[patrick boo]

When I was a kid Hallowe'en came and went, there would be a story about witches at school perhaps, maybe something on TV, but no fuss was made... so when did it suddenly become a big deal? Children going out begging, pumpkins everywhere, parties... is it because we have become more aware of American cultural customs recently, with more access to global media? Is it market driven, an excuse for more sales of tat before the Christmas rush? was it the goths, insidiously attempting to ensure survival in the modern world?