Though I was on a media riser at the Capitol in Washington, DC, I did not take any pictures at the beginning of President Bush's inaugural speech. I was hunched over my laptop transmitting photos of the actual swearing-in ceremony that had begun at noon. My editor in Boston had a front page image in his production system at 12:13.

After his speech, the president (far left) and his family prayed during the benediction. Bush had sworn to uphold the constitution with his hand on a Bible. If a Muslim were elected, could they use a Koran?

The festivities continued into the evening. I donned a tux and headed off to the Independence Ball. No war-time skimping here.

The president and first lady bopped in and out in about ten minutes. A brief speech, an even-briefer dance, and then a wave to the adoring crowd. At the Constitution Ball, one of 10 that the president attended, Bush was quoted as saying that he looked forward to dancing with wife Laura, "maybe for the first time in four years."

Then a funk band took up its instruments and the place was hopping.

I walked a few blocks from the convention center to take in some counter-inaugural action. At the Platinum Nightclub, a satirical outfit, Billionaires for Bush, held their Re-Coronation Inaugural Ball. According to their press release: "Billionaires for Bush is a do-it-yourself street theater and media campaign to show how the Bush administration has favored the corporate elite at the expense of everyday Americans."

From the stage The Bobwhites led the crowd, costumed as Billionaires, in a chant of "Rich, white, and Republican." Note that the gal on the right wears a golden parachute. A tag on the front read: "Pull in case of unfavorable audit." Leaving the club, I noticed a non-Billionaire line of party-goers, primarily people of color, obviously headed for different party. I wonder what they made of the exuberant chant.

I caught the Metro back to the bureau to file my latest images. After at day that started at 6 am, subway passengers wearing tuxedos and furs did not seem overly surreal.