(For those of you new to the list, this is my list of interesting articles and stories some original and some from various news sources. Most of these will relate to science or politics, but can vary widely. If you would like to be removed from the list, please let me know - Mike)

(I dont even think that they are this strict in prisons... - Mike)

Third-grader suspended for gun-shaped medallion in school
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School officials in Pontiac, Michigan, suspended a third-grade
student under the state's zero-tolerance weapons law after he
found a 1 1/2-inch-long gun-shaped medallion in a snowbank and
brought it to class. (01/15/01)
from - http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/01/13/jewelrysuspensio.ap/

Third-grader suspended for
gun-shaped medallion in school

January 13, 2001
Web posted at: 8:52 AM EST (1352 GMT)

PONTIAC, Michigan (AP) -- School officials have suspended a
third-grade student under the state's zero-tolerance weapons law
after he brought a 1 1/2-inch-long gun-shaped medallion to
class.

The boy apparently found the piece of jewelry in a snowbank
and brought it to Owen Elementary School on Wednesday,
school officials said.

"State law takes precedence and requires us to take action even
though it was a toy," said Donna Poag, director of elementary
education for the Pontiac School District.

The item posed no threat to students but could frighten
someone who didn't get a good look at it, Poag said. The boy,
whose name was not released, never pointed the item or
threatened anyone with it, she said.

School officials have not determined how long the suspension
would last, The Oakland Press reported Friday.

Michael Dickey x10883
EST Reactive Engineer