Aretha's Inauguration Hat Headed To The Smithsonian?

When it comes to Aretha Franklin, nothing is ever simple or understated. This includes, of course, the huge bow-shaped hat she wore on Inauguration Day. You know, the one that's getting almost as much attention as Barack Obama these days?

The milliner responsible for the Swavorski crystal-studded crown, Luke Song of Detroit's Mr. Song Millinery, has already been flooded with requests for the hat, which was a one-of-a-kind. He's sold thousands of a toned-downed version of the hat since Franklin wore it on January 20th.

Everyday hat connoisseurs aren't the only ones who want a piece of the Queen of Soul's unique headwear. "The Hat" has more than 87,000 fans on Facebook, and the Smithsonian Institution has asked Franklin to donate the hat so that it might become part of an exhibit on Obama's inauguration. But will she part with it?

"I am considering it," she said in a statement to the Detroit News. "It would be hard to part with my chapeau, since it was such a crowning moment in history. I would like to smile every time I look back at it and remember what a great moment it was in American and African-American history. Ten cheers for President Obama."

Sounds like the Smithsonian has some convincing to do.

The College Survival Guide

A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.

Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.

Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.

Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.

MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.

Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age

Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.

Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.

Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.

Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!

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