The morning of April 20^th, 09 led to the assembly of different Flags representing Marathon runners from all over the world to compete in the 113^th historical Boston Marathon the oldest of its kind in the world since 1897.

The Boston Marathon is 26.2 miles or 42.195 km started from Hopkinton Ma, to Boylston St, Downtown Boston. Thanks to the conducive weather and without a drop of rain was a plus for this spectacular race.

Hopkinton was the pick of the prestigious marathon as the starting point, the sign read "It all starts here and welcome to Boston Marathon" the crowd of the spectators were in Hundreds or thousands of people who cheered the Marathoners.

President Obama addressed the nation following his swearing-in during the presidential inauguration ceremony. In his address he spoke about the themes of sacrifice and renewal, calling on Americans to set aside differences and join in efforts to restore government and make America prosperous for all citizens.

The president was sworn-in by Chief Justice John Roberts. The ceremony also included the swearing-in of Vice President Biden by Associate Justice John Paul Stevens. The invocation was given by Rick Warren and the benediction by Joseph Lowery. Aretha Franklin sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee". Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Gabriela Montreo, and Anthony McGill played music composed by John Williams for the occasion. Elizabeth Alexander recited a poem she wrote especially for the Obama inaugural.

What a night!!  As the clock inched ever so slowly toward 11 p.m., we were witnessing history in the making. As Pennsylvania fell, then Ohio, then ... wait a minute, CNN could no longer hold it. As soon as the California polls closed, Obama was declared the U.S. President elect!!  

The entire nation, nay, the entire world burst out with ululations of joy, tears, amazement, and utter happiness.  The cloud that had hang over the U.S. and the entire world, thanks to the arrogant misguided policies of the Bush, Cheney, Ramsfeld etc crew, was instantly lifted and we could for a moment envision a new world.  Of course it is naïve to think the world is going to change quickly. The mess created over the past eight years will take longer to clean up. But for now, excuse us for indulging in an euphoric dream for "heaven" on earth.  How did this son of Africa do it?

Books will be written on this question. Pundits are busy giving us their analysis. Some of them are the very "experts" who mocked Obama for being a dreamer, for banking on rhetoric about hope, for daring to challenge the establishment...

President Yoweri Museveni (L) speaks to the press alongside U.S. President George W. Bush following their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington October 30, 2007  Watch Video

This grab-you-by the throat speech by Ghanaian economist George
Ayittey unleashes an almost breathtaking torrent of controlled anger
toward Africa's corrupt leaders and the complacent populace that
allows them to thrive. Why, then, does he remain optimistic? Because
of the new, fast-moving "Cheetah Generation," a "new breed of
Africans" taking their futures. www.ted.com  Museveni the Hippo?