MYSTERY NATURE TANA TORAJA, Sulawesi Indonesia

Rip off Mystery Nature Tana Toraja
Ancient tradition in Tana Toraja is still awake. Main attraction for tourists

Tana Toraja is full of mystery. Every beat of life in Toraja meaningful. No wonder, many people want to come to uncover the mysteries of nature and life there. The word "Toraja" meaningful generous person. This means that the Toraja people always mendahulukn sacrifice than luxury. The style of this togetherness, until now still embedded in them. From birth to death to pick up, Toraja people still glorify the sense of togetherness.
Although modernization ready grinding, Toraja people still maintain strong ancestral heritage. Color natural life is still visible when we come to Tana Toraja (Tator). Mengijau gorge lay primadani tub area with the background hills stand firm. This atmosphere makes life there seemed more beautiful. Tator trips to be made at any time, as in the year-end holidays. More and has a lot of time, we will be more familiar with the traditional life of the community Tator. Tator resort is located in Tanah Toraja a thousand cities in Makale. From Makassar is about 400 kilometers.
However, transportation is relatively easy to Tator. If the journey starts from Hasanuddin airport, Makassar. We can use a taxi or rental car. The rent ranges between Rp 900,000 to Rp 1.500.000 per day. If you want to reduce costs and have a long time, we can ride out of town transportation which stops every district. For to Tator, We also can use the ship. We can be anchored in Pare - Pare (about 175 miles from Tator) or Port Palopo (about 60 miles from Tator). In both places it is available on public transport. Or, we can rent a car with a tariff Rp 500,000 to Rp 850,000 per day. Although have to travel for hours - hours, we will be treated to beautiful scenery. Not feel the time will fly by.
When he returned to earth Tator, we can direct towards the City Rantepao. Jasmine hotel lodging and cost Rp 150,000 - Rp 350,000 per night is complete. While five-star hotels range from Rp 500,000 to 1,500,000 permalam. From Rantepao, visitors can plan his trip. Various tours can be enjoyed serving. Ranging from traditional villages Tator, ancient tombs, until serving beautiful natural attractions.
Many of the ancient settlement can stop off. Dudsun bleak Kete ', about 5 kilometers from Rantepao, can still be seen intact ancient village life. According Parabak, tour guide from Rantepao, age hamlet Kete 'estimated one thousand years. Some penghuninyamasih have blood relations. House - the house was customary diperkampungan (Tangkonan), until now still standing strong. Tator traditional house has a typical and appropriate their lives. Custom house respectable citizens standing buffalo head with horns in front dijajar. Engraving - engraving typical Toraja, the small print with the dominant warn of red, yellow, black and add authority itu.Didepan house is usually built barn house or small building to store rice.
Kete villages' is still original. Here are the most unique and interesting, which is hanging graves. The bodies are stored in boxes and digangtung didinding - walls of hills. But, now also built a permanent cemetery and oval-shaped concrete (Patane). This tomb, unlike the wooden crate, of course not easily affected by rain rotted.
At Tator we can find a lot of funerals. Like eating in the village of Londa old who is still in use, the corpse placed on the Mount - a steep hill. For those who bleed digolekan dilereng royalty on the hillside above the most difficult to reach. Burial on a hillside was intended to make the goods - items such as jewelry mewa not stolen. And, the threat of punishment for thieves dead property severe. The man was a slave forever, or were expelled from the village.
The scene in the ancient necropolis in Tator is amazing and makes horror for an unusual look at the human skeleton. Ritual life is still attached to the Tator. Ritual ceremony which is costly burial procession. Royal-blooded citizens must meet several persyratan and through a special procession. Funeral nets that is the attraction of tourists. In addition, indigenous peoples, especially Todolo Aluk faiths, believing that the spirits of the dead would be taking place called Puya. The resort was led by Ponglalondongna, which will ask how a funeral where the dead person who will go puya. Therefore, every burial is always through the full ceremony including cutting tens of buffalos.
One of the most interesting of the burial process is now carried out a buffalo fights. Direct lost buffalo in TEBAS. But, because of the magical, sometimes encountered buffalo remained alive even without a head. When this happens, the shaman will cast a spell to request that the ceremony was not to be disturbed, because there are few people bother because not involved.

ORIGIN OF STORY LAKE TOBA

ORIGINS OF STORY LAKE TOBA In North Sumatra, there is a very large lake and in the middle of the lake there is an island. The lake was named Lake Toba while ditengahnya island called Samosir Island. It is said the lake is derived from the curse of the gods. In a village in the area of Sumatra, there lived a farmer. He was a farmer who diligently worked the farm, although not large. He can be sufficient from which his work was tireless. Actually he was old enough to marry, but he still chose to live alone. On a bright morning, the farmer on the river fishing. "Hopefully today I got a big fish," the farmer murmured to himself. Some time after kailnya cast, kailnya seen rocking. He immediately pulled kailnya. Farmers were cheered with joy after getting a big enough fish. He was amazed to see the color of a beautiful fish scales. Fish scales golden yellow flushed. His eyes were round and prominent emit flashes of amazing. "Wait, I do not eat! I would be willing to accompany you if you did not eat me. "Farmers are surprised to hear the voice of the fish. Since the shock, the fish they catch fell to the ground. Then do not how long, the fish was transformed into a beautiful girl. "I Bermimpikah?," Muttered the farmer. "Do not worry sir, I am also human being like you. I am deeply indebted to you for having saved me from the curse of the Gods, "she said. "My name is Princess, I do not mind to be your wife," said the girl as urgent. Farmers Itupun nodded. So they were a husband and wife. However, there is one promise that has been agreed, ie they should not be told that the origin of a fish Princess. If the promise is broken there will be a tremendous disaster. Having reached the village, the villagers stirred see beautiful girls with these farmers. "He's probably an angel who fell from the sky," they muttered. Farmers felt very happy and peaceful. As a good husband, he continued to work to make a living by cultivating the fields and fields with a diligent and tenacious. Due diligence and tenacity, the farmer's life without shortcomings in his life. Many people are jealous, and they spread the bad suspicion that the business success of farmers dropped. "I know the farmer must maintain a ghost! "Someone said to her friend. It reached the ears of farmers and Princess. But they do not feel offended, even more diligent work. A year later, Farmer and wife happiness increases, because the farmer's wife gave birth to a baby boy. She was named Son. Their happiness does not make them forget themselves. Sons grow into a child's healthy and strong. He became a good boy but a little naughty. He has a habit of making surprise his parents, which is always hungry. Foods that should be eaten three of them can be eaten alone. Over time, the Son always annoy his father. If asked to help parents work, she always refused. The farmer's wife always reminds farmers to be patient over their child's behavior. "Yes, I'll be patient, however he was our son!" Said the farmer told his wife. "Thank God, Kanda thought that way. Kanda is a husband and good father, "said daughter to her husband. It said the man, that patience has limits. This is experienced by the farmer. One day, Son of the task of food and beverages delivered to the field where his father was working. But the Son does not fulfill his duty. Farmers wait for the arrival of her son, holding thirsty and hungry. He went straight home. See her son in playing ball. Farmers became angry as he grabbed his son's ear. "Children do not know diuntung! Do not know myself! Basic child fish!, "The farmer detraction unconsciously that taboo word. After the farmers say the words, immediately lost his wife and daughter disappeared. Without a trace and trail. From the former stamping his feet, suddenly menyemburlah water was strong and growing fast. Village Farmer and all the surrounding villages submerged. Water flooding is very high and wide to form a lake. And eventually form a lake. The lake was eventually known as the Lake Toba. Meanwhile, a small island in the middle of the island called Samosir. Source: www.e-smartschool.com

BAKARA VALLEY FULL OF CHARM

Rows of hills that enclose the valley. The water is bluish-green lake lay on one side. Two natural fortress that protect people from hundreds of years ago. A piece of beauty in the land known as the Batak Bakara. Bakara is a wide flat valley stretches hundreds of hectares. A village full of fascination with nature and cultural tourism is famous to another country. Administrative regions in Sub Baktiraja, Humbang Hasundutan, North Sumatra. Valley, a distance of dozens of kilometers from Dolok Sanggul consists of several villages and hamlets. Split by two major rivers rushing water. The biggest river is the dominant cross Aek sourced from a waterfall that poured from the stretch of hills. The second river named Aek smaller Simangira. Both runs through several villages and tributaries of the Lake Toba. Uniquely, the two rivers is easily recognizable from the color of water in sight. Aek Cross watery reddish brown. Colors that are biased from the river and landed brown clay lelumut kecolkatan. While the color tends Simangira Aek white, because the sandy bottom covered rocks of times. Both rivers are the main water sources for bathing needs, washing, and toilet in the whole valley residents Bakara. But there are also many homes that use wells and ground water as drinking water providers. Relief hills, rivers, and the expanse of Lake Toba offers beautiful nature in the beautiful valley of Bakara. There are many alternative places with stunning landscape views can be enjoyed from here. Panorama Nature Temperatures in the valley Bakara relatively cold and cool throughout the day, with many springs scattered (nausea). The main spring is the largest Sitio Aek-tio. Exact location on the riverbank. Natural bathing place that was once a small pond that comes from springs "eternal" in shade of a large tree type hariara (a type of banyan) in which the water was never dirty. Throughout the year is always clean, clear, and cold. Location has now become the main water source for the needs of local people for drinking and bathing. Clarity and coolness Sitio Aek-tio always "called" visitors to soak in there. Loss it would not try the lake that used to be a favorite resting place of the Dutch colonial army. Besides the lake, in Bakara also many waterfalls found. Almost every corner of the waterfall lies large and small. Everything has its own peculiarities. However, most known as a tourist attraction is Sipangolu Aek. Aek waterfall Sipangolu is believed to be the holy water that contains the basic elements of life nurses. Residents around a long time ago believed that water could be a "medicine" for many needs. The visitors who want to enjoy the coolness of this waterfall, there are public baths. Source water flows directly from Sipangolu Aek. Or who wants to bring back the water, fine. There jerry cans provided at the location of these waterfalls, especially for visitors who want to bring water Aek Sipangolu as souvenirs. From the edge of this waterfall flow, we could eat toba lake view from the other side. Or can also relax over a cup of coffee or tea from a simple shop run by local residents. Cultural Tourism Bakara valley is fertile and promising a good harvest to plant rice, onion, and pulses. Bakara Valley had always been known even to the famous Holland, as the valley of the store charge exotic history and culture. Bakara itself is a center of government Sisingamangaraja I - XII, precisely in Lumbanraja Village. Since this Sisingamangaraja administration, customs and culture of the Batak thickens because the charismatic king propagating goodness and virtue that stems from Batak customs. Sisingamangaraja be an example and role model Batak kings around him. That he regarded as the king of all kings in the field of morals. Sisingamangaraja royal palace complex in Lumbanraja, which consists of a row of four Ruma Bolon can still be seen up to now. In December last year, the renovation project is completed Sisingamangaraja sites do. 2005 budget projects which started since 26 September 2005 it was renovated over three rows of the main palace building. Berkalali renovated buildings, dozens of times since last year, is no longer the original building. Udah original building burned down during raging Batak War (1877 - 1907) against the Dutch colonial army. Later on in the palace complex right in the front yard line of Ruma Bolon, there are grave sembuah rectangular building made of cement that has Batak ornaments, carvings Sisingamangaraja royal flag, seal (stamp) Sisingamangaraja, and an inscription beraksara Toba Batak. Then at the complex just outside the dipagar around with stones and iron, can still be found a unique site. His name is Stone Siungkap-ungkapon. Website stone diameter of 80 cm was supposedly once used in rituals to predict and predict the things that is very important, especially in agriculture. Visiting Bakara, you not only enjoy the natural beauty bia, cool air, and the original village atmosphere, but also can see the historical sites is important in the history of Batak kingdom against the Dutch colonial past. (Evin Bakara) *

Hanged Rock-Parapat, North Sumatra Folklore

Parapat or Prapat is a small town in the area Simalungun District, North Sumatra, Indonesia. A small town located on the shores of Lake Toba is a bustling tourist destination visited by domestic and foreign tourists. The city has a very natural beauty stunning and supported by access to good road transport, so it is easy to reach. The city is often used as a haven by the tourists who passed the Road Traffic Sumatra (Jalinsum) which connects the western city of Medan to Padang. Besides being an exotic tourist object, Parapat is also a legendary city among the people in North Sumatra. In the past, this small town is a weekend that is located on the shores of Lake Toba. After an extremely frightening event, the place was named by the community or Prapat Parapat. In that event, appeared a man resembling a stone in the edge of Lake Toba. According to the local community, the stone was the reincarnation of a beautiful girl named Chrysanthemum. Events what exactly happened on the outskirts of town? Why are the pretty girl was transformed into stone? Want to know the answer? Follow the story in the story following Hanged Rock!. Once, in a remote village on the outskirts of Lake Toba, North Sumatra, there lived a happy couple with a young beautiful girl named Chrysanthemum. In addition to beautiful, very diligent Chrysanthemum also help their parents work in the fields. Every day the little family was doing their fields who are at the edge of Lake Toba, and the results are used for daily needs.
On one day, Chrysanthemum go to the garden alone, because both parents there is a need in the neighboring village. She was only accompanied by her lovely dog named Toki. Arriving in the field, she did not work, but he just sat there looking at the natural beauty of Lake Toba. Looks like he was facing a difficult problem solved. While dog, Toki, come sit beside him, looking as though Seruni know what was in her mind. Occasional dog barking to distract the employer, but the employer still nagging with her thoughts. Indeed the last few days Seruni always seemed depressed. He was very sad, because it will be married by her parents with a young man who was his cousin. And he had had an affair with a young man his choice and had promised to build a happy home. He was very confused. On the one hand he did not want to disappoint her parents, and on the other hand, if he could not afford to part with her beloved boyfriend. Therefore could not bear the heavy burden, he began to despair. "Oh, God! Servant was not able to live with this burden, "complained Seruni. A few moments later, Chrysanthemum rose from his seat. With tears laughing, he walked slowly toward the Lake Toba. Apparently she wanted to end his life by jumping into the lake's steep bertebing. While Toki, followed his master from behind as he barked. With thoughts kept going, Chrysanthemum walked toward the cliffs of Lake Toba, without watching the road in its path. Unexpectedly, he suddenly terperosokke in a big hole up deep into the bottom hole. Black rock that makes the atmosphere inside the dark hole. Beautiful girl was very scared. In the dark hole, he felt the walls of rock on him to move closer. "Help ... ...! Tolooooggg ... ...! I Toloong, Toki! "Chrysanthemum voice asks for help to her. Toki understand if the employer needed a help, but he can not do anything, except just barking at the mouth of the hole. Several times Chrysanthemum calling for help, but Toki really can not menolongnnya. Finally she was getting desperate. "Ah, I'd rather die than suffer a long life," Chrysanthemum resignation. The walls of rock moving closer again. "Parapat! Parapat Parapat the rock ... "called Chrysanthemum told that the rock squeeze her .. While Toki who knows his master's in danger kept barking at the mouth of the hole. Feel unable to help his employer, he immediately ran back home to ask for help. Arriving at the house of her employer, Toki parents immediately went Chrysanthemum who had just come from a nearby village went to her house. "Auggg ...! auggg ...! auggg ...! "Toki barking while clawing the ground to inform the parents that the Chrysanthemum in danger. "Toki ..., where Chrysanthemum? What happened to him? "Asked the father to the dog. "Auggg ...! auggg ...! auggg ...! "Toki kept barking ran back and forth to take them to a place. "Sir, it seems Chrysanthemum in danger," said the mother Seruni. "Mom was right. Toki invites us to follow, "said the father. "But it was dark, sir. How do we get there? "Said the mother Seruni. "My mother prepared a torch! I will seek help from our neighbor, "cried the father. Soon, the whole neighborhood had gathered in the yard the father's house, carrying the torch. After that they followed the Toki to the scene. Once they were in the fields, Toki directly toward the mouth of the hole. Then he barked, holding out his mouth stretched into a hole, telling the residents that the Chrysanthemum at the bottom of the hole. Chrysanthemum parents immediately approached the mouth of the hole. What a surprise when they saw a hole big enough rock on the edge of their fields. In the hole came the faint voice of a woman: "Parapat ...! Parapat Parapat the rock ...! " "Sir, listen to that voice! Itukan voices of our children! cried the mother in panic. "Yes, mother! That sounds Chrysanthemum! "Replied the father. "But, why did he say Prapat, Prapat the rock repeatedly?" Asked the mother. "I do not know, bu! Seems there's something wrong in there, "said the worried father. Mr. Farmer was trying to illuminate the hole with a torch, but the hole was so deep that can not be penetrated by torchlight. "Seruniii ...! Seruniii ...! "Yelled the father. "Chrysanthemum ... my son! This mother and father came to rescue you! "The mother come yelling. Several times they cried, but did not get an answer from Chrysanthemum. Only sound Chrysanthemum drifted who asked the rock to squeeze her. "Parapat ...! Parapatlah rock ...! Parapatlah! " "Seruniiii ... my son!" Chrysanthemum mother again screaming and crying hysterically. People who were present at the place trying to help. One of them held out a piece of slap (string) to the bottom of the hole, but the slap was not touched at all. The father worried about her daughter. He then decided to follow her plunge into a deep hole. "Mom, hold this torch!" Added the father. "Where will you go?" Asked the mother. "I want to go down into the hole Chrysanthemum," she said firmly. "No, Daddy is very dangerous!" Says the mother. "Yes sir, the hole is very deep and dark," said one citizen. Finally, the father thought better of it. A moment later, suddenly heard the roar. The earth shook violently as if to end. Hole suddenly close itself. The cliffs at the edge of Lake Toba was falling. Chrysanthemum's father and mother and all the citizens ran to and fro to save themselves. They left the mouth hole, so that poor Chrysanthemum not be saved from the crush rock. Some time after the earthquake stopped, suddenly appeared a large rock that resembles the body of a girl and as if hanging on the cliff wall beside Lake Toba. Local communities believe that the stone was the reincarnation of Chrysanthemum are squeezed by the rock in the hole. By their stones and then given the name "Hanging Rock". A few days later, mightily news about the events that befall her. The citizens flocked to the scene to see the "Hanging Rock" was. Residents who witnessed the incident told other residents that before the hole was closed, a voice: "Parapat ... ... Parapatlah parapat rock!" Therefore, the word "Prapat" they say, and many are told, the week that was in the Lake Toba then given the name "Parapat". Parapat is now a small town a tourist destination is very interesting in the province of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Thus the story of the origins of city names Prapat. The story above examples include folk tales that contain moral messages that can be used as guidance in daily life. One of the moral message that can be learned from the story is the bad end of desperation or weak spirit. This character is reflected in the attitudes and behaviors Chrysanthemum who wanted to end his life by jumping into the lake bertebing steep, namunia precisely fall into the hole, and finally died Source: http://rapolo.wordpress.com Retrieved from "http://budaya-indonesia.org/iaci/Batu_Gantung-Parapat% 2C_Cerita_Rakyat_Sumut"

HKBP CHURCH PARAPAT, WITH ARCHITECT Europe - BATAK

Parapat (SIB) There were typical of the Church building HKBP Parapat, Parapat Resort, East Sumatra District, compared with other churches of ornament European semi-Batak. Joint European-style ornaments and ornaments Batak style. That's why this church is the most magnificent churches in North Sumatra. It said the Church Development Committee Chairman HKBP Parapat, Ancient Mansur SE, while talking with SIB, Thursday (8 / 10) in Parapat. According to him, the European semi-ornaments are designed Batak voluntarily by a Batak architecture Sahala Simanjuntak Ir. Next say, Gorga implement Batak ornaments and the stairs Alpha Omega (AO) was also made in accordance with European and semi ornaments on the stairs there is also patio AO depicting Trinity (God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), passing this terrace as custom house Karo but actually describes the Trinity of God. On the inside that makes the difference with the other church is the seat Servants of the Church is higher than the seat of the congregation. This illustrates that the level of faith Servant more "holy" (height) of the church, he said. Mansur further reported that the church building was previously located in the town of Parapat Sipiak (near Parapat Hotel is now), but in 1906 moved to Dolok Jalan Bukit Barisan Pangulu of District Three Kings, Parapat until now. In 1934 a ½ concrete repair and in 1974 became more permanent structures although the main pillars are still using wooden beams, because technically it is very worrying pole in 2001 then returned to rehab current form. Parapat HKBP Church is situated on an area of 1 ha in size 22 M x 29 M and to complete the committee has conducted 5 times a party in accordance with its development of 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008. With the completion of this building the congregation numbering Parapat HKBP with member of 1000 couples divided by the service 3 times every Sunday (morning, afternoon and evening) with a comfortable and solemn, he said. For the next party, said Mansur, was no longer the party building but 106 years Jubilee party and a party that combined with the inauguration of the party the laying down stone foundation(MBO) which is currently being planned and prepared the committee. When asked the purpose and objectives of the church building is magnificent in North Sumatra, Mansur is also Member of Parliament Simalungun 2009-2014 period this Democrat said to actualize the love of the Church as the temple of God and cultivate faith people to the Lord Jesus Christ and to develop The church functions as a center of various types of activities related to spirituality and concern among others. While the Vision and Mission by Mansur is to make the Church as a pastoral center in the real sense as well as the actual services center. The church is also preparing a training facility for the community, implement and existence of the Church as a youth development center. Fund 2,5 Billion Answering questions the amount of funds spent, Mansur said to finish building this Parapat HKBP Church has spent Rp 2.5 billion fund. These funds come from the community Parapat HKBP 70%, children's participation Overseas funds 20% and 10% of sympathizers. All of our congregation involved a donor according to his ability, he said, calling that the funds from the community may vary between 10 thousand to 10 million rupiah. End of discussion, the Chairman-friendly development and mix in the midst of this community say that the recipe of success and the smooth development of this Parapat HKBP Church is openness (transparency) so that the committee believed by the church. Party development in what we do, every single hour in the amount of money we are announcing that the party ended when the dollar amount of already known by the congregation, so do not wait for weeks, but that day the church had been informed that the money went. Similarly, spending about Mansur said, it must exposed and announced, such as purchasing building materials to the committee told the congregation from which purchased, how much, from where the shop, address and phone number so the congregation can store check and find out. This is the key to successful development Parapat HKBP Church. (S9/HS)

THE WHITE HOUSE

WHITE HOUSE HISTORY
For more than 200 years, the White House has been more than just the home of the Presidents and their families. Throughout the world, it is recognized as the symbol of the President, of the President's administration, and of the United States.
About the Building
For two hundred years, the White House has stood as a symbol of the Presidency, the United States government, and the American people. Its history, and the history of the nation's capital, began when President George Washington signed an Act of Congress in December of 1790 declaring that the federal government would reside in a district "not exceeding ten miles square…on the river Potomac." President Washington, together with city planner Pierre L’Enfant, chose the site for the new residence, which is now 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As preparations began for the new federal city, a competition was held to find a builder of the "President’s House." Nine proposals were submitted, and Irish-born architect James Hoban won a gold medal for his practical and handsome design.
Construction began when the first cornerstone was laid in October of 1792. Although President Washington oversaw the construction of the house, he never lived in it. It was not until 1800, when the White House was nearly completed, that its first residents, President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, moved in. Since that time, each President has made his own changes and additions. The White House is, after all, the President’s private home. It is also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public, free of charge.
The White House has a unique and fascinating history. It survived a fire at the hands of the British in 1814 (during the war of 1812) and another fire in the West Wing in 1929, while Herbert Hoover was President. Throughout much of Harry S. Truman’s presidency, the interior of the house, with the exception of the third floor, was completely gutted and renovated while the Trumans lived at Blair House, right across Pennsylvania Avenue. Nonetheless, the exterior stone walls are those first put in place when the White House was constructed two centuries ago.
Presidents can express their individual style in how they decorate some parts of the house and in how they receive the public during their stay. Thomas Jefferson held the first Inaugural open house in 1805. Many of those who attended the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol simply followed him home, where he greeted them in the Blue Room. President Jefferson also opened the house for public tours, and it has remained open, except during wartime, ever since. In addition, he welcomed visitors to annual receptions on New Year’s Day and on the Fourth of July. In 1829, a horde of 20,000 Inaugural callers forced President Andrew Jackson to flee to the safety of a hotel while, on the lawn, aides filled washtubs with orange juice and whiskey to lure the mob out of the mud-tracked White House.
After Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, Inaugural crowds became far too large for the White House to accommodate them comfortably. However, not until Grover Cleveland’s first presidency did this unsafe practice change. He held a presidential review of the troops from a flag-draped grandstand built in front of the White House. This procession evolved into the official Inaugural parade we know today. Receptions on New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July continued to be held until the early 1930s.
· There are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the Residence. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators.
· At various times in history, the White House has been known as the "President's Palace," the "President's House," and the "Executive Mansion." President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901.
· Presidential Firsts while in office... President James Polk (1845-49) was the first President to have his photograph taken... President Theodore Roosevelt (1901-09) was not only the first President to ride in an automobile, but also the first President to travel outside the country when he visited Panama... President Franklin Roosevelt (1933-45) was the first President to ride in an airplane.
· With five full-time chefs, the White House kitchen is able to serve dinner to as many as 140 guests and hors d'oeuvres to more than 1,000.
· The White House requires 570 gallons of paint to cover its outside surface.
· For recreation, the White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, and bowling lane.

THE OVAL OFFICE

THE OVAL OFFICE
The Oval Office is the official office of the President of the United States.
The office was designed by the architect Nathan C. Wyeth at the order of President William Howard Taft in 1909. Named for its distinctive oval shape, the Oval Office is part of the complex of offices that make up the West Wing of the White House. Badly damaged by a fire in 1929, the office was rebuilt by President Herbert C. Hoover. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt enlarged the West Wing and added today’s Oval Office, designed by Eric Gugler.
The architectural features of the Oval Office, which draw from baroque, neoclassical, and Georgian traditions, have become symbolic of the power and prestige of the Presidency in the minds of Americans and people across the world. There are three large south-facing windows behind the President’s desk, as well as four doors into different parts of the West Wing. The ceiling is adorned with an elaborate molding around the edge, and features elements of the Seal of the President.
Presidents generally change the office to suit their personal taste, choosing new furniture, new drapery, and designing their own oval-shaped carpet to take up most of the floor. Paintings are selected from the White House’s own collection, or borrowed from other museums for the President’s term in office.
The President uses the Oval Office as his primary place of work. It is positioned to provide easy access to his staff in the West Wing and to allow him to retire easily to the White House residence at the end of the day. The President commonly chooses the Oval Office as the backdrop for televised addresses to the nation, and countless foreign leaders have traveled to the office to meet with the President.

CAMP DAVID

Camp David, known formally as the Naval Support Facility Thurmont, is the President’s country residence. Located in Catoctin Mountain Park in Frederick County, Maryland, Camp David has offered Presidents an opportunity for solitude and tranquility, as well as an ideal place to host foreign leaders.
Adapted from the federal employee retreat Hi-Catoctin, President Franklin Roosevelt established the residence as USS Shangri La, modeling the new main lodge after the Roosevelt winter vacation home in Warm Springs, Georgia. President Eisenhower subsequently renamed the institution in honor of his grandson David.
Camp David has been used extensively to host foreign dignitaries. Prime Minister Winston Churchill of Great Britain attended the first such meeting in May of 1943; the summit held at the residence in 1978 for Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin resulted in what are now known as the Camp David Accords.

DR JILL BIDEN

Jill Biden has been an educator for the past 28 years and continues to teach English classes at a DC-area community college. She is the wife of Vice President Joe Biden.
Jill has a long history of activism in her community and she continues to work to raise awareness on education, military families, and women’s health issues. Given her professional experience and passion, President Obama has asked Dr. Biden to help highlight the importance of America’s community colleges, and Dr. Biden frequently visits community colleges and speaks with students, parents, and teachers around the country as part of this outreach.
As a Blue Star Mom, Jill has made military families one of her top priorities. She has traveled to many bases in both the United States and in Germany to speak with soldiers and their families and try to raise awareness and show appreciation for the special sacrifices that these Americans make. In Delaware, she was active with a nonprofit organization called Delaware Boots on the Ground, which is dedicated to helping families during times of military deployment by organizing community events to raise awareness and support. An advocate of literacy and reading programs, she also helped found Book Buddies in 2007, a program that encourages reading among children from low-income families. In 1993, after four of her friends were diagnosed with breast cancer, she started the Biden Breast Health Initiative, which in the past 16 years has educated more than 10,000 ninth-through-twelfth-grade girls in Delaware about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
Prior to moving to Washington, Dr. Biden taught English for 15 years at Delaware Technical & Community College. Before that, she taught for 13 years in public schools as a reading specialist and English teacher, as well as working part-time with the Rockford Psychiatric Hospital Adolescent Program. In January 2007, Dr. Biden earned her Doctorate in Education from the University of Delaware. Her dissertation focused on maximizing student retention in community colleges. She also has a Master's Degree in English from Villanova University (1987) and a Master's Degree in reading from West Chester University (1981) — both of which she earned while working full-time and raising a family.
The oldest of five sisters, Jill Jacobs was raised in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, by her mother, Bonny and Donald Jacobs, both of whom are now deceased. Jill was a student at the University of Delaware in 1975 when Joe Biden's brother arranged an introduction between her and then-Senator Biden. On June 17, 1977, they were married at the United Nations chapel in New York City. The Bidens have three children: Ashley, a social worker; Beau, Attorney General of the State of Delaware and a captain in the Delaware Army National Guard; and Hunter, a lawyer. She is the proud grandmother ("Nana") of Naomi, Finnegan, Roberta Mabel ("Maisy"), Natalie, and Robert Hunter.

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA
When people ask Michelle Obama to describe herself, she doesn't hesitate. First and foremost, she is Malia and Sasha's mom.
But before she was a mother — or a wife, lawyer, or public servant — she was Fraser and Marian Robinson's daughter.
The Robinsons lived in a brick bungalow on the South Side of Chicago. Fraser was a pump operator for the Chicago Water Department, and despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at a young age, he hardly ever missed a day of work. Marian stayed home to raise Michelle and her brother, Craig, skillfully managing a busy household filled with love, laughter, and important life lessons.
A product of Chicago public schools, Michelle studied sociology and African-American studies at Princeton University. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1988, she joined the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin, where she later met the man who would become the love of her life.
After a few years, Michelle decided her true calling lay in encouraging people to serve their communities and their neighbors. She served as assistant commissioner of planning and development in Chicago's City Hall before becoming the founding executive director of the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program that prepares youth for public service.
In 1996, Michelle joined the University of Chicago with a vision of bringing campus and community together. As associate dean of student services, she developed the university's first community service program, and under her leadership as vice president of community and external affairs for the University of Chicago Medical Center, volunteerism skyrocketed.
As First Lady, Michelle Obama looks forward to continuing her work on the issues close to her heart — supporting military families, helping working women balance career and family, and encouraging national service.
Michelle and Barack Obama have two daughters: Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7. Like their mother, the girls were born on the South Side of Chicago.

AIR FORCE ONE USA

AIR FORCE ONE
No matter where in the world the President travels, if he flies in an Air Force jet, the plane is called Air Force One. Technically, Air Force One is the call sign of any Air Force aircraft carrying the President. In practice, however, Air Force One is used to refer to one of two highly customized Boeing 747-200B series aircraft, which carry the tail codes 28000 and 29000. The Air Force designation for the aircraft is VC-25A.
Air Force One is one of the most recognizable symbols of the presidency, spawning countless references not just in American culture but across the world. Emblazoned with the words “United States of America,” the American flag, and the Seal of the President of the United States, it is an undeniable presence wherever it flies or docks.
Capable of refueling midair, Air Force One has unlimited range and can carry the President wherever he needs to travel. The onboard electronics are hardened to protect against an electromagnetic pulse, and Air Force One is equipped with advanced secure communications equipment, allowing the aircraft to function as a mobile command center in the event of an attack on the United States.
Inside, the President and his travel companions enjoy 4,000 square feet of floor space on three levels, including an extensive suite for the President that features a large office, lavatory, and conference room. Air Force One includes a medical suite that can function as an operating room, and a doctor is permanently on board. The plane’s two food preparation galleys can feed 100 people at a time.
Air Force One also has quarters for those who accompany the President, including senior advisors, Secret Service officers, traveling press, and other guests. Several cargo planes typically fly ahead of Air Force One to provide the President with services needed in remote locations.
Air Force One is maintained and operated by the Presidential Airlift Group, part of the White House Military Office. The Airlift Group was founded in 1944 as the Presidential Pilot Office at the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. For the next 20 years, various propeller driven aircraft served the President. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy became the first President to fly in his own jet aircraft, a modified Boeing 707. Over the years, several other jet aircraft have been used, with the first of the current aircraft being delivered in 1990 during the administration of President George H. W. Bush.

Special Message for Newsmax Readers

The U.S. dollar is going the way of the Mexican peso: down!
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Unbeknown to most investors, the Obama administration is planning quietly to devalue the U.S. dollar even MORE. The decision has been made . . . and it’s working.
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The reason is simple.
The Democrats have waited nearly 30 years, ever since Ronald Reagan was elected, to begin spending money on social programs again.
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When the market crashed more than 18 months ago, the dollar strengthened significantly. Investors worldwide fled to the greenback. Hundreds of billions of poured into the United States.
But all that ended quickly when Barack Obama took office.
Once Obama and congressional Democrats began handing out trillions of dollars in bailouts and posting record deficits, the confidence of world investors was badly shaken. The value of the U.S. dollar began plunging.
Since taking office, the Obama administration has increased the monetary base by a staggering $10 trillion (see chart below). In less than a year, it managed to DOUBLE the expected annual budget deficit to almost $2 trillion.