Archive for the 'Inauguration' Category
Lego Obamas get Inauguration Day fashion makeover
January 26, 2009 2:27pm
Legoland California updated the recently unveiled presidential inauguration scene at the Carlsbad theme park to more closely resemble the wardrobes worn by First Lady Michelle Obama and first daughters Malia and Sasha.
Lego Michelle, who wore a red dress at the Capitol in Miniland USA before the inauguration, has changed into a yellow ensemble (no “lemon grass” Lego bricks were available).
The Lego first daughters switched from patriotic colors to their inauguration day finery — Malia in a periwinkle coat and Sasha in a pink jacket with orange scarf.
Obama-rama continues with Swissotel tour package of his Chicago
January 23, 2009 5:28pm
Now that Barack Obama is president, there’s so much to be done — on the touring front.
A new monthly tour offered by Swissotel Chicago begins Feb. 21 and takes hotel visitors by bus to see the Catholic church where the prez worked as a community organizer, the University of Chicago Law School where he taught for more than 10 years and the barbershop where he had his hair cut during the 20 years he lived in the Windy City.
Washington, D.C.: Stay at the historic Hay-Adams like the Obamas
January 20, 2009 11:43am
The spotlight on Washington, D.C., today has gotten me thinking that I’d like to take a trip to our nation’s capital soon. I’ll let the city recover from the however-many-million pairs of shoes stomping through it right now, but I’d love to gaze at the White House, explore the Smithsonian museums, stroll the well-reputed sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Art, sample the fare at Amsterdam Falafelshop (for other must-dos, read “See Washington, D.C., like a local“).
And where to stay when partaking in such a venture? Why, the historic Hay-Adams, natch. Read the rest of this entry »
Roundup: Martin Luther King Day events in SoCal; inauguration hotel parties; $25 NYC Ballet tickets
January 19, 2009 8:51am
Good morning, travelers. Are you participating in any community events in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King? Here is a roundup of Martin Luther King Day events in Southern California
Washington, D.C.: HotelChatter has a list of D.C. hotels throwing inauguration parties around town. It’s fun to see who is partying where. Their sister site Jaunted also has some fun posts like “Where to Stalk Celebs at the Inauguration” and “The Five Best Cheap Eats Spots for Inauguration.”
Washington, D.C. — Amtrak’s special ticket policy for Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2009
January 18, 2009 7:02pm
If you are traveling by train in and out of Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2009, make sure you check Amtrak’s website for a list of news, tips and ticket policies specific to Inauguration Day.
Amtrak: Inauguration Day Travel Information
Items to note:
> Amtrak will not honor MARC Train or Virginia Railway Express (VRE) tickets on Jan. 20.
> Amtrak Multi-Ride tickets will not be honored for travel to the Washington area during the morning, or for travel from the Washington area during the afternoon and evening of Jan. 20. See the Jan. 20, 2009 Multi-Ride Ticket Policy for specific restrictions. Tickets will be honored for certain routes, while some trains will require a normal-fare, reserved ticket.
> Washington Union Station will be limited to Amtrak, MARC and VRE passengers. Food and retail shops will be closed in the afternoon.
>Heightened frontline and behind-the-scenes security measures will be taken in stations and aboard trains, and may include:
Inauguration 2009 oasis - the U.S. Botanic Garden
January 17, 2009 6:41pm
Here’s a tip for Angelenos who are touring DC today and suffering from 70 degrees of separation (80 degrees in la, 10 degrees in DC): stop in at the balmy jungle just a few steps from the Capitol.
As I wandered past the setup for Tuesdays swearing in ceremony and passed the frozen reflecting pool, I spied the United States Botanic Garden nearby. You can just bask in the jungle or hang put in the childrens garden. It is free but the best part is it’s warm–and exotic. And not that many visitors freezing outside have yet discovered this inaugural oasis. Those who do stay–particularly those with kids– to listen to faux frogs chirping and a three-tiered fountain burbling. It is a good place to think warm thoughts of home.
Note: The U.S. Botanic Garden will be closed Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009.
Details: Admission is free. Hours & entrance location
–Mary Forgione
[Photo: Mary Forgione]
