No MoTabs at the Inauguration

[Inauguration Inventory] The University of Utah marching band made the trek to Barack Obama's inauguration. But what of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir?

The small observation party in our living room today noticed the conspicuous absence of the choir, which has made five inaugural appearances for five modern presidents: Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and both Bush 41 and 43.

Of course, it's pretty likely none of those guys would have invited Usher to join inauguration festivities, either.

The MoTabs' absence left us chewing on this: With all the fallout the new president faced over asking the Rev. Rick Warren to open today's historic event with prayer, could Obama's posse have sensed the bad political mojo over aligning even slightly with the pro-Propostion 8 Mormon Church?

Steve Fidel, writing for the Deseret News online vehicle Momon Times, put it this way:

"Overall it appears that involvement in the Obama inauguration by LDS Church members will be significantly less conspicuous than in some past inaugurations." (Holly Mullen)

The Happy Couple

[Presidential Mettle] I knew I voted for Barack Obama for more than political reasons. What wife wouldn't want her husband to describe their relationship this way? Happy Inauguration Day, all. (Holly Mullen)

Inaugural Serves Utah Kid's Wine

[Inaugural Luncheon]  The 2009 Inaugural Luncheon, which follows the swearing-in of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden, will feature wines from Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley and Duckhorn's Goldeneye winery in Anderson Valley, which is dedicated to the production of world-class Pinot Noir. So what? 

Well, John Rasmuson is a regular City Weekly contributor and his son, Zachary, is Duckhorn/Goldeneye's Pinot Noir winemaker. Zach began his winemaking career at Stags' Leap before moving on to the position of assistant winemaker for Robert Sinskey Vineyards. About making Pinot Noir for Goldeneye, Rasmuson says, "Pinot Noir is an amazing, malleable grape. You need to be gentle shaping the wine. It's a process of minimal intervention, of finesse not muscle." 

What a great way to kick off the Obama presidency! 

(Ted Scheffler)