The Inauguration Committee has announced the line-up of official balls, all but one of which are regional or state-affiliated. Democrats might take note that while even Bush-country Texas shares a dance floor (with Cheney's home state of Wyoming), both Ohio and Florida get their very own parties. The "Commander-in-Chief Ball will specifically honor and thank our troops and their families," we assume that there will be body armor door prizes.

There are dozens of other unofficial events about which we will attempt to keep you informed. But you know, they keep the really good ones secret from mortals like us. We like to think that those high-roller soirees are very Eyes Wide Shut, with lots of black leather masks and pentagrams and Bill Bennett is in charge.

55th Presidential Inaugural Committee Unveils Inaugural Balls [US Newswire]