THE INAUGURATION celebration you heard last night emanating from the Civic Center Plaza had an impromptu feeling, but apparently it was organized by MoveOn.org. At least, that's what a Web site forwarded to me by Alicia Crank seemed to indicate (Web Link).

So you might have expected a lot of rancor, a lot of "Good riddance Bush" (Web Link) and "Thanks for nothing" and "Don't let the door hit you on the way out" (Web Link) and so forth. But in the brief time I was there, listening to a band play a surf-rock cover, I noticed no ill will towards the outgoing president. A sign propped up in front of the band read something to the effect of "Farewell Bush ... Congratulations Obama." A few dozen kids swayed to the music, one wearing the obligatory jester hat. Two squad cars were parked quietly on Mercy Street.

But as I say, I didn't stay long. Anyone with stories to tell about Tuesday night's festivities, at this event or anywhere else -- anybody back from Washington yet? -- please do write in (Web Link).