Jim I admire your thoughts on prior art to prevent someone from srealing your idea. You may have even have posted it in 2004.

Here comes the but. But I have seen the idea of storing small things in sealed straws posted in other places prior to 2000 at least. Sorry you are niot the first by a long shot. I my self have been doing so for even longer. It is a very old idea.
_________________________
When in danger or in doubt
run in circles scream and shout
RAH

And always remember TANSTAAFL