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Sid Lowe explains why Marco Verratti reminds him of Xavi Hernandez and assesses Barcelona's other transfer options. Steve Nicol thinks Marco Verratti would be a great fit for Barcelona, but Alejandro Moreno worries about his health. In honour of Lionel Messi's 30th birthday, the FC crew debate his place among the all-time great footballers. In honour of Lionel Messi's 30th birthday, take a look at what he's accomplished so far and what he has left to chase down. With reports indicating Barca rejected a hefty bid for Andre Gomes, the FC panel debate the future for the young midfielder.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has played down speculation Paulinho will join Barcelona during the summer transfer window as finding a replacement for the former Tottenham Hotspur man would be too expensive.

Paulinho joined Guangzhou at the start of 2016 after an indifferent spell at Tottenham Hotspur and the 28-year-old has impressed, winning two Chinese Super League titles, the Asian Champions League and the Chinese FA Cup since joining the club.

His form has attracted the attention of Barca, but with new regulations in place governing the fees paid by Chinese clubs for foreign talent prompting them to halt their spending in the current transfer window, Scolari does not believe Guangzhou will be prepared to allow Paulinho to leave.

"His release clause costs 40 million and none of the Chinese clubs will let their key players go now because it would be difficult and expensive to find a replacement due to the new rules," Scolari said.

Paulinho signed a new contract with the club at the start of the season and he has since regained his place in the Brazil national team, with his goals helping the Selecao become the first to secure their place at next year's World Cup finals in Russia.

He has been instrumental in the club racing to the top of the Chinese Super League standings and booking a place in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League, where they will meet fellow Chinese side Shanghai SIPG.

Finding a replacement for such an integral part of his team would not only be difficult but would be expensive under the new rules, which see clubs hit with a 100 percent levy on transfers over RMB 45 million (5m) if the club is deemed to be in debt by the Chinese Football Association.

Paulinho confirmed at the weekend that Barcelona had made enquiries about signing him, but the midfielder said he was conflicted.

"[Barcelona] contacted my agent," he told Globo Esporte. "There is an offer, but in life and also in my career I find myself at a very happy stage now. When you are at such a stage, it's difficult to make a decision.

"I need to weigh many things and then make up my mind. One of the critical factors is my happiness. I think firstly my wife and I are very happy in China, we like it here and we like the people."

Michael Church has written about Asian football for more than 20 years and mainly covers the Chinese game for ESPN FC. Twitter: @michaelrgchurch

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Luiz Felipe Scolari dismisses Paulinho to Barcelona speculation - ESPN FC

With Ernesto Valverde installed as manager and a clear to-do list in his possession ahead of next seasonnamely overhaul Real Madrid domesticallyBarcelona need to make some strong additions this summer.

Atletico Madrid cannot buy because of their transfer ban, Sevilla have changed managers again and Valencia are still sorting themselves out. That means it's hugely likely to fight for the title in La Liga will end up being a two-way battle once more, with Real on top as reigning Spanish and European champions.

And world champions, for that matter.

It will hurt Barca, who have been the better team for the majority of the past decade, and it's critical they get their moves in the transfer market right this summer after what was a bit of a letdown in 2016, with the likes of Paco Alcacer and Andre Gomes not setting the Camp Nou alight.

Here we identify the best and worst moves the club bosses and Valverde could make.

Best: Dani Alves

A year ago, Barca allowed Brazilian right-back DaniAlves to leave for Juventus, with whom he promptly won Serie A, the Coppa Italia and reached the UEFA Champions League final.

Meanwhile, Barcelona struggled to replace his effectiveness in both halves, with Aleix Vidal alternately poorbar a five-match run in the new yearor injured, while Sergi Roberto suffered dips in form too.

It's no secret Barca will be looking to add a right-back, but their options seem limited, particularly after a stern hands-off warning from Arsenal over Hector Bellerin, perMarca (h/t Liam Spence of theDailyExpress).

Alves, meanwhile, is set to be released from his contract at Juve, per Simon Stone of BBC Sport.

It's expected he'll join Manchester City and former boss Pep Guardiola, but if Barca came calling, would he change his mind? Maybe not, but it's worth asking the question.

Getting Alves back for a yearhe's clearly still good enoughwould give Barca time to raise funds to crank up the pressure on Arsenal to sellBellerin, while Alves could still head to the Premier League afterward if he desired.

Worst: Joao Cancelo

Right-back is a priority.

But Valencia'sJoao Cancelo doesn't have the form to justify being a Barca target, doesn't have the consistency to suggest he would be a huge upgrade on Sergi Roberto and hasn't shown anything like the ability to be a worthwhile 30 million investment, a figure Tomas Andreu of Sportreported last term.

There are alternativeseven if Alves isn't an optionwith similar traits and levels to Cancelowho would be far cheaper or have higher ceilings.

Best: Saul Niguez

The move for Paulinho seems to be on, perJoaquim Piera ofSport, but Barca have been linked with other central midfielders toonamely Marco Verratti. It'san ongoing and difficult chase for the Italian, who recently spoke about the situation withLaGazzetta dello Sport(h/t Dan Gibbs of the DailyExpress).

But now a new name is in the frame: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid, perMoises Llorens ofAS.

This will be almost as hard as prising away Verrattigiven he's an Atleti canterano, Los Rojiblancos can't sign a replacement and he has an 80 million buyout clause.

But he'd be perfect for Barca and forValverde.

Aggressive, tenacious, determined and technically brilliant, not to mention versatilehe'd fit Barca's 4-3-3 template but could also play in the double pivot in Valverde's favoured 4-2-3-1 or even act as a wider midfield option in stringing four across the centre.

Best of all, signing him would significantly weaken a domestic rival.

Worst: Sell Rafinha

It's not just incoming deals that affect the team, though. Outgoing possibilities must be considered too.

Ramiro Aldunate of Marcarecentlyreportedof Arsenal's interest in Rafinhaand the player's eagerness to leave the Camp Nou. That would be a terrible piece of business on Barca's behalf.

Rafinha finally broke into the side on a regular basis last term until another injury ended his campaign, but he played a pivotal role for Luis Enrique's team with his ability to attack from deep, play multiple roles and get his name on the scoresheet.

He's a real talent, a player who could play a big role as a 12th man, if not a starter, and it would be helpful for Barca to incorporate him as often as possible given he's a Masia graduate at a time when they're shippingacademytalent elsewhere.

Best: Ousmane Dembele

This one could be fanciful, but if the opportunity pops up to sign a player who could be one of the world's best talents, a club should take it.

Ousmane Dembele isn't the finished product, but his instinctive ability, quick foot-work, lightning pace and willingness to shoulder responsibility are all indicative of his potential to reach the top.

France Football reportedBorussia Dortmund want 79 million (h/tMark Brus ofMetro).Bild saidBarca have already been in touch with BVB and that personal terms have been agreedwith the player (via Brus).

His signing is still a long way off completion, and picking and choosing which of the fourDembele, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarezis left out would be one hell of a job for Valverdeevery week, but it's far from the worst problem to have.

Line up Saul and Sergio Busquets in central midfield, and you might sometimes get away with starting all four of them in an offensive 4-2-3-1.

Worst: Gerard Deulofeu

Unless it is to immediately sell him on to make a quick profit, there would be zero reason for Barcelona to bring back GerardDeulofeu, something Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph reported they will do this summer.

Sure, he made an impact at AC Milan and had a good half-season with them, but the reason he was there in the first place was Milan, a side badly in need of a revamp, presented an easier side to play for than Everton, who finished seventh in the Premier League without his help.

Not hardworking enough for Toffees boss Ronald Koeman, Deulofeu was quickly sidelined, and he has rarely shown any consistency to his game.

He's not going to challenge Alcacer as an alternative goalscoring threat off the bench, and he's not even on the same planet as the first-choice front three.

Facebook.com/karlmatchett.football

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Best and Worst Moves Barcelona Could Make in the Transfer Window - Bleacher Report

MARIETTA Enhancing the appeal of downtown Marietta is the goal of Build Up Marietta, a new facade improvement program from Marietta Main Street and the Marietta Community Foundation.

This program is due in part to the hard work of our Design Committee and their focus on beautifying downtown, Cristie Thomas, executive director of Marietta Main Street said in a recent news release.

Through the Build Up Marietta program business and property owners in Mariettas downtown C4 district can apply for a matching grant of up to $3,000 to upgrade the front facades of their buildings.

Those improvements may include exterior painting, brick maintenance, new or replacement awnings and signage, lighting, door and window repair, or other upgrades that increase property value.

We hope that Build Up Marietta opens the door to new partnerships with property owners and business owners, as well as new opportunities for property maintenance through quality design by helping offset some of the financial burden, Thomas added.

Support for the grant funding comes from the Marietta Community Foundation.

The submission date for the first round of 2017 grant applications is no later than July 1. A second round of grant applications this year must be submitted by Oct. 1.

Applications for grant-funded projects will be taken on a quarterly basis and all submissions will be reviewed by a group with working knowledge of construction, design, historic preservation, and community development, according to Thomas.

Build Up Marietta is reminiscent of a similar facade improvement program that was funded through the citys annual Community Development Block Grant. But the city has not offered that program for the last several years.

We used to do that every year during my first administration, said Mayor Joe Matthews. And we would present plaques thanking those who took advantage of the program. Im glad Marietta Main Street is going to do something now.

Andy Coleman, the citys development director, said the CDBG-funded facade program was successful for the first few years, but interest in the program began to wane.

Anytime you use federal (CDBG) dollars for a project, you had to pay the prevailing wage, which apparently made it too expensive for those who wanted to do a facade project, he said.

Coleman noted the project cost was covered 50 percent by the city and 50 percent by the property owner. But having to pay prevailing wage for the work, under the federal Davis-Bacon Act, proved to be too costly for property owners.

Because the Build Up Marietta program is being funded with Marietta Community Foundation dollars matched by the property owner, the federal prevailing wage stipulation is not expected to apply to those projects.

Coleman said CDBG monies once used to fund the citys facade program now support projects like Paint Marietta and the Emergency Repair Program, aimed at improving housing within the city and preventing blighted properties.

Projects that qualify for both of those programs are 100 percent funded out of the grant, he said.

MARIETTA In response to Washington Countys mental health crisis, the Washington County Behavioral Health ...

NEW MARTINSVILLE The Ebert Brothers band will be inducted into the Wetzel County Hall of Fall on Friday in New ...

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Program aims to 'Build Up' downtown Marietta - Parkersburg News

MARGATE The Board of Education on Wednesday, June 21, awarded a contract to repave the parking lot at the Dominick A. Potena Performing Arts Center at the rear of the Eugene A. Tighe School this summer. It also agreed to hire a new solicitor.

The board awarded a $153,396 contract to low-bidder Asphalt Paving Systems Inc. of Hammonton to pave the entire rear parking lot and sidewalks along the Monmouth Avenue side of the Tighe school. It also awarded a $18,292 contract for an alternate bid to install two handicapped parking spaces at the front of the school. Three other companies offered bids May 23 as high as $299,537 for the combined base bid and alternate.

MARGATE The Board of Education voted Wednesday, March 8 to submit its $12,862,928 school b

The project is being funded through a bond ordinance approved by the Board of Commissioners earlier this year. The $1.2 million school capital improvement bond approved May 4 will also fund replacement of rooftop HVAC units at the Tighe School and replacement of some of the windows.

According to Business Administrator Susan Palaia, the bond was approved too late to get the HVAC improvements done this summer. It is likely the job will have to wait until next year when students are out of school. Window repairs will be put off until the district receives an updated cost of doing the HVAC units, she said. The district is also considering seeking funding from other sources to help with the cost of replacing the windows, including grants from the state Board of Public Utilities or the Department of Education Regular Operating District program, she said.

The Margate tax rate is up due to the City Commission's refusal to address the 800-pound gor

After an executive session held to interview three candidates, the board hired Eric Goldstein of Nehmad Perillo & Davis of Egg Harbor Township as board solicitor. Goldsteins hourly rate will be $25 an hour less than Rob Muccilli of Capehart & Scatchard of Mount Laurel, who has provided legal services for the past six years. Andrew Brown of Schwartz Simon Edelstein & Celso LLC of Mount Laurel, who represents the Ventnor City Board of Education, also submitted a proposal.

We routinely put out requests for proposals for our professional services contracts every few years. We did it before in 2011 and 2014, Palaia said. They are all very capable lawyers.

MARGATE Despite a $34.5 million increase in ratables from new construction resulting in $2

We have brought it down a lot over the last few years, Palaia said. This was a good year to go out for quotes since we have no pressing legal issues at this time.

Goldsteins fee will be $140 an hour. Palaia said the district would also save on the cost of travel, since the firm is located in nearby Egg Harbor Township.

There will be no travel expenses, she said.

Contact: 609-601-5196

nanette.galloway@shorenewstoday.com

Twitter @DBCurrent

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Margate school board awards contract to repave PAC parking lot - Shore News Today

EXCHANGE: Henry County round barn badly needs new roof

KEWANEE, Ill. (AP) Shafts of light stream in from dozens of cracks in the roof of the historic Ryan's Round Barn.

This is not just any barn rotting away in the countryside. Located in Johnson-Sauk Trail state park off Illinois 78 between Annawan and Kewanee, the barn was completed in 1910 by Dr. Laurence Ryan, a Henry County native who became chief surgeon at St. Anthony Hospital in Chicago.

Dr. Ryan wanted a place in Henry County to be a retreat for his family. He built the barn for a "new" breed of cattle he had heard about in Scotland: Black Angus. At 61 feet tall and 74 feet in diameter, it's deemed the largest round barn in Illinois. Its interior has three and a half levels and a central silo, with four gambrel dormers spaced evenly around the edge and a cupola at the top.

Dr. Ryan died in 1932, and an Annawan banker sold his farm to the state in 1968. The barn was among a number of buildings the state had slated for demolition until the Friends of Johnson Park came together to preserve it.

In 1974, the barn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ten years later, the structure was re-roofed with original-style wooden shingles. After more than 30 years later, the barn needs roofing work again.

Three years ago, estimates were gathered for redoing the roof: $201,000 for asphalt shingles over the top of the old ones; $236,000 for wood shingles over wood and $245,000 to tear off the old shingles and replace with wooden shingles.

The type of shingles needed "depends on who you talk to," said Steve Christian, president of Friends of Johnson Park Foundation.

"I love barns and I love history," said Mr. Christian, now retired. "They were looking for volunteers, and I offered to be a tour guide. I came to this meeting and dinner, and I found out I was on the board already."

Mr. Christian said that, when state candidates campaigned in 2014, the group was told Illinois didn't have funds for the roof work. A lack of a budget in 2015 brought the re-roofing effort to a complete halt.

The steepness of the roof has proven a good thing, Mr. Christian said. The barn's interior is basically sound, although the siding holds moisture from the leaking roof and has started to deteriorate. The leaks also have caused some rotting in the hay mow in the loft.

"It creates havoc with everything that's underneath it or everything that touches it," he said.

Mr. Christian's group explains to visitors that the barn is not a multi-side structure appearing to be round. Instead, the structure was made with 16-foot lengths of pine soaked to hold a bend. Even large interior beams are bent, with five one-inch boards laminated together to form the beams.

Why round?

Mr. Christian tells visitors that while it was more expensive to build, the barn was labor-saving in the long run. One man with a pitchfork could feed 50 cattle with little movement. But the advent of tractors and evolving farm machinery made round barns obsolete, he said.

"You can't bring a tractor in and turn it around," he says.

While the barn may not attract crowds as large as the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Mr. Christian says the landmark holds its own. More than 1,000 visitors go through the barn tours each year, he said.

"We draw a pretty good size crowd here, and we have people from all over the world," he said. On June 3, that crowd included guests from California and Puerto Rico.

The barn also could use new paint. In 2004, that task cost $3,200. The Friends have set aside money from tour fees to repaint the barn this summer, but they worry even that repair may not happen. They still need approval from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and they haven't heard yet if they can.

Landmarks Illinois, a preservation non-profit group, this year named Ryan's Round Barn as one of 10 endangered historic entities in the state. While the friends group tackles smaller barn projects, such as repairing metal flashing at dormer windows, the roof work is beyond their abilities or pocketbook.

"We can handle window replacement," Mr. Christian said. "But at a $2 donation, we cannot come up with a quarter of a million dollars to put a roof on.

"Our hands are tied," he said. "We can't do anything until we get a budget."

___

Source: The Rock Island Argus, http://bit.ly/2skbSmw

___

Information from: The Dispatch - The Rock Island Argus, http://www.qconline.com

This is an AP-Illinois Exchange story offered by The Rock Island Argus.

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EXCHANGE: Henry County round barn badly needs new roof - SFGate

Summertime is silly season in world soccer. Clubs are moving and shaking, trying to improve their squads before seasons begin anew in August. And like every summer, there are a handful of players that seem destined to leave their current clubs. (Or, at least, are rumored to be destined to leave their current clubs.)

Without any club matches going on, the eyes of the soccer world turn toward these transfer sagas. Last year, it was Paul Pogba's move from Juventus to Manchester United that was the story of the summer. And in the years before that, the sagas of Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale and Cesc Fabregas, to name only a few, dominated the tabloids.

This year is no different, with some of the best players in the world rumored to be searching for greener pastures. These storylines will be long and drawn out -- and can drive you insane if you're a fan of team rumored to be buying or selling one of these players.

Here are the ones that will have our full attention.

Potential destination: Manchester United

The world's best player's potential move away from Real Madrid is the biggest transfer saga of the summer, but it also has the biggest potential to be a red herring. Ronaldo's camp leaked to reporters that he wants to leave Spain, which some have described as an "irreversible" decision based on a supposed feeling of persecution stemming allegations that he committed tax fraud in the ballpark of 15 million.

One reason Ronaldo's team went public with this may be to get the executives at Real Madrid -- who hold sway within the Spanish government -- to support him more fervently with regard to the allegations. Now that such support has come, any chances of Ronaldo leaving the European champs seems to have diminished. But whether or not Ronaldo is actually thinking about demanding a transfer doesn't matter anymore. This story will generate headline after headline over the next two months, regardless of the veracity of reports.

Getty Images

Potential destinations: Arsenal, Real Madrid

Arsenal has needed a top striker since Robin van Persie left the club in 2012. Every summer since, there's been a big-name forward rumored to be headed for the Emirates, before Arsene Wenger's notoriously tight pockets have always put the kibosh on any move. This year, the rumored player is 18-year-old Monaco sensation Mbappe, perhaps the best young player on the planet.

Arsenal would have to explode their current record transfer f ee to pry Mbappe from Monaco, possibly exceeding 100 million. With some kind of moves needed to appease the fanbase after a disappointing season, it's possible the Gunners make one of the biggest transfers ever -- they've got the cash -- but it still seems far-fetched. Real Madrid s also rumored to be in for him, to either replace Ronaldo or Alvaro Morata. But as far as Arsenal and Mbappe goes, I'll file it under, "I'll believe it when I see it."

Getty Images

Potential destinations: China, Atletico Madrid

Despite being a key cog in Chelsea's Premier League-winning side, Costa is not in the club's plans for next season. Antonio Conte reportedly let Costa know his fate with the Blues via a 27-word text message that ended with, "Good luck for next year but you are not in my plans." While some of the entries on this list may well end up staying with their current clubs, Costa doesn't seem to be among that group.

Costa will be in someone's plans, though. It's long been rumored that he could make a big money move to China like his former Chelsea teammate Oscar, while a move to the club that put him on the map, Atletico Madrid, is also on the table. I wouldn't rule out a handful of Premier League sides either.

Getty Images

Potential destinations: Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea

Sanchez's transfer saga has been on the mind of Arsenal fans for almost a year now. His contract with the Gunners ends after this season, and when the best players in the world get sold, it's typically when they have one season left on their deals. Arsenal didn't qualify for the Champions League either. With Sanchez being one of the most hyper-competitive players in the world, the lack of UCL soccer only adds to the possibility that the Chilean attacker wants to jump ship.

That leaves Arsenal with two choices: A) keep him on for next season and hope he eventually signs an extension, but risk losing him on a free transfer at this time next year, or B) sell him now and get something for him while they can. If the Gunners go for option B, some of the best clubs in the world will be lining up to sign Sanchez. Arsenal fans will just have to hope the highest bidder isn't a Premier League rival.

Getty Images

Potential destinations: Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid

At 18 years old, Donnarumma already has 68 appearances for AC Milan. It's no stretch to say he's the best young keeper in the world. He's already announced he won't extend his contract with Milan, and now some of the world's best clubs are circling for his services. His deal runs for one more year, so it's a good bet that Milan will go ahead and sell him and get as much as they possibly can.

Donnarumma's fate seems tied to the fate of another one of the world's best keepers, David De Gea of Manchester United. De Gea has been rumored as a target of Real Madrid's since last summer. If the Spaniard makes that move, United could swoop in for Donnarumma as his replacement. If De Gea stays put, Real Madrid could instead opt for Donnarumma. There's also the chance that Donnarumma stays this season or signs a short extension in hopes of replacing Gianluigi Buffon at Juventus once the legend finally retires.

Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian could return to Chelsea only a few years after the Blues sold him to Everton for 28 million. But will he want to return to a club that's already kicked him to the curb once?

Antione Greizmann. Top clubs have been knocking since he blew up last year at the World Cup. The two powers in Manchester seem the most likely destinations for the Frehcman.

Virgil Van Dijk. The Dutch defender's move from Southampton to Liverpool seemed imminent at one point. But the Saints are playing hardball after letting many of their best players depart for Anfield over the last few years, and the transfer now seems in doubt.

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. Top forwards are always in high demand, and a few of the world's richest clubs (Manchester City, PSG) seem to fancy signing the Dortmund attacker.

David De Gea. Read Madrid's move for De Gea a few years ago was scuttled when they failed to file the necessary paperwork in time. The European champs still want him, but United and Jose Mourinho may not be willing to let one of the world's best keepers go.

***

Cy Brown writes about soccer and other stuff for Sports on Earth. Follow him on Twitter@CEPBrown.

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Top 5 Transfer Sagas of the Summer - Sports On Earth

To deal with expected increase in private spaceship traffic at the International Space Station in the coming years, two US astronauts are set to embark on a spacewalk on Friday (August 19) to install a special parking spot for them.

Jeff Williams and Kate Rubins will step outside the orbiting laboratory to attach an international docking adaptor launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo ship last month.

NASA describes the equipment as a metaphorical gateway to a future that will allow a new generation of US spacecraft , the first since the space shuttle program ended in 2011 , to carry astronauts to the space station.

The docking adaptor will be the first of two such additions to the space station. The second is expected to be shipped in 2018.

ISS operations integration manager Kenneth Todd called the installation a very significant milestone on the path to establishing commercial crew capability.

The spacewalk is set to start at 8:05 am (1205 GMT) with veteran NASA astronaut Williams emerging from the space station airlock on his fourth career spacewalk.

Flight engineer Rubins will be making her first venture outside the ISS.

But the work will be hardly brand new for her. She has already practiced the necessary maneuvers, including mating the cables, in NASA's neutral buoyancy laboratory in Houston.

A series of spacewalks last year have helped prepare the groundwork for the adaptor's arrival.

The space station's robotic arm pulled the docking adaptor from the trunk of the SpaceX Dragon cargo ship on Wednesday, placing it inches away from the station's Harmony module, where it will be installed.

Once the spacewalkers also known as extravehicular (EV) crew are outside the space station, an extension of the Canadarm2 robotic arm, called the "Dextre" Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), will push the bulky adaptor even closer to its installation point.

The plan is for the robotic manipulator to push the adaptor into place so the astronauts will have only to tether it.

The operation will remain delicate, however, because the SPDM is highly sensitive to external pressure, lead spacewalk officer Glenda Brown said.

This is the first time that the EV crew members have actually taken a handoff from the SPDM, she told a news conference this week.

We have to be very careful about putting loads into the SPDM, she added.

In space, it has got a lot of capability, but on the ground it can barely support its own weight.

Built by Boeing, the circular adaptor measures around 42 inches (one meter) tall and about 63 inches (1.6 meters) wide.

The adaptors will work with Boeing'sCST-100 Starliner and SpaceX's Crew Dragon, two spaceships under construction that are planned to ferry astronauts to the space station.

The docking adaptor is more sophisticated than past equipment because it will allow automatic parking instead of the current grapple and berthing process managed by astronauts.

It also has fittings that will enable the space station to share power and data with the spacecraft.

NASA is planning a second spacewalk on September 1 for a separate operation to retract one of the thermal radiators outside the space station. Astronauts unsuccessfully tried to push it back into position last year, Todd said.

We will go back here in a couple of weeks and restow that guy for its final time.

However, a problem with an American spacesuit that appeared to allow water to build up inside an astronaut's helmetin January has been resolved, he added.

Tests on the suit back on Earth showed an apparent flaw in a piece of hardware called a sublimator, which manages condensation in the suit's heating and cooling loops.

Although it worked well in simulation tests, a blockage in a secondary set of holes might still react differently in zero gravity, Todd said.

The issue was not as severe as a spacesuit breakdown in 2013 that flooded Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano's helmet, forcing him to end his spacewalk early, he added.

NASA has been using the same spacesuits for some 30 years, continuing to study what makes them work and fail, Todd said.

We are still learning how to use this suit and how to care for them in a zero-gravity environment and it is not the same as what we do on the ground.

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US astronauts prepare spacewalk to install new docking port - Garavi Gujarat (press release)

In our fast-moving society, yesterdays exciting innovations are todays antiquated has-beens. Every industry faces pressures to evolve in response to a rapidly changing political, economic and technological environment. Our brand-new smartphones become relics days out of the box, our state-of-the-art kitchens look dated within the decade, and yes, our long-standing regulations can risk hindering rather than advancing the fairness and efficiency of the municipal securities market.

But when its time to remodel the kitchen, step back before swinging a sledgehammer. While some features are destined for the scrap heap, others stand the test of time and deserve preservation. The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) takes a methodical, participatory approach to keeping its regulations for municipal securities dealers and municipal advisors up-to-date.

One of the major advantages of the MSRBs structure as a self-regulatory organization is having experienced cooks in the regulatory kitchen. The MSRBs regulatory activities are informed by the insight of participants in the municipal securities marketplace who serve on the Board of Directors. An incoming class of new members joins the Board each year, ensuring that the MSRB receives fresh input on the practical realities of its rules from professionals who embody the diverse perspectives and activities of broker-dealers, banks, municipal advisors, municipal bond issuers, investors and others. Board member input is one of the most important ways the MSRB considers, on an ongoing basis, the need for review of certain industry practices or changes to existing rules.

When the MSRB identifies the need to further draw on the expertise and perspectives of market participants, it rallies a kitchen cabinet in the form of ad hoc advisory boards or committees to advise on topics of market interest. For example, the MSRB has convened an Investor Advisory Group to ensure our investor protection proposals, such as potential changes to MSRB rules on primary offering practices, are informed at the earliest point of consideration by input from investors in municipal bonds.

For kitchen remodelers, construction plans must be vetted by everyone who will use the revamped space. So too with the MSRBs plans to update or modernize its existing rules. The MSRB may issue a concept release to solicit insight from market participants and other interested parties on the underlying issue, including possible alternatives to rulemaking. If rulemaking is pursued, the MSRB generally publishes a request for comment so that the public and regulated entities can provide input on the proposed rulemaking. The MSRBs policy on the use of economic analysis in rulemaking ensures that available data and information on any anticipated burdens of implementation are considered at the earliest stage of the rulemaking process.

It is the policy of the MSRB to regularly consider and evaluate its rules retrospectively and propose amendments as appropriate and consistent with the public interest. As anyone who has tackled a kitchen remodel can attest, these projects can impact the rest of the house. Taking a hard look at a specific regulation in the MSRBs rule book of roughly 45 standard-setting rules inevitably prompts consideration of other related rules. MSRB rules are helpfully categorized by their intent to foster fair practice, uniform practice, market transparency, professional qualification or operational standards. When one rule within a category is identified as in need of updating, other rules within that category also receive scrutiny. To further support retrospective rule review, the MSRB solicits public input on the entirety of its rule book and body of interpretive guidance, as it did in December 2012.

The MSRB does not close the door to input and conversation once updates to its regulations are adopted. Rather, we conduct extensive outreach to municipal securities dealers, municipal advisors, municipal entities, investors and fellow regulators on a regular basis to solicit feedback that informs the MSRBs policy initiatives. MSRB Board members and staff frequently participate in industry events around the country and engage regularly with industry trade associations, issuer associations, investor representatives and other stakeholders. The MSRBs outreach initiatives often lead to the development of interpretive guidance or compliance resources that help facilitate understanding of MSRB rules as they evolve.

Market feedback received throughout the year is synthesized and incorporated into the MSRBs formal strategic and operating planning processes. Periodically, the Board meets in a dedicated strategy session to review the MSRBs strategic direction and goals, which it did most recently in January 2017. These planning sessions are also informed by market conditions and relevant priorities of policymakers. The MSRBs strategic goals guide the development of the annual operating plans that prioritize activities the MSRB will undertake in any given year to best serve its mission. This process includes identifying MSRB rules that are candidates for amendment, consolidation, streamlining or deletion in the interest of achieving greater efficiency, effectiveness or alignment with current behaviors and conditions in the municipal market. For example, the MSRB last year made two sets of amendments to its uniform practice rules, to modernize close-out procedures for municipal securities and to pave the way for the industry-wide transition to a two-day settlement cycle.

The MSRB recognizes that to be effective and best fulfill its mission, its rules must be responsive to changes in the municipal securities market and broader landscape. Our self-regulatory structure, participatory processes and commitment to stakeholder engagement support the MSRBs ongoing efforts to create and maintain efficient and effective municipal market regulations. The MSRB welcomes industry and public feedback and pledges our continued focus on rule maintenance and modernization.

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Commentary Remodeling the rule book - Bond Buyer

NORTH EAST The owners behind the popular Chefs Kitchen restaurant are planning to open a second restaurant at the site of the former Paradise Grill in North East.

The restaurant, which will be called Snatchers Creekside Grill, will serve food similar to that of Chefs Kitchen, though an exact menu has not yet been decided. Snatchers will be managed by Lynn Bollinger, a 15-year veteran of the restaurant industry who currently serves as the front of house manager at Chefs Kitchen and is a part-owner of the business.

Bollinger told the Whig that Chefs Kitchen decided to open up a second restaurant after the owners of the property at 510 W. Main St. approached them. Eric Polansky, who owns the property as part of EJP LLC and also operates B&H Auto Parts, is a frequent Chefs Kitchen customer, she said.

Chefs Kitchen, which was opened in 2015 by Michael Fuggitti, serves classic American fare at its location at 2240 W. Pulaski Hwy. Bollinger has worked at Chefs Kitchen for two and a half years and she said the Snatchers kitchen will be run by someone from Chefs Kitchen.

But before Snatchers can open, the restaurant needs a liquor license and Bollinger took a step toward that when she appeared before the North East Board of Appeals Thursday night seeking a special exception for the purpose of obtaining a beer, wine and liquor license. The board approved the request, which Bollinger called wonderful news.

Weve been waiting for it, she said.

While Bollinger doesnt intend to do any remodeling before Snatchers opens, she said an opening date has not yet been determined pending approval of a liquor license from the county.

Though Bollingers request was unanimously granted by the North East Board of Appeals, it came with five conditions, which had largely already been hashed out during a two-hour session with the towns planning commission earlier this month.

The need for the conditions seemed to stem both from the restaurants location near a residential area and from the past history of complaints received when the Paradise Grill was located there, rather than from any concerns about the Snatchers management.

Its a new owner. I think the planning commission has done due diligence on this and I think at this point we need to give the new folks the benefit of the doubt, said Gabrielle Oldham, chair of the board of appeals during the meeting.

The first of the five conditions granted the restaurant extended hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday with the stipulation that the closing hours represent the end of entry for new patrons but not the end of service. Bollinger told the board that she doesnt initially intend to serve breakfast at Snatchers because Chefs Kitchen does very well in that area but wanted to leave that option open for the future.

Secondly, music from Snatchers cannot be audible from any adjoining property past 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and past 9 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Third, the restaurant cannot use the words bar, pub, tavern or sports bar in its either its name or sign. While the restaurant was initially called Snatchers Creekside Bar and Grill, Bollinger dropped the bar part after learning bars are not allowed in town.

Fourth, if the planning office and the North East Police Department receive three valid complaints about the restaurant, Snatchers is required to reappear before the planning commission and board of appeals to reevaluate its permission for extended hours. Finally, Snatchers must appear before the commission and board annually to continue to review the operation of extended hours.

No one spoke against the special exception for Snatchers and quite a few people spoke in favor of having a new restaurant at the location, since Paradise Grill, which first opened in 2007, has now been closed for months.

Eric Polansky told the board he interviewed many applicants in order to find a tenant for the property and believes Bollinger will bring a lot of people to the neighborhood, noting hes eaten at Chefs Kitchen since it opened and always had a good experience. Acknowledging that Paradise Grill started to go down toward the end of its tenure, Polansky said he believes Snatchers will turn things around.

Being empty isnt going to help the community in any way, he told the board. As the rent comes in, Ill fix the place up and do anything I can.

Doreen Casimir, who lives in Victoria Park, a retirement community near the restaurant, said shes heard from many people in the community that are looking forward to having a restaurant re-open at that spot. And while she appreciates the boards conditions on the music from the restaurant, she actually wishes it could be a little louder.

I used to sit in my apartment and try to listen, she said to the laughs from the board.

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Chef's Kitchen owners to open second restaurant - Cecil Whig

Phase I of Grandway West, an office park being developed at Grand Parkway and Franz Road.

Phase I of Grandway West, an office park being developed at Grand Parkway and Franz Road.

Industrial construction company inks big office lease in Katy

PCL Industrial Construction will double the size of its local office when it relocates to a new building in the Grandway West office park next year.

The company, which provides industrial services to the power, oil and gas, petrochemical, and mining industries, has leased 36,596 square feet 2322 West Grand Parkway in Katy. It will take the entire second floor of building 4 in the complex, which is planned for five buildings at the Grand Parkway and Franz Road. Completion is planned in January.

RELATED: Grandway West five building office development underway

Eugene Terry and David Bale of JLL represented the tenant. Parker Burkett of Transwestern represented the landlord, InSite Realty.

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"We needed a significantly larger space to accommodate current and future growth," John Moreno, regional president of PCL, said in an announcement.

"In planning for the future, we were in search of high quality office space that was close to our employee base. This new location will provide us the office space and the quality we desire, in a location that supports both our business and our team."

The company's offices at Ten Plaza West, 15915 Katy Freeway, total 18,144 square feet, according to JLL. It is a subsidiary of Denver-based PCL Construction Enterprises.

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Industrial construction company inks big office lease in Katy - Chron.com