随着石油价格超过一桶100美元，美国总统开始关注美国的能源政策。3月30日奥巴马总统在 乔治敦 大学（Georgetown University ）发表演讲呼吁到2025年美国的石油进口减少1/3。 （http://www.georgetown.edu/news/topics/obamaatgeorgetown.html ） 奥巴马说“I set this goal knowing that we’re still going to have to import some oil,” the President said. “It will remain an important part of our energy portfolio for quite some time, until we’ve gotten alternative energy strategies fully in force. And when it comes to the oil we import from other nations, obviously we’ve got to look at neighbors like Canada and Mexico that are stable and steady and reliable sources. We also have to look at other countries like Brazil.” 奥巴马继续说“But our best opportunities to enhance our energy security can be found in our own backyard,” the President continued, “…because we boast one critical, renewable resource that the rest of the world can’t match: American ingenuity. American ingenuity, American know-how.” 2011年3月30日美国白宫发表了美国的能源安全报告（ America's Energy Security ） ，概述了 总统的 建议。以下是来自白宫网站上的美国能源安全报告。 FACT SHEET: America's Energy Security Rising prices at the pump affect everybody – workers and farmers; truck drivers and restaurant owners. Businesses see it impact their bottom line. Families feel the pinch when they fill up their tank. For Americans already struggling to get by, it makes life that much harder. That’s why we need to make ourselves more secure and control our energy future by harnessing all of the resources that we have available and embracing a diverse energy portfolio. With an ultimate goal of reducing our dependence on oil, in the near term we must responsibly develop and produce oil and gas at home, while at the same time leveraging cleaner, alternative fuels and increasing efficiency. And beyond our efforts to reduce our dependence on oil, we must focus on expanding cleaner sources of electricity – keeping America on the cutting edge of clean energy technology so that we can build a 21st century clean energy economy and win the future. Reducing oil imports In 2008, America imported 11 million barrels of oil a day. By 2025 – a little over a decade from now – we will have cut that by one-third. Expanding Safe and Responsible Domestic Oil and Gas Development and Production: Implementing critical safety reforms: In response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the Obama Administration has launched rigorous and comprehensive environmental and safety reforms to ensure the responsible development of offshore oil and gas resource Identifying underdeveloped resources: The President asked the Department of the Interior (DOI) to issue a report on the status of unused oil and gas leases. That report showed that 57 percent of all leased onshore acres and 70 percent of offshore leased acres are inactive – meaning that they are neither being explored or developed. Developing incentives for expedited development and production: DOI is developing incentives for expedited development of oil and gas production from existing and future leases. For its offshore leasing program, the DOI has already begun to employ incentives, including the shortening of some lease terms to encourage earlier development, and requiring drilling to begin before an extension can be granted on a lease. DOI is also evaluating the potential use of graduated royalty rate structures, such as those adopted by the State of Texas, to encourage more rapid production. Securing Access to Diverse and Reliable Sources of Energy: The U.S. is acting in the international arena to moderate global oil demand and secure additional supplies of liquid fuels and clean energy. We are working with our international partners to increase natural gas supplies, replace oil with natural gas in power generation, and increase responsible oil production in a manner that ensures safety . We are also increasing sustainable bioenergy production, building a new international framework for nuclear energy, and promoting energy efficiency. Developing Alternatives to Oil, Including Biofuels and Natural Gas: Some of our most effective opportunities to enhance our energy security can be found in our own backyard. We are committed to finding better and smarter ways to use these abundant energy resources. That means: Expanding biofuels markets and commercializing new biofuels technologies: Corn ethanol is already making a significant contribution to reducing our oil dependence, but increasing market share will require overcoming infrastructure challenges and commercializing promising cellulosic and advanced biofuels technologies. To help achieve this goal, the Administration has set a goal of breaking ground on at least four commercial-scale cellulosic or advanced bio-refineries over the next two years. And as we do all of these things, we will look for ways to reform our biofuels incentives to make sure they meet today’s biofuels challenges and save taxpayers money. Encouraging responsible development practices for natural gas: The Administration is committed to the use of this important domestic resource, but we must ensure it is developed safely and responsibly. To that end the Administration is focused on increasing transparency about the use of fracking chemicals, working with state regulators to offer technical assistance, and launching a new initiative to tap experts in industry, the environmental community and states to develop recommendations for shale extraction practices that will ensure the protection of public health and the environment. Cutting Costs at the Pump with More Efficient Cars and Trucks: The Administration is building on recent investments in advanced vehicles, fuel, technologies, high speed rail, and public transit: Setting historic new fuel economy standards: Standards for model years 2012-16 will raise average fuel economy to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, and save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the vehicles covered. In July, the Administration will also finalize the first-ever national fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards for commercial trucks, vans and buses built in 2014 - 2018. These standards will cut oil use and promote the development and deployment of alternative fuels, including natural gas. The Administration is also developing the next generation of fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards for passenger vehicles 2017-2025 and expects to announce the proposal in September 2011. Paving the way for advanced vehicles: The President has set an ambitious goal of putting 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2015. To help us get there, the President’s FY 2012 Budget proposes a redesigned $7500 tax credit for consumers, competitive grants for communities that encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, and funding for RD to drive innovation in advanced battery technology. At the same time, the President is calling on Congress to move forward with policies that can help unlock the promise of natural gas vehicles. Leading by Example With the Federal Fleet. The Federal government operates more than 600,000 fleet vehicles. We have already doubled the number of hybrid vehicles in the federal fleet. Today, the President is calling for administrative action directing agencies to ensure that by 2015, all new vehicles they purchase will be alternative-fuel vehicles, including hybrid and electric vehicles. Innovating Our Way to a Clean Energy Future Charting a path towards cleaner sources of electricity and greater energy efficiency, and remaining on the cutting edge of clean energy technology. Creating Markets for Clean Energy: To move capital off of the sidelines and into the clean energy economy – creating jobs in the process – we need to give businesses and entrepreneurs a clear signal that there will be a market for clean energy innovation. That’s why the Administration is committed to pursuing a Clean Energy Standard (CES), an ambitious but achievable goal of generating 80 percent of the Nation’s electricity from clean energy sources by 2035 – including renewable energy sources like wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower; nuclear power; efficient natural gas; and clean coal. Cutting Energy Bills through More Efficient Homes and Buildings: Our homes, businesses and factories consume over 70 percent of the energy we use. By making smart investments in energy efficiency in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, we can improve U.S. competitiveness and protect our environment, while saving consumers money on electricity bills. That is why the Administration is on track to weatherize 600,000 low-income homes through Recovery Act investments, and why we remain committed to a series of policies that increase efficiency across sectors – including a HOMESTAR program to help homeowners finance retrofits, a “Better Buildings Initiative” to make commercial facilities 20 percent more efficient by 2020, and steps to promote industrial energy efficiency. Staying on the Cutting Edge through Clean Energy Research and Development: Through the Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program, we have invested in over 100 cutting-edge projects in areas ranging from smart grid technology, to carbon capture, to battery technology for electric vehicles. Past Budgets funded three “Energy Innovation Hubs” that explore building efficiency, fuel from sunlight, and nuclear reactor modeling and simulation. The FY 2012 Budget request more than doubles funding for ARPA-E and doubles the number of Hubs to include new Hubs that will advance smart grid technology, critical materials research, as well as batteries and energy storage.
涛哥到白宫去，朗朗演奏了一曲《我的祖国》，就有人出来说三道四，更有跑去向美国人“告密”的——我一听，这不是《上甘岭》打美国人的歌吗？（大意如此。）——这阶级斗争的弦，绷得还就是紧！ 一首歌曲，当时确有特定的意义。后来就逐渐变得广义。比如《我的祖国》——“朋友来了有美酒，若是强盗来了，迎接他的是猎枪！” 当时这“强盗”二字确实是特指美国兵，后来逐渐成为一切侵略者的代词。 又比如美国国歌《 The Star-Spangled Banner 》，其歌词是歌颂抗击英国侵略者的一首诗：《 Defense of Fort McHenry 》（作者 Francis Scott Key ）。在当时算是反英爱国歌曲。而如今英美两国正式交往的场合，照样也会大奏《 The Star-Spangled Banner 》不是？ 更不用说中国的《义勇军进行曲》了。
白宫介绍 ( 《美国总统和第一夫人》 1986 年版 ) 黄安年文 黄安年的博客 /2009 年 2 月 4 日发布 下面发布的笔者编译的《美国总统和第一夫人》中的白宫介绍 ( 第 112-120 页，河北人民出版社 1986 年版 ) 扫描本，资源共享。 附两文介绍 : *************************************** 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. http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/history/ 美国白宫重建新闻发布厅 http://www.jrj.com 2006 年 08 月 04 日 08:29 北京晨报 白宫新闻发布厅建成之后 30 多年不曾大修，这间当时看起来比希尔顿酒店强的会厅如今年久失修，好在修缮即将开始，需时 9 个月。白宫现任新闻秘书、几位前任新闻秘书和一些媒体记者 2 日在这座老会厅举行有关修缮的发布会，向它告别。美国总统乔治布什和第一夫人劳拉布什也到访。 白宫新闻发布厅所在之处起初是游泳池，只因在白宫的媒体记者越来越多，原来的新闻发布场所容纳不下，美国时任总统尼克松才决定把它改成新闻发布厅。 发布厅 1970 年建成投入使用，当时尼克松对它的评价是：看起来比希尔顿酒店强。虽然已经 30 多年不曾大修，但从电视上看，它仍拿得出手。 但《华盛顿邮报》记者贝克说，那是因为镜头一般对准讲台，观众往往只看见有名的蓝色幕布和白宫标识。实际上，这间老会厅已是败絮其中。镜头范围之外，墙壁出现裂缝和污渍，遇到大雨还会渗水。线缆、梯子和设备杂乱，桌破椅旧，甚至还有老鼠出没。会厅的空调几乎不管用，两个卫生间只有一个能用。人人都在好莱坞电影里看到过这间房子，如果他们在现实生活中看一看糟糕透了。已经有 25 年、 30 年没有换什么新东西了，美国政府卫星有线电视台记者、白宫记者协会主席史蒂夫斯库利说。 负责修缮工程的总务管理局工程师还在会厅发现了石棉。更有甚者，上个星期，天花板上脱落的建筑材料还掉在了座位区。 陈济朋（新华社供本报特稿） http://finance1.jrj.com.cn/news/2006-08-04/000001572863.html *************************************8
标签: 白宫
