Tripipedia: Mop up with Obama map

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jan 9, 2009 | by Ann Tatko-Peterson

Obama map on a towel

It's a map. Or maybe it's a towel. No, wait ... it's a kerchief?

So Rand McNally tells us. Trying to cash in on the Barack Obama hysteria expected for the president-elect's inauguration, Rand McNally is selling microfiber fabric maps of the swearing-in and parade route from the Capitol to the White House. President Barack Obama Commemorative Inaugural fabMAPs cost $9.95 (http:// store.randmcnally.com or 800-275-7263) and serve as map/kerchief "suitable for cleaning glasses, cameras, or mobile devices." Honest, that's what Rand McNally tells us.

Built to last

Top 10 architectural wonders of Washington, D.C. (and their style), according to Essential Architecture.

1. The White House (Renaissance Revival)

2. Jefferson Memorial (Neoclassical; pictured)

3. U.S. Capitol (English Baroque)

4. Lincoln Memorial (Neoclassical)

5. Washington Monument (Neoclassical)

6. U.S. Supreme Court (Neoclassical)

7. Library of Congress (Neoclassical)

8. Washington National Cathedral (Gothic Revival)

9. Smithsonian Institution (NeoRomanesque)

10. Ulysses S. Grant Memorial (Beaux-Arts)

Move over, Simon, here's Mickey

Soon, Walt Disney World guests can get the "American Idol" experience without Simon Cowell's snarky comments.

Starting Feb. 14 at Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests can audition to sing in a theme park version of the show. They must survive auditions with a casting director and producer before hopping onstage before a panel of judges and park guests, who will vote on each show's winners.

Guests with the highest votes compete in an end-of-day grand finale, and the winners get guaranteed reservations -- as in no waiting in long lines -- for a future regional audition of the real "American Idol" TV show.

Which means Cowell's snarky comments may be in their future after all.

Details, including eligibility requirements: www.disney world.com/ idol.

-- Ann Tatko-Peterson