I read with interest today that research is being carried out to find an alternative to the epoxy-fibreglass composite currently used to make computer keyboards. The current suggestion is…..soya-bean oil and feathers.

According to the professor of chemical engineering involved in the project, some 5 billion pounds (per year) of chicken feathers are currently produced in the poultry business.

First I became a little disheartened by the news : a non-vegan keyboard? Whatever next. Then I started to think about the environmental benefits, although the poultry industry is not particularly environmentally friendly. But then I read further that in the US (not Europe) chicken feathers are used as low-grade animal feed for cattle. Having doubted my vegan stance on the subject, this is the one thing in the article I, as well as many sound non-vegans, can safely shake our heads at. Cows are herbivores. They do not/should not eat animal products. We’ve seen the potential for disaster before. Mad Cow Disease, anyone?

In fairness, the USDA and Food and Drug Administration are comtemplating making this pratice illegal, but it cannot be a difficult one to make. If poultry farmers receive more money from this project, which is awaiting a $500,000 funding by the USDA, perhaps their decision will be made easier.

I went to a casting today. A new cheese snack is going to be released in Sweden, and the planned TV advert to accompany said snack includes a 50’s style superhero called “Mouse Man”.

I went to the interview and got dressed up in a fetching yellow, red and blue costume, part of which was a blue, silk open-face balaclava with little mouse ears. I then had to parade around fighting Batman style, while being filmed. I also had a few lines to say.

I don’t care if I get the part, though it’d be cool to see myself on TV. The experience of dressing up and fake fighting is one I shall cherish for a long time.