Category Archives: International

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 11 – 13 February 2013. U.S. backed assassination attempt on Iranians in Afghanistan? Afghans invade Iran? More proof that attacks are up! More women & children killed by U.S. led home invasions!

13 February 2013/02 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/25 Bahman 1391

In Kunar Province, provincial government officials say a U.S. led NATO home invasion operation resulted in four men killed (dubbed “militants” by U.S. led forces),  four women killed and five children killed. It happened in Chopan village.  U.S. led NATO and Afghan National Army (ANA) forces said the house was a Mujahideen refuge.  Mujahideen sources say only women and children were killed in home invasion, and that they attacked the U.S. led forces after the home invasion, killing five ANA troops and wounding three.   Also, to add to the confusion, villagers say NATO/ANA forces kidnapped six people.  For even more confusion, other reports say the attack in Chopan village was actually an air strike!  Oh, the fog of war!  The only thing everyone is agreeing to is that four women and five children were killed!

In Balkh Province, a staff member of the Iranian Consulate was shot while he was on his way to university classes.  He was wounded with four bullets in his chest and stomach.  Police say the assassination attempt was done by men on motorcycles.  Israeli and U.S. forces have used similar tactics to assassinate Iranian nuclear engineers inside Iran.

Then along the Iran-Afghan border,  Iranian border police say they engaged a group of armed drug smugglers coming from Afghanistan. Seven were killed, they had 400 kilos (881 pounds) of opium.  Provincial officials in Farah Province used a most common excuse, that the Afghans were sneaking into Iran to find work.  Iran has a no tolerance anti-narcotics policy, drug smugglers are punished with death!  A few years ago Iranian border police say they found U.S. documents on Afghan drug smugglers, such as U.S. issued credit cards!

An independent report out of Kabul shows that violence against Afghans, especially kidnapping, continues to increase. This is not the first time such a report has been made, and it comes as U.S. led forces continue to claim a reduction in violence against their own personnel.  The latest Afghan study explains that the latest increase in violence against Afghans is at the hands of U.S. supported private security contractors (mercenaries/Arbaki).  Recently police in Kabul stopped an attempted kidnapping and it turned out that the kidnappers were working for a U.S. backed security company.   The police said they were forced to let the kidnappers go after being pressured by government officials.

12 February 2013/01 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/24 Bahman 1391

In Ghazni Province, U.S. led forces conducted a home invasion which resulted in two people killed, two kidnapped.

In Khost Province, a U.S. led home invasion killed a medical student.

In Kapisa Province, U.S. led home invasions resulted in 12 people killed.

The Afghan government admits that Mujahideen are still in control of legal proceedings in at least 65 districts around the country.  This is because the government does not have the legal infrastructure to impose government law throughout the country.

11 February 2013/30 Raby` al-Awwal 1434/23 Bahman 1391

In Nangarhar Province, one ANA troop was killed another wounded after they drove over a landmine.

In Kapisa Province, local government officials say a U.S. led ANA operation killed eight Mujahideen.

An Afghan investigation into claims from the United Nations, that torture is on the increase in Afghan controlled prisons, backs up the UN claim.  Afghan investigators found that the use of torture by cops and guards was on the increase, and that secret prisons have been created.

A UN report says bribery is big business in Afghanistan.  A survey showed that almost half of all Afghans were forced, or felt they had to pay a bribe, to the tune of $4 billion in 2012!  That’s double Afghanistan’s official domestic revenue.

In Kandahar Province, local government officials are pushing Afghan investors to bring 80 factories from Pakistan into Afghanistan!  The officials claim the move would create 3000 jobs for the province.

Economically strapped Japan has just promised to give Afghanistan an additional $13 million USD in taxes collected from struggling citizens of Japan.

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 08 – 10 February 2013. 104 people working for U.S. contractor poisoned! USMC blames Red Coats for destruction of Harriers! U.S. mililtary equipment leaving Afghanistan, yet General Allen says the war still has not been won!

10 February 2013

In Helmand Province, a U.S. led NATO/ANA offensive was repelled by Mujahideen.  Occupying troops were flown into Trikh Nawar area of Marjah district, supported by armored vehicles.  Mujahideen were prepared and detonated at least seven bombs in the battle.  Reports said that the fighting was ongoing and that nine NATO occupiers/ANA puppets were dead, six wounded.  Also, two Mujahideen killed, four wounded.

In Ghanzi Province, a bomb was planted near the local High Peace Council office. It exploded, yet there are no reports of casualties.  As is typical with bombings, no one claims responsibility.

In Paktiya Province, a local government official was wounded as Mujahideen launched three mortar rounds into a government compound.

In Kabul Province, 104 employees of “Minority, Woman-Owned…” Onyx Construction were sent to hospital after being poisoned.  They got sick after eating.   Onyx Construction is based in the U.S. state of Florida.

In Badghis Province, 17 local cops joined the Mujahideen.

U.S. Marine Corps General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Outgoing USMC General john Allen was interviewed by the BBC, and he said the war is not won: “I think we have gone a long way to setting the conditions for what, generally, usually, is the defining factor in winning a counter-insurgency, to set the conditions for governance, to set the conditions for economic opportunity…. I think we are on the road to winning.”

Despite admitting that the U.S. has not achieved its goals, the military pullout has begun.  Customs officials in Pakistan report that 25 container trucks loaded with U.S. military equipment left Afghanistan.  They are heading for Karachi, a port city along the Indian Ocean.   Pakistani Customs officials say they’ve been told to expect another outbound U.S. convoy soon.

09 February 2013

“We agree with the UN report and confirm that innocent kids have been killed during coalition forces operations, specifically U.S. troops operations during the past ten years.”-Aimal Faizi, Afghan government spokesman

In Helmand Province, six people killed when they drove over a landmine.  An investigation into the massive Mujahideen attack on Camp Bastion, last year, blames the U.K./U.S./NATO personnel on the base!  U.S. National Public Radio reported that a USMC investigation revealed that British Red Coat controlled Camp Bastion was not properly guarded, allowing Mujahideen easy access. Camp Bastion is next to Camp Leatherneck, where U.S. Marine Harrier VTOL jets are based. The attack damaged or destroyed eight Harriers at a cost of $300 million USD.  Two occupying troops were killed, eight wounded, one contractor wounded.

In Paktia Province, a local contracted militia/security guard (Arbaki) commander joined the Mujahideen.

In Uruzgan Province, witnesses say U.S. led forces conducted a home invasion in Kakraki area Gohergeen Nawa region, Char Chino district.  Two people were kidnapped.  Also, in Char Chino district two local cops joined the Mujahideen.

In Kapisa Province, Mujahideen claim they assassinated a man working for the spy agency National Directorate of Security (NDS).

08 February 2013

In Kapisa Province, in Tagab district, Mujahideen attacked U.S. led efforts to retrieve a downed helicopter.  The ‘copter was shot down the day before. Mujahideen said they were expecting them and killed two U.S./NATO/ISAF troops and three U.S. led Afghan troops. One Mujahid was killed.

In Ghor Province, Mujahideen claim they repelled a attempted home invasion by “enemy” troops, in Qomandan Ahmad village of Charsada district.

In Badghis Province, Mujahideen launched attacks against an Afghan National Army (ANA) base, and several checkpoints.  They claim to have killed six “puppets”, and wounded five others.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 05 – 07 February 2013. While the West fawns over the single Pakistani girl who was shot, nothing is said about the hundreds of Afghan kids killed at the hands of U.S. led forces!!! More U.S. led home invasions!!! More of your money down the drain!!!

07 February 2013

In Kapisa Province, a U.S. led NATO helicopter crashed in Tagab district. Witnesses say NATO personnel were killed or wounded.  Mujahideen claim they shot it down, however, local government officials called it an “emergency landing”.  Mujahideen say the ‘copter burst into flames while still in the air.  ISAF confirmed it indeed crashed: “An International Security Assistance Force helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan today.”

The helicopter being shot down might be a reprisal for a massive U.S. led home invasion mission in Kapisa Province overnight. Reports say 30 homes were raided in Tagab district.  Villagers say the U.S. led NATO/ANA forces detained them while their homes were ransacked and valuables stolen (Israeli style). Two villagers were killed when they tried to stop the crime.

In Herat Province, Mujahideen launched an attack against a fuel depot. At least one security guard was killed, three wounded. Mujahideen claim they destroyed five military supply vehicles.

In Baghlan Province, local police say someone planted a bomb in one of their vehicles. It went off, killing one person, and wounding another.

In Kunduz Province, a bomb exploded in front of a house.  Police say no one was hurt, but witnesses say there were casualties.  No one knows who planted the bomb.

In Balkh Province, a government security commander and his four bodyguards were killed after they drove over a landmine.

In Nangarhar Province, Mujahideen claim to have ambushed a U.S. led NATO/ANA patrol.  They say three NATO/ANA personnel were killed, four wounded, as well as two vehicles destroyed.

In Laghman Province, reports of heavy fighting as Mujahideen went on the offensive.  A government checkpoint in the provincial capital was attacked, one killed, several wounded.  An ANA patrol was ambushed, resulting in one ANA troop killed.  Also, Mujahideen claim they launched a rocket attack against an “enemy base”.

In Helmand Province, Mujahideen say they repelled a U.S. led NATO/ANA heliborne operation in the Malmand Karez area of Sangin district.

In Ghazni Province, a report says eight Afghan National Army (ANA) troops joined the Mujahideen. The report actually gave the names of those who switched sides.

A United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child investigation condemns the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan, saying U.S. personnel have imprisoned and tortured hundreds of children, as well as killed hundreds of kids since 2008, and it’s only getting worse:  “Those responsible for the killings have not been held to account even as the number of children killed doubled from 2010 to 2011.”

USMC General John Allen paid a final visit to Pakistan “….in a regular series of engagements aimed at bolstering the military-to-military relationship between ISAF and Pakistan…”

06 February 2013

In Ghazni Province, eight cops were hospitalized after being poisoned.  Other reports say two died, and the others are in a coma.  Also, a local government militiaman joined the Mujahideen.

In Logar Province, Mujahideen say they shot down a drone (UAV) in Barak district.  They captured the wreckage.

The leaders of Norway have signed a military pact with Afghanistan, promising  lots of their taxpayers’ money.

05 February 2013

In Herat Province, A U.S. led NATO supply convoy was ambushed.  Mujahideen claim they destroyed three fuelers along with their contract drivers.  Also, local government officials say U.S. special operations forces killed several civilians. Two women were killed and three children wounded in the Zer-e-Koh area of Shindand district. Other reports say six people were killed and one U.S. personnel wounded.  ISAF admitted guilt: “Our initial assessment is that after the engagement, one Afghan woman and three Afghan children were found dead in a compound separate from where the Afghan and Coalition forces engaged the insurgents. ISAF takes all civilian casualties seriously, and an investigation is on-going to determine exactly what happened in this operation.”

In Faryab Province, a bomb planted in a hotel exploded.  Reports vary, but as many as four people killed, 20 wounded.

Pakistan has re-opened its Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan.  More than 3,700 shipping containers have been sitting for three months waiting to get through. Hundreds of people were also stuck waiting in the cold and snow, several died.

The U.S. based International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced even more money for Afghanistan!  The IMF said that Afghanistan had passed “key structural benchmarks” to give the Central Asian country access to more credit.

Business/Economics, International

What Economic Recovery? Surprise downturn for Pioneer! From $10 million in expected profits to $40 million in losses! Proof that being an optimist will not hold back reality!

12 February 2013, Japan’s electronic maker, Pioneer, says it now expects to suffer a $40 million USD loss, instead of a previously expected $10 million profit.

As a result 800 employees will be laid off, and the rest will see their pay go down.  Pioneer is the first major Japanese electronics maker to couple pay reductions with job layoffs.

Company officials said their optimistic expectations of profits were shattered by the reality of crashing sales worldwide.

 

 

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

Norovirus update, 13 February 2013: Spike in cases! School budgets getting hammered! More hospitals in U.K. shutting down! Avoid Oysters! Blame no paid sick leave, again!

13 February 2013

In United Kingdom, the Arrowe Park Hospital has lifted visitor restrictions.  Hospital officials said they imposed the restrictions to keep patients from catching the vomiting bug.

12 February 2013

Two nursing homes in Sacramento County, California, are reporting outbreaks.  At least 34 people sick.

Also in Sacramento County, school officials say there are so many students out sick that the school districts are losing state funding.  Officials report losing between $28 and $39 USD per day for every student out sick.

A New Jersey TV station reporting that hospitals in Bronx, New York, are reporting spikes in the number of people coming in with the stomach bug.

In United Kingdom, four wards of the York Teaching Hospital were shut down:  “It’s really tough in the hospital. We have had to open extra beds wherever we can in areas which have previously been empty. Staff is also thin on the ground because some of them have also come down with the bug.”-Libby McManus, National Health Service (NHS)

In Arkansas, health officials believe the norovirus (aka Norwalk virus) has hit their state, but, because it isn’t really tracked they’re not sure how bad it is this year.  One doctor said that norovirus is under-reported.

In Belgium, the grocery store chain Carrefour is recalling Normandy oysters. The company is worried because of the growing number of people who ate them are now showing signs of norovirus infection.

11 February 2013

In Canada, visitor restrictions have been lifted at a Prince Albert Hospital. 16 patients and eight hospital staff became sick back in January.

08 February 2013

In Pennsylvania, a Catholic prep school, Villa Joseph Marie, closed because too many students were out sick.

In Tennessee,  doctors say norovirus is now at epidemic levels: “For other people who have chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, it can be deadly.  A lot of these people have to get put in the hospital because they get so severely dehydrated.”-Mark Castellaw, Baptist Memorial Hospital

In Wyoming, state inspectors have determined the source of what caused a norovirus outbreak at a Golden Corral buffet back in December.  A 15 page report blames 31 employees, who kept working even though they were all sick. A total of 344 cases were reported. Blame no paid sick leave!

In Contra Costa County, California, it was revealed that a steak restaurant was closed because of the vomiting bug. County officials closed Fleming’s Steakhouse after several employees and at least two customers became sick.  It’s now open after being cleaned.

In South Dakota, the entire Bridgewater-Emery school district closed down because so many students and teachers were out sick.

07 February 2013

In North Carolina, the Mecklenburg County Health Department has confirmed many cases at local nursing homes.  At least 45 residents and 12 nursing home staff are sick.

In Missouri, the Saint Louis County Health Department reports at least eight outbreaks in the county. Officials with Barnes Jewish Hospital say cases are spiking.

06 February 2013

In California, Charity Thoman, with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, wrote of her experiences with norovirus, and tried to explain why this year’s version is so bad: “What’s different about the virus in this 2012-2013 season involves one of my favorite topics: evolutionary genetics. Norovirus is a single-stranded RNA virus which can evolve rapidly by inserting small mutations into its genome. In March 2012, the virus mutated again, resulting in the GII.4 Sydney strain (named after its origin in Sydney, Australia). This mutant strain is spreading rapidly across the world and across California. Santa Barbara County is now sending all positive stool specimens to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for further subtyping to determine which strain we are dealing with. So far all of our positive specimens have been the new Sydney strain.”

In Ohio, the Columbus Public Health Department reports 100 confirmed cases.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 02 – 04 February 2013. German & U.S. leaders threatened with assassination! Pakistan claims Afghanistan is attacking them! Billions more in tax money going to Afghanistan!

04 February 2013

In Helmand province, U.S. led NATO/ISAF forces launched a heliborne operation in Gerishk district. Witnesses say when the fighting was over three medivac copters had to be called in for the NATO/ISAF troops. Two Mujahideen were killed, and one Mujahid was wounded.  Three villagers were kidnapped by U.S. led NATO/ISAF troops.

In Laghman Province, Mujahideen claim they used a remote controlled landmine to blow up a U.S. military vehicle on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway.  They say three U.S. personnel were killed, two wounded.

In Faryab Province, four cops from the Karzewan district joined the Mujahideen.

In Badghis Province, a local cop joined the Mujahideen.

In response to the Red Coat British empire, President Hamid Karzai says Afghanistan was better off before the Red Coats arrived, and the Brits need to leave:  “They feel fulfilled with regard to the objective of fighting terrorism and weakening al-Qaeda, or they feel that they were fighting in the wrong place in the first place, so they should discontinue doing that and leave.”

After accusing Afghanistan’s top airline of drug smuggling, the United States is now backpedaling.  Kam Air was accused of smuggling opium, but now U.S. officials say they are dropping sanctions pending the outcome of an Afghan led investigation.

03 February 2013

In Helmand Province, six people, including two girls, were killed when they drove over a landmine.  Also, Mujahideen claim a U.S. led Georgian ISAF armored vehicle ran over a landmine, killing two and wounding one.

In Farah Province, witnesses say a U.S. led home invasion took place in Bakwa district’s Shagi area. They say a man was forced to walk around most of the day with a black bag over his head, then he was shot and killed in front of his family.

In Kandahar Province, Panjwai district, Mujahideen claim a U.S. led NATO/ISAF dismount patrol stepped on a landmine killing one and wounding another. Mujahideen then opened up with sniper fire, killing another two.  Also, reports say U.S. led NATO/ISAF forces abandoned an outpost in the Zangawat region’s Chamanyano area.  Mujahideen claim they are making good use of the equipment left behind.

In Paktika Province, two Afghan National Police joined the Mujahideen.

The German intelligence service confirmed a video threat against Chancellor Angela Merkel, and President Barack Obama. The video says the Arab Spring will turn into the European Summer and that: “We want to see Obama and Merkel dead”

02 February 2013

In Kandahar Province, reports that U.S. NATO/ISAF forces abandoned an outpost near the Chil Ghor village.  Also, witnesses say a NATO/ISAF armored vehicle ran over a landmine near Shahwalikot district bazaar, medivac copters were brought in.  Also, in Panjawai district witnesses say homes and orchards were torn down and uprooted by occupier forces.  They were told it was necessary to build a new highway.  Also in Panjawai district, a U.S. led NATO/ISAF outpost in the Talokan region’s Shra area was abandoned.  In Zhiri district, U.S. led NATO/ISAF troops abandoned an outpost on Sanghisar hill.

In Nangarhar Province, yet another assassination attempt against government officials. This time the target, a district security chief, was wounded and his bodyguard killed, by explosion.  Two bystanders were wounded.

In Kunduz Province, witnesses say another U.S. led home invasion led to one person being kidnapped, and several children wounded by flying glass after shots were fired. It happened in the Khan Abad district.

Pakistani officials claim that Afghanistan launched an artillery attack on their territory.  Six people killed, four wounded.

India announced it will invest big time into Afghanistan’s stone/marble industry: “There are some amazing stones in Afghanistan which can be mined and processed with the help of new machines and technologies.”-R.K. Gupta, Rajasthan’s (in India) Centre for Development of Stones

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) said they will be giving Afghanistan $2 billion USD to help develop industries.

 

 

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? FedEx radical changes, buys out 10% of executives! More changes to come!

The world’s second largest shipping provider, FedEx, is buying out 10% of its U.S. executives!

Company officials refused to give exact numbers.  Don’t feel too bad for those officers and directors, they’ll get anywhere from four weeks to two years worth of pay (depending on how long they worked for FedEx) as part of the buyout.

But this is just the beginning of employee cuts. Fedex officials said they have to radically change up their operations in order to hit a profit target of $1.7 billion USD: “The goal is to explain, at a high level, the most significant organizational realignments we plan to make in the months following the voluntary buyout process. A series of cross-functional teams continue to work on plans for our future structure below the director level. Those details cannot be finalized until after the voluntary buyout process is complete.”-recent FedEx memo to employees

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 30 January – 01 February 2013. Big Asian bank gives Afghanistan more money! More U.S. led home invasions! Women kidnapping & killing children!

01 February 2013

The German government has announced that they will keep German/NATO  troops in Afghanistan for at least 13 more months.

In Takhar Province, a man entered the university and started shooting. He killed two cops before being wounded. At this point it seems the man was upset about not being let onto the university compound.

In Faryab Province, two members of a government funded paramilitary group joined the Mujahideen.

In Uruzgan Province, seven Afghan government security personnel joined the Mujahideen.

In Helmand Province, Mujahideen report that a Georgian/ISAF dismounted patrol stepped on a landmine, killing one and wounding two.

31 January 2013

In Nuristan Province, a school was set on fire.  Mujahideen say it was done by government forces and then blamed on Mujahideen.  In the past Mujahideen have always denied being involved with attacks on schools.  They pointed out that the latest school burning involved burning Qurans, which they would not do.

In Kunar Province, reports saying U.S./NATO troops shot and wounded three farmers as they were working in their fields.  Supposedly the U.S. led troops apologized.

In Kandahar Province, Mujahideen say they repelled a U.S./NATO heliborne operation.  They then witnessed two medivacs called in to take out the casualties in Spirwan area of Panjwaee district.

In Herat Province, an 11 years old child was kidnapped, and then killed.  The child belonged to a wealthy family in the area.  Two women have been arrested in connection to the crime.

In Nangarhar Province, a civil servant was assassinated by gunshot.

In Helmand Province, a NATO convoy was ambushed in Anzar Shali Karez area of Nawzad district.  A two hour firefight then ensued, casualties unknown.

The Asian Development Bank is granting the Afghan government $300 million USD, supposedly for use in building the country’s infrastructure.

30 January 2013

In Kandahar Province, Mujahideen said a U.S. led heliborne operation landed in a booby trap. It happened in Band Taimoor region of Maiwand district. Mujahideen say they detonated remote controlled bombs as the helicopters came in.  It took three more helicopters to medivac out the casualties.

In Kunduz Province, a U.S. led home invasion resulted in five people kidnapped.

In Ghazni Province, U.S. led home invasion forces kidnapped a local Imam.

In Nangarhar Province, reports of yet another U.S. led nighttime home invasion. Two people were killed and nine kidnapped.

In Faryab Province, one woman killed, 15 people wounded, after a motorcycle bomb went off in a market place.

In Khost Province, two children were killed when a bomb exploded near a shopping bazaar.  The bomb went off just as a police patrol went by.

A U.S. Army solider is being accused of being an unwitting propagandist for the Mujahideen. Last year he was trying to upload his helmet cam video to a private internet account, but it ended up on YouTube.  The two minute long video shows an U.S. soldier, seemingly separated from his unit, coming under fire, and calling for help after being shot.

In Paktika Province, an Afghan National Army commander, and two soldiers, joined the Mujahideen.  Also, reports that a U.S./NATO armored vehicle ran over a landmine, killing two and wounding three crewmen.

In Uruzgan Province, two Afghan government personnel joined the Mujahideen.  They then ambushed a patrol of Afghan government forces. Three killed, two wounded and one captured. One Mujahid killed.

The government of Denmark announced they will pull out their troops by the end of 2014.

 

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

What Economic Recovery? Idaho Heinz operation cutting 80 jobs! Par for the course for the city of Pocatello! T.G.I. Fridays going down?

“Following the discontinuation of its T.G.I. Friday’s frozen meals, Heinz conducted a thorough evaluation of the production needs at its Pocatello, Idaho factory. To ensure the number of employees is in line with production needs, Heinz has made the difficult but necessary decision to lay off 80 full-time, hourly team members, effective March 4, 2013.”-Heinz Frozen Food statement

On 05 February 2013, Heinz Frozen Food (a division of H.J. Heinz) announced that 80 of their Pocatello, Idaho, employees will be out-o-work by March.

Click the pic to make bigger

Heinz finally decided to put the T.G.I. Friday’s frozen food brand meals out of its misery. The company famous for ketchup will focus on T.G.I. Friday’s frozen snacks, as opposed to full meals.

Frozen foods have not been selling well in the United States. A report last month said that frozen meal (aka entree) sales have been falling for the past five years.  It’s not just Heinz that’s struggling, but other frozen entree makers like Con-Agra and Nestle.  These companies are coming up with new plans for their frozen food operations, including laying employees off.

It’s these plans that might have prompted Warren Buffet to buy into Heinz.  That’s right, investors like when companies layoff employees.  Heinz began shutting down T.G.I. Friday’s frozen single serve entree lines, as well as multi-serve entrees, in February 2012, so, this shutting down of the Pocatello, Idaho, production line is just par for the course.

What about the T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant chain? In 2011 sales were down, by only 1.5%, and company officials say 2012 sales are looking to be even better.  And the restaurant is doing fantastic in the United Kingdom.

Reports out of Britain say that business is so good that TGI Friday’s (they don’t use periods after the TGI in Merry Olde England) is about to hire 600 new employees by opening six new restaurants!

Despite the upbeat attitude of company officials, just last month a T.G.I. Friday’s was closed in Oakley Hyde Park Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio.  The reason was that the owners were not going to renew the lease. (this has become the new official reason for unAmerican Corporate America to close down stores)

 

 

International, U.S.

Norovirus update, 05 February 2013: No one knows why it happens! 200% increase! Blame no paid sick leave! Hospital not the place to be!

05 February 2013

In Manteca, California, the Saint Jude Care Center was given the OK by health officials, after a nearly two week long norovirus outbreak.   County health officials said restrictions are still in effect in other care centers throughout the county: “We always have outbreaks in the county every year. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we get reports this week or next month. It will be ongoing……It can happen anytime, but mostly in the winter. There’s no real explanation as to why.”-Ginger Wick, San Joaquin County Public Health Department

In Ontario, Canada, the Northumberland Hills Hospital has lifted visitation restrictions, now that they believe a recent norovirus outbreak is finished.

Officials with Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri, reporting a spike in stomach bug cases. They are seeing at least 15 new patients everyday.  Missouri media reporting that other hospitals have not given status reports on norovirus cases, as there is no regulation requiring them to do so.

For several weeks now schools in Arkansas are getting hit hard, with hundreds of students staying home sick every week.  Some schools have been forced to close.

Health officials in Maryland are warning that February and March are the peak months for norovirus infections in their state.  However they do not track cases, so there are no official numbers to report.

The vomiting bug continues to hammer Merry Olde England. Another hospital had to shut down several wards.  Maidstone Hospital in Kent is restricting visitors because of another outbreak.

04 February 2013

Again, in Merry Olde England, the Queen’s own hospital has been hit with vomiting bug. The Bristol Royal Infirmary has restricted visitation due to an outbreak.  It is one of four Bristol hospitals dealing with outbreaks.

03 February 2013

The new Medical Rescue Team South Authority in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, issued a warning: “Trending appears to show we are headed towards a 200% increase of symptoms similar to the norovirus for the first month of this year compared to last year.”-Jesse Siefert, paramedic

Health officials in Minnesota continue to warn that the new Sydney 2012 norovirus has arrived in the North Star State.

Reports out of Arkansas that people are going to work sick, because they do not have paid sick time, and can’t afford to miss work.

02 February 2013

Reports saying beds are filling up at the health center for Princeton University, New Jersey.

01 February 2013

Depending on which report you read, between 10 and 50 cases of norovirus were linked to a Concord, California, deli. The food shop was temporarily shut down after it catered an event where people started getting sick.  Local health officials blamed it on the employees.

Health officials in Missouri confirming the new norovirus has arrived: “We’ve had four confirmed norovirus outbreaks in varies health care settings around the county, and then we’ve had three of four other outbreaks in health care facilities where the signs and symptoms have been consistent with the norovirus, but from a laboratory standpoint we were not able to prove that.”-Richard Knaup, Saint Louis County Health Department

Ohio doctors say they’re preparing for increases in norovirus cases.  They say that since the first cases of norovirus were documented (back in 1968) that the trend has been as influenza cases slack off norovirus cases pick up.

Did you know the first norovirus case occurred in 1968 in Norwalk, Ohio. This is why it is sometimes called the Norwalk virus. However, the 1968 outbreak was not confirmed until 1972, when researchers were finally able to identify the cause. Ever since then, year after year, there are more and more cases, and stronger and stronger versions of the virus.

Check my previous postings about norovirus.