nice and was more than willing to pose for some pictures.

Biggest Surprise- The cancellation of so many events at the last minute. When the all-star basketball game was canceled, the p.r. representative for the game personally called to tell me, which I appreciated. When the American Music Inaugural Balls were canceled, all I got was an e-mail, which I only checked at 1 a.m. If I didn't check that e-mail, I would have gone to the Marriott Wardman Park and waited for a ball that would never happen.

Least Favorite Celebrity Sighting- Susan Sarandon. She said she has never heard of me before. What a liar. Who hasn't read this blog before?

Biggest Inauguration Complaint- The total lack of rule enforcement. I had tickets in the silver area and it appeared as if no one was even checking tickets. Also, I did not bring a bag because bags were supposed to be banned. I was less than pleased to see that anyone who had a bag brought it in. Same goes for those who brought along milk crates, Thermoses and a million other banned items.

Biggest Lie- That there was a Third Street tunnel. I walked up Third Street in an effort to leave the swearing-in, and it was blocked off. So instead of being able to walk North, I had to turn back around into a sea of people I did not have to be trapped by.

Biggest Metro Mistake- Since I think Metro did a great job on inauguration day, I'm going to have to say Metro's biggest mistake was opening up the gates when people were trying to exit a station. I saw this happen at the Capitol South stop. I can only imagine this caused problems for people when they wanted to get back on to return home.

Biggest Regret- Not being able to see the parade. I know there were too many people for this, but it would have been cool if somehow those who saw the swearing-in could have also seen the parade.

Best Swearing-In Performance- The Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman group.

Worst Swearing-In Performer- Aretha Franklin. I understand she's a legend but she hasn't sounded good in years.

Favorite Ball- The U.S. Congressional International Conservation 2009 Inauguration Gala. This is where I spoke with Cheryl Hines, Ed Norton and Robert Duvall. The ball also had a spacious set-up and a buffet of Texas barbeque. I didn't have any of it though.