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.
Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 14-16 April 2013. More school & health care cuts!

What U.S. automotive industry recovery?  After more than 74 years of service to South Boston and Southern Virginia, car dealership Wyatt Chevrolet ends operations.  The owner blames crashing sales on the bad economy, saying it’s a sign that he needs to retire.

In New York, the Bay Shore School District laid off 40 teachers.  It’s blamed on a $5 million USD budget gap.  The Ticonderoga Central School District could layoff between 11 and 15 people, and cut some sports programs.  In DeKalb Junction, Carvel Hardware closed due to the owners retirement.  The owner said he’s been trying to sell the building, but so far no takers.  After 45 years of business, Bleecker Bob’s Golden Oldies record store shut down in Greenwich Village.  The owner blamed internet competition and a landlord that keeps jacking up the rent.

In Florida, Edison State College laid off at least eight staff.  Officials said their contracts will not be renewed.  The college is undergoing a revue of its accreditation.

In California, Coast Community College District is considering letting go “dozens” of employees.  It’s blamed on public and private funding cuts.

In Indiana, the Indianapolis Public Schools will layoff 59 people.  Officials blame a $30 million deficit!  After 92 years, Crownover Jewelry closed up shop.  The current owner says changes in the jewelry market is forcing him to find a new career.

In Missouri, another of god’s Christian schools went down. Christ the King School in Kansas City shut down, after 68 years of operations.  Church officials say student enrollment has declined to the point that they are losing money.

In Michigan, 42 teachers with the Grand Blanc school district, now unemployed. Detroit Medical Center laid off 300 people!  Those still with jobs will see their pay cut!  Blame Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Plan!

Delaware Hospice laid off 52 employees (after laying off 104 employees starting in January).  Company officials blame it on reorganization of the company.

AbbVie, to layoff hundreds of sales staff.   The drugmaker is switching from ‘primary care’ drugs to ‘specialty’ drugs.

In Kentucky, the Blue Grass Army Depot laying off 182 people!  It’s blamed on reduced federal spending.

50 people lost their jobs at the U.S. Army’s Fort Rucker, in Alabama.  The employees work for contractor Army Fleet Support, their layoffs being blamed on new contract requirements.

In North Carolina, non-profit Industries for the Blind laid off 40 employees.  Turns out the non-profit is a contractor for the U.S. Army, making moisture absorbing T-shirts.  The contract recently ended.

In Texas, the San Antonio Housing Authority laid off 16 people.  Officials blame federal funding cuts, and warned that more layoffs were possible.

MV Transportation, a Texas based company is ending transportation service in Greenbelt, Maryland, laying off 188 people!  Too Big to Jail Bank of America closed its Muddy Creek Road branch office in Churchton.   Local news reports said no reason was given.

In Iowa, Linn County laying off 22 employees, due to state funding cuts.

Minnesota based scrapbooking company, Creative Memories, warned of bankruptcy.  150 jobs threatened!

In Illinois, SRNTY Jewelry out-o-business.  The owners say they will focus on wholesale orders only.

In South Carolina, Lisa’s Country Corner gift store, and Cathleen’s Daughter antique store, both closed down in Lexington’s Old Mill.  The owner of the gift store is switching to internet sales only.  The antique store owner blamed the bad economy for her store going out-o-business.

After 30 years of service the homeless shelter, Richmond Freedom House, shut down in Virginia.  It’s blamed on reduction in public and private funding.

In Pennsylvania, Seidenburg Luggage and gift store closed down after 75 years of business.

Einstein Bros. Bagels closed three stores in Portland, Oregon.  In Salem, Davidson’s Garden Store shut down.

Cheese maker, Sargento, closing its Bellingham, Washington, operation.  34 to 54 employees affected.

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

World War 3, West Asian Front: Iran preps to invade Syria? Israel trafficking arms to al Qaeda?

17 June 2013 (19:16 UTC-07 Tango 16 June 2013)/08 Sha’ban 1434/27 Khordad 1391/10 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

The British newspaper, The Independent, has a long winded article who’s only claim is “….that a military decision has been taken in Iran – even before last week’s presidential election – to send a first contingent of 4,000 Iranian Revolutionary Guards to Syria…”

The United Kingdom based news outlet claims their source for the info is “…pro-Iranian sources which have been deeply involved in the Islamic Republic’s security.”

There is currently nothing to be found in any Iranian news sources, about such claims.

Iranian news media has been reporting on meetings between Israeli officials, and officials from Qatar, concerning the supply of weapons to U.S. backed al Qaeda insurgents in Syria.  The meeting actually took place in the United Kingdom: “The 4-hour meeting was held in a house in Braum House in London belonging to Khalid a-Abeed, a Qatari citizen residing in Britain, on May 20.  During the meeting, It was decided that Israel prepare and supply the weapons needed by the terrorists in Syria and enter negotiations with European arms manufacturing companies on arms purchases and money transfer methods, and the Qatari side cover the funds and needed budget for purchases.”-Unnamed Qatari security source

 

 

 

International

World War 3, Asian Front-Afghanistan: Karzai blames U.S. War on Terror for terrorism! Australia has warning for Afghans seeking asylum!

12 June 2013/03 Sha’ban 1434/22 Khordad 1391/05 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

In Uruzgan Province, Chinartu District, Mujahideen claim to have shot down NATO/ISAF helicopter.   They say it was a medivac ‘copter that was hit by a rocket.  No comment from ISAF.

In Paktika Province, provincial officials say a U.S. airstrike was called in on Mujahideen, killing ten.

In Helmand Province, Sangin District, local government officials report that an Afghan National Army (ANA) convoy was hit by remote detonated motorcycle bomb.   At least one civilian and one ANA soldier killed, dozens wounded.

In Nangarhar Province, Chaprihar District, locals say NATO/ISAF forces kidnapped three people from their homes.   Locals in Khogiyani District report a similar incident, one person being kidnapped.

The country of Georgia will shut down two of their bases in Afghanistan, after suffering nearly a dozen KIAs (killed in action) in the past week.  However, Georgian officials say they are not reducing their troop numbers.

The country of Australia has been spending tax money on creating public service announcements (PSA), to be presented in Afghanistan.  They basically tell Afghans that if they try to flee to Australia they will be rounded up, sent to Manus Island, and have all their money taken from them: “But when he arrived to Australia by boat, they all were sent to Manus Island. They will spend many years there with no work or money.”-actor in Australian anti-Afghan TV PSA

11 June 2013/02 Sha’ban 1434/21 Khordad 1391/04 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

In Kandahar Province, Panjwai District, Gorgan village, Mujahideen claim to have shot down a U.S. OH-58 Kiowa, which was part of a U.S. heliborne SOF operation.  ISAF says “A coalition aircraft conducted a hard landing in southern Afghanistan today. Currently no casualties have been reported.”  Also, in the same district, Gerandai village, one child killed another wounded when they stepped on a landmine while foraging for food.

In Kabul Province, Kabul city, the Supreme Court of Afghanistan was hit by suicide car bomb.  At least 17 people killed, 40 wounded.  The Supreme Court is near the United States Embassy.

In Ghazni Province, on the Kabul-Kandahar highway a NATO/ISAF supply convoy was ambushed by Mujahideen.  Local police report two Afghan National Police (ANP) killed, two drivers killed and four Mujahideen killed.  Mujahideen claim they destroyed five supply trucks and killed ten cops and drivers.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reports that civilian casualties have gone up 24% from the same time last year: “Between 1 January and 6 June this year, we registered 3092 civilian casualties due to the armed conflict…..What is even of more concern is that children account for 21% of all civilians killed or wounded in 2013. This is an increase of 30% compared to 2012 and 34% compared to 2011. This is unacceptable.”-Ján Kubiš, United Nations Special Representative

In Logar Province, a citizen of Kyrgyzstan, who was captured by Mujahideen in April after an Afghan helicopter was shot down, has been released. Mujahideen agreed to free the man after negotiating with the Kyrgyz government.

10 June 2013/01 Sha’ban 1434/20 Khordad 1391/03 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

In Helmand Province, the U.S. Department of Defense reported a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant was killed.  The DoD is investigating how he died.  He was assigned to the 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command.

In Ghazni Province, a Polish/NATO troop was killed by explosion.

In Kandahar Province, Zherai District, someone cut off the heads of two boys, 10 years old and 16 years old.  Government officials say the boys begged for food from cops at a checkpoint, and Mujahideen killed them for such begging, however Mujahideen deny killing the boys.    Mujahideen spokesman, Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, said most Mujahideen groups have recently prohibited beheading of Afghan nationals.  In Shahwalikot District, five local cops joined the Mujahideen.  Their names were made public.

In Zabul Province, Qalat city, government officials say six suicide bombers invaded the provincial council compound.  Government forces were able to kill them before they blew themselves up.   At least 18 people were wounded in the attack.

In Kabul Province, Kabul Air Base, Mujahideen launched a suicide attack.  A car bomb was blown up at the military gate, five Mujahideen invaded the base capturing a building.  They held it for several hours before Afghan government forces killed them.  In Sarubi District, reports that a ANA soldier shot and killed four NATO/ISAF personnel.  No comment from ISAF.

In Farah Province, Bala Baluk District, Shewan village, ANA and ANA Special Forces officials claim they’ve killed seven Mujahideen during operations to deny Mujahideen safe havens.  Locals say one woman was killed, another wounded in the operation.

President Hamid Karzai stated at the opening of the 10th U.S.-Islamic World Forum, in Doha: “Did we address the sanctuaries of terrorism? And by waging this war on terrorism, have we brought less radicalism to the Muslim world, or caused more radicalism?…….In my view, the West as led by the U.S. needs to explain itself to the Muslim world.”

International, U.S.

World War 3, Asia-Pacific Front: Obama increasing military personnel in Australia! Japan & Canada increases wargames in California, preps for war with China!

14 June 2013 (12:10 UTC-07 Tango)/05 Sha’ban 1434/24 Khordad 1391/07 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

It’s been revealed that President Barack Obama is increasing the number of U.S. Marines occupying Australia.

Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and Defence Minister, Stephen Smith, announced that they’ve agreed to allow 1150 U.S. Marines to be deployed in the city of Darwin next year.  Currently about 200 Marines spend six months a year, in the Darwin area, playing army with Aussie Diggers.  There are other U.S. military personnel stationed elsewhere in Australia.

In 2011 Obama announced he would be stationing at least 2500 Marines and U.S. Air Force airmen in Australia.

Analysts point out that the city of Darwin has a strategic advantage to quickly deploy troops against China!

In the U.S. state of California, it was revealed that for the first time ever all three branches of the Japanese Self Defense Forces are taking part in a major war game with U.S. Marines, Canadian navy and New Zealand.  Officials from Australia and Singapore are observing operation Dawn Blitz 2013.

The war games began this past week, and involve (as in recent smaller war games with U.S. Marines) the invasion and capture of islands.  If you’ve been following news out of East Asia you’d know that Japan and China are at odds over certain islands, even threatening war over them.

The U.S. sponsored Dawn Blitz wargames began in 2010, which is about when Japan began ratcheting up their claims on disputed islands.  Recently Japan took over a island and China is demanding it be returned to them.

Japanese claims are upsetting not only China, but Russia, Korea (both north & U.S. ally south) and even U.S. ally Taiwan.  The Obama administration has repeatedly stated they support Japan’s claims on the disputed islands.

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, Economic Front: New twist on Blue Light Specials; Kmart sex crimes? Sears is most hated company in the United States!

13 June 2013 (13:56 UTC-07 Tango)/04 Sha’ban 1434/23 Khordad 1391/06 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

The Manassas Kmart in Virginia will shut down by September.

Also in Virginia, a Springfield Kmart loss prevention employee caught a shoplifter, then tried to force the shoplifter to perform sexual acts.  According to Fairfax County Police, the suspect is charged with “…abduction with intent to defile and forcible sodomy.”

In Canada, a woman discovered Sears has been charging her for critical illness health insurance policy, that she never agreed to.  The charge on her Sears credit account was coming from ACE INA Insurance, which is a vendor partner with Sears Canada.  The charges have been ongoing since 2009, and she had to hire a lawyer o fight them.

According to Yahoo Finance, Sears is the most hated retail store in the U.S.

Most mall based vacated Sears stores will be used as emergency “business continuity services”, to supposedly keep other businesses running in case of natural disasters or civil uprisings/unforeseen events.

Most vacated Kmarts will be used as domestic spying data collection centers, because most Kmarts are not connected to malls or other stores, therefore it’s easier to hide just who is operating the data center.

Sears Holdings officials say the vacated Sears and Kmarts were chosen for such population monitoring/controlling operations because 70% of the U.S. population live near a Sears or Kmart!

Here’s the updated list of 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.

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).

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).

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?

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!). 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).

Maine: Lewiston Sears (60 to 70 jobs lost).

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

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,  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.

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).

North Dakota: Jamestown Kmart (45 jobs lost).

New Jersey:  Lawnside Kmart (about 80 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).   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).

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).

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.

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), recently revealed 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).

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

International

World War 3, Asian Front-Afghanistan: Bliderberger Bill Gates buddies with Karzai? No data on what U.S. contractors are doing with your money!

09 June 2013/30 Rajab 1434/19 Khordad 1391/02 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

In Kabul Province, Kabul city, Mujahideen attacked the NATO HQ at Kabul airport.   The airport was closed for several hours: “Outside the airport, in the civilian area, there is a tall building under construction and they are shooting at the military side from there. The building is surrounded and there is sporadic shooting. Not enough to damage the military side. We don’t know how many [Alex Jones created???] terrorist bombers are in there.”-General Murad Ali Murad

In Badakhshan Province, Wardoj District, two U.S./NATO/ISAF airstrikes on two villages.  At least two children killed, dozens wounded.  Evil ISAF not denying the airstrikes, but is denying that children/civilians were killed: “ISAF conducted a precision strike against a Taliban leader…..that ISAF killed two children during this strike. It is not true.”

The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Comission (AIHRC) reports skyrocketing cases of honor killing, despite the ‘stabilizing’ presence of U.S. forces.   In 2012 there were 240 honor killings reported, as well as 160 rapes (15% of rapes are committed by U.S. backed cops).

08 June 2013/29 Rajab 1434/18 Khordad 1391/01 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

In Paktika Province, Khair Kot District, a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and a U.S. Army major with the 10th Mountain Division, and one U.S. contractor, killed by an Afghan National Army company commander.  The ANA commander was also killed.  Reports say the ANA commander got into an argument with the arrogant U.S. officers.

In Helmand Province, Greshk District, a local cop joined the Mujahideen and killed seven other cops.  The Mujahid got away with all their weapons and ammo.

In Farah Province, a local cop joined the Mujahideen, taking 18 weapons and an armored vehicle with him.  In a separate incident, in Farah city Italian/NATO troops were attacked with hand grenades, one was killed.  Local reports say the attack was led by an 11 years old boy!

In Balkh Province, Shalgar District,  locals report a U.S. led home invasion killed one person.  Apparently the invaders did not find what they were looking for.

“President Hamid Karzai spoke on telephone with Bill Gates, the founder and head of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to discuss the need to enhance efforts to eradicate polio in Afghanistan.”-Presidential Palace statement

According to two U.S. government agency reports (the Congressional Research Service and the Government Accountability Office) there are at least 108000 taxpayer funded private contractors in Afghanistan (30000 U.S.), and there is no way to know what they are actually doing: “CRS found that the Pentagon lacked the ability to document the work each contractor is performing. It also found even when the government has information on contractors, it’s often inaccurate and doesn’t reflect the actual work being done. This leaves the Pentagon unable to determine if the hundreds of billions it’s spending are leading to effective results.“-David Francis, Fiscal Times

07 June 2013/28 Rajab 1434/17 Khordad 1391/29 Wu-Wu (4th month) 4711

In Jowzjan Province, Qarqin District, a battle raged for hours resulting in 40 ANA troops being killed, five wounded.  A NATO/ISAF spy was also killed.  An armored vehicle was destroyed.  Mujahideen did not report any casualties.

In Maiden Wardak Province, reports that a U.S./NATO/ISAF airstrike killed eight people.  Evil ISAF said all killed were Mujahideen.  The village was then raided by ANA forces.

In Parwan Province, Siyagard District, 15 ANA troops joined the Mujahideen.  They brought with them 12 AK-47s and two rocket launchers, with ammo.

About 1230 U.S. soldiers from Fort Polk, Louisiana, are being deployed to Afghanistan.  They will be assigned to the U.S. Army’s 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.

The global affairs magazine, Diplomatic Courier, condemned the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan, saying “Afghanistan is still the failed state it was prior to the 2001 US-led invasion. It’s high time, therefore, for the West to ‘come clean’….”

The article points out that the U.S. must be behind the skyrocketing illegal drug production and trafficking, as well as being behind the corruption: ” Make no mistake: The U.S.-led coalition of nations present in Afghanistan is by no means blameless. It installed the current leadership and financed sham elections. It lectured against corruption, but looked the other way when it came to act against it. And the phenomenal growth of poppy cultivation and opium trade took place under the very noses of 100,000 foreign troops. [‘In 2001, Afghanistan produced about 200 tons of opium. Today, that figure exceeds 8,000 tons.’]”  

 

 

U.S.

United Police States of America: Sick cop blasts kittens with his government authorized gun, in front of children! Turns out it’s official policy!

12 June 2013 (15:04 UTC-07 Tango)/03 Sha’ban 1434/22 Khordad 1391/05 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

“Mommy, mommy he shot the kitty!”-child witness

According to the Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals a retired cop, now a part time Humane Officer blasted five kittens in front of a mother and her children.  Citizens now want him fired on five counts of cruelty to animals.

What happened was that a woman called to have a stray cat, with five kittens, picked up to be taken to the animal shelter.  Instead, when the ‘Humane’ cop showed up he told her there was no room at the inn, then pulled his gun and began blasting away at the kittens.  (for one thing that’s was a totally inefficient use of handgun ammo, I think the guy was gettin’ off on it)

But wait, there’s more!  When local news media asked the North Ridgeville Police Department about the incident, they were told that it was standard practice to use guns for euthanasia!    (will they apply this to humans? is this what the cops in Ohio actually do to human criminal suspects when there’s no room at the jail?)

Watch a local news video report here.

I’d like to point out that some of the citizens upset by this, are only upset because it happened in public.  They’re fine with so called ‘humane’ killing if it takes places out-o-sight out-o-mind!

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 12-13 April 2013. Business owner says the U.S. economy is the “Titanic…iceberg in sight”!

In California, AMS Fulfillment will layoff 200 people!  Company officials blame it on the loss of a major client. The Hanford Adult School officials warned they might have to layoff staff.  They blame the possible transfer of adult education to community colleges. The Technology, Arts, and Design High School closed down due to lack of enrollment.  Riverside County Superior Court to layoff 25 stenographers.  San Bernardino County Superior Court looking to reduce court reporters.  Despite having high profile customers the Empire Tap Room, in Palo Alto, shut down.  The owners blamed across the board increases to operating costs.  In San Marino, Fancy That! holiday supply store closed down.  In San Francisco, Freed, Teller & Freed coffee shop closed down.  The cafe opened in 1899, long before Starbucks was even an idea!  Xyratex moving operations to Mexico, leaving 300 Californians out-o-work!

Orthopedics company, Medtronic, laid off 50 people in Warsaw, Indiana.  Company officials blame the Obama/Romney Care medical device tax.

In New Mexico, 57 UNM Hospital employees lost their jobs.  The hospital contracted out their jobs to try and save money.

In Massachusetts, Quincy Medical laid off 30 nurses.  Tuell Nursing Home shut down after four decades of operations.  The operators blamed skyrocketing health care costs, and reduced Medicare payments under the Obama/Romney Care.  Amherst Woodworking shut down their 38 years old operation. The owner blame the bad economy: “We actually had a pretty good year in 2008, and then the bubble burst. Since then we’ve lost money.”-David Short

In New York, Horseheads Central School District plans to cut 70 positions.   Too Big to Jail Bank of America closing its branch on state Route 28 in the town of Olive.  Oswego Hospital closing its pediatric unit.  Cookie’s laying off 124 people in Fordham!  Store management blamed the bad economy.

Government communications and IT contractor, Harris Corporation, laying off up to 180 people!

In Muskegon, Michigan, Bon-Ton furniture store closed down.  20 employees out-o-work.  Art Van Furniture in Onaway closed down.  Owners blame lack of business.

The 50 years old Independence, Missouri, YMCA shut down.  Protestors pointed out that the YMCA was closing fitness centers in areas with “modest economics”.

In Louisiana, Charlie’s Seafood closed down due to a lease dispute.

Lockheed Martin creation and Department of Energy contractor, Technology Ventures, closed offices in Idaho and California.

Too Big to Jail Raymond James Financial laying off 160 people around the United States.  Company officials say they’re trying to get rid of “employee overlap”.

In Virginia, Petland in Roanoke shut down.  The owner tried to find a buyer for his store, but he said all potential buyers were refused business loans for some unknown reason.

Maker of plastic and metal containers, BWAY, consolidating two Texas factories into one, laying off 69 people.

In North Carolina, Meatballs on Main closed without notice, employees’ paychecks ‘bounced’.  The restaurant was open for less than a year.

In Hawaii, Farmers Insurance laying off 74 people.

The largest pool, patio and gameroom superstore in the United States, Branch Brook, closing stores in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.  The shut down operation is being conducted by Romney style vulture capitalist company Gordon Brothers Group.

Plass Appliance & Furniture closing in Illinois.  Company officials say they plan to close all their Illinois stores and move to Florida.  In La Grange, the Clipper Ship Gallery shut down.  The owner of the 40 years old art gallery blamed the bad economy: “Businesses like ours that depend on discretionary spending have found it very difficult.”-Bert Jacobs

In Arizona, all Phoenix area Baja Fresh restaurants shut down!  Apparently the franchise owner dropped the franchise without telling Baja Fresh corporate people.

In Centerville, Iowa, one of the last Ben Franklin stores in the U.S. shut down.  The store had been in operation since 1954.  Sources related to the store owners said “…sales have dropped tremendously…”

3Rivers Credit Union will be closing its Van Wert, Ohio, branch.  It’s blamed on declining customers.

In Pennsylvania, Merchant’s Village indoor market closed down.  At one point there were 170 vendors working the market, but sales weren’t good enough and most vendors quit.

In Florida, Breakers Restaurant closed after 42 years in business.  Harpoon Harry’s beach club closed down.   Here’s what the owner said about the economy: “I thought we would have the whole season, and I’d have preferred to go through September. But my helpers need to find jobs. They’re on the Titanic, with the iceberg in sight.”-Jack Bishop

On Mercer Island, Washington, Alpenland Delicatessen closed up.  It first opened for business in the 1970s.

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.

Business/Economics, Idaho, International, Technology, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Idaho Electric rates going up, blame the demise of Pocatello’s Hoku silicone factory!

11 June 2013 (15:02 UTC-07 Tango)/02 Sha’ban 1434/21 Khordad 1392/04 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

It’s been revealed that in May, Hoku Materials laid off its last engineer at the failed $700 million USD polysilicone factory in Pocatello, Idaho.  There are now only eight security guards working at the 50 football fields long factory.

Pocatello based news media interviewed the engineer who told them they were trying to work on a way to save the factory from bankruptcy sale.

Hoku Materials ghost town factory, Pocatello, Idaho. Now estimated to have cost $700 million.

Hoku Materials ghost town factory, Pocatello, Idaho. Now estimated to have cost $700 million.

Today, the factory is considered officially shut down, and will likely be parted out in bankruptcy liquidation sales (who wants to buy a 50 football fields long, never been used, polysilicone factory?).

The project was started five years ago, but right away ran into trouble because Hoku Corporation didn’t really have the money to build their Hoku Materials factory.  Pocatello even gave the company a huge tax break equivalent to the value of the land the factory was being built on.

Construction was delayed several times because Hoku couldn’t pay the construction contractor on time.  Eventually Hoku sold out to a Chinese company (Tianwei).  Then commodity market prices for polysilicone crashed.  The coup de gras was given by President Obama when he imposed high tariffs on Chinese solar power companies.

Another issue was that Idaho Power, the main supplier of electricity in Idaho, cut off power several times because Hoku didn’t pay their electric bill.  Now Idaho Power is jacking up electric rates for Idahoans, partially blaming it on the failed solar power polysilicone provider.

Most of Idaho Power’s electricity comes from dams on the Snake River, but water levels are so low they must rely more on wind and gas fired plants to generate electricity this year.  Regarding Hoku, Idaho Power is trying to regain the $23 million they invested.  In other words, Idaho Power company officials made a bad investment and they’re going to make their captive customers pay for it!

Electric rates for Idahoans trapped on the Idaho Power grid will see a 12% increase, the fourth largest increase in Idaho’s history.

I’ve been following this disaster for years, here’s more on the demise of Hoku Materials:

Capitalist Commodity Markets to blame for Pocatello’s Hoku Polysilicon near abandonment!

 

 

U.S.

Martial Law U.S.A.: Tax collector IRS turning into domestic spy agency!

11 June 2013 (13:55 UTC-07 Tango)/02 Sha’ban 1434/21 Khordad 1391/04 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

The Government Services Administration (GSA) has published a Purchase Order (PO) for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The gist is; the IRS is seeking to buy hidden cameras and clock radios: “Plant Concealment Color 700 Lines Color IP Camera…..Covert Coffee tray with Camera…..DVD Burner and 2 Internal HDDs, cameras…..Concealed clock radio…..Color IP Camera Concealment with single channel network”.

What does a tax collection agency need with hidden cameras, and even a hidden clock radio?  Visit the GSA’s www.fbo.gov website to see the PO for yourself!