The Boise Geothermal System

Idaho’s most prominent geothermal system is the Boise system, which is situated on the northern margin of the western Snake River Plain graben in the southern part of the state. The earth’s crust is stretched relatively thinly in this area, presenting ideal geological conditions for hot springs. Heat is close to the surface, and a number of more or less open faults allow circulation of water at depth.

The water in the Boise system circulates through a number of these faults and relies on hydrothermal convection to approach the earth’s surface. Because of the number of wells that have been drilled into the fault zone to access this hot water, springs in the Boise system do not flow directly at the surface any longer.

About the Author:

Based in Savage, Minnesota, Evan A. Weitz is the senior lab technician at Absolute Sound Laboratories where he focuses on the restoration and repair of vintage audio equipment. A soaking enthusiast, Evan A. Weitz has a longstanding commitment to the development and maintenance of hot springs in the natural areas of Idaho, Montana, and Washington.

The Early Foundations of Roland Synthesizers

One of the top innovators in synthesizers today is the Japanese company Roland, which was established by Ikutaro Kakehashi. He began his career after World War II as a watch repairer. Bed ridden by tuberculosis for an extended period of time, he eventually recovered and established an electrical repair shop in the mid 1950s. Wanting to create an electronic instrument with the capacity to generate monophonic melodies, Kakehashi began by constructing a theremin.

When controlling the sound of this instrument proved too challenging, Kakehashi switched to the keyboard concept and created an organ that incorporated transistor oscillators, telephone components, and reed organ parts. The sound was not what he had expected and he continued to refine his concept, ultimately creating the Technics SX 601 organ in 1960. This prototype ultimately led to the Ace Electronics R1 Rhythm Ace in 1964, which was never manufactured but led to a major distributing partnership with Hammond.

Launching Roland Corporation in 1972, Kakehashi ad already gained renown as an innovative maker of guitar amplifiers.

About the Author:

Evan A. Weitz works in the greater Twin Cities area at Absolute Sound Laboratories, where he offers electronics restoration and repair services as the firm’s senior lab technician. Having played piano since an early age, Evan A. Weitz has achieved awards in music competitions and collects keyboards and synthesizers.

The American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute

A tutor and senior lab technician in Minnesota, Evan A. Weitz holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of Minnesota. An active member of the larger chemistry field, Evan A. Weitz belongs to the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Founded in 1876, ACS stands as the world’s largest scientific society, advancing the sciences and serving its thousands of members through a wide range of educational initiatives, research programs, professional development opportunities, and international scientific conferences. Historically at the forefront of science and technology, ACS has led the charge toward environmental sustainability through its relationship with the Green Chemistry Institute (GCI).

Founded as a separate nonprofit organization in 1997, GCI joined ACS in 2001. The match was a natural fit, as ACS has long promoted green chemistry principles that encourage chemists to develop products that minimize the production of waste and materials that degrade the planet. For more information, visit http://www.acs.org.