Category Archives: U.S.

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.

International, U.S.

World War 3, African Front: South Africa reneges and gets out of CAR! Re-deploys troops to surrounding countries! It’s all about money!

05 April 2013 (16:10 UTC-07 Tango)/24 Jumada l-Ula 1434/16 Farvardin 1391/25 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

“We have taken a decision to withdraw our soldiers….Our mission was to help train the soldiers. Since the coup and the self-appointment of rebels, it was clear that the government is no longer there.”-Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa

Remember the recent UN supported French invasion of Central African Republic?  I thought not.  South Africa already had ‘peacekeeping’ troops there, and they suffered loses as the rebels took control of the capital of CAR.

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) leaders initially stated they would not withdrawal from CAR.  Things change fast nowadays.  The one eighty by South Africa comes after an emergency summit of the African Union (AU).

South African (SA) military leaders said the withdrawal is being motivated by the fact that the rebels have heaver weapons than first thought.  Apparently the SA ‘peacekeepers’ are not equipped to counter those heavy weapons.

The AU refuses to recognize the new leaders of CAR.  Some opposition party members in the SA government are now questioning the reasons SA forces were sent to CAR back in 2007.

However, there are reports that SANDF is deploying troops to the countries surrounding CAR.  SA Defence Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, refused to answer local media questions: “I won’t answer questions about the so called military build up because the question should not have been asked in the first place.”  

The South African Civil Society Information Service (SACSIS) said the pending pan-African war is all about money: “Research has revealed that ANC heavyweight insiders like Billy Masetlha, Joshua Nxumalo and Paul Langa were, or are involved in various business interests in the CAR. These interests are further linked to the ruling ANC through the increasingly notorious Chancellor House Trust, perceived to be involved in crony capitalism, as well as being a key funder of the ruling party.”

The SACSIS also accused governments of intentionally backing rouge regimes to justify war: “…the role of SANDF troops in CAR indicates a dangerous shift by South Africa towards supporting illegitimate regimes in order to protect economic interests with strong links to powerful domestic political networks…….South Africa is increasingly perceived not as much as a regional heavyweight but as a comprador for Western interests. ”

 

 

International, U.S.

World War 3, East Asian Front: Retired Communist, Fidel Castro, says Second Korean War “Absured” & Obama is “Sinister”!

05 April 2013 (14:15 UTC-07 Tango)/24 Jumada l-Ula 1434/16 Farvardin 1391/25 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

A few days ago I mentioned the great challenges humanity is currently facing. Intelligent life emerged on our planet approximately 200,000 years ago, although new discoveries demonstrate something else.

This is not to confuse intelligent life with the existence of life which, from its elemental forms in our solar system, emerged millions of years ago.

A virtually infinite number of life forms exist. In the sophisticated work of the world’s most eminent scientists the idea has already been conceived of reproducing the sounds which followed the Big Bang, the great explosion which took place more than 13.7 billion years ago.

This introduction would be too extensive if it was not to explain the gravity of an event as unbelievable and absurd as the situation created in the Korean Peninsula, within a geographic area containing close to five billion of the seven billion persons currently inhabiting the planet.

This is about one of the most serious dangers of nuclear war since the October Crisis around Cuba in 1962, 50 years ago.

In 1950, a war was unleashed there [the Korean Peninsula] which cost millions of lives. It came barely five years after two atomic bombs were exploded over the defenseless cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki which, in a matter of seconds, killed and irradiated hundreds of thousands of people.

[U.S.] General Douglas MacArthur wanted to utilize atomic weapons against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Not even Harry Truman allowed that.

It has been affirmed that the People’s Republic of China lost one million valiant soldiers in order to prevent the installation of an enemy army on that country’s border with its homeland. For its part, the Soviet army provided weapons, air support, technological and economic aid.

I had the honor of meeting Kim Il Sung, a historic figure, notably courageous and revolutionary.

If war breaks out there, the peoples of both parts of the Peninsula will be terribly sacrificed, without benefit to all or either of them. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was always friendly with Cuba, as Cuba has always been and will continue to be with her.

Now that the country has demonstrated its technical and scientific achievements, we remind her of her duties to the countries which have been her great friends, and it would be unjust to forget that such a war would particularly affect more than 70% of the population of the planet.

If a conflict of that nature should break out there, the government of Barack Obama in his second mandate would be buried in a deluge of images which would present him as the most sinister character in the history of the United States. The duty of avoiding war is also his and that of the people of the United States.

Fidel Castro Ruz, in the Cuban Communist Party paper Granma Interncional

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3: Second Korean War could destroy capitalist U.S. car industry?

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

“If there were something to happen in Korea, it’s going to effect our entire industry, not just General Motors.”-Dan Akerson, GM CEO

In an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box, it was revealed that GM is considering alternative plans to its Korean operations, like getting out.

General Motors makes 145000 cars in South Korea.  Both Ford and GM invested big in the hopes that South Korea will be a major market for their new electric cars.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 01 – 04 April 2013. U.S. Guard units shifted from Afghanistan to Africa? Thousands of ANA quit! Several U.S. planes down! Blue on Green attacks! Mujahideen increase attacks! Major offensive finally ends?

04 April 2013/23 Jumada l-Ula 1434/15 Farvardin 1391/24 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

Officials with the U.S. states of Oregon and Georgia, say their National Guard units are still on standby to be deployed to Afghanistan in 2014! The state military officials were responding to local media questions regarding rumors the state militias were told they’ve been “off-ramped” from deployment.  The rumors were started because the Indiana National Guard was told, for the third time in three years, that they’ve been off-ramped for Afghanistan deployment.  There have been reports that more RA and Guard units are being sent to Somalia.

A U.S. Air force pilot was killed when his F-16 Falcon/Viper crashed.  ISAF mentioned only that the F-16 was on a night mission.

In Kabul Province, Deh Sabz District, Mujahideen claim they shot down a U.S./NATO aircraft.  They say the plane broke apart as it came down. U.S./NATO helicopters came in afterward and bombed the wreckage in order to prevent Mujahideen collecting any weapons or sensitive items.

In Ghazni Province, local government officials say the U.S./NATO conducted a Blue on Green airstrike.  They say U.S./NATO aircraft bombed local policemen in Deh-Yak district: “A number of the Afghan local police officers were patrolling when they were attacked by NATO aircrafts, killing four police officers along with two civilians.”-Fazal Ahmad, District governor

In Parwan Province, Mujahideen attacked the U.S. Bagram air base.  Ten U.S. military vehicles, and a contracted fueler, were destroyed. Mujahideen say they attacked a fuel terminal near the base.  However, local government officials say the vehicles were destroyed when a single gas cylinder accidentally exploded.

In Maidan Wardak Province, home invasions continue despite the U.S. SOF forces supposedly pulling out.  The house of Sultan Muhammad in Syed Abad district was invaded, and one of his cousins, and two of his employees were kidnapped.

In Kapisa Province, after an all day battle with Mujahideen, in which locals say the Mujahideen won, U.S. led forces then began raiding homes in Tagab District.  Locals say 50 people were kidnapped, and two people were beaten unconscious.

03 April 2013/22 Jumada l-Ula 1434/14 Farvardin 1391/23 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

In Farah Province, Mujahideen launched a massive attack against the provincial government compound.  At least 56 cops, soldiers and civil servants killed, 100 wounded.  The provincial governor said the attack was carried out by only eight Mujahideen.

In Maidan Wardak Province, Mujahideen shot down a recon drone (UAV) in Nirkh district.  They say they recovered the camera system.

02 April 2013/21 Jumada l-Ula 1434/13 Farvardin 1391/22 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

In Bakhshan Province, the Afghan government has declared a major military offensive in Wardoj/Wardaj District over. The offensive apparently started on 22 March (see my recent postings), however local officials claim it was only a three day operation.  Government officials admit they attacked 43 villages, killing 80 people and wounding more than 110 in the last three days.

In Parwan Province, Bagram District, Mujahideen claim they shot down a recon drone.

Afghan security officials say this year they are expecting an 85% increase in attacks against Kabul city, by Mujahideen.

Remember Mullah Mohammad Omar?  He’s the guy that the U.S. government and media have reported as being killed, several times in the past.  He’s now running for President of Afghanistan!

01 April 2013/20 Jumada l-Ula 1434/12 Farvardin 1391/21 Yi-Mao (2nd month) 4711

In Faryab Province, local government officials say a local police chief was assassinated by his subordinates, who then joined the Mujahideen.

In Uruzgan Province, Dehrawod District, 16 cops joined the Mujahideen.  Their names were publicized.

NATO claims that the Afghan National Army (ANA) is losing 5000 troops every month.  Not to battle, to desertion.  According to the study, when you include death, captures and firings the ANA lost 63000 troops last year!

The Scottish media reporting that the U.K. Ministry of Defence has drastically increased the removal of military forces and equipment from Afghanistan.  The biggest increase is in equipment considered ATCO (Attractive to Criminal and Terrorist Organizations).