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, East Asian Front: North Korea warns all foreigners in South Korea to leave! South Korea asks banks to suspend collection of debts from capitalist KIR companies!

09 April 2013 (02:11 UTC-07 Tango)/28 Jumada l-Ula 1434/20 Farvardin 1391/29 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is warning all foreigners in South Korea to prepare to evacuate: “The committee informs all foreign institutions and enterprises and foreigners including tourists in Seoul and all other parts of South Korea that they are requested to take measures for shelter and evacuation in advance for their safety.”-DPRK Asia-Pacific Peace Committee statement

In the Republic of Korea, the Finance Supervisory Service (FSS) has asked South Korean banks to hold off on collecting debts from the capitalist companies working in the now closed Kaesŏng Industrial Region (KIR).

 

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

World War 3, Economic Front: List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 21 February 2013. More health care layoffs! More video game makers make cuts! No more Rold Gold? More cuts to education! California still getting hit!

Texas based Advanced Living Technologies bankrupt. The non-profit nursing facility operator is in big debt.  Also, Dell computers announced undisclosed number of layoffs at their Round Rock, Texas, HQ.  An unnamed employee told local media at least 90 people were let go.

In Vermont, Grace Cottage Hospital to layoff 15 employees. Hospital officials blame the Obama/Romney Care cuts in Medicaid/Medicare payments.

Knott County, Kentucky, says they have to layoff 10 to 12 employees. County officials are blaming the Spotsplex, which is costing taxpayers $400000 USD per year.

In Florida, government contractor Predator Systems being closed down by new owners Curtiss-Wright.  20 people already laid off, another 25 will be let go by the end of the year.

In Louisiana, Libbey Glass laying off 200 people!   The company decided to end production of specific glassware, and move other production to Ohio and Mexico.

Video game maker, EA, announced an undisclosed amount of layoffs, to affect operations in California, Canada and “smaller locations”.

Another video gamer maker, IGN, also announced an undisclosed amount of layoffs.

Denmark based Vestas laid off at least 100 people working at their Colorado factories. The wind turbine maker blamed it on changes to federal tax codes.

BioFuel Energy laying off 40 people at its ethanol plant in Minnesota.  They actually stopped ethanol production at that specific plant in September 2012, but hope to re-start by the end of the year.

Grocery store, Giant Eagle, cut 75 jobs, mainly at their Pennsylvania HQ.  The privately held company is trying to reduce operating costs.  And after 35 years, Sneaky Pete’s closed in Ardmore.  The owner said the signs of the economic times indicated it was time to retire.

General Electric announced they are planning even more layoffs, and the sale of what’s left of their share of NBCUniversal.

In Canton, Ohio, Frito-Lay laid of 12 employees, and cut the hours for 15 other employees, at their Rold Gold Pretzel factory.  Reports say pretzel sales are crashing.

In Michigan, 840 people were told to get ready to look for new jobs! The Journal Register, which publishes newspapers in ten states, is about to be sold off on 17 April (to evil 21st CMH Acquisition). In Plymouth, Isabelle’s Copper Pot shut down.

In New York, Spotlight Newspapers ended two county editions. The publisher blamed increasing small business regulations.  And bus company Canal Escort no longer exists after a strike by employees.  Nearly 100 people out-o-work!  Company officials claim they lost their Department of Education contract because of the strike. One official was rather rude to the former employees: “This union thinks they can tell me what to do? They can go f-ck themselves!”-Joseph Fazzia

Grayslake Elementary District 46, in Illinois, to layoff 17 employees.  Officials say the district is short $2.2 million!

In California, Oroville City Elementary School District laying off six people. Blames declining enrollment and funding. In Westlake Village, Safeguard Properties closing its office and laying off 82 employees. Safeguard is also laying off 168 employees in San Bernardino. The company blames the layoffs on their takeover of some Bank of America operations. In Paso Robles the Wilson’s restaurant closed down. It first opened in 1948, and the owners want to retire.   And the Hollywood Park Casino might be closing in Inglewood (pending a decision by state officials).  600 employees affected!  In Nevada City, the Trolley Junction Restaurant closed down, 20 employees let go.

Indiana’s Cequent Performance Products factory, in Goshen, moving to Mexico. 350 employees affected!

In Oregon, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department laid off 66 people.  Reports say its because of contract disputes.  And all five Old Farmhouse restaurants closed down. The owner blames himself for trying to expand his operation too fast on too little money.

Wholesale Sports closed stores in Spokane, Washington, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.  75 people out-o-work.  Blame it on California based real estate investment company Alamo Group.

In Virginia, Reston shoe store, Footsteps, closed down. The owner blamed it one the high rent.  He said if could find a more affordable location he will go back in business. And the Hoppy Dog gourmet food store in Richmond closed.  The owners said they wanted to pursue other interests.

Mexican-Italian restaurant, Chisme, closed down in Valley Junction, Iowa.  The owner simply said “everything happens for a reason.” And Planned Parenthood said they were closing two Iowa clinics, no reason given.

In Tennessee, the Archiver’s scrapbook store out-o-business. Reports say it was the last scrapbook store in Memphis.

Hilton is closing their Paradise Landing indoor waterpark in Wisconsin.  Hilton officials say they want something more upscale, but haven’t come up with anything so far.

International, U.S.

World War 3, Africa Front: Obama increases military aid and troops for Somalia, I mean Horn of Africa!

09 April 2013 (00:16 UTC-07 Tango)/28 Jumada l-Ula 1434/20 Farvardin 1391/29 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

“The United States is committed to being a long term partner in assisting the defense forces in Somalia to become professional military forces.”-Caitlin Hayden, National Security Council spokeswoman

U.S. President, and peace prize winner, Barack Obama has just authorized the increased shipment of military aid to Somalia, at the taxpayers expense of course.

The United States pushed for the end of a 1992 arms embargo against Somalia, just so we could provide them free weapons.  Since 2007 U.S. taxpayers have been forced to fork over $133 million USD in military assistance to the pro-U.S., anti-Muslim government.

In January 2013 the United States officially recognized the anti-Muslim government of Somalia.  It was at that time that Obama revealed that U.S. forces helped France in its failed attempt to rescue hostages in Somalia.

In June 2012, Somali military officer, Abdiwahab Mohamed Ali, told regional media sources that the U.S. had 390 personnel incountry, training anti-Muslim forces.   The U.S. military has been avoiding using the term ‘Somalia’, instead referring to their secret Area of Operation (AO) as Horn of Africa.

It was recently revealed that two units of the Indiana National Guard were to deploy to Somalia, oh, I mean Horn of Africa.  Reports said they had been training for two years for the deployment.  Because the U.S. Army realized it’s much, much cheaper to use Regular Army (RA) soldiers instead of state militias, the Indiana deployment was canceled in favor of active Army units.

The ‘Horn of Africa’ (Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia) AO, as well as other African AOs, are considered part of the Operation Enduring Freedom mission in the Asian country of Afghanistan.

The U.S. Marine Corps has been training Ugandan troops for deployment to Somalia.  The USMC is helping build up forces from African countries for the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa mission.

The U.S. has also made two other Horn of Africa countries, Djibouti and Ethiopia, home bases for U.S. drones (UAVs).

International, U.S.

World War 3, East Asian Front: NATO threatens North Korea! South Korea issuing survival manuals for people living along the border! North Korea to conduct nuclear test on Wednesday!

09 April 2013 (23:29 UTC-07 Tango 06 08 April 2013)/28 Jumada l-Ula 1434/20 Farvardin 1391/29 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

“North Korea’s rhetoric, attitude and actions are provocative. North Korea’s actions pose a threat to regional and international security. They’re irresponsible; they are in defiance of the international community. So I have a very clear message to North Korea. Stop what you are saying. Stop what you are doing.”-Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary General

South Korea is not a member of NATO, but is an associate, having sent troops to Afghanistan as part of the U.S. led ISAF/NATO occupation.

The warning from NATO came as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced a ballistic missile test for 10 April 2013.  Analysts think it is one of North Korea’s new untested medium rang ballistic missiles (BM25 Musudan).

“Any future nuclear test or missile launch would be in direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions, and would lead to further pressure and isolation.”–Patrick Ventrell, U.S. State Department spokesman

The Republic of Korea is also issuing survival manuals to South Korean residents living along the 38th parallel.

In the city of Goyang, 50000 manuals with instructions and maps showing air raid shelters were distributed.  More manuals were posted at bus stops.

The survival manuals also contain instructions on what do to in the event of nuclear, biological or chemical (NBC) attacks.

 

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3, East Asian Front: North Korean KIR statement!

The Korean Peninsula has been put in the state of war due to the serious anti-DPRK moves of the U.S. and south Korean authorities and their moves for a nuclear war.

Not content with escalating military tension together with the U.S., the south Korean conservatives, in particular, are running the whole gamut of intrigues to find a pretext for igniting a war against the DPRK after reducing the Kaesong Industrial Zone to a theatre of confrontation.

Defying the repeated warnings of the DPRK, the south Korean confrontation maniacs are letting loose a string of invectives hurting the dignity of the DPRK, talking about “source of money”, “detention” and “hostages”. South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwan Jin revealed his sinister intention to introduce a special unit of the U.S. forces into the zone, vociferating about an operation for “rescuing hostages”.

This goes to prove that the south Korean warmongers seek to turn the zone into a hotbed of war against the DPRK.

By origin, the zone was built as a symbol of reconciliation, cooperation and reunification after the DPRK granted a privilege to Jong Ju Yong, honorary chairman of Hyundai Group of south Korea, valuing his patriotic will for reunification.

The DPRK’s offer to south Korean enterprises a vast area near the Military Demarcation Line where armed forces of the north and the south are standing in acute confrontation was a bold decision based on ardent love for the nation and compatriotism and a manifestation of the firm will for independent reunification, peace and prosperity based on the spirit of “By our nation itself” clarified in the historic June 15 North-South Joint Declaration.

When traitor Lee Myung Bak did serious harm to the inter-Korean relations in all aspects, getting hell-bent on confrontation after coming to power, the zone remained unaffected by it thanks to the desire and will of all Koreans in the north and the south for reunification and kept its operations for common prosperity.

But the zone is now in the grip of a serious crisis.

The zone, a product of the June 15 joint declaration, has been reduced to a theater of confrontation with fellow countrymen and military provocation, quite contrary to its original nature and mission due to such hideous confrontation maniacs as Kim Kwan Jin. This situation can no longer be tolerated.

The south Korean conservative forces claim that the DPRK will never give up the zone as it benefits from the industrial zone, but it gets few economic benefits from the zone while the south side largely benefits from it.

The DPRK provided an area of military strategic importance to the south side, in particular. This meant a big concession.

It is a tragedy that the industrial zone which should serve purposes of national reconciliation, unity, peace and reunification has been reduced to a theatre of confrontation between compatriots and war against the north. The existence of such zone is no better than nothing.

The DPRK is compelled to make an important decision related to the issue of the industrial zone now that the south Korean authorities abuse the generosity and compatriotism of the DPRK for their hostile purpose.

Upon authorization, I declare the following important steps as regards the crisis in the Kaesong Industrial Zone:

1. The DPRK will withdraw all its employees from the zone.

2. It will temporarily suspend the operations in the zone and examine the issue of whether it will allow its existence or close it as the south Korean authorities and military warmongers seek to turn it into a hotbed of confrontation between compatriots and war against the DPRK, hurting its dignity.

The General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone will be responsible for the working matters related to the important steps including the withdrawal of the employees and the temporary suspension of the operations in the zone.

How the situation will develop in the days ahead will entirely depend on the attitude of the south Korean authorities.
Kim Yang Gon, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea

International, U.S.

World War 3, East Asian Front: South Korea tells Obama they want nukes, for use against China! South Korea preparing to supply refugee housing!

09 April 2013 (18:40 UTC-07 Tango 06 08 April 2013)/28 Jumada l-Ula 1434/20 Farvardin 1391/29 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

Member of Republic of Korea’s National Assembly, Chung Mong-joon, is in Washington DC, telling President Barack Obama that South Korea must be allowed to have nuclear weapons, for use against China!

Chung says China has forgotten about its renegade ally, North Korea.  He thinks allowing South Korea to have nukes would force the Chinese to realize how serious the situation is.

In another development, South Korea’s Ministry of Security and Public Administration, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), say there are not enough shelters for an expected flood of refugees caused by a Second Korean War.

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

World War 3, Economic Front: Idaho Sears closing down, without official notice? Kmart closing in South Carolina!

08 April 2013 (17:27 UTC-07 Tango 06)/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1391/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

Click pics to make bigger

The Chubbuck, Idaho, Sears used to be located in the old vanished Pocatello Mall.  It was the last store remaining in the Pocatello, Idaho, location before moving into the Pine Ridge Mall, in Chubbuck.  The Pocatello Mall was torn down and replaced with the ‘new’ Fred Meyer plaza (for some reason a lot of people confuse the struggling Westwood Mall with the old Pocatello Mall).

In South Carolina, the second and remaining Kmart in Greenville will close down in May. 74 people will lose their jobs. It was revealed only because South Carolina requires a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (apparently Idaho does not).  The closing of the two Greenville Kmarts will affect at least 140 employees.

The Calumet City Sears, in Illinois, will close by June. 164 employees affected!

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).

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).

Hawaii: Honolulu Sears (owned by GGP, 372 jobs lost!!!).

Idaho: Lewiston Sears (at least 60 jobs lost).  No official announcement, but it’s painfully obvious the Chubbuck Sears going’ down.

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

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.

Montana: Missoula Kmart (50 jobs lost).

New Hampshire: Nashau Sears Grand/Essentials, Keene Sears Grand/Essentials.

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).

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

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

New York: Depew 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).

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).

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).

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

Illinois: Market Place Shopping Center

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

World War 3, Economic Front: Walmart & Sears end portrait studios!

08 April 2013 (15:01 UTC-07 Tango 06)/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1391/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

In what is old news to me, the main streamer U.S. media has finally realized that portrait studios in Walmart and Sears have disappeared.

The portrait studio at the Chubbuck, Idaho, Walmart quietly shut down months ago, no mention in the local media.

According to a report out of Florida, the company that operated those studios, Canadian based CPI, is out-o-business.  The report says CPI was done in by the digital camera age, because more people are doing their own family portraits using digital cameras and their computers.

Business/Economics, International

World War 3, East Asian Front: DPRK officially withdraws communist workers from KIR!

08 April 2013 (13:55 UTC-07 Tango 06)/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1391/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

After nine years of operation Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is officially pulling out 53000 communist workers from the Kaesŏng Industrial Region (KIR).

Because the cheap North Korean workers are the overwhelming majority of workers at the KIR, the move effectively shuts down operations for capitalist South Korean companies.

Republic of Korean officials are holding North Korea responsible for effectively destroying South Korean companies, and said they “…will look into areas as compensations for businesses affected.”

Business/Economics, International

H7N9 update: Economic toll being felt!

08 April 2013 (13:43 UTC-07 Tango 06)/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1391/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

The H7N9 outbreak in China is affecting several industries.

The Nanshan Wholesale Poultry commodity market reports a 30% decline in trading.

Restaurants in China, including KFC and McDonald’s, report huge drops in orders for chicken products.

Reports that sales of other meats are dropping as well.

The Public Health Agency of the Federal Government of Canada is warning people about traveling to China.  The airline industry is bracing for a drop in passengers flying to China. Already the price of stocks of airline companies are dropping.