Virtual White House Holiday Tours

This week's Cybershake outlines how tourists can take a virtual tour of the White House's holiday decorations, Web sites that sends greetings — and gifts — to U.S. military personnel, and why it will be a while before consumers can record on DVDs. In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the ongoing war in Afghanistan, the White House has been closed to public visitors. But tourists can still catch a glimpse of the grand holiday decorations that adorn the "people's house" — by going online. By logging on to the official White House holiday Web site, www.whitehouse.gov/holiday, virtual tourists will get in-depth description of the unique Christmas trees and festive displays that line the various public rooms. But more than just words and static pictures, the Web site uses digital photo technology from iPix that allow Web site visitors a panoramic view of each room. There's even something for the kids. Young visitors can take a Presidential History Quiz, administered by First Cat, India, or go on a virtual tour with First Dogs, Scotty and Barney.