Today I went to Barack Obama’s Inauguration at the National Mall. What was the experience like? Here’s what everyone sitting at home and watching it on TV didn’t see. The facts, straight from the free section open to the public:

- George Bush was booed three times, accompanied by a lot of polite clapping in the front and some silent, tired-looking attendees.
- I didn’t see Michelle’s dress. The jumbo screens were hard to see over others’ heads.
- Obama’s speech was great. Not too many people cried though. If you don’t believe me see the photos.
- Two people fainted near us at the gate to the ticketed area. It was a tight squeeze in the front of the cheap seats.
- Most left after the official address before the poem or ending prayer.
- Phones with Internet connections didn’t work during and a little before the ceremony. Believe me, I tried many times. Texting was the way to go, but with everyone resorting to using SMS, it was also unreliable.

Any other impressions of media coverage?