Oh, boy. My oldest son, 14, started high school last week. Security at the high school is much different than it was when I was in high school. One of the school policies is that all students that use a backpack must have one made of mesh or clear plastic. Apparently having the ability to see through the backpack is tantamount. I searched every store in my area and finally found a clear vinyl backpack at kmart for less than $20. It is not a fashionable backpack: it looks like something a person who is fond of wearing PVC would love. It is a very thick, firm, clear plastic with black seams. Kmart even offered a warranty for one year for an additional $2.99. But we are talking about a 14 year old high school freshman who has to deal with peer pressure about being cool. Of course, all his friends have to obey the same rule, so it's not like he's the only one. In the meantime, I've been looking at local stores to see if I can find a mesh backpack. I was amazed to see that regular backpacks can run upwards of $70! I was told to try some sporting goods stores. Other parents told me they tried and there was none left. So I went to my favorite store...the internet! Here is what I found:
This is JCPenney's website. They have a Jansport mesh backpack, available in a variety of colors, for $30. http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/for-the-home/dorm-shop/bags-backpacks/jansport-mesh-backpack/prod.jump?ppId=1b8644b&navState=navState-:catId-:subcatId-:subcatZone-false:N-:Ns-:Nao-0:ps-24:pn-1:Ntt-mesh+backpack:Nf-:action-search&catId=SearchResults
Notice that even though the backpack is mesh, it's really not see-through. I'm having a hard time understanding how this makes my kid safer.
Now here is a website that offers a dozen different backpacks from a variety of different manufacturers: http://www.ebags.com/category/backpacks/f/mesh?sort=PriceLowToHigh Prices range from $10.80 for a small, over-the-shoulder type to $36. Better than I anticipated, but only because they are having a 20% off sale. Also, shipping is free for orders over $99.
I strongly suspect that a mesh backpack will not last under the wear-and-tear of heavy textbooks being hauled in them.
I'm also aggravated that the school thinks this is an effective security measure. In fact, in a school several years ago, a student contemplating suicide brought a rifle to school - in his guitar case. http://articles.mcall.com/2006-05-26/news/3667295_1_students-or-teachers-district-s-zero-tolerance-senior-prom My point is that if someone wants to sneak something into the school they will find a way and it seems silly to trust that see-through backpacks are going to solve this issue. A small gun can easily be hidden on a person, in a purse, or even between books.
One common theme among these incidents seems to be that the perpetrator was suffering. Either socially, romantically, psychologically, or a dangerous mixture of these. It seems these actions are almost unsuprising in a lot of cases. I don't know why ten people can suffer whatever life's cruelties offer and the next one cracks and does something to hurt people. Or why anyone would think hurting others is justified in the first place. Here are some recent statistics:
http://news.yahoo.com/school-shootings-weapons-crimes-2012-comparison-223400001.html
It makes me fear for my children's safety. And it makes me sad.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
#29 Am I full yet?
As I've mentioned, our office is surrounded by a huge variety of restaurants, eateries, cafes, delis, and food vendors. I stopped in one of the local shops to pick up some milk for the office. At the counter was a display of Fullbars. I have never heard of this product but it looked like a low-calorie snack so I decided to try it.
Today is the day I am actually eating it. It is a 1.59 oz bar, so it's about the size of a large square brownie. The flavor I chose was Double Chocolate Cocoa Chip (have I mentioned I love chocolate?). Ok...it looks like a Rice Crispy treat with particularly large rice puffs. It has a very yummy, chocolately flavor. The bar is slightly sticky and very chewy.
Ok. So I kind of expected to be FULL. It did take the edge off my hunger but only for an hour or so. I think I would have been just as satisfied with a piece of fruit or any other granola type bar.
I'm a little bit disappointed because when I'm having a busy day I like having a quick snack food in my bag so I don't have to stop and buy a meal somewhere. Purchasing food at a restaurant tends to make me feel guilty because 1) I shouldn't be wasting the money, 2) the portions are way too big, and 3) I feel obligated to consume all of it since I paid for it. A great way to gain weight!
In conclusion I will say that if you enjoy food bars, you will enjoy this one. But it's not a meal replacement, it's a snack. An orange and a hand full of almonds would probably be a more satisfying and healthy choice.
Today is the day I am actually eating it. It is a 1.59 oz bar, so it's about the size of a large square brownie. The flavor I chose was Double Chocolate Cocoa Chip (have I mentioned I love chocolate?). Ok...it looks like a Rice Crispy treat with particularly large rice puffs. It has a very yummy, chocolately flavor. The bar is slightly sticky and very chewy.
Ok. So I kind of expected to be FULL. It did take the edge off my hunger but only for an hour or so. I think I would have been just as satisfied with a piece of fruit or any other granola type bar.
I'm a little bit disappointed because when I'm having a busy day I like having a quick snack food in my bag so I don't have to stop and buy a meal somewhere. Purchasing food at a restaurant tends to make me feel guilty because 1) I shouldn't be wasting the money, 2) the portions are way too big, and 3) I feel obligated to consume all of it since I paid for it. A great way to gain weight!
In conclusion I will say that if you enjoy food bars, you will enjoy this one. But it's not a meal replacement, it's a snack. An orange and a hand full of almonds would probably be a more satisfying and healthy choice.
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