Hey Barack: Ditch the Inaugural Glitz

Inauguration spectators wait for hours to get in and out of Mall area

(NEWSER) - The record-breaking crowd—an estimated 1.8 million people—at today’s inaugural events is overwhelming Washington’s streets and mass-transit systems, creating long waits for spectators trying to exit the Mall area, the Post reports. Hours after the swearing-in, some were still waiting to enter Metro stations. “It’s something you have to endure for the chance of a lifetime,” one traveler said. More»

Obamas attend services at historic church

(NEWSER) - A free inauguration concert that one attendee dubbed "Obamastock" kicked off today before tens of thousands of excited but chilly visitors in Washington, DC, the Washington Post reports. Fans sat patiently on blankets and waited in long security checkpoint lines as Denzel Washington took the stage to announce Bruce Springsteen, USA Today reports. "We are all in this together," Washington said. More»

Ceremonies fully funded by trinkets, donations

(AP) - Barack Obama's inauguration fundraisers had no problem capitalizing on a hot market for keepsakes. Obama-themed clothing, jewelry, rulers, and piggy banks raked in a grant total of $2 million for the inaugural committee. Even before the tchotchke change, the committee was already debt-free—the $53 million in individual donations disclosed earlier this week put total fundraising well ahead of the $50 million cost of the swearing-in. More»

No, silly—the Beyoncé song (and video!)

(NEWSER) - Maybe at the next inauguration, Barack Obama will provide the musical entertainment. As the then-president-elect hobnobbed with the stars who appeared at the Jan. 18 concert at the Lincoln Memorial, John Legend caught him on video as he and wife Michelle greeted Beyoncé. “Mr. President, you didn’t tell Beyoncé about 'Single Ladies'? Your rendition?” Michelle said. Obama smiled, then did the singer's signature hand flip. More»

(NEWSER) - Aretha Franklin’s inauguration hat has been mercilessly mocked by some, but lots of people want one of their very own. The Detroit millinery where Franklin has been a customer for 20 years has been flooded with calls for orders, the AP reports. But Aretha wannabes soon learn that the hand-molded $500 hat isn't for sale—it was custom-designed for her. Instead, customers can order a slightly different version for $179. More»