Michael, you have it right: it's a story. Snopes.com, the Web site devoted to debunking urban legends, says the Sheryl Crow/hot car story isn't true. Now, there's some evidence that certain types of plastic bottles, those made with bisphenol A (BPA; Nalgene is a good example), MAY cause gene alterations that MAY lead to cancer in lab animals. The FDA currently sides with the plastic industry in supporting the bottles' safety; but many manufacturers have begun to produce bottles without the controversial BPA. So it might someday be proven true; but for now, there's not enough evidence. In the meantime, glass and stainless steel seem to be worry-free alternatives. PJH