Ally and I proudly represent our chosen vocations in '04.

In thinking about Halloween, and in wandering the aisles of local Party City's... I've pondered some trends that have become increasingly hard to ignore. Like I mentioned before, Halloween has become a big money holiday these last couple of years. It's far-outstripped Easter and Valentine's Day... and has kicked the homely butt of Thanksgiving (poor Thanksgiving... there's hardly any merchandizing potential!). Costumes and accessories have become more and more elaborate, lavish, and especially expensive.

Now, for all you children born before '85... I want you to think back to those elementary school days, rushing home to put on your costume and start your scavenging for "fun size" Three Musketeers and Twix. (not that I ever found anything "fun" about those tiny little things... did you?) But growing up in the late '70's and early '80's, there was one common denominator when it came to Halloween costumes. Two words: Ben Cooper.