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The tree died two weeks after delivery to the city, according to the Guardian, which also reported it was not covered properly during its trip from the Dolomites, a mountain range in Northeastern Italy.
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Apparently, many Romans are upset that a nearly $60,000 purchase now looks like a 65-foot Charlie Brown tree. Some have expressed embarrassment that the capital city’s tree appears so pathetic compared to that of Milan.
Others, though, have grown fond of the tree. Its popularly given name, Spelacchio, which can translate to “baldy” or “mangy,” has been used both disparagingly and affectionately.
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Some leapt to the tragic tree's defense, arguing that it was hypocritical to criticize the budget tree and also complain about Christmas becoming commercialized or city authorities spending tax money on frivolous expenses.
Both the controversial fir and its lights were donated.But others argued that cutting costs didn't have to mean losing the festive magic."Doing something cheaply doesn't have to mean doing it badly. I saw [the tree] today in real life: it's ugly and sad," said one disappointed local. "It looks like it's been hit by a hurricane."
Last edited by Spunky (12/25/2017 11:23 pm)
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I think it's a cute little tree. It has its own character and for goodness sake, do they all have to look like Rockefeller Ctr tree?