All posts by Hutchins AAron

Born in Deutschland 1965, hometown was Bütthart, parents were not U.S. government employees. However, when father was tricked into joining the U.S. Air Force Civil Service, in 1969, with the promise that we could remain in Germany, we were promptly shipped off to Iran. Due to one of my Iranian educators being disappeared, along with her husband, by the U.S. ally Shah of Iran's Israeli & U.S. created Savak (for the then official terrorist act of promoting the idea that women can vote), and due to my U.S. citizen mother being placed on Savak's Terrorist Arrest List (for supporting the idea that women should vote, at that time the U.S. ally Shah of Iran did not allow women to vote, now they can) we left Iran for the United States in 1973, literally in the middle of the night. At the U.S. Embassy airbase the CIA operated Gooney Bird (C-47) was so packed with other U.S. citizens fleeing our ally Iran (because the Shah gave the OK to arrest any U.S. citizen for such terrorist acts as promoting the concept of voting) that we were turned away by the Loadmaster and had to take a chance on a civilian flight out of Tehran's airport. My father told me he and my mother had three culture shocks; first when they arrived in Germany as civilians, then after being shipped off to Iran as U.S. government employees, then again returning to the United States as unemployed civilians (because so much had changed in the U.S. while they were gone, their only news source was the U.S. Armed Forces Radio & Television Service which heavily censored information about the home front). Since I graduated high school in 1982 I've worked for U.S. government contractors and state & local government agencies (in California), convenience store manager in California, retail/property management in Georgia, California and Idaho. Spent the 1990s in the TV news business producing number one rated local news programs in California, Arizona and Idaho. 14+ years with California and Idaho Army National Guard and the U.S. Air Force. Obtained a BA degree in International Studies from Idaho State University at the age of 42. Unemployed since 2015, so don't tell me the economy has recovered.
International, U.S.

World War 3, Asian Front-Afghanistan, 02-03 August 2013: Major battles in Nangarhar, hundreds killed! Nearly 100 killed by Mother Nature!

In Nimruz Province, Delaram District, 25 NATO supply trucks were destroyed in an ambush that lasted one hour.

In Maidan Wardak Province, Sayedabad District, Mujahideen reported they observed several NATO/ISAF tanks stop, the crews dismounted and appeared to be in a meeting.  Mujahideen launched their attack at that point, killing four NATO/ISAF personnel and wounding several others.  U.S./NATO airstrikes were called in, killing at least two Mujahideen.

In Kandahar Province, Maiwand District, seven family members were killed when the van they were in drove over a landmine.  Three others were wounded.

In Faryab Province, Maimana city, about 300 people protested the rape and murder of a 12 years old boy.  The people accused the police of the crime, because it was reported that the crime took place near a police check point.

In Nangarhar Province, Shirzad and Khogyano districts, a major battle between Afghan National Police (ANP) forces and Afghan Mujahideen.  Government sources say 76 Mujahideen killed, 22 Afghan cops killed.  Mujahideen say they killed 84 cops, destroyed 13 vehicles and captured 16 vehicles. In Jalalabad city, the Indian consulate was hit by an explosion and gun battles.  At least eight people killed, 21 wounded.  Western news media said it was a suicide bomber, but local Afghan media said there was no confirmation of that.  Indian officials insinuated the attack was planned by Pakistan.  In Bati Kot District, NATO officials said they will investigate why they were asked to bomb a ANP building.  The Afghan National Army (ANA) called in the airstrike, saying the people around the building were Mujahideen.  At first it was reported that four cops were killed, but NATO stated they killed five cops.

In Ghor Province, Charsada District, ANP says a firefight left four Mujahideen dead.  ANP officials said they defused several bombs afterwards.

I recently heard a U.S. attorney say flooding is rare in Afghanistan. In Kabul Province, Surobi District, four villages were hit by massive flash flooding.  At least 96 people killed.  The bodies of 40 have been recovered. 430 homes and businesses were destroyed.  Also, the Washington Post confirmed that the U.S. is still controlling part of the infamous Bagram prison, or Second Gitmo.  At least 67 non-Afghans are being held there.

An investigation into Afghanistan’s child prisons, by The Guardian, revealed that the common child criminal is illiterate, but those who have joined the Mujahideen are the most well educated kids in Afghanistan!!!  The report also shows what I’ve stated before; education for boys isn’t anymore better than education for girls.  According to the Red Coat article, the only education source for most Afghan boys are Madrasas in Pakistan.  They come back literate but with bombs.  The Guardian article also said children are abused in the child prisons.

A few days ago the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) confirmed that U.S. tax dollars are going to Afghan contractors known to support Mujahideen.  Now, they’ve revealed just how much taxpayers have been ripped off in this latest U.S. military led scam: “Dating back to 2008, SIGAR has identified more than $150m in reconstruction contracts and sub-contracts that have been awarded to companies known to be providing material support to insurgent and terrorist organizations in Afghanistan.”-John Sopko, SIGAR

 

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, Economic Front: California hit hard with Sears owned OSH closings! More Kmart closings! Chevron buying vacant stores!

17 August 2013 (19:44 UTC-07 Tango 16 August 2013)/10 Shawwal 1434/26 Mordad 1391/11 Geng-Shen (7th month) 4711

Sears is closing their Austintown, Ohio, auto parts and service center on Interstate Boulevard.  Sears automotive customers are being directed to Sears automotive centers located in area shopping malls.

Once controlled by Eddie Lampert (Sears Holdings) Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) now bankrupt, and now owned by Lowe’s.  Already several of the California stores are reported to be closing down.  It’s been announced that the stores in Torrance, El Cerrito, Fairfield, Santa Clarita, Fountain Valley and Vacaville will close.  At least 17 of the 99 OSH stores have been publicly axed.  A report on 15 August said it was part of Lowe’s takeover of OSH through a bankruptcy court.  Lowe’s was the only corporation that bid on the bankrupt OSH.  Company officials estimate that each store averages 55 employees; 17 store closings equals 935 people out-o-work!

About a week ago reports said the small 35-40 years old (depending on the report) Coos Bay Kmart, in Oregon, would shut down in November.  The store averaged $4 million USD in sales every year.  The manager revealed that Kmart never held a long term lease, and in recent years was renewing annually.  This time they did not renew the lease.

And the Kmart in Orem, Utah, quietly announced their closing.  The articles posted gave no details what-so ever, other than the store was closing and big savings were to be had by shoppers.

The recently vacated Kmart in Moon, Pennsylvania, just sold to California based oil giant Chevron, for $12 million! Apparently Sears Holdings owned the property, and the sale to Chevron was the real reason for closing the Kmart and rendering 143 people unemployed.

In Mississippi, a federal judge threw out Kmart’s claim that they are owed compensation for flood damage in 2010, caused by a vacant Kroger grocery store next door.  The Kroger store went bust and was supposed to be torn down in 2005, but for some reason that was stopped by FEMA.

In New South Wales, Australia, government officials blocked property developers from building a new Kmart.  Wesfarmers is the corporation that operates Kmarts in Australia and New Zealand.

Here’s the updated list of U.S. Sears/Kmart store closings since the end of 2011:

Arizona: Scottsdale Sears/Great Indoors, Chandler Sears/Great Indoors.

Alabama: Gadsden Kmart (50 jobs lost), Mobile Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Auburn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Anniston Kmart (no word yet on how many jobs lost).

California:   El Monte Sears (at least 40 jobs lost. Damien Arrula, El Monte’s economic development director, said the store manager had lied about what was going on: “The general manager of the store had just indicated to me that they were remodeling.”), two San Diego Sears (at least 80 jobs lost), Pleasant Hill Kmart (more than 50 jobs lost), Torrance Kmart,  Fairfield Kmart (63 jobs lost), recently revealed Lampert owned OSH taken over by Lowe’s home improvement in bankruptcy court, at least 17 of 99 stores to be closed down (935 jobs lost!).

Colorado:  Broomfield Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Glenwood Springs Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lone Tree Sears/Great Indoors, Longmont Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Pueblos’ South Side Kmart (52 jobs lost),  Denver Kmart (number of jobs lost have not been made public at this time, but could be at least 40).

Connecticut:  Waterbury Big Kmart.

Georgia: Macon Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Buford Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Douglasville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Atlanta Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Columbus Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Jonesboro Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Cartersville Kmart (74 jobs lost).

Guam:  Sears Hometown Store.

Florida: Fernandina Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Callaway Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Orange City Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Deland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Stuart Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), West Palm Beach Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Port St. Lucie Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Crystal River Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), New Smyrna Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint Augustine Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Pompano Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Jacksonville Kmart on 5751 Beach Boulevard (71 jobs lost), second Kmart in Jacksonville on 4645 Blanding Boulevard (83 jobs lost), Ocoee Sears (102 jobs lost), Pensacola Kmart on Airport Boulevard closed in 2011, Pensacola Kmart on Mobile Highway closed in February 2013 (69 jobs lost),  Pensacola Kmart on East 9 Mile Road will close in May (73 jobs lost), Hialeah Kmart (67 jobs lost), Bonita Springs Kmart (67 jobs lost), Mount Dora Kmart (100 jobs lost), Lake Mary Kmart.

Hawaii: Honolulu Sears (owned by GGP, 372 jobs lost!!!),  Kauai Sears (41 jobs lost),  Iwilei-Honolulu Kmart for lease (no confirmation of store closing).

Vacant bedroom/bathroom section.

One corner of the half vacant Chubbuck, Idaho, Sears. No official closing announcement was made.

Idaho: Lewiston Sears (at least 60 jobs lost).  No official announcement, but it’s painfully obvious the Chubbuck Sears going’ down. Or, maybe it’s preps for Shop within a Shop, or one of those domestic spy data storage centers?

Ever since the Kmart bankruptcy, this pad site for sale sign has been seen in the Pocatello, Idaho, Big Kmart parking lot. The Kmart is the only building on the lot.

Ever since the Kmart bankruptcy, this pad site for sale sign has been seen in the Pocatello, Idaho, Big Kmart parking lot. The Kmart is the only building on the lot.

Indiana:  Anderson Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint John Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Indianapolis Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Richmond Sears (49 jobs lost).

Illinois:  Alton Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Melrose Park Sears parts and repair center (50 jobs lost), Zion Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Lawn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), McHenry Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Peru Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lombard Sears/Great Indoors (at least 40 jobs lost), Fairview Heights Kmart (81 jobs lost), Freeport Kmart (45 jobs lost), Pontiac Kmart (more than 47 jobs lost), Homer Glen Kmart (82 jobs lost), Streator Kmart (45 jobs lost), Lombard Kmart (70 jobs lost), Naperville Kmart (98 jobs lost), Calumet Sears (164 jobs lost), two Sears stores in Grand Crossing area of Chicago (247 jobs lost!), Mount Vernon Sears (68 jobs lost), Moline Sears (at least 60 jobs lost). 58 Chicago area stores up for lease or sale.  By the way, Illinois elected officials gave Sears Holdings/Hoffman Estates a $150 million USD tax break to keep their headquarters in the state.  The tax break was not tied to any promise not to close stores.

Iowa:  Cedar Rapids Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Davenport Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Burlington Kmart (50 jobs lost), Coralville Sears (94 jobs lost, this is a store sold to GGP earlier in the year).

Kansas: Lawrence Sears (at least 40 jobs lost).

Kentucky: Middlesboro Sears (in September 2012 the Sears store re-opened under independent ownership, official grand re-opening scheduled for November), Winchester Kmart (back in May, Rankin Paynter bought out what was left of the inventory and gave it to charity), Hazard Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lexington Sears (114 jobs lost!).

Maine: Lewiston Sears (60 to 70 jobs lost), Presque Isle Sears (80 jobs lost).

Maryland: Ellicott Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Gaithersburg Sears/Great Indoors.

Massachusetts: North Reading Sears Hardware store closed, lease not renewed.

Michigan: Novi Sears/Great Indoors, Brighton Sears Grand/Essentials,  Harper Woods Sears Full line, Monroe Sears Full line, Adrian Sears Full line, Washington Township Kmart, Chesterfield Kmart, Woodhaven Kmart, Flint Kmart (46 jobs lost), Gaylord Kmart (48 jobs lost).

Minnesota: Willmar Kmart, Duluth Kmart, New Hope Kmart, White Bear Lake Kmart, Bemidji Kmart, Monticello Kmart, GGP owned Sears Auto Center in the Apache Mall closed (10 jobs lost).

Mississippi: Jackson Sears Full line, McComb Sears Full line, Columbus Sears Full line, Gautier Sears (71 jobs lost), Waveland Kmart (32 jobs lost), one of the Gulfport Kmarts (52 jobs lost).

Missouri: Lee’s Summit Sears Grand/Essentials, Saint Louis Sears Full line, High Ridge Kmart (59 jobs lost).

Montana: Missoula Kmart (50 jobs lost).

New Hampshire: Nashau Sears Grand/Essentials, Keene Sears Grand/Essentials,  Portsmouth Kmart (30 jobs lost).

North Carolina: High Point Sears, Moorehead Sears, Rocky Mount Sears, Statesville Sears, Durham Kmart (79 jobs lost), Asheville Kmart (53 jobs lost),  West Smithfield Kmart (59 jobs lost), Winston-Salem Kmart (69 jobs lost), Hendersonville Kmart (58 jobs lost), South Ashville Kmart on Hendersonville Road.

North Dakota: Jamestown Kmart (45 jobs lost).

New Jersey:  Lawnside Kmart (about 80 jobs lost), Howell Kmart (57 jobs lost).

New Mexico: Las Cruces Kmart (58 jobs lost).

New York: Depew (Lancaster?) Kmart (68 jobs lost).

Ohio: Chagrin Falls Kmart, Springfield Kmart, two Toledo Kmarts, Medina Kmart, Columbus Kmart, Columbus Sears/Great Indoors, Zanesville Sears (67 jobs lost), Trotwood Kmart (71 jobs lost), recently revealed Austintown Sears auto parts and service on Interstate Boulevard.   Also, Van Wert Sears franchise bought out by Kirk Berryman, owner of Computer & Networking Technologies (CNT), who plans on moving the store to a new location.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Sears (98 jobs lost, GGP owned, GGP wants a $2 million sales tax rebate, claiming it’s needed to offset capital investments needed to bring the space up to the standards for potential new tenants).

Oregon: Roseburg Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Tualatin Kmart Center (new property owner from California is tearing everything down for new shopping center, so far no indication the Kmart will be part of the new shopping center), Milwaukie Kmart (61 jobs lost), recently revealed Coos Bay Kmart (25 jobs lost).

Pennsylvania: Upper Darby Sears Full line, Pottstown Sears Full line, Pittsburgh Kmart, Wilkins Sears, Warminster Kmart (85 jobs lost), Shippensburg Kmart (46 jobs lost), Moon Kmart (143 jobs lost), Bethlehem Township Kmart (62 jobs lost).

South Carolina: Sumter Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Orangeburg Sears (57 jobs lost), Columbia Kmart on Fort Jackson Boulevard in 2012, Columbia Kmart on Bush River Road in 2009, Columbia Kmart on St Andrews Road (66 jobs lost), Irmo Kmart (no info on how many jobs lost),  both Greenville Kmarts (140 jobs lost between the two).

Tennessee: Antioch Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Cleveland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Ridge Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Hendersonville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Morristown Sears (about 70 jobs lost), Clinton South Kmart.

Texas: Two Sears parts and repair centers closing in The Woodlands (117 jobs lost), rebuild center in Garland (58 jobs lost), Farmers Branch Sears/Great Indoors, Houston Sears Great/Indoors.

Utah: Recently revealed Orem Kmart (no details reported).

Virginia: Norfolk Sears (at least 40 jobs lost),  Midlothian Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Richmond Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lynchburg Sears (84 jobs lost), Fairfax Kmart (no word on how many jobs lost), Christiansburg Sears (59 jobs lost), Norfolk Kmart on East Little Creek Road (77 jobs lost), Manassas Kmart (71 jobs lost).

Washington: Walla Walla Sears Full line (in August 2012, it was reported that an independent owner of Sears Hometown stores will open a store in Walla Walla), Lacey Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Kelso Sears (47 jobs lost), Lakewood Kmart (59 jobs lost), Bellingham Sears (92 jobs lost),  Seattle Kmart (85 jobs lost), East Wenatchee Sears (59 jobs lost), Puyallup Kmart (51 jobs lost).

West Virginia: Oak Hill Kmart (59 jobs lost).

Wisconsin: West Baraboo Sears (at least 40 jobs lost, local village officials say the store generated 3% of local tax collections), Rice Lake Kmart (about 71 jobs lost).

On top of that, Sears Holdings sold stores to General Growth Properties (GGP), of which it has been reported that most of those stores will be closed.

Here’s the list of 11 Sears stores now owned by GGP:

Iowa: Coral Ridge Mall (it’s official the Sears is closing, see above), and Mall of the Bluffs

Texas: The Woodlands Mall (this does not involve the two repair centers being closed by Sears)

Florida: West Oaks Mall

Utah: Fashion Place, and Provo Towne Centre (note the evil British empire way of spelling town & center. Due to a favorable lease agreement the GGP owned Provo Sears will continue to stay open under Sears Holdings management)

Oklahoma: Quail Springs Mall (it’s official, the Sears will be closed, see above)

Hawaii: Ala Moana Center (will be closed, see above)

Washington: Bellis Fair Mall (Bellingham store, see above)

Minnesota: Apache Mall  (see update above, GGP will close Sears store by 2014)

Illinois: Market Place Shopping Center

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 15-17 June 2013. Obama Care making the health care industry sick as a dog! Universities suffer massive decline in student enrollment!

Provider of equipment and management services for cancer clinics, OnCure Holdings, now bankrupt.  The Colorado based company is being parted out, sold off, mass layoffs.  320 employees affected!  Company officials blame Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Act for slashing and burning Medicare/Medicaid payments. OnCure is the third health care company to go bankrupt between April and June!  The other two bankrupt health care companies, Rotech Healthcare and Sound Shore Medical Center, both blame Obama Care!

The University of Missouri Health Care is laying off, or reducing the hours of 35 employees, plus 90 vacant positions will not be filled.  It being blamed on reduced Medicare/Medicaid payments!

In Michigan, non-profit health care research company, Altarum Institute, laid off 15 people.  They’re blaming it on the federal sequestration funding cuts.  What automotive industry recovery?  Germany based Benteler Automotive shutting down their Grand Rapids factory, in March 2014.  220 employees affected! The company said that all signs point to tougher competition in the automotive industry and they must become more efficient.  And two staffing contractors working for Detroit Public Schools laid off 650 employees!  The staffing companies say it’s because the school district has failed to pay them for services rendered!

In Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia School District laid off another 76 employees.  The week prior they laid off 3800 employees!!! A new tax on cigarettes was created to help fund the school district.  They are also considering raising the liquor tax.

In Illinois, the Chicago Public Schools laid off 850 employees!   Schools are being closed.

In Virginia, Isle of Wight Schools laying off 21 employees.  The budget for the district is $4 million USD less than last school year’s, despite an increase in local taxes!

Washington DC’s Howard University eliminated 75 jobs.  Apparently the school is in big financial trouble.

Iowa’s Ashford University is begging employees to voluntarily quit!  This includes employees at its Colorado and California campuses.  Reports say the university has suffered huge declines in student enrollment.  One report says enrollment is down 16000 from the year before!

The parent company of University of Phoenix, Apollo Group, laid off 24 people in Arizona.  It’s part of a planned layoff of 1000 employees!!!  It’s blamed on massive declines in student enrollment.

In Wisconsin, heavy equipment maker Caterpillar continues its trend of layoffs.  260 people unemployed due to crashing mining equipment sales!  Caterpillar has already laid off more than 500 hundred people in Illinois!

In Florida, the Palm Beach Ritz Carlton hotel laid off 452 people!  It’s the result of a major management change at the hotel.

California based OneWest Bank laying off 725 people in Texas!   OneWest was taken over by Georgia based Ocwen Financial.  And in Dallas, Saks Fifth Avenue shut down.  123 people out-o-work!

Speaking of the Golden State, the YWCA Thrift Store closed in Watsonville.  After 54 years of operations the bad economy did the non-profit store in.   In Sacramento, two The Beat music stores shut down after 30 years of business.  The business owner blames the property owner for jacking up the rents!

In Portland, Oregon, Solopower shut down. 29 people unemployed.

What oil boom? In Fargo, North Dakota, the 109 Consign store closed down.

Della Notte restaurant shut down in Baltimore, Maryland.  No reason given.

The 29 years old Sassafras Gift Shop closed in South Norwalk, Connecticut.  The owner blamed it on a declining market for gift shops, and on the fact that city officials expect businesses to be money makers for the city.

Another Mitt Romney Staples closing down.  This one is in the Barrington Shopping Plaza in Rhode Island.  It’s part of the Romney wounderkind’s plans to close stores across the United States and Europe.

In New York City, New York, Gleacher & Company Securities laid off 55 employees.  And Royal Health laid off 39 people.  In Syracuse, Scolaro, Shulman, Cohen, Fetter & Burstein, law firm, laid off 50 employees.  In Yonkers, Belmay closed.  60 people laid off.

And the Christian God can’t stop the North Grafton United Methodist Church from shutting down.  The 166 years old Massachusetts church is blaming it on lack of members.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shut down.

International

Breaking Martial Law News: Egyptian police allowed to imprison people for any reason!

14 August 2013 (14:20 UTC-07 Tango)/07 Shawwal 1434/23 Mordad 1391/08 Geng-Shen (7th month) 4711

The U.S. backed military junta has extended a curfew, anyone found breaking the curfew will go to jail.  Police can detain anyone for any reason.

235 civilians killed, 43 cops killed for a total of 278 killed.   Junta says civilians started shooting first, however, military and police units began assaulting crowds before gunshots were heard.  Reporters covering the now civil war say snipers on rooftops started the shooting.  It’s not known who the snipers were, the government claims they were protestors, however the overwhelming majority of killed and wounded are protestors.

At least 2001 protestors wounded.  Reporters showed that Mosques were turned into hospitals and morgues by protestors. No help from the government.

Junta officials claims protestors are getting weapons from the failed state of Libya (remember, that’s the country the U.S. and EU helped to destroy, and helped to bring in al Qaeda).

International

Breaking Martial Law News: Egyptians turn out in tens of thousands in mass protest in Port Said!

14 August 2013 (14:08 UTC-07 Tango)/07 Shawwal 1434/23 Mordad 1391/08 Geng-Shen (7th month) 4711

Egypt’s Interim Vice President, Mohamed ElBaradei, has resigned in protest of the U.S. backed junta’s crackdown on protestors.  ElBaradei said the junta’s crackdown will actually give extremist groups the excuse they need to go on the warpath.

Live video from Port Said shows tens of thousands of protestors on the streets.  Apparently Port Said is exempt from State of Emergency declaration.

The United States Congress has not halted billions in taxpayer funded military aid for Egypt, so far.

International

Breaking Martial Law News: Egyptian U.S. backed military government kills or wounds more than 2200 Egyptians in one day!!!

14 August 2013 (13:58 UTC-07 Tango)/07 Shawwal 1434/23 Mordad 1391/08 Geng-Shen (7th month) 4711

Egyptian government declares month long state of emergency/martial law!

Egyptian Health Ministry announces 235 people killed, more than 2000 wounded in U.S. backed Egyptian junta crackdown!

International, U.S.

World War 3, Asian Front-Afghanistan, 31 July-01 August 2013: More proof the U.S. ain’t leavin’! NATO kills Afghan cops!

A U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant was found guilty of murdering two Afghans.  He was sentenced to 20 years in military prison.  The case involved the killing of Afghans riding a motorcycle.  The lieutenant ordered his unit to shoot and kill the Afghans.  Investigations show the Afghans were no threat to the unit.  U.S. military rules of engagement state that you must be shot at first, before responding in kind.

In Nangarhar Province, Bati Kot District, U.S./NATO airstrike killed at least four Afghan National Police (ANP) personnel.  Afghan government sources say Afghan National Army (ANA) special forces troops mistook the cops as Mujahideen and called in the U.S./NATO airstrike.  Interestingly, Mujahideen stated they had ambushed ANA forces in the same area.  They claim to have killed three ANA personnel.

In Nimruz Province, Chahar Burjak District, reports that 41 people were killed by U.S./NATO airstrike.  Local officials say they were all Mujahideen.

In Faryab Province, Almar District, a suicide bomber using an exploding motorcycle killed himself and several ANA troops.  Different government sources give conflicting reports.  The ANA says that four ANA troops were only wounded.  Local provincial government sources say between one and three ANA troops killed and two wounded.  Also, Mujahideen claimed they assassinated the mayor of Pul Chiragh District, as well as the police chief and two others.

In Jowzjan Province, Aqcha District, reports that 20 Afghan National Army and Police joined the Mujahideen.

In Kandahar Province, Panjwaee District, Sayedano village of Mooshan region was hit by Afghan government forces conducting an Israeli style raid.  Villagers say two people were killed, eight wounded.

In Helmand Province, Marjah District, an Israeli style home invasion took place in Haji Qayyum in Loe Charahi area.  Nine people kidnapped.

In Ghor Province, reports that a village near Chaghcharan city was attacked by unknown gunmen.  Two people killed, a woman and two children wounded.

The Central Council of Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan are complaining because they have no representation in the U.S. backed Afghan Parliament.  Hindus and Sikhs are now asking the Afghan government to officially exile them so they can qualify for relocation assistance through the United Nations.

Afghanistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a long term strategic security agreement.

Australia has deported it’s first round of refugees from Afghanistan to Papua New Guinea.  Reports say some of the men are Iranians.  Australia recently said they would not accept anymore refugees from Afghanistan, even though Australia has a hand in the evil that is taking place in Afghanistan.

An Afghan reporter lost his job after he ‘liked’ an article on Facebook.  The TV station did not give a reason, but it has something to do with a new employee from Germany and the posting on Facebook.  It was also revealed that a manager at the TV station was fired for “interfering” with the German employee.

The U.S. led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Afghan government have agreed to a deal regarding the huge departure tax Afghanistan was levying on departing U.S./ISAF military equipment: “The Cabinet of Ministers for the Government of Afghanistan has approved the Ministry of Finance’s recommendation to waive penalties and fines associated with customs transit documentation.”-ISAF statement

A U.S. News & World Report article says it will cost U.S. taxpayers $6 billion USD to bring home $36 billion worth of military equipment from Afghanistan.  Another $7 billion worth of military equipment will be left behind!

The U.S. Department of Defense has told the U.S. Congress that the United States needs to maintain “substantial” long term military presence in Afghanistan, after the supposed 2014 pullout.

International

Breaking Martial Law News: Egyptian U.S. backed military government launching mass arrests nationwide! 149 civilians killed!

14 August 2013 (13:11 UTC-07 Tango)/07 Shawwal 1434/23 Mordad 1391/08 Geng-Shen (7th month) 4711

U.S. backed puppet government says no more protests will be allowed, will be met with military force “no matter the cost”!

Live press conference from bogus military coup interim Interior Minister, Mohamed Ibrahim, in Egypt.  They say they are launching mass arrests of Muslim Brotherhood political party members, all across Egypt!   All Muslim Brotherhood members arrested will be tortured!

Members of Palestinian Hamas being arrested!  Puppet military junta official says reports of civilian casualties are exaggerated.   Orders news media not to call civilians killed by U.S. backed government forces “martyrs”!

 

International

Hoof & Mouth Disease hits 130-thousand people in Japan! Record outbreak!  1 million cases, 200 deaths in China!

14 August 2013 (12:02 UTC-07 Tango)/07 Shawwal 1434/23 Mordad 1391/08 Geng-Shen (7th month) 4711

A record 133802 people in Japan have been hit with a viral Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD).  That’s the official number as of 28 July, according to Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

The hardest hit area is Tokyo, and it’s mainly children.   Early symptoms are similar to influenza or tummy bug; headaches, vomiting, high fever.  Other symptoms are blurry vision and skin rashes.  If symptoms last more than a couple of days see a doctor, it can develop into meningitis or encephalitis.

The HFMD virus can live in your crap for a long time, so wash your hands you filthy animal.  The human version of hoof & mouth disease is caused mainly by Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6), a type of Enterovirus.  Two years ago there was another recoded breaking outbreak in Japan, but this year’s is already worse than that.

The United Nation’s World Health Organization is reporting that China and Japan are the only Asian countries suffering an increase in HFMD this year.  China (including Macao, but not including Hong Kong) has  already seen 908857 cases, and 188 deaths, as of the end of June.

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 13-14 June 2013. California hit hard, again! The “system is just broken”!

Eddie Lampert (Sears Holdings) controled Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) now bankrupt.  The California based company has $261 million USD in debt.  Over the past two years OSH has lost $132.8 million!  Apparently the attempt to sell OSH to Lowes fell through.  OSH is now being parted out, which means lots-o-people will be out-o-work!

Also in California, the Los Angeles County Superior Court eliminated 511 positions, demoted 139 employees and transferred 223 to new jobs!  The county court is short $85 million!  Computer security company, Symantec, laid off 1700 employees!  In January, a company official referred to the U.S. capitalist crony corporate “system is just broken”.

The New York City Housing Authority will layoff 500 employees!  It’s blamed on reductions in federal funding.  Oak Beverages shut down in Brooklyn, 53 people laid off.  And BorgWarner Morse TEC ends their new Powdered Metal Operation in Cortland.  35 people laid off.   Originally the new Cortland location was to have employed 70 people.  I couldn’t find an explanation for the closure.

Too Big to Jail, JP Morgan Chase, announced 1800 layoffs at its New York and Florida mortgage offices.  It’s part of their plans to layoff 17000 people by the end of 2014!

Also in Florida, Okey Dokey Grocery shutting down all 11 stores!  157 people out-o-work!  Originally the company was planning on opening 50 new stores!  Reports now say the company is trying to find tenants for their stores.  Local business analysts think the company rushed into the grocery business without a true gameplan.

In Minnesota, IntriCon of Arden Hills laid off 35 people.  The maker of wireless monitoring devices for medical products is moving production around from a couple of states and a couple of countries.

In Missouri, after 99 years the last Garavelli’s Cafeteria closed down.  The owners blame the increasing costs of doing business, and declining customers. It’s now up for sale.  The non-profit Boone Hospital Center laid off 13 employees, and reduced hours for seven others.  It’s part of non-profit BJC Healthcare’s 160 employee layoffs at several of its hospitals!  It’s blamed on Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Act: “…experiencing reductions in our reimbursement for the healthcare services that we provide…”-June Fowler, BJC Healthcare

In Alabama, the Christian God can’t stop Catholic Providence Hospital from laying off 35 employees.  It’s blamed on the federal government’s ‘sequestration’ of funding.  Hospital officials say they’ve lost $2 million in Medicare funding!  And medical bed manufacturer, Hausted Patient Handling Systems, sold their factory to Graham Field Health Products.    Clothing brand, Russel Brands, shut down their Wetumpka factory.  191 jobs lost!  This is in addition to the closing of its Alexander City factory.

In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Atlanta Bread Company restaurant shut down.  Local news media reports say it’s not clear why it shut down.  SMS Sportsworld closed in Aiken.  The owner blamed it on too much competition and the bad economy.

Oak Farms milk packager in Waco, Texas, laid off 150 employees!  Production is being consolidated, a few months ago they closed their Louisiana plant.

What booming oil industry? Texas based Enerflex Limited shut down its Casper, Wyoming, natural gas operations.  89 people unemployed.  It’s blamed on a market shift from coal-bed methane to shale gas.

Edinboro University, in Pennsylvania, warned of layoffs due to declining student enrollment, for the first time in decades.  And Kissel Hill closed its North Cornwall Township store.  11 people out-o-work.  The owners said the store was an experimental operation opened last year.

In Cheshire, Connecticut, Bovano’s Retail Store closed.  Seven people out-o-work.   In Fairfield, Cargo Bay clothing store shut down. The owner is taking a break.

Local finished arts & crafts store Sarida, in Maine, closed up shop.  The owner said her first year was great, but by the Autumn of 2012 business crashed: “We started panicking in November.”-Tammy Cook

In Wisconsin, Oshkosh Defense laid off 700 employees!  It’s blamed on reduced government spending.  More layoffs are expected.  In Holman, Blue Cup Coffee House restaurant shut down after ten years of operations.  The owner blames the bad economy: “It’s been a tough couple of years. Last year was significantly down…..Different marketing techniques did help, but at the end of the day, it was too little, too late.”-Kim Granum

In Oregon, Georgia Pacific announced it will layoff 100 people over the next three years.  The paper product maker is replacing them with machines.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shut down.