Category Archives: Business/Economics

Business/Economics

U.S. job losses & store closings 21 February 2014: More greedy property owners! More disappearing students! More Kmart shutdowns! More ObamaCare cuts!

Incomplete list of announced closings & layoffs.

British empire owned RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) will kill 30-thousand jobs around the world over the next five years, and that includes jobs in the United States.  Last year, amid rumors that RBS would sell off it’s U.S. based Citizens bank (Citizens Financial Group), RBS began efforts to spinoff Citizens.  At the end of 2013 RBS began selling off Citizens’ branch offices in the U.S.

Arkansas: Little Rock based telecommunications company Windstream announced it will kill 400 jobs across the country!  Officials claim it is necessary to keep the company competitive.  In Batesville, toothbrush maker Zila shutting down their factory.  About 130 jobs lost!  The Dental products maker was sold to Denmat Holdings in California.

California:  Tax sucker Boeing continues to kill jobs, this time 24 Californians became unemployed.  In Fresno, GAF continues killing jobs, this time two people let go.  In Pico Riviera, Blue Chip Recycling killed 90 jobs.   Who said tech jobs were recession proof? In Sunnyvale, computer networking company Juniper Networks warned of massive “personnel change” as it plans to cut operating costs by $160-million USD.  Not sure if this is on top of the approximately 250 job cuts announced at the end of 2013, which was on top of the estimated 450 job cuts in 2012.  Jupiter Networks is rumored to be sitting on $3-billion in cash, but the job cuts are being blamed directly on investors who are demanding that the cash be used to increase stock prices!   In Banning, Kmart announced they were shutting down their 23 years old store in June.  91 jobs lost.  In Truckee/Tahoe, after more than 50 years Porters Sports shutting down.  In Orange County, after more than 30 years Anaheim Patio and Fireside shutting down several stores. The company’s attorney blames greedy property owners saying “The rent demands at those two locations are just too high for the business model right now.”   In Pleasanton, ValleyCare Health System laid off 24 employees. Hospital officials directly blamed Obama Care and gave a warning for the entire healthcare industry: “Our financial situation is the same as everyone else’s. There are challenges in the viability of the industry, and it’s quickly evolving…”-Scott Gregerson, interim CEO

Connecticut: Stratford based tax sucking Sikorsky Aircraft announced it will kill 600 jobs across the country!  It’s blamed on reduced military spending.  In Westport,  after 36 years Aldo and Raffaella Tailor Shop shutdown.

Kentucky: University of Louisville warned of massive layoffs.  It’s blamed on disappearing students.  School officials revealed that due to declining enrollments they’ve cut $114-million out of their operating budget over the past ten years.  Now the Governor wants to slash state funding of higher education by 2.5%.

Massachusetts: After almost 30 years the South Face Farm restaurant announced that 2014 is its last year of business.  It’s one of several restaurants operated by maple sugaring farms to be closed.  It’s no longer economically viable to run a restaurant and make maple syrup.

Michigan: In Petosky, Kmart announced it will shutdown in June, 45 jobs lost.

Missouri:  In Saint Louis, after 50 years the Gas House Car Wash shutdown.

New York: In Depew, after 47 years of weddings Hearthstone Manor shutting down in March.  A member of the Buffalo Bridal Association said it was because the owners of the nuptial site were having problems getting operating capital (loans, debt financing), just like many small businesses.  In East Greenbush, Kmart announced they will shutdown in June.  What housing market recovery?  In Amherst, mortgage company PHH Corporation to kill 135 jobs by the beginning of July!  It was PHH that revealed concerns over a possible housing market crash.

Ohio: In Blue Ash, Kmart announced it will shutdown in June, 77 jobs lost.

Texas: In Dallas, Tom Thumb grocery store shutting down sometime this year.  Company officials have given conflicting reasons, one being that they are moving into a bigger location, the other is that California based parent company, Safeway, is going to sell off their Tom Thumb division.

20 February 2014:  Mortgage companies warn of new housing market crash! 

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.

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security……..That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. job losses & store closings 20 February 2014: What housing market recovery? Mortgage companies warn of new housing market crash! More ObamaCare shutdowns!

Incomplete list of announced closings & layoffs.

California: In Santa Clara, data storage device maker Violin Memory said it must “restructure” which means killing 100 jobs!  In Fresno, GAF continues to kill jobs, this time 31 employees let go.  In Long Beach, Nordstroms Rack killed 43 jobs.

Colorado: Banner Health shutdown its bariatric clinic at the North Colorado Medical Center.   850 patients adversely affected!  Company officials said the new realities of healthcare mean that bariatric services are no longer profitable.

Connecticut: Webster Bank shutting down offices in Enfield and Rocky Hill, by May.

Georgia: In Doraville, Georgia Pacific shutting down their cardboard box factory in April.  90 jobs lost.

Idaho: In Meridian, Utah based First National Bank of Layton killed 56 jobs.

Warren Buffet owned Heinz Frozen Food made it official and notified Idaho that it will shutter its Pokey plant, killing at least 400 jobs!

Warren Buffet owned Heinz Frozen Food made it official and notified Idaho that it will shutter its Pokey plant, killing at least 400 jobs!

Kentucky: Booth Energy laid off 30 miners due to crashing demand for coal.

Massachusetts: In Malden, Too Big to Jail Bank of America laid off 59 employees.

Missouri: What housing market recovery?  In Saint Louis, Nationstar Mortgage killing 115 jobs by April!  Company officials blame it on a decline in demand for mortgage services.

New Jersey:  What housing market recovery?  Mortgage company PHH Corporation killed 130 jobs at their Mount Laurel HQ!  This is on top of hundreds of jobs killed in other states, and hundreds of job cuts made in 2013.  Company officials cited Mortgage Bankers of America data which warns of an impending housing market crash!

New York: NYC based national law firm Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman laid off 30 people.  In Long Island, after only three years the Malu homemade ice cream shop shutdown.  No reason given.  In Amsterdam, Quandt’s Foodservice Distributors shutting down by May, 116 jobs lost!

North Carolina:  The Department of Health and Human Services shutting down three Children’s Developmental Services Agency operations by July, 170 jobs lost!  Officials blame reduced government funding (Obama Care) and will contract out many healthcare jobs.

Oklahoma: In Chickasaw, after 11 years Aunt Jean’s Attic shutdown.  The owner is dealing with health problems.

Oregon:  After 77 years, charter bus service RAZ Transportation shutdown.  60 jobs lost.  The company shutdown without warning.  Company officials admit the bus service has been in trouble since last year due to the loss of a major contract, and should have shutdown then.  In Klamath Falls, Kmart announced they will close in June, 64 jobs lost.

Pennsylvania: West York Area School District killed 29 jobs, on top of the 40 positions eliminated through attrition.  Taxpayers question the job cuts because the school district is spending money on building renovations.

Texas: In Houston, airline toilet and water service contractor AccuFleet International killing 70 jobs, due to losing its contract with United Continental.

Vermont: What automotive industry recovery?  Plasan Carbon Composites shutting down their Bennington operations by May, and consolidating to Michigan. 143 jobs lost!  The company makes carbon parts for the Dodge Viper and Chevy Corvette.  However, company officials say they might figure out a way to use the factory to make armor plate made from carbon.

Virginia: In Leesburg, another Ben Franklin’s store shutdown.  This one had been in operation for 40 years.  After 32 years Hallmark’s Treasure House store shutdown.

19 February 2014: Massive restaurant shutdowns! 

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.

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security……..That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013

Business/Economics, International

Where are they going? Steady increase in U.S. citizens fleeing to Canada!

30 May 2014 (21:24 UTC-07 Tango 29 May 2014)/30 Rajab 1435/09 Khordad 1393/02 Ji Si (5th) 4712

People fleeing to Canada are becoming such a problem for the British empire country that immigration laws are about to become tougher.   One of the problems revealed is that Canadian law firms are helping employers avoid current laws, which say Canadian citizens must be considered for employment over immigrants.

Apparently Canadian companies are taking advantage of the mass immigrations of economic refugees, including those from the United States, because they can pay them far less than what they pay Canadian citizens.

Ever since 9/11 Canada has seen a steady yearly increase in U.S. citizens becoming permanent residents.

According to Canadian government statistics, in 2005 U.S. citizens made up 250,535 of the immigrants granted permanent residence.

In 2011, 8,829 U.S. citizens were granted permanent residence.  In 2012, 9,414 U.S. citizens became permanent residents of Canada.

But Canada is not the number one destination for U.S. citizens fleeing economic and political hardship, in fact U.S. citizens make up only about 4% of the immigrants in the Great White North.

Stay tuned.

the unemployed are leaving the Gem State! But where are they going? 

Business/Economics, Idaho

More Economic Decline: DoL reveals true reason for low unemployment rate in Idaho; the unemployed are leaving the Gem State! But where are they going?

29 May 2014 (17:54 UTC-07 Tango)/29 Rajab 1435/08 Khordad 1393/01 Ji Si (5th) 4712

Once again, reality bitch slaps Idaho’s own state economist (and TV news media): The Gem State’s unemployment rate is not going down due to job creation, it’s going down because there is an ongoing exodus of unemployed leaving for jobs elsewhere!

And once again the area of Idaho with the most residents fleeing for their economic lives is east Idaho, specifically Bannock County.

For the past few years the unemployment rate has been falling in Idaho, and every time we hear state economists and local TV news reports saying that’s a good sign for the labor market.  Yet only a few weeks later we get the real news, that the unemployment rate fell because Idahoans gave up looking for work and left!

For 2013 the city of Pocatello saw 382 residents flee.  That’s big for city with a population of about 54-thousand.  (it also explains the massive amount of homes and apartment complexes up for sale)

But wait there’s more.  Already this year Pocatello saw Warren Buffet shutdown a major employer, the Heinz plant.  State Department of Labor (DoL) officials said the result was the loss of 410 direct Heinz jobs, and 200 additional outside jobs in support of Heinz operations, for a total of 610 jobs lost by the time the Heinz factory is completely shuttered this summer.    So that’s potentially 610 more local residents fleeing for their economic lives (in the past two months I’ve already witnessed several families in my neighborhood pack up and leave literally overnight).

According to the latest Idaho DoL numbers Pocatello continues to lead the Gem State with job losses and mass exodus of residents.  Chubbuck (with a population of 14-thousand) takes third position.  Both Chubbuck and Pocatello are in Bannock County.  The city of Blackfoot (population 12-thousand), in Bingham County, takes second position for population loss.

This exodus has been ongoing since before 2013:

“The month of October brought lower unemployment numbers to the state because workers are leaving the state’s labor force……..October marked the fifth straight month of labor force decline. Over 7,000 workers have left the labor force since May…….Department of Employment figures show employers reported hiring over 17,000 new workers in October, but nearly all of them were due to shifts within the labor pool because of retirements, firings and other separations rather than creation of new jobs.”-Blackfoot Journal, 17 November 2012

But where are Idahoans going once they leave the Gem State? California?

Based on my own Job Losses & Store Closings reports California leads the whole country in job losses.  The Golden State has also been experiencing it’s own exodus of unemployed looking for work elsewhere.

In 2005, for the first time the number of people leaving the Golden State outpaced those moving in: 160 people leaving for every 100 people moving in.  In 2011 the number of those fleeing for their economic lives was still more than those moving in: 120 escaping for every 100 making the mistake of calling California their new home.

Unfortunately many of those ex-Californians moved to Idaho (those dumb asses)!  In fact it seems that many people fleeing their home states are simply not doing their homework and end up moving to states that don’t have any new jobs!

So what states are seeing true job growth?  According to many reports Texas and North Dakota are seeing massive job growth.

Forbes claims that North Dakota has jobs because of the oil boom.  But I’ve also seen reports that show the oil boom has plateaued, and jobs are now being cut back.

Many reports cite Texas as the place to go for employment, but they’re based on the generous incentive Texas offers companies to move in and the fact that people are indeed flooding into the Lone Star State (but that doesn’t mean they’re all finding employment).  My own ongoing reports on Job Losses & Store Closings show that Texas is actually losing a lot of jobs (a lot more than Idaho), as well as companies outright shutting down.

So how can you do your employment research?  Well I’ve discovered there is no hard and fast way, even the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is flawed.

The BLS Current Employment Statistics (CES) reports, for the month of April 2014, show that Texas is the leader in job creation, followed (surprisingly) by California.  The state of Illinois is the big loser with a loss of 6800 jobs!

The BLS CES report is not hard and fast data but simply “surveys approximately 144,000 businesses and government agencies”.  My own Job Losses & Store Closings reports, which are based on actual reports of job destruction, show California is still a leader in job destruction, and Texas is killing off far more jobs than Idaho (however, I do agree that Illinois is going down the unemployment toilet).

I have a hypothesis about where many of the unemployed are going: They’re actually leaving the United States.  This would also explain the massive student population decline affecting grade schools and universities, both public and private.  I’ve often asked “Where are all those students going?”  I can’t believe that potential college students would give up on higher education for a job flipping burgers (and some employment data show jobs for young adults are the most scarce).  And what about all those grade schools whining about funding cut backs because their student populations are crashing?  Entire families just up and disappearing?   It seems to me that the declining labor force participation and the declining student populations across the United States are directly connected, and that many families are not just leaving their home states but are fleeing the U.S. altogether.

Basically, there is no true economic recovery taking place anywhere in the United States!

Yet another east Idaho mall going down!

Coldwater Creek…..All remaining stores to shutdown! 

Ashley Furniture shuts down liquidation center in Pocatello! 

GENERAL MILLS ABANDONS EAST IDAHO!

IDAHO POLITICIANS GIVE AWAY MORE THAN $18-MILLION IN IDAHO TAXES, TO OUT-O-STATE LAWYERS!

IDAHO POLITICIANS GIVE AWAY MORE THAN $1-MILLION IN IDAHO TAXES, TO FRANCE!

IDAHO CHRISTIAN REPUBLICAN RIPS OFF TAXPAYERS THEN GIVES FLIPPANT EXPLANATION!

Fred Meyer & Albertsons……did not close down in the 1990s

Business/Economics, Idaho

More Economic Decline: Yet another east Idaho mall going down! Veterans threatened!

28 May 2014 (16:28 UTC-07 Tango)/28 Rajab 1435/07 Khordad 1393/30 Ji-Si 4712

In Pocatello, the aged Westwood Mall is in trouble.  It’s been revealed that the owners have failed to pay their 2010 taxes!

At least 100 jobs in jeopardy if Westwood Mall owners don't make a past due tax payment by 04 June 2014!

At least 100 jobs in jeopardy if Westwood Mall owners don’t make a past due tax payment by 04 June 2014!

Idaho law gives property owners three years to make good on past due taxes, that means next week is the deadline.  If the mall owners fail to pay $109,329.70 (which is only a portion of what is still owed) the state of Idaho will seize their assets, including the mall property.

I worked for a company that failed to pay their taxes, the Gem State seized the company’s assets at the end of 2012, and I’ve been unemployed ever since!  The state even denied our final paychecks, and unemployment assistance!

If Westwood Mall owners make the $109,329.70 payment next week they will still owe nearly $370-thousand!

The following businesses could be impacted by a state seizure of the Westwood Mall:

C-A-L Ranch

Industrial Tool & Supply

Westwood Discount

Sandlot

Simplot Credit Union

Alexander’s Mediterranean Restaurant (which has yet to open for some reason)

Outer Limits

Family Fun Party

Palmer Furniture

U.S. Veterans Center

Fitness Inc.

Bernett Research Services

Car Masters

Gateway Foundation

Goblin Town Games

Jelliebeane Jungle Preschool

Knight Magic & Buttons

Money Express

Rapid Creek Physical Therapy

Sports Physical Therapy of Idaho

Business/Economics

U.S. job losses & store closings 19 February 2014: More ObamaCare hospital shutdowns! Massive restaurant shutdowns!

Incomplete list of announced closings & layoffs.

Italian restaurant chain, Sbarro, shutting down 155 restaurants in the United States!  Company officials blame the suck ass economy.

Alabama: Another Books-A-Million store shutdown, this time in Hoover.  The store was at that location for 23 years.

Arizona: The Blue Ridge Unified School District warned of layoffs.

Connecticut: In Farmington, the Build A Bear store shutdown.  Company officials said they are “adapting to changes in the economy”.  In West Hartford, after 74 years the Crown Market grocery store shutdown.  The family owners say they can’t compete anymore.

Georgia:  In East Cobb, Kmart announced they will shutdown in March.

Indiana: In Indianapolis, after 40 years the MCL Restaurant & Bakery shutdown.

Massachusetts: In Jamaica plain, the Video Underground shutdown.

Nebraska: In Omaha, after 60 years Eli Caniglia’s Venice Inn restaurant shutdown.  The family owners say they want to spend more time with their families, but it might really be because the family sold out to an evil property developer.

New York:  In Pearl River, legal drugs maker Pfizer laid off 44 employees.   In Long Island, the Long Beach Medical Center now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  285 jobs threatened!  The Wall Street Journal initially blamed Hurricane Sandy, but then revealed the true reason, Obama Care: “Nationwide, cuts to state and federal reimbursement rates have hit hospitals and health-care centers, causing many to search for strategic partners and some to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Long Beach Medical wasn’t immune to these troubles, but the hospital hired premier doctors and upgraded its technology to try to combat steep losses.”

Ohio: East Cleveland laid off 12 employees from the Parks and Recreation Department, Police Department, Fire Department,  Building and Housing Department, Community Development Department, Helen S. Brown Senior Center and even the mayor’s executive assistant.  14 remaining full time city employees will be reduced to part time.  In Dayton, Champps Americana Grill shutdown without warning, 65 jobs lost: “Despite the best efforts of the team there, this had been a store that had been under-performing for some time.”-Rick Van Warner, F&H Acquisition

Oregon: In Portland, the Wildwood shutdown.  The restaurant owner says the property owner wanted to jack up the rent.

Pennsylvania: In Pittsburg, the Bridge Ten Brasserie restaurant shutdown.  The owner blamed the bad economy saying “Regrettably, ‘success commerciale’ has proven elusive.”

Wisconsin: God refuses to stop Marquette University from killing 25 jobs.  The Catholic university says it’s necessary to keep tuition affordable, but never mind that they raised the tuition the month prior (you see you can’t trust Christians)!  In Fond du Lac, after 40 years The Card Shack shutdown.

16 – 18 February 2014:  Military food contractor now busted, sold off to Idaho? 

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.

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security……..That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. job losses & store closings 16 – 18 February 2014: No more Captain Jack? More layoffs for prisoner operated commercial greenhouses! ObamaCare killing Christian healthcare jobs! Military food contractor now busted, sold off to Idaho?

Incomplete list of announced closings & layoffs.

After 60 years Wisconsin based American TV & Appliance shutting down all 11 stores in three states. 1-thousand jobs lost!  CEO Doug Reuhl blamed the “unforgiving economy”.

The largest pharmacy benefits provider in the United States, Express Scripts, laid off 100 people across the country!  This is rumored to be the first round of layoffs for 2014.  Last year they killed 425 jobs!  The company has been restructuring ever since taking over Medco Health Solutions in 2012.

Arizona:  The once profitable Gilbert Hospital is now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  It’s blamed on everything from corrupt hospital officials, to a creditor suddenly calling in a $1.1-million USD loan, to Obama Care funding cuts.  At least 100 jobs threatened!  In Willcox, NatureSweet laid off 70 employees at their tomato greenhouse operation.  Last year they laid off 65 employees.  Please note that NatureSweet also uses prisoners as employees, and none of them got laid off.  The Willcox operation used to be owned by EuroFresh, and back then they employed 400 prisoners.  It was also revealed that for years there has been a “disease” inside the greenhouses, but company officials claim they have it under control.  In Phoenix, the South Mountain YMCA shutdown, due to declining memberships.

California:  Abbot Vascular killed 144 healthcare jobs across the Golden State!  In Oakland, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center laid off 11 employees.  In Pittsburg, United Spiral Pipe laid off 50 employees.   What housing market recovery?  In Irvine, Genpact Mortgage killed 81 jobs.  They killed about 65 jobs last year as well.

Florida: In Sebring, after 26 years women’s clothing store Sue’s Cubby Hole shutdown.  The owner blames health problems.

Georgia: In Moultrie, taxsucker Riverside Manufacturing shutting down their military uniform factory and warehouse, 140 jobs lost: “We worked diligently for many months to secure new contracts that required ‘Made in USA’ garments. However, a recent volume reduction in our largest federal government uniform program made the costs of domestic production unsustainable.” 

Illinois: In Bolingbrook, supplier of food to the U.S. Department of Defense, Quantum Foods, now chapter 11 busted.  Company officials are hoping to sell out to Idaho based CTI Foods, but Quantum’s 1100 employees being warned to prepare for sudden unemployment!  In Macomb, Capitol Music shutdown. The owner, Eric Matthews, blames the bad economy saying “…the big thing has been the traffic count, declining sales in the music business and our inability to generate new customers….” 

Iowa: In Des Moines, after 30 years Billy Joe’s Lounge shutdown.  The owner said he needs to focus on family and other business ventures.

Kentucky:  God refuses to stop non-profit KentuckyOne Health from laying off an undisclosed number of healthcare employees.  The company has 15-thousand employees across the United States. KentuckyOne Health is a conglomeration of non-profit hospitals (the primary member is Catholic Health Initiatives) and is being adversely affected by government funding cuts brought on by Obama Care: “There has been a fundamental shift in the way health care is organized and delivered. We must change in order to sustain our purpose…..”-Barbara Mackovic, spokeswoman

Louisiana: The University of New Orleans warned of layoffs.  The university has already spent the past two years making drastic cuts.  They blame down student enrollment on Hurricane Katrina, saying the university still has not returned to the student population levels prior to the  2005 hurricane.  And Louisiana Delta Community College wants to layoff 28 employees.  The college has been forced to cut its operating budget by millions of dollars for the past several school years.

Massachusetts: In Boston, video game maker Irrational Games laid off “…all but about fifteen members of the Irrational team” in order to “refocus” its operations.  In Ashland, after 25 years The Malt Shop liquor store shutdown.

Minnesota: After only five months Captain Jack’s Liquor in Janesville shutdown.  The owner said opening his second store proved not to be worth the effort compared to his lost time with his family.

North Carolina: Duke Energy abandoning its wholesale power-generation business in the Midwest, because it is not profitable.  This is because many midwest states have denied the outrageous rate increases sought by Duke Energy.  Duke Energy is now selling off a dozen power plants, affecting 600 jobs!

New York: In Newburgh, Dr. Pepper Snapple shutting down by April, 35 jobs lost.  In Tonawanda, Home Furniture Gallery shutdown.  Store owners say the property owners refused to renew the lease.  In Long Island, Clear Water Paper shutting down its tissue factory.  155 jobs lost!   In Amherst, Medaille College shutdown: “The market environment has changed so much that the most obvious thing to do is return to the mother campus and adjust accordingly.”-Richard Jurasek , president

Pennsylvania:  In Exeter Township, after 43 years Surgical Specialties shutting down their medical device factory and moving to Mexico to avoid new Obama Care taxes.  265 jobs lost!

Texas: After 107 years the last two family owned Edelstein’s Better Furniture stores were shutdown.  The third generation owner said it’s clear that it’s time to retire.

Vermont: In Bennington, after 45 years the CTC Vermont Color Photo Lab shutdown.

Virginia: In Bristol, JCPenney announced they will shutdown in May, 67 jobs lost.   In Reston, a Burger King shutdown.

14 – 15 February 2014: More mom & pops saying “It’s not fun anymore!” 

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.

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security……..That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013

Business/Economics, International

Iran executes Too Big to Jail bank fraudster!

25 May 2014 (19:13 UTC-07 Tango 24 May 2014)/25 Rajab 1435/04 Khordad 1393/27 Ji-Si 4712

A man accused of being the mastermind behind a $2.6-billion USD bank scam might be Too Big to Jail in the United States, but in Iran he’d be convicted, jailed and then executed!

The man behind the biggest bank fraud scam in Iran’s history (since the 1979 Revolution) was executed on 24 May 2014.  He was convicted of ripping off the state bank, since 2007, by forging loan documents.   Of course he had help, 39 people were convicted in connection with the scam.

The man built a business empire that spanned the world, including operations in South America.  According to his attorney with his execution the government of Iran now controls his empire’s assets.

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. job losses & store closings 14 – 15 February 2014: More mom & pops saying “It’s not fun anymore!” More upscale stores going bust! More ObamaCare healthcare cuts!

Incomplete list of announced closings & layoffs.

Upscale gadget store Brookstone warned of pending bankruptcy.  Sales are so bad it also failed to make a $125-million USD interest payment on a loan!

California:  The Bellflower Medical Center killed 18 jobs.  Software company Adobe Systems killing 71 jobs by March.  In Tustin, long term inpatient care center, Newport Specialty Hospital in danger of shutting down.  Obama Care cuts funding for long term health care, and it’s being reported that Alta Hospitals System is taking over Newport Specialty,  147 jobs affected!  In Fresno, GAF continues to kill jobs, this time six employees let go.  In Los Angeles, Investors Business Daily laid off 2 people.  In Burbank, NBCUniversal continues to kill jobs, this time 162 jobs lost!  In Costa Mesa, Pacific Mercantile Bank laid off 92 employees.  In Carson, British empire Australia based asset manager Transfield Services killed 126 jobs!

Colorado: In Fort Collins, The Black Market Tavern shutdown without warning or explanation.

 Connecticut: Furniture store Casual Curtains shutdown, without warning or explanation.

Florida:  In Saint Petersburg,  Netherlands based Transamerica Life Insurance killing at least 70 jobs between now and 2015.  In Oakland Park, after 40 years family owned Danish Furniture Center shutdown.  Co-owner Andresen Peterson blamed the bad economy saying “It’s not fun anymore….it feels like we are playing catch-up.”

Idaho:  In Twin Falls, upscale home decor store Inspired Living shutdown.  The owner said she wanted to retire.

Maine: In Portland, the non-profit Health Care for Homeless Clinic shutdown because the Obama regime cut its federal funding!  The city run clinic served 2300 people per year!  City officials said costs are so high that you can’t run a clinic without federal funding.  In Bangor, Robert O Cupcakes Toys shutdown.  Turns out the owners made a bad move five years ago, when they switched from a party store to ‘intellectual’ toys: “We were hoping that it would be a viable business, but apparently it’s not.”-Nancy Roe, co-owner

Massachusetts: In Brookline, Jimmy’s Bar & Oven shutting down in March.

Michigan:  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Delta Air Lines killing 741 jobs in April!  Delta wants to use cheap unreliable contractors in order to save money.

Missouri: What automotive industry recovery?  In Saint Joseph, car battery maker Johnson Controls laid off 29 employees.  They blame “technology advances”.

Montana: In Missoula, the Food for Thought college town restaurant shutdown.  The owner said she’s been trying to sell for the past four years, because she can’t afford necessary upgrades.   Students and employees say they were surprised by the shutdown.

New York:  After more than 20 years baby store Planet Kids NY shutting down two stores.  The company says it can no longer compete.  In NYC, insurer American International Group (AIG) warned it could kill 1900 jobs, if the economy doesn’t improve!  In Ticonderoga, Inter-Lakes Health laid off 13 healthcare workers and cut 10 full time jobs to part time.  Another ten positions will be eliminated through attrition.  Officials blamed Obama Care for drastically cutting funding for long term inpatient care, as well as other Obama Care reimbursement cuts: “The cumulative financial impact of these factors has resulted in a significant drop in revenue.”-Chip Holmes, CEO

Nevada: Mitt Romney/Bain Capital connected Toys R Us shut down their warehouse near Reno.  As many as 350 jobs affected!

Ohio: German products importer, Krause’s at Findlay Market, shutdown.  No reason given.

Pennsylvania: Rubbermaid announced they are shutting down their Pottsville factory by 2015, at least 100 jobs lost!

South Dakota:  In Sioux Falls,  God refuses to stop his Salvation Army Thrift Store from shutting down.  The Major says crashing sales are causing the thrift store to fall behind on debts by an average of $50-thousand per year!

Texas:  In Houston, after 37 years the Black Heritage Gallery shutdown, because the new property owner evicted the gallery owner!

13 February 2014: Bilderberger Bill Gates kills power plants! 

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.

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security……..That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013

Business/Economics

U.S. job losses & store closings 13 February 2014: Bilderberger Bill Gates kills power plants! More hospital shutdowns, accuse ObamaCare of turning the U.S. into a “third world nation”! No more John Deere?

Incomplete list of announced closings & layoffs.

The biggest cell phone company in the U.S., Verizon, shutting down five call centers and killing at least 3-thousand jobs!  Another 2200 employees will have to apply for other positions if they want to eat.  The shutdown will affect the states of California, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Too Big to Jail Bank of America warned of even more layoffs.  BofA has killed 40-thousand jobs since 2011!!!

California:  In Lompoc, after 13 years the Zona Seca drug treatment center shutdown. It’s blamed on loss of funding.  In Sacrament, Coca Cola laid off about 47 employees.  Last year they laid off 60 employees.

Florida:  United Electronics now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.   The manufacturer of power connectors and power distribution panels says they are more than $10-million USD in debt.

Georgia:  The Lower Oconee Community Hospital shutting down, at least 100 jobs lost!  Despite Obama Care 23% of Wheeler Country residents have no health insurance.  10% are unemployed.  41% of the children live in poverty!  Who said Obama Care was the answer?  Karen O’Neal, the hospital’s CEO, said Obama Care “will create a Third World nation” out of rural America!

Illinois: In Moline, after 22 years a Ben Franklin’s craft store shutdown.  The John Deere Harvester Works factory killed 120 jobs!  Company officials blame a crashing farm equipment market.

Indiana: In Avilla, lighting system maker Federal-Mogul shutting down, 95 jobs lost.  At its height the factory had 120 employees.

Massachusetts:  In Boston, video game maker Turbine laid off an undisclosed number of employees.  Amherst Regional School Committee eliminated 12 jobs, blamed “mainly to declining enrollment”.

Montana: Mountain West Bank being shutdown by its new Too Big to Jail owner First Interstate.

New York: What housing market recovery?  In Syracuse, Too Big to Jail First Niagara shutting down a mortgage office, 14 jobs lost.  In NYC, law firm Jones Hirsch Connors Miller & Bull P.C. now defunct,  50 jobs lost.

Oregon: Two Powell’s Books stores shutting down in June, because the Port of Portland wants to jack up the rent.

Texas:  Bill Gates owned Optim Energy now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  The reason given is that the company has been blocked from getting loans for daily operations, apparently for failing to pay back other debt financing.  There are plans to start shutting down natural gas and coal plants around the country, get ready for higher energy prices!  In Houston, Finger Furniture shutdown their last two stores.  The company is now chapter 11 busted.   Gigi’s Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar shutdown, the owner blamed “economic challenges and unforeseen circumstances”.

Utah:  In Salt Lake City, after 30 years JMR Chalk Garden shutdown.  Likewise, Lolabella Boutique shutting down.  Both clothing stores owned by the same people, and they operate one of each in two shopping malls.  The owners say they must close all four of their stores due to crashing sales, and pointed out that many other stores in the malls are also shutting down.   Yeah, what economic recovery?

Washington:   In Bellevue, Intellectual Ventures laid off an undisclosed number of employees.

11-12 February 2014: Property owners continue killing mom & pops! 

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.

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security……..That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013