Microbe Petrol For Better Living

Better biofuel: Stephen del Cardayre, a biochemist and LS9's vice president for research and development. Image Credit: Saul Bromberger and Sandra Hoover

Microbe Petrol For Better Living

What would happen if technology could deliver a renewable way of creating gasoline in relative minutes as opposed to the millions and millions of years it takes to create the base of gasoline we pump out of the ground (you know, the type that comes from dinosaur remains?

Well, if companies like LS9 and Amyris Biotechnologies have their way, we all will be pumping gas into our tanks that is created through having bacteria make hydrocarbons.

If this technology conversion can be made viable, it would lend a new interpretation to the expression – “Man, that car is SICK!”

This excerpted from Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Technology Review -

Making Gasoline from Bacteria
A biotech startup wants to coax fuels from engineered microbes.
By Neil Savage, Technology Review - Wednesday, August 01, 2007

The biofuel of the future could well be gasoline. That's the hope of one biotech startup that on Monday described for the first time how it is coaxing bacteria into producing hydrocarbons that could be processed into fuels like those made from petroleum.

LS9, a company based in San Carlos, CA, and founded by geneticist George Church, of Harvard Medical School, and plant biologist Chris Somerville, of Stanford University, had previously said that it was working on what it calls "renewable petroleum." But at a Society for Industrial Microbiology conference on Monday, the company began speaking more openly about what it has accomplished: it has genetically engineered various bacteria, including E. coli, to custom-produce hydrocarbon chains.

E. coli - Image Credit: uni-heidelberg.de

To do this, the company is employing tools from the field of synthetic biology to modify the genetic pathways that bacteria, plants, and animals use to make fatty acids, one of the main ways that organisms store energy. Fatty acids are chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms strung together in a particular arrangement, with a carboxylic acid group made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen attached at one end. Take away the acid, and you're left with a hydrocarbon that can be made into fuel.

"I am very impressed with what they're doing," says James Collins, codirector of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology at Boston University. He calls the company's use of synthetic biology and systems biology to engineer hydrocarbon-producing bacteria "cutting edge."

In some cases, LS9's researchers used standard recombinant DNA techniques to insert genes into the microbes. In other cases, they redesigned known genes with a computer and synthesized them. The resulting modified bacteria make and excrete hydrocarbon molecules that are the length and molecular structure the company desires.

Stephen del Cardayre, a biochemist and LS9's vice president for research and development, says the company can make hundreds of different hydrocarbon molecules. The process can yield crude oil without the contaminating sulfur that much petroleum out of the ground contains. The crude, in turn, would go to a standard refinery to be processed into automotive fuel, jet fuel, diesel fuel, or any other petroleum product that someone wanted to make.

Next year LS9 will build a pilot plant in California to test and perfect the process, and the company hopes to be selling improved biodiesel and providing synthetic biocrudes to refineries for further processing within three to five years. (See "Building Better Biofuels.")

But LS9 isn't the only company in this game. Amyris Biotechnologies, of Emeryville, CA, is also using genes from plants and animals to make microbes produce designer fuels. Neil Renninger, senior vice president of development and one of the company's cofounders, says that Amyris has also created bacteria capable of supplying renewable hydrocarbon-based fuels. The main difference between the companies, Renninger says, is that while LS9 is working on a biocrude that would be processed in a refinery, Amyris is working on directly producing fuels that would need little or no further processing.
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LS9's current work uses sugar derived from corn kernels as the food source for the bacteria--the same source used by ethanol-producing yeast. To produce greater volumes of fuel, and to not have energy competing with food, both approaches will need to use cellulosic biomass, such as switchgrass, as the feedstock. Del Cardayre estimates that cellulosic biomass could produce about 2,000 gallons of renewable petroleum per acre.

Producing hydrocarbon fuels is more efficient than producing ethanol, del Cardayre adds, because the former packs about 30 percent more energy per gallon. And it takes less energy to produce, too. The ethanol produced by yeast needs to be distilled to remove the water, so ethanol production requires 65 percent more energy than hydrocarbon production does.

The U.S. Department of Energy has set a goal of replacing 30 percent of current petroleum use with fuels from renewable biological sources by 2030, and del Cardayre says he feels that's easily achievable.

Reference Here>>

The Slide Continues - Gay Episcopal Bishop Backs "Muslim" For President

"Person Of The Year", 2007 Affirmation Conference Keynote Speaker, Episcopal bishop, the Reverend V. Gene Robinson - Image Credit: The Advocate via 2007 Affirmation Conference

The long, slow slide to the bottom rung of respected, tradition based, organized religion ladder in America ... continues - Gay Episcopal Bishop Backs "Muslim" For President

What ever happened to the separation between Church and State?

Obama feels his experience living in Indonesia, being taught in Muslim schools for four years as a child, and his ability to speak to Muslims could make him a better president. Apparently so does Episcopal bishop, Reverend V. Gene Robinson.

This is really rich … why don’t we all just throw standards to out the window entirely and not have an election at all! Why don’t we just appoint whomever the Episcopal Church of these United States endorses ... you know, the one that has a good percentage of traditional Episcopal churches seeking to be associated with Episcopal/Anglican governing bodies as far away as ... Africa!

This from the Boston Globe -

N.H.'s Episcopal bishop backs Obama's run
By JAMES W. PINDELL, Boston Globe - August 3, 2007

New Hampshire's Episcopal bishop, the Reverend V. Gene Robinson, endorsed US Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign, saying Obama had a background in faith and activism to which he could relate.

Robinson became an internationally controversial figure in 2003 when he became the first openly gay bishop of the Episcopal Church.

His appointment created a schism that led many to leave the church. The international Anglican Communion has threatened to split from the American church.

The public endorsement of Obama could set off even more uneasiness within the church, which has not been overtly involved in electoral politics.

In a conference call with reporters yesterday, Robinson said that after the Obama campaign reached out to him he became impressed with Obama and "shared his values."

"His experience as a community organizer and as one that did it from a faith background represents the kind of change we need," Robinson said.

Robinson said he has never publicly endorsed a candidate before and will not use the pulpit to advocate for Obama. Yet, his endorsement of Obama is the latest sign in Robinson's growing political profile. Earlier in the year Robinson lobbied New Hampshire lawmakers to become the first state in the nation to approve same-sex civil unions without a court mandate. He also said he plans to enter into a civil union with his partner.

In addition, he has been a public advocate against the state's death penalty.

When it comes to gay marriage, Robinson says he disagrees with Obama's stance of only favoring allowing civil unions.

"At this moment we have no viable candidate who is where we would like them to be on these issues," he said.

Unlike many Democratic candidates in the past the Obama campaign has actively sought out religious groups. In New Hampshire, Obama volunteers organized discussions around the state about the interplay of faith and activism.
Reference Here>>

And this excerpted from NewsMax -

Obama: My Muslim Ties Are a Strength
NewsMax - Tuesday, April 24, 2007 10:00 p.m. EDT

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Tuesday tried to reassure Jewish voters concerned about his Muslim ties, arguing that his commitment to Israel's security is unwavering.
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"If I go to Jakarta and address the largest Muslim country on earth, I can say, 'Apa kabar,' — you know, 'How are you doing?' — and they can recognize that I understand their common humanity," Obama said. "That is a strength, and it allows me to say things to them that other presidents might not be able to say. And that's part of what's promising, I think, about this presidency."

Obama's stepfather was Indonesian, and the future senator lived in the country from ages 6 to 10.
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This can only be a marriage ... ahhh - errr, “Union” made in Daily Kos heaven.

The True Cost Of Improper Communication - Post 9/11

Cartoon Network Animation Center, Burbank, California. Image Credit: Burbank.com

The True Cost Of Improper Communication - Post 9/11

WE, at MAXINE, can see it all now, in the boardroom of Turner Broadcasting ... "Guerilla Marketing - it's a way to create tremendous BUZZ without having to pay a lot of money for billboards, or get all wrapped up in government approvals and/or permits."

"Look, we have been able to fly-under-the-radar on many projects and we are very successful!"

"Yes!, that's right, we will make up these LED cartoon light boxes from black plexi-glass, power them with batteries - and save the power of the batteries with light sensors placed next to the batteries, attach magnets on the back of them, and mount them (in the middle of the night) in high traffic areas so that as many people as possible can see them at night as they drive, or walk, from place to place."

"We will use the cartoon character that is known for 'Flipping-Off' people and things as part of its persona."

Electronic devices placed in Boston and nearby communities were an ad for Cartoon Network's Aqua Teen Hunger Force. The devices were feared to be bombs and parts of the city were shut down. Image Credit: Todd Vanderlin/Associated Press

Sure, we can get enough BUZZ (media attention) before the late March release date of the feature length cartoon film.

News item from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation –

$2 million US settlement in Boston TV ad bomb hoax
Last Updated: Monday, February 5, 2007 1:07 PM ET - CBC Arts

Turner Broadcasting Systems and ad firm Interference Inc. have agreed to pay $2 million US in the wake of an ad campaign that caused a widespread bomb scare across Boston last week.

The two companies agreed to pay several state and local agencies to resolve any potential civil or criminal claims against them, state Attorney General Martha Coakley said Monday.

"Money" - Image Credit: United Press International

Public areas in Boston were evacuated and bomb squads responded last Wednesday after three dozen blinking electronic signs were found in subway stations, on bridges and in other public places.

Highways, bridges and a section of the Charles River were shut down and bomb squads were studying the devices before authorities declared they were harmless.

Blossom (PowerPuff Girls) Avitar. Image Credit: The Cartoon Network

The devices, featuring a boxy cartoon character giving an obscene hand gesture, were part of a publicity campaign for Cartoon Network's Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

They were distributed in nine other big U.S. cities in recent weeks, without causing the same consternation.

Buttercup (PowerPuff Girls) Avitar. Image Credit: The Cartoon Network

As part of the settlement, $1 million US will be used to reimburse the agencies and $1 million US will be used to fund homeland security and other programs.

"Last week's events caused a major disruption in the greater Boston area on many levels — crippling public transportation, causing serious traffic problems, negatively affecting local businesses and perhaps most significantly, costing Boston and surrounding communities thousands of dollars," Coakley said.

Bubbles (PowerPuff Girls) Avitar. Image Credit: The Cartoon Network

Atlanta-based Turner Broadcasting, the division of Time Warner Inc. that owns the Cartoon Network, and Interference Inc., the New York ad firm that conceived the campaign, have agreed to make a public apology.

Turner issued an early mea culpa Friday in full-page ads that appeared in Boston newspapers.

However, Coakley criticized the broadcaster for taking five hours to notify police that the devices were part of an ad campaign.

In an effort to ward off lawsuits, Interference issued a statement over the weekend saying it contacted Turner and authorities as soon as it heard of the chaos caused by the devices.
Read All>>

Now Turner Broadcasting is having to take money out of the mouths of, well ... PowerPuff Girls.

UPDATE:

Excerpts from CNNMoney -

Cartoon Network boss quits over bomb scare
Jim Samples is taking the fall for the marketing debacle at Turner Broadcasting.
By CNN's Katy Byron and CNNMoney.com's Rob Kelley - February 9 2007: 3:17 PM EST

In a letter to employees, Jim Samples, the general manager and executive vice president of the network, wrote: "I deeply regret the negative publicity and expense caused to our company as a result of this campaign. As general manager of Cartoon Network, I feel compelled to step down, effective immediately, in recognition of the gravity of the situation that occurred under my watch."

Turner Broadcasting System and Interference Inc. agreed to pay $2 million to make amends for last Wednesday's bomb scare in Boston, the Massachusetts attorney general said Monday. TBS is the parent of the Cartoon Network, which initiated the marketing scheme. CNN, CNNMoney.com and TBS are all owned by Time Warner Inc. (Charts), the world's largest media company.

Samples had been with Atlanta-based Cartoon Network for 13 years.
Reference Here>>

When A Good Ad Campaign Goes Bad - Really Bad

Dismantled "Ignignokt" LED light box picturered here sporting gesture. Image Credit: Associated Press

When A Good Ad Campaign Goes Bad - Really Bad

WITH UPDATED MATERIAL - At Bottom of posting

It is strange, in this day and age (post 9/11/2001), that any effort that uses the public square and other public property “commons” area does not factor in the calculation for acts of terror and/or the perceived value that the act may look like one.

Excerpted from the Associated Press –

Boston officials livid over ad stunt
By KEN MAGUIRE, Associated Press Writer - 01 February, 2007

BOSTON - A quirky publicity campaign for a late-night cartoon show generated far more attention than was intended when a slew of blinking electronic signs prompted fears of terrorism and the deployment of bomb squads.

The 1-foot tall signs adorning bridges and other high-profile spots had hanging wires and batteries. Most depicted a boxy, cartoon character giving passersby the finger - a more obvious sight when darkness fell.

They arrested two men who put up the electronic promotions and vowed to hold Turner accountable for what Mayor Thomas Menino said was "corporate greed," that led to at least $500,000 in police costs.

Turner said the devices have been in place for two to three weeks in 10 cities: Boston; New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; Atlanta; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; Austin, Texas; San Francisco; and Philadelphia. As soon as the company realized the Boston problem, it said, law enforcement officials were told of their locations in all 10 cities.
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"Aqua Teen Hunger Force" is a cartoon with a cultish following that airs as part of the Adult Swim late-night block of programs for adults on the Cartoon Network. A feature length film based on the show is slated for release March 23.

The cartoon also includes two trouble-making, 1980s-graphic-like characters called "mooninites," named Ignignokt and Err - who were pictured on the suspicious devices. They are known for making the obscene hand gesture depicted on the devices.
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This video screen grab shows Massachucetts State Police disabling an “Ignignokt” LED light box that was part of the 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' cartoon publicity campaign posted around Boston Jan. 31, 2006. The campaign caused a security scare. Image Credit: Screen grab from CBS 4 Boston

Ok, ok!

The black light boxes, at first glance, look like a potential bomb. Obviously, these devices were mounted on government/public property without notice or the apparent necessary approvals through the appropriate agencies.

About the only positive result for Turner Broadcasting, a division of Time Warner Inc. and parent of Cartoon Network, is that people are talking about the stunt.

Some say bad publicity is better than no publicity at all, but I am willing to guess that some executive at The Cartoon Network is sketching himself an “out” (a trap door, maybe?) right about now!

Boston area police bomb squad member dismantling “Ignignokt” LED light box from street sign structure. Image Credit: Reuters

This from the Telegraph Media Group Limited (UK) -

Cartoon ad campaign ignites bomb scare
By Tim Hall - Last Updated: 10:55am GMT 01/02/2007

A terrorist scare that caused roads, bridges and part of a river to be closed off was sparked by an advertising campaign for a cartoon, it was revealed today.

Police received multiple reports of suspect packages in and around the city of Boston. One of the objects, which authorities said looked like circuit boards with wires hanging out, was found in a subway station. Police closed the station and the road above before blowing up the object during the day-long scare.

Another of the packages was seen on a bridge above Charles River, prompting the police to shut the bridge and a stretch of the river, causing huge traffic tailbacks.

Today, US TV channel, the Cartoon Network, said it was responsible for the packages. The boxes, complete with magnetic, blinking lights were part of a promotion for show Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

Turner Broadcasting, the Cartoon Network’s parent company, said: “The packages in question are magnetic lights that pose no danger. “We regret that they were mistakenly thought to pose any danger.”

Turner said they had been in place for two to three weeks in 10 US cities: Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Austin, San Francisco and Philadelphia

Before the company made its statement, officials questioned if the boxes were designed to look like fake explosive devices to increase publicity. “It’s a hoax - and it’s not funny,” Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force, shown late at night, follows the misadventures of a carton of talking french fries (Frylock), a milkshake (Master Shake) and a meatball (Meatwad) who live together in a run-down suburban house.
Reference Here>>

UPDATE - Bloomberg L.P - 3:45, 2-1-2007

Turner Takes Full Blame for Marketing Scare That Snarled Boston
By Brian K. Sullivan and Don Jeffrey

Feb. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Time Warner Inc.'s Turner Broadcasting unit is taking full responsibility for a marketing campaign that brought Boston to a standstill yesterday.

Turner had its marketing firm Interference Inc. of New York place 40 devices in 10 cities in the U.S. to promote its "Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' show on the company's Cartoon Network, said Shirley Powell, 40, a company spokeswoman.

"We approved it, Interference was not doing this without our knowledge,'' Powell said today in a telephone interview. "We're taking full responsibility for this.''

The campaign backfired in Boston when the displays that light up with a cartoon character were mistaken for bombs. Peter Berdovsky, 27, of Arlington, a Boston suburb, and Sean Stevens, 28, of the city's Charlestown section, were arrested and later released on $2,500 bail after pleading not guilty to charges of placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct.

Turner gave a list of where the devices were in Boston and nine other cites to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who in turn gave the information to local police departments, Powell said. In Boston, officials collected the devices last night.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force, shown late at night, follows the misadventures of a carton of talking french fries (Frylock), a milkshake (Master Shake) and a meatball (Meatwad) who live together in a run-down suburban house. Image Credit: Jam! Showbiz

Late today, ABC News reported on its Web site that Interference may have asked Berdovsky and Stevens to remain quiet yesterday afternoon as Boston police, aided by federal and state law enforcement, dealt with devices they had discovered under bridges, subway lines and busy intersections. ABC said an e-mail supplied by friends of the two supports the claim.

Attempts to reach Interference or its chief executive, Sam Ewen, by phone today were unsuccessful.

Selling on EBay

Some look-alike devices, including one purported to have been used in Boston, turned up on EBay Inc.'s Internet auction site. Bids exceeded $500.

"There is market for everything,'' Powell said.

The campaign so agitated Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, he said he plans to take legal action against Turner.

"An apology is not good enough,'' Menino said today in an interview with WBZ radio. "I want them to pay,'' he said of the executives who authorized the campaign.

The city's costs probably came to $750,000, Menino said. Police and other public safety workers detatched and in some cases destroyed the suspicious devices yesterday, before it was known what they actually were.

Turner Chief Executive Officer Phil Kent was in discussions with Massachusetts officials about what should be done, Powell said late today. Last night, he called Menino to personally apologize.

Smiling Defendants

Pictures broadcast of the arraignment of Berdovsky and Stevens in Charlestown court this morning show them smiling as lawyers discussed the charges. Powell said the company hasn't decided if it will provide lawyers for Berdovsky and Stevens.

Not all the devices found yesterday appeared connected to the Turner campaign. Two that resembled pipe bombs were also found yesterday, one at Tufts New England Medical Center, a 451- bed downtown hospital, and the other at an undisclosed location, police spokesman Eddy Chrispin said in an interview today.
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Under Bridges

After police found the first of the devices used in the marketing campaign, bridges and subway lines were temporarily closed so the objects could be removed, causing snarled traffic and heightened concerns over terrorism.

One of the laws the two men were charged under, regarding hoax devices, took effect in April 2001 in Massachusetts. It says that anyone who plants a device "that would cause a person reasonably to believe that such device is an infernal machine'' could face 30 months to five years in jail and be fined $5,000.
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Crucial Factors

In court today in Charlestown, Assistant Attorney General John Grossman maintained that the location of the device was enough to prove intent. Coakley's spokeswoman Melissa Sherman said the device Grossman referred to was found under an Interstate 93 highway bridge and near a bus and subway station.

"The appearance and location was crucial,'' Sherman said. "It looked like a bomb according to the experts on the scene.''
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'Guerrilla Marketing'

Interference specializes in "guerrilla marketing'' and has created campaigns for New York Magazine, Nickelodeon, Motts juices and others, according to an article in Medialifemagazine.com.

Guerrilla marketing was defined by CEO Ewen in the article as "alternatives to traditional media tactics that are high- impact but also very eye-level with the consumer, very grassroots and in-the-streets.'' Campaigns that have gone awry have led to "our fair share of people arrested,'' Ewen said in the story.

Web sites maintained by Berdovsky highlight his artistic works and one features a resume. An art student in college, he refers to himself as "Zebbler'' on the sites and one shows him without the long, matted brown hair styled in dreadlocks that he wore into the courtroom today.

In a telephone interview today, Berdovsky said he couldn't answer "any more questions until after 6.''

Berdovsky told the Boston Globe yesterday that he thought the city's reaction to the devices and that they were a threat to safety was "ridiculous.''

Similar devices were placed in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Portland, Oregon, and Austin, Texas, Turner said.
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TRESSING DOWN: A sign outside court supports Sean Stevens (left) and Peter Berdovsky, who yesterday react to their arraignment for allegedly placing gizmos all over Boston, igniting a terrorism scare. Image Credit: Reuters

And Finally, This From the N.Y. Post -

HAIR-BRAINED DUDES BOSTON HOAXERS' BIG TO-'DO
By HASANI GITTENS - Additional reporting by Holly M. Sanders and Leela de Kretser - February 2, 2007

They seem to have come out of a cartoon themselves.

The two men arrested for installing the electric-light boxes around Boston as part of a Cartoon Network guerrilla-marketing ad campaign were released on bail yesterday - and promptly held a news conference on hair.

"For example, Afros, I think, comes kind of from the '70s, but then again, there's other styles," said dreadlocked suspect Peter Berdovsky, 27, who chided, "Please don't interrupt," when someone interjected that he wasn't taking the situation seriously.

When asked, "How do you feel right now?" Berdovsky replied, "I feel like my hair is pretty perfect."

Berdovsky and co-defendant Sean Stevens, 28, have been charged with placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct. They were released on $2,500 cash bond.

They may have been joking, but Boston Police Commissioner Edward David maintained yesterday that the situation was no laughing matter.

"Just a little over a mile away from the placement of the first device, a group of terrorists boarded airplanes and launched an attack on New York City," Davis said.

Officials have vowed to hold Turner Broadcasting Inc., the parent company of the Cartoon Network, responsible for the incident.

Since Stevens and Berdovsky refused to answer any non-hair-related questions, one savvy reporter asked Berdovsky if he was afraid of going to jail and having his long hair cut.

"I think that whatever happens, I feel like my hair is safe at the moment," Berdovsky said.

"Hair today, gone tomorrow," chimed in Stevens, who sported a bowl cut.

As Berdovsky walked off after the conference, he gave a more serious comment.

"We need some time to really sort things out and, you know, figure out our response to this situation in other ways than talking about hair," Berdovsky said. "So if you could just give us some privacy for a little bit . . . I will be trying to make sense of all it real soon."

Later, he released a statement through his lawyer saying he "never imagined" the devices would be perceived as dangerous and he never intended to do anything to frighten the community.

"I regret that this incident has created such anguish and disruption for the residents and law-enforcement officers of this city," the statement said.

The Greenwich Village-based firm Interference Inc. was responsible for the campaign that put up the boxes, featuring character Ignignokt from the show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," in 10 cities, including New York.

Authorities in the various cities have been working with the company to locate and take the boxes down. NYPD officials had been given 41 locations originally, but only had to take down about 20.

Interference CEO Sam Ewen, who lives in Brooklyn, was unavailable for comment again yesterday, but in a past interview, he said other "guerrilla marketing" campaigns have gone "awry."

"That's one of the risks you run," he told Media Life magazine in 2001. "We've had our fair share of people arrested, a lot of citations given. We've done a lot of college guerrilla marketing where you end up getting thrown off campus and asked never to come back."
Reference Here>>

The Cost Of Consequence>>