The Christian God can’t stop the non-profit Bethesda Lutheran Communities from shutting down their nursing home in Watertown, Wisconsin, in 2014.  205 employees affected! It’s blamed on declining customers and Obamacare.  Plexus laid off another 35 employees.  The electronic manufacturing services provider said only that it was a workforce adjustment.  Last year Plexus laid off at least 116 employees, after announcing it would spend $50 million USD on a new factory!  The Ball Metal Beverage Container company laid off 72 people in Milwaukee.

In North Carolina, after 45 years of operation The Health Adventure shut down in Asheville.  Officials with the child health service blamed the property owner and government funding cuts: “Our closure has been caused by the redevelopment of the Biltmore Square Mall and their decision to not let us continue to operate in the new outlet center…..Additionally, we recently learned that in July, we will be losing 40 percent of our funding from the State of North Carolina.”

In Michigan, the Elmwood Geriatric Village in Detroit shut down.  98 jobs lost.  54 people lost their jobs at the Genesee Area Skill Center.  The Genesee Intermediate School District terminated its contract with Flint School District to operate the skill center after reports of improper spending of more than $7 million from a county tax levy.

IT and business process services provider, CGI Federal, laid off 88 employees in South Carolina.  It was revealed in a mandatory notice to the state/federal government, but company officials refused to tell local news media the reason for the layoffs.  The federal WARN system does not require companies to give a detailed explanation why they’re killing jobs.

Another round of Caterpillar layoffs hit Illinois. So far 800 people have lost their jobs since May! Caterpillar blames it on crashing heavy mining equipment sales.

What automotive industry recovery?  In Alabama, Benteler Automotive shutting down its Opelika auto parts factory.  121 employees to lose their jobs!  Production being shifted to North Carolina and Mexico.  In Huntsville, after more than 30 years Finnegan’s Pub closed.  The owner sold the property, employees told local news media that it was news to them!

Belle Foods shut down 12 of their Food World grocery stores in Alabama and Florida, and one Piggly Wiggly in Georgia!  Hundreds of people out-o-work! The company went bankrupt and has to sell off assets to pay off bankruptcy court ordered $42 million in debt.

Book and gift store, Domy Books, shut down in Houston, Texas.  It follows the closing of Domy Books in Austin.  Zaza’s Italian Restaurant in Tyler, closed.

In Georgia, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Turner Job Corps Center laying off an undisclosed amount of teachers.  It’s being blamed on federal government’s reduction in funding for students.  Last year 930 students were allowed to take the course, this year it’s been reduced to 732.

Bangor Daily News shut down its printing press in Hampden, Maine.  27 jobs lost.   Newspaper printing being outsourced.

In Massachusetts, the Fitcorp fitness center in Boston shut down.  It’s blamed on the take over by Town Sports International.

Men’s clothing store, The Blackbird, closed in Washington.  The owner says she will focus on wholesale only.

In California, pay TV and streaming video servicer Entropic laid off 70 employees.  Company officials said the job losses are necessary to maintain “long-term profitable growth”.   Evil British empire BAE Systems-San Diego Ship Repair laid off 302 employees!

In Ohio, 121 people losing their jobs at the Walgreens call center!  Is it because of Obama/Romney care (2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act)?  Company officals did not comment to local news media, but the call center handles Medicare part B.  Possibly because of changes made by Obama/Romney care the call center will be shut down in October!  In Leetonia, Farmers National Bank also closing in October!  Like many other banks doing the same thing, officials said it was because so many people have switched to internet banking they don’t need the brick and mortar spaces, or the employees.  In East Liverpool, the Mezzanine Town Mall closing down.  Shop owners are hoping to find new locations.  The mall owner blamed it on a bad economy, saying business took “a real big drop” in 2011.  He also blames city government for being nothing but money grubbers and not caring about business owners: “They seem to have a deaf ear on business.”-David Marshall

In Iowa, Grinnell Regional Medical Center laid off 41 employees.  It’s blamed on state and federal government cuts to Medicare and Medicaid (2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act).

Saint Vincent Health, in Indiana, laying off 865 people!  Officials with the Christian hospital chain blamed Obamacare (2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act).

Cengage Learning now bankrupt.  The publisher of expensive textbooks has $5.8 billion USD in debt!  Blame it on its recent take overs of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing and National Geographic’s digital and print school publishing unit.

Downtown Lynchburg YMCA, Virginia, ended its preschool program.  The YMCA blamed it on declining enrollments and the red tape of local and state government regulations.

In Kentucky, it was announced the Lexington Sears is being closed by the end of the year. 114 jobs lost!  The owners of the Fayette Mall will turn the Sears space into smaller store spaces.

In South Heidelberg Township, Pennsylvania, Nell’s Shurfine Market shut down.  Company officials would not give a public explanation.  An unnamed person familiar with the property said the store was not making enough money to justify its size, according to today’s grocery store standards.

Sun National Bank closed an office in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.  Bank officials say they need to “streamline operations”.

In New Mexico, Kmart announced it will close its 35 years old Sierra Vista Shopping Center, Albuquerque, store in September.

Nebraska based ConAgra Foods laid off 50 people in Saint Louis, Missouri.  It’s blamed on their take over of food maker Ralcorp.

In Texas, Xerox downsizing their El Paso call center.  490 people laid off!

In West Virginia, business manager TelTech is closing their call center in September.  Company officials blame it on crashing customer calls, caused by the bad economy.   260 people out-o-work!  And what housing recovery?  In Princeton, 104 years old Princeton Hardware shut down.  The owner blamed it on the crashing local economy due to massive layoffs in the coal industry.

What oil industry boom?  Oregon based railcar manufacturer, Greenbrier Companies, shutting down eight wheel, repair and parts shops!  It’s blamed on its third quarter loss of $56 million!  Company officials drastically misread the economy, thinking it had recovered they invested big time in their Mexico operations.  Expected high sales of their petroleum tank cars, actually tanked!

In California, Quiksilver Americas warned of new layoffs which could affect 100 employees!  Reports that CityGrid is laying off 130 employees!  The Money Mailer laid off 111 people over the past few months! The coupon printer has outsourced at least half its Garden Grove jobs.

After 110 years in business, Boschetto’s Bakery shut down in Massachusetts!  The owners blame greedy landlord: “Due to an excessive raise in rent, there is no way we can continue…”-Boschetto’s Bakery public notice

American Medical Response closed in Brooklyn, New York.  119 people out-o-work!  Art Stone Competitor Manufacturing Division closed in Smithtown.  36 jobs lost.

Belle Foods now bankrupt.  The grocery store chain has stores in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi.  Company officials blame higher taxes and fewer customers!

After 37 years, Friendly’s Restaurant closed in Manchester, Vermont.  Company officials blamed it on the bad economy, saying the restaurant wasn’t making enough money.

In Pennsylvania, Seafood Shanty went bankrupt despite having strong sales.  The restaurant owners said the bankruptcy was due to bad management decisions which led to restructuring.

In South Carolina, Sunland Logistics and Staffing laid off at least 99 people.  Spartanburg Steel Products laid off 64 employees.

Sonoco Products closed its Consumer Division in Chattanoga, Tennessee.  34 people unemployed.

Internet and phone service provider, OMGFast, laid off an undisclosed amount of employees in Florida.  Company officials refused to talk to local news media.

TransWorld Surf Magazine ceased publication, and switched to internet only.  One subscriber said “This is a totally bad idea.”

In Michigan, Bay City laid off ten firefighters after city officials merged the police and fire departments.  What automotive industry recovery?  General Motors announced more layoffs.  This time GM shut down their Grand Blanc Weld Tool factory.  350 employees affected!

Iconic Pete’s Grill closed in Minnesota.   The restaurant survived the Great Depression, but was done in by the current bad economy.  The owner said his sales crashed 40% in the past year! 20 people unemployed.

In Lincoln, Nebraska, Skorohod Service closed after 46 years of operations.  The owner of the iconic auto shop-convenience store-hang out place remembers when gasoline was 29 cents per gallon!  He blames the current economic climate for closing his shop, such as credit card fees, sporadic gas prices and competition from big franchise gas stations/auto shops.

In California, law firm Goodwin Procter closing its San Diego office in September.  At least 22 people unemployed.  It’s blamed on declining business.  In Thermal, Golden Acre Farms laid off 200 people!  Drug maker Actavis laid off 15 people in Corona.  Campbell’s Soup laid off the final 150 people in Sacramento.  In toto 700 jobs were lost as Campbell’s is selling off their 128 acres (51.7 hectares) operation.

Manao Thai closed in Oregon.  Dedicated customers said the restaurant was in a bad location and had few customers, but the food was real good!

In Tennessee, the Christian God couldn’t stop the closing of Soddy Bible & Church Supplies store.  The owners of the 38 years old business blamed the internet!

The Maine Medical Center is trying to trick 400 employees into quitting, by offering them buyouts.  The hospital is in the red by $15 million USD!  Hospital officials blame reduced government Medicare/Medicaid payments.

New Jersey based BD Diagnostics closing their factory in Monona, Wisconsin.  At least 100 employees affected!  The medical technologies company is moving production to its Maryland factory.

In California, Berkeley HeartLab closed down in Alameda and South San Fransisco.  48 people out-o-work.  Bayer Healthcare finally closed its Emeryville factory as it contracted out production. A total of 540 employees screwed!   In the same city, the Ernest Gallo addiction clinic laid off 17 people.  Paramedics Plus laid off 50 people in San Leandro.  Ports America-TTI Operations & Marine Terminals laid off 31 people in Oakland.  Burrtec Waste Industries laid off 130 people!  The trash collector lost its contract with San Bernardino County.  In Riverbank, Silgan Containers laid off 176 employees!  In Anaheim, Aramark Sports & Entertainment-Honda Center indoor sports arena laid off 586 people!!!  It’s blamed on state budget problems.  In San Diego, Blackbaud laid off 101 employees!  The software company is downsizing.  Evil military contractor Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC, my first civilian employer) laid off 145 people!  Another military contractor, Lockheed Martin, laid off 100 employees in Sunnyvale! MV Transportation, a Texas based bus company, laid off 129 employees in Vallejo!  Veolia Transportation laid off 480 people in Irvine!!!  The Los Angeles Times laid off at least 11 people.  Reports say the newspaper is slimming down to make itself more attractive to potential buyers.  In Westwood and West Hollywood, Jerry’s Famous Deli shut down with only three days notice to employees.  It’s blamed on the property owner.

Too Big to Jail Bank of America continues its job cuts.  This time “dozens” of employees in North Carolina were laid off.  A bank official said BoA is trying to become “more stable”.  And in Ashboro, Energizer announced 30 more layoffs.  This is in addition to the 75 layoffs announced in March.  Officials with the battery maker blame it on the bad economy and the loss of major customers.

In Ohio, Dayton Power & Light warned of layoffs due to “restructuring” of the company.   The Quaker Square Inn shutting down.  The iconic hotel built with grain silos was sold to the University of Akron.

Sports Authority on Airport Boulevard in Pensacola, Florida, shut down.   25 jobs lost.

The Hawaii Pacific University laid off as many as 25 people.  Layoffs are blamed on declining student enrollment.

Ozarks Medical Center in Missouri eliminates 44 positions, reduces pay and work hours.  Hospital officials blame it on the bad economy, federal sequestration, and the Affordable Health Care Act which will cut $3.3 million USD from the hospital’s revenues on January 2014.   The Obama administration continues to adamantly deny that the Affordable Health Care Act is impacting jobs!   And after 31 years, Papa Lew’s Soul Delicious restaurant shut down in Kansas City.  The owner/operators said they needed to retire from the 15 hour a day job.

In Indiana, Massachusetts based medical products for women maker, Hologic, shut down.  141 people laid off!  This is the second Hologic factory to shut down since August last year.

In Pennsylvania, Ellwood City Hospital closing their obstetrics unit.  It’s blamed on decreasing births.  What automotive industry recovery?  BMW of North America laid off 95 employees in Easton.

The Sierra View District Hospital laid off 49 employees in California.   Hospital officials blame the bad economy and the Affordable Health Care Act. Weiland Brewery shut down in Los Angeles.  The owners have to move to make way for a new public rail system.  YP Western Holdings laid off six people in Anaheim.  Renaissance Stanford Court Hotel closed in San Fransisco, 90 people unemployed.  Hillsides Education Center shut down in Pasadena.  82 people out-o-work.  The Barstow Community College laid off five people. The college also serves U.S. Army personnel at Fort Irwin, and that office has apparently been reduced to a one person operation.  Administrators said there just wasn’t the work load to justify the positions, but employees claimed “We’re at a skeleton crew right now!”  However, one administrator gave an ominous warning no thanks to state and federal funding changes: “There are many new changes to community colleges coming down the pipeline.”-Bill Studt, Interim President

In Nashville, Tennessee, Virginia based MAXIMUS Human Services shut down.  57 employees unemployed.  The company specializes in privatizing government Medicaid/Medicare health services.   Wilson’s Sporting Goods laid off 20 employees in Sparta.

Florida based Sykes Enterprises laid off 65 call center employees in New York.  Company officials decided to end their “client account operations”.  Petri Baking Products shut down in Silver Creek.  143 people out-o-work!  SuperMedia closed in Albany, 37 people unemployed.

Florida based Avantair executive air service now bankrupt.  They don’t even have enough money to give their employees their final paychecks (that happened to me with my last real job, thank you Metro Couriers, and Idaho Department of Labor who seized all the company’s bank accounts!)!  The company is also dealing with legal problems connected to it’s lease of highly expensive Piaggio executive aircraft.

For the third time in three months, insurance company Allstate laid off employees at its massive Roanoke County, Virginia, operations.  Local news reports say once again company officials did not disclose how many people lost their jobs.  An undisclosed amount of employees were also laid off in May and April.  On 21 June it was reported that Allstate shut down a call center in Illinois.

Another video game maker lays off a “small” amount of employees.  Kabam VP, Steve Swasey, said they are focusing on mobile gaming “…so we had to say goodbye to some folks.”

In Washington, Kate’s Jersey Subs closed.  The owner retired to help her husband’s construction business.

El Charro restaurant in Tyler, Texas, shut down.  No reason given, but for several months another El Charro in Tyler has been closed, with a sign that said it was for remodeling.  But, when local news media contacted the owners, the owners said no remodeling was taking place, the shut down was permanent.  Maker of a variety of metal packaging, Bway Corporation, ended operations in Dallas.  69 people laid off.

C&D Technologies laid off 90 people in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In Marquette Township, Michigan, American furniture and appliance store closed after 30 years of business.  40 people out-o-work.  Company officials decided to sell the property.

After 25 years, the Book Nook in Dalton, Georgia, shut down: “It’s too hard to compete with the Internet. People can get most of their books on their Nooks and Kindles. Business has just been slow for used book stores. The economy in this area has been tough.”-Ethan Adams, unofficial manager

In Hampden, Maryland, Village Flower Mart closed after 45 years in business.  The owner sold the property.

The non-profit Sesame Workshop, producer of PBS’s Sesame Street, laid off 30 employees. It’s blamed on reduced funding due to the bad economy.

Cactus Grill in Twin Falls, Idaho, closed despite seven years of booming business.  The eatery operation located on the property of Home Depot was shut down by the very same Home Depot corporation (the Home Depot manager was unaware of the corporate decision).  It was part of Home Depot’s plan to end eatery operations just outside their store exits.  Cactus Grill owner, Billy Elser said “It was a blow, cut us off at the knees. That’s how I make a living!”  Now, Elser is looking for backing to open a full blown restaurant.

In Oregon, the C&K Market closed in Waldport: “Due to the continued decline in the economic climate, which has negatively affected the tourist business along the coast, the difficult decision to close the doors of the Waldport C&K Market location was made earlier this month.”-Company statement

The largest manufacturer of roofing materials in North America, GAF, laying off at least 57 employees in California, by October.  They’re closing their Fresno operation.  Local news sources were not able to get a reason why.

After 80 years of business the B&B Sporting Goods shut down in Minnesota.  The owners tried to sell the iconic store for the past three years, because they wanted to retire, but the economy is so bad in Minnesota there were no takers.

In Arkansas, Pinky Punky in Little Rock closed.  The owners of the 40 years old “fun” women’s clothing store retired.  Hastings books, video games, music and trendy stuff stores shut down in Springdale and in Fayetteville.  Company officials said the stores weren’t making a big enough profit!  At least 60 people unemployed.

There were reports that the Jenny Craig’s weight loss center in Westborough, Massachusetts, shut down.

Evil mortgage foreclosure company EC Closing/Cal-Western Reconveyance now bankrupt.  No tears shed!

In Tennessee, a judge has ruled that the state government can proceed with axing 200 jobs!  The Tennessee State Employees Association said the state failed to give proper notice.

The Germany based JK Products & Services factory in Arkansas is closing.  123 employees affected, at least 85 to be laid off.  Production is being moved to Germany.  In Conway, Starstruck Video and Wonderland Flea Market closed after 21 years in business.  A recent legal ‘incident’ was the final straw.

After 40 years, the Christian God can’t stop the Chesnutt Furniture store from closing in Alabama.  The owner blamed the bad economy.  The building is actually owned by the First Baptist Church, and they’re tearing it down to make room for a parking lot.

In Pennsylvania, Stacy’s of York now bankrupt.  The supplier of plants to retail markets is being sold.

The Christian God can’t stop Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, in New York, from eliminating 50 jobs and closing a medical/surgical unit.  Officials blame reduced Medicaid/Medicare payments.

In West Virginia, Putnam County Health Department laid off 13 employees.  The department is in such debt that it hasn’t paid its rent!

Pocketful of Rye jewelry and local art collectibles store shut down in New Hampshire. The owner said she had to focus on her real job with corporate America.

In Indiana, the Indianapolis Public Schools laid off 109 people!  More could be on the way.  Officials blame lack of students: “We are not going to be able to eliminate the $30 million budget deficit and maintain the current buildings that we have. Because we just don’t have the students to support that.”-John Althardt

In Illinois, Jean’s Hallmark in Lemont closed.  It’s part of Hallmark’s plan to close stores across the U.S.

Too Big to Jail Bank of America laying off 411 people in Texas!  In Longview, CDs and More closed down. The owner is pissed at the digital generation: “It’s sad. It’s bittersweet. I’m fed up with it, and I’m sad to see it go….everybody’s downloading their stuff. They’re putting the small guy out of business.”-Tom Shomaker

Another mega law firm lays off 60 people.  Weil, Gotshal & Manges basically said there is no economic recovery: “We must now make the adjustments we avoided over the last few years to position the firm to continue to thrive.”

In Arizona, the oldest dance club in Scottsdale closed down.  Axis-Radius is being turned into a beer/concert hall.

The World’s largest gold miner, Canada based Barrick Gold, laid off 55 employees in Utah and Nevada.  They claim gold prices are too low!!!

After 45 years in business the Continental Greek Restaurant & Pastry Shop closed in Washington.  It’s the third Greek restaurant to close in the past 12 months.  The owners wanted to retire.

In California, the 44 years old Sea D Sea dive shop closed in Redondo Beach.  The owner said the bad economy and his poor health forced him to retire.  Evil Verizon Corporate Resources Group laid off 57 people in Irvine.  And non-profit Dignity Health laid off 464 people!

21 August 2013 (16:58 UTC-07 Tango)/14 Shawwal 1434/30 Mordad 1391/15 Geng-Shen (7th month) 4711

“This change is consistent with the way many large employers are responding to the costs associated with the Health Care Reform legislation.”-UPS memo to employees

United Parcel Service (UPS), a major employer in the United States, has canceled insurance policies for spouses of employees.   15-thousand spouses now have no health insurance!

UPS officials told Kaiser Health News that the Obama/Romney Care is actually causing health care/insurance costs to skyrocket, and they can not afford to provide insurance to so many people.

Another reason for the drop of 15-thousand people from the UPS provided insurance plan, is that UPS officials said the Obama/Romney Care law claims everyone will end up being covered anyway.  But, UPS said it will continue covering spouses who don’t work, or who work for companies that do not provide insurance.