Big-Screen View

The new boss gets sworn in at noon today, and he’s likely to be nothing like the old boss. Those of us unable to make the Beltway trip to see Barack Obama take office as president of the United States still have an opportunity to share the moment with friends and strangers — in the Dotte. The 2009 inaugural committee is throwing a party at the Jack Reardon Civic Center (500 Minnesota Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas) from 6 to 11 p.m. Expect to watch inaugural events on a big screen and glimpse all the fun you’re missing out on. Unlike the $150 tickets to the inaugural ball, this event is free, and so are the hors d’oeuvres (though donations will be welcome to offset the cost of the festivities). And if your conservative heart can’t bear a Democrat as commander in chief, there’s a cash bar to help raise your spirits. — Justin Kendall

Tue., Jan. 20, 2009