School lunch in France - where food is serious business

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1967060,00.html

No one needs to tell the French to prioritize food.

Americans struggling with obesity epidemics have for years wondered how the so-called French paradox works: How does a nation that ingests huge quantities of butter, beef and cakes keep trim and have such long lives? It could be the red wine, as some believe. But another reason has to be this: in a country where con artists and adulterers are tolerated, the laws governing meals are sacrosanct and are drummed into children before they can even hold a knife. The French don't need their First Lady to plant a vegetable garden at the Élysée Palace to encourage good eating habits. They already know the rules: sit down and take your time, because food is serious business.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1967060,00.html#ixzz0hcC8o3Qc

Sparkle Fun Toothpaste: Absurd.

The marketing department at P&G is in overdrive. Sparkle toothpaste. It really does sparkle. A lot! Think pre-school gak in a tube. We left our 6 yo's dentist appointment with goody bag in hand filled with a sample size of Sparkle Fun toothpaste along with our choice of licensed character [Disney, of course] toothbrushes and flossers. Not to mention two pink sparkly rings that Elizabeth Taylor might covet.

You pick your battles. It should be obvious that the rings are keepers.

My point here is that you don't need to read the [lengthy] list of ingredients to know that there are plenty of artificial sweeteners and colors needed to achieve that compelling sparkle.

Huh? New Rules for NYC School Bake Sales

For the "this can't be true" label, category.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/no-brownies-at-bake-sales-but-doritos-may-be-o-k/