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domingo, noviembre 05, 2006
Special Ed in Spain
First I should say that a new education law was passed last May (it seems that a new one gets passed every time there is a change of government...) and the details have yet to be worked out, so currently everything is still being governed by the previous law from 2002. Each Comunidad Autonoma (like states or provinces) has a certain amount of freedom to govern their own schools, but the big things are set at the national level. Here is a very brief overview of the legal framework.
In 1985, the law signaled a move from a Deficit model (with an emphasis on diagnosing the deficiencies of the student, and without really expecting much development or change) to a focus on analyzing what types of pedagogical support are needed to help the student progress according to their needs and their particular educational objectives. Basically this means that instead of having the student adapt to the general school environment, it is the educational community that must adapt itself to best meet the differing needs of all of its students.
In 1990, a new education law was passed, with some changes. First of all, the term "Special Education" was replaced with the term "Special Educational Needs." However, the term is very general and fairly ambiguous, as the law doesn't spell out exactly who and what needs it refers to.
In 1995, the new law specified that SEN may also be transitory or temporary, and distinguishes between three groups: SEN due to serious behavioral disorders, SEN due to mental, motor, or sensory diabilities, and SEN of intellectually gifted students.
In 2002 the current law was passed, and here they also include some other groups as having Special Educational Needs. On one hand is the concept of Equal Opportunity, which means support for students who need to compensate for disadvantageous social situations. In part this refers to students living in rural areas who perhaps don't have access to schools where they live (assisting them with transportation, free boarding if necessary, etc.) Also students in migrant worker families who don't stay in one place all year, and students who have to spend extended periods in the hospital, etc. In the most recent law, it looks like this category will be taken out of the "SEN" designation and treated separately.
Another category of SEN, in response to the rapidly changing demographics of Spanish society, is that of immigrant students, many of whom don't speak Spanish. Support here includes programs to help them learn the language and programs to help parents understand the Spanish school system.
This law also emphasizes that students with SEN are to be integrated into normal classrooms to the greatest extent possible.
The newest law (May 2006 but still under development) presents new terminology, preferring "students with specific needs for educational support."
In general terms, for the past several years there has been a strong emphasis on what is called "attention to diversity in the classroom." This refers not to multiculturalism but to the range of differences in academic capabilities and needs. Basically, it means that not all students progress at the same rate or with the same degree of ease, and it is up to the teacher to account for the different needs and possibilities of all students, rather than merely aiming their teaching at the level of the average student.
Here we can introduce the concept of Learning Difficulties. This does not necessarily refer to what we in the US call learning disabilities. It can be any student who is unable to follow the established pace of instruction in a particular area or in more than one area. It can be a temporary situation or one that is present throughout the student's schooling. The difficulty may be due to biological, sociological, psychological, or educational factors.
When faced with a student like this, the teacher must begin with ordinary corrective measures (for example, changing the seating arrangement, giving that student extra help, even having the student repeat a grade) and move up from there, along a continuum which goes from "slight Learning Difficulties" to "Special Educational Needs."
Upcoming topics in my class will cover exactly what "ordinary corrective measures" are as opposed to "extraordinary measures" and how the teacher and other professionals go about determining what interventions are necessary in each case. I'm looking forward to learning more.
As usual, I don't know if anyone is reading this, but if you are, I'd love to hear about your experiences with or knowledge of the special ed system where you live.
8 comentarios:
- Gaijin Mama dijo...
Educational reforms are underway in Japan, too, including reforms concerning special ed. There is talk of integration, but in reality, regular public schools seem ill-equipped to deal with special needs kids. I visited a couple of public schools that supposedly have deaf education tracks, but the teachers were not trained in special ed, and didn't know how to do sign language. Conversely, because teachers are rotated every several years, sometimes teachers with no special ed credentials wind up at the School for the Deaf that my daughter attends. They learn to sign as they go, but I can't help feeling that their inability to fully communicate with the students is a disservice to the kids.
- 11/08/2006 3:41 a. m.
- kate dijo...
I was just reading about how they decide what kind of school kids go to here-- to the extent possible it is a regular school (not Special Ed Center), but in choosing which one they consider the extent to which the school is equipped to take that student's needs into account. It seems as though it is more likely for deaf kids (than for certain other special needs students) to end up at a center or program specifically equipped for them, instead of a regular school.
Right now there are a lot of teachers certified in Special Ed, but the problem is that there are few spots allocated for them in the schools. Supposedly in the future this will change, but now, for example, there's a woman in my program who is certified for both Special Ed and Speech and Hearing and now she is doing the English teaching degree because she hasn't been able to find a job in either of those areas. Not because the need isn't there, obviously.
- 11/08/2006 7:48 a. m.
- Carami dijo...
Hello Kate,
I am from Las Vegas, Nevada. I am enjoying your blog - thank you for sharing. I am looking into teaching in Spain for one year, next school year. I have a few questions to ask you. Your experience is valuable to me, and I do not have anyone else to contact. If you get a moment will you please email me?
Thank you for your time,
- 10/03/2009 9:13 p. m.
- Judith Szakaly dijo...
Hello everyone, I am hungarian, a fully qualified teacher, also specialized on special needs, especially Celebral Palsy. A do speak english fluently, as i was working in the UK for 15 years. I am looking for any kind of teaching job in spain, teacher or classroom assistant or just a helper. Can anybody adise me please? My e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com , i am avaliable on msn on that address, Thank you Judith
- 10/05/2009 2:16 p. m.
Thanks so much for this informative blog. I'm a special ed teacher in the U.S. I have students that would love to study abroad. Any chance schools in Spain would honor an American IEP?
If you have time, I would love to email you other questions.
- 5/08/2010 4:11 p. m.
Hi Kate,
I'm a graduate student in the US enrolled in the teacher certification program to teach Spanish in the states. I'm writing a paper on special education in spain and would love to hear your perspective about Special Ed. services there. If you can contact me through my email I would truly appreciate it.
- 3/04/2012 11:49 p. m.
Hi, Kate. I realize that you wrote this a long time ago, and I'm wondering where life has taken you since. I came across your blog, because we are also from the States and living here in Spain. We have a son with Cerebral palsy who is extremely high functioning and in a regular public school, but we have come across some issues this year and find that he may need more help than we are finding in our public school. Anyway, there are a million details, but was wonding if your experience has continued in the world of special educational needs here in Spain? It is a bit difficult to navigate it all. We may be re-locating to a larger city in Spain in order to get better help for our son. If you are still active in this topic, I would love to ask you some questions if you have the time. Please send me an email at firstname.lastname@example.com if you are willing to answer some questions. Thanks so much!
- 12/06/2012 8:38 p. m.
- Aaron Waltz dijo...
Oxbridge Masters is a professional team of writers having expertise and experience in offering Reliable Essay Writing Services UK.
- 10/10/2016 2:09 p. m.


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subset: commoncrawl


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A man suspected of attacking two men with a baseball bat over the weekend is scheduled to have a bail hearing Friday.
Brandon (a.k.a. Brendon) Christopher Tobin ducks to avoid reporters' cameras as he is led into Courtroom No. 7 at provincial court in St. John's Monday morning. — Photo by Rosie Mullaley/The Telegram
Brandon (a.k.a. Brendon) Christopher Tobin was back in provincial court in St. John's Monday, a day after making his initial appearance.
The 20-year-old ducked to try to hide his face from reporters' cameras as he was led in and out of Courtroom No. 7.
Prosecutor Jason House told Judge Pamela Goulding that the Crown is opposed to releasing Tobin from jail. He and duty counsel Jane Fitzpatrick agreed to have Tobin return to court at the end of the week for a bail hearing.
Tobin is charged with aggravated assault, two counts of assault with a weapon, breach of probation and breach of an undertaking.
He was arrested Sunday — a day after police say he attacked the two men.
Officers were called to Keegan Court in the capital city shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday to a report of an assault with a weapon. But when they got there, neither a victim nor a suspect could be found.
One of the two victims in the case was later located at a hospital, where he was being treated for serious injuries.
Police would not say whether the injuries were life threatening.
Twitter: @TelyCourt


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This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
News Release
Release No. 0598.10
Bart Kendrick (202) 720-0698
Printable version
Email this page
USDA Submits Comments to Support Development of the National Broadband Plan
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2010 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to support development of the National Broadband Plan based on the Department's considerable experience in financing broadband projects in rural areas. The FCC is implementing the plan to guide broadband deployment nationwide.
"Robust economic growth and job creation in rural America depend on the quality and reach of broadband networks, where distance and density restrain economic activity," Vilsack said. "Broadband networks create economic opportunity and open unparalleled access to health care, educational, cultural and public safety services essential for over 50 million Americans who live in rural areas."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator Jonathan Adelstein submitted a letter in which he offered to make RUS data available to the FCC as the independent regulatory agency evaluates policy options to advance broadband deployment. He noted that RUS loan financing to rural telecommunications providers is "dependent on sufficient, specific and predictable revenues to ensure that all Americans enjoy the benefits of modern telecommunications technology." Only four out of the current 480 RUS telecommunications program borrowers do not receive federal universal service support for high cost areas. Adelstein said that the two agencies can work together to ensure that the "right mix of incentives are available to attract private sector investment into otherwise uneconomic areas."
RUS is a policy, planning and lending agency within the USDA and currently manages a $56 billion portfolio consisting of loans that support the construction of water and waste treatment systems, electric systems, and broadband networks in rural communities. RUS telecommunications program currently has over $4.2 billion in outstanding principal, which will increase substantially with awards this year under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The current rural loan portfolio consists of approximately 2,337 active loans to borrowers committed to building and upgrading broadband capable networks across rural America.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of 6,100 employees located in the nation's capital and nearly 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of nearly $142 billion in guaranteed loans and guaranteed loan guarantees.
RUS has decades of experience and data which can be used to test assumptions, compare models to reality and validate ideas.
To read the letter referenced in this news release click here.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


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Together with their families, Christine Lee Sikorski and Eric Robert Addessi announce their engagement.
The bride-to-be is the daughter of Joseph and Karen Sikorski of Boaz. She is the granddaughter of Jon and Dot Leonard of Boaz, and Stanley and Patricia Sikorski of Hightstown, N.J. She is a 2008 graduate of Williamstown High School and a 2012 graduate of West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in psychology, summa cum laude.
She is enrolled at Marshall University, working on a master's degree in counseling and is set to graduate in 2014. She is employed by Marshall University.
The prospective bridegroom is the son of Robert and Melanie Addessi of Fort Ashby, W.Va. He is the grandson of Sara and the late Vincent Addessi of Erie, Pa., and the late Betty and Robert Briggs of Utah. He is a 2008 graduate of Frankfort High School of Ridgeley, W.Va., and a 2012 graduate of West Virginia University, with a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering. He is employed at Energy Corporation of America as a petroleum engineer in Charleston.
A wedding is planned for June 8 in Williamstown at the First Presbyterian Church, with a dinner reception to follow at the Marietta Country Club.
The couple will reside in Charleston.


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(Courtesy JSU sports information)
JACKSONVILLE - A homecoming crowd of 17,087 at Burgess-Snow Field saw Jacksonville State continue its all-time dominance of Murray State and give head coach Jack Crowe his 100th career victory.
Washaun Ealey ran for 146 yards and three touchdowns as the Gamecocks beat the Racers 38-35 Saturday for their fourth victory in the last five games. Jacksonville State is 5-3 overall and remains in the hunt for the Ohio Valley Conference title at 4-2.
Ealey's 37 carries were the second-most in a game in school history.
Griffin Thomas kicked the go-ahead field goal with 8:51 left and the Gamecocks' Rashod Byers intercepted record-setting quarterback Casey Brockman with just over two minutes remaining to halt the Racers' final realistic threat.
Murray State blocked a later Thomas field goal try and took over deep in its own territory with 10 seconds remaining. But the game ended when DiMetrio Tyson sacked Brockman as time expired.
JSU became the first OVC team to hold Murray State (3-5, 2-3) below 36 points.
The Racers came in averaging 57.5 points and 458.2 passing yards in their first four OVC games - the Gamecocks allowed just 255 through the air.
"I'm proud of be the coach of this football team and I can't wait to line 'em up and play the rest of the season," Crowe said. "You don't feel good when you don't win homecoming at JSU. I'll remember this one, for sure."
Jacksonville State limited Murray State to only 93 total yards after halftime. The Racers' streak of having scored in 23 consecutive quarters ended when they failed to put points on the scoreboard in the fourth, a mark dating back to Sept. 15.
Ealey's 2-yard run on the first possession after halftime finished off a 65-yard, eight-play drive to put JSU ahead 35-28.
Murray State, however, pulled even late in the third quarter after pouncing on Jacksonville State's third fumble. The Racers quickly moved 55 yards in five plays and forged the fifth tie of the day, 35-35, when Duane Brady scored on a 4-yard run.
The teams combined for 56 points and 472 total yards during the frenetic first half that ended deadlocked at 28-all and saw Brockman become the OVC's all-time passing leader. The game was tied four times in the first 30 minutes.
Each team committed two first-half turnovers and all four miscues were converted into touchdowns.
The first of Brockman's two interceptions, this one by freshman cornerback Jermaine Hough on Murray State's second possession, set up the Gamecocks' first score. Hough returned the interception - his third in two games - 15 yards to the Racers 29.
Ealey ran to the end zone on first down and Thomas kicked the first of his five extra points for a 7-0 Jax State lead at the 11:13 mark of the first quarter.
The Racers came back with a 74-yard drive to pull even. Brockman finished off the eight-play march by scrambling two yards and Jordan Benton added the PAT to make it 7-7 with 8:41 left in the first.
Murray State grabbed its first lead after the Gamecocks were forced to punt. Brockman had completions of 16 and 36 yards and Brady ran in from the 12 with 5:54 on the clock for a 14-7 Racers lead.
Another Brockman interception, this one by JSU freshman Raheam Buxton, helped the Gamecocks tie it for a second time, with Ealey getting his second touchdown on a 1-yard run with 1:41 to go in the first quarter.
Marques Ivory threw touchdown passes of 41 and 4 yards to Telvin Brown and Alan Bonner, respectively, during the second quarter. Ivory completed 15-of-31 passes for 205 yards and was not intercepted during the contest.
Murray State's second-quarter scores came on a 6-yard run by Jaamal Brown and Brockman's 1-yard quarterback sneak.
The Gamecocks travel to UT Martin next Saturday, and play their final home game on Nov. 10 when Austin Peay visits Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium.
- Captains for the Gamecocks: senior QB Marques Ivory, senior DB Brooks Robinson, and senior DE DiMetrio Tyson
- Murray State won the coin toss and elected to receive.
- The win marks JSU head coach Jack Crowe's 100th career record.
- JSU is now 9-1 all-time against MSU and 5-0 at Burgess-Snow Field against the Racers. The Gamecocks have won nine straight against the Racers.
- The 2012 JSU senior class has a four-year record of 29-13 which is currently tied for third best in school history.
- JSU is 55-10-2 all-time in Homecoming games since 1946. Under Jack Crowe, JSU has a 9-4 record in Homecoming games.
- Jermaine Hough now has three interceptions in the past two games. Hough also finished with a career high 3.0 tackles for loss.
- Raheam Buxton recorded his first career interception when he picked off a Casey Brockman pass in the first quarter.
- JSU has now recorded four straight games with an interception, coming up with eight picks in four games.
- Washaun Ealey's 29-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was his longest rush of the season.
- Ealey's 29-yard touchdown run was also the quickest offensive scoring drive of the season for the Gamecocks, lasting one play for 29-yards with a time of possession of 0:08.
- JSU has now scored a touchdown in the first five minutes of a game for the third straight week. The Gamecocks scored with 12:03 in the first quarter against EIU, 10:32 against TSU and now 11:13 against MSU.
- Ealey's third touchdown run of the day was his fourth multiple touchdown game of his career at JSU. He now has eight touchdowns in the past four games.
- Ealey's third touchdown of the day also tied his career high for TD's in a game at JSU.
- Telvin Brown caught his second touchdown pass of the season off a 41-yard bomb from Ivory. Brown's other touchdown pass was an 86-yard touchdown catch against Tennessee Tech earlier this season.
- Ivory has now thrown 34 career touchdown passes which ranks him fourth all-time in JSU history.
- The Gamecocks lost three fumbles and have now lost a fumble for the third-straight game. JSU has lost six fumbles during that span.
- JSU's 19 play scoring drive in the second quarter was the most plays the Gamecocks have ran on a drive this season.
- Ivory's four-yard touchdown pass to Allen Bonner in the second quarter marks the 10th time in his career and the third time this season he has thrown multiple touchdown passes in a game.
- Bonner's TD grab gives him 15 in his career, which ties him for 5th all-time with Terry Owens. His 64-yards receiving gives him 1,637 yards receiving, which also moves him into seventh place all-time on the Gamecocks career receiving list.
- The two teams went into halftime tied at 28-28, marking the first time this season the Gamecocks have been tied at halftime and the first time since Oct. 29, 2011 when JSU and Tennessee Tech were tied at 7-7 at the half. The Gamecocks are now 8-1 under Jack Crowe when tied at halftime.
- Ealy has now rushed for 100-yards in three straight games this season after he finished today's game with 146-yards on 37 carries. It also marks the seventh time he has rushed for over 100-yards in his career at JSU.
- Ealy also finished with a career high 37 rushes, the second most carries in a single game in school history.
- The JSU defense gave up fi ve rushing touchdowns to the Racers, the most since the Gamecocks gave up six rushing touchdowns to Georgia Tech on Aug. 28th, 2008.
- The Racers had scored in 23-straight quarters including overtime going back to the second quarter against Missouri State in week two. The Gamecocks ended that streak when they held MSU scoreless in the fourth quarter.
131 - Consecutive games in which the Gamecocks have scored, a streak that dates back to Nov.18, 2000, when they were last shut out.
811 - Total yards between the two teams.
93 - Total yards the Gamecocks held the Racers to in the second half.
100 - Number of wins in Jack Crowes career.
9 - Straight games JSU has won over MSU. The Gamecocks are now 9-1 against the Racers all-time.
8 - Number of touchdown's Washaun Ealy has scored in the past four games after failing to cross the goal line in the Gamecocks' first four games of the season.
0:08 - Time it took JSU to score the games opening touchdown, the shortest scoring drive of the season for the Gamecocks.
7 - Number of interceptions JSU has in the past four games.
4 - Number of multiple touchdown games Ealey has in his career at JSU. He finished with three touchdowns on the day, tying his career high for touchdowns in a game.
34 - Number of touchdown passes Marques Ivory has thrown in his career at JSU. Ivory currently ranks fifth all-time and trails Reggie Stancil (35) for fourth all-time.
0 - Number of sacks the offensive line allowed tonight. The Gamecocks o-line has now given up one sack in the past five games.
37 - Number of carries Washaun Ealey had in the game, the second-most in a game in JSU history. Calvin Middleton's 39 last year vs. EKU is the most.
17,807 - Attendance for tonight's game.
4 - Number of interceptions JSU had in tonights game, the most since the Gamecocks fi nished with fi ve interception against Austin Peay on OCt. 15, 2011.


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Ferrari club of Portland visits Ronald McDonald House
Monday, September 17, 2012 9:09 PM
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PORTLAND, OREGON -September 17, 2012 - The Ferrari club of Portland hosted a Ferrari 599 HGTE, (front) along with others owned by club members at Ronald McDonald House East. The 612-horsepower car is making a 20,000-mile tour, visiting sick children and their families at every Ronald McDonald House in the U.S. Families were treated to tours of the cars. Brent Wojahn/The Oregonian
Related articles
- Ferrari Club of Portland visits sick children at Ronald McDonald House East during U.S. tour (photos) September 17, 2012, 9:25 PM


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WESTLAKE, Ohio --Testimony is expected to wrap up Monday in the court hearing focused on Westlake's water dispute with Cleveland.
Said AbouAbdallah, an engineer with the Cleveland office of Arcadis, a global engineering and project management firm, was the lead-off witness for the city of Cleveland.
He testified that as a consultant for Cleveland, his firm had spent hundreds of hours in preparing reports that show, in part, the cost involved if Westlake leaves Cleveland Water. That cost -- estimated at $58.8 million -- includes what it would take to maintain service to neighboring suburbs and what Cleveland says is Westlake's share of infrastructure projects.
On cross-examination, Dennis O'Toole, a lawyer representing Westlake, raised questions about how Arcadis had allocated the so-called "stranded costs" for improvements dating back to 1981. He noted that Westlake was much smaller then and had significantly fewer miles of water lines. O'Toole also questioned whether percentages that had been assigned as the amount benefiting Westlake had been rounded up, resulting in higher damages claimed by Cleveland.
AbouAbdallah said that some of O'Toole's questions would have to be answered by the next scheduled witness. But responding to questions from Rob Hanna, one of Cleveland's lawyers, the consultant said he was comfortable that by using three different methods of calculation, the figures in the Arcadis report are reasonably accurate.
Monday marked the fifth day of testimony in the case, which is being heard by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Michael Astrab. He said he wants to wrap up the hearing on Monday. Westlake is asking the court for a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction to block Cleveland from imposing additional quarterly water charges on Westlake customers.
Cleveland City Council in November approved the charges, which range from $291 for residents up to more than $5,000 for large commercial customers, because Cleveland officials say that Westlake intends to leave Cleveland Water in favor of another bulk supplier, possibly Avon Lake. Cleveland says the charges are to recover about $19 million for rerouting pipes to continue service to neighboring suburbs and for nearly $40 million that Cleveland says Westlake owes for various infrastructure projects.
Westlake officials says they are only exploring options to get the best deal for residents and have not made any decision about leaving Cleveland. Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough has said he would prefer to buy from both Cleveland and Avon Lake.
On Friday, Rick Giardina, an expert witness hired by the city of Westlake, testified that there is no basis for the extra charges that Cleveland is trying to impose on the suburb's water customers. Giardina, the executive vice president of Colorado-based Raftelis Financial Consultants, testified that the rate methodology used by Cleveland Water includes a "risk premium" and a resulting differential designed to recover costs incurred if a community decides to leave the water system.
As a result, Giardina said, Westlake customers already have paid the costs that Cleveland now wants to recover from the suburb.
But Paul Bender, Cleveland's utilities chief, disputed that when he took the stand later on Friday. Under questioning from Karl Bekeny, one of the lawyers representing Cleveland, Bender said the rates do not cover the costs of a community leaving Cleveland Water.
Also on Friday, Darnell Brown, Cleveland's chief operating officer, testified that during a 2011 meeting with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Clough told Jackson that Westlake was leaving Cleveland Water.
O'Toole asked Brown during cross-examination about a Jan. 6, 2012 letter from Clough that says Westlake did not want to terminate its relationship with Cleveland Water. Brown said was what more telling was what Clough was doing -- including meeting with representatives of Avon Lake Municipal Utilities, the Ohio EPA and various consultants.
Check back here for updates from the courtroom this afternoon.The court is on a short break, but testimony is expected to resume about 1:15 p.m.


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Liverpool, NY -- Susan Mastine Fix and Lori A. Bresnahan worked together for three years at Chestnut Hill Elementary School in the Liverpool school district where the two became friends and shared a love for children and education.
Mastine Fix, an art teacher, is organizing a fundraiser and collecting donations for Bresnahan, who was murdered Thursday night in the town of Clay. Bresnahan is survived by a young daughter.
"I can't wrap my heart and head around it," Mastine Fix said. "I felt that I had to do something."
Police said Bresnahan, a librarian in the Liverpool school district, and a 10-year-old child were leaving a gymnastics class at Great Northern Mall Thursday night around 9 p.m., when David J. Renz, 29, of 6526 Lakeshore Road, Cicero, attacked them in the parking lot.
Renz drove the two to nearby Verplank Road and stabbed Bresnahan, who later died from her injuries. Police have not identified the 10-year-old child.
Mastine Fix, who teaches art at Chestnut Hill Elementary and Liverpool Elementary, will hold a fundraiser in April at MOYA, the Museum of Young Art, in Armory Square. Mastine Fix is the founder of the not-for-profit children's art gallery. The fundraiser will included an art show of artwork and T-shirts created by Chestnut Hill and Liverpool students in honor of Bresnahan.
Mastine Fix said details on the fundraiser are still being worked out, but she hopes to have an art show, face painting and other family-friendly entertainment.
The proceeds from the fundraiser and any donations sent directly to the gallery will go to Bresnahan's family, Mastine Fix said.
"I know people want to help," she said. "I want to help too."
Donations can be mailed to MOYA at P.O. Box 12152, Syracuse, NY, 13204. Write Bresnahan in the memo line of the check.
Bresnahan was a big supporter of MOYA and was working with Mastine Fix on a fundraiser for the museum at the time of her death. The fundraiser was a contest to name the moon. The two educators hoped to raise money for MOYA and also create international support for the naming our moon contest.
To enter a name in the contest, participants could send a donation of $5 or more to MOYA. Mastine Fix said that fundraiser will now be known as "Reach for the Moon" and the majority of the proceeds will also go to the Bresnahan family.
Contact Sarah Moses at email@example.com or 470-2298. Follow @SarahMoses315


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Main Content
Celebrate your team fandom with this Arkansas Razorbacks sled ornament! Rouse up some Arkansas Razorbacks to go along with your holiday spirit. This team-spirited ornament features the Arkansas Razorbacks logo on the sled and comes ready to hang.
- Material: 100% Metal - Frame; 100% Styrofoam - Base
- Not recommended for children under 13 years
- Measures approximately 3.5"
- Ready to hang
- Officially licensed
- Imported
- Brand: Forever Collectibles
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


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The King Neighborhood Association reports the church at Northeast 8th Avenue and Failing is back on the market. Some neighbors are worried a developer will tear the church down and put in housing. Anna Griffin wrote a piece last year looking at the church's history and what story the building tells about the neighborhood.
Here's the rest of the news from your neighborhoods.
Wendy Culverwell at the Portland Business Journal reports ballet fitness studio Barre3 opened its newest studio and future headquarters Monday on North Williams Street. Founder Sadie Lincoln launched the business five years ago with a single studio. Today, there are 67 franchised Barre3 locations worldwide.
Yes, the rain is back. But the recent spring sun inspired photographer Stephanie Yao to head up to New Columbia and document the bike skills park there.
Nick Daschel has a piece about recruiting prospects for Roosevelt High cornerback Billy Nelson.
The Washington Post featured Portland graphic designer Jacob O'Neal's work Tuesday. O'Neal's latest piece is an animation teaching people how to moonwalk.
University of Portland student Quin Chadwick delivered his state of the school speech. The Beacon has a review.
Northeast Alberta Street's Back to Eden is looking for a bakery manager.
Do you have North or Northeast Portland news to share? Send me an email, or connect with me on Facebook.
-- Casey Parks


text: A Palestinian woman was killed and her son badly wounded when a bomb exploded at a West Bank farm on Thursday. The explosion occurred at a chicken farm owned by an Islamic Jihad fugitive, Palestinian officials said. Also, Israeli troops arrested a Hamas leader in the West Bank town of Kalkilya on Wednesday night and two Hamas members in the West Bank planning to carry out a terrorist attack on Thursday.


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SX10 and Spark: A Connection in the CloudCollaboration
Just a few weeks ago, I wrote about a Wainhouse review that evaluated the ease of useRead More
Cisco SX10 Gains New Video FansCollaboration
When a product does exactly what it promises and more, it can develop almost a cult following. Think iPhone,Read More
5 Reasons for Midsize Businesses to Use Video CollaborationVideo
I've been talking for a while now about how effective video collaboration is and how video technologyRead More
Can Midsize Businesses "Be Everywhere with Video"?Collaboration
Off the top of your head – how would you describe a successful company that is growing fast? Has intimateRead More


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Interactive map: Milwaukee's potholes
If you call the city of Milwaukee about a pothole, where you live is a good indicator of how quickly it will be fixed. A Journal Sentinel analysis of more than 11,000 complaints about potholes since the start of the year found that some neighborhoods have their potholes repaired within a week - for others it can take nearly a month. | Related Story
Click the buttons below right to view the different maps.
Sources: City of Milwaukee; U.S. Census Bureau
Graphic by Bob Veierstahler
Analysis by Grant Smith
Interactive by Alison Fonte


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My husband and I will be celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary this summer. Weird to think it's been that long, but even stranger when I think that 14 years ago, yesterday, we had our first date together.
I remember the date well because it was close to his birthday, and I was so nervous. I was only 17-years-old and still in high school and this guy was a year older and I had no idea what to expect.
We've been inseparable ever since — finishing high school, college, getting married, and having children together. When we were younger, the first date anniversary was marked with a mini-celebration. This was before we got married and would make a big deal each year we passed (we dated for five years before getting married) and treated it as an important anniversary to celebrate.
When we got married, we still acknowledged the first date anniversary as well as our wedding one, but now that it's been so long, I wonder: is it just corny to keep celebrating? I am not much of a romantic — to be honest, I don't really do much for our wedding anniversary, but for some reason this first date one really just feels a little to special to give up. It's not too often you hear of high school sweethearts anymore and I am proud that we've developed, grown, and changed together and still love each other just as much as we did years, and years ago.
:: What do you think? Do you think it's corny or cute to still celebrate your first date anniversary? Is there such a thing as 'too much celebrating'? (I think not!) ::
Photo credit: © Accustomed Chaos


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1.8 Cavalier his friend has said ?
1.8 Cavalier his friend has said ?
205 Rallye 1.6 8v TU DCOE 40s
it's a small block head... the water system isn't right for a big block
How have you made your car 600 kg may i ask?
205 Rallye 1.6 8v TU DCOE 40s
if thats true then its either the 1.8 single point head (C18NZ) or 1.8 carb engine (18SV) still not anyway connected to any gte engine. If it isnt a cav head, forget what oddball wrote.Originally posted by Rallye
1.8 Cavalier his friend has said ?
by fitting only a steering wheel and a seat and sandblasting all the underseal/seam sealer off loads of unneeded metal cut off, plastic windows, lightened loomOriginally posted by Rallye
How have you made your car 600 kg may i ask?
XE + F20 weighs 175, so that makes the nova 420kg or there abouts. which is lighter than a turn key caterham.
Ok. Wouldn't mind seeing these claims on a weighbridge.
Gotta get mine done soon...
205 Rallye 1.6 8v TU DCOE 40s
Will this head fit a 1600 bottom end?
Do i need more pics ?
Please help me identify it, i need to sell these two bits...
What would the inlet fit?
205 Rallye 1.6 8v TU DCOE 40s
can you get me a part number off the head ? dont ask me where it would be i dont know.
otherwise youre gonna have to find a block to offer it up to, see if it fits.
Sorry for piss poor camera. it does look cleaner in real life
there are some numbers on the head..
from left to right..
Please help as i need to shift these bits, any ideas what the inlet manifold will fit... 1400,1300 etc ?!?
i can't contact him but his friend said it was on a 1600 GTE bottom end, and says it is a 1800 head, i just want some confirmation.
I mean the engine had some mods and got 140bhp so it can't be that bad
Last edited by Rallye; 15-01-2003 at 15:05.
205 Rallye 1.6 8v TU DCOE 40s
we can safely rule out it being an 1800 head purely because it wont fit on any small block 1600
So it has to be a 1400 head ?
Still, 140 bhp is alright, can't see why no-one wants it.
205 Rallye 1.6 8v TU DCOE 40s
His friend says if its not an 1800 head it is another with 1800 valves,
205 Rallye 1.6 8v TU DCOE 40s
1400 nova SR head
1800 gte head
Looks like a 1400 head then? Would you agree ?
205 Rallye 1.6 8v TU DCOE 40s
thats what i said back on page 1. the square inlet ports are the clincher
are we really sure??
could be 1200 inj , 1400 nv / 1400 nz, 1600 sv (all used square inlet runners)
what does this part no. call up ...90 20 99 18 ??
valves look bigger than my 1400 nv. and dished more. could be a bigvalve head
topbuzz that is a gte head . the 1200/1300/1600 all look the same ports (arched with square bottom) looks like theres a fair amount of head chamber area on them gte heads
(stu thinks low compression 1400 - turbo )
2 stroke tarmac terrorist
Last edited by rgv_stu; 15-01-2003 at 22:01.
2 stroke tarmac terrorist
nothingOriginally posted by rgv_stu
what does this part no. call up ...90 20 99 18 ??
I was told it was a big valve head anyway with 1800 valves.
Looks the same as your head tbh.
How did you do your head? Dremel?
I want to do my 1600 Pug head...
205 Rallye 1.6 8v TU DCOE 40s
i have a 14SE head in front of me now and the shape of the combustion chamber on the head(if thats what it is), doesnt have the same shape as the one in the pic.
there is no lip between the valves on the 14SE head
there is less than a mm between the spart plug port and the inlet valve. the head on the pic has about 2-3mm of space between them,
this is goin by the c14SE head so not sure ifs the same on the 14vz and 14nv


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Sorry, this job was closed 3 years ago. See all open Financial Analyst Iv Jobs in Portland, Oregon
NexSys Group was founded by a group of industry professionals committed to bringing IT and Finance staffing solutions together for organizations desiring excellence in delivery and customer service - serving as their nexus for talent.
At NexSys Group, we take all of our relationships seriously including employees, consultants, and prospective candidates. We work hard to present the industry's very best career opportunities, and we work equally hard treating our people as the valued partners they are. NexSys Group is committed to a relationship with you based on mutual respect and the utmost professionalism.
We take the time to form a personal relationship with you. There are no faceless stacks of paper at NexSys Group. We work to understand your career and personal goals, and take the time to present potential opportunities accordingly, not to just mine buzzwords off your resume.
We keep the lines of communication open, including full disclosure on all opportunities, as well as timely updates regarding candidacy status and status of the hiring process.
We invest in our people to ensure they are optimally marketed for appropriate opportunities, including resume positioning, extensive coaching and briefing for interviews, and more.
We are committed to long-term partnerships and quality. We take in the pride in the fact that a successful placement is not the end of our relationship, but a new beginning.
We enthusiastically help you transition into your new role and continue to invest in our relationship on an on-going basis.
If this sounds like what you are looking for, we'd love to hear from you!
Posted 3 years ago in Finance and Insurance, Financial Services
Browse financial analyst iv jobs in Portland, Oregon:
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STORRS, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut forward Tyler Olander has been charged with DUI and suspended from the basketball team indefinitely.
Police said Olander failed a field sobriety test. No other details were released.
UConn spokesman Mike Enright says Olander was suspended Monday for violating unspecified team rules.
Olander did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.
The 21-year-old, 6-foot-10 senior from Mansfield, Conn., was barred from team activities for a month earlier this year after being charged with trespassing in Panama City, Fla., while on spring break. He agreed to a fine and community service in that case.
Copyright 2016The Associated PressAll Rights Reserved


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Ecological Science
/ Wetlands Contend for Most Productive Wildlife Habitat
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Wetlands rival tropical rain forests as the most biologically productive
habitats in the world.
Some wildlife species spend their entire lives in wetlands, while others use
them intermittently for breeding, nesting, feeding, or rearing their young.
Benefits of Wetlands to Birds. Birds use wetlands for breeding and rearing
young. Birds also use wetlands for feeding, resting, shelter, and social
interactions. Some waterfowl, such as grebes, have adapted to wetlands to such
an extent that their survival depends on the availability of certain types of
wetlands within their geographic range.
Birds find food in wetlands in the form of plants and invertebrates such as
shellfish. Birds also feed on small mammals and other birds.
Birds find shelter from predators and the weather in wetland vegetation. But
beware, predators are likely to abound where birds concentrate, breed, or raise
their young. Some predators, such as the raccoon, are well adapted to both
wetland and upland environments and take large numbers of both young and nesting
Mammal habitat in wetlands. Few mammals are as closely tied to wetlands as
are many birds, but the food, water, and shelter wetlands offer are attractive
to many mammals and species of upland wildlife.
Restoring wetlands. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
has programs to aid landowners in restoring wetlands, offering both technical
and financial assistance.
For more information about conservation practices that can improve wildlife
habitat on your land, stop at the
local NRCS office.
Did you know....
About one-half of the nearly 200 animals federally designated as endangered or
threatened in the U.S. are wetland-dependent.
If you encounter any problems with the file provided on this
page, please contact Technical Resources at 406-587-6822.
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644: Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management (PDF; 47 KB)
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Paving work on Griffin Avenue in Enumclaw begins in spring
Enumclaw drivers will be making some detours throughout the spring and summer, as a heavily-traveled Griffin Avenue is chewed up and smoothed out.
The state Department of Transportation is committed to spending somewhere in excess of $2 million – but less than $2.5 million – to upgrade the section of Griffin that also serves as the easternmost leg of state Route 164.
DOT spokeswoman Broch Bender said the project stretches a little more than a mile, from High Point Street to the junction of Griffin and state Route 410. Work is expected to begin in early April, she said, and continue into September.
There will be daytime lane closures, she said, with identified detours to guide motorists around the ongoing work.
The project entails grinding away the existing asphalt and putting down a new surface. Before that work gets under way, Bender said, the DOT will replace 90 existing curb cuts at 26 intersections. The existing curb cuts - which allow wheelchairs to access city sidewalks – no longer meet specifications, she said, as the slope is too steep.
As part of the overall project, the DOT also will be installing a traffic light at the intersection of Watson Street and 410.
The DOT commissioned a traffic study, which showed enough vehicle trips to justify a light, Bender said, pointing out the growth in both businesses and homes south of the highway. The intersection has Safeway on one side and McDonald's on the other.
A schedule for installation of the traffic light has not been established.
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CD/LP/Track Review
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All About Jazz needs your help and we have a deal. Pay $20 and we'll hide those six pesky Google ads that appear on every page, plus this box and the slideout box on the right for a full year! You'll also fund website expansion.
Boost your visibility at All About Jazz and drive traffic to your website with Premium Musician Profile.


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My Cub Sawyer Buzz Saw. This baby will make quick work of limbs, both tree and body if care is not used. The guard is missing in this photo.
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Students from Gulf Shores and Bayou La Batre are in New Orleans this week with Philippe Cousteau Jr. learning how to report on environmental issues, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
"The whole idea of it," said Bryant High School journalism and English teacher Valerie George, "is getting kids along the Gulf Coast trained so that when something big happens, like the Gulf oil spill, they can report on it. They can video it and upload it before all of the big, national reporters come in."
Cousteau, who has visited Alabama several times since the oil spill began on April 20, is the grandson of famous ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. He said these students know their communities better than reporters who fly into town for the big story. They know the people, the issues and the impact.
He said that when he talked to teenagers here, he noticed that they were frustrated because they wanted to get involved; they wanted to tell their story.
So, he founded an initiative that he plans to take nationally called STREAM, Students Reporting Environmental Action through Media.
Students from Gulf Shores Middle, Gulf Shores High, Alba Middle and Bryant High are among 40 from here and Louisiana in a workshop that started today and continues tomorrow. They are learning about interviewing, writing and editing and how to use technology, such a flip cameras, to document what is happening in their communities.
Philippe Cousteau said the students will eventually be able to share their work with a national audience via the website of STREAM's umbrella organization, EarthEcho International.
"The kids are fired up," Cousteau said during a telephone interview this afternoon between sessions. "They're upset about what happened and they know that it's their generation that's going to have to clean it up."
Cousteau does his own environmental journalism as the chief ocean correspondent for the Animal Planet and Planet Green channels.
Gulf Shores Middle seventh-grader Katelin Kenyon said she's enjoying learning to be a "citizen journalist."
"There are so many things that we can do to help our community," she said. "If something else goes wrong, we'll be able to react."
Gulf Shores High senior Brian Ray said his school had to stop printing a newspaper due to budget cuts. But he said he'll be looking for ways to tell stories.
"We'll bring attention to different problems and hopefully bring up solutions to those problems," he said.


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Russell Medical Center has a refurbished six-bed ICU. A 10-bed step-down unit provides
an intermediate range of care for those patients who are not sick enough for the
ICU, but too sick for a standard private room. Post-heart catheterization patients
are also placed in the step-down unit.
Medicine at RMC


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This deal has ended.
Through 8/17, Dancing Deer Baking Co. takes 20% off their award-winning, all-natural chewy cookies. Better yet, this sale stacks with 15% off code AF807. Good deals include the 14-Pack of Mountain Cookies, normally $19.95, on sale for $15.95 and now $13.56, the Summer Chewy Cookie Sampler (pictured, 36 cookies) reduces from $34.95 to $27.95 to $23.75 and the Congratulations Cookie Sampler (36 cookies) lowers from $37.95 to $30.35 to $25.80. Shipping is $6.95 and there's no sales tax (except MA).No longer available


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Don't let it get away!
Keep track of the stocks that matter to you.
Help yourself with the Fool's FREE and easy new watchlist service today.
Dividend investing is a tried-and-true strategy for generating strong, steady returns in economies both good and bad. But as corporate America's slew of dividend cuts and suspensions over the past few years has demonstrated, it's not enough simply to buy a high yield. You also need to make sure those payouts are sustainable.
Let's examine how Synovus (NYSE: SNV ) stacks up in four critical areas to determine whether it's a dividend dynamo or a disaster in the making.
1. Yield
First and foremost, dividend investors like a large forward yield. But if a yield gets too high, it may reflect investors' doubts about the payout's sustainability. If investors had confidence in the stock, they'd be buying it, driving up the share price and shrinking the yield.
Synovus yields 2.1%, slightly higher than the S&P's 1.8%.
2. Payout ratio
The payout ratio might be the most important metric for judging dividend sustainability. It compares the amount of money a company paid out in dividends last year to the earnings it generated. A ratio that's too high -- say, greater than 80% of earnings -- indicates that the company may be stretching to make payouts it can't afford, even when its dividend yield doesn't seem particularly high.
Synovus doesn't have a payout ratio because it doesn't have earnings.
3. Balance sheet
The best dividend payers have the financial fortitude to fund growth and respond to whatever the economy and competitors throw at them. The Tier 1 capital ratio is a commonly used leverage metric for banks that compares equity and reserves with total risk-weighted assets. In a non-financial crisis, a ratio above 13% is generally considered to be relatively conservative. To get a sense of loan performance, the non-performing loan-to-total loan ratio is useful. Less than 1% is ideal, while greater than 3% is a sign that the bank is holding a lot of bad loans on its books.
Let's examine how Synovus stacks up next to its peers.
Tier 1 Capital Ratio
Non-Performing-Loan-to-Total-Loan Ratio
|Zions (Nasdaq: ZION )
|TCF Financial (NYSE: TCB )
|Susquehanna (Nasdaq: SUSQ )
Source: Capital IQ, a division of Standard & Poor's.
4. Growth
A large dividend is nice; a large growing dividend is even better. To support a growing dividend, we also want to see earnings growth.
The financial crisis wasn't very kind to Synovus, which has been unable to turn a profit since 2007.
The Foolish bottom line
While Synovus isn't likely to cut its nominal penny-per-quarter dividend, and its nonperforming loan ratio has improved somewhat over the past few years, the company still has some way to go before it could raise those payouts.
To stay up to speed on the top news and analysis on Synovus, or any other stock, simply add it to your stock watchlist. If you don't have one yet, you can create a watchlist of your favorite stocks.


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February 1st, 2013 → 3:15 am @ Ray Rippel // 4 Comments
I'm not a big fan of memoirs. I'd much prefer the adventures of a heroic—and fictional—protagonist over an account of the humdrum lives most of us lead. Every once in a while I'll sample the genre hoping to be pleasantly surprised. I rarely am.
But when my Google Alert for the John Muir Trail pointed me towards Amazon.com, and a new book relating the story of a thru-hike, I decided to risk one more try. I'm so glad I did.
Suzanne Roberts' "Almost Somewhere" is funny, engaging, honest and wise in ways that many readers may not even notice. (And isn't that the best way to impart wisdom?)
I'm so often disappointed with memoirs because they fail to deliver three critical elements: a good story, good writing and, most importantly, honesty. Ms. Roberts delivers all three.
The story will hook you within the first pages. Two women, just after graduating from college, set out to hike the trail northbound. (Had she somehow managed to read my book, years before I wrote it, she would have known better!)
Before they even reach the trailhead the two women become three. Then a young man decides to tag along, and less than twenty miles down the trail, a second man joins the group. Ms. Roberts gets us interested in all of them, and weaves their interactions together with perfect pacing. Some exit the story early. Some later. Reading through the book becomes very much like walking down the trail: you can't wait to see what's around the next corner.
Thankfully, the prose is a joy. (Is that allowed in a memoir?) Although the hike itself was undertaken by the author when she was twenty years younger (they did the hike in 1993), the tone is exuberantly youthful.
She has an ear for dialog that gently nudges the story forward instead of grinding it to a halt, and there isn't a clunky sentence anywhere. Occasionally, you come across something so sublime that it deserves to stand next to the frequent quotes from John Muir, himself, that open her chapters.
Her thoughts while sitting in front of the famous Muir Hut: "I realized that the going and getting there were never the point—when we are always almost somewhere, we can't be happy where we are."
What elevates all this to great from good, however, is the excruciating honesty percolating from every page. Ms. Roberts does not go easy on her friends (one is nicknamed "The Commander"), but they get off scot-free compared to Ms. Roberts, herself. The issues she beats herself up about—her weight, her choice of romantic partners, and her near paralysis in regards to planning the way ahead after college—are as relevant today as they were then. (All of which makes the book, by the way, just about the perfect gift for a new college graduate.)
If you made your way to this website, chances are you're interested in both the John Muir Trail and personal challenges. This book was written with you in mind.
"Almost Somewhere" is almost perfect.
Good hiking, Ray
Tags: John Muir Trail, obstacles, people, psychology, review
It is this book that inspired /motivated me to do the JMT. I am applying on 02/13 at 5:00pm for an August 1st start date. If these ladies can do this with little or no planning I know I can do it with proper planning.
My husband is totally psyched also.
Another fun read is A Blistered Kind of Love by Angela & Dusty Ballard,my husband's former coworker. It is their journey on the PCT.
Thanks for the suggestion, Kathy. I might check that out!
I would also highly suggest "I Promise Not To Suffer – A Fool for Love Hikes the Pacific Crest Trail" by Gail Storey. My wife and I have both been reading the book and find it to be very entertaining for this 50 something couple!
Thanks! Anyone interested can order the book here: http://amzn.to/19LH89h.


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The city of Milwaukie launched a website this week to educate voters on an upcoming bond measure to pay for the city's light rail debt.
The website, milwaukiebond.com, says the $4 million bond will help preserve city services and lock in an interest rate lower than the city's five percent rate, which would save money over the 20 year life of the bond. The measure will appear on the May 20 ballot.
The city also touts the benefits of the new infrastructure constructed around the line, including new sidewalks, utilities, trees, trails and more. The total cost of those infrastructure projects is $13 million, the city says.
The bond will cost the owner of a $200,000 home about $36 dollars a year in extra property taxes, the city says.
The city is currently making payments to TriMet out of its general fund -- about $190,000 last year -- while allowing some staff positions to go unfilled. Though the method is slowing a major loss of services, city leaders know they'll need to make more serious cuts going forward. The yearly payments will continue to rise over the next 20 years, to $365,000.
If the measure fails, the city says it would likely have to cut three to four city staff positions a year and reduce services. The city says it already operates with one of the lowest number of employees when compared to other Clackamas County communities, second only to West Linn.
-- Michael Bamesberger


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SPRINGFIELD – Three city schools continue to be affected by a power outage caused Monday afternoon by a faulty underground cable, and while utility workers planned to work through the night to restore electricity, School Superintendent Alan J. Ingram said there are no plans to call off classes.
City officials and representatives of the Western Massachusetts Electric Co. staged a press briefing Monday night at the Raymond C. Putnam Public Safety Complex on Carew Street to provide information on the outage, which at its peak caused 1,400 customers to go off line.
Most areas affected had power restored, but 160 customers in a section of State Street, Wilbraham Road and Catherine Street remained in the dark.
Most of those customers were residents of the Indian Motorcycle Apartments, 837 State St., she said.
The outage also affected five city schools: the High School of Science and Technology, Rebecca M. Johnson Magnet School, STEM Academy, Putnam High School and Ells Academy.
By last night , Putnam and Ells had power restored, and WMECO officials were on redirecting power to Rebecca Johnson and STEM Academy.
Ingram said if power is not restored, the school teachers and staff "with some minor adjustments" will still be able to teach and maintain order.
"We will be able to conduct teaching and learning to the best of our ability. Canceling school will not a be appropriate at this time."
WMECO representative H. Edgar Alejandro said the outage occurred when a problem developed with an underground cable on Roosevelt Avenue. It took a while to isolate the sport, he said.
To repair it means replacing a large section of cable. He estimated it would take 10 to 12 hours.
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said police will step up patrols of areas still without power and fire units will be on alert.
"We hope it can be restored very soon," he said.
This is an update to a story that was first posted on Masslive.com at 6:26 p.m.


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Fort Dodge Senior High cheerleaders exemplified the principles of Rachel's Challenge at cheer camp this summer.
Rachel's Challenge, a nationwide effort inspired by Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the Columbine shooting massacre in Colorado in 1999, extols inclusion and acts of kindness. The effort was adopted by the Fort Dodge Community School District in January.
KC Williams, FDSH cheer coach, said she worked to continue the endeavor into the summer.
"My assistant coach, Julie Springer, and myself decided that it would become a project for the cheer squad to continue working on that throughout the summer and throughout this year," Williams said.
Doug Van Zyl, FDCSD superintendent, applauded their efforts.
"I think it helps set an example, a model of not only how our students should act but how we as adults and people in our community should act and exemplify those characteristics," he said.
The effort began with pairing the older cheerleaders with younger ones, Williams said.
"We kind of do this every year, kind of a little sister or little brother program," she said. "But it was in the attempt to give them a positive person, somebody there to role model, somebody there to give them a little bit extra encouragement when they needed it," she said.
Cheerleaders already are required to do community service.
"We upped that this year and they have to give back at least 10 hours for each season they cheer," Williams said. "Many of our cheerleaders had that done before they even started this season."
With cheer camp, Williams said, an opportunity came to go further and practice Rachel's Challenge.
"We're in a cheer camp of about 250, 300 other cheerleaders and we gave our cheerleaders each a gel bracelet that said accept the challenge, start a chain reaction," she said. "We gave them each one because they all showed some of the characteristics of Rachel's Challenge."
The cheerleaders were challenged to take two bracelets to three other cheerleaders, coaches or people at the camp with those same characteristics, Williams said.
"They were to give that person the bracelet, but also give them an extra one with a little piece of paper that kind of explains it so they would pass it on, hopefully into their community," she said.
By the end of camp, Williams said, more than 90 percent of the cheerleaders at the camp knew about the effort.
"Many of them had the bracelets, many of the coaches are coming and talking to us, taking the idea back with them," she said. "It was just an outreach to see if we could start our own chain reaction."
Williams said she was proud of her cheerleaders.
"These guys have done a really good job," she said. "At first I think they were a little skeptical, they didn't know how other towns would perceive them, but once they started talking about it and why they were chosen, everybody just kind of got on the bandwagon and it was just something everybody wanted to be a part of."
When Rachel's Challenge was introduced, it was Van Zyl's hope, he said, that it would spread beyond the school district.
"That was the whole thought behind this process, the whole reason we wanted to have partnerships in the community," he said. "We thought this was something that would continue to take place in our community."


text:
Ron Pernick is cofounder and managing director of Clean Edge Inc. and coauthor of "The Clean Tech Revolution." He is currently working on his second book with Clint Wilder, Clean Tech Nation.
January 9, 2015
June 9, 2014
CO2 waste streams can be turned into saleable, value-added feedstocks. Is it a pipe dream or crackable code? We'll find out soon.
September 7, 2011
From bring corporate tax dollars back to the U.S. to shoring up our crumbling infrastructure, ideas like Connecticut's Green Bank are starting to gain traction in Washington -- and not a moment too soon.
March 1, 2011
There have been dozens of projects at the national, state and metro level designed to track and quantify cleantech jobs, but getting an accurate accountiing seems nearly impossible.
March 2, 2010
In early February, President Obama did something that his predecessor George W. Bush was unable to do: He pushed the restart button on the U.S. nuclear power industry


text:
i dont think the sales will be to good as the season nearly finished
looks very interesting. hopeit turns out good. linkKonami has today outlined its innovative user interface for the forthcoming Wii version of PES 2008.
Due for release March 28th, PES 2008 has been redesigned to make incredible use of the motion-sensitive nature of the Wii's control system. The player has more control over the on-screen action than ever before, and in line with such advances, Konami has also unveiled an all-new pack design that conveys the unique in-game visuals and ease of use while maximising its use of cover stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Owen.
Crucial to PES 2008 for Wii is an all-new control system that truly elevates the level of control available to the player while retaining the depth and intuitive moves of the series. Making use of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, the player must also consider the movements of their teammates around them. The Nunchuck is used to move the current player, while the Wii Remote is used to pick out players to send them on runs or to receive passes via simple click and drag system which uses arrows to show the path of the run, and a press of the 'B' button to complete the move.
The level of control offered by the bespoke Wii system elevates PES 2008 far beyond any other football game. Dribbling is effected by clicking on the player and using an arrow and the 'A' button to guide the ball. The speed of the run can then be altered by extending or reducing the length of the guiding arrow, allowing stunning quick turns and bursts of speed to catch defenders off-guard.
Shooting also benefits from more control over the players, with the Nunchuck used to shoot or head simply by shaking it. As with the real sport, however, timing is everything in front of goal, and the speed of the pass or cross, the ability of the player, the angle of trajectory and the timing of the shot or header will all have differing effects on the resultant shot.
To ease the player into the stunning level of control PES 2008 offers, the Wii game features a wide-ranging Tutorial mode wherein a series of instructional videos and tests detail how the Wii Remote and Nunchuck can be used to man-mark players, pass into space, clear dangerous crosses and perform slide tackles. Every aspect of the modern game is brought to vivid life, and the advances in control ensure that PES 2008 is a game that develops and surprises as the user's skill grows.
PES 2008 challenges the player further across six game modes, including Match, League and Cup games, the aforementioned Training system and a Player Trade option. By the far the greatest challenge, however, awaits in the all-new 'Champions Road' competition.
Champions Road is a global, rewards-based challenge, where players are invited to guide and develop the team of their choice through a series of league games all over the world. By systematically winning each competition, the user is given Experience points which can be used to bolster the attributes of their team. Likewise, as team after team is defeated, the player can cherry-pick the best players of the teams they have beaten to their starting XI. In turn, extra skills can also be unlocked, allowing users to piece together a 'Dream Team' that constantly grows and evolves as they become more successful. Additional mini-tasks are also randomly set during the course of a Champions Road match, too, such as scoring a hat-trick or stringing together a succession of passes, and doing so allows the player to add higher-rated players to their team.
PES 2008 is also the first Konami Wii title to make use of Nintendo's highly personal Mii characters. Used as in-game avatars by the Wii user, players can integrate up to 16 pre-defined Miis into a team, while the resultant teams can be stored on to the Wii Remote and switched between two linked Remotes. PES 2008 also enjoys a strong online element, allowing users to play 'Free Matches' against unknown opponents, or 'Friend Matches' against people on the Wii's Friends list, while team data can also be sent to friends via the console's WiiConnect24 system.
Call of Duty FC : 3480 6196 6904
Onslaught FC : 3180 1649 9648
The Conduit - 1891 9137 3932 ( Mr Vihang)
i dont think the sales will be to good as the season nearly finished
wii game playing: GH3
wii friend code:1778 9634 2151 5464
gh3 code:502628796471
This Game Is Goin To Be Awesome!!! Really Cannot Wait!
The Controls Sound Difficult But Im Always Up For A Challenge!
Thanks To Dan.Skater For The Awesome Sig!
People enjoy soccer?
Why Wouldnt You Enjoy Soccer? Well Football Where I Come From!
Thanks To Dan.Skater For The Awesome Sig!
If you paid attention to Everybody Votes, you'd know that many people enjoy soccer.
Well, I meant in the US. Since the US makes up like 80% market, it seems silly to make a game only 20% of the market will be interested in.Originally Posted by Milkman
Yeah In The US Football Or "Soccer" Isnt As Popular As It Is In Europe...
Although Its Europe That Konami Are Kinda Pointin PES 2008 At Mostly...
Thanks To Dan.Skater For The Awesome Sig!
totally disagree japan are for football(well winning elevens)
PS3 now, sorry Wii. You gather dust.
The United States has more official soccer players than any other nation in the world - almost 18 million.Originally Posted by Atomheart
So there should be quite a few who would buy PES in the USA.


text:
Real Housewives Dana Wilkey: Lying About Your Sports Car "Is So Gay"
Dana Wilkey, one of the secondary
pod people cast members on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, was "surprised" by paparazzi outside a birthday party in L.A. recently. The celebrity party planner (she's the one who whipped up a $60,000 tea party for Taylor's 4-year-old daughter in Season One) might have been celebrating a little too hard: When a paparazzo acted surprised that she actually had a Lamborghini, Wiley blurted out "Why would I lie about that?," she laughed. "That's so gay!"
On her Bravo profile page, Wilkey says her interests including hiking, travel and the study of the brain.
Dana, when you find yours please let us know.
Source: RumorFix via Towleroad
I guess The Countess Luann was right after all — that money can't buy you class. But we have Andy Cohen to blame for the elevation of rich white TRASH to celebrity status…
I thought it was the other way around celebrity status elevated to rich white trash. She talks like child.
Watch for Dumb Dana to soon announce that she will be appearing in an "It gets better" video.
What a vapid moron. Bravo gives enough attention to these vapid ANTIGAY morons period.Especially the housewives with their botox crazed staged superficial bullshit and their cliche GAY FRIENDS.Most of those stupid women look at gays as beneath them and just guys who do their hair someone to go shopping with and do their makeup design their dresses etc…. Hypocritical morons.
This dumb broad is 900 years old. She talks like she's 16. This broad's age, her speech, and homophobia are appalling.
She's a rotting landfill wrapped in skin so of course whatever that comes out of her – I'm sure any hole, is trash.
@newcityspot: That pretty much sums it up. I want to put that on a t-shirt. Then light it on fire and throw it in her face.
Does she not know that a large part of her viewing audience is gay? She won't be back next year.
Dana will probably go on air and assure everyone that she has gay friends. It's the old stock line that the Hollywood agents advise them to use. Sadly, many of us keep falling for it.
If I hear another homophobe say "I've got gay friends", I will puke.


text: Like I said, I've had the itch for a new gun. Something I've never owned before. So today a Marlin 1895 Guide Gun in 45/70 followed me home. I'd like to hear the pros and cons. I've shot the caliber before. The gun belonged to an aquaintance who was into CAS. But I've never shot hunting loads. What should I expect? something similar to hot 12 ga. rounds in recoil? I'm thinking of putting a leupold 2.5X scope on it and dedicating it to hog hunting. I'd like some input.


text:
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Drought Boosts L.A. Beach Water Quality
Local grades improve in annual Heal the Bay report; O.C., Ventura shine
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Thursday, May 22, 2014) – Severe drought may be wreaking havoc across California, but there's a silver lining in the lack of rain clouds – improved water quality at local beaches.
With record low rainfall reducing the amount of polluted runoff funneled into our seas, water quality improved dramatically at Los Angeles County beaches last year, according to Heal the Bay's 24th annual Beach Report Card, which the environmental group released today.
Heal the Bay analysts assigned A-to-F letter grades to 92 beaches in the county for three reporting periods in the 2013-2014 report, based on levels of weekly bacterial pollution. Some 90% of beaches received A or B grades for the high-traffic summer period (April-October 2013), a 6% improvement from last year's grades. That figure also marks a 9% uptick from the county's summer average for the previous five years.
While the news is encouraging, Los Angeles County still leads the state in the number of beaches with poor water quality. Overall, one in 10 L.A. County beaches received grades of C or lower during the busy summer season. The news is worse during wet weather, when half of the beaches received grades of C or lower.
The county is home to three of the 10 locales listed on Heal the Bay's annual Beach Bummer List, which ranks the most polluted beaches in the state. Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey and Cabrillo Beach harborside in San Pedro, both enclosed sites with poor circulation, came in at No. 3 and 4 on the Bummer List, respectively. The beach at Santa Monica Pier, which has grappled with poor water quality for years despite numerous remediation projects, re-entered the list at No. 7. (For ranking of other Beach Bummer sites statewide, please consult the complete report.)
Swimming at a beach with a water quality grade of C or lower greatly increases the risk of contracting illnesses such as stomach flu, ear infections, upper respiratory infections and rashes.
Each year, an estimated 75 million people visit L.A. and Orange County beaches, both residents and tourists alike. Contact with polluted water causes more than 600,000 cases of excess gastrointestinal illness each year in Los Angeles and Orange counties, according to a 2005 analysis conducted by researchers at UCLA and Stanford. This corresponds to an annual economic loss of at least $21 million in health care costs and lost productivity.
To protect beachgoers from illness, Heal the Bay urges ocean lovers to check updated water quality grades for nearly 600 beaches each week at beachreportcard.org. Before heading to the shoreline, visitors can also access the latest grades on the go by downloading Heal the Bay's free apps for mobile devices.
Looking regionally, Orange County notched excellent summer grades, well above state average. Some 96% of 102 beaches monitored received A grades, a 14% gain from the previous summer reporting period. The only black eye is a C grade at Baby Beach in Dana Point. Ventura County once again enjoyed some of the best water quality in the state, earning perfect A grades at all of its 39 monitored beaches in the summer reporting period.
Urban runoff remains the leading source of bacterial pollution at local shorelines. After a typical rainstorm, storm drains funnel as much as 10 billion gallons of polluted runoff directly into Santa Monica Bay, without benefit of any treatment. Given the county's sizable population of surfers and other year-round ocean users, poor water quality during the rainy season poses significant health risks.
(With drought threatening local water supplies, Heal the Bay's policy staff is advocating for a public funding measure to build infrastructure projects that capture, cleanse and reuse stormwater rather than dumping it uselessly into the sea. Progressive city planning, smart public infrastructure and so-called Low Impact Development in the private sector would turn a nuisance into a resource.)
"We've seen marked improvements in California's beach water quality this year due to the historically dry conditions. However the rains will return, and when they do, we need to capture this valuable resource to maximize our local water supplies and keep polluted water out of our ocean," said Kirsten James, Science and Policy Director for Water Quality at Heal the Bay.
On the positive side, several chronically polluted beaches in Southern California showed marked improvement since the last report.
Avalon Beach, frequently listed by Heal the Bay as the most polluted beach in the state, fell off this year's Beach Bummer List. The city has undertaken numerous education and infrastructure programs since 2011 to abate pollution, including spending nearly $6 million on sewer main improvements.
Orange County's Poche Beach, which has historically struggled with very poor water quality, also fell off this year's Bummer List and earned A and B grades throughout the year. The area's large bird population contributed to ocean pollution, and the innovative deployment of falcons and decoy coyotes to deter roosting has paid water quality dividends.
In all, eight beaches in Los Angeles County placed on Heal the Bay's Honor Roll, which recognizes beaches monitored year-round that score perfect A+ grades for the report's three time periods. A dozen beaches in Orange County earned spots on the Honor Roll in this year's report. A full list of Honor Roll beaches statewide can be found in the report.
While low rainfall totals have led to significantly improved water quality statewide, it should be noted that California often swings from extended dry periods to shorter periods of intense, wet weather.
An El Nino is predicted for later this year, so renewed flows could exacerbate underlying water quality issues at local beaches. In response, Heal the Bay urges state lawmakers to amend Prop. 218, to allow for easier approval of stormwater project funding. Among the other recommendations in Heal the Bay's 10point recommendation plan for improving beach water quality: mandated year-round bacteria testing at popular beaches and restored federal funding for water-quality monitoring programs.
"Heal the Bay is a valued partner in the County's effort to create greater public awareness of the negative impacts of stormwater pollution," L.A .County Public Works Director Gail Farber said. "Stormwater is an essential part of the County's strategy for a sustainable water supply, and protecting this local source of water from pollution is a regional priority."
"Funding at the level necessary to build and maintain the stormwater capture and green infrastructure projects planned for the region remains a major challenge," Farber added, noting that L.A. County will continue working with Heal the Bay and other partners to pursue the increased funding to make more of these projects a reality.
For a detailed look at beach results for each county and report methodology, please refer to our complete report. A PDF version is available at www.beachreportcard.org.
About the Beach Report Card
All county health departments in California are required to test beach water quality samples for three types of indicator bacteria at least once a week during the summer season. Many counties also monitor heavily used beaches year-round. Heal the Bay compiles the complex shoreline data, analyzes it and assigns an easy-to-understand letter grade.
The summary includes an analysis of water quality for three time periods: summer dry season (April through October 2013), winter dry weather (November 2013 through March 2014) and year-round wet weather conditions. The grading methodology is endorsed by the State Water Resources Control Board.
A FAQ section, methodology, weekly grade updates as well as historical grades can be found at
Heal the Bay's Beach Report Card is made possible through the generous support of SIMA and the Swain Barber Foundation
Contact: Matthew King, Communications Director, Heal the Bay, (310) 463-6266, email@example.com
Contact: Mike Grimmer, Beach Report Card Manager, Heal the Bay, (424) 229-2140, email@example.com


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No matter how old you are, I think there is always that little kid in all of us that loves candy, in any form. I know we just finished Halloween with tons of candy at everyone's house but candy just goes with the holidays. As I was trying to decide on a dessert to make for dinner one night, I just wanted something with candy. I then looked through my recipes and those of some of my friends and found these delightful recipes. Here are the 22 dessert recipes made with candy that I found and want to share with you.
22 Dessert Recipes Made with Candy 1 of 23
Follow the links to these 22 scrumptious dessert recipes made with candy.
Peanut Butter Cup Blondies 2 of 23
Sprinkle a package of Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Minis over your blondie batter for these out of this world peanut butter cup blondies.
Source: Cookies and Cups
3 Muskateers Cupcakes 3 of 23
Oh, my word! With 3 Muskateers Bars added to both the batter and frosting in the 3 Muskateers cupcakes, you can just imagine how good these cupcakes are.
Source: Cookies and Cups
Death by Snickers Bars 4 of 23
Death by Snickers bars are made with chopped Snickers bars, oatmeal, and dulce de leche for one of the best bars you could ever eat.
Source: Cookies and Cups
Butterfinger Pie 5 of 23
The no-bake Butterfinger pie is filled with Butterfinger candy bars and is also topped with them.
Source: Brown Eyed Baker
Candy Bar Cheesecake 6 of 23
Candy bar cheesecake is made with Twix bars in the batter of the cheesecake. What a delicious dessert.
Source: Tidy Mom
Twix Ice Cream Sandwich Cake 7 of 23
This is my kind of dessert! Hot fudge sauce, butterscotch caramel sauce, whipping cream, Twix bars, and ice cream sandwiches are the ingredients for these Twix ice cream sandwich cake.
Source: Foodie with Family
Toffee Pecan Pie 8 of 23
The addition of toffee bits to a traditional pecan pie adds an extra special flavor to this toffee pecan pie. It will become a hit at your Thanksgiving table.
Source: Add a Pinch
Mint Chocolate Pudding Cookies 9 of 23
Mint chocolate pudding cookies are soft and chewy with loads of chocolate flavor from fudge pudding mix and cocoa powder and have that wonderful mint flavor of Andes mints.
Source: Table for Two
S'mores Ice Cream 10 of 23
One of my family's favorite times to eat s'mores ice cream is when it is cold outside and we have a fire going in the fireplace. Filled with Hershey Bars candy, toasted marshmallows, and graham crackers, this is a treat any time of the year.
Source: Add a Pinch
Peanut Butter Cup Brownies 11 of 23
Peanut butter cup brownies are out of this world good. They have a brownie crust, chocolate chip cookie dough layer, and then Reese's peanut butter cups are placed on top.
Source: Add a Pinch
Coconut M&M Cookies 12 of 23
Coconut M&M cookies are the best M&M cookies I have ever had.
Source: Add a Pinch
Pretzel Crusted Peanut Butter Cup Blondie Pie 13 of 23
Just the name even without the photo says it all for the pretzel crusted peanut butter cup blondie pie.
Source: Cookies and Cups
Marbled Cheesecake Brownies 14 of 23
Marbled cheesecake brownies are delicious with a combination of cheesecake and brownie and M&M candies to top them.
Source: Tidy Mom
Vanilla Peppermint Cupcakes 15 of 23
Vanilla peppermint cupcakes look like Christmas with the crushed candy canes on top.
Source: Tidy Mom
Toffee Cheesecake with Chocolate Polka Dots 16 of 23
Toffee cheesecake with chocolate polka dots is not only a beautiful cake but tastes out of this world with espresso in the crust, toffee in not only the cheesecake batter but in the topping, and loads of chocolate.
Source: A Farm Girl's Dabbles
Melting Snowman Truffles 17 of 23
Melting snowman truffles are so cute but also delicious with M&M candies, oreo cookies, and Rollo candies. Why not make some of these with your kids this week?
Source: Cookies and Cups
Chocolate Cake with Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting 18 of 23
Chocolate cake with fluffy peanut butter frosting is so full of yummy flavor of chocolate and peanut butter not only in the cake and frosting but it is topped with Reese's Peanut Butter Cup candies.
Source: A Farm Girl's Dabbles
Biscoff Butter Cup Cupcakes 19 of 23
Biscoff butter cup cupcakes has the delicious biscoff spread filling in the chocolate cake batter and in the frosting and then is topped off with Reese's Peanut Butter Cup candies. What could be better?
Source: My Little Kitchen
Whoppers Chocolate Malt Frosted Brownies 20 of 23
These Whoppers chocolate malt frosted brownies have an all-time favorite candy in the frosting.
Source: Bake at 350
Peanut Butter Cup Push Pops 21 of 23
Peanut butter cup push pops is absolutely loaded with candy: Sour Spaghetti candy, Ghiradellie chocolate squares, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup minis.
Source: Bake at 350
Candy Pie 22 of 23
Candy pie includes Milky Way, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, and M&M candies, plus M&Ms. Oh, my goodness!
Source: Cookies and Cups
Reese's Fudge Pie 23 of 23
Reese's fudge pie has a graham cracker crust, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup minis in the fudge, and peanut butter mousse as the top layer. Yummy!
Source: Cookies and Cups


text:
The local impacts of the federal government shutdown were partially mitigated as of Monday, Oct. 7, when the Smokey Point Commissary at the Navy Support Complex in north Marysville reopened, and all 43 furloughed civilian employees of Naval Station Everett returned to work.
Cmdr. Jeff Caulk, executive officer of Naval Station Everett, explained that some furloughed civilian employees had been excepted from being recalled to work, but none of Naval Station Everett's 43 civilian employees fell under that exception.
"We basically have three categories of civilian employees now — those who were furloughed, those who were recalled from their furloughs to return to work, and those who were excepted from that recall," Caulk said on Oct. 7. "All those workers who were recalled to work this morning will be paid from now through this pay period, but we're still waiting for direction on how the various categories of civilian employees might be paid for Oct. 1-4."
Among the complications that Caulk cited was how civilian employees might be paid for the time that they reported to work until they received their furloughs on Monday, Oct. 1.
"It's still not business as usual, but we're definitely happy to see these people are back to work," Caulk said. "We're getting back into our normal routine."
Capt. Christopher Larsen of the 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, a U.S. Army Reserve unit headquartered in north Marysville adjacent to the Navy Support Complex, likewise estimated that 81 of their more than 100 civilian employees, from throughout seven states, were recalled on Oct. 7.
"For our facility here, that adds up to about 20 folks," said Larsen, who noted that the 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command also has more than 20 unfilled civilian employee jobs that were vacated before the furloughs had even begun. "And of course, the process of interviewing, nominating and selecting any new employees can't resume until the shutdown ends."
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text:
Ed Leahy tests his climbing legs on one of our most well-known and recognisable mountains - the Sugarloaf.
Ed Leahy tests his climbing legs on one of our most well-known and recognisable mountains - the Sugarloaf.
Climbing the Sugar Loaf mountain is akin to buying one of those Dulux sample pots; a little tester to make sure the colour suits before you commit it to the walls of your house. The Sugar Loaf sits on the periphery of the sprawling Wicklow Mountains and it too will offer you a nice introduction to hill-walking before you delve deeper into the adjacent, more challenging slopes.
Standing solitary just beyond county lines, the Sugar Loaf is very familiar to Dubliners as it keeps guard from the south with its unmistakeable pointy peak, visible from all areas of the city.
So with aspirations of an active summer ahead, I took the chance to rediscover my climbing legs and ventured on the short jaunt down to Kilmacanogue to retrace the steps that I had not taken since one school-day summer, a fair few years back at this stage.
The Sugar Loaf climb is ranked in the easy category and it certainly looked like that from the car park on arrival. The starting point is already quite elevated so the gradient increases shortly after you begin to make your way towards the mountain top and without a defined pathway, there are a lot of rocks and uneven terrain to negotiate early into the climb. Within minutes, the spectacular vistas take you right across and deep into the Wicklow Mountains, while the Irish Sea was sparkling in the afternoon sunshine beyond along the Garden County coast.
With such a short distance to travel before reaching the business end of the climb, I dandered along at a leisurely pace with the sun on my back and the sweetest smelling wild gorse perfectly perfuming the air.
The rocky road took me around the left side of the peak, while an extreme runner appeared out of nowhere, passed with a nod and headed straight up the steepest and rockiest part of the climb. Another reason to rest, just watching the energy expanded as the loose rocks were dislodged by the runner's aggressive approach.
The Sugar Loaf looks a lot higher than its official 1644 feet and while the 'easy' category certainly holds for anyone with any climbing experience, the final stretch to the summit does require a certain level of fitness and agility.
There is a volcanic look to the mountain top, but its origins are Cambrian quartzite, and you do need to tread carefully with the loose rock beneath your feet for the summit approach.
And upon arrival atop the Sugar Loaf, you are rewarded with possibly the best panoramic view of Dublin, without taking to the skies.
From Dalkey Island all the way across the Bay, the sprawling capital city sits beneath you, while as you move around and back towards Wicklow, more landmarks become evident, most notably Powerscourt, while every shade of green takes you full circle and down towards Britas Bay and the nearby Sugar Loaf junior just across the busy N11.
There is a fair bit of space on the Sugar Loaf summit so take a back-pack and eat lunch while your senses feast on some of nature's finest work, sitting pretty on Dublin's doorstep.
Getting There: Take the exit for Kilmacanogue and follow signposts for Glendalough. Take the left turn about four kilometres out the road and you will arrive at the Sugar Loaf car park. Alternatively, if you want to add an extra hour onto your walk, there is a trail that starts back down the hill, close to Kilmacanogue GAA club.
Where to Eat: After a day walking and climbing throughout the Wicklow hills, you will be ready for a proper feed, and the Glenview Hotel is located just two kilometres down the road from the Sugar Loaf, offering an excellent evening menu and bar food.
Wicklow Walks:
So you're happy with the sample pot and are ready to indulge. Here are five more walks throughout the Wicklow area.
Devil's Glen: Also known as the Seamus Heaney Walk, this relatively easy route takes just over an hour to complete the four-kilometre trail. Interesting wooden sculptures are dotted about the route.
Glendalough Poulanass: Another walk that takes less than an hour, this steep climb takes you above the upper lake and offers super views of Glendalough.
Knocknacloghoge: This longer walk takes you between Lough Dan and Lough Tay, which borders Luggala (Fancy Mountain). The area has a similar feel to Glendalough but should prove a lot quieter than its famous Wicklow neighbour.
Kyle Loop: This walk takes you past the village of Tinahely and is quite difficult, taking five hours to cover the 18 kilometres of country lanes, forests and open mountain.
Lugnaquilla Mountain Trail: Not for novices, this trail takes you to the top of the highest mountain in Ireland, outside Kerry, over 3000 feet and takes over five hours to complete. Should not be attempted in poor weather conditions.
For more information, visit www.wicklowwalks.com or www.visitwicklow.ie.