Laura Bush on the sets of 'Sesame Street'

    Noida: US First Lady Laura Bush today met the directors of Indian version of popular American kids show 'Sesame Street' here. Laura took part in the shooting of one of the episodes of the Indian version of the show, which is called 'Galli Galli Sim Sim'. She also acted with social activist Nafisa Ali with whom she exchanged small talk. It just took two takes, but the mother of two, Laura knew how to charm the kids when she interacted with kids on the sets. She was received by the Noida administration at the Eagle Studio here among others by authority CEO Sanjeev Saran, Nafisa Ali. 'Galli Galli Sim Sim' is an Indian take on the hugely popular puppet show. The show is centered on Chamki, a girl who lives by herself on a narrow street with her friends, and is partly funded by the US Government. It is aimed at India's 157 million children under age six. 'Sesame Street' is a pre-school educational programme where teaching is done through matters of fun.

    According to the result of a US-India public-private partnership between United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Sesame workshop and broadcasting, the programme is scheduled to be aired in August this year on 'Cartoon Network' and 'Pogo', the TV channels. The serial is also expected to be aired on Doordarshan also for a mass reach. Laura Bush also visited the Prayas Institute of Juvenile Justice, a home for abused children in Tughlaqabad, where she interacted with children and expressed her views and importance of education while talking to girls there. She will accompany the US President on March 3 to Hyderabad. The two depart on February 4 for Pakistan.

Laura Bush visits Mother Teresa's home for disabled

     New Delhi: US First Lady Laura Bush exchanged jokes and accepted gifts of paper toys made by disabled children at Mother Teresa's Home for Disabled Children in New Delhi on Thursday. Laura, who is accompanying President George W. Bush on a three- day visit to India, was warmly welcomed by the sisters of "Jeevan Jyoti Home". The sisters, who belong to the order of Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa in 1950, briefed the US First Lady on the activities of the Home. Established in 1988, the home is dedicated to caring for youngsters with a range of physical and emotional disabilities. Eighty-two children currently reside at the home, many since birth.

Air Force One and Cadillac de Ville Limousines

     New Delhi: U.S. President George W. Bush arrived in his 'Air Force One' aircraft in New Delhi on Wednesday evening on a three-day state visit. 'Air Force One' is the world's most sophisticated carrier, also called the flying White House. It can work as a military command centre in any emergency. The Boeing 747-200B is an unlimited range aircraft that has amazing features. It can refuel in mid-air, it has the set up to counter any missile attack, it is guarded from any electromagnetic pulse in the event of a nuclear attack.

    Originally 'Air Force One' was essentially the air traffic control call sign for any US air force aircraft carrying the US president. In 1990, two specifically configured 747-200B series jets, with tail numbers 28000 and 29000 and with air force designation VC-25A, became the Air Force One. Both aircraft are deployed during any presidential mission. While one carries the president, the other follows it and is kept on stand-by parked at a quick reachable destination. The planes that serve as Air Force One differ from the standard Boeing 747 in size, features and security precautions. While Air Force One has three floors, like a regular Boeing 747, its interior has been reconfigured for presidential duties. On board are a fully functional office that also includes the president's executive suite that includes a private dressing and workout room, a lavatory, a shower and a private office. In the office areas, there are facilities for photocopying and printing and computer work stations as well as telecommunication systems, including 85 telephone lines and 19 televisions, all connected through dedicated satellite links for global communications. There are also secure and non-secure voice, fax and data communication. The electronics on board are connected with approximately 238 miles (383 km) of wiring, twice that of a regular 747. All wirings are covered with heavy shielding for protection from electromagnetic flux in the event of a nuclear attack. The plane has electronic counter measure to jam enemy radars and flares to avoid heat-seeking missiles. The plane's 4,000 square feet (370 metres) of interior floor space include multiple modifications. Its lowest levels are mostly cargo space carrying both luggage and food supply.

    The food, stored in freezers, is enough for 2,000 meals. Meals are prepared in two galleys, which together are equipped to feed about 100 people at a time. The main passenger area is on the second floor. The communications equipment and the cockpit are on the third floor. There are three entrances onboard. Two doors, one at the front and one at the rear, open onto the lower deck. One door opens at the front, opening onto the middle deck. Normally, when you see the US president getting on and off Air Force One with a wave, he is using the door onto the middle deck after a rolling staircase has been pulled up to the plane. On board Air Force One is equipped with medical facilities, including a foldout operating table, emergency medical supplies, and a well-stocked pharmacy. On every flight there is a staff doctor. In addition, there are separate sleeping quarters for guests, senior staff, secret service and security personnel, and the news media. The Air Force One's length is 231 feet and 10 inches (70.7 metres), height 63 feet and 5 inches (19.3 m), wingspan 195 feet and 8 inches (59.6 m), and it has an estimated speed capability of 630 kmph. It has a crew of 26 and can carry up to 102 people. The US Air Force maintains the aircraft.

    After Bush landed from the aircraft, three custom-made 'Cadillac de Ville Limousines' from the United States were waiting to ferry President George W Bush from the airport to the Maurya Shreaton hotel, where he is to stay during his visit. The Presidential limousine, a special version of the Cadillac de Ville, has a five-inch thick armour that can withstand attack of rocket propelled grenades. The car has special safety devices to protect its passengers from chemical and biological attacks. The tyres of the car are designed in a fashion that they can function even when they are punctured and an armour-plated undersides further enhances the safety of six passengers it can ferry at a time. Cadillac has been building Limousines and special vehicles for US presidents and leaders since the early 1900s. A lavish 1928 Cadillac town car was used extensively throughout the Coolidge Administration.

Back to Headlines                  Go To Top