Artificial Photosynthesis

Collisions Under Lake Erie

Witten to the editor of Analog:

Dear Dr. Schmidt,

Dr. Gillett provided fascinating insights with his article “Artificial Photosynthesis” (April, 2005). Why did he leave off with speculation about methanol production? I think he could have expanded on the concept by speculating on the ability to produce sugars and artificial sweeteners. Aspartame (formed from two amino acids) contains methanol in part. Meanwhile, the commercial viability might be proven on a smaller scale by selling syntheries (the terms refineries and distilleries don’t seem appropriate) to large and small manufacturers, I could see bakeries and confectionary shops abandoning their suppliers, setting about a downturn in natural sugar production and the conversion of sugar plantations to more nutritious food production.

The synthesis of aspartame produces a water molecule, at least in theory. Sucralose contains chlorine. Is there the possibility of ramping up desalination plants a whole level of magnitude? Also, if starches can be synthesized there is a possibility of producing cotton (hint to Egypt and India).

I can quite imagine all the equatorial countries devoting funds and personnel to this area of study. As for the science fiction possibilities, consider a setting such as Bahrain a hundred years from now, as totally automated processes run wild, producing a mountain of sugar and millions of baked goods. Cleveland, Ohio would lose its title, as this small country becomes the new “Rock (Candy) and Roll Capital”.

Thank you for keeping me young by giving me these wonderments “published monthly except for combined January/February and July/August double issues…” for my speculation.

Sincerely,



Harlan R. Cohen, MBA, CPIM

Beachwood, OH

Two Wrongs could make things right

Collisions Under Lake Erie

Wal-Mart has put the kebosh on negotiations for a store in the proposed "Steelyard Commons". We don't know how much blame we need to assess Councilman Cimperman for trying to legislate the proportion of grocery sales to overall sales the store should produce. But if Wal-Mart's concern was lack of traffic at a location in the flats there may be a solution.

Cuyahoga County's Juvenile Court judges may sue the county to remain downtown rather than move to what I suspect is a much more inconvenient location at E. 93rd and Quincy.

The solution is to put these two problems together. The county needs land and First Interstate has land. The county can purchase enough land at the proposed shopping center to build its juvenile courthouse and detention center. This should insure a constant stream of parents, guardians, lawyers, judges, referees, clerks, secretaries and administrators who can shop at Wal-Mart and all the other proposed retailers.

If Wal-Mart wants to be involved in the community it could help organize a work-release program for the detention center. Perhaps leaven its management with licensed social workers. And if Wal-Mart still doesn't want to participate there are other retailers to work this out singly or in combination. Kmart/Sears, a Target/Tops combination, or Meijers come to mind.

This is not over yet. And Steelyard Commons may only be the first step. A succesful development there will bring more attention back to Tower City. Perhaps Forest City will see its way to finding a more upscale anchor. A Macy's or a Bloomingdale's could make good sense in the future.

It will take blood, sweat, and tears to get it done. Good luck and good wishes to First Interstate.

Watch This Blog (link)

If you have an interest in alternative energy, Gary Voelker is your man and the link will take you to his blog.