As often happens with second-term inaugurations, the excitement and activity level has been dialed back for Barack Obama’s public swearing in on Jan...

On Tuesday afternoon, ticketed passengers were held outside in freezing temperatures after some already spent countless hours battling the cold on the Mall or at the Capitol or along the parade route.

Every day I checked the mail. No inaugural ball invitation. My anxiety rose. When were they going to send them out? Didn't they know that I needed time to shop for a gown, and really go on a diet?

HONOLULU — President-elect Barack Obama will have a Commander in Chief's Ball during his inauguration with military personnel, their spouses and...