Category Archives: U.S.

International, U.S.

World War 3, East Asian Front: U.S. Forces Korea on high alert! South Korean officials cancel trip to Washington DC! China warns North Korea!

08 April 2013 (19:55 UTC-07 Tango 06 April 2013)/27 Jumada l-Ula 1434/19 Farvardin 1391/28 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

“….He has asked the Senate Armed Services Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, and the House Appropriations Committee-Defense to excuse his absence until he can testify at a later date….”-USFK statement

U.S. Army General James Thurman, canceled his trip to testify before Congress, citing the fact that his U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) have been put on high alert.

Republic of Korea (ROK) Army General Jung Seung-jo, also canceled his trip to Washington DC, for similar reasons.

The Chinese President Xi Jinping, warned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea not “…to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos…”

China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, told UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that China “…does not allow any troublemaking on China’s doorstep.”

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

H7N9 update: Economic domino effect of poultry ban hits United States!

07 April 2013 (14:54 UTC-07 Tango)/26 Jumada l-Ula 1434/18 Farvardin 1391/27 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

“This is a liquidating market until we run into a crop problem.”-Rich Feltes, R.J. O’Brien & Associates

Already tens of thousands of poultry have been killed off in China, to prevent the spread of the new deadly virus. Poultry markets are being shut down.  Not only does this directly affect the economy of China, it’s affecting farmers in the United States.

Commodity prices, mainly for U.S. soybeans, are dropping, because China is a major market for those U.S. crops.  The reasoning goes that if there’s no chickens to cook, then people won’t need the soybean oil to cook them in.

Up ’till now most cooking oil prices have been going up because of increased demand, and in some areas reduced supply.  China is the number one importer of soybeans, making up about 60% of the world market, so imagine what happens to soybean prices if they greatly reduce their purchases! (good for retail consumers, bad for farmers)

 

International, U.S.

World War 3, East Asian Front: China warns North Korea!

07 April 2013 (01:33 UTC-07 Tango)/26 Jumada l-Ula 1434/18 Farvardin 1391/27 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

China is warning Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to take care of Chinese embassy personnel.  This after North Korea suggested that various countries should get their embassy personnel out of the DPRK, in case of war.

The DPRK mentioned the date of 10 April in their suggestion.

International, U.S.

Norovirus update 07 April 2013: Schools hit hard! Man’s best friend being blamed! Stomach bug being confused with meningitis, with deadly results! Resistant lice?

Alaska U.S.A., reporting norovirus outbreak in several high schools.  One school reported 140 students out sick in one day.

Stark County, Ohio U.S.A., reporting outbreaks: “We are seeing a large increase of individuals going in for vomiting. We know that we had a confirmed outbreak of norovirus in our county. Those residents were on the eastern end of our county. I don’t know off the top of my head how many we had.”-Christina Henning, Canton Health Department

Mitchell College, in Connecticut U.S.A., hit with outbreak: “Just started throwing up constantly for about four hours.”-John Kaczkowski

“It was only like 24 hours when I got it. It went by pretty fast. Some people had it longer like two or three days.”-Zenoba Howard

Schools in Wake County, North Carolina U.S.A., reporting outbreaks.

Schools in Maine U.S.A., say 28% of all absences are caused by norovirus.

The Southwest Public Health District, in Georgia U.S.A., reporting outbreaks in nursing homes, childcare centers, schools and restaurants.

Montana U.S.A., Richland County Health Department warning residents of norovirus, after three people came down with it in the sparsely populated county.

Regency Park Assisted Living Center, in Oregon U.S.A., hit with outbreak: “We immediately went into action because it spreads so quickly. We did everything that we had to do.”-Pat Holahan, director

Health officials in Muskegon County, Michigan U.S.A., say they’re still dealing with outbreaks.  At least five group care homes have reported outbreaks: “It’s still moving rapidly throughout the community. It just rolls through and it’s easily transmissible.”-Ken Kraus, Public Health

Several other counties, in Michigan U.S.A., are reporting spikes in cases. And schools are reporting two types of outbreaks; lice and norovirus. Several public and private schools being hit hard.  Of note: School officials and parents are reporting that off the shelf lice treatments are not having any effect on this year’s lice.

In California U.S.A., Marin County health officials declared the outbreak at Deer Park Retirement Residence, finished.  Also, Nevada County health officials reporting an outbreak in a local nursing home.

In Illinois U.S.A., nine people from Scandinavian countries arrived at the O’Hare airport sick with possible norovirus.

A new study blows away what doctors used to think, that norovirus was specific to humans.  A study at the University of Helsinki, in Finland, says your dog might be the cause: “Our results suggest that HuNoVs can survive in the canine gastrointestinal tract. Whether these viruses can replicate in dogs remains unresolved, but an association of pet dogs playing a role in transmission of NoVs that infect humans is obvious.”

A British newspaper reported an increase in stomach illness in March.  The article implied there was a connection to the coldest March in the past 50 years.

In Reading, United Kingdom, the Royal Berkshire hospital imposed visitor restrictions because of an outbreak.  This is the third time this year.

In Bristol, United Kingdom, an investigation is underway after a five years old girl died.  She died of meningitis, but had been diagnosed and treated for viral gastroenteritis.

Regional Public Health in Wellington, New Zealand, are trying to determine if an outbreak of gastroenteritis at the Karori Normal School was caused by norovirus.

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 19 February 2013: Proof that taxpayer funded casinos can’t save your economy! More health care jobs cut! Thousands more people losing their jobs!

Bissett Produce, in North Carolina, bankrupt.  The company was started in 1933, marketing mainly sweet potatoes.  Company officials blame declining revenues and increased debt. 40 to 100 employees affected.

Another video game company lays off employees. Activision laid off 30 people in California.  Because of the bad economy company officials plan on releasing fewer games this year. And reports that Nanosolar laid off 75% of its employees in San Jose. Company officials would only say “…the company is in a quiet period and will not be issuing any formal statements.”

Powell Steel, in Pennsylvania, bankrupt. Company officials blame declining revenues and increased debt.  They say they’re $6 million USD in debt. 75 employees affected.  Also, TE Connectivity laid off up to 80 employees. They plan on laying off up to 200 employees in the next few months! Company officials blame a decline in demand for electronics.  The city of Jeanette forced to layoff employees. The city is facing a budget shortfall of half a million dollars, and a court ordered settlement of $200000 after they dissed a resident over permits and taxes.

NewPage paper mill, in Wisconsin, laid off 300 people! Company officials blame the bad economy for a decline in demand for paper.  And Bergmann Pharmacy, in Middleton, closed down. A store manager said “Insurance reimbursements continue to decrease, and it’s become difficult to stay profitable with decreased reimbursements.”  (blame Obama/Romney Care)

Revel Casino, in New Jersey, threatening bankruptcy.  The casino has been open for less than 12 months.  It cost $2.4 billion to build ($300 million from state taxpayers!).  Reports say the casino ended last year with a loss, and is at least $1.5 billion in debt. Some blame Hurricane Sandy, but the casino is also facing lawsuits.

In Florida, Perry Hotel lays off 138 employees.  Company officials say it’s due to major remodeling of the hotel. STK Miami Service, which runs a restaurant in the hotel, laid off 84 employees.  And after 20 years the Georgio’s restaurant closing down in Tallahassee. The restaurant owner blamed the closing on the property owner.

In Tennessee, LifePoint hospitals warned of layoffs for its 29000 employees country wide!  LifePoint also revised its expected 2013 earnings downward.

In New York, Lakeside Hospital laying off at least 120 employees! The hospital is being restructured.  U.S. based military contractor, Dyncorp, laying off 150 people at Fort Drum!  The company is consolidating operations. And Kayex Crystal Growing Technologies factory, in Rochester, closing down in May. 65 employees affected. Company officials say the solar power market is crashing.

Another military contractor, General Dynamics, laid off 29 workers at a munitions factory in Ohio.  Also, Boardman’s Ice Zone ice rink closing down in May, due to lack of profits.

General Electric laying off 500 people at their Appliance Park in Kentucky!  GE blames the bad economy for a decline in refrigerator sales.

In Michigan, Demmer laid off 90 employees. Company officials blamed a slowdown in orders from the defense industry, oil/gas industry and commercial heavy fabrication. Old Navy closing a clothing store in Benton Harbor. In Jackson, the Granary restaurant closed down.

In Buckhead, Georgia, Lenox Square Grill closed down.

The Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar closed in the Hilton Village, in Arizona.

In Colorado, after 25 years Loveland’s Anthology Book store closed down. The owners said sales sucked: “You can’t run a bookstore if you’re not selling books.”-Stephanie Stauder

Another book store closing, in Indiana. Mudsock Books & Curiosity Shoppe closed because the economy sucks: “The money has flowed in the wrong direction for almost five years. We couldn’t seem to get the volume we needed, and never even broke even.”-Cindy Rushton

Also in Indiana, Bonnie & Clyde’s Soda Shop closed down. The owner was trying to purchase the building he was operating out of, but the deal fell through, and he said it wasn’t worth it to keep paying the rent.

In New Hampshire, Portsmouth’s Upper Crust pizza place out-o-business.

Germany company BASF, shutting down its Henderson, Nebraska, operation.  BASF is also ending operations in Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota.  The problem is the BASF plants were making a specific product that BASF was unable to find a marketing partner to sell them.

In Minnesota, the Saint Rose Christian school closing down.  The school’s pastor blamed it on declining enrollment and lack of funding from the church.

In Kansas, Zales Jewelers closed down in the Hutchison Mall.  No reason given.  Zales is based in Kansas.

Blockbuster video store revealed it will close at least 20 stores in Texas.

Alaska Communications ending operations in Fairbanks, although company officials claim they won’t layoff any employees.

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3, Asian Front: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 05 – 06 April 2013. Mujahideen Spring Offensive escalating! U.S. Congress frees U.S. citizen arrested for corruption! Former Soviet soldier refuses to return to birth place!

06 April 2013/25 Jumada l-Ula 1434/17 Farvardin 1391/26 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

U.S. led NATO troops and contractors killed. ISAF said: “Three International Security Assistance Force service members and two coalition civilians died following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan today.”

In Zabul Province, a suicide bomber targeted a U.S. led provincial reconstruction team (PRT), and the local provincial governor.  The governor was not hurt, but his doctor, and at least three U.S. personnel and two foreign contractors were killed.  Five afghans wounded.  Later in the day U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, said a U.S. State Department female employee was among those killed: “I wish everyone in our country could see first-hand the devotion, loyalty and amazingly hard and hazardous work our diplomats do on the front lines in the world’s most dangerous places.”

In Helmand Province, Musa Kala District, 80 local cops/militia men joined the Mujahideen. The men went AWOL from their posts and approached the local Mujahideen for membership.  Their names were publicized.

05 April 2013/24 Jumada l-Ula 1434/16 Farvardin 1391/25 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

In Balkh Province, Akhcha District, locals say U.S. forces kidnapped nine tribal elders in a daring helicopter raid. They said the elders were driving to a meeting in Shubr Ghan District when several helicopters landed around their vehicle.

In Logar Province, Baraki Barak District, Mujahideen ambushed a U.S./NATO led foot patrol.   Mujahideen retreated when attack helicopters showed up.

In Kunar Province, Noorgal District, Mujahideen ambushed a U.S.-NATO/Afghan patrol. Another U.S.-NATO/Afghan unit arrived to join the fight. One U.S.-NATO troop killed. One Afghan National Army (ANA) troop killed. One Mujahid wounded.

In Kandahar, Panjwai District, Mujahideen say they led a U.S./NATO unit into a booby trapped compound near a cemetary. They say after the explosions three medivac helicopters were seen rescuing the occupying troops.

In Uruzgan Province, Char Chino District, three ANA officers joined the Mujahideen.

In Nangarhar Province, Khogiyani District, five policemen were killed or wounded while they were trying to diffuse a landmine.

Afghan police arrested a U.S. citizen on corruption charges.  U.S. Congressmen intervened and got the guy freed.  The corrupt U.S. Congressmen now want legal action against cops who arrested him: “Those who unlawfully detained him need to be held accountable, especially given that this occurred at the hands of those who are supposed to be our ally.”-Scott Rigell, U.S. Representative from Virginia

Study after study (including those being done by the U.S. government) shows the majority of corruption is being done by the hands of U.S. military and contractors. More than 100 U.S. citizens have been quietly prosecuted by the United States.

Recently a former Soviet soldier, missing in action for 33 years was found.  Now the Warriors-Internationalists Affairs Committee says they’ve tried to help him return to his native Uzbekistan, but he refuses (even though he cried when he heard his brother’s voice on a recorded greeting).  He says he was rescued by Afghans after his Soviet unit was ambushed and he was wounded.  A local village took care of him and he decided to stay. He says he’s been treated better by Afghans: “I have spent most of my life here, there’s nothing to talk about.”

Deputy U.S. ambassador in Afghanistan, Hugo Lawrence, told the local media that an “important decision” regarding the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan will be made, but added “United States of America will remain committed towards the security pact between Kabul and Washington and we emphasize that the pact will prove better for the national interest of the two nations.”

International, U.S.

World War 3, Leviathan Front: Russia sending warships to “defend their interests”!

06 April 2013 (01:53 UTC-07 Tango)/25 Jumada l-Ula 1434/17 Farvardin 1391/26 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

A Russian fleet has just passed India, on its way to the Mediterranean Sea. This after the ECB and IMF took over Cyprus with a bailout that is raiding bank accounts and keeping Russia from taking part in the Block 12 Aphrodite gas fields in the Levant Basin.

Russia also maintains the port of Tartus in Syria.

On 11 March 2013, Russian media revealed that orders were given to create a permanent naval force in the Mediterranean, for the purpose of defending Russian interests: “The defense minister has ordered us to form a task force that will operate in the Mediterranean Sea on a permanent basis.”-Admiral Viktor Chirkov

The new Mediterranean Fleet is being built up with ships from the Russian Pacific Fleet.

the war in Syria, and in Lebanon, is about Leviathan’s petroleum!

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 17-18 February 2013: Reader’s Digest busted! Thousands more laid off! No final paychecks for Idaho employees! Even Obama can’t save famous Burger joint!

Reader’s Digest bankrupt. RDA Holding, the company that owns the little magazine, blames the bankruptcy on lost sales due to internet media.

YMCA in South Brunswick, New Jersey,  bankrupt: “Like so many businesses and organizations in our area, the South Brunswick Family YMCA has been adversely affected by the economic recession.”

In Virginia, Arlington County is warning that they could layoff 20 county employees.  They blame a $50 million USD budget shortfall.

In Washington DC, Ray’s Hell-Burger and Ray’s Hell-Burger Too restaurants closed down. This is the joint where President Obama had a photo op in.  The restaurants were closed for failing to pay rent.  The Restaurant owner did not comment to media.

Granite City Elementary School, Illinois, shut down. The school was opened in 1928. The school district said the old building became too expensive to maintain.

Conotton Valley Union Local Schools District, Ohio, might have to shut down an elementary school. They say they’re $400000 in debt.

United Technologies to layoff 3000 more employees in 2013!  United Technologies has already been selling off divisions. Their announcement did not specify the locations of the factory closings and layoffs. Company officials blame “…the demands of the prevailing market conditions.”

In Emmett, Idaho, the Emerald Forest Products lumber mill shut down without notice, and some reports said without paying employees final paychecks (I experienced that back in September 2012, when Metro Couriers went bust without notice, and no help from Idaho Job Service).  According to signs on the company’s gate Emerald Forest Products was getting money from U.S. taxpayers ($4 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). Media reports did not explain why the mill closed, but gave the impression lumber mills in Idaho could only operate profitably with tax payer subsidies. (so much for Idaho being a Republican Right Wing Conservative state)

In San Diego, California, Pfizer shut down its CovX operation. 100 people out-o-work!  Basically Pfizer decided the CovX operation wasn’t worth it.

In Georgia, Formal Elegance women’s clothing stores being closed in Columbus. The owner said “…I can no longer support the Columbus Consolidated Government with my tax dollars.”  Also in Columbia County, three KFC restaurants closed down.  The owner said “It was just impossible to make any money.” 75 employees lost their jobs. And in North Augusta, Al’s Family Restaurant shut down.  The owner said “The economy bites the bullet on another one.”

In Liberty, New York, Liberty Lanes bowling alley shut down.  The owners said they could no longer make the property tax payments because the local government keeps raising them even though the economy sucks.

In Wisconsin, after 90 years in business E.J. Salentine Buick dealer closed down in Muskego.  The owners blamed GM on cancelling the production of Pontiacs, which was the dealer’s bread and butter brand.  Apparently most people in their area don’t want Buicks. In Brookfield, Maroon Bells of Colorado closed down. Owners did not explain why. Planned Parenthood closes four clinics. The state ended taxpayer funding.

In Iowa, all Blockbuster video stores closed down!

The music store, Whyevernot, closed in Mystic, Connecticut. The owner retired.

In Texas, Fratelli’s Authentic Italian Cuisine Restaurant closed down.  The owners said they were not able to renew their lease.

In Maryland, distributor of snacks, candy and tobacco products, Marley Neck, ending operations in Baltimore.  200 employees out-o-work!  Company officials say they lost a major customer.

International, U.S.

World War 3, Asian Front: Guam prepares for nuclear attack! Guam Guard deploying to Afghanistan!

06 April 2013 (19:45 UTC-07 Tango 05 April 2013)/25 Jumada l-Ula 1434/17 Farvardin 1391/26 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

“I’ve never heard anyone make a direct threat to Guam. My response was: ‘Wow, they can find Guam on the map? Most Americans can’t.'”-C.J. Urquico, 19 year resident on Guam

At the end of March the governor of the U.S. territory of Guam said there would be no attack from North Korea, now reports that the people of Guam are being prepared for a nuke attack.

“As a governor and a father and a husband and a grandfather, I do have some concerns because of the proximity of Guam to North Korea. We are about a three hour flight away.”-Eddie Baza Calvo, governor of Guam

Calvo recently got back from a trip to Camp Shelby, Mississippi U.S.A., where Guam’s National Guard soldiers have been training for deployment to Afghanistan.

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3, East Asian Front: North Korea refuses direct talks! China postpones meeting between South Korea & Japan!

05 April 2013 (16:40 UTC-07 Tango)/24 Jumada l-Ula 1434/16 Farvardin 1391/25 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

Several analysts have stated that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is refusing direct peace talks, especially any involving nukes.

“U.S. message saying the door is still open for talks does not work with North Korea. The North has made up its mind to keep raising tensions on the Korean Peninsula so such an unclear message is not a solution.”-Chang Yong-seok, Seoul National University

“The United States….has attempted to engage directly, and has generally been rebuffed.”-Kurt Campbell, former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, helped Obama administration create policy towards Korea

Campbell has also stated that it’s China who has the most influence.  China has just canceled planned economic summit meetings with Republic of Korea and Japan.

The three countries have been meeting at the end of May, ever since 2008.  But the cancellation is not over a possible Second Korean War, but the dispute with Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.

Chinese officials say that relations with Japan will be unstable as long as Japan claims the islands for themselves.  The island country of Taiwan (a U.S. ally) has expressed similar sentiment.