During All Souls’ Day in England, the poor, mostly children, went from door to door begging for food. Families baked and shared ’soul cakes’ with them 26 for their prayers for a dead relative – possibly the origin of trick-or-treating. The tradition of 27 costumes most likely originated from Christians who wore masks or costumes in order to conceal their identities. There is no evidence of Halloween celebrations 28 many Irish migrants fleeing from the Potato famine introduced it to Americans in the 19th century. 29 , it still remained mainly confined to the immigrant communities until it slowly assimilated into mainstream society in the early 1990’s. In the late 1800s, Halloween was transformed into a holiday focusing on community 30 ghosts and witchcraft, and ’frightening’ or ’grotesque’ elements were discouraged.

        Feeling squeezed by rising prices and a higher cost of living? If you share such a sentiment, you should find plenty company. In fact, we are experiencing a tide of inflations, and the economic challenge is global in scale. Private investors are careful hoping to figure out the best way forward. Professionals and economists are analyzing data trying to predict whether a recession will follow. Going against conventional wisdom, the market dynamics in major countries have made it challenging for professionals to read the economic tea leaves. 

       With the current inflation showing no signs of slowing down, a decline in economic activity seems quite likely. That is, the rising costs of goods and services are negatively affecting consumers’ abilities to buy things. A decrease in consumer spending may shrink the market demand and slow economic growth, which possibly leads to fewer jobs and a decline in employment, signs of recession. However, in reality, a strong labor market, with more jobs created and more workers hired at higher wages, and no decrease in consumer spending have directed economists to make a more positive forecast on recession.

        Indeed, it is hard to interpret the conflicting signals in the ongoing foggy market conditions, a result of several complex factors. The current inflation was driven by a surge in demand of goods as countries gradually emerged from lockdowns. On the other hand, there had been a supply shortage caused by delays and disruptions in supply chain brought by COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in costs was further fueled by rising oil prices resulting from Russians’ invasion of Ukraine. Finally, humankind is confronted with yet another blow, global food insecurity, due to the pandemic, war in Ukraine, and the shocking climate change, which may cause inflation to skyrocket even higher.

      Good writing evokes emotion. Good writing connects things. Good writing tells a story that the reader can relate to. Too often, writers only    26    themselves against other writers. Those with better vocabularies and slicker prose appear to be the best of the group. But it’s actually wrong to think that good writing, and becoming a good writer,    27    formal education. Good writers don’t    28    quote Shakespeare, nor do they use fourand five-syllable words. They don’t try to impress their readers with beautiful verses that rhyme and flow effortlessly from beginning to end. Good writers,    29    any good communicator, worry about one thing and one thing only: connecting their audience to the story. Good writers construct their writing in a way that’s understood by their target audience. Big words, little words, and    30    made up words can be used. While smooth prose is certainly fun to read, it’s not always necessary in order to be understood.