Forward Spin

By SOPHFRONIA SCOTT GREGORY

No invitation to the Inaugural Ball? Don't despair; Washington will have festivities to suit every taste -- and pocketbook. Some options:

PRICIEST

The Animals' Ball, for furless vegetarians, and the Triangle Ball, for gays and lesbians. It's a great way to make a statement, but at $250 a pop, being p.c. can be costly.

CHEAPEST

The Artists' Ball. For $15, starving geniuses can feast, schmooze and still afford to be creative.

HOTTEST TICKET %

The MTV Ball. With so many young headbangers, music execs and cable officials clamoring to get in, there's no room for politicians.

MOST FASHIONABLE

The Absolutely Unofficial Blue Jeans Bash, for Arkansans, and the Black Tie and Boots ball, for Texans. Any questions on those dress codes?