With inauguration events starting this weekend, and many plans just now coming together, there's almost too much information to digest. Here are some of the biggest stories coming out of the capital:
- The Presidential Inaugural Committee unveiled the Web tools partygoers across the nation can use to send text and video to the first Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. ABC will broadcast the event Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. [PIC2009]
- Arlington, Virginia-based caterer Design Cuisine will cater the inaugural luncheon, featuring a course of duck breast and cherry chutney paired with a Goldeneye 2005 Pinot Noir. [YumSugar]
- CNN has a few details on security and admission to Sunday's inaugural kickoff concert and an interactive map of Washington's street and bridge closures. [CNN]
- Though few magazines have been able to fork over the money to cohost inaugural events, Vibe is the official media partner of the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball. [WWD]
- Keeping mum about the song in question, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that Beyoncé will sing for the Obamas' first inaugural dance. [AP]
- Washington restaurant group Latin Concepts will sell a $25 "V.I.P. pass" for customers looking to cut entrance and bathroom lines at their properties during the festivities. [Examiner]
- Cable news outlets—among other networks—plan on a 72-hour marathon of inauguration festivities coverage, starting Sunday. [Variety]
- Tuesday won't be a party for everyone. Some of Obama's senior staff will start work in the West Wing while the parade is still in progress. [Politico]
- Hoping to bring back the "tradition" of presidential hat-wearing during the inauguration, the Stetson company will send an operative to Washington to try to hand deliver a fedora to Obama. [BrandFreak]
