the buzz log

Oprah's got her dress for it. Obama Girl wants an invitation to it. It could be just the ticket for those needing yet another political fix. It's Inauguration Day. And boy is it big in Buzz.

What it is.
Officially, Inauguration Day is when the president-elect (that would be Barack Obama) is sworn into office. The event usually occurs on the steps of the Capitol, usually by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who presides over the oath, which is taken directly from the Constitution: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." Serious stuff.

When it is.
Mark your calendars: Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

Who gets to go.
All of us! Of course, the Inaugural Ball may be a little bit more exclusive, but anyone who wants to stand along Pennsylvania Avenue to freeze their toes off and witness the parade to the ceremony may do so. Those who want to be on site for the historic occasion are already planning their trips with lookups on "inauguration travel packages," "inauguration packages," and "attending the presidential inauguration."

But don't expect to get serious deals. Inauguration Day is good for business. In the past, hotel rooms have gone for an eye-popping $350-$400 a night, and local business is generally boosted 30%. (With those kinds of prices, how could it not?) Of course, you can always look for volunteer opportunities, which a few searchers are already scouting out.

Not surprisingly, the most popular searches on the event are coming from D.C., and those locals won't have to do much more than pay for a seat on the Metro.

Logistics.
In addition to planning his Cabinet, Obama also needs to form a Presidential Inaugural Committee to plan his inauguration. Politico explains that the committee is tasked with doing everything from "raising private money to finance the ceremony and surrounding balls and events, to deciding which military units would march down Pennsylvania Avenue, and, yes, finding all those portable toilets." You can find a complete guide to the festivities — with more details as they are made available — here.

Record crowds are expected this time around, with some predicting a million or more attendees. Maybe they should order more porta potties.