Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers appears to be one of the Premier League's busiest managers right now.

The Liverpool boss is said to be well on his way to signing Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen, potentially his second acquisition in a matter of days after Rickie Lambert joined the club. The move for Adam Lallana, however, is far less certain. Serge Aurier's name has also been thrown into the mix of potential improvements, indicating a busy preseason awaits.

Here, we detail the latest news on all three targets.

Latest on Liverpool's Potential Transfer Activity

Emre Can, Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool have announced an agreement to sign Can, in principle, according to the club's website:

The Reds' chances of landing Can seemed complex, but Rodgers' interest can now be believed. Leverkusen chief Michael Schade recently confirmed an official bid had been lodged from the English club, reported by Bild and viaSky Sports:

"Until Tuesday, it was a rumour," said Schade. "Now I can confirm that an official offer from Liverpool is received by mail."

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Liverpool Transfer News: Emre Can Deal Agreed, Latest on Adam Lallana and More

Bid solicitation for the pending half-roof replacement at Hamilton Elementary School will have to be advertised for a second time.

At the May 19 Glen Rock Board of Education meeting, trustees unanimously approved a resolution rejecting the single bid for the project received on May 15, because the price quote was "substantially in excess" of the cost estimate prepared by district consulting architect Tony Catania, of Spiezle Architectural Group.

The same resolution authorizes Business Administrator Michael Rinderknecht to re-advertise the project, as "consistent with the needs and desires of the school district."

The estimated $225,000 roof project is budgeted in the district's $1.7 million capital improvement plan for the 2014-15 school year, approved on May 5. Officials did not disclose the amount of the single bid received.

Other capital projects include drainage remediation at the high school's Little Theatre and courtyard area, expansion of the athletic field house garage, and a proposed playing field improvement project at Coleman School - either a turf field installation now under consideration, or a standalone natural grass upgrade budgeted at $427,800 (see related story on this page.)

Capital spending will also provide $130,687 in additional school security enhancements, up from last year's $82,500 in security investments. Additions will include $188,000 to add "mantraps" - entry vestibules where those entering school buildings would have to be buzzed in by security personnel - in all district facilities.

The district will also upgrade 60 interior security cameras at the high school ($111,789), add new cameras there ($20,000) and install exterior surveillance cameras at the Central, Hamilton and Coleman elementary schools. New cameras are already in place at Byrd School, due to ongoing vandalism there that increased last summer.

In separate May 19 resolutions, trustees also renewed the Spiezle firm as district architect for the new school term, at the hourly rates of $155 and $175 respectively for the services of the company president/CEO and principal/vice president. The contract for Lerch, Vinci & Higgins as district auditor, at a rate not to exceed $29,900 for the year except as specifically approved under contracted billing rates, was also approved.

The board also reappointed Rinderknecht as board secretary, and to aligned responsibilities as the district's authorized purchasing agent, public agency compliance officer and custodian of government records.

E-mail: desanta@northjersey.com

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Bid for roof replacement at Glen Rock school is higher than anticipated

New recruits but a familiar story.

There wasn't much time to dwell on 2013 as New Year's Day saw Pompey fans travel to a wet and windy Southend-on-Sea to take on Phil Brown's team.

Richie Barker's men took the lead after dominating the first half thanks to a Sonny Bradley strike and there were enough chances created to have the game won by the break. Instead, Southend equalised with Ryan Leonard's speculatives hot taking a huge deflection to beat Trevor Carson.

Pompey continued to play well in the second half with Jed Wallace hitting the crossbar yet again but to the visitors' dismay Leonard won it in stoppage time with an unstoppable strike from range to inflict a cruel defeat on the away side.

Highlights: Southend United 2 Portsmouth 1

The performance gave Portsmouth supporters hope for the future but with the home game with Accrington Stanley called off due to a waterlogged pitch, Richie Barker went about strengthening his squad.

Daniel Alfei was loaned from Swansea and Nicky Shorey was picked up as a free agent having been released by Bristol City along with striker Ryan Taylor. Jake Jervis finally signed after a long wrangle with old side Elazigspor and John Sullivan was allowed to join Cambridge United on loan, with Ryan Bird joining him later in the month.

The new additions, Jervis excepted, would all be included in the side that travelled to Oxford for one of the most boring football matches you will ever have seen. Still, it was another clean sheet for Barker's side which showed more steel than his predecessor's.

Highlights: Oxford United 0 Portsmouth 0

Marcos Painter signed a new contract keeping him at Pompey for another month and the much anticipated signing of Wes Fogden was finally completed in time for the home match with Mansfield Town.

See more here:
Portsmouth Season Review 2013/2014: January

Architectural Commission members heard 26 major projects Wednesday and 10 minor projects. During the nearly seven-and-a-half hour meeting, they approved eight new residences, eight additions, several demolitions and a handful of other modifications.

Major projects approved include:

* Landmarks Chairman William and Judith Cooleys new two-story single family house at 266 Fairview Road, which was designed by architect Jeffrey Ray.

* Lloyd Millers two-story northeast addition to his house at 1930 S. Ocean Blvd.

* First-story modifications and a second-story bunkroom addition to Charles and Sara Fabrikants guesthouse at their home on 249 S. Woods Road.

* Demolition and construction of a new 4,977-square-foot, two-story single-family residence at 245 Atlantic Ave. that was designed by architect Carlos Bonilla.

* Partial demolition and 1,978 square foot addition to Reinhard and Claudia Brandners 315 Eden Road house by architect Jason Drobot.

* Nicholas Colemans new one-story residence and pool at 1475 N. Lake Way, designed by architect Roger Janssen.

* Demolition of 198 Via Linda and construction of a new two-story residence with pool; it was designed by architect Roger Janssen.

* Demolition of Ray and Kim Celedinas 619 Island Drive property.

The rest is here:
ARCOM approves several projects

Washington mom outraged over 'pay to potty' policy in classroom Washington mom outraged over 'pay to potty' policy in classroom

Updated: Friday, May 30 2014 8:57 AM EDT2014-05-30 12:57:47 GMT

A Washington state mom vowed to take legal action after she said her child was forced to "pay" to use the bathroom in her third-grade class. Merchon Ortega told Fox News' Andrea Tantaros that her daughter had an accident after a teacher denied her a bathroom break. "She chose not to pay to use the restroom and she had to go so bad," Ortega said. "She said it hurt so bad that she just couldn't hold it anymore. She urinated on herself." The teacher reportedly implemented a class reward sy...

A Washington state mom vowed to take legal action after she said her child was forced to "pay" to use the bathroom in her third-grade class. Merchon Ortega told Fox News' Andrea Tantaros that her daughter had an accident after a teacher denied her a bathroom break. "She chose not to pay to use the restroom and she had to go so bad," Ortega said. "She said it hurt so bad that she just couldn't hold it anymore. She urinated on herself." The teacher reportedly implemented a class reward sy...

Updated: Thursday, May 29 2014 1:42 PM EDT2014-05-29 17:42:09 GMT

Updated: Thursday, May 29 2014 7:17 AM EDT2014-05-29 11:17:32 GMT

Almost a third of the world is now fat, and no country has been able to curb obesity rates in the last three decades, according to a new global analysis.

Almost a third of the world is now fat, and no country has been able to curb obesity rates in the last three decades, according to a new global analysis.

Updated: Wednesday, May 28 2014 11:51 AM EDT2014-05-28 15:51:26 GMT

A Canadian mom says Facebook saved her baby from suspected kidnappers.

See the article here:
#RedskinsPride social media push backfires on Redskins

New Rochelle, NY (PRWEB) May 29, 2014

Saturday, May 31 at 9 a.m. marks the opening of the New Rochelles Downtown Farmer's Market. The market will be held every Saturday from May 31 through November 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Library Green next to the New Rochelle Public Library on Huguenot Street between Memorial Highway and Lawton Street.

This festive neighborhood market features more than 30 weekly and guest vendors selling local farm-fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and other specialty foods. The market will also showcase artisanal products and community organizations. Shoppers can join friends and Dine on the Green with prepared foods from an assortment of Dine Downtown restaurants. To make this a great community happening for the entire family, there will be free childrens activities and live music every Saturday.

The Farmers Market is sponsored by the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District (NRBID), Monroe College, Green Mountain Energy and Halstead New Rochelle. Our sponsors, Mayor Noam Bramson, city and community leaders will participate in an opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31.

As a first year market, we were very happy with the nearly 10,000 people that visited and shopped last year. Given the additions to this years market, we expect to significantly increase the number of vendors and shoppers in 2014, said a market manager Bo Kemp. Wee Westchester Magazine named our market one of the best farmers markets in Westchester County in 2013.

We want our Farmers Market to not only bring healthy farm-fresh and local produce to residents of New Rochelle and surrounding communities, but also to serve as a festive community gathering place bringing people to downtown, the heart of our community, said Ralph DiBart executive director of the New Rochelle BID. Councilman Ivar Hyden, a strong proponent of downtowns Saturday market noted that the Saturday market has allowed many working New Rochelleans and surrounding community residents to shop, eat and celebrate the rich diversity of our city on a day where many naturally spend time buying food for their family.

What better way than a weekly food market to bring together residents from throughout the area to our city? The Farmers Market is a new focal point for the community and we are thrilled to be able to participate as a vendor, shopper and eater, said Ellen Dupuy dAngeac, New Rochelle resident and downtown business owner.

Below is sample of New Rochelle Farmers Market Vendors:

Migliorelli Farm - Migliorelli Farm is a family-run fruit and vegetable farm located in Northern Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley Region of New York. Now in its 3rd generation, Migliorelli Farm is growing over 130 different varieties of fruits and vegetables.

LeBris Bakery - Jean Yves LeBris, a French born and trained artisanal bread baker with more than 50 years of experience baking. He launched a line of artisanal breads that include authentic French Baguettes, Ficelles, Italian Paesano and Ciabatta, as well as hamburger buns that have helped define and support a new, creative menu item in high-end restaurants.

More here:
The New Rochelle Farmers Market Opens its Second Season Bigger and Better on May 31

Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg

U.S. President Barack Obama says natural gas can be a bridge from coal to a cleaner energy future.

Investors are showing its more likely a bridge to nowhere.

The countrys embrace of natural gas means less love for wind and solar. New investments in renewable energy sources declined 5 percent in North America last year to $56 billion, the lowest since 2010, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. By comparison, North American oil and gas companies spent $168.2 billion on exploration and production last year, more than double 2009, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

Fracking -- the process of blasting water, sand and chemicals into miles-deep shale rock to extract fuels -- has helped push U.S. natural gas production to new highs in each of the past seven years, according to the Energy Information Administration. Its also more expensive than traditional drilling and contributes to global warming, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Renewables, which are getting cheaper, have lost support even as the United Nations warns that time is running out to stem climate change and China forges ahead with sustainable power.

Everyone in Washington thinks gas is a savior, so Washington has been oblivious to the renewables revolution, but China hasnt been oblivious, said Hal Harvey, the chief executive officer of San Francisco-based Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology LLC, who has been appointed to energy panels by Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

The shale revolution has brought the country closer to energy self-sufficiency than at any time in the last three decades, according to the EIA. Its also changed the way Americans invest, said James McDermott, managing director of the U.S. Renewables Group. He said his Los Angeles-based investment firm, which manages more than $750 million, is currently raising money only overseas.

Hydraulic fracturing, the technical name for fracking, has helped open the money tap for gas and oil. Since 2012, investors added more than $2.3 billion to the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund, which tracks oil and gas companies. In the same period, investors withdrew $32.5 million from the Powershares Wilderhill Clean Energy Portfolio, the biggest exchange-traded fund tied to renewable-energy equities, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Theres absolutely no question that investors dollars have moved from one to the other, said Bruce Jenkyn-Jones, a managing director at London-based Impax Asset Management Group Plc, which oversees about $4.2 billion.

Even as investors have embraced fracking, more Americans tell pollsters they oppose the practice than support it, according to a September survey by the Washington-based Pew Research Center. Its true that windmills as tall as 40-story buildings are still sprouting in the Great Plains, and more solar panels are appearing on Americans roofs, including at the White House. The U.S. is generating more power from these sources than ever before.

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Fracking Sucks Money From Wind While China Eclipses U.S.

May 26, 2014 - Lone Star Football League (LSFL) Amarillo Venom AMARILLO, Texas - After experiencing their second two-game losing streak of the year, the Venom (4-4, LSFL) returned home to the Cal Farley Coliseum to prevail over the New Mexico Stars (4-5, LSFL) on May 24, 44-33. The Venom even up the season series with the Stars at two apiece, while remaining in the thick of the Lone Star Football League playoff hunt.

"We have to take it one game a time to make sure that we get that win," Amarillo Venom Head Coach Julian Reese said, comparing the performance by the Venom against the Stars compared to their earlier contest against the Bandits on May 19.

The beginning of the game saw New Mexico quarterback Brian Harris hook up with wide receiver Jerome McGee from 29 yards out for the touchdown. However, Venom wide receiver/defensive back Donta Bright would block the following PAT.

Amarillo would start off the game in a small rut, as the Venom would start their first drive at their own one yard line. After a false start penalty on fullback Shaka Harris, quarterback Christian Caflisch would yield a safety to give New Mexico an early 8-0 lead.

With their backs against the wall, Bright would make a leaping interception in the endzone, robbing Harris of another touchdown pass.

Caflisch would quickly regain his composure and lead the Venom offense down the field, culminating in a seven yard quarterback keeper. After the successful PAT from kicker Jose Chavez, the Venom would trail by one with 7:46 left in the first quarter.

The Stars would respond by starting off at midfield, where the subsequent penalties would push the Stars forward and backward. This wouldn't keep Harris from completing a 25 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver/defensive back Roland Bruno. With another failed PAT, New Mexico would hold a 14-7 lead.

Taking over at their own 11 yard line, the Venom sought to reply in kind. However, defensive back/kicker Jasyon Serda would pick off a Caflisch pass at the New Mexico four yard line. The Venom defense would step up and halt the New Mexico drive, resulting in a near interception for Bright and an attempted 60 yard field goal from Serda on fourth down. An offsides penalty by the Venom would enable the Stars to go for the conversion and convert via a Harris pass to wide receiver Dexter Manley, yet decide to take forgo the pass and settle for a roughing on the passer penalty by Amarillo defensive lineman Kevin Myers.

The second quarter saw defensive back Raymond Berry pick off Harris, resulting in Caflisch again driving the Venom down the field. At the Stars five yard line, the Venom would find themselves facing a critical fourth down. Due to an offsides call on the Stars, the Venom would inch closer to the two yard line. From there, Caflisch used a delayed handoff to wide receiver Craig Fulton Jr. for a Venom touchdown. The PAT was successful, tying the game at 14-14 with 10 minutes remaining in the half.

After the ensuing kickoff, the Stars would start off at their own 12 yard line. There, defensive lineman Thomas Stubbs would sack Harris for a three yard loss.

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New Additions Ignite Venom Past Stars, 44-33

Theres little doubt about the tallest building in Madison.

Its the State Capitol, of course, which measures 284 feet from the ground to the top of Wisconsin, the Golden Lady statue that sits atop the marble dome.

But after that, things get a little more complicated.

At 19 stories, Van Hise Hall on the UW-Madison campus is generally considered the second tallest building in Madison. Completed in 1966, it offers stunning views of the surrounding city and lakes.

Based on UW building plans, Van Hise is 241 feet tall counting its rooftop mechanical penthouse. Thats the term for a top portion dedicated to elevator equipment, electronics, heating/cooling or other systems of a building.

But rooftop equipment is often excluded from building height measurements. And some buildings like the Churchill Building at 16 N. Carroll St. have seen additions that were overlooked in some accounts.

Those are some of the issues I ran into when trying to put together a list of Madisons tallest buildings.We ran a list in The Capital Times last month but heard from readers that we were missing several buildings, especially some on the UW campus.

Wikipedia and Emporis, which tracks global building data, both offer lists of the tallest buildings in Madison. But neither is complete or totally accurate.

So consider this an attempt at a more comprehensive list.

(*Recorded height refers to historic reports, building records, interviews and data from Emporis, a leading provider of building information and construction projects. Pictometry height refers to measurements made using a geographic information system (GIS). It captures any structure on top of a building including antennas, satellite dishes or mechanical equipment.)

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By any measure, Madison is getting taller

Building a second floor (also called a second story) can added much-needed space, but costs at least 20 percent more than building the same square footage at ground level. However. if you don't have the land to build out it can make sense to go up.Typical costs: A selective do-it-yourself approach -- doing as much work as possible yourself and acting as your own general contractor when you need skilled subcontractors to do specific work -- can be difficult and time-consuming, but can bring the cost of a second floor down to about $70-$150 a square foot, or $105,000-$225,000 for 1,500 square feet, depending on how much you are able to do on your own or can save by contracting directly with subcontractors. A Virginia homeowner[1] with some construction experience spent about $100,000 to add a 1,300-square-foot second floor (master suite with spa bath and walk-in dressing rooms plus home office space), or about $77 a square foot for a project that took six months. Hiring a remodeling contractor to build a second floor addition can run $100-$300 a square foot for the typical addition (2-3 bedrooms and a bath plus a flight of stairs), but can go as high as $400-$500 per square foot depending on complexity, quality of materials and local labor rates. That works out to $225,000-$450,000 or more for 1,500 square feet. A California family[2] spent $300,000 on a six-month project building a second story over most of their house, including an octagon-shaped turret above the garage. Related articles: Bedroom Addition, Bathroom Addition, Home Addition, Attic Remodeling, Basement Remodeling What should be included: Each city or county has its own requirements for how much square footage you can add based on the amount of land. Better Homes and Gardens provides an overview of legal remodeling requirements. BobVila.com provides a video[3] illustrating the process of raising end walls for a new second floor addition and ThisOldHouse.com gives an overview[4] of a successful second floor addition. Additional costs: You need to determine if your home's existing foundation will support the addition or need to be reinforced; consulting a structural engineer can run anywhere from $200-$700 or more, depending on what's needed and rates in your area. You will also need blueprints for the addition. Hiring an architect to create a set of plan drawings could cost you a flat fee of $700-$10,000 or more, depending on size and complexity, or the architect may charge 5-15 percent of the project's costs. Books[5] about how to plan (and survive) a home addition run $10-$35 or more, or may be available at your local library. Usually an addition will trigger a reassessment of your property taxes and a resulting tax increase, but in most areas the reassessment will only be on the value of the addition, not for your entire house. A large addition can also increase your monthly utility bills. Shopping for a second floor addition: Gather examples of second floor designs and details that appeal to you. Architects and contractors in Georgia[6] , Illinois[7] and Utah[8] display photos of successful projects. The National Association for the Remodeling Industry provides an online booklet with tips[9] for hiring a contractor, plus contractor referrals[10] . Check whether a contractor is licensed[11] in your state, and whether there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau[12] . A written contract should include a detailed outline of the work required and materials used, dates within which the project will be done, and a payment schedule. CostHelper News What People Are Paying - Recent Comments External Resources: hamptonroads.com/node/241021 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR2p9TJpr9A&gl=CA http://www.bobvila.com/projects http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,198760,00.html http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=home+addition&x=0&y=0 http://www.smallcarpenters.com/pro_gal_01.php?proj_id=35&gal_id=3 http://www.northlightarchitects.com/portfolio_po.html http://www.renovationdesigngroup.com/portfolio/10.asp http://www.nari.org/pdf/selectremodpro.pdf http://www.nari.org/search/address/ http://www.contractors-license.org/ search.bbb.org/ More Home and Garden Topics Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com Today's Featured Cost Articles

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Cost of a Second Floor Addition - Estimates and Prices Paid