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| Sunday, 21 November 2004 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Where Head of the world's super power resides We all know that the US Presidential Elections were held early this month and that President George W. Bush won a second term in office, defeating his rival Senator John Kerry. President Bush is the 43rd President of the United States and the 17th President to occupy the White House.
The building holds a special place in the world's history as it was a place where decisions that dramatically shaped the world were made. It was in its rooms that America's role as a world super power began. It all began when President George Washington signed an Act of Congress in 1790, declaring that the federal government would reside in a district "not exceeding ten miles square...on the river Potomac". He and city planner Pierre L'Enfant chose the site for this residence, which is now 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. A competition was held to find a builder; out of the nine proposals submitted, Irish-born architect James Hoban's design was selected. Construction began in October 1792. The first residents of the White House were President John Adams and his wife, who moved in around 1800, when construction was almost complete. Each President since then has made his own changes and additions, giving it a personal touch. The White House has been known as the 'President's Palace', 'President's House' and 'Executive Mansion' during different times in history. The current name was officially given by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1901. The building has survived many a fire; at the hands of the British in 1814 (during the war of 1812) and a fire in the West Wing in 1929 while Herbert Hoover was President. Although it has been renovated many times, the exterior stone walls are still those put in place 200 years ago. The White House has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms and six levels. There are 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, eight staircases and three elevators. The many sections include the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, State Dining Room, Map Room, Diplomatic Reception Room, East Room, China Room, Vermeil Room and the Library. As recreation for residents, there are tennis courts, jogging track, swimming-pool, movie theatre and bowling lane.
Among the features that have remained despite the changes made by every president are the white marble mantel from the original 1909 Oval Office, the presidential seal in the ceiling, and the two flags behind the president's desk - the US flag and President's flag. In 1902, under the direction of President Theodore Roosevelt, the presidential offices were removed to the area currently known as the West Wing, which is now the centre of activity at the White House. The West Wing houses the Oval Office, the offices of the President's executive staff, Cabinet Room, Roosevelt Room and the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. The State Dining Room, which can accommodate over 140 guests, was originally much smaller and has served as a drawing room, office and Cabinet Room. Although it had been used before for formal dinners, it began to be called the State Dining Room only during the Andrew Jackson administration. ###### Beacon of light Sri Lanka has been ruled at different times in history by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. It was the British, however, who left a lasting impression on almost every aspect of life in Colombo. They developed a unique urban plan to modernise Colombo, under which, specific areas were demarcated for economic, political, judicial and cultural developments. Much of this former glory is still visible in the streets of Fort, the financial hub of the capital. One such Fort landmark set up by the British is the Chatham Street Clock Tower, which is located in the junction at Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha. One of the oldest landmarks in the city, the lighthouse with the clock tower is reported to be the only one of its kind in the world. This tower was originally erected as a clock tower in 1857; the navigational light was added and functions as a lighthouse began in 1867. The original clock, made by the same manufacturer that made the famous Big Ben in London, was replaced in 1913. The square-shaped tower is made of bricks and is 96 feet in height. The light from this tower was eventually blocked by tall buildings which started coming up and was replaced by the New Colombo Lighthouse at Galbokka Point. The light is no longer operational and the tower was deactivated in 1952. It currently functions as a clock and monument. It was taken over and has been maintained by the Central Bank since 1997. |
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The White House, the private residence of the US President, has been a
symbol of the USA, its Presidency and government for over 200 years. It is
also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the
public, free of charge. The practice of allowing visitors was stopped only
during the war years.
The Oval Office is the president's formal office where he confers with
heads of state, diplomats and staff; where he often addresses the public
and the world through the media; and where he deals with everyday issues.
The first Oval Office was built in 1909 and it was moved to its current
location overlooking the Rose Garden in 1934.
