Smart Communications recently released what could be their best plan outing of the year: The Smart Freedom Postpaid Plan.

The Smart Freedom Postpaid Plan is the first real postpaid plan that requires no contract. Applying for it is basically walking inside a Smart center and presenting a valid ID. It's that easy.

Applying for the services offered in the Freedom Plan is also as easy. No need for complicated keyword texts or numerous key entries. Just simply text the keyword of your selected service to 9990 (e.g. COMBO400 to 9990)

The following are the services offered in the Smart Freedom Postpaid Plan:

(Related: Globe *143# IMMORTALTXT Promo)

CALL

The Smart Freedom Postpaid Plan now also offers a 10% rebate on your first six months on the plan.

In my personal opinion, the Smart Freedom Postpaid Plans rolls off from the former network leveraging the recently acquired resources from Sun. And although nothing is really revolutionary here, the services are note-worthy. This is their answer to Globe Telecom's *143#.

For more details about the Smart Freedom Postpaid Plan and its pricing and registration, click HERE.

See the original post:

Smart Freedom Postpaid Plan Services, Prices, and Registration

The United States warned the world was sliding backwards on religious freedoms, slamming China for cracking down on Tibetan Buddhists and hitting out at Pakistan and Afghanistan.

View post:

US hits out at Asian nations over religious freedom

The United States’ annual report on global religious freedom took aim at repression in China, North Korea and Myanmar, and China said the report was “full of prejudice, arrogance and ignorance.”

More here:

IHT Rendezvous: China Assails U.S. 'Arrogance' in Report on Religious Freedom

China said Tuesday that a U.S. report describing repression of religion in China and elsewhere is a political tool based on groundless accusations that displays Washington's arrogance and ignorance.

The annual State Department report released Monday highlighted what it said was a lack of religious freedom in China as well as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and North Korea.

It said there had been "a marked deterioration during 2011 in the government's respect for and protection of religious freedom" in China, and that there was "severe" repression of religious freedom in Tibetan areas and the far western region of Xinjiang, home to a significant number of Muslims.

Tibetan areas of China have seen a surge in self-immolations since 2011, and the report said that tightened restrictions on Buddhist worship contributed to at least 12 of them last year.

The Chinese response came in a commentary published by the official Xinhua News Agency, which said the report was "continuing a notorious practice of blatantly interfering in the internal affairs of other countries."

"The annual report, largely based on unconfirmed media reports and groundless allegations from outlawed groups and organizations with ulterior motives, is nothing but a political tool used by the U.S. government to exert pressure on other countries, mostly deemed as its rivals," it said.

Xinhua said the U.S. was imposing its own standard on religious policies regardless of historic or cultural differences, saying the report was "full of prejudice, arrogance and ignorance."

It said religious freedoms were protected under China's constitution, saying only a few from banned "cults" and illegal "extremist religious organizations" aimed at splitting apart the country were punished.

Xinhua said the self-immolations were politically motivated, and part of a "scheme" by supporters of the exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama, whom China accuses of trying to separate Tibet from China.

The State Department said the Chinese government harassed, arrested or sentenced to prison a number of people for activities reported to be related to their religious practice.

Continued here:

China Criticizes US Report on Religious Freedom

With religious freedom in a state of decline in many parts of the world, the United States will pay particular attention to countries in political transition, like Egypt and other participants in the Arab awakening, to see that they do not follow a worrisome trend.

See the original post:

Religious freedom report: World is sliding backwards, Clinton says

The U.S. is criticizing allies Afghanistan and Pakistan for poorly defending religious freedom.

See the original post here:

US: Religious freedom low in Afghanistan, Pakistan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Religious freedom in Egypt appears to be "quite tenuous" and its government has failed to aggressively prosecute perpetrators of sectarian violence, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Monday. Clinton made the comment as the State Department released a report that found a marked deterioration in religious freedom in China, where official interference with ...

Read more from the original source:

Religious freedom in Egypt "quite tenuous": Clinton

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.

Read more here:

Freedom Air needs $600K loan to stay afloat

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.

Discuss this story on the Frontier League message board... Digg this story Add to Del.icio.us

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.

Read more from the original source:

Freedom Sweep Doublheader against Wild Things

JERUSALEM—Mitt Romney has said repeatedly he won't criticize President Barack Obama on foreign soil. But the presumptive Republican nominee got in a dig at his Democratic rival ahead of his arrival here, telling the Israel Hayom newspaper that the Middle East is in turmoil because Obama "abandoned the freedom agenda" pursued by former President George [...]

Read the original here:

Romney: Obama ‘abandoned’ Bush’s freedom agenda

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.

Read the original post:

Sweet freedom at last …

Those of us who research and teach entrepreneurship understand the strong direct link between freedom and entrepreneurship.  There is a strong, positive correlation between the amount of  freedom we enjoy from our nation-state and entrepreneurship and prosperity.  Freedom and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.  With freedom, entrepreneurship will flourish.  Without freedom, entrepreneurship can?t ...

Follow this link:

Honor, Freedom, and Entrepreneurship

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

More:

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)

More:

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.

The rest is here:

Freedom Summer: Art, Food and Performance at Raices Taller

Tony Blair's attack on freedom of information (FOI) laws was humiliatingly slapped down today by an influential committee of MPs.

Read more from the original source:

Blair slapped down for freedom of information attack

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.

Read this article:

McCartney found freedom in Scotland

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Excerpt from:

Freedom's sale of Register complete

Richmond, Va. --

Construction on the First Freedom Center complex, a combined hotel and educational center on one of the most significant historical sites in downtown, is expected to begin early next year.

The complex, which won Richmond City Council approval Monday night, is a joint project of First Freedom Center and Richmond-based hotel owner and operator Apple REIT Cos.

The six-story project on East Cary and 14th streets includes two hotels and an education center on the site where the Virginia General Assembly passed Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786.

The statute was a cornerstone of the First Amendment to the Constitution.

"Jefferson did this on this piece of ground, and from here it has radiated out across the country and around the whole world," said Randolph Bell, the center's president.

"We want the center to be a manifestation of that unique Richmond linkage to the world through this ideal."

When completed, the center will house permanent and traveling exhibits as well an auditorium and meeting space. First Freedom's mission is to advance freedom of religion and freedom of conscience.

Apple REIT, a real estate investment trust focused on ownership of upscale, extended-stay and select-service hotels across the country, will build a 135-room Courtyard by Marriott and a 75-room Residence Inn by Marriott at the center.

The hotel space will include a religious freedom library "and other features responding to the educational mission of the overall complex."

See the original post:

Two hotels to be part of First Freedom Center in Shockoe Slip

People News

Jul 25, 2012, 15:02 GMT

Paul and Linda McCartney in Scotland

Sir Paul McCartney found freedom when he moved to Scotland in 1971.

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.

Here is the original post:

Sir Paul McCartney found freedom in Scotland