Happy 2013 folks! It’s a new year for new possibilities and the second inauguration for the 44th President of the United States Mr. Barack Obama. On November 7, 2012, in one of the most intense debates in presidential history, Obama deemed victorious over Mitt Romney claiming his 2nd presidential term.
The Inauguration will be held in Washington DC on Monday, January 21, 2013. A week of festivities will include the Presidential Swearing-in Ceremony, Inaugural Address, Inaugural Parade and numerous inaugural balls and galas honoring Pres. Obama. The official theme for the 2013 inauguration is “Faith in America’s Future,” commemorating the United States’ perseverance and unity. The last theme was “A New Birth of Freedom”.
Obama’s first inauguration, which took place on January 20, 2009, was a ground breaking event. It set a record attendance for any event held in Washington D.C. Based on the combined attendance numbers, television views and internet traffic; it was among the most-observed events ever by the global audience.
On that day, the committee opened the entire length of the National Mall as the public viewing area for the swearing-in ceremony. This broke the tradition of past inaugurations. There was also People’s Inaugural Ball for disadvantaged people who were unable to afford to attend the inaugural festivities. Among the celebrations for the inauguration, the committee hosted a first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball with free or affordable tickets for ordinary citizens the next evening.
For this year’s January 21, inauguration, city officials are expecting 600,000 to 800,000 visitors which is less than the 1.8 million people who flooded the National Mall four years ago. Back then, some hotels sold out months in advance and city residents rented out their homes for hundreds of dollars a night. This time, hotels say they’re filling up more slowly, with rooms still available and prices at or slightly below where they were four years ago. But who says that this is final, the attendance roster could possibly change over night.
If you plan to attend, dress warm! January in Washington, DC is usually frigid. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 30s. Be sure to wear layers and bundle up! If you’re watching from home, it will be shown on various channels, so check your local listings!
When: February 3 2013. Where: The New Orleans’ Mercedes-Benz Superdome. What: The Super Bowl X
LVII Halftime Show. Who: 16 time Grammy Award winner, and diva supreme, Beyonce. What were you expecting? An early Valentine’s Day? Although this is her first halftime performance, it is her second Super Bowl appearance.
At 2004’s Super Bowl XXXVIII, Queen Bey performed the National Anthem. It was an endearing moment for her, not only for her iconic serenade, but because the event was held in her hometown of Houston, Texas. Aside from her pristine pipes, glamorous, yet flamboyant wardrobe, and exhilarating dance moves, Queen Bey has reportedly added a little something extra to this year’s performance: Bringing fans on stage, to shimmy and shake along with her.
Pepsi has announced a contest in which fans are instructed to send in photos of them dancing in various forms. Many of the photos submitted will be used as part of a television ad to introduce the performance. 50 of those who submit photos, along with a friend, will be selected to introduce Beyonce. Will it be you? If you’re interested you must hurry. The contest ends on January 19, but January 11 is the cutoff date. Still confused? Visit www.pepsi.com/halftime for full contest information along with photo submission details. In the mean time, start practicing!!!!
The suspense radar is through the roof for many who wonder which songs that Queen Bey will perform. Will it be the female empowering Run the World? The sassy Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)? The endearing Love on Top? Or the undeniable party starter Crazy in Love? I know that your brain is going insane but you must tune in to find out.
Super Bowl XLVII will air on Feb. 3, 2013 on CBS. I’ll definitely be tuning in; I might even find time to check out the game.