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By Janet Evans
Thursday, Apr 17 2008, 07:14 PM
I happened to see the following old news blurb:
CBS Evening News for
Thursday, Apr 16, 1981
Headline: Cow Magnets and Auto Mileage
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(Studio) Report introduced
REPORTER: Dan Rather (Windhorst, Texas) Willy Hoff's use of magnets in his cows and H.C. Lyles' use of magnets for improved gasoline mileage examined; films shown. [LYLES - notes he can use them in his cows if they don't work on his truck.] [Farm store owner Cotton FLATT - comments on sales.] [Texas A&M spokesperson Richard DAVISON - thinks consumer union should test use of magnets in cars.]
REPORTER: David Dick
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What's funny about this, to me anyway, is I have one of those cow magnets. My brother gave it to me when I was a kid, back in the 60s. We lived in Connecticut, and he had a friend who lived on a farm. They used to drop those magnets down the cows to catch nails and things.
I can't tell you why I kept it, except it's a heck of a strong magnet, three inches long, and it's unusual. I keep it in my sewing box where everyone of my pins clings to it like mad.
Here is a picture of the thing:
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So, back to the magnet/gas story.
I thought it was odd that this story made national news.
So I looked around some more and found that a Minnesota State University Engineering professor investigated the cow magnet theory, along with other gas saving techniques, and found it to be a "hoax."
"Since the days of the Arab Oil Embargo, whenever rising fuel prices have driven people to try dubious technologies promising better gas mileage, two Minnesota State University professors have tested and debunked them.
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology professor Bruce Jones and professor emeritus Kirk Ready have tested many gas-mileage enhancers over the years and have yet to find one that makes a significant difference.
From magnets to fuel additives, anything that claims to dramatically improve fuel efficiency is probably too good to be true, Ready said. "If it were that easy, every car sold would already have it," Ready said.
At best, Ready said, some of the technologies may have a minor effect if used as part of regular maintenance. At worst, the technologies are bogus.
One of the first claims he tested, and "probably the biggest hoax," was placing cow magnets on or near the fuel line to improve gas mileage. The magnets - used by cattle farmers to safely collect any metal objects their animals might ingest - would supposedly ionize gas for better fuel distribution, Ready explained.
Ready said his test results, however, were conclusive: "It makes absolutely no difference."
While the gas-mileage enhancers on the market today are more sophisticated, they still routinely wither under Ready's and Jones' scrutiny. Still, especially when gas prices go up, those who sell gas-mileage enhancers find a public willing to try anything to save at the pump.
"The products go in cycles with gas prices," Ready said."
Read the rest of the story, from MSU Cow Magnets Too Good To Be True í here
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Looks like I’ll be putting my cow magnet back in my sewing box.
It was nice to know I had it if I needed it though.
I was thinking about putting in my seed order for my garden to make this though
Instructions í here
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By Janet Evans
Monday, Apr 14 2008, 11:50 AM
I looked outside this morning and behold, my lawn is turning green!
Time to start thinking about how we will cut that grass this year.
With gas prices so high and everyone wanting to be more eco-friendly…..
Well….what more could you ask for?
No fuel needed....self-propelled.
You can use it on those "Ozone Action Days."
Fertilizes the lawn, too.
and, it’s quiet!
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Even though it’s early, I just thought I would bring this to your attention since
the St. Martins’s Fair only comes the first Monday of each month.
Great place to buy that rabbit (or sell one).
H/T: Presentsimple
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