IRVINE, Calif., June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Freedom Innovations, LLC, today announced that its Plie 2.0 MPC Knee has been selected as winnerof the Health & Medical Technologies category for the TechAmerica Foundation's American Technology Awards, the only national "Best Of" awards that recognize products and services across the technology industry. Nominations for The American Technology Award "The Termans" were vetted by industry experts and TechAmerica Foundation leadership. These awards were named after Frederick Terman, who is widely credited as being the father of Silicon Valley.

The Plie 2.0 MPC Knee is the most responsive microprocessor-controlled knee available for lower-limb amputees. To provide individuals with a more natural experience of mobility, Freedom Innovations examined biological norms to establish performance criteria for the Plie 2.0. By integrating high-performance microprocessors and sophisticated algorithms, the Plie 2.0 responds to ambulatory stimuli within 10 milliseconds- or 10 times faster than the blink of an eye. Consequently, Plie 2.0 facilitates a fluid and natural gait, providing users excellent stability and safety from debilitating falls.

"We are very pleased to have our technology recognized with such a distinguished award," stated Maynard Carkhuff, President and CEO of Freedom Innovations. "The Plie 2.0 knee represents the culmination of years of work and investment into the technology. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to improving the standard of care for wounded warriors and civilian amputees."

"The quality of nominees for this year's Termans is a clear indication of the vibrancy of the American technology industry and we are thrilled to be able to recognize Freedom Innovations for their contribution to the industry and their outstanding achievement," said Jennifer Kerber, President of the TechAmerica Foundation.

The Plie 2.0 MPC Knee with microprocessor-controlled swing and stance features advanced stumble recovery capabilities, interchangeable batteries and a water resistant design making it more natural by design. Visit http://www.freedom-innovations.com/knees/to learn more.

The Termans were presented at a gala dinner in Washington, D.C. bringing hundreds of technology industry, congressional, and government leaders together at one venue to celebrate the partnership between industry and government. The evening featured keynote addresses from Richard Spires, the CIO at the Department of Homeland Security and the Government Technology Executive of the Year recipient, and Juniper Networks' CEO Kevin Johnson, who received the American Technology Awards Corporate Leadership Award.

To learn more about the awards visit the TechAmerica Foundation website.

About Freedom Innovations Freedom Innovations, LLC designs, manufactures, and markets advanced technology prosthetic devices that provide people with physical challenges the ability to reach their full potential. Based in Irvine, California, Freedom Innovations' lower-limb prosthetics, including industry-leading brands such as the Plie 2.0 MPC Knee and the Renegade Prosthetic Foot, are distributed in 41 countries around the world. For more information, visit http://www.freedom-innovations.com

Originally posted here:

Freedom Innovations Wins the American Technology Award for Health & Medical Technologies

June 14, 2012 - Frontier League (FL) Florence Freedom FLORENCE, KY - The Florence Freedom stretched their win streak to five games as they began a three game series with the Washington Wild Things with an 8-4 victory.

RHP Sean Gregory made his 5th start of the season and earned his second win of the year, as he went seven innings, allowing four runs on seven hits with four strikeouts. His counterpart, Washington's RHP Casey Barnes, was handed his second loss of the year by giving up seven runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings.

Unlike what the Freedom have seen the past few ballgames, the opposition took an early lead as the Wild Things scored four times off Gregory in the first two innings, including three runs off four hits in the 1st. The Freedom did not score or record a hit until the 3rd, when SS Junior Arrojo was hit by his 6th pitch of the year, and later scored on a 3B Chris Curley single.

Florence cut their deficit down to one in the 4th inning when C Jim Jacquot scored on a double by RF Peter Fatse, who also came around to score on a LF Ryan Skellie groundout. It was not until the 6th inning, however, that Florence took the lead with a two-run homer by Skellie, his first long ball as a professional. Malloy also launched a two-run shot later in the inning to make the score 7-4.

After a rough start, Gregory settled down nicely and allowed just one hit after the 2nd inning, including sitting Washington down in order in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th innings. In the bottom of the 7th, the Freedom added to their lead as Curley hit his 7th homer of the year off RHP Alan Gatz, a solo home run to left center field.

RHP Brandon Mathes came in for relief and pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th, while allowing one hit with three strikeouts. With the victory, the Freedom are now 12-4 at the Home of the Florence Freedom.

Florence looks to increase their winning streak to six games tomorrow at 7:05, as RHP Alec Lewis (2-2) will go head-to-head with Washington's RHP Gary Lee (1-2) at the Home of the Florence Freedom.

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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 Continue to Win, Beat Washington in Series Opener

UC Davis faculty leaders have declared that medical school administrators there violated the academic freedom of a professor who published a 2010 opinion article criticizing a campus event promoting prostate cancer screening.

In a unanimous vote, the faculty Senate's Representative Assembly admonished administrators for threatening cuts in title and funding and possible legal action against medical professor Michael Wilkes after his piece appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle. The faculty governing panel last week also called for medical school leaders to apologize and "take concrete steps to prevent future violations of rights of academic freedom."

Although disciplinary action was not carried out against Wilkes, raising that possibility violated his rights, according to microbiologist Linda Bisson, who chairs the UC Davis faculty Senate. "It's not a gray area or even a little cloudy. This is a textbook example of what is protected in academic freedom," Bisson said Wednesday.

The next step is up to campus Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph Hexter, who in consultation with Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi is expected to decide by fall whether to impose any discipline on the medical school executives, campus officials said.

In their co-written newspaper article, Wilkes and USC emergency medicine professor Jerome Hoffman wrote about research showing that PSA blood tests for prostate cancer may lead to unnecessary treatments that cause negative side effects. They suggested that a UC Davis public seminar that promoted such screening "just might have to do with money" and that doctors involved could have a conflict of interest.

In an email soon after, the medical school's executive associate dean stated that Wilkes might be removed from his post as director of global health and from some training responsibilities, according to a recent report by a faculty committee. Then, a campus health center attorney wrote to Wilkes about what he alleged were factual mistakes in the article that hurt UC's reputation and were "potentially actionable under the law of defamation."

In an telephone interview Wednesday, Wilkes said he regretted some of the "edgier" language in his article and wished the matter could have been resolved long before it came to a formal investigation.

"All I want is an apology and a road map to show that, if this happens against other faculty, there are ways to deal with this that do not involve intimidation. And that they rely on the foundation of academics, which is debate and discussion," said Wilkes, a prostate cancer expert who moved from UCLA to UC Davis eight years ago.

Administrators contended that discussions about Wilkes' job titles were not related to the article and resulted from previous performance reviews. The campus attorney said the letter about defamation was not meant as a threat but just "a statement of fact," the faculty report said.

Two medical school leaders involved said in an email Wednesday that it would be inappropriate to comment in detail on the issue, which was previously reported by the online publication Inside Higher Ed.

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Professor's academic freedom was violated, UC Davis faculty leaders say

The nation's Roman Catholic bishops on Wednesday promised steadfast opposition to President Barack Obama's mandate that birth control be covered by health insurance, saying it is one of many threats to religious freedom in government.

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Bishops press religious-freedom fight with gov't

By Kate Andersen Brower and Matt Bok - 2012-06-14T04:01:09Z

Israeli President Shimon Peres was awarded the U.S. Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, who praised his guest at a White House dinner for his extraordinary service.

In him we see the essence of Israel itself: an indomitable spirit that will not be denied, the president said last night in honoring Peres, 88, who has served in the Israeli government since 1952. Obama also said that the security of Israel is non-negotiable.

The issue of convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard, who was arrested in Washington in 1985, is expected to come up during closed-door sessions between Peres and Obama. Last week, Peres said he would request Pollards release when he meets with Obama, the Jerusalem Post reported on June 5.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the U.S. on April 8 to free Pollard, who was sentenced to life in prison for passing classified information to Israel. Netanyahu cited reports that Pollards health has deteriorated.

White House press secretary Jay Carney said yesterday the U.S. probably wouldnt change its position on Pollard, and there was no mention of the matter at last nights ceremony.

In accepting his award, Peres called for a Palestinian state alongside Israel and praised young Arabs for seeking freedom and for standing up against oppression, poverty and corruption.

Though just 2 percent of the U.S. population identify their religion as Jewish, according to the Gallup poll, they were a critical part of Obamas 2008 base.

Obama won in 2008 with 78 percent support from Jewish voters, according to national exit polls. Republicans dont expect to win over the community outright in 2012. They want to win enough Jewish Democrats and independents to change the outcome in some swing states.

Obama has been losing support among Jewish voters, according to a Gallup survey. Obama has 64 percent support from Jewish voters compared to 29 percent for Republican challenger Romney. In an October and November 2008 survey, Obama had 74 percent support from Jewish voters, 10 percentage points more than he has today. The survey polled 576 registered Jewish voters between April 11 and June 5 and has a five-point error margin.

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Obama Awards Peres Medal of Freedom at White House Dinner

President Barack Obama presented Israeli President Shimon Peres with the Medal of Freedom on Wednesday, calling him the essence of Israel itself and a man who earned his place in history long ago.

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Obama gives Medal of Freedom to Israel's Peres

Dehradun, June 14 (ANI): Minister of State for Home Affairs Jitendra Singh on Thursday said the Union Home Ministry has taken number of steps to ensure transparency and fairness in processing the cases of pension and other facilities to the freedom fighters or their dependents.

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Freedom fighters pension to be speedily processed

Organizers proud to announce Gary Johnson as their keynote Speaker for opening night

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Freedom Festival 2012 to offer World Class Performers and Speakers

MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Former Freedom Rider Joan Mulholland, a Virginia native who dropped out of college to join the Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960's, paid a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum to take a look back at part of her history.

"This is awesome," Mulholland said while sitting at the lunch counter depicting her sit-in at the Woolworth in Jackson, Mississippi on May 28, 1963. She told abc24.com that sit-in "was pretty hairy."

Mulholland said when she made the decision to leave Duke University and join the fight against segregation, her family didn't like it. "Mother didn't take to this very well. She was from rural Georgia and a product of her environment," she said.

While thinking back to her trip and subsequent arrest in Jackson for being a part of the Freedom Riders, Mulholland shared her most vivid memory of that experience.

"I stepped out the paddy wagon as a Freedom Rider in Jackson, Mississippi, the police reached out to help me down but then it suddenly hit him, 'she's the outside agitator,' and he jerked back."

She said she joined the movement because her Christian faith told her that was the right thing to do and segregation had to end.

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Freedom Rider Joan Mulholland Visits Civil Rights Museum

Malek Jandali, born in Germany to Syrian parents in 1972, is an award-winning prolific composer and pianist. For the first time in his career, Jandali will be performing in the historic Cadogan Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London on June 19. Jandalis musical career began in 1988 after winning the first prize at the National Young Artists competition followed by the 1997 Outstanding Musical Performer Award in the United States. Jandali is the first Arab musician to arrange the oldest music notation in the world, which was featured in his 2008 album Echoes from Ugarit. He was the recipient of the 2011 Freedom of Expression award in Los Angeles for his song Watani Ana I am my Homeland, as well as his activism in the Arab Spring movement for human rights and democracy. In 2012, he was recognized in New York City with the Arab-American Cultural Achievement Award. Jandali shares his passion for his homeland and the inspiration of his latest album "Emessa", which includes original compositions recorded with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra.

What has been the reaction regionally and internationally to Freedom Qashoush Symphony? Art is about beauty, truth and freedom. The role of an artist is to be the true voice of the people and mirror the reality on the ground. I composed Freedom to support all people, anytime, anywhere, in their noble, peaceful quest for liberty and human rights. The reaction was amazing both here in the US and back home in Syria and throughout the Arab world. The music was a bridge between the Arab Spring movement and the world in an attempt to tell the story of a true Syrian artist Ibrahim Qashoush who was murdered during the peaceful demonstrations of the Syrian revolution.

What is the message of your music? The message of my music is universal and my role as an artist is to spread the message of peace, harmony and love through music. I have the responsibility to ensure that the voice of the people is being heard, and is not tainted with fear or oppression.

Which Philharmonic orchestra would you most desire to play your music with? As you know, I recorded both Emessa and Echoes from Ugarit with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra in Moscow. Performing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is wonderful. I dream to perform my music with a world class Philharmonic orchestra, which we still lack in the Arab world but the Vienna Philharmonic is definitely on the top of my list.

Your song Watani Ana brought great trauma to your family. Do you think Syria can achieve the freedom and peace your song speaks off? Every day, the brave people in Syria are faced with atrocities and crimes that are much more vicious than the attack on my parents. The kidnapping, torture and murders of thousands of innocent civilians, including women, children and even babies is nothing short of crimes against humanity. The first peace treaty in human history was recorded in Homs, Syria at the battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC when the Syrian people chose love and peace over hatred and war. Today, this free spirit of love and freedom is alive again after thousands of years. All Syrians regardless of their religion, ethnic background or race are marching for freedom similar to what the American people and the French people did when they demanded their beautiful freedom that they are enjoying today. The time has come for the Syrian people and we are paying a very high price. The people in Syria know that freedom is never free but the beat of freedom is unstoppable and the voice of the people will never be silenced again.

Your elderly parents were forced to flee Syria. How do your parents feel about the song now? My beloved parents loved the song prior to my release date on April 17 the Independence Day of Syria. Today, after the brutal attack by the Syrian government security forces, they dont just love it but they adore it. My courageous mother and wise father told me that this assault is worth at least one song of yours so keep going son. This was a source of both motivation and inspiration from the two most important people in my life.

Why do you think your song scared the Syrian government so much? This regime has proven to the world that it is incapable of true, meaningful dialogue and reform, and is prepared to eradicate any semblance of opposition, even peaceful demonstrations. When this regime realized that they could not stop the universal message of peace and humanity, they resorted to actual violence against my family and murdered over 3,000 innocent Syrian.

What impact do you think your song has had, both here and in Syria? The Syrian people have taught me, and the world, lessons in courage especially those who have sacrificed their lives while chanting for freedom and dignity. I hope that my five-minute song provided them some comfort and support. I believe that this simple song helped in building a musical bridge between the Arab Spring peaceful revolution and the American people who are now more aware of the atrocities committed by the Assad regime against innocent Syrians.

You are one of very few composers/musicians speaking out against Assads regime. Why is that the case? In Syria, all artists are limited in one way or another. The government controls all aspects of the arts and media, and therefore we lack true, free artistic expression. This strategy restricts the advancement of artists and results in hollow, fictitious art. In short, when there is no freedom, there is no true art. This brutal regime also controls people abroad through intimidation and illegal tactics by a staff of Syrian embassies from Washington, DC to London.

What is next for you? My journey will continue in my upcoming album Emessa (the Roman name of the city of Homs), which will reflect the historical events of the peaceful Syrian revolution. I just came back from Moscow after recording my new album with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra. I will dedicate this album to the Syrian people, especially in Homs since the highest number of martyrs, so far have been from this city of peace.

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Truth, freedom and classical music

Freedom Communications,whichearlier this month announced the pending sale of The Free Press and its other properties in North Carolina and Florida, plans to sell its flagship newspaper and remaining properties to a Massachusetts company, it was announced Monday.

What remains of the Irvine, Calif.-based company, owners of The Free Press since 1973, will now become part of 2100 Trust, LLC, in a merger with a subsidiary of 2100 Trust, according to a news release from Freedom.

The stock-only deal includes the Freedom flagship newspaper, the Orange CountyRegister, and the companys second-largest newspaper, the Colorado Springs, (Colo.) Gazette. Five other newspapers in California and Arizona are also included: The Barstow Desert Dispatch; Marysville Appeal-Democrat; Porterville Record, Victorville Daily Press; and The Sun in Yuma, Ariz.

The sale of its 21 North Carolina and Florida papers to Halifax Media Holdings, based in Daytona Beach, Fla.,is expected to close within the month. Prior to that announcement, Freedom had sold in separate deals its television stations and its newspapers in New Mexico, Texas and, as a package, in Ohio, Illinois and Missouri.

Terms of the agreement with 2100 Trust were not released. The transaction is expected to close within 30 days, company officials said.

All current Freedom employees at the operating locations will transition to the new ownership, said Mitchell Stern, Freedoms chief executive officer.

While providing the value that our shareholders have sought, this transaction also ensures Freedoms communities that our newspapers serve will continue to receive the outstanding service that has been our hallmark, Stern said. Our employees will be able to continue the community journalism at which they so excel.

The agreement marks the end of Freedom Communications. R.C. Hoiles founded Freedom after acquiring what was then the Santa Ana Register in 1935. The company eventually grew to be one of the largest media companies in the country with 100 daily and weekly newspapers, numerous news websites and specialty publications and eight broadcast stations.

Its holdings in North Carolina grew to include, in addition to The Free Press, the Gazette in Gastonia, the Star in Shelby, the Times-News in Burlington, the Sun Journal in New Bern, the Daily News in Jacksonville and several weekies, including the Jones Post.

Continued here:

Freedom deals away its remaining properties

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating in star-spangled style, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is unfurling its "Fourth of July Freedom Fest," a four-day event with free concerts, fireworks, all-American fare and poolside fun, with vacation packages benefitting military families, June 30- July 3, 2012.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120514/LA06971)

Each night of the fest, revelers celebrate with live music under the stars, patriotic salutes and fireworks finales:

To honor the military, the concerts begin with a Presentation of the Colors, a flyover and a drop-in from inspirational sky diver Dana Bowman, a retired member of the U.S. Army's elite parachute team, the Golden Knights, who lost both of his legs in a sky diving accident in 1994.

Throughout the fest, the 5th Hole of the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course becomes "Freedom Hill" where Apache and Black Hawk helicopters land and guests can get up-close to the aircraft and meet the pilots. Around the resort, guests can check-out the rock-climbing wall, pedal go-carts, Humvees and boot camp exercise classes at Willow Stream Spa.

Like any great summer day, poolside is the place to be. At Sonoran Splash, families have a ball with 200-foot waterslides, poolside barbecues, red, white and blue frozen drinks, glitter tattoos, water balloon tosses, watermelon eating contests and Uncle Sam on stilts. At night, the new Techno Waterslide After Dark lights up with fog, lasers, colored lights and disco music. Nearby, families float and watch a Dive-In movie, nightly during the Fest. The Techno Waterslide and Dive-In movies are offered Friday and Saturday night weekends, with fireworks every Saturday night, through Labor Day.

Room rates during $179 per night, which includes a daily $50 resort credit toward spa, dining, tennis or Bobcat Billy's Clubhouse. The package includes the concerts, fireworks and any complimentary resort activities.

A portion from every Freedom Fest vacation package benefits military organizations such as the USO, the Arizona National Guard Emergency Relief Fund and Friends of Freedom, a local non-profit assisting military families.

For reservations, dial (480) 585-4848, toll-free at (866) 540-4495 or visit http://www.scottsdaleprincess.com. The resort is located at 7575 East Princess Drive in Scottsdale, Ariz.

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Star-spangled Spectacular: '4th of July Freedom Fest' at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

In a heated conference call with dozens of Tea Party supporters throughout the state late Sunday, Florida's disparate Tea Party groups debated whether or not to endorse Republican Connie Mack in the Florida U.S. Senate primary.

The call, organized by Freedom Works, the conservative non-profit based in Washington, D.C., became very heated as several tea party backers urged the group to stay out of the primary while the Freedom Works supporters wanted to endorse Mack of Cape Coral, said Henry Kelley, chairmanof the Fort Walton Beach Tea Party.

"The general consensus was not whether we should back Mack or LeMieux but why are we moving into the middle of a primary,'' Kelley told the Herald/Times. He said he supports LeMieux, in part because of Mack's refusal to debate,but expects most Tea Party members to support the Republican nominee. "Why would you jump in when there are only 60 days left?"

Documents written by Easton Randall of the Freedom Works Foundation show that the organization prefers Mack over LeMieux because of his voting record and his "penny plan" to cut federal spending 1 percent a year. Download Tea Party Florida_Senate_Race_BriefDownload Tea Party Mack Florida_6-10

To confuse matters further, Mack has been endorsed by the Tea Party of Florida, the Orlando-based third party group started by activist Doug Guetzloe but which isnot supported by othergrassroots tea party activists around the state.

"That group was anathema to tea party groups throughout the state,'' said Tim Curtis, chairman of the Tampa 912 Project and a local tea party organizer.

He said thatmanygrassroots groups opposed to endorsing a candidate because it woud violate their tax exempt status under theIRS status while others do not believe that a single endorsement can represent their diverseviews.

"We are not monolithic,'' said Curtis, who is a registered Democrat. "There is a great, hugh, gynormous diversity of opinion within the tea party groups and 912 groups throughout the state...,We have shared principles values views and vision of the nation and upon those tings we do speak with one voice."

Freedom Works isthe conservative non-profit advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. that was founded by former conservative congressmanDick Armey. Its affliate, the Tea Party Express, is finishing a two-month bus tour of the nation in Florida this week. It held a rally in Tallahassee on Sunday attended by Gov. Rick Scott.

Link:

Freedom Works pushing tea party groups to endorse Mack

Raymond Cyrus "R.C." Hoiles bought The Orange County Register in 1935 and made it the flagship of what was to become Irvine-based Freedom Communications Inc., once the 12th largest media company in the country with more than 100 papers. The Hoiles family, however, lost its financial interest in the company in April 2010 after Freedom emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The company has gone through dramatic change in the two years since then:

Sept. 1, 2009: Freedom Communications Inc. files for bankruptcy reorganization.

April 30, 2010: Freedom emerges from bankruptcy. A group of investors and banks take control of the company.

June 29, 2010: Mitch Stern, a former Fox television executive, is named Freedom chief executive officer.

Oct. 3, 2011: Michael Henry, Register general manager, is named interim publisher succeeding Terry Horne, who retired.

Nov. 2, 2011: Freedom announces the sale of its eight television stations to Sinclair Broadcast Group for $385 million. The sale left Freedom free of the $325 million in debt it had when it emerged from bankruptcy.

Jan. 12, 2012: Freedom announces the sale of The Tribune in Seymour, Ind. to Indiana-based Home News Enterprises LLC. Terms were not disclosed.

Jan. 31, 2012: Freedom announces the sale of the News Journal in Clovis, N.M. to Clovis Media News. Terms were not disclosed.

April 2, 2012: The sale of Freedom's television stations to Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. closes.

April 17, 2012: Register editor Ken Brusic also takes on the title of interim publisher, succeeding Michael Henry, who left to become chief financial officer of The Denver Post.

Continued here:

Freedom since bankruptcy

For people living in countries where the the government monitors and censors the Internet, help is on the way.

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Online freedom: an app for that is coming

IRVINE, CA, June 11, 2012 Freedom Communications Holdings, Inc. announced today that it has agreed to be acquired by 2100 Trust, LLC in a merger with a subsidiary of 2100 Trust.

At the time the transaction closes, Freedoms businesses will consist of its flagship Orange County Register, the Barstow, CA Desert Dispatch, The Gazette in Colorado Springs, CO, the Marysville, CA Appeal-Democrat, The Porterville Record in Porterville, CA, the Victorville, CA Daily Press and The Yuma Sun in Yuma, AZ and their associated non-daily publications along with specialty publications and digital properties. The Company had previously announced sales of its other newspaper assets and broadcast properties, which sales have closed or are expected to close within the next few weeks.

It is expected that the transaction, the value of which was not disclosed, will be completed in about 30 days. All current Freedom employees at the operating locations will transition to the new ownership, said Mitchell Stern, Freedoms Chief Executive officer.

While providing the value that our shareholders have sought, this transaction also ensures Freedoms communities that our newspapers serve will continue to receive the outstanding service that has been our hallmark, Stern said. Our employees will be able to continue the community journalism at which they so excel.

The new owners have a long-standing interest in community journalism and understand the critical role that newspapers, despite all the changes of recent years, continue to play in providing the information that people need and cant find anywhere else, said Mark McEachen, Freedoms Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

R. C. Hoiles founded Freedom after acquiring what was then the Santa Ana Register in 1935. The company eventually grew to be one of the largest media companies in the country with 100 daily and weekly newspapers, numerous news websites and specialty publications and eight broadcast stations.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the opportunity to lead the hard-working and talented employees of Freedom Communications in serving these communities. We believe that newspapers are essential to the fabric of our lives and are excited to own and grow these unique institutions," said Aaron Kushner, 2100 Trust's Chief Executive Officer.

About Freedom Communications

Freedom Communications Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Irvine, CA, is a national privately owned information and entertainment company of print publications and interactive businesses. The Companys print portfolio includes approximately 100 publications, including 20 daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, plus ancillary magazines and other specialty publications. The Companys news, information and entertainment websites and mobile applications complement its print properties. For more information, visit http://www.freedom.com.

About 2100 Trust, LLC

The rest is here:

Freedom Communications to be acquired

IRVINE Freedom Communications Holdings, Inc. announced today that it has agreed to be acquired by 2100 Trust, LLC in a merger with a subsidiary of 2100 Trust.

At the time the transaction closes, Freedoms businesses will consist of its flagship Orange County Register, The Porterville Recorder in Porterville, CA, the Barstow, CA Desert Dispatch, The Gazette in Colorado Springs, CO, the Marysville, CA Appeal-Democrat, the Victorville, CA Daily Press and The Sun in Yuma, AZ and their associated non-daily publications along with specialty publications and digital properties. The Company had previously announced sales of its other newspaper assets and broadcast properties, which sales have closed or are expected to close within the next few weeks.

It is expected that the transaction, the value of which was not disclosed, will be completed in about 30 days. All current Freedom employees at the operating locations will transition to the new ownership, said Mitchell Stern, Freedoms Chief Executive officer.

While providing the value that our shareholders have sought, this transaction also ensures Freedoms communities that our newspapers serve will continue to receive the outstanding service that has been our hallmark, Stern said. Our employees will be able to continue the community journalism at which they so excel.

The new owners have a long-standing interest in community journalism and understand the critical role that newspapers, despite all the changes of recent years, continue to play in providing the information that people need and cant find anywhere else, said Mark McEachen, Freedoms Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

R. C. Hoiles founded Freedom after acquiring what was then the Santa Ana Register in 1935. The company eventually grew to be one of the largest media companies in the country with 100 daily and weekly newspapers, numerous news websites and specialty publications and eight broadcast stations.

The Porterville Recorder was acquired by Freedom Communications in 1974 and over the past 38 years weve continued to grow by knowing our customers exceeding well, said Recorder publisher Paula Patton. Knowing what is important to them; being recognized as an active, involved and caring member of the community; and being the indispensable source of local news and information delivered over multi-platforms has always been and will continue to be our goal as we move forward.

We couldnt be more pleased with the opportunity to lead the hard-working and talented employees of Freedom Communications in serving these communities. We believe that newspapers are essential to the fabric of our lives and are excited to own and grow these unique institutions, said Aaron Kushner, 2100 Trusts Chief Executive Officer.

About Freedom Communications

Freedom Communications Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Irvine, CA, is a national privately owned information and entertainment company of print publications and interactive businesses. The Companys print portfolio includes approximately 100 publications, including 20 daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, plus ancillary magazines and other specialty publications. The Companys news, information and entertainment websites and mobile applications complement its print properties. For more information, visit http://www.freedom.com.

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Freedom Communications to be Acquired by 2100 Trust

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire -06/11/12)- Monday, June 11 is Tax Freedom Day, the day Canadians have finally earned enough money to pay all the taxes they owe to all levels of government for the year, according to the Fraser Institute's annual calculations.

Tax Freedom Day arrives one day later than in 2011, when it fell on June 10.

"This underscores a worrying trend across the country of governments increasing taxes," said Charles Lammam, Fraser Institute associate director of tax and budget policy and co-author of Canadians Celebrate Tax Freedom Day on June 11, 2012.

Despite tax increases, the report notes that Tax Freedom Day would have come 12 days later this year if, instead of running deficits, governments covered their current spending with even greater tax increases.

"We need to remember that the budget deficits incurred by Ottawa and the provinces must one day be paid for by taxes and could mean a later Tax Freedom Day in the future."

Tax Freedom Day is an easy-to-understand measure of the total tax burden imposed on Canadian families by federal, provincial, and local governments. If Canadians were required to pay all taxes up front, they would have to give governments each and every dollar they earned prior to Tax Freedom Day.

To celebrate Tax Freedom Day and bring attention to the array of taxes Canadians pay, the Fraser Institute produced a satirical R&B song and music video (watch it on YouTube or at http://www.fraserinstitute.org). Canadians can also calculate their personal Tax Freedom Day using the Fraser Institute's Personal Tax Freedom Day Calculator.

A later Tax Freedom Day

The federal government and several provinces increased taxes in 2012, which contributed to the later Tax Freedom Day. For example, the federal government increased Employment Insurance (EI) premiums; Quebec increased its provincial sales tax, health tax, and gas and mining taxes; British Columbia raised its health tax; New Brunswick increased its financial corporation capital tax and property transfer tax; Manitoba raised tobacco taxes, gas taxes, and its financial corporate capital tax, in addition to expanding the list of items covered by its provincial sales tax; and Ontario introduced a new tax bracket for high-income earners and canceled a scheduled decrease in the general corporate tax rate.

Tax Freedom Day also arrives later in 2012 because Canada's economy is improving. When the economy recovers from a recession and incomes increase, a family's tax burden also tends to increase because of Canada's progressive tax system, which imposes higher taxes as Canadians earn more money. Household consumption also rises, which results in an increase in the amount of sales and other consumption taxes families pay.

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The Fraser Institute: Tax Freedom Day is June 11, One Day Later Than Last Year as Canadians Work Longer to Pay Taxes

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - June 11, 2012) - Tax Freedom Day falls on Sunday, June 17 in Quebec, four days later than in 2011, according to the Fraser Institute's annual Tax Freedom Day calculations.

"The provincial government's decision to hike the QST to 9.5 per cent from 8.5 per cent is one of the main reasons for the later arrival of Tax Freedom Day this year," said Filip Palda, Fraser Institute senior fellow and professor at the Ecole nationale d'administration publique.

"As a result of the tax hike, the average Quebec family will pay $491 more in sales taxes in 2012. Had the government not raised the QST, Tax Freedom Day would have fallen two days earlier, on June 15 rather than June 17."

Quebec celebrates the second latest Tax Freedom Day among all Canadian provinces, ahead of only Newfoundland and Labrador. The complete report is available at http://www.fraserinstitute.org.

On Tax Freedom Day, the average Quebec family has earned enough money to pay the taxes imposed on it by all levels of government over the course of the year. If Quebecers were required to pay all of their taxes up front, they would have to pay governments each and every dollar they earned prior to Tax Freedom Day.

"Quebec families face among the greatest tax burdens nationwide. For perspective, families in Ontario celebrate Tax Freedom Day on June 10, a full week earlier than those in Quebec," Palda said.

When calculations of tax rates are averaged across Canada, Tax Freedom Day falls nationally on June 11.

Tax Freedom Day varies from province to province, depending on the taxation levels of provincial and local governments. Alberta continues to enjoy the earliest Tax Freedom Day on May 22, followed by Prince Edward Island on June 2 and New Brunswick on June 6. Manitoba's Tax Freedom Day falls on June 7 followed by British Columbia (June 8), Ontario (June 10), Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia (June 12), and Quebec on June 17. Newfoundland and Labrador has the latest Tax Freedom Day, June 21.

While all but three Canadian provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, BC, and Alberta) experience a later Tax Freedom Day in 2012 than in 2011, Quebec experiences the largest delay in its 2012 Tax Freedom Day, coming four days later than in 2011.

Reasons for a later Tax Freedom Day

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The Fraser Institute: Quebecers Celebrate Tax Freedom Day on June 17, Four Days Later Than 2011

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

Freedom Communications Holdings, Inc. announced today that it has agreed to be acquired by 2100 Trust, LLC in a merger with a subsidiary of 2100 Trust.

At the time the transaction closes, Freedoms businesses will consist of its flagship Orange County Register, the Barstow, CA Desert Dispatch, The Gazette in Colorado Springs, CO, the Marysville, CA Appeal-Democrat, The Porterville Record in Porterville, CA, the Victorville, CA Daily Press and The Sun in Yuma, AZ and their associated non-daily publications along with specialty publications and digital properties. The Company had previously announced sales of its other newspaper assets and broadcast properties, which sales have closed or are expected to close within the next few weeks.

It is expected that the transaction, the value of which was not disclosed, will be completed in about 30 days. All current Freedom employees at the operating locations will transition to the new ownership, said Mitchell Stern, Freedoms Chief Executive officer.

While providing the value that our shareholders have sought, this transaction also ensures Freedoms communities that our newspapers serve will continue to receive the outstanding service that has been our hallmark, Stern said. Our employees will be able to continue the community journalism at which they so excel.

The new owners have a long-standing interest in community journalism and understand the critical role that newspapers, despite all the changes of recent years, continue to play in providing the information that people need and cant find anywhere else, said Mark McEachen, Freedoms Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

R. C. Hoiles founded Freedom after acquiring what was then the Santa Ana Register in 1935. The company eventually grew to be one of the largest media companies in the country with 100 daily and weekly newspapers, numerous news websites and specialty publications and eight broadcast stations.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the opportunity to lead the hard-working and talented employees of Freedom Communications in serving these communities. We believe that newspapers are essential to the fabric of our lives and are excited to own and grow these unique institutions," said Aaron Kushner, 2100 Trust's Chief Executive Officer.

About Freedom Communications

Freedom Communications Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Irvine, CA, is a national privately owned information and entertainment company of print publications and interactive businesses. The Companys print portfolio includes approximately 100 publications, including 20 daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, plus ancillary magazines and other specialty publications. The Companys news, information and entertainment websites and mobile applications complement its print properties. For more information, visit http://www.freedom.com.

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Freedom Communications to be Acquired By 2100 Trust, LLC