Fueling up with biodiesel? Beware dogs

Since I wrote two stories on biodiesel and its hipness in L.A. recently, I've started hearing back from readers and co-workers who've been wise to its cost and environmental benefits for years. Makes sense, given we live in the oft-liberal San Francisco Bay Area; and Berkeley, a mecca for the eco-conscious, runs at least one biodiesel station.

One colleague was especially excited to know he was on the cutting edge and offered a funny caveat to filling up with biodiesel, which can be made from vegetable or animal fats: hungry dogs that sniff out the fuel. "Yeah, our dog chases us down the street because he can smell it," he said.