Category Archives: Idaho

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Food Crisis, March 2014: “Sadly we have been unable to recover……” “…It’s not fun anymore!” “It’s like a death in the family.”

Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of March, 2014: Many food suppliers/distributors are consolidating operations and killing jobs due to the collapsing grocery store and restaurant industries, as well as rising costs of food production.

Arizona: In Phoenix, after 50 years Karsh’s Bakery shutdown. The owner blames the failed economy: “It’s sad to say we are closing today because of the economy and stuff, we’ve tried to come back from 2008.”-Wayne Kinding

California:  In Oakland, Mexico owned Bimbo Bakeries shutdown, about 160 jobs lost!   In Sacramento, The Fresh Market grocery store chain shutdown three stores! The company blamed the bad economy.  Kroger shutdown two more Ralph’s grocery stores, 107 jobs lost!  In Fair Oaks, after more than 50 years Sam’s Kosher Style Restaurant & Deli shutdown.   In Truckee, after 13 years Dragonfly Restaurant shutdown. The owner said he was made an “offer he couldn’t refuse” by aggressive property developers.  In Napa, after 29 years the Golden Carrot Natural Foods store shutdown.  In Vernon, Mexico based Bimbo Bakeries shutdown, about 160 jobs lost! In Los Angeles, The Fat Cow burger joint shutdown, 92 jobs lost.  In Torrance, after more than 40 years Vince’s Spaghetti shutdown, 35 jobs lost: “The last three or four years have been a real struggle to make ends meet. It’s like a death in the family. For the past few years its been like watching a patient on life support.”-Gregg Parras, general manager

Colorado: In Steamboat Springs, state tax collectors seized the Bakery Restaurant. The Colorado Department of Revenue says the restaurant owes about $8-thousand USD in sales taxes. The city officials of Steamboat Springs says the restaurant owes them $4-thousand in taxes. Apparently the restaurant also owes the federal IRS $26-thousand in payroll taxes! This is what happens when the economy sucks ass!!!! At least the restaurant was keeping people employed, now everybody’s unemployed!  In Denver, Kevin Taylor Restaurant Group shutdown two restaurants; Restaurant Kevin Taylor and Prima Ristorante.  In Manitou Springs, the Craftwood Inn shutdown without notice. The owners blame it on the many wildfires and flooding in recent years: “I just found out yesterday. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m pretty sure that they could not recover from the last two summers. The fires and floods hurt business so much the last few years that Dave and wife Kathy could not keep up.”-Matt Schee, hotel chef

Connecticut: After only six years Mitchell’s Fish Market shutdown, no reason made public.

Florida: In Lakeland, after only five years DC’s Sports Bar shutdown. And the Fishin’ Shed Tackle Shop shutdown. The owners blame Walmart.  In Tampa, after 13 years The Palm restaurant shutdown. The owners blame the f*cked up economy: “Unfortunately, we are not able to continue to operate our restaurant into the rest of 2014.”

In Boca Raton, after only two years and $250-thousand in remodeling upscale Red, The Steakhouse shutdown. The owner was shocked at how much business crashed since last summer: “We are dumbfounded it came to this!……..When summer hit, there weren’t enough people…..No energy!”-Brad Friedlander

Georgia: In Richmond Hill, after more than 33 years manufacturer of foodservice and food retail products, Hobart, shutting down, 50 jobs lost. Operations are being consolidated to Ohio.

Hawaii: In Waikiki, ice cream shop Cold Stone Creamery shutdown. The owner blamed it on the greedy landlord who jacked up the rent.

Idaho: In Nampa, food producer Simplot announced they will shutdown operations at the end of May, 206 jobs lost! It’s part of their ongoing consolidations of food processing.

Illinois: In Lakemore, after 38 years Le Vichyssois restaurant shutdown.  In Saint Charles, after only five years Dolce Bakery and Cafe shutdown without notice. In Chicago, Angel Food Bakery shutdown, the owner Stephanie Samuels blames the gott damned economy, saying “I have given my heart, soul, and just about everything else I’ve got to this project of mine, but I have not been able to make it sustainable for me….”

Indiana: In Evansville, after 20 years Maxine’s Café and Bakery shutdown. The owner blamed declining business.

Iowa: After 18 years Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Cafe shutdown three restaurants!  In Sioux City, after 30 years Rhonda’s Speak Easy shutting down, 10 jobs lost. Blame Obama Care! The bar owner is going to take advantage of Obama Care’s focus on in-home healthcare, and she’s going to start an in-home healthcare service.

Kansas: In McPherson a major food processor, Nation Pizza and Foods, ending operations. As many as 195 jobs lost!

Kentucky: Two Shoney’s restaurants, in Henderson and Owensboro, shutting down. It’s blamed on a franchise dispute and court fees.

Maryland: British empire Canada based Saputo announced they were shutting down their Hancock cheese factory.  In Gambrills, after 14 years Caribou Coffee shutdown.

Michigan:  In Clinton Township, after only six years Tin Fish 3 restaurant/nightclub shutdown. The owners hadn’t been able to pay half-a-million in back due rent!

Minnesota:  In Shoreview, after 40 years Kozlak’s Royal Oak Restaurant shutdown. The property was sold to make room for a nursing home co-op.   In Hibbing, after 30 years Zimmy’s restaurant shutdown. The owner was unable to pay taxes and lost their booze license.  In Saint Cloud, the owner of Bo Diddley’s Pub & Deli announced he was shutting it down in April.  Who said high tech jobs are recession proof? Food processor Cargill announced it will kill 900 IT jobs across the country, 300 of which are in Minneapolis–Saint Paul! Cargill will now rely on lower paid contractors.

Missouri: In Jefferson City, after more than 30 years Mortimer Kegley’s Bar & Grill shutdown. The owner, Jason Jordan, blamed social media and a ban on smoking saying “When that smoking ban went into effect, I lost 30% of my customers straightaway!”

Nebraska: In Omaha, after 61 years Broadmoor Market shutdown. The owners blamed the crappy economy: “Thank you for all your support and patronage over the years. It is unfortunate that circumstances have changed.” 

New Mexico: In Farmington, after only three years My Big Fat Greek Restaurant shutdown, 38 jobs lost. The restaurant owner blamed the greedy property owner.

New Jersey: In Bordentown, maker of cranberry based juices Ocean Spray killing 138 jobs! They’re shutting down their factory and moving to Pennsylvania.  In Jersey City, iconic Casa Dante restaurant shutdown without warning. A finance company stated that the restaurant owners hadn’t paid rent since October 2013! News reports say it was a court order that shutdown the Italian eatery & music joint.

New York: Dallas Restaurant Management Company shutting down Fireside Restaurant and Lounge in June, 38 jobs lost. FLIK foodservice company shutting down in May, 46 jobs lost.  Food supplier ConAgra announced it will kill at least 425 jobs when it shuts down operations in Dunkirk and Fredonia, in 2015!  In Amsterdam, Quandt’s Foodservice Distributors moved their planned layoffs to the end of April. The company was sold off, 116 jobs will be lost!   In Brooklyn, Voila Sweets announced it is shutting down in June, 72 jobs lost.  In Long Island, Mexico based Bimbo Bakeries shutting down their Entenmann’s Bay Shore bakery, 178 jobs lost!

North Carolina: In Winston-Salem, after 16 years Ollie’s Bakery shutdown. The landlord is the suspect.   Hartigan’s Irish Pub shut down. The owner blamed safety issues with the 100 years old building.  In Raleigh, after 29 years Fat Daddy’s Market & Grill shutdown, 45 jobs lost.

Ohio: Grocery store Giant Eagle shutting down two stores, one in Toledo, one in Rossford, 179 jobs lost! Company officials say there are too many grocery stores in the U.S.

Oregon: In Portland, Ivories Jazz Lounge and Restaurant shutdown. No reason given, but reviews of the restaurant were hit & miss. Many customers were shocked by the unadvertised cover charge for the bands.

Pennsylvania: At State College, after only four years Quizno’s sandwich shop shutdown. The owner blamed the bad economy and what I call DSS (Disappearing Student Syndrome).  In South Union Township, after 22 years Cherry Tree Cafe shutdown.

South Carolina: In Charleston, after 27 years upscale Carolina’s restaurant shutdown.  In Rock Hill, grocery store Compare Foods shutdown. 50 jobs lost. The manager blames the suck ass economy: “The recession hit Rock Hill pretty hard and we’ve been suffering from that as well. There are a lot of businesses that have been dealing with that.”-Omar Jorge

In Richmond, the Piggly Wiggly grocery store shutdown, 37 jobs lost. In Landrum, Ken’s Meats & Seafood shutdown after only three years of operations. The owners said everything was going good until summer 2013, when sales crashed: “We just didn’t have enough local support to sustain us for the long run. Unfortunately I can count on two fingers how many local businesses bought from us and that was unfortunate…..demand for my products is just not here in our local community.”-Ken Brackett, co-owner

South Dakota: In Sioux Falls, after 60 years Sid’s Liquor shutdown. The president of Sid’s blamed his crashing sales on state officials who, in 2008, passed a law that allowed big corporations to have more than one liquor license: “It’s like there’s a liquor store on every block. And we saw our sales decline by over 1-Million dollars a year! Which was a real kick in the pants. And we started losing money, and the losses just keep getting bigger!”-Paul Damyan

Tennessee: In Gallatin, after only two years Butterbean Bakery and Bistro shutdown.

Texas: In Oak Cliff, Frito-Lay announced they will shutdown a factory and a warehouse in August, 163 jobs lost!  Frito-Lay is owned by anti-2nd Amendment Pepsi.  In Sherman, two restaurants shutdown; the six years old Little Italy and the 37 years old Braums on North Travis. The owners of Little Italy says city officials forced them to close. No explanation was given by the owners of Braums.  In Midland, Walter’s family restaurant shutdown. The restaurant owner blames the greedy property owner for jacking up the rent.  In Sugar Land, after less than one year the Fiesta Market Place grocery store shutdown! I couldn’t find any reports that explained why.

Vermont: After 22 years the Shaftsbury Country Store shutdown.

Virginia: In Parsley, 20 employees of Fresh Pride now unemployed. The company that owns Fresh Pride, Camellia Food Stores, has a history of shutting down stores without notice, even on the day after Xmas.   In Charleston, reports that the Sushi Atlantic market shutdown.  In Virginia Beach, after 40 years That Which Cannot Be Named refused to stop the shutdown of The Jewish Mother Hilltop restaurant and dance club/music venue. The Jewish Mother Hilltop has been plagued by lawsuits, financial problems and recent health problems for the owner. The owner also admitted that January and February saw crashing revenues, and he was unable to pay rent.  The 3rd largest privately held foodservice company in the U.S. killing jobs. Reinhart Foodservice announced they were laying off 49 employees by April. Company officials refused to explain why.  In Bristol, after ten years Inari Wines shutdown: “It’s been slowing down and slowing down. Sales have been flat.…It’s not fun anymore!”-Paul Brandt, co-owner

Washington: After less than five years Savour specialty food store shutdown.

West Virginia: In Charleston, Thelma Fay’s Cafe shutdown, it’s blamed on that massive chemical spill by Freedom Industries: “Sadly we have been unable to recover our losses during the water crisis……” 

Wisconsin: Ice machine maker Manitowoc Company killing 150 U.S. jobs! The patriotic ‘American’ company is moving production to Mexico and China.  In Lodi, after more than 93 years (surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) Weber’s Bakery shutdown. The owner Noel Weber blamed the not-so-recovered economy stating “…we can’t continue this way and we have to call it a day!”   In Appleton, reports that after 21 years supplier to home beer, wine and soda pop makers, Homebrew Market, shutdown.  Grocery store Supervalu shut down their Pleasant Prairie regional office, 155 jobs lost! Another 200 jobs will be eliminated across the country!   British empire Canada based Saputo shutting down their New London cheese factory.

U.S. Food Crisis, February 2014

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Food Crisis, February 2014: “It’s just costing so much to maintain that it’s not worthwhile anymore.”

Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of February, 2014: Many food suppliers/distributors are consolidating operations and killing jobs due to the collapsing grocery store and restaurant industries, as well as rising costs of food production.

Outback Steakhouse began shutting down 22 Aussie style restaurants across the U.S.A. The restaurants to be shuttered are in Arizona, Iowa, South Carolina, New York, Tennessee and Kansas. Bloomin’ Brands is also closing restaurants under the names of Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, and Roy’s. Bloomin’ Brands officials say the shutdowns are just for the first quarter of 2014, more could follow.

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

Furr’s Fresh Buffet restaurant chain now chapter 11 busted. 2-thousand jobs affected! There are Furr’s restaurants in New Mexico, Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Company officials blamed  “….challenges facing our industry and the liquidity constraints due to our indebtedness and the recent ice storm, we need to explore options to restructure our debt, recapitalize and position ourselves for future growth.”-Barry M. Barron Sr, CEO

Alabama: In Montgomery, after 20 years of food and car shows Flip’s restaurant shutdown. The owner blames skyrocketing insurance rates after an arson fire.

Arizona:  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.

California: In Carlsbad, the Hot Dog On A Stick restaurant chain is now bankrupt, 93 restaurants affected. In San Diego, Karl Strauss Brewing laid off 67 employees.  In San Louis Obispo, after 15 years Cugini’s Pizzeria & Trattoria shutdown. The restaurant owner said the greedy property owner jacked up the rent by adding on a monthly service charge as well as demanding 6% of her restaurant’s profits! She tried complaining to the property management company but they blew her off, then suddenly she got evicted! In Fresno, anti-2nd Amendment company, Pepsi, laid off 50 employees.   In Sacramento, Coca Cola laid off about 47 employees. Last year they laid off 60 employees.   Kansas based National Beef announced they will shutdown their Brawley meat packing plant in April. 1300 jobs lost! Company officials blame the crashing supply of cows for driving up their costs (supply vs demand). California ranchers blame the decline in cow numbers on the long term drought.

Colorado:  In Fort Collins, The Black Market Tavern shutdown without warning or explanation.  The Wok & Roll Teriyaki restaurant shutdown. The owner realized how bad the economy is when he was faced with the cost of replacing a major charbroiler: “That’s when we began seeing the handwriting on the wall…..It’s just costing so much to maintain that it’s not worthwhile anymore.”-Stephen Moritz

Connecticut: In Mashantucket, Craftsteak Foxwoods restaurant shutdown, 54 jobs lost.

Idaho: Warren Buffet owned Heinz Frozen Food made it official and notified Idaho that it will shutter its Pocatello plant, killing at least 400 jobs!  State Department of Labor analysts said the frozen food factory shutdown will have a domino effect and kill an additional 200  jobs in Pocatello/Chubbuck!  In Aberdeen, food and agriculture giant Simplot announced they will kill 309 food processing jobs by April!

Illinois: In Monmoth, Olivia’s Cookie Jar and Kitchen announced it will shutdown this year. Owner, Rae Connolly, told local news media it was because of the suck ass economy.  In Chicago maker of Nathan’s Famous hotdogs, Specialty Food Groups, killed 250 jobs! No reason given.  In Bolingbrook, supplier of food to the U.S. Department of Defense (meaning they’re a taxsucker), Quantum Foods, now chapter 11 busted. Company officials were hoping to sell out to Idaho based CTI Foods, but Quantum’s 1100 employees were warned to prepare for sudden unemployment!

Indiana:  In Indianapolis, after 40 years the MCL Restaurant & Bakery shutdown.  In Mishawaka, the Save A Lot grocery store shutdown. Company officials blame the bad economy: “After having invested significant marketing and promotional support for the store, as well as fielding a great management and staff team, we’ve come to the realization we cannot anticipate a time when we will generate adequate sales to justify continuing operations.”

Iowa: In Des Moines, after 30 years Billy Joe’s Lounge shutdown.

Kentucky: In Louisville, the Heine Brothers’ Coffee shop shutdown. Company officials said the shop had good business, but it wasn’t good enough to cover the outrageous rent.

Louisiana: In New Orleans, after ten years the Meauxbar Bistro shutdown. The owners sold off the property.

Maryland: Beer distributor Winner Distributing laid off 125 people! Baltimore County officials say they were not told why, other than it sounds like the operation was sold to an unknown buyer!

Massachusetts: In Brookline, Jimmy’s Bar & Oven announced they will shutdown in March.  In Ashland, after 25 years The Malt Shop liquor store shutdown.  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: After more than 40 years the Swartz Creek Bakery shutdown. The property owner sold off the building.  In Detroit, Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe shutdown. The owners blame a 60% drop in sales on competition with mainstream grocery stores. They were hoping that selling alcohol would increase sales, but they found the actual costs of licensing, stocking of wine and liquor, as well as hiring more employees ate up any alcohol profits.

Minnesota: After only five months Captain Jack’s Liquor in Janesville shutdown.

Missouri: In Dutchtown, after 40 years Giuseppe’s Ristorante shutdown. The owners say their crashing restaurant revenues were caused by the temporary closure of Highway 40.

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.

Nebraska: In Omaha, after 60 years Eli Caniglia’s Venice Inn restaurant shutdown. The family owners sold out to an evil property developer.

New York:  In Newburgh, Dr. Pepper Snapple announced they will shutdown by April, 35 jobs lost.   In Amsterdam, Quandt’s Foodservice Distributors announced they will shutdown by May, 116 jobs lost!   In Watertown, after 12 years the Brew Ha Ha coffee house shutdown.

New Jersey: In Westfield, after only two months upscale Grädde Swedish Restaurant shutdown! The owners said screw this and are moving back to Sweden!   Wawa convenience store, on Route 70 and Cooper Landing Road, shutdown.  Store owners say it’s not worth it to remodel in order to meet new building standards.

North Carolina: In Charlotte, food producer Kellogg shutting down its Famous Amos, Austin Sandwich Creme and Iced Animals factory, 195 jobs lost! Kellogg has been shutting down factories in Australia, Canada and United States, but shifting production to southeast Asian countries under a operation called Project K.   After 48 years Arnold’s Family Restaurant shutdown, the co-owner said “It just feels like it’s time.”   In Greensboro, after 79 years Ham’s Restaurant shutdown.

Ohio: German importer, Krause’s at Findlay Market, shutdown. No reason given.   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 Philadelphia, Mondelez International shutting down the former Nabisco/Kraft bakery. 350 jobs lost by early 2015! Union leaders say there was no reason for the shutdown, other than “corporate greed”.  In Pittsburg, the Bridge Ten Brasserie restaurant shutdown. The owner blamed the bad economy saying “Regrettably, ‘success commerciale’ has proven elusive.”   In Lower Saucon Township, the Starters Pub shutdown. Local news reports say it was without warning or explanation.

South Carolina: In Saint Beaufort, a Piggly Wiggly grocery store shutdown, more than 50 jobs lost.  In Orangeburg, a Reid’s grocery store shutdown. In Cayce, a Reid’s grocery store shutdown. In Walterboro, a Reid’s grocery store shutdown. In Aiken, a Bi-Lo grocery store shutdown. All blamed on Bi-Lo Holdings take over of Delhaize America. More grocery store shutdowns to come!

Texas:  Gigi’s Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar shutdown, the owner blamed “economic challenges and unforeseen circumstances”.   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.  In Waco, the Super Plaza grocery store shutdown. A local businessman says the store suffered from bad management: “You’d walk to the bakery, and they’d be sold out of bread. Or there would be a line of 20 customers and only one cashier on duty….”-Raul Vallejo

Virginia: In Reston, a Burger King shutdown.  Capital Bagel Bakery store shutdown. The operators blame the property owners: “We were given one month notice to vacate the space due to the landlord’s consideration of Fresh Mart, since they’re carrying bagels as well.” 

West Virginia: Kroger announced it will shutdown two more grocery stores, one in Quincy and one in Weston. At least 100 jobs affected!

Washington: Upscale Madison Park Conservatory restaurant shutdown.

U.S. Food Crisis, January 2014

Idaho, U.S.

Martial Law U.S.A.: Operation Bold Shift, state militias now under direct control of federal government? Proof of never ending war!

24 October 2014 (15:59 UTC-07 Tango)/29 Dhu l-Hijja 1435/02 Aban 1393/01 Jia-Xu (9th month leap) 4712

“The Guard and Reserve are critical in order to ensure that the American people are linked-in to the operations that are being conducted. Operationally, we cannot execute sustained operations overseas unless we have the Guard and Reserve…….I have to get after this new mission set. We don’t know when we’ll have to deploy next.”-General Mark Milley, ForsCom (ForceS Command)

The U.S. Army has launched operation Bold Shift, which brings what was once a state controlled militia, the Army National Guard (ANG), under direct Regular Army (RA) control.  (the Army Reserve is already under direct control of the RA)

RA officials claim it will make training more efficient, supposedly saving money, but the goal is really about prepping the ANG for immediate deployment rather than spending months in pre-deployment training.

There will be an increase in Guard militiamen and women training at the Army’s National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California, or the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

RA units will be permanently paired with ANG units.

Recently Idaho’s Orchard Training Area (OTA) was the site of a return to ‘Total Force’ combat training.

This can only mean that the U.S. Department of Defense believes that there are even bigger wars to come.

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings 08 – 10 August 2014: “It was…impossible to continue.” High cost of living tarnishing employment in the Golden State! Chicago Bears can’t pay their taxes!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

“They can’t afford to pay me what I’m worth; they can’t even match the pay at my last job. It makes me sad. I always thought that, in 10 years, I was going to be awesome. Now here I am, just trying to survive.”-Valerie Colter, typical Californian

California: Southern California Edison laying off 410 people in October! In San Francisco, iconic Candlestick Park being torn down, its fixtures being auctioned off!  Los Angeles County reports a 57% drop in manufacturing jobs since 1990!  Esmael Adibi, of the A. Gary Anderson Center for Economic Research at Chapman University, said companies can’t handle the high cost of doing business in the Golden State: “They look at stuff like taxation, energy costs and housing costs, and it becomes a business decision.”

Connecticut: In Stamford, after 24 years Littlejohn’s children clothing store shutdown.  The co-owner blamed a lot of factors that have crashed their sales since 2008, but she said the final straw was when the greedy landlord jacked up the rent: “…an unattainable rent increase. It was honestly too much of an increase. It would be very difficult, really, or impossible to continue.”-Anda Weyher

Florida: In Polk County, Chapters Health System killing 89 healthcare jobs at their LifePath Hospice, Good Shepherd and Chapters’ palliative care and pharmacy programs.  Hospital officials directly blamed Obama Care (Affordable Care Act) for drastically reducing payments for people on Medicare and Medicaid, which make up 92% of Chapters Health System’s clients!  In Miami, reports that the Portugal based Too Big to Jail Espirito Santo Bank will be sold off.  The bank was bailed out by the Bank of Portugal, but is still a failure.  The ADP Regional Employment Report says new job creation fell 40% from July 2013 to July 2014!

Moved from Pocatello to Chubbuck in 1999, this Sears is finally dead!

Idaho: In Chubbuck, Sears Holdings finally decided to put their dying Sears store, at the Pine Ridge Mall, to death.  The store will close in October.  Also in Chubbuck, the 24 years old Carmike Cinema 7 was sold off to property developers and will be torn down.  Word is that the owner does not think it’s worth it to convert the theater over to digital.

Illinois: In Libertyville, the owner of Encore Theater group announced this is the last year of performances.  He took a job with another theater group.  The Chicago Bears American style football team have failed to pay Cook County $4.1-million USD in ticket sales tax!  The back due taxes go all the way back to 2003!

Indiana: In Summit City, after 40 years Rustic Hutch shutdown two furniture stores.  What housing market recovery?  In Evansville, Springleaf Finance announced they are shutting down their mortgage operation, 170 jobs lost!

Massachusetts: Tewksburry based Market Basket grocery stores killing jobs in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  Any striking worker that refuses to come back to work is now fired.

Michigan: In Minnesota, reports say a Office Depot is closing, but corporate officials refuse to comment.  In Ann Arbor, law school Thomas M. Cooley’s warned it could shutdown, blaming an 11% drop in enrollment (DSS, Disapearing Student Syndrome).  Who said the internet is killing brick-n-mortar ops?  After six years internet news source AnnArborChronicle.com to stop regular publishing in September.  United Airlines killing 109 jobs at the Detroit Metro Airport, in October!

New York: Cargo ship operator Eagle Bulk Shipping now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  Company officials blame their financial dire straights on a crash in import/exports ever since 2008.

North Carolina: United Airlines announced they will kill 71 jobs at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, in October.  In Greensboro, Kmart announced it is shutting down in November, 69 jobs lost.

Texas: What construction market recovery?  BidClerk reports 2nd quarter 2014 construction funding crashed by $12.2-billion  compared to 1st quarter 2014.

Virginia: In Roanoke, First & Sixth Restaurant shutdown.

Washington: In Seattle, 15 businesses forced to shutdown because of construction of the Elliott Bay Seawall.  City officials swear it will only take nine months to complete, but history shows construction projects almost always take longer than stated.  However, city officials are paying the business owners compensation to ensure they can come back once the construction is done.

06-07 August 2014

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 shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

“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

Idaho, International

World War 3 Afghanistan, 09 – 12 October 2014: Taxis are terrorists? Cops blowing themselves up! U.S. taxpayer funded aircraft abandoned then turned into scrap metal! Police arresting journalists in the name of safety!

Baghlan Province: In Baghlan District, religious leaders demanded a local radio station shutdown.  Local police obliged the religious leaders and shutdown the radio station, in the name of security.  Police also arrested 12 radio station employees, for their own ‘safety’!

Balkh Province: A group of men wearing brand new police uniforms attacked a police base.  Two blew themselves up and at least three were shot and killed.  At least 17 cops wounded in the battle.  A report by Chinese news media made no mention of Kamikaze bombers, but did say 18 cops were wounded by at least two men dressed in police unifroms.

Ghazni Province: In Giro District, yet another claim by government officials that Mujahideen blew themselves up while planting bombs, four killed this time.

Helmand Province: In Lashkargah City, a policeman turned Kamikaze bomber blew himself up at the local police base.  At least one cop and one Afghan National Army soldier killed, two people wounded.

Herat Province: In Obe District, a U.S. drone strike killed at least one person.  Local government officials say it was a Mujahideen leader.

Kabul Province: In Kabul City, a magnetic bomb stuck to a Toyota exploded, but police claim nobody was hurt.  More than 500 Afghans protested against Islamic State, NATO and the United States.  They believe IS, NATO and U.S. are all working together!  The Attorney General announced that seven more arrests have been made regarding the massive Kabul Bank scandal.  Warrants for 21 former bank employees have been issued.   Several Afghan senators said the parliament will reject the Obama regime security deal.

Kandahar Province: U.S. Central Command and U.S. Forces Afghanistan have placed a help wanted ad; they need a new mercenary contractor. The want 600 security guards to patrol the Kandahar airbase. “Only expatriates from the FVEY (Five Eyes) International Intelligence Sharing Network Nations (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) will be permitted to perform work…”

Khost Province: In Khost City, two people killed, seven wounded after a remote detonated bomb, that was attached to a bicycle, went off.

Kunar Province: Local government officials claim Pakistan fired 103 artillery rounds into Afghanistan.

Maidan Wardak Province: In Syedabad District, three Afghan National Army soldiers and three civilians killed when a Kamikaze bomber rammed his bomb laden vehicle into the ANA convoy.  Eight people wounded.

Paktika Province: In Barmal District, reports that a U.S.-NATO drone blew up a taxi, killing one person and wounding another.

Uruzgan Province: In Chora District, a mini-bus full of passengers ran over a landmine.  Five people killed, 14 wounded.

The British empire country of United Kingdom has stripped one of its Red Coats of his bravery medal.  A former Major in her majesty’s Royal Army had the award revoked by the queen after an investigation by the Ministry of Defense.  MoD officials refuse to reveal the results of that investigation.

The European Union announced they will give Afghanistan even more taxpayer money!  This time $1.7-billion USD going to fund even more “development” projects!

This comes as German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the reason the occupation of Afghanistan failed was because not enough tax money was spent: “Many things indicate that our biggest mistake has been to pin big hopes on this mission, without investing significant funds.”

The Philippines government announced that the new Obama regime security deal will end the jobs of about 4-thousand Filipinos working on U.S.-NATO bases in Afghanistan. At one time there were 6-thousand Filipinos being paid by U.S. taxpayers to work in Afghanistan.

U.S. taxpayers shelled out $486-million for 20 brand new Italian made C-27 transport aircraft (known as G-222 in Italy) for the Afghan Air Force.  Now 16 of those planes have been sold as scrap metal for $32-thousand!  Before that they sat abandoned at the Kabul Airport.  The remaining four are in storage at the USAF Ramstein AFB in Germany.  The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) is demanding the U.S. Department of Defense explain why brand new planes were abandonded and then scrapped, instead of selling them off to another air force.

The U.S. Army has concluded their investigation into the 2009 capture of a U.S. Army soldier from Idaho.  He was released this year, however, U.S. Army officials say they are not going to make their investigation results public (pending further review)!

33 air-militiamen and women of the Air National Guard 104th Air Wing Special Security Forces (Massachusetts U.S.A.) deployed to Afghanistan.

Fukushima, Idaho

Fukushima – WIPP – Radiation Fallout: Why does Rudolph’s nose glow? Because Santa’s Reindeer are radioactive! Why is Japan getting hit with so many hurricanes + earthquakes? EPA confirms airborne radiation at the WIPP! Nuke waste shipments on hold for two more years, or more!

11 October 2014 (16:40 UTC-07 Tango)/16 Dhu l-Hijja 1435/19 Mehr 1393/18 Jia-Xu 4712

United States: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that some radiation escaped into the air around the failed Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP) in New Mexico, but claims “The public doses were well below EPA’s standards.”

EPA also criticized the Department of Energy’s (DoE) air monitoring system: “EPA identified a number of areas needing improvement regarding DOE’s ambient environmental air sampling network, laboratory procedures and incident response protocols.”

More revelations out of WIPP.  DoE has revealed that one reason why the investigation and clean up is taking so long is that the main means of transportation down the 655 meter (2150 feet) shaft is broken!   DoE officials are trying to make it sound like it had nothing to do with the salt truck fire back on 05 February 2014, but that just happens to be the day the massive elevator stopped working.

DoE officials claim the hoist system stopped working because of soot accumulation on the electrical components.  Just more proof it was a massive fire.

WIPP is now affecting the state of South Carolina.  The Savannah River Site (SRS) has been told that nuclear waste shipments to the WIPP are on hold until at least 2016, or even longer: “Resumption of full scale operations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant may not occur until 2019 and could cost up to $551 million, though initial operations are slated for resumption in early 2016 at a cost of about $242 million.”-DoE report

I assume this delay in nuke waste shipments also applies to LANL in New Mexico, INL in Idaho and other nuclear laboratories around the United States.

Japan:  I’ve written many times before about how heavy rain floods through the failed Fukushima Daiichi nuclear energy factory, getting contaminated and then flooding into the Pacific Ocean.  Anybody notice how many typhoons have hit Japan this year?  So far there have been 19 western Pacific typhoons, at least four hit Japan directly, and at least two came close enough to cause flooding in Japan.

Now, this years largest typhoon Vongfong (now rated category 6 supertyphoon) is heading to the big islands of Japan.  The current expected track of the supertyphoon will take it right over Fukushima Daiichi, it is expected to be downgraded by then.  On top of that, northeastern Japan was just hit by yet another 6.3 earthquake (followed by a 5.5 quake), in Amoroi Prefecture 400km (248.5 miles) north of Fukushima Daiichi!

About a week prior, Iwate Prefecture (also north of Fukushima Daiichi) got hit with a 5.3 quake.  About two weeks ago Fukushima Prefecture got hit with 5 and 5.1 quakes. About one month ago Iwate Prefecture got hit with a 5.1 quake.  That same month Fukushima Prefecture got hit with multiple 4 magnitude quakes.  About two months ago Fukushima and Iwate prefectures got hit with multiple 4 magnitude quakes.  Three months ago Fukushima Prefecture suffered a 6.5 quake and Iwate a 5.7 quake, on top of numerous 4 magnitude quakes.    There hasn’t been a month in 2014 when Fukushima or Iwate prefectures hadn’t experienced a single 4 to 6 magnitude earthquake.   In fact, the big island of Honshu has been racked by 4 to 6 magnitude quakes all year.

The German news source DW interviewed Michael Maqua, who works for pro-nuke GRS (Gesellschaft für Anlagen und Reaktorsicherheit).  He gave typical assurances that nothing will happen at Fukushima Daiichi when Vanfong hits, but gave this warning: “Apart from physical damages to construction equipment, we could expect radioactive isotopes from contaminated surfaces being washed away and transported into the groundwater or the sea. Over the past days, the concentration of radioactive substances in the groundwater has increased significantly at some of the plant’s measuring points and, according to TEPCo, this was caused by the recent heavy rains.” 

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCo) has run out its latest unsecured debt financing, and hasn’t paid it off.  No problem, the Japanese government convinced the three banks to simply refinance TEPCo for another six months.  Those Too Big to Jail banks are Sumitomo Mitsui Banking, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, and Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking.

It was revealed that not only has TEPCo failed to pay many of their throwaway workers promised hazard pay, but some of those that did get paid got a whopping $36 USD!  TEPCo had promised $180 per day in hazard pay.

Canada: The Canadian national government has ordered nuclear power plant operators to provide all residences, businesses and institutions living within 16km (10 miles) radius of nuke factories potassium iodide pills.   The decision was made by the Nuclear Safety Commission.  Back in June the NSC advised Canadians to stockpile iodide pills.

Norway: Scientists are alarmed over a sudden 5 times increase in radiation levels contaminating reindeer!

In September the reindeer had 82-hundred becquerels of celsium-137 per kilo.  Compare that to 2012 when they had 1500bq.

It’s not just reindeer but sheep as well, some have tested out at 4500bq!  600bq is the max limit considered safe to eat.  But Norway isn’t blaming Fukushima Daiichi, they’re blaming the 30 years old Chernobyl disaster.

Scientists claim that the gypsy mushroom is soaking up radiation contamination caused by Chernobyl after the 1986 meltdown: “This year, there has been extreme amounts of mushroom. In addition, the mushroom season has lasted for a long time. And the mushroom has grown very high up on the mountains.”-Lavrans Skuterud

Norway is 1686.5km (1048 miles) by air from Chernobyl.  This proves that nuclear accidents never go away!

“…you are killing us…!”

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings 01 – 03 August 2014: “We’re simply burned out.” Christian leaders caught ripping off Christian school funding! WWE body slams employees! No more Circle Bar B! More job destruction by greedy property owners!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Alabama: Alabama Power announced it is switching its Greene County coal fired electricity factory to natural gas.  It will also result in half the employees (about 60) becoming unemployed!  Company officials blame new federal government regulations, which has forced them to spend more than $3-billion USD to change over to natural gas!

California: In Santa Barbara, after 40 years the iconic Circle Bar B dinner theater horse ranch shutdown.  I went to one show (in the late 1980s), it was fun, but the owners of the property say expenses have gone up so much that revenues from the dinner theater aren’t enough, they are looking at other income generating possibilities.   In San Louis Obispo, the state prison known as the Men’s Colony announced they are laying off 66 psychiatric technicians over the next six months.  This comes after accusation that the state prison psyc system ordered technicians to falsify prisoner records.  But the real reason could be that the state is now sending prisoners to contracted mental health care, because the federal government is paying for it.  In Chatsworth, Switzerland based food producer Nestle issued a WARN saying they were killing 353 jobs in October!  State employment officials did not relay a reason, saying “not known at this time”.  In Long Beach, taxsucker Boeing issued a WARN saying 158 people will become unemployed in September!  In Sacramento, after three years doughnut shop Doughbot shutdown.  The two owner-operators said “…these last few years have been…..incredibly difficult. We’re simply burned out.”

Connecticut: Stamford based World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) killed off 60 jobs. WWE claims their revenue remains “strong” but it sounds like investors pushed for the job cuts.

Florida: In Miami Beach, another restaurant done in by a greedy landowner.  Andreas Schreiner of Pubbelly Restaurant Group said their PB Steak restaurant shutdown because “…the rising costs of real estate would not have allowed us to continue to operate PB Steak without raising our prices, which would go against our commitment to our customers, to be a local, everyday eating establishment.” What housing market recovery?  All across southern Florida the federal government seized 21 houses, accusing the Massachusetts (Boston Strong, actually based in Marlborough) based owner, TelexFREE, of scamming immigrants from Brazil and Dominican Republic to the tune of $1-billion USD!  By the way, Too Big to Jail Boston Strong (Fitchburg) Fidelity Bank just agreed to pay $3.5-million for their role in the TelexFREE scam.

Hawaii: In Kakaako, after only eight months the interior design eStyle Hawaii store shutdown!  The greedy landowner kicked them out!  The property is being redeveloped.

Idaho: In Blackfoot, after 15 years Tweedy’s Music shutdown.  The owners revealed there are two speculators competing to buy their property.

Illinois: In Chicago, Forever Yogurt shutdown two brand new stores!  Company officials blame lawsuits from property owners like General Growth Properties (GGP, I used to work for those jerk wads in Idaho).  The lawsuits claims Forever Yogurt owes backdue rent (I know how much GGP likes to charge in rent, and I wouldn’t pay either!).  What automotive industry recovery?  In Freeport, another round of layoffs with troubled Titan Tire, this time 48 employees let go.  Titan Tire supplies tires to farm and heavy equipment makers, and orders have crashed.  Freeport’s mayor is worried: “This is disappointing news at a time when we’ve already had our share of disappointing news.  We are deeply interested in the fate of this plant and its workers, and we’re willing to do anything we can to help because it’s important not only to the area but the entire state.”-Jim Gitz

Iowa:  In Cedar Rapids, British empire United kingdom based internet services company Hibu initiated a second round of layoffs. This time 44 U.S. citizens became unemployed.  Back in April of this year, Hibu killed 184 jobs!  Six of Hibu’s U.S. subsidiaries are already in chapter 15 bankruptcy protection.

Kansas: Virtual network company Chit Chat now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  Company officials blame Sprint for questionable billings.

Louisiana: In Marrero, the Christian God refused to stop the Reverend Mansfield Thompson Educational Foundation from shutting down their Faith Christian Academy, with only a five day notice to “vacate”: “It was like unreal, unbelievable, that they would let us prepare to open and then send us a letter to close.”-Joycelyn Robinson, school administrator

But this shutdown is not about raptured students (what I call DSS or Disappearing Student Syndrome), but about evil Christian leaders caught stealing money.  At the end of 2013 a state investigation revealed Reverend Mansfield Thompson Educational Foundation was probably absconding with the money paid by struggling Christian parents: “At this point, I just want my money back. I paid $400 for registration and I’m getting the run around with that. I just want my money back!”-Ramira Williams

Michigan: In Taylor, Fitness USA shutdown the last of its three Taylor locations.  It might have to do with a discrimination lawsuit filed last year.

New York: In Carle Place, 1-800-Flowers announced it is restructuring, and killing off 220 jobs in October!  In NYC, Bloomberg Media killed about 25 jobs, and killed a TV show.  Company officials said they are “…shifting resources to regions outside of New York.”

Ohio: In Youngstown, the Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP) warned it will kill 10 jobs with its Head Start education program.  They blame the federal government for cutting off their federal food service funding.  MYCAO is also going away and Development Institute of Denver will take over the Head Start program temporarily.   The World’s largest household products maker (like diapers and detergent), Cincinnati based Procter & Gamble, announced they are killing 100 brands over the next two years, which will equate to job destruction.  Company officials say those 100 brands make up only 5% of their profits.  What housing market recovery?  In Solon, mortgage company ServiceLink announced they’re shutting down in December and killing 211 jobs!

Pennsylvania: Edinboro University warned of more layoffs by the end of this school year.  However, they hinted that if they can stay within budget, and don’t lose anymore funding, then the layoffs will be canceled.  In Lancaster, after three years Fork-n-Spoon Cafe shutdown.

Vermont: The State College system warned that budget cuts wanted by the governor will result in job losses.  The governor wants to cut $1-million in funding.  In May this year, Johnson State College laid off five employees and blamed it on DSS.

Washington: The budget cutting of Redmond based Microsoft will also affected hundreds (if not more) supply vendors/contractors.  Microsoft is suspending vendor access for six months every 18 months.  During those six months vendors/contractors will have to find employment elsewhere.  Local news reports say local vendors are already talking about abandoning Microsoft altogether!

31 July 2014

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 shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

“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

Idaho, Influenza

While the Obama regime sends troops to fight ebola, Influenza has already killed two people in Idaho! CDC issues warning about flu shots!

10 October 2014 (00:35 UTC-07 Tango)/15 Dhu l-Hijja 1435/18 Mehr 1393/17 Jia-Xu 4712

Idaho: In Kootenai County, a woman over the age of 60 died from “complications of the flu”.  In Ada County, another woman over the age of 60 died from flu.  Idaho Department of Health and Welfare officials are freaking out and demanding that residents get vaccinated.  IDHW officials say they don’t know what strain of flu killed the women: “It is early. I guess we’ll just have to see how it plays out. The fact that we have already seen two deaths may be a really good signal that people need to get their flu shot.”-Leslie Tengelsen, Deputy State Epidemiologist

Kentucky: Jefferson County reports first influenza case in the state.

Montana: Cascade County reporting the state’s first flu infection.

Wisconsin: Department of Health Services reporting eight people hospitalized with influenza.

In 2007 the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the cost of treating people sick with influenza was about $87-billion USD!

88-million vials of flu vaccines have already been shipped out for the 2014-15 influenza season.  Another 159-million doses are expected.

The CDC has warnings about getting a flu shot:   “If you have any severe, life-threatening allergies. If you ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of flu vaccine, or have a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, including (for example) an allergy to gelatin, antibiotics, or eggs, you may be advised not to get vaccinated. Most, but not all, types of flu vaccine contain a small amount of egg protein.  If you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralyzing illness, also called GBS). Some people with a history of GBS should not get this vaccine. This should be discussed with your doctor.   If you are not feeling well. It is usually okay to get flu vaccine when you have a mild illness, but you might be advised to wait until you feel better. You should come back when you are better.”

The CDC also stated: “Problems that could happen after any vaccine:  Brief fainting spells can happen after any medical procedure, including vaccination….Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy, or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.  Severe shoulder pain and reduced range of motion in the arm where a shot was given can happen, very rarely, after a vaccination.  Severe allergic reactions from a vaccine are very rare, estimated at less than 1 in a million doses. If one were to occur, it would usually be within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.

Mild problems following inactivated flu vaccine:  soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given,  hoarseness,  sore, red or itchy eyes,  cough,  fever,  aches, headache, itching, fatigue. If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1 or 2 days.  

Moderate problems following inactivated flu vaccine:  Young children who get inactivated flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) at the same time may be at increased risk for seizures caused by fever. Ask your doctor for more information. Tell your doctor if a child who is getting flu vaccine has ever had a seizure. ……As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a serious injury or death.” 

The following was a warning from the CDC’s Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner, Influenza Division:  “For the 2014-2015 flu season, CDC has expressed a preference for the nasal spray vaccine in children aged 2-8 years when it is available. Although the flu injection and the nasal spray vaccine both protect children from the flu, evidence suggests that the nasal spray vaccine works better in children aged 2-8 years than a flu injection. It’s important to note, however, that some children aged 2-8 years should not receive a nasal spray vaccine, including:  Children aged 2-4 years who have had asthma or wheezing during the past 12 months;  Children who have immunosuppression;  Children with a history of egg allergy;  Children who are receiving aspirin therapy or are taking medications that contain aspirin; and Children who have taken influenza antiviral medications (for example, Tamiflu® or Relenza®) within the past 48 hours.  Children with asthma who receive the nasal spray may have an increased risk of wheezing.  The safety of the nasal spray vaccine in children with other health conditions that put them at increased risk for serious flu complications (diabetes, heart disease, neurologic conditions, etc.) has not been established.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings 31 July 2014: “we simply cannot make it through another season” TARP taxpayer ripoffs continue! Coffee company says Ohio sucks & they’re getting the hell outa there! More food crisis as slaughterhouses ask “where’s the beef?”! Road work killing mom & pops! Apple kills jobs in California! More raptured students killing Christian schools (DS Syndrome)!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Alaska: What I call Disappearing Student Syndrome (DSS) forcing University of Alaska to shutdown the Bill Ray Center and Auke Bay bookstore, as well as kill jobs.  University officials say they’ve lost $1.4-million USD in funding this school year and are expecting to lose $2-million next school year, despite jacking up the cost to go to school (could increased employees benefits caused by Obama Care have anything to do with their financial problems? other schools have said so).

California: In Cupertino, Beats Music and Beats Electronics killing 200 jobs due to being taken over by Apple!  Thousand Oaks based legal drugs pusher Amgen announced even more job losses, this time 29-hundred people at four of their Colorado and Washington drug factories will become unemployed by the end of 2015!   Amgen has been described as one of “the least efficient” of the legal drug pushers.  In Corona Del Mar, after five years Bohemia clothing store shutdown. In Sunnyvale, Idaho based SummerWinds Nursery shutdown, but only because the greedy Californian property owner sold the land to a hotel developer (for $5-million)!  In Oakland, legal drugs maker Cerexa issued a WARN saying they are shutting down in September, 52 jobs lost.  In Palo Alto, tech company Hewlett Packard (HP) announced they were laying off 39 employees in August.  In Arcadia, Ohio based CNG and electric bus operator Foothill Transit (First Transit) issued a WARN saying they were killing 416 jobs in October! I couldn’t find any reports explaining why.  The cities of Modesto, San Bernardino and Stockton have made WalletHub’s Most & Least Recession-Recovered Cities top five list of cities least likely to recover!

Colorado: In Denver, Little Me’s children clothing store shutdown.  The angry owner blamed never ending construction: “I knew I would face many challenges in this venture, but in the twenty years that I have been shopping in Cherry Creek North, lack of foot traffic was not one that I had anticipated. It appears the construction is only going to move closer to our area and we simply cannot make it through another season like the last.”– Jennifer Riches

Florida: The Canaveral Port Authority announced it will kill 61 police jobs in October.  Those jobs will be taken over by the Brevard County Sheriff.  Port Authority officials also admitted that they had to fire four cops for stealing cash, and several others are under investigation (and who said the cops are there to serve us?).   This comes as the Port is expanding operations with funding from United Arab Emirates.  In Bradenton Macy’s shutting down, 131 jobs lost!  What housing market recovery?  In Jacksonville, yet again Too Big to Jail Bank of America killed mortgage jobs, this 13.  Bank officials told state officials they expect to continue killing mortgage jobs in the future.  By the way, bailed out banks in the Sunshine State lead the country in failures to pay back their bailout loans!  According to the Special Inspector General of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP) five Florida banks owe a total of $91.5-million to taxpayers!

Georgia: In Gwinnett, BrandsMart U.S.A. shutting down by the end of October, 80 jobs lost.  Turns out that being the most “environmentally conscious” retail operation doesn’t equal big sales.

Hawaii: The Kahala Shell Auto Care shop shutdown, 35 jobs lost.  The new owners will operate it as a fueling station only, blaming new land lease rules.

Idaho: In Boise, the Elk’s Rehab Center shutting down, 516 jobs lost as Saint Luke’s Health System takes over in September!  Reports say Saint Luke’s claims it needs only 400 employees to do the same job, so a net job loss of 116!

Iowa: In Des Moines, after 92 years (surviving the Great Depression & numerous recessions) Owen Crist Auto Body Service shutdown.  The family owners were bought out by property developers.

Michigan: WalletHub’s Most & Least Recession-Recovered Cities ranks the Failed State of Detroit as being the least likely of all failed U.S. cities to recover!

Mississippi: After 130 years (surviving the Great Depression & numerous recessions) God has decided to rapture all the good Christian students (or as I call it, Disappearing Student Syndrome, DSS) and shutdown the Christian Chamberlain-Hunt Academy!

New Jersey: Newark has made WalletHub’s Most & Least Recession-Recovered Cities top five list of cities least likely to recover!

New York: In Batavia, after ten years the drive thru Hot Shots Caffé shutting down in August.  The owners made it sound like they were forced to go somewhere else.  In NYC, Millennium Partners Sports Club (Reebok Sports Club) issued a WARN saying they are shutting down in October, 332 jobs lost! The company has been sold!

Ohio: In Dayton, after less than one year two Peet’s Coffee & Tea shops shutdown, and another five throughout Ohio will shutdown in August! At least 90 jobs will be lost, but company officials said their own surveys show the economy in Ohio is going down the shitter, saying their stores “…have not performed to our expectations and didn’t have a promising future outlook.”   Despite reporting profits, Columbus based Too Big to Jail Huntington Bank killed 200 jobs across six states!  A bank official implied it was because they see the economy getting worse: “Huntington has restructured a few internal functions to improve the long-term efficiency of the bank.”-Maureen Brown

Texas: In Pearland, after 37 years Pearland Furniture shutting down in August.  The owners blamed the recession and a road project that has prevented customers from getting to the store.

Wisconsin: Food producer Cargill suddenly shutdown their Milwaukee slaughterhouse, killing off 600 jobs!  Company officials blame a lack of affordable cows: “The harsh reality is that the U.S. beef cattle herd is at its lowest level since 1951, with any significant herd expansion being years away.”-company statement

29-30 July 2014

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 shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

“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 23 July 2014: “It all started so good…..things just ended.” More massive layoffs in California! Italian company kills jobs in Idaho! Huge electrical contractor fails to pay employees, then goes bust! 400+ jobs killed by Dick’s!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

United Airlines announced it will end flights from Chicago, Illinois, to Topeka, Kansas, in September.   It’s blamed on not enough passengers to financially justify the flights.

California:  Golden State based Broadcom warned it will layoff at least 25-hundred people in September, most of them Californians! Company officials have been trying to sell off their cell phone service, but nobody wanted to buy it, so now they’re shutting it down.  In Fremont, Germany founded scientific equipment maker Bruker Daltonics warned of 78 layoffs in September.  In Antioch, decades old Lamothe Cleaners shutdown.  The owner says that despite updating to the latest technology, working six days a week and even offering free services, his sales have crashed and burned: “It just became too much.”-Tom Lamothe

Florida:  What housing market recovery?  In Coral Springs, condo builder Lauren Enterprises now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  In Miami, after 60 years iconic Jumbo’s restaurant shutdown.  It was the  area’s first ‘white’ owned restaurant to serve ‘black’ customers. Despite surviving years of riots, bad weather and even drunk drivers, the owner says the bad economy finally did him in: “I thought I could get the neighborhood redeveloped, and I couldn’t.  I thought because I knew politicians, I thought I could be an influencing factor in getting this neighborhood to turn. It might, now that I sold.  I’ve worked seven days a week for 47 years. It’s time.”-Bobby Flam, second generation owner

Idaho: In Boise, Italy owned highway and airport food service company HMS Host (Host Marriott Services Corporation-Autogrill S.p.A.) issued a WARN saying they will kill 79 jobs by the end of September.

Maryland: After 36 years of selling food, Stop Shop Save announced it is shutting down all its Baltimore grocery stores!  At one time there were 16 Stop Shop Save stores.  Company officials say their sales have crashed from $69.4-million USD in 2004 to $28.1-million in 2013!  Despite several dozen gorcery stores in the city, The Balitmore Sun says 1 in 5 residents lack easy access to food shopping, as 40% of the city’s poor have no means of transportation.  “It all started so good, was so convenient…..You’re shocked at how things just ended.”-Yvonne Epps, loyal customer

Minnesota: In Twin Cities, nine Roundy owned  Rainbow Foods grocery stores shutdown, with little notice.  Officials from Roundy said the economy is so bad it can’t support all the grocery stores that are out there.

Missouri: Overland based Build-A-Bear Workshop reported a $4.3-million loss for its 2nd quarter 2014, and they’re happy about it!  That’s because at the same time last year they lost $6.2-million! Florida based for profit Anthem Education warned of massive layoffs and the shutdown of its Missouri medical technician campuses if they cannot find new debt financing, or a new owner with lot-o-money!  College officials blamed it on a surprise “rapidly deteriorating financial condition”.  There was no explanation.

Ohio: In Cleveland, California based Too Big to Jail Wells Fargo shutdown a commercial real estate office.

Pennsylvania: Coraopolis based Dick’s Sporting Goods killed 478 jobs at its Golf Galaxy operation!  It’s blamed on crashing sales for golf stuff.

Texas: More Obama Care BS as United Regional Health Care System laid off 14 employees.  An anonymous letter to a local newspaper said the affected employees were “certified phlebotomists”. In Dallas/Fort Worth, Bonchon Korean style chicken restaurant shutdown.  Reports said it seems there aren’t enough fans of Korean style food in Texas.

Utah: In Salt Lake City, after 13 years two Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill restaurants shutting down at the beginning of August.  Company officials blame the bad economy and competition: “It’s based on more competition in the downtown area.  We appreciate every one of our guests, but unfortunately over the past few years, there have been fewer and fewer.”-Kennedy Turner

Virginia: What real estate market recovery?  In Reston, the largest electrical contractor in the region, Truland Group, now chapter 7 bankrupt busted after ending operations without notice and failing to pay employees (filing for bankruptcy will mean those employees are shit-outa-luck for getting their paychecks).  Local news reports said the sudden demise of the company shocked the “commercial real estate industry”.  More than 1-thousand jobs lost!

22 July 2014

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 shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

“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