Etc...

That was the whole point!

For seven months, Amherst, Mass., eight-graders Nathan Woodard and Nathaniel Gorlin-Crenshaw developed, researched, and tested a hypothesis they hoped would win them a prize in the state science fair for middle- school students: that BB guns can be deadly and should not be allowed in the hands of children. As part of their project, the two friends invested roughly $200 in a substance called ballistics gelatin (which has the same consistency and density as human flesh ) to use as a target. But as it turns out, they and their findings won't be entered in the fair after all; they've been disqualified. Why? Because, in their wisdom, fair officials ruled that BB guns are too dangerous for middle- school students.

When it comes to selling cars, Japanese automakers long have given General Motors, the world's largest manufacturer, a run for its money. Toyota and other competitors also have taken to making more and more vehicles in North America, which surely must concern GM. The latter announced last week it will lay off 25,000 employees over the next three years. Meanwhile, Toyota anticipates opening its sixth North American assembly plant in San Antonio, Texas, next year. Toyota's North America factories, the year each opened (or will open), and its annual production:

Fremont, Calif. 1984 (joint venture with General Motors) 370,000 vehicles
Georgetown, Ky. 1986 500,000 vehicles
Cambridge, Ontario 1987 250,000 vehicles
Princeton, Ind. 1996 300,000 vehicles
Baja California, Mexico 2002 30,000 vehicles
San Antonio, Texas To open in 2006 150,000 vehicles
- www.toyota.com