考研英语历年阅读理解真题精析--2004年part3.pdfVIP

Part Three 　　When it comes to the slowing economy, Ellen Spero isnt biting her nails just yet. But the 47-year-old manicurist isnt cutting, filling or polishing as many nails as shed like to, either. Most of her clients spend $12 to $50 weekly, but last monthcutting, filling or polishing as many nails as shed like to, either. Most of her clients spend $12 to $50 weekly, but last monthcutting, filling or polishing as many nails as shed like to, either. Most of her clients spend $12 to $50 weekly, but last month Spero is downscaling, shopping at middle-brow Dillards department store near her suburban Cleveland home, instead ofSpero is downscaling, shopping at middle-brow Dillards department store near her suburban Cleveland home, instead of 　　Even before Alan Greenspans admission that Americas red-hot economy is cooling, lots of working folks had already seen signs of the slowdown themselves. From car dealerships to Gap outlets, sales have been lagging for months as shoppers temper their spending. For retailers, who last year took in 24 percent of their revenue between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the cautious approach is coming at a crucial time. Already, experts say, holiday sales are off 7 percent from last years pace. But dont sound any alarms just yet. Consumers seem only concerned, not panicked, and many say they remain optimistic about the economys long-term prospects, even as they do some modest belt-tightening. 　　Consumers say theyre not in despair because, despite the dreadful headlines, their own fortunes still feel pretty good.Consumers say theyre not in despair because, despite the dreadful headlines, their own fortunes still feel pretty good.Consumers say theyre not in despair because, despite the dreadful headlines, their own fortunes still feel pretty good.Consumers say theyre not in despair because, despite the dreadful headlines, their own fortunes still feel pretty good. Deadly, a Bay Area real-estate broker. And most folks still feel pre