As we enter the new year, some issues remain doggedly at the island's heels just as they were a year ago: the Champlin's affair, state budget constraints and high energy costs. But we also had some unexpected and welcomed turns: a potential solution to those energy problems, a state poet laureate selected from our ranks, and a busy summer held in check by competent police work.Some of the most exciting announcements — with the potential to change life on the island — occurred in the last few weeks of 2007.Wind and waves to the rescueAfter Governor Donald Carcieri announced his goal to provide a minimum of 15 percent of the state's electricity from renewable sources, wind energy ended being high on that list.The state commissioned a study, and Rhode Island Commissioner of Energy Resources Andrew Dzykewicz announced in a series of on-island presentations that two of the prime locations for a wind farm are off the shores of Block Island.If approved, said Dzykewicz, there could be as many as 100 wind turbines, standing 450 feet high with blades extended, complete with foghorns and lights, anywhere from a mile to three miles south of the island.

Roadworks put brakes on drivers' first toll-free crossing of bridge

The tolls were an ideal way of ensuring that those who used the bridges paid for them. When the Tay Bridge tolls were introduced, the half crown cost was equivilant to the price of getting in the boys gate at Dens Park. Now, the cost of crossing would purchase half a programme. Can you imagine the furore, if free rail travel were introduced for all, with the cost to be borne by the taxpayer? It is a cheap stunt, which in the grand scheme of things means little - and something free from politicians? Don't make me laugh! .

Shannon Matthews, Madeleine McCann And Haut De La Garenne

A man helping in the search for missing schoolgirl Shannon Matthews is believed to have been crucified outside his house just yards from the nine-year-old's family home.

"No matter what has happened to Shannon, there is no doubt she is extremely vulnerable," he added.

Bringing baseball back to North Harford Park

On a recent afternoon, two kids played basketball at the eastern end of North Harford Park, off Hamlet Avenue. At the other end, on Laurelton Avenue, two school buses slowed to a stop and a dozen kids poured out. They milled around a nearby apartment complex for a while, teasing and chasing each other.

Sitting in between the two scenes is a pair of vacant baseball fields -- or what used to be baseball fields. Or, if Stephen Johnson and Shane Scott are successful in their mission, what will soon be baseball fields once again.

"If you look around, the kids need something here," says Johnson, waving a hand over the dilapidated diamond. "That's why we're doing this. It's a labor of love."

Winds shifting in the debate over education

Heck, I'm ready to say let local business and U.S. corporations build and fund private schools where they can educate America's future workforce. Who better motivated to invest than them? Let them set up the curriculum that serves their interest and the interests of the kids.

Carbondale council to discuss goals for new year

CARBONDALE — In their first meeting of 2008, members of the Carbondale City Council will be discussing what they hope to achieve with the budget in the coming fiscal year.A seven-page brief drafted by city staff entitled, "Review of Community Goals for the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget" will frame the council’s discussion.Items mentioned in the review range from the abstract, such as promoting "a sense of community pride for accomplishments and progress during the year," to the specific, in fixing crumbling sidewalks and water lines.The total city budget for fiscal year 2008 was about $42.9 million, an increase of $880,000 over the year before.Councilman Chris Wissmann, who has warned in the past that increasing costs might mean the city will have to abandon its zero-dollar property tax assessment, said Saturday he was unsure of what to expect as far as what can be accomplished in the FY 2009 budget."There are some water line replacements on Pecan Street, where the water mains have broken on a regular basis … sidewalks are ongoing, and bicycle paths," he said, highlighting a few bricks-and-mortar projects.

Combine nature and elegance to transform home

Let sunlight pour in through clerestories, skylights and transom windows. •Live outside as well as in. Open whole walls to the outdoors, extend the roof outward, let the floor slip seamlessly outside to become a deck. Cook and eat on the patio, build a fire in an outdoor fireplace, take a nap in a hanging bed on the porch. •Listen to the rain. Replace the downspouts hanging from your gutters with rain chains. The next time rain falls, go outside and listen to the chains sing. .

Hip-Hop Rumors: Lil' Wayne Engaged? Ashanti Talks Nelly/Irv! Ghostface ...

I hope somebody started this gaudy rumor just to get to me. After being seen at a basketball game, bossip is suggesting strongly that Wayne and Lauren London are engaged! No way do I believe this! There is also talk of a huge rock on her ring finger. That may be factual, since she is a star, but that doesn't mean Lil Wayne copped it. I'm gonna keep the faith like Biggie!

Rodney King gets shot in the face and rides his bike. What! Anyway, check out a summary of what Rodney King must contend with over a decade after LAPD tore him down.

Obama gains broader appeal, new poll finds

As far as Obama dressing in traditional Muslim garb, I don't think Americans need to fear that he is not just as pro-Israel as Bush or any of the previous American presidents. Should Hillary Clintons campaign be responsible for distributing the, 'photo,' Obama could hit back with a photo of Bill Clinton wearing a yarmulke.