• The broadcast of yesterday's inauguration earned the highest ratings since Reagan took the oath in 1981. Early numbers from Nielsen indicate 29% of US households tuned in. That figure doesn't factor in the people who viewed it online, and the big event in DC yesterday set web traffic records, too. [THR, NYT]
• The …
Diane von Furstenberg was in Washington yesterday for the inauguration (who wasn't?) and says the experience gave her the "feeling that something major is happening." You think? Diane wasn't there alone, though. André Leon Talley served as her "chaperone," and she reports that ALT happens to be "a big star" with Obama…
You'd be hard-pressed to travel anywhere in the world today, pick up a random newspaper, and not see Barack Obama on the front page.
The inaugural celebrations came in waves last night — Commander-in-Chief's Ball, Youth Ball, Neighborhood Ball, Southern States Ball, Western States, and on — but the new president stayed in high spirits.
• There were bound to be a few dramatic moments at the inaugural parties last night: Sheryl Crow had an awkward run in with her ex, Kid Rock, in the lobby of Donovan House. John Legend was forced to make a last-minute stop at Bloomingdale's because his girlfriend didn't have a gown. Susan Sarandon got a reporter…
The inauguration was a dilemma for late-night shows, which had to joke about an event Americans tended to consider moving and joyous. Surprisingly, the Bush-bashing Daily Show had the most biting commentary.
In the week leading up to President Barack Obama's inauguration, it was open season on the outgoing president on political TV. Even conservatives like Ken Blackwell and Scott McClellan joined in the jeering.
[Barack Obama arrives to his inauguration at the Capitol; via Getty]
Would you like a day's worth of American Promise and Democracy summed up in ten brief internet videos? Yes you can click and watch the top ten moments of the Inauguration!
The inauguration is still underway, but don't let that stop you from trying to cash in on the action. Copies of today's New York Times—which went to press before the festivities started and doesn't even feature a very dramatic image on the front page—are now up for auction on Ebay for as much as $15.00. [Ebay]
• Still looking for a place to celebrate the inauguration? You're in luck. A long list of restaurants and bars have special events planned. [GS, Eater, Metromix]
• Newly opened restaurants have been hit the hardest by the recession. [NYT]
• A few more gloomy indicators: High-end eateries are allowing diners to bring…
Our own Hamilton Nolan has been braving the chaos and lack of cell phone coverage in DC to get a glimpse of Barack Obama's big day. He just got through:
Is it something he said? Despite Barack Obama's upbeat message and the enthusiasm of millions of shivering onlookers, the Dow tumbled 332 points today to close at 7,949. Financial stocks were the hardest hit: Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup all suffered double-digit declines, with shares of Citi dipping…
Today should be a busy day for thieves who earn a living robbing the homes of the rich and famous: Hundreds of celebs and corporate titans have been in Washington today for the inauguration and are expected to put in appearances at one of the many official and unofficial balls scheduled for this evening. Barack and…
Officially, Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th President of the United States at noon while Yo-Yo Ma played. But with his solemn oath, we are in his hands.
On all the liberal conspiracy networks — CNN, MSNBC, etc. — the inauguration is the most momentous event ever. History! For those who hate hope, Fox News is on the air. Compare after the jump.
Want to get into the inauguration without waiting in the security lines? All you have to do is go "down and around the White House," according to Dana from New York, that little terrorist.
You didn't think Steven Spielberg and and Oprah took the Acela to get to Washington, did you? Bloomberg reports that the inauguration should set a private jet record: As many as 600 private planes have touched down in D.C. in recent days, and the runway at Dulles had to be closed temporarily over the weekend to allow…
