Washington, DC is the center of the nation's -- and indeed much of the world's -- attention with the inauguration of Barack Obama on Tuesday. Gridlock, finger-numbing weather, and parties galore are predicted. Guaranteed, actually.

On Saturday night I'm attending the Green Inaugural Ball in downtown DC (no, not the Al Gore green ball, which is Monday night). I'll report on what - and who - I see there in the next few days, provided that my memory isn't glazed by the open bar.

Attendance for the inauguration on the National Mall and surrounds may not be as enormous as expected, with estimates being cut in half from an astounding 4 million to a merely amazing 2 million (some still say 3m). Compare that figure with the 400,000 that attended the inauguration of George W. Bush in 2005.

The carbon footprint of all this travel will be sizable. The Washington Post says that charter buses alone could bring up to 500,000 gawkers (including my little brother) into the city, but at least it's bulk transport. Airlines are expected to touch down -- hopefully not in the Potomac -- with another 400,000 visitors. 75,000 Amtrak customers are estimated to steam into the district as well (BHO is  whistlestopping to DC by rail this weekend also).

For reasons that likely have to do more with congestion and security than the environment, DC is shutting down a number of major bridges and roadways into the city. So the metro rail will be crushed with capacity-plus crowds all day long, as the entire system can carry a max of 120,000 customers per hour, even running rush hour schedules. Again, at least it's mass transit. Adding to the fun will be security shut-downs of multiple downtown metro stations. Spectators could have to walk up to three miles just to reach an overflowing National Mall.

Yesterday morning, we had the coldest morning in 5 years with single-digit temperatures freezing things up. Although it will begin to warm up, snow threatens to fall this weekend and we could see 'feels-like' temps of 23 degrees on the Big Day. On the bright side for those looking for elbow room, all that frost could deter turnout of less hearty. My decision on attending will have to do more with hassle than weather.

While celebrations of this size are inherently dirty, the Presidential Inaugural Committee is taking steps to reduce the impact. A "green squad" 18,000 strong will be picking up trash and recyclables while others get the short-straw task of collecting horse manure for composting. Obama has also called for a day of (frigid) service on Monday, January 19th (MLK Day) that will include a number of green volunteer options.

And FYI, if you are going to be in town, you'll be able to warm up at many area bars until 5am with extended Inebriation Inauguration Week hours.