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LITTLE ROCK A landscape architect and an auto refinish technician who performs shows as Elvis Presley are challenging Arkansas incumbent land commissioner.

Republican John Thurston, 41, of Little Rock has served as state land commissioner since 2011. He was formerly employed as a staff member at Agape Church in Little Rock and a certified religious assistant in the Arkansas prison system. He and his wife, Joanna, have five children.

Democrat Mark Robertson, 60, of Little Rock is the head of MESA Landscape Architects. A landscape architect and land planner, he previously worked as a surveyor for the U.S. Forest Service and in the construction industry. He and his wife, Le Ann, have one child.

Libertarian Elvis D. Presley, 48, of Star City is an auto refinish technician at Camps Custom Paint and an entertainer who performs shows as Elvis Presley. He legally changed his name in 2006. He ran for governor as a Libertarian in 2010. He and his wife, Valerie, have five children.

Candidates were asked three questions and allowed up to 150 words for each answer. Each responded via email.

What in your background qualifies you to be land commissioner?

Presley: I will answer your question with a question. Are there any qualifications for the office? I think if a person can balance a checkbook, then he or she could be qualified in a sense. I do believe that honesty is a start.

Robertson: I have over 35 years of experience working with Arkansas lands and land-based issues across Arkansas as well as globally. I have a real understanding of the communities within our state, and how our land can be used as an asset to help communities, and public education, thrive. As a citizen advocate Ive worked with the state Legislature on issues with significant importance to our local communities, bringing both sides of the aisle together to get things done for Arkansas. This experience will be invaluable in establishing policy to benefit Arkansas.

Thurston: I am the current land commissioner and have served since 2011 with a proven record of honesty, integrity and transparency. I set out four years ago to make this office a leader of ethics and transparency and I have done just that. Aside from my duties in the office I also serve as president of the Western States Land Commissioners Association and have received support from the Arkansas Realtors Political Action Committee.

If you are elected or re-elected, what plans to do you have for the office?

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Q-A: Democrat, Libertarian challenge land commissioner

Deirdre Shesgreen, dshesgreen@usatoday.com 9:08 a.m. EDT October 25, 2014

One of Marek Tyszkiewicz's campaign signs(Photo: Provided )

WASHINGTON Marek Tyszkiewicz always knew he'd face a tough landscape in his bid for Congress, but he didn't think the hurdles would start in his own front yard.

That changed Friday, when the 2nd District candidate got a note from a neighbor demanding he take down his "Tyszkiewicz for Congress" yard sign. Tyszkiewicz, a Democrat, is vying to unseat incumbent GOP Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Columbia-Tusculum.

While his blue-and-white campaign sign might be a staple of American elections, it apparently violates the local housing covenant in Tyszkiewicz's neighborhood Overlook of Ivy Hills, part of Anderson Township.

"Signs are not allowed in our yards except as when used to advertise a home for sale," LeAnn Burke, who lives down the street from Tyszkiewicz, wrote in an email to the House candidate Friday. "Therefore we must ask that you remove any signs from your yard" that do not comply with the rule.

Burke did not immediately respond to voice mail and email messages seeking comment.

But Tyszkiewicz is standing his ground - literally.

"I'm not going to take the sign down," he said. "It's my own name in my own yard."

He said there are democratic principals at stake - not to mention political advantages.

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Anderson man's battle for Congress now in his yard

Tulsa Home for Sale - 10925 E 36th St, Tulsa, 74146 - Union Schools
New carpet, tile, roof, painted cement siding, sliding glass door, and front screen door. Union schools, great location and easy highway access. Large fenced backyard. 1-year home warranty.

By: TourKick

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Tulsa Home for Sale - 10925 E 36th St, Tulsa, 74146 - Union Schools - Video

Harrisburg, PA (PRWEB) October 25, 2014

RWC, a leading provider of new home warranties, is gearing up for the Building Systems Council of the National Association of Home Builders Showcase24, the only annual national event for the entire systems-built industry. Here, the top log, timber, modular, panelized and concrete home manufacturers and builders connect with suppliers from all over the country to network and participate in education programs that provide opportunities to keep up-to-date with current issues and trends in the systems-built industry. The annual BSC Awards for Excellence in Marketing and Home Design will also be presented.

Showcase24 is a veritable Whos Who of business leaders in the systems-built industry and RWCs very own Tifanee McCall, Account Executive for Building Systems, will be there on behalf of RWC, joining other building systems colleagues at NAHB Headquarters/National Housing Center in Washington, D.C. for in-depth sessions on the most crucial industry topics and the chance to connect and celebrate.

This event draws manufacturers and other building professionals from many areas including log, timber, modular, panelized manufacturers, concrete home and product providers, manufacturers of housing components including windows, structural framing, joints and trusses, professionals in new home sales and marketing, architecture, mortgage banking and other associated fields, and building systems media professionals.

RWC will be an event sponsor for the Economic Forecast Seminar on Monday, October 27th. Tifanee will be available throughout the 2-day event, showing event attendees how builder warranties from RWC can positively impact business, simplify risk management and improve marketing strategies.

ABOUT RWC Residential Warranty Company, LLC is a leading provider of insured new home warranties to the building industry. Builders seeking options in coverage, sensible home warranty protection, and assistance in dealing with customer service, choose RWC. In business for over 30 years, RWC has warranted over 3 million homes and its Insurer is rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best. An extensive menu of choices in both home warranties and general liability insurance is available, enabling builders to reduce their liability and increase the marketability of their homes. Become a member today!

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RWC Attends the NAHB Annual Showcase24

The author has posted comments on this articlePTI | Oct 25, 2014, 09.32PM IST

Mindhelix'sRico is a sensor-equipped hardware that works by itself or with a spare smartphone to detect and alert users about changes inside a home.

Mindhelix's Rico is a sensor-equipped hardware that works by itself or with a spare smartphone to detect and alert users about changes inside a home, for example, in temperature, humidity, noise levels or movement, and the presence of smoke, Carbon Monoxide or cooking gas.

It allows users to watch live video feeds of the rooms and can also be used to control home appliances remotely.

Kallidil Kalidasan, the company's CEO, says Rico is a cheaper and smarter replacement for a multitude of heavy and expensive home security hardware currently in use. Its added advantage is that it allows people to reuse their old or discarded smartphones, he claims.

"Rico uses your old smartphone as its brain and eyes. And it is very easy to use; all you need to do is install an app in your old smartphone, insert it into Rico and turn it on to activate your smarthome security companion," said Kalidasan.

"Our Kickstarter campaign has been well received globally and we hope to hit our target in a couple of days," he added.

Startup Village Chairman Sanjay Vijayakumar said the aim is to create awareness that young innovators are being backed internationally. "We need to give them support at home from early adopters who can help the campaign reach target by raising US$ 11,000 more in four days".

Rico uses the existing hardware of smartphones -- such as HD cameras, microphones, 3G and WiFi connectivity and processor--to offer functions over and above its own sensor capabilities. Smartphones with Android 2.2 & above and Apple devices with iOS 6 & above can be plugged into Rico. It supports devices with screen size of 5.7 inch or below.

Kalidasan said the company has put in extra effort with the design of the product. Unlike the usual boxy electronic devices, Rico has a quirky, fun design and comes in bright appealing colours, he added.

Excerpt from:
Startup raises US$ 89,000 for home security innovation

HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged not to be left in the dark when it comes to home security.

The Darker Nights campaign is being launched by Lancashire Police to coincide with the clocks going back an hour on Sunday and the nights getting longer.

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The effort is part of Operation Julius, the countywide burglary crackdown focused on preventing crime, targeting criminals and detecting burglaries.

Officers said there was traditionally a rise in burglaries in the winter period, especially in the run-up to Christmas when people are buying festive gifts and burglars are aware that there are more valuables in the home.

Unlocked windows and doors are still a common factor, with around one in three burglaries taking place as a result of property that has been left open or not secured properly.

Superintendent Damian Darcy, who is leading the campaign, said: With the dark nights upon us, now is an ideal time to double check security and lighting and make sure that your home is adequately protected.

The polices tips include making sure windows and doors are locked, putting house and car keys away where they cannot be seen and having a light timer to make it look like someone is home when you go out.

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Lancashire householders urged to join fight on crime

CNN

Clarksdale, MS (WREG) In business, advertising is everything and it always helps to have a catchy slogan or sign.

A couple of Clarksdale, Mississippi, developers created a buzz by opening a new hotel that pays homage to a famous Delta Blues legend, in a very eye-opening way.

The sign for Hooker Hotel, on East 2nd Street in downtown Clarksdale, immediately got Pamela Vances attention.

It just amazed me. And I came back just to actually came back to see if I was reading the right thing or if something was wrong with my eyes, said Pamela Vance of Friars Point.

No, Pamela, theres nothing wrong with your vision. The sign clearly reads Hooker Hotel.

Its the newest place in Clarksdale to bed down for a night or two.

Cause the first impression I know, was in the gutter. But thats just where my mind went, said Vance.

But before you call the Vice Squad, you should know this unique hotel is named for Delta Blues legend John Lee Hooker.

Probably one of the better old-time Blues guys. Very popular in the 60s, John Magnusson, the builder and property manager for Hooker Hotel, said.

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Hooker Hotel creating a buzz in the community

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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) Just days after the first Ebola patient was diagnosed in New York City, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams bowled the first frames at the Williamsburg bowling alley where the patient was said to have visited a day before he became ill.

The Gutterbowling alley reopened to the public Saturday afternoon following a thorough cleaning.

I was extremely comfortable and enjoyed myself, Adams told WCBS 880. I did not have the best bowling game, but at the same time I wanted Brooklynites to see that if the borough president was comfortable in going to The Gutter bowling lanes then theres no reason to be afraid.

EXTRA: More On Ebola From The CDC

Owner Todd Powers brought in a special cleaning firm even though the health department said that wasnt necessary, 1010 WINS Roger Stern reported.

The symbolism of bowling at The Gutter is sending a message to all Brooklynites that The Gutter is open and a safe place to continue to use recreationally, Adams said.

Many people who spoke with Stern said they would still go to The Gutter despite the recent events.

Sure theres a little bit of heightened sense of hesitation, but I still think Id do it, said Paul.

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Brooklyn Borough President Bowls At Bowling Alley That Ebola Patient Visited

The Gutter will soon be the cleanest place in New York.

A biohazard company descended Friday night on the Brooklyn bowling alley where Ebola-afflicted doctor Craig Spencer played a few frames to rid the place of any trace of the deadly disease.

The hipster hot spots decontamination is being done by Bio-Recover Corp., which also handled the cleanup job at Spencers Harlem apartment.

The company promised a top-to-bottom cleanup, from the holes in the bowling balls to the light switches.

The first step is to use a fogging machine to circulate disinfectant throughout the facility.

Workers must focus particularly on the bowling balls. Traces of the virus could remain in a finger hole, and be transferred to another players face.

Of course, you go inside the ball, said Keith Capolino, who is president of Bio-One, another biohazard cleanup company.

Its the biggest risk of infection. We would spend the most time in those areas.

Cleaning the bathrooms and any areas where food and drinks are served would also be labor-intensive, said Capolino.

Porous objects, like bowling shoes, could be discarded to save time, or could be manually cleaned.

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Biohazard scrubbing begins at places visited by Ebola doctor

Reports by the Washington State Auditors Office puts blame for financial problems at Island Transit squarely at the feet of its five-member board of directors.

But the real bombshell concerns Martha Rose, the former director, who took vacation without deducting it from her vacation balance. She will receive $106,000 in a severance package, including $88,000 in unused vacation.

Oak Harbor Mayor Scott Dudley, whos back on the board, said the vacation payout amounts to theft and hes seeking an injunction to prevent Rose from being paid.

A team from the state Auditors Office announced three official findings in the exit conference Friday morning largely attributable to lack to oversight. No misappropriation of public funds were identified, they emphasized.

Cause of the current financial crisis, which led to service cuts and layoff, was poor monitoring of finances by the the board, one report states.

The audits identified $100,000 in questionable costs associated with a federal grant including the construction of gazebos which could have financial consequences.

Noncompliance with the grant requirements may require the transit authority to return all or a portion of this money to the grantor, audit supervisor Jenny Lofton said.

The accountability audit largely focused on Rose. She received regular raises without board approval; her performance wasnt reviewed since 1996; she took vacation without deducting it; and she claimed to go on two-week conferences when flight records show she was only gone for four or five days, according to a draft audit report.

The board approved a severance agreement with Rose following an executive session Oct. 17. She will get two months salary about $18,0000 plus $88,000 for unused vacation, per her contract, said Bob Clay, chairman of the transit board and Coupeville councilman.

Clay said problems concerning Rose were the result of poor record keeping, but nothing nefarious.

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Former Island Transit chief getting $106,000 payout