Growing up in a place without pine trees, we only had an artificial christmas tree for several years. It was only later on when I had the fortune of spending Christmas overseas, when I had my first natural pine tree. Because of better trade routes and relaxed tariffs, my family finally had the first natural tree imported from the US. The smell and feel of a real tree makes the trouble worthwhile but without one, a good artificial tree serves the purpose.
A columnist for a Philippine newspaper talks about the costs and massive preparations required by the US Secret Service whenever President Bush and other (US Presidents) travel outside of Washington DC. I remember watching a CNN report that showed how big a US presidential convoy is, compared to the two vehicle transport being used by Prime Minister Tony Blair of the UK.
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