One of the more useful things I learned in grade school is that a purse with a hard backed book in it makes a first rate weapon. Especially if it has a really long strap, and can build up some serious momentum on the back swing. I always figured if anyone tried to hijack the plane I was on, my purse would beat their box cutter. There was an article in the "Pittsburgh Post-Gazette" about a young woman who almost had to flush her pet beta, because security wouldn't let him through. And somebody took the yarn needle out of my checked suitcase. I'm still trying to figure that one out.