Category Archives: Freedom

Monday, July 30, 2012

Freedom Air needs an additional $600,000 loan from the Commonwealth Development Authority to allow the inter-island carrier to continue its operations for the next six months, according to spokesperson Amjad Farhoud.

Farhoud told members of CDA's Development Corporation Division board Friday that Freedom Air will use the money to procure airplane engine spare parts to avert the shutdown of its service in the CNMI.

Along with airline station manager Dennis Cruz, Farhoud said from the original loan proposal of $2.9 million, the CDA division only approved $900,000 in March this year.

He said the amount is not enough to cover the priority expenditures of the carrier including obligations to vendors.

Freedom Air's attempts to seek loan assistance from private banks, according to Farhoud, were also unsuccessful due to lack of asset/collateral that would backup the loan proposal.

The carrier is said to have placed $6 million worth of collaterals for the $900,000 loan extended by CDA to the company which it utilized in immediate repairs of aircraft that resulted in the restoration of flights in Rota.

It was late last year when Freedom Air suspended and reduced its flights to Rota to give way for regular maintenance of its aircraft.

It was also forced to use seven-seater aircraft in lieu of 30-seater planes it formerly used and the switch negatively impacted the tourism industry on island. It also affected local travelers and medical referrals.

Because of the $900,000 loan from CDA, the carrier was able to bring back to normal Rota flights in March this year.

Continue reading here:
Freedom Air needs $600K loan to stay afloat

by Lian Cheng. Posted on July 29, 2012, Sunday

LOOKING AHEAD: After his first book, Henry will start another on Sarawak.

AUSSIE septuagenarian John Henry has finally found his freedom after a 50-year search.

The 71-year-old is sharing his experiences in a 180-page pictorial titled Sweet Freedom: A daring search for freedom, consisting of 840 stunning full colour photos and thought-provoking illustrations.

Its more than just a book of pictures its also a record of the authors quest of the true meaning of freedom after traversing the length and breath of Australia.

It was the constant stress and pressure from authorities and establishments that drove Henry to question the existence of freedom and set about looking for it.

What my wife Jill and I want to do is find out about freedom. Is there such a thing? If so, what is it? Is it the same as happiness? Is it the same as survival? Can anyone truly get away and be free and happy? Or is freedom is just a dream. Are we just kidding ourselves?

Henry and Jill, former CEO of Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB), sold their business and took the less-travelled road to venture into the wilderness of Australia, hoping that freedom could be found somewhere far away and beyond.

I looked for freedom among the Australian Aborigines only to discover they live in reserve areas. Where is their freedom?

I thought creatures such as kangaroos and crocodiles might have freedom, yet I dont find freedom in them as they are being hunted by man, said the man from Down Under.

Continued here:
Sweet freedom at last …

July 28, 2012 - Frontier League (FL) Florence Freedom Washington,PA-The Florence Freedom got superb starting pitching in their doubleheader against the Washington Wild Things on Friday night as they swept both games with wins of 7-4 and 1-0. The Freedom completed the series sweep against Washington and are now 34-29 on the season.

In game 1, Alec Lewis hurled a complete game, his third of the season as he struck out six batters while scattering six hits and allowing three earned runs. Lewis improved to 3-6 with his complete game performance. Peter Fatse had a pair of RBI doubles in the game to lead the Freedom offense. John Malloy, Junior Arrojo, Jim Jacquot, David Harris, and Stephen Cardullo each produced an RBI as well for the victorious Freedom.

In game 2, it was Sean Gregory going the distance for the Freedom as he allowed only three hits, while striking out six on his way to his second complete game of the season. The difference in the game was the 5th inning homerun off the bat of Drew Rundle. It was his 9th homerun of the season, a deep shot beyond the right center field wall. Rundle also made several terrific defensive plays in the game to preserve the shutout win for Gregory.

The Freedom now return to Florence for a twelve game homestand starting Saturday night against the Evansville Otters. Evansville will send LHP Garrett Bullock(3-5, 3.06) to the mound to take on the Freedom's Brandon Mathes(0-0,5.12) The game can be heard with Steve Jarnicki starting at 5:50 pm on radio station Real Talk 1160 and realtalk1160.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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Freedom Sweep Doublheader against Wild Things

LONDON, July 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Freedom of choice in work and career creativity is significantly more important to freelancers than greater financial reward, according to our landmark Freelance Landscape survey. Major Players collected the answers and opinions of over 1,000 creative, design and marketing freelance professionals this February. We found that 42% rated greater choice over their projects as the most appealing aspect of freelancing while for 28% it was gaining greater creative experience and opportunity. Only 19% stated it was to achieve higher financial reward than the permanent equivalent. The least appealing aspect was periods of inactivity between assignments, with 39% stating this reason, followed by 26% most concerned with the comparative insecurity of freelancing - a cancelled assignment for example.

Our survey forms part of a larger investigation into the changing employment landscape across the UK by our parent company Randstad. The result is The Navigator report, which was published 12 March. It confirms that contracting continues to be a massive spark within the advertising & marketing world - with 72% freelancing through choice. Only 28% of those surveyed are freelancing because they could not find a permanent position or for other reasons. Freelancing has undoubtedly been boosted by the more challenging environment since 2009, as 39% of respondents began freelancing after this point.

Pay disparity between the sexes appears as prevalent within the creative, design and marketing freelancing community as within the permanent world. Twice as many men (8%) as women (4%) are earning over 500 per day. Similarly 71% of men earn between 200-500 per day compared with 67% of women surveyed. The high freelance earners by sector were those working in market research, and financial & professional services, with 16% of both these sectors earning over 500 per day. Creative & design jobs and retail both had the least earners of over 500 per day at only 3%. However both recorded high percentages in the middle category with 76% and 69% respectively earning between 200-500 a day.

Integrated colleagues were also seen to earn slightly more than their creative & design equivalents with only 16% earning less than 100 a day compared to 21% in creative & design. Freelancers also expressed their opinions on the everyday life of a freelancer and their motivations. 'Flexible working times around my children', 'freedom from the stink of internal politics', and as one respondent simply put it, 'freedom, money, buzz', were all reasons for freelancing.

Drawbacks included 'having to spend ages chasing payments and doing accounts', 'missing out on the social aspects and networking', and 'not being able to have blue Mondays and lazy Fridays'. Jack Gratton, CEO at Major Players, said "The response we got to this survey was phenomenal and indicates that the freelance community in the creative and marketing world wants to be heard. Freelancing has always been a lifestyle and career choice for our market, and now with agencies and brands seeking to become more streamlined and sustainable we see our space continuing to adapt. Our clients are actively using contract working not only to become more efficient but to fuel creativity.

"Freelancers stand to be a key component of the creative industries in the next decade. As ways of working change and their rights are strengthened further through legislation the freelancer looks set to be a key dynamic in our futures." To order a free copy of the Navigator report please visit http://www.majorplayers.co.uk/the-navigator-2012.html.

Editor's Notes:

Major Players are the No.1 recruiter for the creative industry and marketing in the UK. We supply high-calibre professionals to the country's top agencies and in-house divisions, across all levels within both the permanent and freelance markets. Our story began in 1993 and we are now 60 strong and growing in partnership with our parent company Randstad. Still based in the heart of Covent Garden and helping people find their way

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Freedom of Choice and Career Creativity Beats pay for Freelancers

FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Freedom Bank of Virginia (Bank) (Bulletin Board:FDVA.OB) earned a Net Profit Before Taxes of $252,083 for the quarter ending June 30, 2012, its thirteenth consecutive quarterly profit. Net Profit for the quarter ending June 30, 2011 was $386,395. Net Profit Before Taxes was $560,855 for the first half of 2012 compared to a Net Profit for the first half of 2011 of $802,037. The reduction in profit was principally due to an increase in the provision for loan losses. According to CEO Craig S. Underhill, The Bank continues to be profitable and is growing during a challenging economy.

Total Assets increased 18% to $206,560,467, up from $174,913,192 at June 30, 2011. Loans Receivable increased $17,447,975 (12.5%) to $157,026,486 and Investment Securities increased $20,099,420 (175%) to $31,584,026 during the same period. The growth in assets was funded by $29,666,827 growth in deposits (19.5%). Non Interest Checking increased $4,508,951 (14.8%) to $34,889,239. Certificates of Deposit growth was $24,608,276 (26.1%).

Capital continues to be strong, growing $1,896,511 (8.4%) over the same period in the prior year to $24,409,278. Regulatory Capital minimums for Tier 1 Leverage Ratio, Risk Based Capital Tier 1, and Risk Based Capital Tier 2 were 5.0%, 6.0% and 10.0% respectively to be considered well capitalized. At June 30, 2012, the ratios for the Bank were 11.29%, 14.54% and 15.80% respectively, all in the well capitalized category. The Bank continues its tradition of maintaining a strong capital base to serve the needs of its customers and stockholders.

Freedom Bank is a community-oriented, locally-owned bank with locations in Fairfax and Vienna, Virginia. For information about Freedom Banks deposit and loan services, visit the Banks website at http://www.freedombankva.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements, including our expectations with respect to future events that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's projections, forecasts, estimates and expectations include: fluctuation in market rates of interest and loan and deposit pricing, adverse changes in the overall national economy as well as adverse economic conditions in our specific market areas, maintenance and development of well-established and valued client relationships and referral source relationships, and acquisition or loss of key production personnel. Other risks that can affect the Bank are detailed from time to time in our quarterly and annual reports filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. We caution readers that the list of factors above is not exclusive. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and we may not undertake steps to update the forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of any circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements are made. In addition, our past results of operations are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

Common stock, $4.17 par value. (5,000,000 shares authorized: issued and outstanding 2,846,117 shares for June 30, 2012 and 2,842,398 shares for June 30, 2011)

See the article here:
Freedom Bank Celebrates 13th Consecutive Quarterly Profit

Tucson Freedom Summer, in collaboration with Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery and Workshop presents HUITZILOPOCHLI the will to act, on Saturday, July 28, from 5 to 9 p.m. at 218 E. 6th St.

The fundraising event brings together performers and artists, and includes the work of Tucson artists David Tineo, Tanya Alvarez, Paco Velez, and others. Expect raffles, food, music and interactive art-making for the whole family, including a buffet courtesy of Las Cazuelitas. The event benefits the Save Ethnic Studies Raza Defense Fund.

From the press release:

This convergence has been sparked by the national acknowledgement of the far reaching implications of this attack. Tucson Freedom Summer has manifested itself in a series of events to both educate the community and raise funds for the legal costs associated with the lawsuit. Events include community forums, educational Encuentros, Sunday Freedom School, demonstrations, political canvassing, poetry, and many artistic expressions of support. On July 28th, Tucson Freedom Summer, in collaboration with Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery and Workshop, will be hosting an event that will highlight the epic historic struggle for Chicano civil rights in Tucson.

Read the original here:
Freedom Summer: Art, Food and Performance at Raices Taller

Sir Paul McCartney found freedom when he, his wife Linda and their young family moved to Scotland after the break-up of The Beatles.

The legendary musician took his wife Linda and their young children - Heather, Linda's child from a previous relationship, and Mary - to their farm on the Mull of Kintyre, Scotland, in the wake of the dissolution of The Beatles to avoid dealing with all the legal problems that arose with the end of the group.

Paul said: "It was a good relief from everything that was going on, after The Beatles had broken up. For me, from the early days in Liverpool right through to the Ed Sullivan show to the big American tours, that had been my life, so when it suddenly ended in disarray, over business things, it was very unpleasant.

"So my thought at the time was, 'Just get away, don't' just sit in all these meetings with people saying, 'You've got to do that, oh no, no...' and it was really miserable and it was the opposite of what The Beatles had been.

"We just got away, Linda and I and took the kids and went to Scotland and found freedom. Freedom to raise our young family. And we suddenly realised how important that was. Otherwise I was, 'See you later love, you raise the kids, I've got to go to some heavy meeting, talk about business,' so we got away."

While they stayed on the farm, Paul and Linda worked on their musical collaboration 'Ram' which he says reflected the peaceful and idyllic background they found themselves in.

He added to BBC Radio6 music: "That was the spirit that 'Ram' was written in, I could go up, over the hills with my guitar, just write a little song, come back and stick it down in my notebook, then go off and record, and we went off to New York and later Los Angeles.

"It was great, it was freedom, so that album sums up the freedom that we were feeling at the time and it think it is reflected in the music."

'Ram' was re-released in May with a number of extra tracks and exclusive content, as well as in a Deluxe Edition Box Set.

More here:
McCartney found freedom in Scotland

July 25, 2012 - Frontier League (FL) Florence Freedom Florence, KY-The Florence Freedom (32-28) couldn't hang onto a 6-1 lead entering the 9th inning on Tuesday night as the Lake Erie Crushers(33-27)stormed back for a 6 run 9th inning to tie the game, and eventually won it in extra innings. The Crushers defeated the Freedom 8-7 in 12 innings to avoid the three game sweep by the Freedom.

Florence led the entire ballgame as they struck for four runs in the 1st inning against Crusher All-Star Paul Fagan. Junior Arrojo reached base on an infield single and later scored on an RBI double by Peter Fatse. Several batters later, David Harris took Fagan deep over the left field wall for a three run homer. It was Harris's fourth long ball of the season and it gave the Freedom a 4-0 lead.

Brent Choban a rookie left hander made his professional debut on the mound for the Freedom and pitched very well through the first 5 innings of the contest. He gave up his only run of the game in the 4th on a sacrifice fly by Daniel Bowman scoring Andrew Davis. The former Ohio Bobacat went five innings allowing 4 hits, 1 run, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. The Freedom padded their lead in the 4th, as Arrojo hit a bases loaded two run single scoring Kyle Bluestein and Edwin Padua to give them a 6-1 cushion.

The Crushers would give the Freedom a taste of their own medicine a day after Florence came back from a 5 run deficit, as the Crushers rallied against the Freedom bullpen by sending ten men to the plate against Matt Kline, and Brennan Flick. Kline struck out pinch hitter Kyle Weldon to begin the frame, but after that the game swung in the direction of Lake Erie. Adrian Ortiz got one of his four hits in the 9th, and then Robby Kuzdale drew a walk with the next batter Jason Taylor being hit by a pitch. With the bases loaded, Kline then walked Russell Moldenhauer forcing home Ortiz to make it a 6-2 game. Flick was then summoned out of the bullpen, however he gave up an RBI single to Andrew Davis to cut the lead in half. Then it was Bowman striking for a two run single to make it 6-5. Davis would later score in the inning on a wild pitch to tie the game at 6-6. J.C. Figueroa who entered the game as a defensive replacement then lined a single into center field to give the Crushers a 7-6 lead. John Mallloy threw out Kellen Kulbacki who was attempting to score on the play as well.

The Freedom tied the game in the bottom of the 9th, as Peter Fatse led off the inning with a solo shot, his sixth of the season. The homer came against Crusher closer Jonathan Kountis who then retired the next three batters to send the game into extra innings.

The decision to insert Figueroa into the game proved to be the difference in this game, as the Lake Erie second baseman proved to be the hero on this night. Facing Jorge Marban with one out, Figueroa hit a solo homer, his first of the season into the Freedom bullpen to give the Crushers an 8-7 lead. Despite giving up the homer and taking the loss, Marban(1-4) pitched well in 3 innings, striking out 5. Crusher reliever Mickey Janis also went deep out of the bullpen covering the last 3 innings. The Freedom had the tying runner at 2nd base in the 12, but Janis struck out Pierre LePage to end the game.

The Freedom will travel to Washington, PA Wednesday night for a three game series with the Wild Things. LHP Andres Caceris (5-2, 4.55) will start for the Freedom while RHP Gary Lee(4-3, 2.61) starts for Washington. Wednesday's game can be heard with Steve Jarnicki starting at 6:50 pm on Real Talk 1160 and realtalk1160.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Original post:
Freedom Fall in Extra Innings to Crushers

Freedom Communications Inc. in Irvine, parent of The Orange County Register, today completed the sale of the paper and six other remaining properties to 2100 Trust LLC, an investment group headed by a Massachusetts businessman. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The other Freedom properties include The Gazette in Colorado Springs, The Sun in Yuma, Ariz., and four California papers, the Barstow Dispatch, Appeal-Democrat in Marysville, The Porterville Recorder and the Daily Press in Victorville.

The Orange County Register headquarters building is on Grand Avenue in Santa Ana.

FILE PHOTO, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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As part of the deal, Freedom Communications will make an additional one-time contribution to the company's retirement plan. The amount of the contribution was not disclosed.

The new owner will also continue to operate the company under the Freedom Communications name.

Mitch Stern, Freedom's chief executive, praised Freedom's excellence in journalism and commitment to engaging with the community.

"We're very pleased that the name is being passed to new ownership that firmly believes newspapers continue to play an essential role in providing the news and information that is vital in the lives of the communities they serve," Stern said.

Aaron Kushner, chief executive of 2100 Trust, also cited Freedom's journalistic excellence and community involvement.

See the original post here:
Freedom's sale of Register complete

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Publication name in fourth graph should read The Porterville Recorder (sted The Porterville Record).

The corrected release reads:

ACQUISITION OF FREEDOM COMMUNICATIONS BY 2100 TRUST, LLC IS COMPLETED

Freedom Communications, which grew from R. C. Hoiles 1935 acquisition of what was then the Santa Ana Register to become, at one time, one of the largest media companies in the country, today came under new ownership with the completion of the transaction by which it agreed to be acquired by media company 2100 Trust, LLC, Freedom and 2100 Trust, LLC jointly announced.

It was also announced that the company, under its new ownership, would continue to operate as Freedom Communications.

The value of the transaction was not disclosed. In conjunction with the completion of the merger, Freedom Communications has elected to make an additional one-time contribution to the Retirement Plan of Freedom Communications, Inc.

The businesses coming under the new ownership include the flagship Orange County Register, the Barstow, CA Desert Dispatch, The Gazette in Colorado Springs, CO, the Marysville, CA Appeal-Democrat, The Porterville Recorder in Porterville, CA, the Victorville, CA Daily Press and The Sun in Yuma, AZ along with their associated non-daily publications, and specialty publications and digital properties.

Over the past several months Freedom completed the sale of its other newspaper assets and broadcast properties.

Over many decades Freedom Communications has been a name recognized for the excellence of its journalism as well as the depth of its commitment to engagement with its communities, said Mitch Stern, the outgoing Freedom Chief Executive Officer. Were very pleased that the name is being passed to new ownership that firmly believes newspapers continue to play an essential role in providing the news and information that is so vital in the lives of the communities they serve.

View original post here:
CORRECTING and REPLACING Acquisition of Freedom Communications By 2100 Trust, LLC Is Completed