Surplus Chickens

Perusing an old issue of Nybble, I discovered that University of Delaware researchers were working on ways to store hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen is the most common element in our universe, and is three times more powerful than gasoline, while giving off just water residue when used, instead of nasty carbon monoxide. But to store enough of it to power a vehicle, you'd need either a 75-gallon liquid tank, or carbonized nanotubes that would cost several millions to roll them into the space of a 20-gallon tank.

Enter the poultry industry, with the nearly six billion pounds of waste chicken feathers they produce each year. The U of D people discovered that these chicken feathers - when heated to 700 degrees - turn into little carbonized nanotubes capable of storing hydrogen. Creating a storage tank for hydrogen using chicken feathers would only add about $200 to the cost of your car.

And you thought I was kidding.

What's more, those same researchers are now saying that chicken feathers can be used to help clean up the Gulf oil spill.

This news could positively revolutionize the way KFC goes about marketing itself.

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SIGNS YOUR COMMUNITY HAS TOO MANY CHICKENS

Lately you've found yourself walking on eggshells. Literally.

The "Which Came First" debate has paralyzed your city council for months.

*Everything* tastes like chicken.

At least once a week your local newspaper declares the sky is falling.

The local Weight Watchers group has a membership that is 90% coyotes.

The crosswalk signs now say "Walk," "Wait," and "Why?".

[selected from Chris White's Top Five on Pets]

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WISDOM for YOUR WEEK: "I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:2-4)

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