Abstract Christmas tree sparks protests in Brussels (via prostheticknowledge):


Traditionally, a 20m (65ft) pine tree taken from the forests of the Ardennes has adorned the city&rsquo;s central square, the Grand Place.
This year, it has been replaced with a 25m (82ft) construction, though smaller real Christmas trees still decorate the square, a spokesman at the mayor&rsquo;s office said.
The city&rsquo;s website said the new &ldquo;tree&rdquo; was one of five &ldquo;light&rdquo; installations around the Grand Place this year, offering visitors the chance to climb to the top and enjoy &ldquo;beautiful views&rdquo; of the city.
Tourism councillor Philippe Close at the mayor&rsquo;s office said the aim was to show off the &ldquo;avant-garde character&rdquo; of Brussels by blending the modern and the traditional, to produce something new and different.
