Today I was the sullen teenager standing in the paper isle of a large department store. I am not trembling with anticipation. I'm not even excited this year. The prospect of school makes me angry and silent. Staring up at the rows upon rows of yellow pencils I am mystified by the accessories that now come attached to nearly every stationary product available, upping the cost a mere $.25.

I don't get it. I don't understand why they had to conquer this too. I don't see how people can believe that having the newest, flashy, and expensive school supplies can make you any better at advanced chemistry. I just don't understand. Even school has become commercialized.