A Fine Whine

So, President Barack Obama dropped in on Rhode Island on Monday, and notably failed to endorse Democratic gubernatorial candidate Frank Caprio. Caprio responded by saying, "He could take his endorsement and really shove it, as far as I'm concerned." WJAR, the local NBC affiliate in Providence, then polled the race, and found that Caprio had dropped from first place to third since a previous poll released on October 12. Specifically, Caprio fell from 37% to 25%, Independent Lincoln Chafee rose from 33% to 35%, Republican John Robitaille rose from 22% to 28%, Moderate Ken Block held steady at 2%, while undecideds rose from 6% to 10%. So Caprio dropped 12%, with 2% going to Chafee, 6% going to Robitaille, and 4% going to undecided.

It looks like "Vote for the Whiner" is not going to be a winning campaign slogan for Caprio.

Pre-Inauguration Celeb Music

Renee Fleming sings with the Navy Glee Club at the Pre-Inauguration Concert. The Glee Club represents the best of the best. Hats off to my old friend, Wash. College attendee, Phillip Scott-Smith who used to sing with them. I loved this song from "Carousel" which was my h.s. graduation song, "You'll Never Walk Alone."

I've blogged about Pete Seeger before. Here he's singing a new verse to "This Land is My Land." Enjoy! Love that www.youtube.com

Attend Inaugurations 2: Electric Boogaloo

Eileen has already posted about the Inauguration Day gatherings at PPAC and the State House in Providence. But I know you're saying to yourself, "Hey, I'm an Islander. As far as I'm concerned, Providence might as well be on Mars. Aren't there any events going on here on Aquidneck Island that I can attend?"

Indeed there is. The Jane Pickens Theater in Newport's Washington Square will be splashing the inauguration across the Big Screen in high-definition from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Admission is free, but you have to go to the Barack Obama website to sign up. They've got room for 312 people, but as of 6:00 PM Saturday evening 160 have already signed up (including me), so grab 'em while they're hot.

Attend Inaugurations

Consider yourself invited to join in the festivities at PPAC hosted by Attorney General Lynch. PPAC will open its doors for the Inauguration Watch Celebration at 10:30 AM. The official program for the inaugural swearing-in ceremony of the Vice President and the President is slated to begin at 11:30 AM. PPAC is located at 220 Weybosset Street in Providence's downtown.
It's free, non-partisan, & there will be a television live-feed.

OR

From Lt. Guv.Elizabeth Roberts:

The Presidential Inauguration is a celebration for our entire country. In that spirit, I will be hosting a viewing of the inauguration for all Rhode Islanders at the State House. Join me as we celebrate our time-honored tradition of a peaceful transfer of power for all to see.Doors open at 10:30 am and the Ceremonies will begin at 11:30 am. Space is limited so please RSVP by clicking here or by calling (401) 222-2371. Please note that the parking lots at the State House will be closed for Assembly session. Parking is available on the surrounding streets or at the Providence Place Mall. Additionally, the State House is on RIPTA routes 56 and 57.

OR

if you're going to be in crazyville itself- D.C.- have brunch with Prov. Mayor Cicilline:

Please see the invitation below and RSVP via email by Friday, January 16.

Please RSVP today to rsvp@cicilline.com or click here to download a PDF invitation. Please include an email address for every attendee.

As my mother says: "you makes your pick & you takes your choice." Well, she'd actually says it with a Brooklyn accent which she can't do, but that doesn't stop her. Must be an oldtime radio thing or ???