Items of Interest - UPDATED

~ The agenda for President Obama's first day in office.

~ Following up on their other behind-the-scenes looks at the Obama campaign, Newsweek has posted photos taken from behind the scenes during yesterday's Inauguration. My favorite is the one where Obama has his eyes closed. They have more slide shows up including this one of photos from around the world. Zimbio also has pictures.

~ GlobalPost has done an incredible job rounding up reports about Obama's inauguration from around the world. There's a lot of expectations riding on that man's shoulders. Be prepared to spend some significant time dipping through all the links.

~ Al Jazeera English has a roundup of world leaders' comments on Obama's inauguration. Another item from Al Jazeera to consider:  The article on Obama's first full day in office is interesting for the views of other leaders that they solicit and quote.

~ This is truly unfortunate. The imperial vice president strikes at our nation again.

~ Here's another unfortunate legacy of the neo-con Republicans and their politicization of our military.

To the military officer who thinks that he failed: I am so sorry you were placed in that position. In my book you are not a failure. We all do what we can.

~ If John Podesta's opinion counts, Obama is keeping his Blackberry. UPDATE: Marc Ambinder confirms that Obama will get to keep his Blackberry after it's been appropriately modified. He has more technical details.

~ What do Rush Limbaugh and Osama Bin Laden both wish for the US? In Rush's own words: "I hope he fails." The "he" in question being President Obama, of course. So much for your so-called patriotism, Rush. You've just defined yourself as the fringe of the fringe. One last loony-tune outpost of hate.