Daily Archives: June 7, 2012

Freedom of Information bill to be taken up in July — Honasan

Posted: June 7, 2012 at 5:23 pm

By Katherine Evangelista INQUIRER.net

Senator Gringo Honasan

MANILA, Philippines Despite the Senates failure to pass the Peoples Ownership of Government Information (POGI) bill (formerly called the Freedom of Information bill) before adjourning for sine die on Wednesday, Senator Gregorio Honasan II remained confident that the bill will be taken up when session resumes in July.

During the Kapihan sa Senado media forum, Honasan, who is the chairman of the committee on public information and mass media, said that he is happy with the pace of the passing of the bill which is in the period of interpellation in the Senate while they await the House version.

I hope when session resumes after SONA (State-of-the-Nation Address) in July, or the last Monday of July, [we will be able to deliberate on it]. Im confident that we will do this as expeditiously as possible, he said.

Honasan said that Senator Allan Peter Cayetano will also deliver his co-sponsorship speech for the POGI bill.

The bill has been pending in the Senate for several months after they had to wait for the Malacaang version of the measure, Honasan said.

The Senator explained that the bill was probably not given enough attention and priority by Malacaang.

In fact this has never been certified as urgent so thats what we are asking for: to identify the national priorities so we would know [what to tackle first], Honasan told reporters.

Nevertheless, Honasan said that they have received the Palace version and has consolidated their amendments with the Senates version.

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Freedom Takes Second of Three from Rascals in Pitcher's Duel

Posted: at 5:23 pm

June 7, 2012 - Frontier League (FL) Florence Freedom FLORENCE, KY- Offense was not much of a factor for the second straight night thanks to the pitching of the Freedom's Daniel DeSimone and the Rascals' Preston Vancil. Florence, however, scratched enough runs off of River City's pitching staff, taking the second game of the series, 2-1.

For the second game in a row, pitching and defense commanded the game, as the runs were very limited. Florence's Daniel DeSimone made his third start of the year and first start at home. He was very good, as he allowed just one run on four hits in five innings of work.

The Freedom scored first when CF Cole Miles led off the bottom of the 1st inning with a single. Miles then stole 2nd and came around to score on a single by RF Peter Fatse. The one run he allowed came in the top of the 4th inning when DH Jason Patton scored on a double by 3B Josh Workman.

Manager Fran Riordan wanted to get his bullpen some work after not calling to them once the night before. After only tossing 55 pitches, DeSimone was taken out as RHP Matt Kline entered the ballgame to start the bottom of the 6th. Kline tossed two scoreless innings, striking out two and giving up just one hit. River City's Preston Vancil, a righty that pitched for the freedom from 2009-2011, had a good outing as well, allowing just one run on five hits in seven innings.

Submarine RHP Nick Kennedy entered the game in the 8th. With the game tied at 1-1, Kennedy got a quick two outs as Peter Fatse reached first as he bounced into a fielder's choice. Fatse then stole 2nd as 1B Eddie Rodriguez was at bat. On a 1-0 count, Rodriguez swung at a high fastball and popped it straight up. All the infielders came rushing towards the pitcher's mound to catch the popup, but the ball ended up falling the turf as no one took charge. Running on the pitch, Fatse came all the way around to score as Rodriguez was credited with an RBI-single.

Closer Jorge Marban entered the game in the top of the 9th and earned his 4th save of the season as punched out two in the inning. Brennan Flick, who pitched a scoreless 8th, came away with the victory, while the losing pitcher was River City's Nick Kennedy.

The Freedom go for the sweep against the Rascals tomorrow night at 7:05 pm, as Maxx Catapano (1-0) will face River City's Chandler Barnard(0-0) 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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PRESS FREEDOM: CM wrong to ignore dailies

Posted: at 5:23 pm

And this could have not come at a better a time when the DAP talks of freedom of the press and speech. Do they practice what they say? It seems not.

I can't see why Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has to fear the New Straits Times and Utusan. Other states in Malaysia allow freedom to them. What is so unique about Penang? I am truly baffled.

I say to Guan Eng: take them on, debate with them. Correct them when they are wrong, but speak to them and allow them to report on what you do, why you do it and how you do it. The people want to hear that. Do not overlook these two important dailies.

You have to bear with the good and bad that they report. Others do. They have a duty to report to the best of their ability. They may sometimes make mistakes. Who does not? We aren't infallible.

This is how things are today. These newspapers can't be praising you all the way or simply criticising you when you do no wrong.

Just because they do not highlight you as they do others, it does not mean they dislike you. So take it in your stride.

As a state leader, you can't ignore these two newspapers. You will end up as the loser.

I say these newspapers matter. You, too, of course. So strike a fine balance so that there is a win-win situation.

You need them to serve the people. Why not make use of them?

You need them as much as they need you. It is reciprocal.

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Liberty production to end Aug. 16

Posted: at 5:23 pm

Home Business Automotive Loading

Published: 6/7/2012 - Updated: 3 hours ago

BY TYREL LINKHORN BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

Jeep will stop building the Liberty sport utility vehicle on Aug. 16, a move that will eliminate some jobs at local suppliers that did not get contracts for the incoming model. However, other suppliers stand to add workers when Jeep begins producing the next-generation replacement in 2013.

Dana Holding Corp. and Faurecia Inc. will each cut about 40 jobs that support the Toledo-built Liberty, The Blade has learned.

Chuck Hartlage, a spokesman for Dana, confirmed the Mamuee-based parts supplier will close a small axle assembly plant at 315 Matzinger Rd. Mr. Hartlage said the plant's 37 employees have been notified the plant will be shuttered Aug. 16.

Union officials affirmed that Aug. 16 is Chrysler Group LLC's shut-down date for the Liberty line.

Dana opened the Matzinger Road plant in 2006 specifically to supply the Liberty and the now-defunct Dodge Nitro. But as Chrysler prepares to bring an all-new model to the Toledo Assembly complex, that work no longer will be there.

"Every time a program or a vehicle is updated, you may continue to supply the parts or they may source it elsewhere," Mr. Hartlage said. "We're not going to be supplying the next generation on that specific part. We still have a lot of business on Jeep vehicles."

Bruce Baumhower, president of UAW Local 12, said Chrysler is bringing axle assembly work back in-house.

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Liberty Offers Unsecured Notes – Analyst Blog

Posted: at 5:23 pm

Referenced Stocks: DRE, LRY

Liberty Property Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Liberty Property Trust ( LRY ) - a real estate investment trust (REIT), has recently priced an offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% senior unsecured notes due June 15, 2022.

The 4.125% senior unsecured notes offering was priced to yield 4.149% with the offering expected to close on June 11, 2012.

The proceeds from the debt offering will be used to repay debt outstanding under the company's unsecured credit facility and for other general corporate purposes

Liberty Property reported first quarter 2012 FFO (fund from operations) of 68 cents per share compared with 65 cents in the year-earlier quarter. Fund from operations, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs, is obtained after adding depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses to net income.

During the first quarter 2012, Liberty Property redeemed $32.5 million of its outstanding 6.65% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units for $26.0 million and redeemed the entire $95.0 million of 7.45% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units at par. At the end of first quarter 2012, the company had $27.6 million of cash and cash equivalents.

Based in Pennsylvania, Liberty Property provides leasing, property management, development, construction management, design management, and related services for a portfolio of industrial and office properties. The company focuses primarily on prime suburban properties in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest.

The company possesses a conservative balance sheet and offers a steady dividend payout to the shareholders which augur well for the long-term growth of the company.

We currently have a Neutral recommendation on Liberty Property, which presently has a Zacks #3 Rank that translates into a short-term Hold rating. One of its competitors, Duke Realty Corp . ( DRE ) currently retains a Zacks #3 Rank.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

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Liberty University Online Forms Partnership With StraighterLine to Provide Flexible, Affordable Higher Education

Posted: at 5:22 pm

LYNCHBURG, Va., June 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StraighterLine (www.straighterline.com) announced today that Liberty University Online (www.LUOnline.com) has joined their rapidly expanding network of partnering colleges, welcoming StraighterLine students to transfer credits for enrollment in one of Liberty's online degree programs.

StraighterLine provides a unique path for students to get the basic credits they need at an affordable rate. Through StraighterLine's unique structure and affordable pricing plan, students can complete freshman and introductory-level classes while saving thousands on their college degree.

As a StraighterLine partner institution, Liberty Online is able to offer flexible, affordable, accredited online degree programs, in over 100 programs of study, to StraighterLine students continuing to pursue their educational goals.

Liberty Online is coming alongside StraighterLine and those students seeking to fulfill their basic course requirements in this manner to help them continue to experience the flexibility and affordability they are seeking. With eight-week sub-terms continually offered throughout the year, Liberty's online program affords students the flexibility to complete course work when and where best suited to their needs, while accelerating their degree completion.

Through this partnership, Liberty Online is offering transfer credit to those students who have successfully completed StraighterLine's online college courses. With a wide assortment of course options, StraighterLine currently offers thirty-eight entry-level college courses online including English, math, humanities, business, college prep, and science. StraighterLine courses are evaluated and recommended by the American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT), ensuring a smooth transition to students wanting to take their education to the next level.

About Liberty University

Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, Va., is the world's largest Christian university. Offering courses on its 6,800-acre, residential campus and in online format, Liberty is home to nearly 100,000 students.

Liberty Online strives to meet the needs of students on all fronts. Liberty offers more than 100 fully-accredited online programs of study, from the associate to doctoral level, and embraces the opportunity to assist individuals in advancing their education.

Since 1971, the mission of Liberty University has been to develop Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact tomorrow's world. With a unique heritage and an expanding future of influence, Liberty continues steadfast in its mission of Training Champions for Christ.

As part of the world's largest, non-profit, Christian university, Liberty Online is known for its high student satisfaction and retention rates. Liberty Online continues to focus on student success by providing exceptional resources, including an online library, Online Writing Center, a partnership with Tutor.com, Liberty Online Ministries, and knowledgeable Academic Advisors.

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Liberty Mines Receives Government Approval of the Hart Mine Closure Plan

Posted: at 5:22 pm

- Liberty on track to start production at Hart in Q1 2014 -

TSX: LBE

TORONTO , June 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Liberty Mines Inc. ("Liberty" or the "Company") announced today that an important planning phase necessary for launching production at its Hart Mine has been approved and filed by the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. The plan, which is a necessary requirement for mines operating in Ontario, provides details and financial assurance on the rehabilitation measures that Liberty will take during operations and after the life of the Hart Mine has been exhausted.

"With approval of the Hart Mine Closure Plan in place, we are one important step closer to launching production at our Hart Mine, which we expect in early 2014," said Chris Stewart , President and CEO of Liberty Mines. "Over the coming months, we will continue on our deep drilling program at Hart and advance towards completion of a feasibility study by year end."

The Hart Mine, which is located approximately 30 kilometres from Timmins, Ontario, is a nickel deposit currently consisting of 1.55 million tons of indicated resource with a grade of 1.40% nickel. Liberty expects production at Hart to start in Q1/2014 with an initial production of 250 tons per day, eventually ramping up to 750 tons per day.

All ore produced at the Hart Mine will feed Liberty's Redstone mill which has a design capacity of 2,000 tonnes per day and is currently permitted to operate at 1,500 tonnes per day. The Redstone mill is the only nickel mill and concentrator in the Shaw Dome Nickel region, and it is located approximately 6 kilometers away from the Hart Mine.

In January 2012 , Liberty announced that it restructured its net smelter royalty on the Hart Mine, reducing the amount to one percent (1.0%) through a lump sum payment of $1 million to Canadian Arrow Mines.

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.

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Liberty Mines Receives Government Approval of the Hart Mine Closure Plan

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Free Speech Now! (And Eat at McDonald’s)

Posted: at 5:21 pm

media maven / By Marcy Burstiner

(June 7, 2012) In the movie Norma Rae, Sally Field plays a textile worker who tries to organize a union at her mill. In the movies climax, thugs try to throw her out of the factory. She scribbles the word union, climbs up on a table and holds it up. For a moment everyone in the factory stares at her. Then, one by one, the workers shut off their machines. These days it seems that people who try to fight a good fight get that kind of support only in the movies.

On May 24, Fortuna resident Janelle Egger filed suit against the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors challenging the constitutionality of Urgency Ordinance 2477, which bans camping, animals and defecation outside the courthouse and also bans the hanging of signs. In my April 5 column, I questioned the constitutionality of a law in which the only new prohibition was the hanging of signs and the gathering for peaceful protest. Existing laws covered all other activities the ordinance specified.

Police arrested Egger April 7 in front of the courthouse as she participated in a candlelight vigil held to support free speech. This is a woman who sued the city of Fortuna in 2009 under the California Public Records Act because it had refused to turn over documents about a proposal for a new water tank. The courts agreed with her on that one and ordered the city to pay for her attorney fees.

This time, she filed her 24-page brief, with another 48 pages of exhibits, in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. She doesnt have a lawyer; shes doing it herself.

This is one of two ongoing First Amendment suits involving local laws. This month, Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen will rule on the constitutionality of an Arcata ordinance passed to curb aggressive panhandling. Attorney Peter Martin filed that suit on behalf of Arcata resident Richard Salzman.

The Arcata law has multiple parts. Part A specifically bans aggressive panhandling. But parts B through G ban all panhandling in specific areas, such as near ATM machines or supermarket entrances. If aggressive panhandling is the problem, why not stop with A? Why include the rest?

This is what I find most troubling: The ease with which local governments pass speech infringement laws, how little effort they spend trying to keep them as narrow as possible and how few people these laws seem to bother.

Perhaps more troubling is that certain types of speech seem to be more vulnerable to government infringement than others.

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Free Speech Now! (And Eat at McDonald’s)

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Setting aside a public space to promote free speech

Posted: at 5:21 pm

Free speech is at the heart of democracy across the globe. The Greek writer Homer said it was every man's right; the French philosopher Voltaire would have died to protect it; and former Czech President Vclav Havel believed it to be the cornerstone of democratic life.

Since the Velvet Revolution, and thanks largely to Havel's leadership afterward, free speech has become an accepted civic right in the Czech Republic over the past 20 years.

In 2004, Prague even saw the establishment of its own Speakers' Corner, inspired by the famous Hyde Park platform in London where anyone can come and express their views.

British expat Euan Edworthy, who has been based in Prague since 1994, was behind the establishment of the Prague Speakers' Corner, and is now a trustee of the international charity Speakers' Corner Trust which grew out of his original idea.

Speakers' Corner has spread internationally, including to Berlin.

"We wanted to create a forum where people could express their opinions and not be scared," he said. "Speakers' Corner is a landmark for freedom of speech in the sense that, if anyone came and tried to bulldoze it, it would be a huge thing."

From its launch pad in Prague six years ago, Speakers' Corner Trust has grown and unveiled a number of Speakers' Corners across the globe, from Berlin to Abuja, Nigeria.

"It was born as a pipe dream. Now it has evolved into a UK-based, international charity," Edworthy said.

Speakers' Corner Trust is now run by director Peter Bradley, a former Labor MP, and backed by major sponsors and supporters, including the UK Justice Ministry and Google.

Edworthy said there are plans in place to expand further in the Central and East European region, as well as focusing on developing the outpost in Nigeria.

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Setting aside a public space to promote free speech

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Freedom House Blasts Hungary, Ukraine for Poor Democracy

Posted: at 4:15 am

Washington-based Freedom House think tank warned on Wednesday of rising antidemocratic tendencies in Hungary and Ukraine that have the potential to take root elsewhere in the region.

Negative developments in Hungary and Ukraine are at the forefront of an antidemocratic trend in Central and Eastern Europe that raises serious questions about the durability of the European Unions young democracies, Freedom House said in the Nations in Transit 2012 report.

According to the report, Ukraine, which saw a brief democratic opening after the Orange Revolution in 2004, has suffered significant decline in an alarmingly short period of time.

Under the Yanukovych government, Ukraines Nations in Transit ratings worsened in five categories year on year, with a steep decline in judicial framework and independence and an overall democracy score that is rapidly approaching its preOrange Revolution level, the report said.

Freedom House warned that the negative trend in Ukraine, along with a steep decline of the overall democracy score in a number of EU aspirants in the Balkans, may jeopardize the prospects for widening the circle of democratic states in Europe.

The details of the report will be released later on Wednesday at the Legatum Institute in London, and on June 7 in Brussels in cooperation with the German Marshall Fund.

Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports democratic change, monitors the status of freedom around the world, and advocates for democracy and human rights.

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