Inaugural Bliss Is Over: Time For A Reality Check

It's only three weeks ago that the nation was basking in a poetically calming lovefest. What a difference a day --  or a few -- makes.

via NY Daily NewsNot only are Beyonce and Etta James duking it out, even if Etta James is now a turncoat on her own self, claiming that her corrosive comments about the President and Beyonce were only a joke. Fat chance, Etta. At least stand up and take responsibility for your own diatribe.

I guess no one told Etta about the power of the Internet. Hasn't she learned that there's no such thing as making a few intimate, off-the-record comments anymore?

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Etta James: A Case Of Mistaken Identity

There are moments when even the Obamas don't lead a charmed life. If the whole world was charmed at the gorgeous moment when Beyonce sang "At Last" to the First Couple, Etta James was not amused.

Forget the fact that many people got a new education on Etta James, who was not exactly a household word going in to the Inauguration. I am one person who lavishly paid tribute to her.

Her viscious attack, not only on Beyonce, but on the President -- I'm quite certain that she says that the guy with the big ears is not her president -- leaves most people speechless.

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The REAL DEAL: Etta James - At Last

At Last by Etta James

Anne here. I feel like I'm in some kind of warp madness that I can't explain.

In my wildest dreams, I never thought I'd be blogging about Etta James on a website devoted to the style and cultural influence of America's First Family, who just happen to be African Americans. Woah!

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Michelle Obama Wears Jason Wu to Inaugural Balls

First Lady Michelle Obama chose a one-shoulder, ivory chiffon down by young New York, CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund designer Jason Wu to wear to this evening's Inaugural Balls.

First Lady Michelle Obama dances in Jason WuThe dress has a ruched bodice, fluffy appliques (I've called today a lemon meringue day, and we WILL be featuring deserts tomorrow), Swarovski crystals and silver thread embroidery. The dress is young, fresh, almost a bit Southern belle. The romantic, highly feminine gown reminds me of an ensemble from the Alvin Ailey "Revelations" ballet.

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The People's Art: Shepard Fairey and Rafael Lopez

Barack Obama by Shepard FaireyShepard Fairey's now famous image of President-Elect Barack Obama has moved to the National Portrait Gallery.

Both Obamas have declared a passion for igniting a new arts movement in America, one that extends the renaissance of local painters, graffitti artists, songsters and presumably a puppeter or two, to translate the grassroots sensation of optimism, now sweeping the American landscape.

OBAMA Nuestra Voz fumi chan's photostrea.San Diego artist Rafael López is also in Washington for Obama's historic Inauguration.

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First Daughters Statler and Waldorf

First Daughters at We Are One concertNew York Mag brings us this delightful photo of First Daughters Sasha and Malia Obama at the We Are One concert. In genuine "kids will be kids" style, the girls looked totally detached or "out cold in sleepland" when bored, or enthused and excited, snapping their camera, when pleased with a performance.

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