Category Archives: U.S.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 21-23 January 2013. More free money (your tax money) from World Bank & USAID! Afghanistan joins new, potential one world banking system, it’s “better than cash”! Requires manditory electronic ID cards!

23 January 2013

In Paktika province a U.S./NATO drone crashed. International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is investigating the cause. Mujahideen say they shot down the expensive remote piloted aircraft in the Surki Ghara area of Jani Khel district.

In Nangarhar Province, reports that a U.S./NATO airstrike targeted a house, killing three people and wounding two.

A Polish/NATO Elite Special Forces Unit soldier was shot to death during an ambush in the province of Ghazni. Other Polish troops were wounded.   ISAF simply said: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan today.”

In Herat Province, a suicide bomber attacked a police convoy.  He blew himself up as he rode his bicycle into the convoy.  Eight cops are wounded.

The World Bank is granting Afghanistan another $250 million USD!  It’s part of a rural rehabilitation and development program that many Afghans say isn’t happening. While the World Bank is the one giving the money to Afghanistan, that money is actually coming from “donor” countries, like the United States.

22 January 2013

In Uruzgan Province, reports saying at least three Special Operations Task Group Diggers (Australian troops) were wounded.  The SOTG was conducting search & destroy missions.  They were wounded in separate incidents, which included firefights and a SOTG patrol being ambushed.

In Nuristan Province, local government officials said two U.S./NATO drone strikes have killed dozens of people. Local government officials say the drone strikes were called in against Mujahideen, and estimate that 35 were killed or wounded.

President Hamid Karzai ordered an investigation into torture in Afghan controlled prisons.   This after a United Nations report said torture was rampant.

Amnesty International says at least 17 Afghans (11 of them children) have died in concentration camps during the month of January.  They said the deaths were due to the living conditions made worse by the freezing weather: “…the inadequate co-ordination of winter assistance to hundreds of thousands of people living in displacement camps across the country.”-Polly Truscott

Afghanistan is now a member of the Better Than Cash Alliance.  It is an electronics payment service founded by U.S. AID (your tax dollars at work), the Ford Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Citi Bank and several other elitist pro-one world government groups.  Is this the start of a true one world banking system?

21 January 2013

To go along with Afghanistan’s new membership in what could be a new international banking system, the Afghan Telecommunication and Information Technology Ministry will begin issuing electronic identification cards in March.  Afghans will be required to register for the cards starting in February.  At some point Afghans who do not have the cards can be refused any social services help, or even be considered illegal immigrants and detained.

In Kabul, Mujahideen attacked a U.S. sponsored police training camp. Kabul police say five Mujahideen were killed.  Also, three cops were killed, and at least six cops and seven civilians were wounded.

In Kunduz Province, reports that an overnight U.S./NATO drone strike killed two people.

 

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 14 January 2013. Businesses more than 100 years old blaming bad economy for their demise! U.S. Postal Service goes back on their promise not to close distribution center!

The largest polysilicon supplier in the United States will lay off 400 people in Tennessee and Michigan. Polysilicon is used in solar power projects. Hemlock Semiconductor blamed too much polysilicon on the market and that “The unresolved trade disputes among the U.S., China and Europe are a major factor.”

United Airlines announced layoffs for 472 employees in Newark, New Jersey.  It’s an attempt to cut costs since their merger with Continental.

C.J. Banks women’s clothing store closed in Victor, New York.

Also in New York, Rowe Photo, Video and Audio’s Greece store is closing after 114 years in business. The owner blames the bad economy, which is forcing him to consolidate his various stores.

Book Ends Gently Used & Collectible Books to close on 31 January. The owner of the Kearney, Nebraska, store blamed digital media.

Miller Floral in Terre Haute, Indiana, will close at the end of January, after 101 years in business.  The owner, and grandson of the store’s founder, said they’ve seen a 50% drop in business since 2007.

Also in Indiana, Chromcraft Revington is closing its distribution center in Delphi. 16 jobs lost. Work is being moved to Mississippi.

After 25 years a media outlet for aspiring young journalists in California, is going out of business. The publisher of L.A. Youth said: “Tough economic times, foundation cuts and moving our office by March 1, 2013, have overburdened our budget and placed an undue amount of financial strain on the L.A. Youth family. While we celebrate our 25th anniversary this month we are regrettably closing the doors on this extraordinary organization at the end of February. This is our last edition of L.A. Youth.”

Beautopia supply store closing in Mountain View, California.

The Franz Bakery outlet in Tillamook, Oregon, will close on 09 February.  Corporate officials blamed the bad economy: “They said sales were down and the store wasn’t making money.”-Terri Ann Staver, store manager

The Mez and EpiCentre Theaters will close in Charlotte, North Carolina.  It’s over legal wrangling involving the new property owners.

U.S. Postal Service announced the closing of the Manasota Processing & Distribution Center, in Florida. More than 300 jobs lost. The thing is, back in October 2011 Postal officials announced they were not going to close the center, after they had conducted a feasibility study: “This was a careful review. We have determined that there will be no significant changes made….”-David Patterson, USPS District Manager

The 85 year old H.L. Keay & Son general store, in Albion, Maine, will close. The family owners said the economy is just too bad to continue: “We just decided we’d had enough of running it and wanted to get done. Business weren’t that good.”-Kevin Keay, store manager

School officials in Bristol, Virginia, said it looks like they have to shut down some schools.  Problems involve outdated school buildings (some built in 1938) to constant redistricting which leaves some schools with too few students and others overcrowded. As Superintendent Mark Lineburg said “…we have some issues.” 

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 18-20 January 2013. U.S. military contractor refuses to pay taxes, employees go to jail! Afghan government budget approved, you’re paying for it! More proof it’s the Afghans who’re sacrificing themselves for the U.S.!

20 January 2013

Heavy fighting reported in Helmand Province: An Afghan National Army (ANA) troop was sniped in the Charkhakyano Manda area of Sangin district. In Haji Gul Baba village of Sangin district, three ANA personnel were killed and one wounded when they drove over a landmine.   In the Samanji Karez area of Musa Kala district, Mujahideen captured four motorcycles and many weapons from local police.  In Sra Shakh and Mir Hamza Aka areas of Nahr Siraj region, Gerishk district, a U.S./NATO/ANA heliborne operation met resistance by Mujahideen.  In Basolano area of Nawa district, two cops were killed, one wounded, after their vehicle was hit with a bomb.   Near Gorgano village of Babaji district’s Loe Manda, a U.S./NATO armored vehicle hit a landmine, reports say two crewmen were killed.  In Kala Shamir region’s Mandozo area, Maiwand district, three people were killed when Mujahideen attacked a security check post.  U.S./NATO/ANA personnel invaded the Bari Gul bazaar, Shawal and Sawi Sarachi areas.  Mujahideen report that one of their own was killed.  In the Khairabad area reports say cops from the Khan-e-Sheen district HQ attacked border police personnel. Three HQ cops killed, five wounded.  No info on border cop casualties. In Nawzad district’s Sra Kala area, two separate ambushes were launched against Georgian/ISAF personnel.  The battles lasted for hours, no info on casualties for either side.

In Kunar Province, villagers report a U.S. led drone strike killed a family of five.  No other info.

In Herat Province, local police say a family blew themselves up while making explosives.  Police officials say a leader of local Mujahideen was killed, along with his wife, their two sons and a daughter.

The Afghan parliament finally approved a budget for Solar Hijri year 1392.  Most lawmakers refused to approve early budgets because most of the money went to military and national police.  Now, according to Finance Minister Hazrat Omer Zakhilwal, $1 billion USD will go to military/police and $2 billion for development/social projects.  The overwhelming majority of the funding is still coming from the taxpayers of other countries (like the United States).

Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) officials admitted to beating two reporters shortly after a suicide bombing in Kabul city last week.  NDS officials say they were simply concerned for the safety of the reporters and did not want them to get any closer to the crime scene!

19 January 2013

In Kunar Province, Mujahideen report launching an artillery attack on a U.S./NATO/Afghan National Army (ANA) forward operating base (FOB) in Asmar district.  They believe at least two FOB personnel were killed.

In Nangarhar Province, Achin district, Mujahideen reported an hour long ambush on U.S./NATO/ANA troops. Four troops killed, one wounded.  Mujahideen say two of their own were killed.

In Herat Province, two suicide bombers died before reaching their target.  The target was a local government building, but police say their explosive vests went off too soon, while they were riding a motorcycle.

The Afghan government has accused a European based military contractor of refusing to pay taxes.  According to Afghan government sources, supplies for U.S./NATO personnel are not taxed, but no bid food supply contractor, Supreme Group, is supposed to pay taxes on the supply services rendered.  After years of bickering, Afghan police finally arrested Supreme Group employees: “Three employees of Supreme Group including a Canadian Citizen, French Citizen and Afghan were arrested but were freed after they paid taxes.”-Rahmatullah Nazari, Deputy Afghan Attorney General

This is not the first time Supreme Group has been in trouble. Since 2005 the no bid contractor has handled food supply for the U.S. military in Afghanistan.  In 2010 the United States renewed the contract for $4 billion USD, without any bidding from other contractors.  In 2011 company officials confirmed to Newsweek that they were being investigated by U.S. officials, over possible fraud. Court documents also showed that Supreme Group was using taxpayer money to pay another contractor.  That contractor is also being investigated.

U.S. Pentagon officials gleefully reported that U.S. troop casualties due to bombs decreased in 2012.  They reported a 46% decline in U.S. deaths compared to 2011.  But get this, Afghan government troops saw a 124% increase in bomb attacks against them!  U.S. Army Lieutenant General, Michael Barbero, said that after more than ten years “Finally, our war fighters and commanders in the field are the best counter-IED capability we have. They get it and have a deep and thorough understanding of the enemy, the IED threat and how to attack it.” (yeah, it’s called pull back and force the Afghan National Army to do your dirty work)

18 January 2013

In Paktika Province, locals of Omana district say Afghan government personnel raided a village.  They kidnapped four people and stole eight motorcycles, one truck and 25 sacks of pine nuts.

In Khost Province, local Mujahideen say they assassinated a spy working for the United States in Alishir district.

Pakistani officials announced plans to release all Afghan Mujahideen prisoners still in its detention.

In Nangarhar Province, four cops were killed when they drove over a landmine.

To add insult to injury for U.S. taxpayers, after the Pentagon canceled a program to supply Afghanistan with Italian made C-27 Spartan aircraft ($600 million already spent), Airbus says they are now trying to get the Pentagon to spend money on their own transport aircraft.

European company, Airbus (a direct competitor to Boeing), wants the U.S. taxpayer to fund the use of their CN235 and CN295 aircraft.  The planes are similar to the canceled C-27 Spartan.

 

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 13 January 2013. “Upgrading” is corporate lingo for downsizing!

After 46 years in business, Heights Toy Center in Little rock, Arkansas, is closing.  The owner is switching to wholesale only.

A Big Lots in Lithonia, Georgia, is closed for good.   The building has been taken over by Walmart, and will be used for Walmart’s experimental grocery only store: Neighborhood Market.

Christopher’s Antiques, furniture refinishing, closing after 44 years in business.  A couple of factors led to the owner of the Nyack, New York, store deciding to retire; the business property was sold, and he is just tired of working seven days a week.

In Montclair, New Jersey, a children’s boutique is closing by mid-February.  Back in October 2012 the owners of Lili, Meili and Beau simply said on Facebook “store space is up for rent.. if anyone knows someone looking for a lovely location please let me know…its time to move on…..sadly”

Late in the day, on 13 January 2013, oil company, Halliburton, began laying off 130 people at their Duncan Manufacturing Center in Oklahoma.  Tara Mullee-Agard, Halliburton Public Relations Supervisor, called the downsizing an upgrade: “We are making a strategic investment in our test well infrastructure in Duncan, and the upgrade is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2013.”

International, U.S.

Norovirus Update, 27 January 2013: No official reporting standards! New study says people spreading the disease weeks after getting better! It’s in the fish soup & tea? Blame your veggies!

“There are multiple epidemics…..there’s not a whole lot people can do about it.”-Gary Simon, George Washington School of Medicine

“Norovirus is one of the most infectious things on the planet.”-Chris Belcher, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent

Weeks after I first reported that this year’s norovirus (aka Norwalk virus) is a new deadly strain (Sydney 2012 hybird of the Genotype II.4 strain), the main streamers continue to report it as if it were new(s) to them.

Also, despite some media reports that people don’t usually die from norovirus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says for an average year about 800 people in the United States do in fact die from the vomiting bug.  The CDC also said it’s too soon to tell how the new Sydney 2012 bug will affect the United States.

To make matters more difficult in reporting norovirus cases to the public, health officials are not required to track nor report cases/outbreaks of norovirus!

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control is warning that the norovirus season will continue until March.

In San Diego County, California, health officials say the new strain is hitting locals hard: “About two-thirds of [gastrointestinal cases] what we’re seeing is the new Sydney strain.”-Eric McDonald, county deputy public health officer

However, McDonald also said that so far the number of cases is about average.  San Diego County has reported 27 outbreaks, and 628 confirmed cases, since last summer.

Indiana health officials also sounding a warning. The virus can survive outside a host for up to 72 hours. People who’re sick need to be isolated: “If they can stay in bed, if they can possibly use a separate bathroom, that can help the virus from being transmitted, because it is very contagious.”-Pamela Pontones, epidemiologist for the State of Indiana.

In Japan, nursing homes conintue to get hit with norovirus, and people are dying.  At least three people died between 01 January and 16 January 2013.  In December 2012, at least four people died in hospitals.

It was recently revealed that back in December 76 people became sick after eating at a buffet in the Tokyo Prince Hotel.   Also, 35 people became sick after eat meals from lunch boxes from the Ningyocho Imahan Foods Plant.  Norovirus was traced to the food factory, and it was shut down for three days of intensive cleaning.

New Zealand health officials are reporting a death caused by norovirus.  They say the Sydney 2012 strain is responsible for 17 outbreaks so far, and at least one death in a nursing home.

Ironically, the noro/Norwalk virus has ended a Native American Chief’s hunger strike in Canada. Attawapiskat Chief, Theresa Spence, was protesting the Canadian government’s continued oppression of the First Nation.  But after six weeks of not eating solid foods, she became sick with the vomiting bug.  This is interesting because supposedly all she was eating was fish broth and tea.

The vomiting bug seems to be hitting Native Americans hard, the National Chief of the First Nations, Shawn Atleo, was also ill.  He recently announced he was getting better and preparing to resume the fight against the oppressive Canadian government.

On the island of Nanaimo, in Canada’s British Columbia, hospital staff are reporting an increase in Norwalk virus cases.  It’s also hitting other areas of the province. However, health officials there don’t seem to be concerned, so far no signs of the deadly Sydney 2012 strain.   They’re still telling people to take care by isolating sick family members and cleaning everything with bleach.

Canadians returning from vacation in Cuba, and who are sick, are not being counted by government health officials. Already this year a group of seven Canadians returned from Cuba sick with symptoms of Norwalk, but because the illness was not confirmed with lab tests, the outbreak did not make official counts. Even the airlines and travel agency said officially no body got sick because no body reported it to them.  An Ontario newspaper, The Windsor Star, reported that the same thing happened last year.

Despite what many health officials say about the time period before someone is better, and supposedly no longer contagious, a new report says otherwise: “Just because someone doesn’t have active illness does not mean they can’t pass the virus along to others. Studies show that people still excrete the virus’s genetic material up to six weeks after they became infected, which probably means they can transmit it to others.”-Scientific American

More good news for us carnivores: Another report, by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says that almost half of all deaths caused by food illnesses, are from contaminated veggies!   Not only that, but that overall illnesses from “non-animal” foods are on the increase, while diseases from food of animal origin (FoAO) are declining!  Take that you wanna-be rabbits!

Check my previous postings about norovirus.

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Updated list of U.S. job losses & store closings, 12 January 2013.

Ohio media reporting 100 people will be out-o-work when Superior Fibers moves operations to Mexico.  The company specializes in air filters for HVAC, and fiber glass reinforcements.  Company officials blame their move to Mexico on increased competition, and the high cost of ongoing environmental clean up operations at their Bremen, Ohio, factory.

An Alton, Illinois, insurance company, Millers First, laid off 12 people.  Company officials blame drastically low interests rates which have severely affected the company’s investments, and they credit more automation which replaces people.

A ‘collectibles’ store in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, closing down.  The owner of Tilburys Knob says business would be better if there were more variety of stores in the area: “Business is pretty good, but it could be better. I felt there should have been more shops down here. There would be more shoppers if there was more opportunity to buy things. There have been a lot of nice people and good customers, but not enough.”-Stan Nowak

Rhodes Bake-N-Serv is closing its Caldwell, Idaho, bread factory and moving it to Wisconsin.  Production will end in April, leaving 49 Idahoans out-o-work. The Caldwell factory has been in operation since 1962.

In Santa Cruz, California, headset maker, Plantronics, is laying off 41 people, and moving some production to its Mexico factory.

American Esoteric Laboratories laying off 65 people in Memphis, Tennessee. The company provides doctors and hospitals with lab services. Company officials said the layoffs are the result of a drastic change in how payments for lab services are being reimbursed.

The 100 years old Denis Sport Shop in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, announced it is closing.  Company owners blame climate change, the bad economy and local road construction which cut off the store from customers.

Another irony, the Waccamaw Economic Oppurtunity Council laid off eight employees, and cut social help programs.  This affects Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties in South Carolina.  Council officials blame big cuts in the federal government funding.  The biggest programs they offer involve helping people pay utilities and rent.  In Georgetown County alone, they’re currently helping 100 people.  They expect double that in Horry County, but will be hard pressed to help due to the funding cuts.

The Aubuchon Hardware in Bangor, Maine, closed without much warning.  Faithful customers were still showing up after everything was shuttered up.  Employees were inside moving inventory. The hardware store had been in business since 1969.  The manager said he couldn’t compete against the big box national hardware chains, and the only reason he stayed open this long is because the landlord gave him a break on the rent: “It’s been something we’ve been thinking about for a year and a half. In fact, we got a reprieve a little over a year ago when the owners of the building decreased the rent to allow us to stay here.”-Fred Stewart

 

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 15-17 January 2013. More Green on Blue attacks! Orphan girl gang raped! Villagers Honor Kill rapist, and his victim! U.S./European/Asian taxpayers directly funding Afghan government! Saffron replaces opium!

17 January 2013

In Herat Province, witnesses say U.S. personnel open fired on two women and two children, killing them.  U.S. officials claim the women and children were Mujahideen!

While on trial in the United States, a USMC Staff Sergent admitted to desecrating Afghan bodies (a violation of the UCMJ). He said the whole purpose was to take “trophy photographs”.  He pled guilty, but under a plea agreement he will likely be demoted in rank, only.

In Kandahar Province, a local cop shot and killed his boss. He did it after poisoning his fellow cops. He is on the loose.

In response to Afghan government officials releasing hundreds of prisoners (who’ve never been charged with anything by U.S./NATO forces) the United States has stopped handing over prisoners to Afghan counterparts.   It’s also in response to Afghan officials saying many of those prisoners showed signs of torture, and blamed U.S. personnel since they were in charge.

In Parwan Province, the roof of a building at the Bagram airbase collapsed, killing three people. International Security Assistant Force (ISAF) said they are investigating the cause.

In Balkh Province, a five story building used as a market place/bazar caught fire.  The main product sold there is wholesale clothing.  Witnesses say at least one person died after jumping from the building.  Two other similar markets, in Kabul city, caught fire at the end of December.

16 January 2013

In Uruzgan Province, two Afghan government security personnel were killed, two wounded, after their attempt to diffuse a bomb failed.

In Kabul Province, Kabul City, explosions and gunfire rocked the capital city.  A group of suicide attackers hit the National Directorate of Security compound.  Government officials and witnesses say at least 12 people killed and dozens wounded.

ISAF said: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan today.”

The British empire Red Coat Royal Army also reported that one of their troopers, who was blown up a few days earlier in Helmand Province, had finally died of his wounds.

In Daikundi Province, a 15 years old orphan girl was gang raped by six security guards.  Because of her age she was transferred from a children’s home to a shelter for women.  Officials suspect she was raped by the security guards at the shelter, all have been arrested (which resulted in the women’s shelter being closed). Local officials say the victim is in bad shape and probably needs to go to a hospital.  No info on why the security guards did it (if they did).

In Ghazni Province, local government officials say a vigilante group killed a man they say raped one of their own.  They also ‘honor killed’ the victim!  “A man was trying to rape a woman while her husband was away from home but the relatives of the woman kill her along with the man after they were informed of the incident.”-Deh-Yak Mohammad, District Attorney

Yet again the Afghan parliament has rejected the budget for Solar Hijri year 1392.  At issue is the use of most of the funds for military/police, and very little for anything else.  Also, there is a suspicious fund called the Caution Code, which would be allocated $580 million USD, yet gives no explanation for what the money will be spent on.  Taxpayers in other countries (like the United States) should take note; the majority of the funding for the Afghan budget is coming from you!

Your money flowing into Afghanistan is one reason why your country is struggling economically, and why Afghanistan is actually growing!  According to the World Bank, Afghanistan’s economy is blasting off despite other countries going down: “Economic growth in South Asia weakened considerably in 2012 to an estimated 5.4 percent, from 7.4 percent the previous year [still much, much better than the U.S.]. Delayed monsoon rains, electricity shortages, macroeconomic imbalances including large
fiscal deficits and high inflation, and policy and security uncertainties contributed to subdued economic activity in the region, which also faced negative impacts from the Euro Area debt crisis and a weak global economy. In contrast, Afghanistan’s economy grew robustly by about ….”

15 January 2013

In Farah Province, Afghan National Police (ANP), along with local cops,  ambushed an Italian NATO troop convoy, during the night.  Local government officials say the Italians were not hit.  However, Mujahideen say three Italians were killed, and ISAF has refused to comment.

In Kunar Province, Mujahideen say they’ve shot down, or blew up, a U.S./NATO helicopter on or over a U.S. base.  No other info was reported.

In Kandahar Province, four people were killed when they drove over a landmine.

In Helmand Province, local government officials say a program to replace opium crops with saffron is working (it’s another reason why the World Bank says Afghanistan’s economy is booming, see above). Anyone who uses saffron in their cooking knows how expensive it is, which is why it makes a good replacement for opium poppies. Helmand officials plan to expand the program this year.

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Kmart in South Carolina goin’ down! Chrysler turns empty Kmart into huge paint shop!

25 January 2013, a Kmart in Irmo, South Carlolina, will close in April.  Sears Holdings said they will not renew the lease.  Local speculation is that all the areas’ Kmarts will see their leases expire.  Officials with Sears Holdings will not give anymore info, and the Irmo store manager was not able to answer questions from local media.

According to local media reports, it is the third Kmart to close in the Columbia/Midlands area in the past three years. The Irmo store had been in business for 35 years.

A closed Kmart store in Auburn Hills, Michigan, has been taken over by Chrysler/Dodge.  The former discount store targeting middle and lower income earners is now used to paint cars for the upper class: The Dodge Viper, which starts out at $99,995 USD!  At least the new paint shop employs about 60 people, making more money than the former employees of the old Kmart did.

Here’s my updated list of store closings since the end of 2011:

Arizona: Scottsdale Sears/Great Indoors, Chandler Sears/Great Indoors.

Alabama: Gadsden Kmart (50 jobs lost), Mobile Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Auburn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Anniston Kmart (no word yet on how many jobs lost).

California:   El Monte Sears (at least 40 jobs lost. Damien Arrula, El Monte’s economic development director, said the store manager had lied about what was going on: “The general manager of the store had just indicated to me that they were remodeling.”), two San Diego Sears (at least 80 jobs lost), Pleasant Hill Kmart (more than 50 jobs lost).

Colorado:  Broomfield Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Glenwood Springs Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lone Tree Sears/Great Indoors, Longmont Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Pueblos’ South Side Kmart (52 jobs lost),  Denver Kmart (number of jobs lost have not been made public at this time, but could be at least 40).

Georgia: Macon Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Buford Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Douglasville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Atlanta Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Columbus Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Jonesboro Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Cartersville Kmart (74 jobs lost).

Guam:  Sears Hometown Store.

Florida: Fernandina Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Callaway Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Orange City Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Deland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Stuart Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), West Palm Beach Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Port St. Lucie Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Crystal River Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), New Smyrna Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint Augustine Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Pompano Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Jacksonville Kmart on 5751 Beach Boulevard (71 jobs lost), second Kmart in Jacksonville on 4645 Blanding Boulevard (83 jobs lost), Ocoee Sears (102 jobs lost), Pensacola Kmart on Airport Boulevard closed in 2011, Pensacola Kmart on Mobile Highway to be closed by 03 February 2013 (69 jobs lost), Hialeah Kmart (67 jobs lost).

Idaho: Lewiston Sears (at least 60 jobs lost).

Indiana:  Anderson Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint John Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Indianapolis Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost).

Illinois:  Alton Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Melrose Park Sears parts and repair center (50 jobs lost), Zion Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Lawn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), McHenry Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Peru Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lombard Sears/Great Indoors (at least 40 jobs lost), Fairview Heights Kmart (81 jobs lost), Freeport Kmart (45 jobs lost), Pontiac Kmart (more than 47 jobs lost), Homer Glen Kmart (82 jobs lost), Streator Kmart (45 jobs lost), Lombard Kmart (70 jobs lost).  By the way, Illinois elected officials gave Sears Holdings/Hoffman Estates a $150 million USD tax break to keep their headquarters in the state.  The tax break was not tied to any promise not to close stores.

Iowa:  Cedar Rapids Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Davenport Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Burlington Kmart (50 jobs lost), Coralville Sears (94 jobs lost, this is a store sold to GGP earlier in the year).

Kansas: Lawrence Sears (at least 40 jobs lost).

Kentucky: Middlesboro Sears (in September 2012 the Sears store re-opened under independent ownership, official grand re-opening scheduled for November), Winchester Kmart (back in May, Rankin Paynter bought out what was left of the inventory and gave it to charity), Hazard Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost).

Maine: Lewiston Sears (60 to 70 jobs lost).

Maryland: Ellicott Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Gaithersburg Sears/Great Indoors.

Michigan: Novi Sears/Great Indoors, Brighton Sears Grand/Essentials,  Harper Woods Sears Full line, Monroe Sears Full line, Adrian Sears Full line, Washington Township Kmart, Chesterfield Kmart, Woodhaven Kmart, Flint Kmart (46 jobs lost).

Minnesota: Willmar Kmart, Duluth Kmart, New Hope Kmart, White Bear Lake Kmart.

Mississippi: Jackson Sears Full line, McComb Sears Full line, Columbus Sears Full line.

Missouri: Lee’s Summit Sears Grand/Essentials, Saint Louis Sears Full line.

Montana: Missoula Kmart (50 jobs lost).

New Hampshire: Nashau Sears Grand/Essentials, Keene Sears Grand/Essentials.

North Carolina: High Point Sears, Moorehead Sears, Rocky Mount Sears, Statesville Sears, Durham Kmart (79 jobs lost), Asheville Kmart (53 jobs lost),  West Smithfield Kmart (59 jobs lost), Winston-Salem Kmart (69 jobs lost).

New Jersey:  Lawnside Kmart (about 80 jobs lost).

New Mexico: Las Cruces Kmart (58 jobs lost).

Ohio: Chagrin Falls Kmart, Springfield Kmart, two Toledo Kmarts, Medina Kmart, Columbus Kmart, Columbus Sears/Great Indoors, Zanesville Sears (67 jobs lost), Trotwood Kmart (71 jobs lost).   Also, Van Wert Sears franchise bought out by Kirk Berryman, owner of Computer & Networking Technologies (CNT), who plans on moving the store to a new location.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Sears (98 jobs lost, GGP owned).

Oregon: Roseburg Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Tualatin Kmart Center (new property owner from California is tearing everything down for new shopping center, so far no indication the Kmart will be part of the new shopping center), Milwaukie Kmart (61 jobs lost).

Pennsylvania: Upper Darby Sears Full line, Pottstown Sears Full line, Pittsburgh Kmart, Wilkins Sears, Warminster Kmart (85 jobs lost).

South Carolina: Sumter Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Orangeburg Sears (approximately 50 jobs lost), Columbia Kmart on Fort Jackson Boulevard in 2012, Columbia Kmart on Bush River Road in 2009, recently revealed Irmo Kmart (no info on how many jobs lost).

Tennessee: Antioch Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Cleveland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Ridge Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Hendersonville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Morristown Sears (about 70 jobs lost).

Texas: Two Sears parts and repair centers closing in The Woodlands (117 jobs lost), rebuild center in Garland (58 jobs lost), Farmers Branch Sears/Great Indoors, Houston Sears Great/Indoors.

Virginia: Norfolk Sears (at least 40 jobs lost),  Midlothian Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Richmond Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lynchburg Sears (84 jobs lost).

Washington: Walla Walla Sears Full line (in August 2012, it was reported that an independent owner of Sears Hometown stores will open a store in Walla Walla), Lacey Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Kelso Sears (47 jobs lost), Lakewood Kmart (59 jobs lost), Bellingham Sears (92 jobs lost),  Seattle Kmart (85 jobs lost).

West Virginia: Oak Hill Kmart (59 jobs lost).

Wisconsin: West Baraboo Sears (at least 40 jobs lost, local village officials say the store generated 3% of local tax collections), Rice Lake Kmart (about 71 jobs lost).

On top of that, Sears Holdings sold stores to General Growth Properties (GGP), of which it has been reported that most of those stores will be closed.

Here’s the list of 11 Sears stores now owned by GGP:

Iowa: Coral Ridge Mall (it’s official the Sears is closing, see above), and Mall of the Bluffs

Texas: The Woodlands Mall (this does not involve the two repair centers being closed by Sears)

Florida: West Oaks Mall

Utah: Fashion Place, and Provo Towne Centre (note the evil British empire way of spelling town & center. Due to a favorable lease agreement the GGP owned Provo Sears will continue to stay open under Sears Holdings management)

Oklahoma: Quail Springs Mall (it’s official, the Sears will be closed, see above)

Hawaii: Ala Moana Center

Washington: Bellis Fair Mall (Bellingham store, see above)

Minnesota: Apache Mall

Illinois: Market Place Shopping Center

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Oregon & Washington Kmarts going down! While Sears closes down stores they spend big on other properties! GGP wants $2 million tax break to replace Sears anchor store!!!

“This store is being closed because the lease was not renewed.”-Howard Riefs, Sears Holdings

A news report on 22 January 2013, revealed that Seattle, Washington, Bitter Lake neighborhood Kmart will be closed by March.  The going out-o-business sale started on 17 January.  85 people are losing their jobs.

A Kmart in Milwaukie, Oregon, will also close down by March.

The store will be closed by 03 March, leaving 61 people unemployed.  Going out-o-business sales started on 13 January, but only now is the closing making the news.  Rumor has it that the Milwaukie Kmart store will be turned into a used car store.

While Sears Holdings has been busy closing down Sears and Kmart stores, they’ve also been busy spending big money on other properties.

In Minnesota they’re spending big on a 14 to 17 acre (5.6 to 6.8 hectares) development, in Saint Paul.  It will be centered around their Rice Street Sears store, and includes 111,700 square feet of retail space, a four story office building, 18 townhouses, 121 apartments and a four level 586 space parking garage.

General Growth Properties (GGP) bought several Sears stores from Sears Holdings, and they’ve begun shutting them down. But here’s insult to injury; GGP now wants a $2 million USD tax break to replace a Sears store they’re closing!

The Sears store in GGP’s Quail Springs Mall, in Oklahoma, will close on 01 February. GGP wants a $2 million sales tax rebate, claiming it’s needed to offset capital investments needed to bring the space up to the standards of their potential new tenant, Von Maur.

Von Maur is basically the same thing as Sears, a department store. So you have to wonder why GGP is claiming they’ll be spending $15 million on capital investment to bring in a department store to replace the department store that GGP shut down.

Here’s my updated list of store closings since the end of 2011:

Arizona: Scottsdale Sears/Great Indoors, Chandler Sears/Great Indoors.

Alabama: Gadsden Kmart (50 jobs lost), Mobile Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Auburn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Anniston Kmart (no word yet on how many jobs lost).

California:   El Monte Sears (at least 40 jobs lost. Damien Arrula, El Monte’s economic development director, said the store manager had lied about what was going on: “The general manager of the store had just indicated to me that they were remodeling.”), two San Diego Sears (at least 80 jobs lost), Pleasant Hill Kmart (more than 50 jobs lost).

Colorado:  Broomfield Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Glenwood Springs Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lone Tree Sears/Great Indoors, Longmont Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Pueblos’ South Side Kmart (52 jobs lost),  Denver Kmart (number of jobs lost have not been made public at this time, but could be at least 40).

Georgia: Macon Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Buford Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Douglasville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Atlanta Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Columbus Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Jonesboro Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Cartersville Kmart (74 jobs lost).

Guam:  Sears Hometown Store.

Florida: Fernandina Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Callaway Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Orange City Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Deland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Stuart Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), West Palm Beach Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Port St. Lucie Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Crystal River Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), New Smyrna Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint Augustine Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Pompano Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Jacksonville Kmart on 5751 Beach Boulevard (71 jobs lost), second Kmart in Jacksonville on 4645 Blanding Boulevard (83 jobs lost), Ocoee Sears (102 jobs lost), Pensacola Kmart on Airport Boulevard closed in 2011, Pensacola Kmart on Mobile Highway to be closed by 03 February 2013 (69 jobs lost), Hialeah Kmart (67 jobs lost).

Idaho: Lewiston Sears (at least 60 jobs lost).

Indiana:  Anderson Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint John Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Indianapolis Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost).

Illinois:  Alton Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Melrose Park Sears parts and repair center (50 jobs lost), Zion Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Lawn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), McHenry Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Peru Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lombard Sears/Great Indoors (at least 40 jobs lost), Fairview Heights Kmart (81 jobs lost), Freeport Kmart (45 jobs lost), Pontiac Kmart (more than 47 jobs lost), Homer Glen Kmart (82 jobs lost), Streator Kmart (45 jobs lost), Lombard Kmart (70 jobs lost).  By the way, Illinois elected officials gave Sears Holdings/Hoffman Estates a $150 million USD tax break to keep their headquarters in the state.  The tax break was not tied to any promise not to close stores.

Iowa:  Cedar Rapids Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Davenport Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Burlington Kmart (50 jobs lost), Coralville Sears (94 jobs lost, this is a store sold to GGP earlier in the year).

Kansas: Lawrence Sears (at least 40 jobs lost).

Kentucky: Middlesboro Sears (in September 2012 the Sears store re-opened under independent ownership, official grand re-opening scheduled for November), Winchester Kmart (back in May, Rankin Paynter bought out what was left of the inventory and gave it to charity), Hazard Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost).

Maine: Lewiston Sears (60 to 70 jobs lost).

Maryland: Ellicott Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Gaithersburg Sears/Great Indoors.

Michigan: Novi Sears/Great Indoors, Brighton Sears Grand/Essentials,  Harper Woods Sears Full line, Monroe Sears Full line, Adrian Sears Full line, Washington Township Kmart, Chesterfield Kmart, Woodhaven Kmart, Flint Kmart (46 jobs lost).

Minnesota: Willmar Kmart, Duluth Kmart, New Hope Kmart, White Bear Lake Kmart.

Mississippi: Jackson Sears Full line, McComb Sears Full line, Columbus Sears Full line.

Missouri: Lee’s Summit Sears Grand/Essentials, Saint Louis Sears Full line.

Montana: Missoula Kmart (50 jobs lost).

New Hampshire: Nashau Sears Grand/Essentials, Keene Sears Grand/Essentials.

North Carolina: High Point Sears, Moorehead Sears, Rocky Mount Sears, Statesville Sears, Durham Kmart (79 jobs lost), Asheville Kmart (53 jobs lost),  West Smithfield Kmart (59 jobs lost), Winston-Salem Kmart (69 jobs lost).

New Jersey:  Lawnside Kmart (about 80 jobs lost).

New Mexico: Las Cruces Kmart (58 jobs lost).

Ohio: Chagrin Falls Kmart, Springfield Kmart, two Toledo Kmarts, Medina Kmart, Columbus Kmart, Columbus Sears/Great Indoors, Zanesville Sears (67 jobs lost), Trotwood Kmart (71 jobs lost).   Also, Van Wert Sears franchise bought out by Kirk Berryman, owner of Computer & Networking Technologies (CNT), who plans on moving the store to a new location.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Sears (98 jobs lost, GGP owned).

Oregon: Roseburg Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Tualatin Kmart Center (new property owner from California is tearing everything down for new shopping center, so far no indication the Kmart will be part of the new shopping center), recently revealed Milwaukie Kmart (61 jobs lost).

Pennsylvania: Upper Darby Sears Full line, Pottstown Sears Full line, Pittsburgh Kmart, Wilkins Sears, Warminster Kmart (85 jobs lost).

South Carolina: Sumter Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Orangeburg Sears (approximately 50 jobs lost).

Tennessee: Antioch Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Cleveland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Ridge Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Hendersonville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Morristown Sears (about 70 jobs lost).

Texas: Two Sears parts and repair centers closing in The Woodlands (117 jobs lost), rebuild center in Garland (58 jobs lost), Farmers Branch Sears/Great Indoors, Houston Sears Great/Indoors.

Virginia: Norfolk Sears (at least 40 jobs lost),  Midlothian Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Richmond Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lynchburg Sears (84 jobs lost).

Washington: Walla Walla Sears Full line (in August 2012, it was reported that an independent owner of Sears Hometown stores will open a store in Walla Walla), Lacey Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Kelso Sears (47 jobs lost), Lakewood Kmart (59 jobs lost), Bellingham Sears (92 jobs lost), recently revealed Seattle Kmart (85 jobs lost).

West Virginia: Oak Hill Kmart (59 jobs lost).

Wisconsin: West Baraboo Sears (at least 40 jobs lost, local village officials say the store generated 3% of local tax collections), Rice Lake Kmart (about 71 jobs lost).

On top of that, Sears Holdings sold stores to General Growth Properties (GGP), of which it has been reported that most of those stores will be closed.

Here’s the list of 11 Sears stores now owned by GGP:

Iowa: Coral Ridge Mall (it’s official the Sears is closing, see above), and Mall of the Bluffs

Texas: The Woodlands Mall (this does not involve the two repair centers being closed by Sears)

Florida: West Oaks Mall

Utah: Fashion Place, and Provo Towne Centre (note the evil British empire way of spelling town & center. Due to a favorable lease agreement the GGP owned Provo Sears will continue to stay open under Sears Holdings management)

Oklahoma: Quail Springs Mall (it’s official, the Sears will be closed, see above)

Hawaii: Ala Moana Center

Washington: Bellis Fair Mall (Bellingham store, see above)

Minnesota: Apache Mall

Illinois: Market Place Shopping Center

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 11-14 January 2013. What global warming? People trapped by heavy snowfall! Billions more U.S. tax dollars promised to Afghanistan! U.S. led airstrikes against schools!

14 January 2013

Afghan National Army (ANA) conducted military operations in Helmand, Baghlan, Nangarhar and Maidan Wardak provinces. The ANA says four Mujahideen were killed, and eight wounded. Three ANA troops were killed, two wounded.

President Hamid Karzai stated that Afghanistan will be “…more secure and a better place…” without U.S. led occupying troops. Karzai also said that the issue of legal immunity for U.S. troops will be decided, and probably ended, by the end of 2013.  This comes a couple of days after U.S. officials said they want legal immunity for U.S. personnel to continue.

Afghan Finance Minister, Hazrat Omer Zakhilwal, said the United States has promised between $800,000 and $1 million USD in taxpayer money, to the Afghan government for every year after the 2014 pullout.  The United States government has already given the government of Afghanistan $22.34 billion in U.S. taxes ever since the Bush Jr ordered invasion in 2001!

13 January 2013

In Maidan Wardak Province, local government officials say a U.S. led NATO airstrike hit a Mosque/school.  Witnesses say the airstrikes continued for several hours.  As many as 15 people were killed: “All those people killed here were school students, teachers and also university students. They were all civilians. There were no armed men here!”-witness

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan stated they will stop their attacks on Pakistani targets and focus only on U.S. led NATO targets in Afghanistan.

12 January 2013

In Badghis Province, local government officials report that Mujahideen launched a major attack, killing four cops and wounding two.  The battle lasted two hours, one Mujahideen was killed and one cop is missing. In a separate incident, another Mujahideen attack left three cops wounded.

In Baghlan Province, heavy snow has closed highways and left hundreds of people (including 80 children) trapped.

In Bamiyan Province, heavy snow caused an avalanche that buried a car with four people inside.   They were rescued, but one person is in critical condition.

11 January 2013

In Badghis Province, and explosion killed a Spanish NATO soldier. The Spanish Sergent was trying to diffuse a bomb when it, or possibly another bomb, went off.