But like most Chinese classics it is now almost unknown to European audiences: Chinese plays have been all but absent from British theatres since the fading of the fashion for "Chinoiserie" in the 19th Century.

BBC: The Orphan of Zhao comes to RSC

Largely absent in all of this discussion, but on the minds of many, is fixing the balance sheet of the households who are at the heart of the mortgage crisis.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Absent economic growth, bankruptcy is all but assured.

FORBES: Danger: Grid Operator Threatens Economic Growth, Clean Energy

But while McCain has largely been absent from several of these traditionally red states all summer, the Obama campaign has aggressively built ground organizations in many of these states, outspent its GOP rival considerably on staff and television commercials, and worked to register tens of thousands of new voters.

CNN: McCain-Palin on defense in must-win red states

Obviously you continue to take in money because people pay taxes and all the other ways that revenue comes into the Treasury, but you are in a situation where, absent your borrowing authority, you have bills and obligations that far exceed the money in your pocket.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

But the basic elements of vodka, gin, bitters, aperitif wine and citrus peel all come together, absent any shaking or even stirring.

BBC: James Bond��s London