The inauguration, from Abu Dhabi

Well, that was inspiring, wasn't it? President Barack Hussein Obama. It was like one of the signs the cameras captured in the crowd, the one that said "Wow". Still, I am left wondering...

...how is it possible that the BBC's cameras, out of about a million people packed into the National Mall, would focus in on the same attractive white woman not once, but twice during Obama's speech?

...how Obama can be such an impressive orator, yet muck up an Oath of Office he simply has to repeat?

...where Aretha Franklin got her awesome hat.

...why George Bush Sr was wearing a yellow turtleneck, and he and Barbara matching purple coats and scarves.

...who is responsible for this line in Obama's speech, aimed at the dictators and undemocratic of the world: "we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist".

...if any media will pluck out this shout-out: "to the Muslim world a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect".

...what the very first thing is that George W will do when the helicopters have gone and he's back in his ranch.

...if the BBC reporter's pre-speech interview with "average black woman" could have been more awkward. Also, why television people persist in asking closed questions like "did you ever think you'd see anything like this in your lifetime?" That reporter in particular is obsessed with "never having seen anything like it". He said it three times when they went to him after the speech wrapped.

...if there is anything cuter than Malia taking snaps of her dad giving his inaugural address.

...if the speechwriters meant to conjure Albert Camus with the "in the depth of winter" stuff. Cause there ain't anything the world needs more right now than a little of that sentiment: "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me, there was an invincible summer".