President-elect Obama's incredible fundraising skills are still working their magic. According to The Associated Press, his inaugural committee has raised at least $27 million - most of that in the past three weeks. At this rate, the committee should have no problem reaching or exceeding the roughly $40 million raised for each of President George W. Bush's two inaugural celebrations. Among the top donors: Democratic donor George Soros, actors Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Sharon Stone and Samuel L. Jackson, producer Jeffrey Katzenberg and directors Ron Howard, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis. Lisa Henson, daughter of "Muppets" creator Jim Henson and the co-CEO of The Jim Henson Co.
Also, word is that QVC will be broadcasting live from Washington. What will be for sale? Well, Barack Obama memorabilia, of course. And here's a link to The Washington Post's roundup of inaugural parties. The newest official party is a Youth Ball, which will have a discounted ticket rate of $75. The Presidential Inaugural Committee says it's to highlight "the role young Americans can play to serve their communities."
Closer to home, the Nicole Miller boutiques in Philly is keeping running lists of which of its dresses - both long and short ones are selling - will wind up at which inaugural balls. The stores' owner Mary Dougherty is expecting a big crush of folks once their semi-annual sale gets underway next week.
Since the big day is just two weeks away, are your plans all finalized? Or given the crush of people and the scarcity of hotel rooms, have you decided to just stay away and watch it all on TV?