Daily Archives: February 16, 2012

Freedom Fight set for April return

Posted: February 16, 2012 at 4:24 pm

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Freedom Fight set for April return

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World’s Largest Methanol Producer Installs Viscount’s Freedom® System

Posted: at 4:24 pm

BURNABY, BC--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Viscount Systems Inc. (OTCMARKETS:VSYS.PK) a leading edge high technology supplier of security systems and software today announced that its Freedom IT-based access control technology has been successfully installed at a large industrial facility in Medicine Hat, Alberta owned by Methanex, the world’s largest supplier of methanol. Viscount’s system will enhance the Methanex’s Plant’s Responsible Care® safety and security programs and provide a platform for Business Continuity to improve the plant’s resilience and reliability. This was achieved with significant cost savings due to the use of existing cabinets and card reader wiring. In addition, due to the nature of the Freedom® advanced IP-based architecture, the installation utilized Methanex’s existing IT backbone, further improving the security of in-plant communication.

The Methanex deployment included an array of Freedom® technology, including bridges and redundant servers. In addition, Methanex has deployed other new Viscount software systems including Facility Friend, the AMS alarm management system, and ABC DataVault, a contingency planning and emergency preparedness system.

The Viscount system was installed by IRISS Inc., a high-end Systems Integrator that focuses on Business Continuity and Security Solutions. “Being ready at all times is an important element of Safety, Security and Business Continuity -- we do not just install systems, we provide integrated solutions. We also ensure a quality technical solution through systematic Factory (FAT) and Site Acceptance (SAT) Tests,” commented IRISS’ CEO and Oil and Gas Veteran, Joe Smolinski.

Richard Dworschak, Methanex Project Lead, commented, “The inherent IP architecture is one of the key reasons for choosing IRISS and the Freedom® solution. Expansion of an effective safety and security system is always a consideration with a plant of this size. With the old access control panel based system along with its proprietary communication, flexibility was not there to easily modify the system. Now we have the freedom to utilize the advantages of the mustering and access control system as the need arises; future safety and security measures can be implemented at minimal cost”.

“This is one of the most comprehensive deployments of Freedom technology so far,” noted Stephen Pineau, President and CEO of Viscount Systems. “ Large industrial facilities have specific compliance requirements that are not well suited to traditional access control systems. We worked closely with IRISS and Methanex to design a robust, multi-functional system. Through this we designed a number of special applications including emergency mustering that allows Freedom to be used not only as a security system but an integral part of the overall life safety system. With Freedom the client hardened the systems in ways not possible with a traditional security system and we expect this installation to be a benchmark for future projects in the critical infrastructure market. ”

About IRISS

IRISS (Intelligent Remote Industrial Security Solutions); is an organization formulated to deliver the integration of best-in-class Business Continuity Services and Security Technologies. We provide solutions to the dynamic Canadian energy sector, encompassing Oil and Gas, Electrical Utilities and Chemical Plants.

Our DNA is in security technology and integrated contingency and business continuity management. This endeavour is supported by best-in-class engineering, installation and maintenance resources, which assures the customer of reliable 24/7 sustainability of their entire operation; from remote locations, to processing, to client delivery. For more information visit http://www.iriss.ca.

About Viscount Systems

Viscount Systems Inc., designs unified software platforms for building security and emergency planning. Recent awards include SIA Convergence Solution of the Year 2011 and Platinum Award for Emergency Response and Gold Award for Access Control at GOVSEC 2011. Additional information on Viscount's products may be obtained on-line at http://www.viscount.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy any securities of Viscount Systems Inc., nor shall there be any sale of any such security in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

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.

Financial statements are available from the company's registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which may be viewed at http://www.sec.gov or the company's web site http://www.viscount.com under the heading "Investor Relations". For further information, or to be placed on email NEWS ALERT please e-mail investors@viscount.com or call toll free 1-917-670-9541. 888-516-7415.

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World’s Largest Methanol Producer Installs Viscount’s Freedom® System

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National Underground Railroad Freedom Center plans to merge

Posted: at 4:24 pm

CINCINNATI (Reuters) - The struggling Freedom Center, which tells the history of black slaves escaping from the U.S. south, announced plans on Wednesday to merge with another Cincinnati museum to ensure its survival.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center said it would merge administrative, programming and some personnel costs, as well as expand community partnerships and fundraising opportunities with the Cincinnati Museum Center.

The Freedom Center, which opened its doors in 2004, was facing possible closure at the end of this year if it did not fill a $1.5 million funding gap,

Details are still being hammered out, but the initial overview of the merger's financial aspects look positive, according to Elizabeth Pierce, the Museum Center's vice president of marketing and communications.

"We are entering a phase of due diligence," she said. "We have some initial analysis that allows us to think it was the right thing to do. We are now going to validate those assumptions."

That process will take about four to six months to complete, she said.

Now that word of the likely merger is out, the two organizations can begin the process of working with national, regional and local partners to help raise money and support, Pierce said.

The Freedom Center has had trouble in recent years garnering support from some donors because of the perception it might not remain open.

"We are not doing to do this alone," said Douglass McDonald, president and CEO of the Museum Center. "Part of this process is going to be going to people in the community and establishing partnerships."

Almost immediately after opening in 2004, the Freedom Center began to struggle financially, eventually laying off several staff members and taking other measures to cut costs.

The museum is directly across the Ohio River from the slave state of Kentucky, and Cincinnati was a major stop on the "underground railroad" that helped slaves go north to Canada.

The museum also has an exhibit examining contemporary slavery, which includes such practices as forced child labor and sex trafficking.

Since its inception, museum leaders, including former Procter & Gamble Co. CEO John Pepper, who is co-chair of its board of directors, hoped to make the facility a national museum.

If that had happened, the federal government would take over the building and its accompanying $3 million operating expense -- although if the planned merger goes ahead, it would not now be necessary.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity for our two iconic institutions and for the men, women and children we serve," Pepper said.

"Having examined the case for joining together, I am convinced that this combination of talent and efficiencies will dramatically expand the impact of the Freedom Center's mission, locally and nationwide. Our two institutions will do things together neither of us could do alone."

Cincinnati City Councilman Christopher Smitherman, who is also president of the Cincinnati Chapter of the NAACP, had criticized the Freedom Center for "not living up to its potential."

He said the museum backed off its original intention to tell the story of African-American slavery for a "smorgasbord of conversation around freedom," welcomed the news. "I view the merger as a very positive step for the region," he said.

(Editing By Tim Gaynor)

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National Underground Railroad Freedom Center plans to merge

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Liberty Charter girls on a perfect run

Posted: at 4:23 pm

The Liberty Charter’s girls basketball program may only be seven years old, but its greatest strength — experience — helped the Patriots to a 22-0 record and a district title on the way to their third consecutive 1A Division I state tournament.

The Patriots’ short, successful history has been tarnished by two consecutive losses in the first round at state by Lapwai, their first-round opponent Thursday (1:15 p.m., Columbia High). Lapwai won by 23 in 2010 and by 42 last season.

“When we went (to state) two years ago, it was the mystique of Lapwai. My girls, having never been to a state tournament, were pretty much in awe,” Liberty Charter coach Mark Wachsmuth said. “We’re definitely excited about getting to play them again.”

The Patriots return all five starters from last season, and three seniors have been in the starting lineup since they were freshmen — Halee Schafer, Kendra Jensen and Emily Rainboth. Junior Alivia Wachsmuth, Mark’s daughter, also has been a fixture in the starting five since her freshman year. Rainboth and Wachsmuth lead the team in scoring at 10.9 points per game.

“As a freshman, going into state for the very first time was really intimidating. I played scared,” Alivia Wachsmuth said. “Now after proving to everyone and proving to myself what we’re capable of, there’s no fear anymore.”

Liberty Charter features a balanced, athletic team that loves to score in transition, and it will need to contain Lapwai’s explosive duo of Sierra Higheagle and Natahnee Spencer. High-eagle was a first-team All-Idaho selection last season while Spencer is the reigning state player of the year.

“(Spencer) can pretty much do everything. She can dribble, shoot, makes plays and she’s smart,” Alivia Wachsmuth said.

Rainboth agrees that avenging two past losses will not be easy.

“We know they come out strong and put a lot of pressure on us,” Rainboth said. “But we’re quick this year and we’ve learned a lot from those last two years playing them, so I think we’ll be ready.”

Seven of Liberty Charter’s players also played varsity volleyball, and the players’ chemistry carried over. That was apparent on the first day of practice.

“The speed of our practice, the execution, the understanding was just off the charts,” Mark Wachsmuth said. “I’ve never had a team where I could come in and do what we could do that first day and they all clicked very well, even with a couple new kids mixed in.”

The undefeated Patriots are confident in themselves and — with their continuity — hope change is in store for them against Lapwai.

“Our goal going into the season was to win every game, win the conference title, district title and the state title. So far, we’re on the right track to do those things,” Mark Wachsmuth said.

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Liberty Charter girls on a perfect run

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Liberty Mines Announces 2012 Operational and Exploration Targets

Posted: at 4:23 pm

TSX: LBE

TORONTO , Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Liberty Mines Inc. (LBE:TSX) ("Liberty" or the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the Company's budget and operating targets for 2012.

"Our budget and targets for the year build on the significant progress we have recently made towards re-starting production and expanding our resource estimates in the Shaw Dome Nickel Belt," said Mr. Chris Stewart , President & CEO of Liberty Mines. "More specifically, we are pleased with our work on the tailings storage facility from both a safety and refurbishment perspective. We look forward to restarting our Redstone Mill, which we expect before the end of Q1/2012, as this will enable us to begin generating cash flow in the second quarter."

Selected targets for 2012:

Liberty expects 2012 nickel production to be approximately 4.0 million pounds, which will be supplied by the Company's McWatters Mine. To support its production targets for the year, Liberty is near completion of Phase 1 of its Tailings Support Facility (TSF) Project, which is designed to allow mining and milling operations to restart in Q1 as previously announced. The new TSF will meet environmental standards and once the project is completed, it will provide a minimum three-year life. The Company is also moving ahead with an expanded exploration program that will consist of the following key initiatives: Drilling along strike and at depth to increase the size of the Hart East deposit; Drilling at depth on the main Hart deposit to expand the resource estimate; Underground drilling program at the Redstone Mine to confirm near-term resources; Drilling at depth on the Redstone Mine with the objective of moving the 747,000 tonne inferred resource into the indicated category; Exploration drilling on combined airborne VTEM and geochemical soil sample target areas for potential new discoveries; Implementing soil geochemistry and ground geophysics on the Groves Property; and Compilation and interpretation of recent work on Croxall and McAra projects to determine additional drill targets.

Long-term targets

Liberty is continuing to progress with the environmental baseline work that is required to permit the construction of a new tailings pond facility. The permit application is expected to be submitted by mid-2013 with construction to follow in 2014. Once the construction is completed, Liberty will have a new TSF with a 15 year life.

Mr. Stewart added, "We are clearly on the right path to turning Liberty Mines around. With the right strategy and team in place, we believe that our transformation will be completed before the end of the year."

About Liberty Mines Inc.
Liberty Mines Inc. is a mid-tier producer of nickel and is focused on the exploration, development and production of nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group metals from its properties in Ontario, Canada . It owns and operates the only nickel concentrator in the Shaw Dome, a prospective nickel belt region near Timmins, Ontario. With a new management team in place, Liberty is focused on growth initiatives not only through a more aggressive exploration program on its current properties but also through potential acquisition or partnership opportunities beyond its core Timmins area projects.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This News Release includes certain "forward looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of Liberty, are forward looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Liberty's expectations are: exploration risks; commodity prices; regulatory approvals; receipt of mining permits and leases; and assumed startup and operating costs detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Liberty with securities regulators. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any such statement or reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances, except where required by securities regulations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

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Kareena's mujra brings the house down in Delhi

Posted: at 4:23 pm

Glamsham Editorial

Delhi was abuzz recently with echoes of 'Dil Mera Muft Ka' - the mujra song from Illuminati's AGENT VINOD starring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.

Lead actress, Kareena Kapoor was in the capital city for the special screening of the song at DT Mall, the first mujra track of her career which opened to whistles and an encore.

Says a source present, "Kareena Kapoor is Bollywood's ultimate diva and her performance in a mujra song is a double bonus for the audience. There was clapping and whistling in the cinema as soon as the song was screened. 'Dil Mera Muft Ka' is a sure-shot treat to all Bebo fans."

A the event, Kareena Kapoor mentioned that she admires veteran actress Rekha for her performance to mujra songs. "Rekhaji has been the ultimate performer when it comes to classic mujra songs but 'Dil Mera Muft Ka' is a contemporary take on mujras and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I have had performing it," said Kareena.

The highly anticipated action-adventure AGENT VINOD also starring Saif Ali Khan, Adil Hussain, Ram Kapoor, Prem Chopra and Gulshan Grover, is all set to release on the 23rd March 2012.

Whitney Houston Illuminati: Crazy Conspiracy Claims Houston Killed So Blue Ivy Can Live

Posted: at 4:23 pm

Whitney Houston is the latest victim of a yet another conspiracy theory regarding the Illuminati. Houston's sudden death on Saturday has caused some to theorize that it was, in fact, murder at the hands of the Illuminati. Some even think this "sacrifice" was made so Beyonce and Jay-Z's baby, Blue Ivy, could live.

Is your head spinning yet?

Blue Ivy Carter is Eulb Yvi

Back on Jan. 7, when Blue Ivy Carter was born, a rumor spread like wildfire that she was actually the spawn of Satan. This theory alleges that Blue Ivy is a reworking of the name Eulb Yvi, which Twitter users and other conspiracy theorists allege is the name of Satan's daughter, though there has been no evidence to prove such a concept. "Jay-Z & Beyonce named their daughter Ivy Blue, Ivy Blue = Eulb Yvi, which was the name of lucifer's daughter in Latin!" Twitter user MrZou posted, perpetuating the story.

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Another unbacked theory claims that numerology explains an occult or Illuminati connection between Blue Ivy Carter and Satanism. "Ivy (position in alphabet) - I=9 V=22 Y=25 - 2+2+2+5=11 - 11x9=99 - flip 99 round and add another 6 and you get 666 :O #Illuminati," tweeted @Merkzbeatbox.

Now, Whitney Houston's death is being linked to both the Illuminati and Blue Ivy Carter.

Vice magazine, known for its satirical wit and caustic editorials, compiled the multiple conspiracy theories surrounding Houston's death--including numerology, murder and even Madonna.

Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Whitney Houston's Death

Here are just some paraphrases of the theories laid out in painstaking detail on Vice's Web site:

The occult point to the numerology of Houston's passing. "Do you think its [sic] ironik [sic] she died in 2012 at the age of 48, 4 + 8 = 12!!! Illuminati like to do these sorts of things as a death ritual as they believe everything has to be done on a certain day," read one post in Vice's assemblage. Some are saying the 11th is an occult date, with other famous people like Bob Marley, Alexander McQueen and Sylvia Plath dying on that day. Nicki Minaj's outfit to the 2012 Grammys had a face embroidered on the skirt in black beads. Conspiracy theorists think this was Whitney Houston's. Blue Ivy needed a blood sacrifice.

Conspiracy Theories Abound

Conspiracy theories have circulated celebrity deaths since the dawn of time. Some believe Marilyn Monroe was murdered because of her affair with JFK. According to TruTV, Donald Wolfe summed it up as such: "Marilyn Monroe was in a position to bring down the presidency. She was cognizant of Jack Kennedy's marital infidelities and other private matters. She had his notes and letters and was privy to Kennedy's involvement with Sam Giancana. That the Kennedy brothers had discussed national security matters with the film star added to an astonishing array of indiscretions."

Some believe Elvis Presley did not die, and actually faked his own death; that Princess Diana was murdered because of her relationship with Dodi Fayed; that Jesus married Mary Magdalene; that September 11th was planned; and that the Illuminati exist.

The list of conspiracies goes on and on. Where conspiracy theorists draw the line, particularly regarding the sensitive topic of death and tragedy, is unclear.

Celebslam.com created a list of the 20 craziest Whitney Houston death theories on Twitter. Such notions continue to circulate.

As for Vice magazine's coverage, executive editor Alex Miller had this to say to International Business Times: "I'm not claiming to know the ins and outs of the case, but these are questions that need to be asked. All I'm saying is that once evidence like this rears its head, its worth examining. Peace, death to NWO xxx."

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Whitney Houston Illuminati: Crazy Conspiracy Claims Houston Killed So Blue Ivy Can Live

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Wells vetoes Free Speech Plaza resolution

Posted: at 4:21 pm

Student Government President Cody Wells threw sparks into the SG Senate meeting Wednesday with a veto to a resolution passed last week and a speech that criticized Gov. Bobby Jindal and LSU System President John Lombardi.

Wells vetoed a resolution to urge and request Finance and Administrative Services to enforce Free Speech Plaza rules. According to Wells, Free Speech Plaza has no official policies and the authors of the resolution were misled to believe there were policies in place.

"You can't limit free speech," Wells said. "We can produce some guidelines."

But despite Wells' veto, a separate resolution "to urge and request Finance and Administrative Services to assemble a committee ... in order to establish a set of Free Speech Plaza guidelines" was passed by the Senate.

On the topic of the University's finances, Wells told the Senate that SG members are the only protectors of the University who cannot be fired for voicing "discontent with the governor's policy" about budget cuts and said Lombardi is in Jindal's "back pocket."

Wells also called out Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope after the Faculty Senate hammered Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jack Hamilton's job performance Tuesday. Wells said Cope "spits in Jack Hamilton's face. That man [Hamilton] has done a great service to this university."

In order to save the University from more budget cuts, Wells proposed a "task force" called the "Flagship Advocates," who would meet one-on-one with state representatives and senators to urge them to protect the University's budget.

SG has repeatedly tried to start Flagship Advocates campaigns, but they've mostly consisted of letter-writing.

"It's all about relationships," Wells said. "The future of the state truly lies in the future of LSU."

The Senate also passed a resolution to urge "LSU Dining to provide allergen alert signs under the already available food labels" and four resolutions to approve members to the SG Black Caucus.

____

Contact Danielle Kelley at dkelley@lsureveille.com

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Judge: Jewel-Osco's Michael Jordan ad is free speech

Posted: at 4:21 pm

A federal judge today all but threw out Michael Jordan’s lawsuit against Jewel-Osco over a congratulatory ad it ran when he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame three years ago.

Judge Gary Feinerman ruled that the ad, which appeared in a Sports Illustrated issue commemorating Jordan’s induction, was “noncommercial speech” protected by the First Amendment.

But he deferred a ruling on whether to toss the case until the parties submit detailed briefs next month.

The ad featured a pair of basketball shoes with the number 23 on the soles below the words “Jewel-Osco salutes #23 on his many accomplishments as we honor a fellow Chicagoan who was ‘just around the corner’ for so many years.”

The ad includes the Jewel-Osco logo and the grocery chain’s slogan “Good things are just around the corner.”

“The page does not propose any kind of commercial transaction,” Feinerman wrote, contrasting it with a 1993 General Motors television ad that compared Kareem Abdul Jabbar to an Oldsmobile.

“The reader would see the Jewel page for precisely what it is – a tribute by an established Chicago business to Chicago’s most accomplished athlete.

He also found that the use of Jewel’s slogan in the ad was “simply a play on words” and offered a hypothetical 2009 ad from then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“Congratulations to our Lakers for ‘terminating’ the Orlando Magic and bringing home yet another NBA title, and to Kobe Bryant for winning the Finals MVP. Let me join all Angelenos in saying that Kobe and the team will surely “be back” in the 2010 (season)!”

A Jewel-Osco spokesman issued a statement saying the company was “pleased” by the judge’s ruling.

“We continue to believe that we acted appropriately and that we will prevail in this matter,” said spokesman Mike Siemienas.

Jordan’s attorney, Fred Sperling, said “we disagree with the court’s ruling.”

“Jewel’s witnesses testified that Jewel used Michael’s identity in its ad to promote its goods and services. That is an admission that the ad was commercial speech.”

A lawsuit Jordan filed against Dominick’s Finer Foods, LLC after it ran an ad in the same Sports Illustrated issue saying the Hall-of-Famer was “a cut above” next to a $2 off “Rancher’s Reserve” steak coupon is pending in federal court.

sschmadeke@tribune.com

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Judge: Ads relating to Michael Jordan are free speech