Category Archives: U.S.

International, U.S.

Breaking news, World War 3: Israel launches airstrikes against Syrian targets!

30 January 2013, several hours ago it was reported that Israeli planes hit a Syrian army convoy near the border with Lebanon.  Then, just recently, another report that says Israeli planes hit a Syrian military compound!

Reports say the convoy was targeted because Israel believed it was delivering weapons to Lebanon. The source of the report was U.S. backed Syrian rebels.

Israeli media reports that Syrian military commanders say no such attack took place.  Instead, Syrian officials say the Israeli airstrike targeted an experimental  weapons center in Jamraya.  Two people were killed, five wounded.

So far officials with Israel have not commented.

 

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. expands military presence in Africa! U.K. sending troops to Mali! Western leaders agree to ‘donate’ your tax money to the war in Mali!

29 January 2013, the Obama administration announced they will send military personnel into Niger.  On the surface they will be operating drones in support of the western/christian invasion of Mali.  Pentagon officials said the actual role U.S. forces will play has yet to be determined.

In the United Kingdom, British Defense Secretary, Philip Hammond, announced plans to send 240-300 Red Coats to Mali.

The British empire is already helping the French by flying in supplies on Boeing C-17 transports.  And at least 70 Red Coats are in the country of Senegal, operating drone aircraft.

Also, leaders from the United States, European Union and Japan (note: these are the main players in the one world government wanna be Trilateral Commission) met and agreed to become “donors”.  In other words, they’ve already met in Ethiopia for a conference to determine how much of your tax money will be spent on the invasion and occupation of Mali.  Reports say our fearless leaders have agreed to give hundreds of millions of taxes, just to the pro-western government of Mali.

Let’s see, our western government leaders have been cutting social programs saying there isn’t any money for them, yet they spend billions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Mali!

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

Congressional Evil & What Economic Recovery? Media lies about USPS international postal rate change? I have receipts that show at least a 50-60% increase! Hello, Hyperinflation!

I got a shock when I shipped off some packages to Europe, USPS international First Class rate went up 61%!!!

Some media mainstreamers had been reporting a 5-10% increase, but that’s for domestic postage.  Even the Postal clerks at the Clark Street office, in Pocatello, Idaho, told me they were surprised by how high the international rate went up.

People who supplement their meager incomes (or maybe it’s become their only source of income) on internet selling sites like ebay, Etsy, Scoomer, etc, and who sell a lot outside the United States are going to see a drop in business (I know many internet sellers attribute at least 50% of their sales to international buyers).

On 17 January 2013 I sent a measly 2 ounce package to Australia, it cost $3.78 USD, online price.  On 29 January 2013 I sent another 2 ounce package, but this time it cost $6.16 online. Do the math, that’s a 61% increase!

Here’s another example: On 27 December 2012 I sent a 1 pound 14 ounce package to Canada, it cost $9.15 online.  Today that same package now cost $16.15 online, a 56% increase!

Here’s yet another example: On 18 January 2013 I sent a 3 ounce package to Italy, at an online U.S. Postal Service rate of $4.56.  Now that same package has an online cost of $8.88 (the in USPS store cost is $9.45).  That’s a 51% increase!

There were some media sources, like StudentNews, that reported that the First Class International rate would go up 60%, for items weighing up to one pound (that’s questionable as you can see in my Canadian example the package weighed almost 2 pounds!). Apparently someone at the USPS realized they were charging far less than UPS or FedEx, and decided to make their First Class International rate “more competitive” with the competition.

Making your prices more competitive with your competition is now code for jacking up your rates to meet your competitors higher prices. A kind of price fixing if you ask me. I remember when being more competitive meant you tried to have lower prices than your competitors.

Is this yet another attempt by the Congressionaly controlled Postal Commission to intentionally destroy the U.S. Postal Service?  Remember, it’s Congress that sets the Postal rates, not the USPS!

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 15 January 2013. Mystery closings! Energizer gives up the Bunny! “Right sizing” another code word for downsizing!

International Veneer Company announced layoffs for 100 employees! The company is ending production in South Hill, Virginia. The company has been involved with criminal activity and the end of operations could be linked to the federal fines they’ve had to pay.  Back in February 2012 the veneer maker was charged with smuggling illegal wood products into Syria, and accused of doing the same in Iran.

Charleston, South Carolina, software company, Blackbaud, will lay off 150 employees across the country!  They blame stiff competition and the bad economy.

Missouri’s Saint Louis Post Dispatch laying off two people.  The owners did not respond to media inquiries.  In July 2012, 23 people were laid off.

International news service, Reuters, confirmed they were laying off employees around the world, but refused to give any details.

U.S. jet engine maker, Pratt & Whitney, announced the layoffs of 350 employees!  200 of those people are in Connecticut. Company officials say they’re trying to control their costs.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, ProQuest laid off 40 people, despite advertising 75 open positions. In 2012 the company was claimed to be one of the best employers to work for.  When pressed about the layoffs a company rep said the laid off workers could apply for any of the 75 open positions!

Battery maker, Energizer, notified the North Carolina Department of Commerce that they will be laying off at least 100 employees. Layoffs will start in March.  Company officials say they trying to make Energizer more efficient.

Semiconductor manufacturer, Atmel, laid off 200 people at their Colorado Springs, Colorado, factory!  They blame “weak economic conditions”.

State officials in Maryland have been notified that 78 people will lose their jobs with Veolia Transportation.  It’s because of a contract that ends in March.

Military contractor General Dynamics notified its employees that 139 of them will lose their jobs in Anniston, Alabama. They blame it on a reduction in purchases of their Stryker armored vehicle.

Brookstone notified the New Hampshire Department of Labor, that 71 people are now unemployed.  Some reports say the official 71 layoffs are less than the actual amount of layoffs.  The company says they need to “streamline”.

Hawaii’s Island Air airlines revealed they will lay off 245 people by March!  The new owners said they are “right sizing” the company.

Too big to fail bank, Morgan Stanely, is planning the layoffs of 15% of it’s Asia division, unnamed sources said.  It’s already known that Morgan Stanely wants to lay off 1,600 people around the world.

A Books-a-Million store will close in Charleston, South Carolina, in February.   Company officials did not respond to media inquiries.

A Blockbuster video store in Portage Park, Illinois, will close in February.

Design & Interiors of Los Gatos, California, closing.  Advertisements said it was due to consolidation of stores.

Crate & Barrel, in San Diego, California, closed.  Local media could not get a response from company officials as to why.   A San Diego State professor said unAmerican corporate America is closing down stores to become even more profitable, not necessarily because they aren’t making enough money: “Places like Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, they’re reducing the number of stores. In many cases they’re trying to be much more strategic, in terms of their location, in many cases they’re downsizing the stores.”-George Belch

Pastaworks specialty grocery store in Oregon, closing their North Portland operation.  They blame bad economy, saying that even a new condo complex in the area did nothing to increase sales.

The Weir Oil & Gas facility outside Washington DC, shutting down. Company officials blame drop in demand.

Brooklyn Public Libraries announced the possibility of closing branches in New York City.  It’s part of their strategic streamlining plans.

The largest publisher of law books in the United States, announced they are finished.  Matthew Bender is now in the process of closing down their New York factory, and laying off 220 people by the end of 2014!

The Wissahickon School Board, in Pennsylvania, will close the Mattison Avenue Elementary School in Ambler. Schools officials blame ongoing problems with the school.

Unnamed sources said a 130 years old grocery store chain in the Washington DC area (mainly Virginia and Maryland), could go out of business. Officials with Magruder’s Supermarkets deny such claims, however local media have revealed stores with empty shelves and employees who stated the stores were being closed down.

Save-A-Lot grocery store in Clifton Forge, Virginia, going out of business. The company is up for sale, and if they can sell soon enough the store might be saved.

Without warning, Pardon My French Bakery suddenly closed two Minnesota stores.  Company officials responded to angry customers by saying “Due to circumstances that are outside of our reach we are closing and we were just notified of the situation less then 48hrs ago.”

Cafe Polonia closed in Salem, Massachusetts. The owner says he must sell it.

Two Winn-Dixie grocery stores will close by March in Albany, Georgia.  Company officials cryptically said: “Business conditions occasionally force companies like ours to make tough strategic decision.” 

Canadian based Cirque du Soleil confirmed that major layoffs could be coming for their operations worldwide.  They blame the bad economy: “…Cirque is currently reviewing all its operations to ensure viable and controlled costs. As any other company would do. We have adjusted our production schedules and are operating close to 20 shows worldwide. Now we are adapting our workflow to this new reality.”-Renée-Claude Ménard

 

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