Freedom seen through a metal framework

What is freedom to you?

This is what artist Leeroy New, a rising star in the art world, wants the audience viewing his 30-foot art installation to contemplate and answer.

Freedom should come from the people, without having to rely on sponsored images of freedomthat is what the installation is all about, Leeroy said in a chance interview with GMA News Online.

New's installation, launched on Independence Day, stands near the monument of Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Manila.

The structure's design mirrors the heroic monument, even if its elements do not promise the same permanencea basic scaffolding made of metal poles, draped in colored plastic behind which television sets displayed different people answering the question, Paano ka naging Malaya?

We had to make use of materials that we were able to source, what is available to us, Leeroy said.

A performance by the Sipat Lawin dance group was also showcased as part of the installationfor Leeroy, important to better convey the message to the audience.

We wanted to create a structure that allowed the audience and participants to contemplate this idea of freedom, with the help of the performers, the video, the structure itselfwhich is a direct reference to the Rizal monumentand the location itself, he said.

He explained that while the installation is a re-articulation of the heroic monument, the industrial design should steer the structure away from intimidation.

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Freedom seen through a metal framework

"Freedom of Religion" and "Freedom from Religion"

Source: 12Petals Media Group

You find Freedom of Thought explicit in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Freedom of Religion and Freedom from Religion are indeed linked to Freedom of Thought. They are principles associated with the individual liberty - the state of being free. Liberty is the value of an individual to cherish and enjoy various social, political, or economic rights and privileges. The notion of liberty holds the core of all democratic principles that recognize the freedom of an individual to embrace or deem a viewpoint, fact, or thought, self-directed and independent of others' perspectives.

The Freedom of Religion and Freedom from Religion are also embodied in the international human rights law. You find Freedom of Thought explicit in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which is legally binding on all members of international community.

Religion can be perceived as a systematized assembly of belief systems. They present cultural systems with worldviews that relate humanity to sanctity and their perceived ethical standards.

Regarding the theme of Freedom of Religion, Wikipedia offers a fine overview of the research findings. [1] Freedom of Religion or Freedom of Belief is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community, in public or private, to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance; the concept is generally recognized also to include the freedom to change religion or not to follow any religions. [2] The freedom to leave or discontinue membership in a religion or religious group -in religious terms called "apostasy" - is also a fundamental part of freedom of religion, covered by Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights." [3]

For cultivating a culture of human rights, the freedom of religion and freedom from religion need to be highly valued and advocated. Seeking an environment of equality with equal rights and individual liberty that benefits everyone, with or without any type of belief is central to humanity.

Viewed from this perspective and based on consideration for Article 18 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are two broad helpful principles: [4]

I. THE SEPARATION OF RELIGION FROM STATE

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"Freedom of Religion" and "Freedom from Religion"

Dr. Paul M. Karpecki Joins Freedom Meditech Scientific Advisory Board

SAN DIEGO, June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Freedom Meditech, Inc., a medical device company commercializing non-invasive ophthalmic technologies for the detection of disease and management of patient health, today announced the appointment ofPaul M. Karpecki, OD, FAAO,to the Scientific Advisory Board. Freedom Meditech also announced that the company will be providing free demonstrations of the ClearPath DS-120, an FDA cleared device for measuring autofluorescence in the lens of the eye, at the 116th Annual AOA Congress & 43rd Annual AOSA Conference being held in San Diego June 26-30. The Company will be located at booths 1146 and 1148.

"Freedom Meditech is innovating the routine optometry visit through the introduction of new technologies that enable optometrists to advance their patient's overall health," said Dr. Karpecki. "I am joining the scientific advisory board at an exciting time for the company as it prepares to introduce optometrists to ClearPath DS-120. Detecting autofluorescence in the crystalline lens of the eye, which has been tied to biomarkers associated with diabetes, represents an important and valuable new health offering optometrists can consider during an eye exam."

Dr. Karpecki received his doctor of optometry degree from Indiana University and completed a fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at Hunkeler Eye Centers in affiliation with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He currently works in corneal services, heads the ocular surface disease clinic and is director of clinical research at the Koffler Vision Group in Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Karpecki was one of two optometrists appointed to the Delphi International Society at Wilmer-Johns Hopkins, which included the top 25 dry eye experts in the world and the National Eye Institute's Dry Eye Committee to provide insights around dry eye and women. A noted educator and author, Dr. Karpecki is the Chief Medical Editor and Vice President of clinical content for the Review of Optometry Journal. He also serves on the board for the charitable organization Optometry Giving Sight.

Dr. Karpecki has lectured in over 400 symposia covering four continents. He has also served as past president of the Optometric Council on Refractive Technology, Chair of the Refractive Surgery Advisory Board to the American Optometric Association (AOA), Chairman of the Topical Interest Group in Refractive Surgery, Chairman of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeon's Task Force on the Integrated Eyecare Delivery System, Chairman of the Kentucky Optometric Association Education Committee and the AOA Congress Education Committee. Prior to assuming the position of Chief Medical Editor of the Review of Optometry Journal, he served on seven professional journal editorial boards.

About ClearPath DS-120

The ClearPath DS-120 Lens Fluorescence Biomicroscope is cleared by FDA as a tool for the measurement of autofluorescence by scanning the crystalline lens of the eye with a blue light. In independent scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals, elevated autofluorescence measurements have been linked to high levels of advanced glycosylated end products which accumulate as a result of the aging process and the presence of systemic disease.

The ClearPath scan is pain free, takes just six seconds and produces an immediate, quantitative result available to the patent and healthcare provider. Unlike some eye exams, the scan does not require dilation or other special preparation by the patient. The ClearPath is completely non-invasive and does not require a blood draw to produce a result.

About Freedom Meditech

Freedom Meditech, Inc. is a medical device company focused on the commercialization of novel ophthalmic technologies for the detection of disease and management of patient health. The company has received FDA clearance for its first product, ClearPath DS-120, a non-invasive tool for the measurement of autofluorescence in the eye. I-SugarX is the company's second product currently in development as a non-invasive monitor that measures glucose levels in the aqueous of the eye for people with diabetes. The company maintains corporate and engineering operations in San Diego, CA with supporting research and development activities throughout the state of Ohio. For more information, visit http://www.freedom-meditech.com or find us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Dr. Paul M. Karpecki Joins Freedom Meditech Scientific Advisory Board

Quick Look at One World Trade Center / Freedom Tower 5/31/2013 construction progress part 2 – Video


Quick Look at One World Trade Center / Freedom Tower 5/31/2013 construction progress part 2
At this point I am moving out of Newport and into Jersey City. As I continue through town we can see One World Trade Center and Four World Trade Center chang...

By: NJTAmtrakGuy

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Quick Look at One World Trade Center / Freedom Tower 5/31/2013 construction progress part 2 - Video

Religious freedom gets more lip service than guarantees, pope says

Vatican City

Religious freedom is talked about more than it is protected, Pope Francis said.

"The serious violations inflicted on this basic right are causes of serious concern," and the world's nations must act together to uphold "the intangible dignity of the human person against every attack," he said.

The pope made his comments during an audience Saturday with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano at the Vatican.

The pope said the cooperation that exists between church and state in Italy is built on the daily interaction and rapport between government officials and Catholics, whose main aim is always the promotion of "the interests of the people and society."

He noted that 2013 marked the 1,700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan. This proclamation of tolerance of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire is seen by many, he said, "as a symbol of the first affirmation of the principle of religious freedom."

However, today "religious freedom is more often declared than achieved," the pope said.

Religious liberty, in fact, is frequently violated and finds itself "subjected to various kinds of threats," the pope said. "It's the duty of everyone to defend religious freedom and promote it for all people."

Also, everyone benefits when people together safeguard this "moral" right as it "guarantees the growth and development of the whole community," the pope said.

Pope Francis also told Napolitano that the "profound and persistent global crisis" in the world today worsens current problems, especially for the weaker members of society.

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Religious freedom gets more lip service than guarantees, pope says

Isco relishing freedom to express himself

A sensational season could be about to get even better for Isco. Now pulling the strings for Spain at this UEFA European Under-21 Championship, the Mlaga CF midfielder spoke to UEFA.com about his formative years, the tournament in Israel and his first taste of the UEFA Champions League with his boyhood club.

I am very lucky that [coach] Julen Lopetegui gives me total freedom to move where I like

Isco

UEFA.com: Would you agree that you've needed patience in order to win games here?

Isco: It's taking us a bit of effort to close out games. The style we play has led to us creating a lot of chances and we could be finishing off matches sooner. However, the goal is eluding us a little. Having said that, the most important thing is that we've managed to break through in one way or another and are now in the semi-finals.

UEFA.com: Your rivals here appear to know you well...

Isco: The whole world knows how Spain play. The footballing philosophy preached by the senior Spanish team is one that also applies to us. Our opponents apply a very high and intensive defensive line. That's normal as they know us and realise how we like to move the ball. They want to avoid us harming their defensive line.

UEFA.com: Regarding your position on the pitch, are you centrally oriented or do you prefer to play more to the left?

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Isco relishing freedom to express himself

Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast Grows with Hoosier Lottery Sponsorship

INDIANAPOLIS, June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Indianapolis' largest fireworks display just got even bigger: the Hoosier Lottery has signed on to the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast as sponsor of the fireworks Grand Finale.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130610/DE28845LOGO )

"With the Hoosier Lottery coming on board, we'll be able to add another 500 shells, making the city's largest fireworks display even bigger and better," Charlie Morgan, Vice President of Emmis-Radio, said. "Now in its third year as our title sponsor, Donatos continues to deliver on one of Indy's most popular summer events. We couldn't be more thrilled to add The Hoosier Lottery Grand Finale, and look forward to producing the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast for years to come."

Now in its 43rd year, the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast provides a dazzling fireworks display, free of charge, to a crowd that last year was estimated at 200,000. This year's show is set for 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th. Regions Bank is also a sponsor of the event, with the fireworks being launched again from the Regions Tower in downtown Indianapolis.

The Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast has grown to include a beer garden, pizza for sale by the slice, a kids play area including carnival games, a bounce house, and more, a military area saluting Indiana soldiers, and the Indianapolis Colts Stage with live entertainment. All activities are on the Indiana War Memorial Grounds.

Emmis stations WIBC 93.1 FM, Country 97.1 Hank-FM, and B105.7 will be airing music choreographed to the fireworks display.

About Emmis Indianapolis RadioEmmis Communications Corporation is a diversified media company, principally focused on radio broadcasting. Emmis operates the 8th largest publicly traded radio portfolio in the United States based on total listeners. In Indianapolis, Emmis owns and operates WIBC 93.1FM, B105.7, 1070 AM and 107.5 FM The Fan and Hank 97.1FM, as well as Indianapolis Monthly.

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Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast Grows with Hoosier Lottery Sponsorship

The Fraser Institute: June 10 is Tax Freedom Day; Canadians Work an Extra Two Days in 2013 to Pay Their Total Tax Bill

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Jun 10, 2013) - Tax Freedom Day, the day Canadian families have made enough money to pay off the total tax bill levied by all levels of government, falls on Monday, June 10 this year, according to the Fraser Institute's annual calculations.

Tax Freedom Day arrives two days later than 2012 when it fell on June 8.

"Canadians are waiting an extra two days to celebrate Tax Freedom Day partly because governments across the country continue to increase taxes in an effort to make up for their overspending and deficits," said Charles Lammam, Fraser Institute associate director of tax and budget policy and co-author of Canadians Celebrate Tax Freedom Day on June 10, 2013.

"What's worse, some governments are relying on the most damaging types of tax increases including higher tax rates on personal income and investment, which will ultimately discourage economic growth."

Among the tax increases announced so far are hikes to BC's corporate income tax and top personal tax rate as well as its Medical Services Plan premiums; a new top income tax bracket in Quebec; increases to Manitoba's Provincial Sales Tax and financial corporate capital tax; increases to New Brunswick's corporate income tax and all four personal income tax rates; increased taxes on small businesses in PEI; cancellation of a corporate tax decrease in Saskatchewan; and increased Employment Insurance premiums federally.

Tax Freedom Day also comes later this year because Canada's progressive tax system imposes a higher tax burden on families as their incomes increase.

Balanced Budget Tax Freedom Day

The report notes that Tax Freedom Day would arrive nine days later this year (on June 19) if the federal and provincial governments attempted to balance their budgets with additional tax increases.

"This year's deficits are not trivial. Canadian governments expect deficits to total $34.0 billion, with $18.7 billion coming from the federal government and $15.3 billion from the provinces. Since today's deficits must one day be paid for by taxes, Tax Freedom Day may come later in the future," Lammam said.

"Of particular concern is Ontario, Canada's largest province, with a deficit of $11.7 billion forecast this year. Tax Freedom Day would fall an astounding 14 days later on June 23 if the Ontario government raised taxes to cover its current deficit spending."

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The Fraser Institute: June 10 is Tax Freedom Day; Canadians Work an Extra Two Days in 2013 to Pay Their Total Tax Bill

Freedom Bank Named a Top 200 Community Bank by American Banker Magazine

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

Freedom Bank of Virginia (Bank) (Bulletin Board:FDVA.OB) was named one of the top 200 community banks in the United States based on average return on equity (ROE) for the past three years in the May 2013 issue. According to CEO Craig Underhill, We are pleased to be recognized by such a prestigious magazine. We focused on profitability during the downturn to generate organic capital. We are now accelerating our growth to effectively deploy that capital. This strategy has allowed the Bank to grow rapidly without having to sell additional stock, which would dilute current shareholders. The full article can be read here.

About Freedom Bank

Freedom Bank is a local community bank providing a full range of financial services, including credit and deposit products, cash management, and Internet banking services for consumers and businesses. The Bank operates from its headquarters office at 10555 Main Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. For more information visit http://www.freedombankva.com.

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Freedom Bank Named a Top 200 Community Bank by American Banker Magazine