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    We the people watchers

    Inauguration Day truths: Beyoncé, Michelle Obama's new bangs & awkward Republicans rule

    Tyler Rudick
    Jan 21, 2013 | 2:12 pm

    For all its pomp and circumstance, Inauguration Day is usually a bit of a snooze fest. There are the oaths and the military bands and the invocations . . . all topped off with a typically bland address from the president, who proceeds to spend 15 to 20 minutes discussing what may or may not happen in the next four years.

    The 2009 Inauguration was one of the great exceptions, of course, as Barack Obama took the oath of office to become the nation's first African-American president. Remember Aretha Franklin? Remember Yo-Yo Ma?

    While Monday's ceremony could never match the excitement of its predecessor, there were still some notable moments. Here's the rundown.

    The Address

    Obama's 19-minute speech marked a slight return to his progressive roots, as he threw his public support behind gay marriage rights and climate change initiatives. Interestingly, while he mentioned the recent Newtown shootings, the President said the phrase "gun control" exactly zero times, according to the Washington Post's by-the-numbers look at the address.

    The Hair

    While watching politicos take their seats is torturous for live broadcasters, it did offer an opportunity for announcers to discuss one of the week's biggest developments — Michelle Obama's bangs.

    The Tweets

    According to the Huffington Post's live blog of the event, Twitter logged more than a million Inaugural-tagged tweets during the ceremony. Here are two faves.

    From NBC correspondent Peter Alexander: Mitt & Ann Romney in La Jolla, CA today. Asked if he'll be watching #Inaug2013, fmr aide tells me: 'Doubtful.'

    From Huff Post blogger Robert Egger: Newt & Callista next to Jay-Z & Beyonce. I love Inauguration Day!! [twitpic]

    The Music

    James Taylor and Kelly Clarkson gave us two of the sleepiest patriotic songs ever performed with lullaby-like renditions of "America, the Beautiful" and "My Country, Tis' of Thee."

    But thanks to Houston's own Beyoncé Knowles, America got an absolutely show-stopping rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner." Watch below:

    It's official: Barack Obama's second term kicks off this week.

    Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, inauguration, January 2013
      
    Photo by © Alex Wong Getty Images
    It's official: Barack Obama's second term kicks off this week.
    unspecified
    news/city-life

    Hot Headlines

    New owner of Texas Renaissance Festival revealed in our top 5 stories

    CultureMap Staff
    May 17, 2025 | 11:01 am
    Amid scandals covered by multiple documentaries, the nation's largest Renaissance festival opens for its golden season.
    Photo courtesy of the Texas Renaissance Festival
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    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week. Details emerge on the new owner of the Texas Renaissance Festival, plus high profile restaurant openings are on the horizon. Catch up on our five most popular stories below, then visit this guide to plan your weekend.

    1. Winner of Ren Fest lawsuit plans to keep the event mostly unchanged. Following a recent court ruling, the Texas Renaissance Festival will soon be under new ownership, but much will remain the same as it has for the last half century. CultureMap has the details.

    2. Houston's most pretty-in-pink restaurant quietly closes in Upper Kirby. PostScript, the posh pink restaurant that opened to considerable fanfare in early 2024, has closed for good.

    3. Massive, German-inspired beer garden coming to new Energy Corridor project. One of Houston’s most successful bar operators is bringing his talents to the Energy Corridor with a new beer garden slated for early 2026.

    Katy Beer Garden outdoor patioThe new beer garden will be similar to Katy Beer Garden. Photo by Eric Sandler

    4. Houstonians will get the royal treatment at this lively new steakhouse. Mark your calendar for Houston’s newest steakhouse, opening May 21.

    5. Luxury bus service Vonlane adds new departure from The Woodlands. The Texas-based luxury motor coach will roll out daily service between Dallas and The Woodlands in June.

    hot-headlinestexas renaissance festivalclosingsopeningsbeer gardenenergy corridorsteakhousevonlanetravelmost popular stories
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