Category Archives: Business/Economics

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Pocatello losing another business!

18 March 2013/06 Jumada l-Ula 1434/28 Esfand 1391/07 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

Art Supply of Pocatello, Idaho, closing by the end of March. A comic and record store shares the same space, no word on the future of that operation.

Another art supply store closing down in Pocatello, Idaho.  Art Supply of Pocatello is closing their West Center Street store.  Malynda Cooper, one of the owners, will now be focusing on work at Brigham Young University-Idaho. She also sat on the Pocatello Arts Council.  For the past few years arts and crafts stores have been going out-o-business in the city also known as The Gate City.  Apparently ‘The Arts’ isn’t a big thing in Pocatello.

Business/Economics, International

What Economic Recovery? Asian investment markets crashing, Euro crashing due to 10% tax on bank accounts! Depositors making a run on the banks!

18 March 2013/06 Jumada l-Ula 1434/28 Esfand 1391/07 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

Reports that Asian stock markets dropped, along with the euro, as details of the financial bailout of Cyprus were revealed.

The European Union (EU) agreed to bailout the island country of Cyprus, but only if individual bank accounts were heavily taxed, in some cases as high as 10%!

Now Cypriots are making a run on the banks, trying to cash out their accounts.  So far, in the ongoing European bailouts, Cyprus is the only country that has been ordered to tax bank accounts.

But because of the way EU officials avoided questions about the possibility of other European bank accounts being taxed, there is a fear that runs on the banks will spread outside Cyprus.

The 10% tax could end up being 12.5%, that’s according to Reuters. Officials are trying to change the bailout rules by lowering the tax for people with less than $129000 USD in a bank account, but the difference would be passed on to wealthier accounts.

If the Cypriot Parliament does not ratify the bailout deal, then there is no bank account tax and no bailout money. (they should do what Iceland did, default!)

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

Norovirus update 16 March 2013: Elton John down! Save some money and stay away from the ER! Pesticides spreading the disease, more reasons to avoid veggies! No room at the Hospital, tents set up for dozens of sick students! Queen out-a-the hospital but not out-a-the woods! Elitist eateries making people sick!

Elton John canceled a Friday night U.S. concert at the last minute, because he’s sick with stomach bug!

In Warwickshire, England U.K., the Red Cross was called out to deal with two bus loads of 90 French exchange students sick, possibly with norovirus. The buses were at the Warwick Hospital.  After admitting four of the students, the hospital staff realized there would be no room at the inn because so many were sick, so they called in the Red Cross to set up tents and provide camp-beds,  blankets, inflatable pillows and hygiene packs.

Speaking of England, the Queen is out of the hospital but that doesn’t mean she’s out-a-the woods: “The queen continues to make a good recovery following her recent illness, and today she presented the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry and held a series of audiences.  However, regrettably, she will no longer attend the Tech City engagement planned for tomorrow, or the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scriptures Association Service at the Guards Chapel on Thursday…..The queen hopes to resume her program of official engagements next week.”

Also, a British boxer almost canceled a fight, but like many ‘mericans he went to work sick: “It was horrendous. I was not well in the build-up, I picked up a stomach bug the day before the fight and I spent most of the day of the fight on the toilet……I had sold a lot of tickets and had a lot of people to please and didn’t want to let them down.”-Dan Woodgate, he won the fight

On 12 March in the United States, Texas Ranger outfielder, Craig Gentry, was taken off the lineup because of stomach bug.

Around the World, many Football clubs (that’s soccer in the U.S.) are dealing with sick players.

In Netherlands, a new study says norovirus can survive pesticides, and is probably even spread by the bug poison!  The study was inspired by other studies that showed a strong connection between norovirus and vegetables (one U.S. study says 50% of produce have norovirus!).  The Dutch researchers diluted norovirus in eight different types of pesticides, the virus survived in all eight.  The study, published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, concludes that the possible source of norovirus on vegetables is coming from the pesticides that are routinely sprayed on industrial scale crops!

In Oregon U.S.A., an upscale restaurant (most dinners starting out at $18 per person) has been hit with norovirus, for the second time in 11 months. Amazingly the owners of Adina Restaurant did not know about the April 2012 outbreak linked to their eatery! County health officials say this latest outbreak began the 1st of March, and so far involves 27 people reporting illness.  On Monday, 11 March, the owners were ordered by the county to get an additional refrigerator, because it turns out the employees were storing cooked meats with raw meats due to a lack of refrigerators! Last year the upscale restaurant was warned about their refrigerator being too warm to prevent bacterial growth.

In an update on another upscale restaurant, Noma in Denmark, it turns out that restaurant staff and owners possibly ignored emailed warnings from the local health inspectors. Health officials are blaming the outbreak, in the restaurant with the longest reservation waiting list in the world, on an employee. Between 63 and 67 people reported getting sick back in February. The employee is considered a carrier of norovirus, which means they show no symptoms of the disease.

In Indiana U.S.A., parents are being warned after an increase in sick children at the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, mainly with dehydration: “We’re seeing a fair amount of kids over the past month or so.”-David Zipes

More than 25% of the residents at Carillon at Boulder Creek retirement community, in Colorado U.S.A., are sick.  14 employees are sick as well: “Since Friday, they’ve been implementing control measures to stop the spread of the illness. The facility has been handling it appropriately….”-Carol Helwig, Boulder County health official

In Danville, Virginia U.S.A., medical personnel report a 10% increase in reported cases in the past week.

More cruise ships getting hit with stomach bug.  Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess in the Caribbean, and Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth in the Pacific are the latest to report sick passengers.

In Scotland U.K., yet another hospital closing its doors to visitors.  The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh has closed six wards.  At least 100 patients sick, along with an undisclosed number of employees.

In Canada, provincial health officials have confirmed vomiting bug outbreak across Prince Edward Island (PEI), possibly linked to the Rodd Mill River Resort.  Health officials don’t blame the resort, they suspect that the first people to get sick were actually sick before they arrived, and spread it to others.

I have some advise for anyone sick with the vomiting bug: Unless you’re at deaths door don’t go to your local hospital ER. One of my daughters was recently sick with stomach bug, and she went to a hospital in Boise, Idaho U.S.A.  She wasn’t sick enough to be admitted, but sat in the ER for six hours. She just received the bill; $3000 USD!!!  (yes, despite Obama/Romney Care we in the U.S. must still fork out big bucks for even the piddliest health care)

I’ll say again what I’ve posted in earlier reports, and what I tried to explain to my daughter:  There is no treatment for norovirus, there is no cure for norovirus, there is no vaccination for norovirus! Most people who go to hospital with norovirus are treated for dehydration.  Why spend thousands of dollars for that?

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3: North Korea warns South to evacuate disputed islands! Cuban officials meet with North Korean leaders! China increases business activity with North Korea despite sanctions!

16 March 2013/04 Jumada l-Ula 1434/26 Esfand 1391/05 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

DPRK media sources have indicated that the disputed island of Yeonpyeong might be the first target of their war for reunification. They specifically name the ROK Marine Corps commander in charge of the island defenses, and say he’s ignorant of what’s coming his way; “showers of fire”.

North Korea’s media also said they are waiting for any mistake made by U.S. led forces during their Key Resolve war games.  It appears DPRK leaders will use any mistake, like live fire crossing into North Korea, as an excuse to launch their reunification offensive.

China has increased border business trade with Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.  A new bridge will be built across the Apnok (Yalu) River.  Also, a Chinese company has secured the use of a dock which will allow for greater coal shipments from North Korea.

There are reports that truck transports have increased along the Hunchun-Rajin-Sonbong route.

DPRK has created a special economic zone in Rajin-Sonbong. Chinese reports say the economic zone is powered by wind mills, and lights can be seen at night where there were none before. Also, all visible DPRK military units have moved out of that area. Koreans are being encouraged to move into the area with low commercial property rents.  China has been invited to help develop the economic zone.

Other Chinese reports say that the increased trade is partly the result of North Korea easing up on their cash only policy.

On 13 March 2013, China and the DPRK began joint construction of an industrial park on Hwanggumpyong Island, in the lower reaches of the Duman (Tumen) River.  China is also in the process of laying a bullet train railway to the border with North Korea.  They hope to have it finished by 2015.

China voted for the latest UN sanctions against the DPRK, but the increased business activities suggest they have no intention of enforcing those sanctions.

And yesterday, officials from Cuba began meetings with North Korea’s Committee for Solidarity with Cuba.  The officials are planning their actions for the next year.

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 12 February 2013: It never stops! More closings that the Christian God can’t stop! Higher tomato prices coming, blame anti-immigrant policies! Sears Holdings experiment fails! Will housing service employees become homeless?

In Harrisonburg, Virginia, Dave’s Taverna bankrupt. The owner blamed lack of adequate parking in the downtown area (gee many businesses located in the old downtown Pocatello, Idaho, area complain of the same thing).

The National Beef Packing Company will layoff 433 people by the end of April! It will affect operations in Pennsylvania and Georgia. There are rumors that the company could drastically reduce its size, as its major buyer, Walmart, canceled their contract.

FreightCar America is possibly going to end operations in Illinois.  Employees received letters saying changes were coming that could be “permanent”.  Company officials blame the crashing coal market.  They make coal cars for railroad companies. However, FreightCar America has been laying off hundreds of people almost every year since 2007.  Also, the Mygofer store closed in Joliet. The store was an experiment of Sears Holdings, but it failed.

In New Jersey, Daiichi Sankyo pharmaceutical company, laying off at least 75 U.S. employees, as part of its Worldwide layoffs.  Company officials blamed “anticipated, near-term business challenges”.

In Massachusetts, the Inn at Harvard College will close by summer.  95 people will become unemployed.  The University wants to convert it to student housing.  Not a good idea, Idaho State University did that several years ago, buying out several motels next to the school and turning them into student housing.  They’re losing money big time because right after that several privately run student housing landlords moved in and built new student apartment buildings and are charging less than what the University is charging.

In North Carolina, Nice Price Books closing its Carrboro store. Owners blame crashing sales at the 26 years old store.

In Connecticut the theme restaurant, Rainforest, closed down without notice. Texas based company officials said the lease expired. It was probably too expensive to operate as it involved rainstorms and robotic animals. Employees said they never saw it coming: “We didn’t know, it was a surprise to us. We are all looking for jobs.”-unnamed former employee

In DeWitt, New York, the 137 years old Oberdorfer foundry will close by the beginning of May. Company officials blamed the bad economy, 86 employees will be out-o-work. East Meadow’s 35 years old grocery store, Pathmark, closing in May. The manager said all he knew was that company officials wanted to shut it down.  The Hallmark store in Auburn’s Fingerlakes Mall, closed.   The mall owners wanted to jack up the rent.

old kb toys pine ridge mall

Former location of KB Toys, which then became a Hallmark which didn't last long, in the Pine Ridge Mall, Chubbuck, Idaho

Des Moines, Iowa, laying off five Housing Services employees.  City officials blame lack of funding.

In Wisconsin, the Lutheran Social Services is closing seven of its care centers by the end of April! At least 44 employees will become unemployed.  Church officials said it was because they are not making enough money to support their operations.

East Cleveland, Ohio, laid off 21 of their police department employees.  City officials say the city is broke.

In Hazelwood, Missouri, Missouri Mercantile going bust. The owner is confused, back in 2008 he blamed his crashing sales on the economy, but so many economic ‘experts’ have been saying the economy is doing much better now that he doesn’t know what to think, because his sales have not improved.

In Texas lending company, Homeward Residential, laying off 325 employees by the end of April!  The company was taken over by Ocwen last year.  The U.S. Department of Justice is now investigating Ocwen for possible fraud in the mortgage modification program.

In California, Florida based Gargiulo to end its tomato farm operations in Somis, by April. 677 people out-o-work! Company officials did not give a reason, but a Ventura County Farm Bureau rep said it could be due to a 25% decrease in cheap migrant farm workers from south of the border, which his being caused by increased anti-immigrant policies of the U.S. government.  Also, mom-n-pop musical instrument store, Rockit Music, closed down in Brea. The owner blamed his crashing sales on competition from internet businesses.

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Pocatello, Idaho, loses another business!

14 March 2013/02 Jumada l-Ula 1434/24 Esfand 1391/3 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

Scott's Ski & Sports going out-o-business! This used to be an appliance/electronics store a while back. Scott's moved in from another location a few years ago.

Long time winter sports equipment supplier (as well as bikes and other sporting stuff) in Pocatello, Idaho, going out of business.  There’s currently no mention on their website, and so far no mention in the local media.

Business/Economics, U.S.

More proof Obama is in league with the Beast?

That no one may buy or sell again except one who has the mark of the name of The Beast or the number of its name.-Revelation 13:17, Aramaic Bible

The news source Reuters says they’ve seen a U.S. Treasury document that authorizes the CIA and NSA to have access to your bank account!

“The Obama administration is drawing up plans to give all U.S. spy agencies full access to a massive database that contains financial data on American citizens….”-Reuters

Up ’till now only the FBI had such access. The Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency currently have to make case by case requests on specific accounts.

Officials with the Obama administration say allowing the CIA and NSA full and free access to your bank account is part of the War on Terror and is legal.

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

World War 3: Iran to stop exporting crude oil! More reasons for inflation!

“We plan to get to the point where we would not need to export crude oil anymore…..it would be of great benefit to our country.”-Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran

14 March 2013/02 Jumada l-Ula 1434/24 Esfand 1391/3 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

Iranian leaders want to end their oil exports, as a way to guarantee self sufficiency, and counter economic sanctions by the West.

It’s estimated that if Iran builds more refineries to make fuel and petrochemicals for export, it can make three to four times more money than from exporting raw crude oil.  (this is exactly what the U.S. oil industry is doing, and the real reason why U.S. domestic fuel prices go up when U.S. oil prices have been relatively constant)

Domestically, it’s estimated that by producing more petrochemicals for Iranian industries as much as five times more money could be made: “The country’s oil industry has witnessed big developments, among them launching gasoline making unit of Abadan oil refinery. By launching the project the country no longer needs to import gasoline.”-Rostam Qassemi, Iranian Oil Minister

 

Business/Economics, International

World War 3: Proof that China will not enforce sanctions against North Korea.

14 March 2013/02 Jumada l-Ula 1434/24 Esfand 1391/3 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

Chinese media revealing that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has dozens of Chinese bank accounts under false names.

However, it’s highly unlikely the Chinese government will take action because it still supports North Korea: “Beijing would be reluctant to take action if the bank accounts were personal accounts of Kim Jong-un. Beijing is worried that it could damage personal ties with the North Korean leader.”-Du Jifeng, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 12 – 13 March 2013. Karzai says War on Terror is a lie! Russia captures 20 tons of drugs, proof the U.S. war on drugs is a big fail! U.S. official issues report to justify staying in Afghanistan! Rumors of major battle brewing! More rip offs for U.S. taxpayers!

13 March 2013/01 Jumada l-Ula 1434/23 Esfand 1391

In Badakhshan Province, reports of nearly 300 families fleeing their homes in Akshira village in Wardaj District.  Apparently Mujahideen are using the area to prepare for a major battle with U.S. led Afghan National Army (ANA).  Provincial government officials believe Mujahideen are about to launch an offensive to take control of at least four districts, including the province’s capital city.

In Kunduz Province, a suicide bomber killed as many as 20 people, and wounded 35, after he blew himself up at a sporting event.  Among those killed are the son and the father of the Afghan Speaker of the House.  Some reports suggest they were the target of the bomber.

In Baghlan Province, children were playing with what turned out to be unexploded ordinance (UXO).  The bomb went off killing six kids and wounding five. Local government officials say the bomb was left over from a recent battle.

In Helmand Province, unconfirmed reports that an explosion killed two U.S./U.K. led personnel. Also, President Hamid Karzai told University students and local elders that the U.S. led War on Terror is a lie, and that some Mujahideen are actually working for the United States!  He also stated that Afghanistan and Pakistan must unite in order to fight their own War on Terror.

In Nangarhar Province, 21000 kg (about 20 tons) of morphine and heroin was captured by Afghan and Russian forces.  It’s considered the biggest drug bust in years, and is proof that everything the U.S. has done to supposedly stop opium drug production has failed.

U.S. National Intelligence Director, James Clapper, told the U.S. Senate that Afghanistan was too unstable for U.S. forces to pullout: “the Taliban-led insurgency has diminished in some areas of Afghanistan but remains resilient and capable of challenging U.S. and international goals. The coalition drawdown will have an impact on Afghanistan’s economy, which is likely to decline after 2014.”

The German Development Bank just pledged $89 million USD for the construction of an electricity network in Balkh and Samang provinces, and the building of a dam in Baghlan Province.

12 March 2013/29 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/22 Esfand 1391

In Kandahar Province, a U.S. helicopter crashed, killing five U.S. personnel. Mujahideen claim they hit the ‘copter with a rocket, but ISAF said: “The cause of the crash is under investigation, however initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area at the time of the incident.”

In Parwan Province, reports that U.S. Bagram air base was hit by rocket attacks.

In Helmand Province, in Khashin district five people were killed after they drove over a landmine. In Musa Qaleh district, a woman and two girls were killed when a mortar round hit their house.

Textron Marine & Land Systems announced they are being paid $113.4 million USD by the U.S. government, to provide Afghanistan with armored vehicles. The deal is being handled by the U.S. Army Foreign Military Sales (FMS).  The company is currently working to fulfill a 2011 U.S. contract for the same armored vehicles.