The term “burnt sugar” may bring any number of sensual images to my mind.  Maybe a taste of burnt sugar cake or burnt sugar frosting or the smell of sugar being reduced to a thick molassesy syrup.  Maybe a kitchen accident.  Maybe the sound of a jazz/funk/rock improvisational band by that name. 

Reading today’s news in Cleveland, the term “burnt sugar” has taken on a very literal meaning.  The Domino sugar warehouse burned last night (or rather in the early morning during third shift).  SWEEET!  Apparantly, fire broke out in the molasses room that has large gas heaters on the ceiling.  Luckily, the fire did not spread next door to the Pierre’s ice cream factory.  I guess that would have been a very unfortunate domino effect.  (sorry—couldn’t resist)

In any case, Cleveland’s near east side must smell candy-coated right now – a welcome scent to a community that has such a bad rep as the country’s poorest city.