By Mitch Hotts For The Oakland Press

Freedom Hill Amphitheatre on Monday announced three more shows of its upcoming summer concert schedule at the resurrected outdoor venue in Sterling Heights.

The entertainers include:

June 28: legendary country singer Randy Travis

June 29: alternative rockers Cake

Aug. 15: a double blues-rock bill featuring George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Buddy Guy

Tickets for all three shows will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

Promoters previously announced the country music superstar trio Lady Antebellum will play Freedom Hill on June 13.

The concerts are the first acts at Freedom Hill since the venue on Metropolitan Parkway closed in 2009. The 7,200-seat county-owned facility is now being managed by Funfest Productions, the entertainment company responsible for the Stars & Stripes Festival, the Uncle Sam Jam, and St. Clair Riverfest.

I think these acts show how diverse our summer lineup is going to be, said Funfest talent buyer Joe Nieporte. We are excited to have lined up 30-plus shows for this summer covering all different musical genres. Were going to have some big names coming in.

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Freedom Hill announces three shows for summer schedule

Freedom Treatment Center is a Southern Michigan alcohol and drug addiction recovery facility that consistently participates in activities in the immediate community as well as throughout the region and entire state to help raise addiction awareness and give back. The centers latest community event highlighted the heritage as well as the culinary skills of a Freedom Treatment Center staff member who participated in an ethnic food cook-off at a local middle school.

Albion, MI (PRWEB) March 04, 2013

The cook-off has been a popular event in the past, bringing more than 100 samples of food from various backgrounds last year alone. Brennan, who serves as dissemination supervisor of Freedom Treatment Center, took this years opportunity to serve up home-cooked Hawaiian fare.

This is a great opportunity for our staff to become involved with the elementary schools by simply introducing the students to different types of foods, Brennan says. We are very lucky that we have been asked to participate in this fun event as a big part of this event is allowing these kids to be open to other cultures and ethnicity, but we also want to deliver a message that we are there working side-by-side with others from the community and are always willing to lend a helping hand.

The diversity of the ethnic food celebration mirrors the diversity of people who suffer from addiction. Drugs and alcohol addiction has no boundaries when it comes to ethnicity, religion, background or economic status. It is an equal-opportunity affliction that can target anyone, anywhere and Freedom Treatment Center is glad to have the opportunities to keep that message front and center while participating in community events.

Freedom Treatment Center has been involved in numerous activities during its nine years in existence, including holiday parades and community projects. Taking a real interest in helping the community has been a top priority for the center and is one of the distinguishing factors that sets the facility apart from many traditional addition treatment programs. Another distinguishing factor is the centers unique method of treatment, which involves personalized programs that let people choose an equally personal path to sustained recovery.

Located in a semi-residential pocket of Southern Michigan, Freedom Treatment Center provides the soothing and safe environment and assistance so vital for helping people overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Treatment begins with a natural detoxification and continues with counseling, education and lifestyle changes that help ensure an ongoing and successful recovery.

Nick Thiel Freedom Drug Rehab (877) 210-5311 Email Information

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Freedom Treatment Center Staff Member Reaches Out To Local School

[APH] Hetalia and the History of Germany: Part 3: Freedom for the Germanians
Hello for part 3! ^_^ Have fun!

By: Paul Krause

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[APH] Hetalia and the History of Germany: Part 3: Freedom for the Germanians - Video

Freedom 4 Aziz.(J) (2)
#1575; #1604; #1581; #1585; #1610; #1577; #1604; #1593; #1586; #1610; #1586; #1575; #1604; #1576; #1575; #1586; #1605; #1593; #1578; #1602; #1604; #1575; #1604; #1585; #1575; #1609; #1601; #1609; #1575; #1604; #1603; #1608; #1610; #1578; #1575; #1591; #1575; #1604; #1576; #1576; #1607; #1575; #1604; #1610; #1587; #1604; #1575; #1606; #1607; #1589; #1583; #1610; #1602; #1604; #1609; #1601; #1609; #1575; #1604; #1601; #1603; #1585; #1575; #1604; #1575; #1606; #1587; #1575; #1606; #1609; #1601; #1581; #1587; #1576; #1576; #1604; #1604; #1575; #1606; #1607; #1575; #1606; #1587; #1575; #1606; #1610; #1587; #1578; #1581; #1602; #1607; #1575; #1601; #1607; #1608; #1604; #1605; #1610; #1585; #1578; #1603; #1576; #1575; #1609; #1580; #1585; #1610; #1605; #1607; #1601; #1609; #1581; #1602; #1575; #1609; #1575; #1581; #1583;-- #1604; #1605; #1610; #1602; #1578; #1604;- #1604; #1605; #1610; #1594; #1578; #1589; #1576;-...

By: Jane J

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Exercising a right as simple as reading can be challenged thus limiting public access to the written word. Freedom to Read Week begins Feb 24 to March 2 all across Canada. In its 29th year, schools, art venues and libraries will be participating to show their support.

In its fifth year at the Strathmore Municipal Library, the project takes a look at books challenged for having controversial themes within their pages.

One would think having a week dedicated to it must speak to the evolution of literature and where are we now.

Literature is more edgier. The topics are more edgier such as the 50 Shades of Gray that was such a prominent book this yearbut you wouldnt have a book like this kicking around many years ago, says Assistant Director of Library Services, Carmen Erison.

Theres always going to be controversy in literature.

All books featured have been collectively banned worldwide, however, most the books featured in the towns library are North America based.

When Im preparing a display such as this I do research on that are mostly in North Americain Canada we celebrate Freedom to Read while the US celebrates Banned Books week, says Erison.

Childrens books, adult fiction, graphic novels, juvenile fiction, young adult, and non-fiction have been subjected to the chopping block.

What I challenge readers to envision, is walking into a library and seeing a bunch of empty bookshelves because thats what could happen if you were to ban all books if it had some content that you find distasteful, says Erison.

Surprisingly, titles such as Little House on the Prairie: On the Banks of Plum Creek, many graphic novels and most recently

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Freedom to Read Week hits Strathmore 0

Montgomery Police Chief Kevin Murphy and Rep. John Lewis speak to the press after Murphy offered an apology to Lewis for the failure of Montgomery police officers to respond to attacks on the Freedom Riders during a trip to Montgomery in May 1961.

By Craig Giammona, NBC News

An Alabama police chief brought Rep. John Lewis to tears Saturday, apologizing to the noted civil rights leader for failing to protect the Freedom Riders during a trip to Montgomery in 1961.

Lewis and fellow civil rights activists were beaten by a mob after arriving at Montgomery's Greyhound station in May, 1961.

On Saturday at ceremony at First Baptist Church, the city's current police chief, Kevin Murphy, apologized to Lewis and offered him his badge in a gesture of reconciliation, telling the longtime Georgia congressman that Montgomery police had "enforced unjust laws" in failing to protect the Freedom Riders more than five decades ago.

Lewis, who was arrested during civil rights protests in cities across the south, said it was the first time a police chief had apologized to him.

"It means a great deal," Lewis said. "I teared up. I tried to keep from crying."

Lewis and other members of Congress were taking part in the 13th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Alabama, a three-day event that also included trips to Selma, Tuscaloosa and Birmingham.

Murphy said the decision to apologize was easy.

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Alabama police chief apologizes to Freedom Rider congressman

[TamilNet, Saturday, 02 March 2013, 19:23 GMT] Freedom from Torture (FFT), a UK-based rights group, accused the UK Border Agency of withholding statistics for the last quarter of 2012 while the Agency planned for a mass removal of Tamils, including those whose protection claims have been refused, on the 28 February to Sri Lanka. Presenting data obtained from the Border Agency using the 'Freedom of Information (FOI) Act' the rights group said, "UK has granted refugee status to at least 15 people who were previously removed from the UK to Sri Lanka where they claim to have been tortured or otherwise harmed." The Border Agency released the information during the middle of an important case being heard by the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the Upper Tribunal on the risks facing Tamils on return to Sri Lanka from the UK. Evidence supplied by Freedom from Torture of Tamils with even low level (real or imputed) links to the LTTE experiencing torture after voluntary return to Sri Lanka in the post-conflict period is central to the case. The FOI disclosures contradict repeated claims by Ministers that there is no credible evidence that Tamils removed from the UK have faced torture in Sri Lanka. These denials, trumpeted by the Sri Lankan government, were reiterated earlier this month by Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Minister Alistair Burt during a trip to Sri Lanka. However, in the face of the UKBA's new disclosures to Freedom from Torture, the FCO told the Guardian that it is "urgently seeking further information from the Home Office about any allegations," FFT said in its website. Meanwhile, in a similar report released by the US-based Human Rights Watch documented 75 cases of predominately Tamil men and women who were allegedly held in Sri Lankan detention centres and repeatedly raped and sexually abused by the military, police and intelligence officials.

Sri Lanka's security forces have used rape to torture and extract confessions from suspected Tamil separatists almost four years after the country's civil war ended, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report released Tuesday this week.

Sri Lanka's ambassador to India, Prasad Kariyawasam, said the testimonies of 41 women, 31 men and 3 boys were likely made by "economic refugees" who "need a good story" to get asylum.

The Ambassador further told Reuters in an interview, "Human rights violations are taking place in all countries of the world. Why Sri Lanka is constantly targeted by Human Rights Watch is something we are disturbed about. They may be working with the U.S. government. I dare to say that because the HRW report is announced just as the resolution is to be presented to the Human Rights Council."

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Freedom Group accuses UKBA of withholding Sri Lanka torture information

THE freedom of the media in South Africa was undermined by various commercial tendencies that drove it and not the government, ANC national executive committee (NEC) member Lindiwe Zulu said on Thursday.

Ms Zulu was addressing the print and digital media transformation task team hearings in Johannesburg on behalf of the ruling party.

She bemoaned what she called the sluggish transformation in the media, particularly the print subsector. The ANC has in recent months been vocal about what it perceives to be the medias abuse of power and has controversially called for a media tribunal.

Ms Zulu said sloppy and sensationalist journalism led to headlines such as "Nkandlagate" and "controversial minister" and that these were spoken and written without critical thought on the matters.

She said the "anticompetitive" nature of South Africas media coupled with lack of ownership transformation led to less diverse voices.

"There are increasing incidents where the supposedly sacred separation between management and the newsroom is breached; where commercial considerations influence editorials," she said.

"Media is a major arena in the battle of ideas (and) the scope and space of the media must be open to all in society.

"Media should contribute (to) transformation in our country. We are challenging the notion that media is ideologically neutral and nonpartisan," she said.

The task team was established by Print and Digital Media SA in August last year after calls from civil society and Parliament for the transformation of the South African media following a parliamentary indaba in June.

Parliaments portfolio committee on communication criticised the print media sector and called for a transformation charter.

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Commerce ‘undermines freedom of SA media’

FALLS CHURCH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

DynCorp International hosted the families of 17 employees who were killed while serving U.S. government missions abroad as they received the Department of Defenses Defense of Freedom medal, posthumously recognizing the contributions their loved ones made for their country. The honorees were killed while working on U.S. Department of State police training missions in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2004 and 2011. The award recipients families, representatives from the Department of State and Department of Defense, along with nearly 200 DI personnel were in attendance at the ceremony held February 11, 2013, in the Washington, D.C. area.

Speaking on behalf of the Department of Defense was Lieutenant General William N. Phillips, and from the Department of State were Ambassador Patrick Kennedy and Ambassador William R. Brownfield.

There about 17,000 DynCorp personnel serving in a combat theater today. They are serving alongside our warfighters and protecting our freedom. Bottom line - contractor personnel and all they do remains vital to our nation. We depend on them, we rely on them, and they are extraordinary for their execution of the mission, Phillips said.

During his remarks, Ambassador Brownfield announced that, later this year, the Department of State will unveil a new memorial at the U.S. Department of State to honor civilian personnel, including contractors who have lost their lives serving on police training missions abroad.

On the thirteenth of May this year, with the support, assistance and my personal gratitude to Under Secretary Kennedy, I hope we will unveil and dedicate a memorial to all those civilian police personnel who have given their lives up in overseas operations, said Brownfield.

Steve Gaffney, chairman and CEO of DynCorp International, placed a special emphasis on the family members who were in attendance, Each of the 17 individuals who we honor tonight had a profound and lasting impact not just on our company but on our country and we often talk about their bravery and strength. But I also want to highlight the bravery and strength of those family members who are here tonight, and who continue to share the stories of their loved ones.

The Defense of Freedom Medal, the civilian equivalent of the military's Purple Heart, was presented to the families of the following DI personnel: Roland Carroll Barvels of Aberdeen, S.D.; Brett Patrick Benton of Dry Ridge, Ky.; Brian Morgan Brian of Camden, Ark.; Michael Wayne Butler of Rembert, S.C.; Mike Dawes of Stilwell, Okla.; Arsenio Ducusin Domingo of Wadmalaw Island, S.C.; Richard Thomas Hickman of Cave Springs, Ga.; Leon Vincent Kimbrell of Boiling Springs, S.C.; Deborah Dawn Klecker of Redman, Ore.; Rudy Guerrero Mesa of Maxwell, Texas; William Lawrence Juneau of Orange County, Calif.; Douglas Stephen Thomas of Lexington, S.C., Robert McDonald Timmann of Tallahassee, Fla.; Donald Bruce Tow of Lake Havasu, Ariz.; Darrell Leroy Wetherbee of Raymond, Maine; Gary Wayne Willard of Resaca, Ga.; and Ronald Austin Zimmerman of Glenwood, Ind.

About DynCorp International

DynCorp International is a global government services provider working in support of U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives, delivering support solutions for defense, diplomacy, and international development. DI operates major programs in logistics, platform support, contingency operations, and training and mentoring to reinforce security, community stability, and the rule of law. For more information, visit our blogs or see DynCorp Internationals LinkedIn profile.

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DynCorp International Honors Defense of Freedom Medal Recipients

BURNABY, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Viscount Systems (VSYS), a leading-edge, high technology supplier of security systems and software, is pleased to announce that the company has received orders to secure additional facilities owned by the British Columbia Government. The systems being installed include both Freedom access control and MESH touch screen intercom panels. This is part of an ongoing rollout at over a hundred facilities that includes both new Freedom installations and upgrades of original MESH access control to Freedom.

We are pleased to see existing clients continue their rollouts of Viscount technology, noted Stephen Pineau, CEO of Viscount. Much of our Freedom revenue for 2012 related to initial and pilot systems that are now being expanded. As we continue to accumulate new clients we anticipate strong growth for the balance of 2013.

About Viscounts Freedom Encryption Bridge Solution Freedom Encryption Bridge is the first and only access control system that allows entry devices (IC cards, RFID readers, biometrics etc.) to be connected to standard building IT networks without requiring expensive control panels that are programmed from a PC. Freedom changes the paradigm of IT friendly access control. It eliminates up to 80% of the cost of traditional systems that require the installation of control panels. And, it utilizes existing logical IT security software (LDAP) to replace both the control panel component and the software component of traditional systems. Freedom drastically reduces system costs while providing a much more secure software solution.

About Viscount Systems Viscount Systems Inc., designs unified IT and physical security software platforms for building security and emergency planning. Recent awards include SIA Convergence Solution of the Year 2011 and Homeland Securities Platinum Award for Emergency Response and Gold Award for Access Control at GOVSEC 2011.

Safe Harbor Statement Forward looking statements: This press release and other statements by Viscount Systems Inc. may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act with respect to the outlook for earnings and revenues, other future financial or business performance, strategies and expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "estimate," "position," "assume," "potential," "outlook," "continue," "remain," "maintain," and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or similar expressions.

For Further Information Viscount Systems web site: http://www.viscount.com Email news alerts: investors@viscount.com Investor Relations: Foothills Group San Jose CA, 888-516-7415

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Viscount’s Freedom Installed at Additional BC Government Sites

Sheik Man Haron Monis. Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: The Daily Telegraph

THREE of Australia's top judges believe a radical Muslim cleric had a legal right to send offensive letters to the families of dead Australian soldiers.

In a major freedom-of-speech case that split the High Court, Chief Justice Robert French, Justice Kenneth Hayne and Justice Dyson Heydon yesterday upheld the appeal of Sheik Man Haron Monis because they agreed a section of the Criminal Code contradicted the constitution.

But Sheik Haron and an alleged helper lost their bid to have a raft of criminal charges thrown out because Justice Susan Crennan, Justice Susan Kiefel and Justice Virginia Bell ruled the opposite and dismissed their appeal.

The 3-3 tie meant the original NSW Court of Criminal Appeal decision was affirmed.

RSL Australia and relatives of the diggers yesterday welcomed the outcome, but suggested the Criminal Code be clarified given the differing legal opinions.

"I certainly welcome the result. They should not be allowed to bypass the justice system," said Felix Sher, who allegedly received letters before his son Private Gregory Sher's funeral in 2009.

Sheik Haron launched the appeal after being charged with 12 counts of using a postal or similar service in a menacing, harassing and offensive way between 2007 and 2009.

His co-accused, Amirah Droudis, also appealed after being charged with eight counts of aiding and abetting.

The appeal was based on their claim that the Criminal Code section was invalid because it was inconsistent with the implied constitutional freedom of political communication.

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Is freedom of speech a licence to hate?

by Rappler.com Posted on 02/27/2013 5:56 PM |Updated 02/27/2013 6:10 PM

Advocates take on the fight against human trafficking to another level as they hold the first ever Freedom Ride on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Cyclists wearing shirts printed with 1343 Anti-Trafficking hotline shall bike around the cities of Taguig, Manila, Pasay and Makati to spread awareness on human trafficking.

His Excellency Ambassador Ton Boon von Ochssee and Mrs. Martine Boon von Ochssee of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands shall lead the Dutch contingent in the bike ride as combating human trafficking is an important pillar of the Dutch foreign policy. Artists and celebrity advocates of the campaign will also join them in the ride.

According to musician and cycling enthusiast Nityalila Saulo, The involvement of the cycling community in the fight against human trafficking is crucial to make people aware of the importance of knowing the red flags of human trafficking like how cyclists are aware of road signs so they can get to where they want to go safely. She further added, The participation of cyclists in this campaign will help deliver a strong message that there are always options available for people to avoid being trafficked and get to their destinations.

The bike tour is organized by Dakila, a group of artists advocating social consciousness formation through creative platforms, in partnership with the Manila Fixed Gear, a group of urban cyclists who has incorporated cycling in their lifestyle, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT).

Ayeen Karunungan, spokesperson of the artist collective Dakila, said Through this campaign, we want the public to always remember to Stop, Look, and Listen. In order to stop human trafficking, we must always look for the signs to avoid being trafficked and listen to the stories of those who were trafficked and most vulnerable to trafficking so that we may learn from it and contribute on ways to help combat trafficking.

Every year around 300,000 to 400,000 Filipinos fall prey to human trafficking in their own country and abroad. The Freedom Ride is part of the Project Freedom Campaign of Dakila, which aims to raise public awareness on Human Trafficking and empower advocates and citizens to become watchdogs in their own communities by driving them into action through grassroots involvement and amplified action through mainstream and digital media.

The Freedom Ride is open to the public and will start at the Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Taguig. Assembly is at 7:00 am and ride out is at 7:30 am. For more information, visit Dakila website. To get more updates from the organization, like and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Dakila press release

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Freedom Ride: Bike against trafficking

By TBO.COM | Staff Published: February 27, 2013 Updated: February 27, 2013 - 12:00 AM

March rarely roars in like a lion at Freedom Plaza, and if March goes out like a lamb, that's only the bleating of golfers out on the course, lamenting missed shots.

The month of March will, however, produce some very explicit sounds around the Freedom Plaza campus.

One of the newest March sounds is exactly that: the march music of John Phillip Sousa or some other rhythmic American music. Fulfilling a requirement to offer a program pertaining to steps in American history, a weekly walking group was formed. Residents step in time around the indoor walking track, exercising to the exhilarating tempos of our own, strictly American music.

Probably the most easily recognizable March sound at Freedom Plaza will be the yipping and yapping of canine conversation at the annual Yappy Hour cocktail party. This event, held on the lawn of Golf View Terrace, Freedom Plaza's townhouse section, has become increasingly popular. It provides the opportunity for the proud pooch owners of Freedom Plaza and those residing in the Sun City Center community to show off their pets as they socialize and enjoy refreshments.

While Yappy Hour, with its contests, entertainment and fun-for-all atmosphere, is a social event, it also serves as a fundraiser for CARE, a local shelter for homeless dogs and cats.

Another unmistakable March sound at Freedom Plaza, and worldwide, is that of Irish music. On St. Patrick's Day, the Freedom Singers will host a musical program that includes a singalong.

For details about Yappy Hour or the Irish Song Fest, which are open to the public, call (813) 633-1992. You will be directed to the proper information source.

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Freedom Plaza sounds off

Bruce Hathaway feat. Jehan - Freedom
Buy song: itunes.apple.com

By: Cuehits

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Bruce Hathaway feat. Jehan - Freedom - Video

TX Class Told To Call Terrorist "Freedom Fighters" During Lesson On Islam
TX Class Told To Call Terrorist "Freedom Fighters" During Lesson On Islam

By: Massteaparty

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TX Class Told To Call Terrorist "Freedom Fighters" During Lesson On Islam - Video

Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop claimed that every year tobacco kills more Americans than did World War II more than AIDS, cocaine, heroin, alcohol, car accidents, homicide and suicide combined. Making tobacco use the single most preventable cause of death in the United States.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 26, 2013

Freedom Laser Therapy has now invented a 10 day nicotine free and all natural at home quit smoking system. Now for $99.99 corporations can cost effectively implement a multi-faceted smoking cessation program to decrease the number of smokers at their companies. The new Freedom Quit Smoking System consists of the following support tools which were discovered and developed from years of experience assisting smokers how to break nicotine addiction.

1) A FDA regulated homeopathic oral spray with ingredients traditionally used to temporarily relieve cravings.

2) The wearable Freedom Relaxation Headset that utilizes LED technology and tranquil music

to stimulate acupressure points in the ears intended to soothe the users mind and body. Used for 12 minute sessions over a 10 day period.

3) Freedom Quit Smoking Therapy 45 minute audio CD helping to modify behavioral patterns associated with nicotine addiction.

4) Two proprietary antioxidants to support the bodys natural fight against toxins.

5) Freedom Aversion Therapy Wristband and stress ball.

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Smoking is responsible for one in every five American deaths. Tobacco causes more deaths in the United States than AIDS, alcohol abuse, automobile accidents, illegal drugs, fires, homicide, and suicide combined.

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Freedom Laser Therapy Develops Nationwide Employee Smoking Cessation Program for Companies Seeking to Reduce their ...

Wan Hilmi (loyarburok.com)

When a religious controversy arises, there will be a lot of hoo-ha among Malaysians no matter how unproductive it is to debate about it.

While Primer Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Cabinet members are trying so hard to promote unity through their 1 Malaysia concept, there is, arguably, zero tolerance among Malaysians when it comes to religious and/or racial issues despite the fact that we have been living together for more than 50 years. Does this show that the 1 Malaysia concept has failed to achieve its objective?

The most recent controversy is the usage of the word Allah in Bahasa Malaysia bibles. In my humble opinion, this so-called controversy is a non-issue provided you have fairness, justice, rationality and reasonableness in mind.

Despite the clear provision of Article 11 of the Federal Constitution which guarantees freedom of religion, there are still individuals and bodies acting against it, showing how childish and foolish some can be. The Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS), alongside with the Selangor Sultans decree, prohibited the use of the word Allah by all Christians.

There are also certain individuals who claim Allah to be a term exclusive to Muslims only. The Perak mufti stated: Do not continue challenging, insulting Islam. It is submitted that Christians should not be prohibited from using the word Allah in their Bahasa Malaysia version of the Bible because to do so would be limiting and restricting the right of Christians to manage and practise their own religion.

Just imagine if Muslims were a minority in Malaysia where they would be prohibited from calling the Azan using a loudspeaker, prohibited from performing Friday prayers as it causes traffic congestion would these prohibitions not be frustrating to Muslims, if they were to exist?

Freedom of religion, in my opinion, is not just about allowing any religion to be in existence. It also includes, but is not limited to, how religions are to be managed and practised by their respective followers. My argument is premised on two notions the constitutional point of view and the Islamic point of view.

From the constitutional point of view, it is absolutely clear that Article 11 of the Federal Constitution guarantees and protects freedom of religion. Article 11(1) states:

Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.

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Freedom of religion at stake in Malaysia

By BEN HENDERSON | Special correspondent Published: February 26, 2013 Updated: February 26, 2013 - 11:44 AM

Freedom high senior Sandra Akachukwa is usually pretty tired at the end of a track meet. While most athletes might participate in one or two events at a meet, Akachukwa is often competing in four events (the maximum allowed under FHSAA rules).

"I feel exhausted, but successful," Akachukwa said.

Successful might be an understatement. Akachukwa was an all-state performer last year in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, high jump and long jump. Her favorite event, the high jump, also happens to be her best event. She has a personal best of 5 feet, 8 inches and last year at the 4A state meet finished third in the event.

"In the high jump, you don't think of anything. You can just clear your mind," she said.

Her breakout performance was at the Hillsborough County championships last year. Akachukwa was first in the 200 and the high jump, and second in the 100 and the long jump. By herself she would have beaten 18 teams in the county with the 36 points she amassed.

Freedom head coach Dwight Smith and assistant coach Ryan McGee also knew Akachukwa could be a top performer. She ran track at Liberty Middle School, right next door to Freedom, where Smith saw her excel. Akachukwa then attended King High for two years, however, to be in their IB program. She transferred to Freedom before her junior year.

Still, even they were surprised with what she did at the county meet. McGee wasn't able to be at the county meet last year, but Smith was giving him updates.

"I kept calling (McGee) giving him updates and each time he was like 'No she didn't, ' "Smith said. "She went to a different level at that meet."

This could be a breakout year for the Freedom girls track team as a whole. Along with Akachukwa, who will be attending Western Kentucky next year on a track scholarship, Freedom will also have Faith Woodard, a transfer in from Riverview who just finished up her basketball season last week. Woodard won the high jump last year at the 4A state meet and was sixth in the 400-meter dash.

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Freedom Patriots girls track squad eyes team title

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Freedom Specialty Insurance Company named Keith Riccio vice president of Commercial Liability. Keith has 14 years' experience in the industry and began working with Freedom as associate vice president of Financial Institutions at the companys inception in January 2008.

Keith has been with Freedom since we first opened our doors, said Craig Landi, senior vice president of Freedom. He played a key role in growing the Financial Institutions area from $0 to more than $40 million. I look forward to seeing Keith utilize his talent and experience to benefit the Commercial Liability area.

I'm really looking forward to working with the experienced Commercial Liability team, Keith said. The team has successfully established Freedom in the market and we are well positioned to grow.

Keith began his insurance career while still in college when he interned with Chubb, which turned into a full-time position after graduation. Keith held various management positions with increasing levels of responsibility at AIG, Arch and Darwin Group before joining Freedom.

Keith earned his bachelors degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York.

About Freedom Specialty

Freedom Specialty Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Scottsdale Insurance Company, represents a wealth of experience in specialty liability insurance, and provides specialized expertise, dynamic problem-solving and decisive responsiveness to the needs of their clients. Backed by Nationwide Insurance and an A.M. Best A+XV rating, the companys financial strength and stability allows it to serve as a vanguard in specialty liability lines.

Visit http://www.freedomspecialtyins.com to learn more, or call Craig Landi at 212-329-6901.

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Freedom Specialty Insurance Company Named Keith Riccio to VP of Commercial Liability

vlc record 2013 02 25 13h06m06s toppyard freedom avi
nana b live @ cape coast.Track:FREEDOM in de album Situation

By: nana kweku Mensa

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vlc record 2013 02 25 13h06m06s toppyard freedom avi - Video