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, International

World War 3, Economic Front: United Kingdom rations baby formula, trying to stop sales to China?

08 April 2013 (13:29 UTC-07 Tango 06)/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1391/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

“We would like to apologize to parents for any inconvenience caused by this limit. We know that most parents only buy one pack at a time, so we hope that the impact of this limit on U.K. parents will be minimal.”-Danone statement

Apparently people in the economic strapped United Kingdom have been buying bulk quantities of baby formulas and reselling them to families in China.

Chinese baby formula makers are still having problems with contaminated products, so foreign made formulas are in big demand. However, officials in U.K. apparently don’t want individual Brits making much needed money off selling baby formula to Chinese.

But it’s not just United Kingdom, Australia has already banned such behavior as well.  Officials say they’re concerned with violations of trade agreements.

But one formula maker, Danone, revealed the real reason for the retail store rations in the British empire: They are trying to boost their own sales in China and they don’t want the competition!

But another formula maker, Nestle, is challenging the claims of formula shortages by Danone and U.K. officials: “We do not have any evidence of bulk purchase of SMA for export, and we are in the process of contacting all our retail customers to confirm this, and to notify them that we do not have – and do not anticipate – any stock issues for powdered infant milks. We would like to reassure our consumers that we are not seeking to impose any limits on the sale of our formula, and any decision to do so is at the sole discretion of the retailer. Contrary to reports, Nestle UK has never requested that retailers limit the supply of SMA powdered infant milks sold to consumers.”

International, U.S.

World War 3, Africa Front: France launches new offensive in Mali! Now wants troops to stay permanently! South Africa deploying troops to DRC!

08 April 2013 (13:00 UTC-07 Tango 06)/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1391/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

After basically declaring victory after their January invasion of Mali, France now launching a major offensive called Operation Gustav.

This comes after the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland began sending troops to Mali, and after the United States revealed they are increasing drone (UAV) operations in Africa.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, wants to keep a permanent French force in Mali, on the pretense of ‘peacekeeping’.

After pulling their troops out of Central African Republic, South Africa says it will now send troops to Democratic Republic of Congo (not to be confused with Republic of Congo).

This comes after the United Nations created the first ever UN aggressor unit called Intervention Brigade, created just to invade DRC and some surrounding countries.

The South African troops will be part of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO), which will act as the support unit for the Intervention Brigade.

International, U.S.

World War 3, Asian Front: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 07 – 08 April 2013. U.S./NATO kills children and one of their own! Afghans fighting against U.S. insurgents in Syria! Surge in U.S. funded cops joining Mujahideen!

08 April 2013/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1391/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

A French photographer, kidnapped three months ago, was released today.  He was kidnapped by what the government calls unknown gunmen in Kabul city.  He was taken to volatile Maidan Wardak Province.  Afghan government officials say they still don’t know who kidnapped him, and they don’t know why he was released.

In Maidan Wardak Province, a bus was blown up killing nine people and wounding 22.  Police blame Mujahideen, although Mujahideen do not claim responsibility.

In Farah Province a rocket attack against President Hamid Karzai.  The rocket missed the target, and no one was hurt.  Karzai was meeting with victims of a major suicide attack that took place last week.

In Faryab Province, Qisar District, three cops joined the Mujahideen.

In Kandahar Province, Arghasan District, Shan Nari Village, three cops joined the Mujahideen.

In Zabul Province, Arghandab District, a local cop joined the Mujahideen, bringing radio equipment with him.

U.S. supported insurgents in Syria say Afghans have been fighting for the Syrian government.  The Afghan government says they are investigating the claim.

07 April 2013/26 Jumada l-Ula 1434/18 Farvardin 1391/27 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

In Kunar Province, Shegal District, U.S./NATO airstrike killed 11 children and a U.S. adviser during a major battle.  Provincial government officials say 12 civilians killed, 11 Mujahideen killed and the U.S./NATO airstrike even killed a U.S. military adviser. A district official says the children range in age from one year to eight years old.  Government sources also say 10 Mujahideen wounded, seven cops wounded and six civilian women wounded. Mujahideen claim none of the people killed were Mujahideen. Karzai demands an investigation.

In Ghazni Province, Mujahideen ambushed a patrol of Afghan National Army and Police (ANA, ANP). A battle took place for the rest of the day. 20 ANA/ANP killed, dozens wounded. Mujahideen claim only two of their own wounded.  Six civilians wounded.

In Nangarhar Province, Jalalabad City, Mujaideen attacked and destroyed a tank transporter loaded with two armored vehicles.  The driver was killed, a security guard wounded.

In Samangan Province, the home of a senator was blown up by suicide bomber.  The governor said the senator was not home at the time, the only person hurt was the bomber, he lost his leg.

In Kunduz Province, A provincial council member from Paktia Province was assassinated.  He was shot while on his way home.

In Badghis Province, Maqur District, 14 cops joined the Mujahideen.  They brought with them lots of weapons, radio equipment and three motorcycles (all probably paid for with U.S./European tax money).

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3, Economic Front: Australia, New Zealand give up U.S. Dollar! Join China!

08 April 2013 (11:40 UTC-07 Tango 06)/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1391/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

“This is a huge advantage for Australia not only for our big businesses, but also for our small and medium enterprises that want to do business here.”-Julia Gillard, Australia’s Prime Minister

China and Australia have given up using the U.S. dollar to conduct business between themselves.

The major banks of Australia, New Zealand and China have agreed to use their own money; the Australian dollar and the Chinese yuan/renminbi.

Bank officials blame the U.S. dollar for the high cost of doing international business, avoiding it will save them money: “It certainly improves convenience for our customers and takes cost out for our customers to have the direct convertibility between the Australian dollar and the Chinese renminbi.”-Gail Kelly, Australia’s Westpac Bank

The ANZ bank is also taking part.  ANZ stands for Australia and New Zealand.

International

H7N9 update: 7th person dies! Two more people infected! More people tested in Hong Kong!

08 April 2013 (11:23 UTC-07 Tango 06)/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1391/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

A seventh person has died in Shanghai.  The 64 years old man died one week after showing symptoms. By Wednesday he had pneumonia.

Health officials in Jiangsu Province say two people are sick with H7N9.  An 85 years old man and a  25 years old woman.

In Hong Kong, seven people are being tested for H7N9.  So far everyone tested in Hong Kong have been negative for the new bird flu.

At this point there are 24 confirmed cases of H7N9, and seven deaths, since the end of March.

International, U.S.

World War 3, East Asian Front: South Korea says North about to undertake 4th nuke test! Medical team leaves Kaesŏng! Capitalists admit the communist blockade of KIR hurts them more than the North! North Korea says prepare for anything!

08 April 2013 (01:00 UTC-07 Tango 06)/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1391/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

“Given economic conditions, it’s hard to reopen the Kaesong Industrial Park once it is closed down. Closure of the Kaesong park will inevitably lead to economic damage to South Korea….”-Hwang Woo-yea, of South Korea’s ruling political party Saenuri

Republic of Korea’s Unification Minister, Ryoo Kihl-jae, believes the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is about to conduct a forth nuclear weapons test. He refused to explain to South Korean media why he thinks that.

ROK Ministry of Defense downplayed the claim by Ryoo, saying their intelligence shows no movement in the area where the last nuke test took place.

However, a South Korean media source said there was increased activity at a test site in the northeast part of North Korea.

A ROK medic team based at the Kaesŏng Industrial Region (KIR) has left the area.  The DPRK continues its blockade of the KIR, several South Korean capitalist companies have ceased operations as a result.

A representative of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), Kim Yang-gon, visited KIR and told communist workers to prepare for all possibilities.

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 20 February 2013: More health care cuts! Tens of thousands more laid off! More cuts for California!

The U.S. Army announced it will layoff 122063 civilian workers!!! Most of those layoffs will affect the states of Texas, Virginia, Alabama, Pennsylvania and California.

In Florida, the Army Navy Surplus Market in Tampa closed down. The store had been in business for 75 years. The owner retired.  In Jacksonville, Beaches Wings and Grill closed own, without notice and without explanation.

In Oregon, the Silverton Hospital laid off nine employees in their new cath lab: “People aren’t really using cath labs anymore because there are really good medications you can take, or insurance are now requiring that a patient take those medications prior to having a stent or going to the cath lab.”

In Maine, Franklin Memorial Hospital laid off 40 employees. They blame it on the fact the hospital is losing money.

In New York, 230 people were told they are about to lose their jobs! The Journal Register owns several newspapers that are about to be put out of print because of a takeover by 21st Century CMH Acquisition.  In Auburn, the Daikin McQuay heating and air conditioner factory announced they will shut down in 2014. 352 employees affected! The company is moving operations to Tennessee. New Hampshire based Vette Thermal to layoff 84 people in Ontario. They want to move operations to New Hampshire.

In Texas, NRG let go a total of 116 people in Houston! It’s the result of their merger with GenOn.  Between the two companies at least 500 people will be laid off!  Also in Houston, Sawyer Park sports bar closed. Local media say the bar lost business after fighting incidents and claims of racism.

Semiconductor maker Intersil laying off at least 18% of its employees.  Company officials said they needed to make their “customers” happy.   They probably mean their stockholders.

In Ohio, the Upper Arlington school district needs to cut $3 million USD from its budget, so that means layoffs. At least 52 employees will be affected.

In California, the Paradise Unified School District laying off nearly 15 employees. Declining enrollment and funding being blamed. In Rosemead, Bahooka tiki themed restaurant closed down. Apparently the new owner didn’t like the tiki theme. And the Buenas Vidas Youth Ranch closed down due to lack of funding.

Mexican owned DAK Americas closing its North Carolina factory.  600 employees affected!  Apparently the monomer, resin and fiber maker does not want to pay to upgrade the aging factory.

In Illinois, Helix Camera closed down after 49 years in business. The owner said his wife threatened him with divorce if he didn’t retire.  He also blamed the digital age.

Texas based CiCi’s Pizza closing their Cedar Rapids, Iowa, restaurant.  The owner of the franchise quit.

The Card Party store in Wayzata, Minnesota, closed down.  After seven years the owners says “It’s just not working out financially.”

Cheli’s Chili Bar of Dearborn, Michigan, closed down. The owners didn’t give an explanation.

Whitley Products laying off 86 people in Plymouth, Indiana. The company wants to close down their factory by May. In Evansville, the Showplace South second run movie theater out-o-business. The owners say they can’t afford to upgrade to digital.

In Charlottesville, Virginia, the Blue Ridge Eco Shop closed down. The owner said he could not renew the mall lease.

In Utah, the Dillard’s anchor store at the Cache Valley Mall gone for good.   Company officials told local media that they’re closing stores across the country because of crashing sales.

In Montana, another closing that the Christian god can’t stop. The Saint Paul Infant Center closed after 35 years of operations. Local media failed to explain why the Lutheran care center was closing.

 

 

International, U.S.

World War 3, East Asian Front: U.S. Forces Korea on high alert! South Korean officials cancel trip to Washington DC! China warns North Korea!

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

“….He has asked the Senate Armed Services Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, and the House Appropriations Committee-Defense to excuse his absence until he can testify at a later date….”-USFK statement

U.S. Army General James Thurman, canceled his trip to testify before Congress, citing the fact that his U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) have been put on high alert.

Republic of Korea (ROK) Army General Jung Seung-jo, also canceled his trip to Washington DC, for similar reasons.

The Chinese President Xi Jinping, warned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea not “…to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos…”

China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, told UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that China “…does not allow any troublemaking on China’s doorstep.”

Influenza

H7N9 update: Thailand says virus new to continental East Asia, came from U.S.! Inspectors say Thai chicken is good to eat!

08 April 2013 (19:39 UTC-07 Tango 06 April 2013)/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1392/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

“H7N9 used to be found only in poultry in Europe, the United States and Japan. Never before have there been reports of people contracting the disease…..To be ready for H7N9, every hospital in Phuket will strictly monitor patients who have serious respiratory symptoms similar to those brought on by pneumonia and influenza. Surveillance Rapid Response Teams have been ordered to be ready around the clock.”-Bancha Kakong, Phuket Provincial Health Office

The Thai Agriculture Ministry is not worried about the Chinese ban on poultry imports: “H7N9 spread in China won’t affect Thai poultry exports.”

Thai officials say several foreign inspectors have given the OK for Thai chickens.  Qatar is the latest country to resume importing poultry from the southeast Asian country.

At latest count there are 21 cases of human H7N9 infections in China, six have died.