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Discover Cleveland’s Halloween History Through Vintage Postcards

Step back in time and experience Halloween in Cleveland like never before! The first edition of Postcards From the Ledge dives into the city’s rich past, featuring charming vintage postcards that highlight how residents once celebrated this spooky season. These classic images capture the imagination, costumes, and community spirit from Halloweens gone by.

Social Media Before the Internet: Postcards as Time Capsules

Before Instagram and Facebook, postcards served as the social media of their day. Clevelanders used them to share festive greetings, spooky artwork, and personal messages. The collection featured in this series offers a unique window into the city’s celebrations and shows how traditions have evolved while the spirit of Halloween remains strong.

Relive the magic of old-school Halloween and see how Clevelanders of the past marked the occasion. For more vintage postcards and a deeper dive into Cleveland’s Halloween history, visit the full feature.

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Europe’s largest bat, the noctule bat, has long fascinated scientists. For over 25 years, researchers puzzled over how this remarkable mammal hunts its prey. Now, an international team has finally uncovered the secret: the noctule bat not only eats small birds, but it hunts them more than a kilometer above the ground and consumes them mid-flight. This incredible discovery highlights the bat’s agility and precision, likening its hunting style to that of a fighter jet.

The Noctule Bat’s Aerial Hunting Skills

Scientists have now documented that the noctule bat uses advanced echolocation and flight maneuvers to chase down migratory songbirds during nighttime. These bats can expertly track birds traveling at high speeds and altitudes, making them one of the few mammals to capture avian prey while airborne. This research sheds light on the bat’s unique adaptation to aerial hunting and its critical role in the European ecosystem.

Why This Discovery Matters

The findings not only solve a decades-old mystery but also expand our understanding of predator-prey interactions in the skies. The noctule bat’s ability to hunt birds in mid-air is a rare phenomenon among mammals. This breakthrough opens up new questions about bat behavior, echolocation, and the evolution of hunting strategies.

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Donald Trump is ramping up pressure on India to cut its Russian oil imports. This move aims to limit Moscow’s revenue from energy exports. However, industry experts believe the main result will be a bigger, murkier shadow market for Russian oil.

India’s Role in Russian Oil Trade

India has emerged as a major buyer of Russian oil, often benefiting from discounted rates since Western sanctions began. Trump’s renewed push could force India to look elsewhere for energy. But, as seen in previous sanctions, Russian oil tends to find its way into global markets through less transparent channels. Traders simply reroute shipments through intermediaries, disguising the oil’s true origin.

Expanding the Shadow Market

This shift boosts the size and complexity of the so-called ‘shadow market.’ Instead of cutting off Russia’s revenue, strict policies often encourage more creative and opaque trading. As a result, tracking oil flows becomes harder, and prices may fluctuate as supply chains adapt.

For more details, read the original article on Reuters.

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https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/trumps-india-squeeze-push-russian-oil-further-into-shadows-2025-10-20/

Halloween Day is usually one of the top five peak events in Korea’s distribution industry. However, this year, the atmosphere feels unusually subdued. With Halloween just a week away, retailers and consumers notice the quiet mood across shopping districts and stores.

Lingering Effects After Itaewon Disaster

It has been three years since the tragic ‘Itaewon disaster,’ yet its impact continues to influence public sentiment. Many businesses and shoppers remain cautious, leading to less festive activity than in previous years. Shops that once showcased vibrant Halloween decorations and promotions have scaled back their efforts. Instead, they choose a more reserved approach to the holiday out of respect and sensitivity.

Retail Trends Reflect Changing Consumer Sentiment

The distribution industry typically relies on Halloween for a significant boost in sales. Costumes, decorations, and party supplies often fly off the shelves. This year, however, retailers report lower demand and reduced foot traffic. Many attribute this shift to continued remembrance and reflection after the Itaewon tragedy. While some specialty shops still offer Halloween-themed products, the overall market tone remains restrained.

As Korea moves forward, both businesses and consumers hope for brighter, safer celebrations in the future. For now, Halloween 2024 signals a more reflective time for the distribution industry.

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