The DC Traveler

There’s so much hullabaloo and disaster mongering going on about the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. The list of potential things that “might” happen is getting longer by the day. 
If half a million people show up, the infrastructure should be okay, except for major issues such as transportation and dining near the mall.  But if a couple million people converge on the Mall, the infrastructure, along with the food service industries will be pushed to their limits.
So here’s a few of the potential “disasters” that might occur due to massive crowds attending the inauguration celebration, and my estimation of …read more

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Nine cities, nine city-themed rooms, and a couple thousand people celebrating New Year’s Eve in Washington, DC.
City themes include music and food representing:

New York City – hip and trends DJs keep the vibe live, and enjoy one of the local food items, Manhattan Clam Chowder.
Chicago in the Roaring 1920s – No Prohibition here, with a fun swing band and of course pizza.
Miami and Havana – a live Salsa band and a Cuban menu fills this room.
Spirit of the Caribbean delivers the island feel with Reggae and Calypso.
Boston boasts a live Irish band and New England Clam Chowder.
Become a star at …read more

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The U.S. Capitol Police just posted the list of items that can not be brought to the inauguration in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2009.  These items seem to apply only if you have reserved tickets, inside the security perimeter.  The DC Traveler is attempting to get clarification from the Capitol Police.
If you are not inside the security perimeter, these rules will most likely not apply.
Note that strollers and chairs are on the list, so ATTENTION PARENTS with small children and people who may need to sit during the long wait.
Prohibited items at President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration …read more

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Images – from personal collection   ©2008, Jon Rochetti  _________________________________________________

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District of Columbia city officials, Metro officials, and the national news media are all changing their estimates as to the number of people who are expected to attend President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20th, in Washington, DC.
I’ve seem estimates ranging from about a million to over 5 million.
So what do you think?  Take the latest poll and tell us…
How many people will attend the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, DC on January 20, 2009?

Less than 500,000
500,000 to 1 million
1 to 2 million
2 to 3 million
3 to 4 million
4 to 5 million
over 5 million

For some …read more

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Initially, Washington, DC’s Metro system announced that on January 20, 2009, Inauguration Day, it would charge riders the lower, off-peak fares all day long. 
It seems like the initial thought was that since Inauguration Day is a work holiday for Federal workers in DC, and parts of Virginia and Maryland, Metro would charge the lower off-peak fare.
But I suspect Metro financial troubles has caused Metro officials to rethink (and I believe correctly), to charge peak rates all day on Inauguration Day.   The higher fares are based on a high price it will cost to keep Metro running with lots …read more

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Here’s a quick update to a the local party-related issue that’s been big local news around the upcoming inauguration in Washington, DC (and the most recent poll on The DC Traveler).
A little over a week ago, I posted a new poll on the The DC Traveler, regarding if people thought that the city should allow bars and restaurants to remain open until 5:00 a.m. during inauguration week.
The votes so far…

23% – No, it’s a horrible idea.
27% – Yes, let people party longer.
50% – If people can’t get drunk by 2:00 a.m., another 3 hours won’t help them.

Sounds like a resounding…NO!!  …read more

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During the Christmas holiday season in Washington, DC, the Washington Region Alcohol Program operates it’s SoberRide free taxi program.
Drivers that may be alcohol impaired or unable to safely drive can request a free taxi ride to their home, up to a maximum cost of $50, through January 1, 2009.
It’s never wise to drive after indulging and especially during the holiday season. Again this year, area police will be establishing sobriety checkpoints around the region.
Most years, Metro DC police set up approximately 30 during holiday season, including some surprising locations. One year, I saw a check point in …read more

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Enjoy the company of 3,500 of Washington, DC’s 20s and 30s crowd for the annual New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown.
Hosted by DC101’s Elliot in the Morning radio host, partygoers get to enjoy an open bar, a heavy hors d’oeuvres buffet, karaoke, live bands (Cowboy Mouth, Pat McGee Band, Gonzo’s Nose), dancing and a comedy club.
The Downtown Countdown    
Grand Hyatt Washington
1000 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001  (map it)
Dates and Times – Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 8:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Tickets – $109.00 and are available online or by phone at 202-397-SEAT. This event is 21 years old and over only.
Nearest Metro …read more

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Here’s the second part of the listings of official and unofficial Inaugural Balls in Washington, DC, that will be celebrating the inauguration of the 44th President of the United State, Barak Obama.
Here’s the list for January 20, 2009 Inaugural Balls, the first list of inaugural balls, (on January 19), was posted on The DC Traveler, yesterday. Click here to link to the other post.
Again, the availability of tickets may change daily.  Even if inaugural balls are sold out, waiting list or returned tickets may be available.

American Indian Inaugural Ball    Hyatt Regency Crystal City 2799 …read more

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