As much as I'd like to say I'm an expert, I'm not.
So, here's a web page that can explain the "history" of the inauguration.
In addition, today, at about 12:03 pm, whitehouse.gov changed the Administration page from George W. Bush's term in office (notice how we call it a "term" in office and not a "reign" in office - there is no possible way America could even be compared to a monarchy...except that before 1901, the White House has been known as the "President's Palace" -et al.- until President Theodore Roosevelt gave it its current name in -- big surprise -- 1901) to President Barack H. Obama and his administration (including updated pages on the wives of the prez and VP).
In addition, did you know that Vice President Biden's middle name is Robinette?! And that 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. There is also a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, and bowling lane -- well, you didn't really expect the first family to go to any of these facilities in the public! Can you imagine the nightmares that the Secret Service agents would have if it were allowed??!! For that matter, why are they called Secret Service agents? We all know they exist!
In the White House kitchen, there are 5 full time chefs (take that "Cory in the House"! No way would that ever happen in real life, just one chef? And his son is the only other kid at the White House other than the President's daughter?) Also, the White House requires 570 gallons of paint to cover its outside surface -- now think about the amount of paint needed for the inside walls...
Here are some residential "firsts" while in office
- President James Polk (in office 1845 - 1849) was the first President to have his photograph taken - Wow. What a milestone. If only we had a real picture of George Washington. I guess it may not be the best of things because if we ever have a really ugly president, there's no way to bribe the artist to make them look better...
- President Theodore Roosevelt (in office 1901 - 1909) was the first President to ride in an automobile and the first President to travel outside the country (when he visited Panama) - Jeez, were cars really only used about 100 years ago? If you think about, modern history moved really, really, really fast once humans began giving up the old "hunting/gathering" societies.
- President Franklin Roosevelt (in office 1933- 1945) was the first President to ride in an airplane - also had one of the longest terms: 4 terms = 16 years give or take a couple of months. He should also be one of President Obama's role models with the economy where it is...
For more information on tours, visit this web page on the White House government site.
Off to watch the Inauguration news again (the television has been tuned into the Inauguration events since about 9:30 am!),
Little Star
