IS THERE ANY SPHERE OF PRIVATE LIFE THAT THE MODERN DICTATORS WILL NOT INVADE?

"Succumbing to complaints, state officials have relaxed their ban on sugary treats enough to allow birthday cakes and cupcakes back into elementary school classrooms. Texas Department of Agriculture spokesman Allen Spelce said Tuesday that officials rescinded the ban on birthday baked goods last week after concluding such treats are a time-honored tradition. "We didn't realize how important cupcakes were," he added.

Changes to the state's public school nutrition policy caused, of all things, concern, consternation and controversy over the humble cupcake. The policy went into effect Aug. 1. Aimed at improving student health, the policy restricts the amount of fat and sugar in school meals, as well as "the portion sizes of chips, cookies, frozen desserts and beverages."

"We have been taking a number of phone calls from parents, teachers, superintendents, principals and PTA groups," Spelce said. "Everybody has been very positive about the policy. The one question they had been bringing up was the cupcake rule." At Twain Elementary School, parent Irene Lahart called the cupcake ban ridiculous and said she was happy to hear that state officials crumbled under public pressure. She explained that children "want to be celebrated on their birthday.""

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