Nobody expects Prince to show up. But maybe he should.

For those under the age of 25 (or maybe even under age 30?) Prince is Prince Rogers Nelson, who, way back in the 20th century made a record or two of sociological import.

Prince should attend because all this week in Washington, and especially on Tuesday, Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009, they're going to party like it's ... well, like it's 1999.

Hail to the Chief

Ten official presidential inauguration balls will be held, with numerous other official gatherings - - just about every embassy and state delegation (many U.S. states have residences / offices where they hold receptions) - - will be throwing official parties. Then there are the countless private parties held inside and around the beltway.

A colleague living in Washington whom yours truly worked with during my three years (1996-1998) inside the beltway summed it up best this way: he never knew he had so many friends.

"I got a call from someone who said he knew me in college. Couldn't place the name," said Bill, my colleague. "It turned out he lived in my dorm at college. Maybe I spoke with him once or twice in the cafeteria. I didn't know him from Adam. Now he calls me as if we're best buddies."

And the reason this distant dorm-mate is acting like a close friend? "I've got an extra ticket or two to the inauguration," Bill said. "I guess word got around."