Tag Archives: ows

U.S. West Nile Virus update, 07 November 2012: Reported cases continue to increase! Some state Health Departments not fully involved! Officials still don’t understand how it spreads! Cold weather not coming soon enough!

“As of November 6, 2012, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 5,054 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 228 deaths, have been reported to CDC.”-U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

In South Carolina, three people have died this year.  State health officials also say that West Nile has also been found in 24 birds, five horses (one horse found dead) and nine mosquito samples.  Related eastern equine encephalitis has been found in 15 horse, and one person.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control reminded people that colder weather does not necessarily reduce the changes of getting the disease: “Despite the approaching cooler weather, you still need to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can be active in the fall, even after extended periods of cold weather. Bites to humans and other animals from infected mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, La Crosse encephalitis virus, and eastern equine encephalitis virus, which have been found in higher numbers this year.”-Chris Evans, entomologist

The Georgia Department of Public Health reports another possible human case of West Nile, but admitted they don’t really keep track: “Public Health does not follow cases clinically. We get information strictly for surveillance purposes.”Sally Silbermann, spokeswoman

Oklahoma health officials hope that West Nile cases will level off.  So far the state has seen a record 176 human cases, with 12 deaths.  They warn that unusually warm weather will extend the mosquito season.

In Pennsylvania, officials say, for the second year in a row, York County has the highest number of infected mosquitoes than anywhere else in the state.  york County also saw a huge jump from 2011.  In 2011 there were 154 groups of infected mosquitoes caught, so far for 2012 534 mosquito groups have tested positive for the virus.  One official said they are getting better at catching mosquitoes, but not at understanding how West Nile spreads: “This virus, it’s really hard to get a handle on how it moves….We’re really having a hard time seeing any rhyme or reason why it jumps to one area or another.”-Matt Stough,  Adams County Conservation District

On 05 November, Louisiana reported more cases.  Six new human cases, two of which are infected with the deadly neuroinvasive West Nile.  The southern state has at least 344 cases.

Today, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported three new human cases. The neighbor of Louisiana has a record number of cases of at least 236.

In North Carolina, a seventh human case has been reported.  A ten year old boy.

South Dakota State University is experimenting with using satellites to predict West Nile virus outbreaks.

Reported today in Florida, a sentinel chicken (a chicken used to test for disease) tested positive for West Nile: “The flock is on Zebrafinch Avenue, west of U.S. 19 near the Hernando-Citrus county line.”-Tampa Bay Times

As of 07 November, California reports 395 human cases, 16 people have died.

Texas continues to get hammered. As of 05 November Department of State Health Services reports 1,737 human cases (79 deaths).  Just in the past 24 hours another human death was reported in Tarrant County.

 

 

 

What Economic Recovery? Updated list of more Kmart and Sears closings! Sears Canada to focus on consumers’ “wants” and not “needs”. Kmart stores in North Carolina & Australia going down!

08 November 2012, the closing of Kmarts and Sears continues.  This time it includes a store in Australia!

The Kmart store in Katoomba, Australia, is being replaced with a Woolworths.  This comes after the Australian owned Kmart reported increased sales (Kmarts in Australia and New Zealand are not owned by the U.S. based Sears Holdings).

In Canada, Sears is spending money trying to rebuild its image through an advertising campaign.  Officials admitted that Sears doesn’t satisfy ‘needs’, and they will focus on ‘wants’ in their adds: “We sell more wants than needs. What ‘wants’ deliver is inspiration and emotion, happiness, and that was really the emotion we focused on for our brand and tag line.”-Calvin McDonald, Sears Canada CEO

The problem is that in bad economies your average working class consumer must ignore ‘wants’ and are forced to focus on ‘needs’.

U.S. based Sears Holdings announced they will release third quarter earnings on 15 November 2012.

Here’s the updated list, with the North Carolina addition.

Alabama: Gadsden Kmart (50 jobs lost), Mobile Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Auburn Kmart (at least 40 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 (at least 40 jobs lost), Longmont Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Pueblos’ South Side Kmart (52 jobs lost).

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).

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:  Melrose Park Sears parts and repair center (50 jobs lost), Fairview Heights Kmart (81 jobs lost), Freeport Kmart (45 jobs lost), Pontiac Kmart (more than 47 jobs lost).

Iowa:  Cedar Rapids Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Davenport Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Burlington Kmart (50 jobs lost).

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

Kentucky: Middlesboro Sears Hard lines, Winchester Kmart, Hazard Kmart.

Maine: Lewiston Sears.

Maryland: Ellicott Sears Grand/Essentials.

Michigan: Brighton Sears Grand/Essentials,  Harper Woods Sears Full line, Monroe Sears Full line, Adrian Sears Full line, Washington Township Kmart, Chesterfield Kmart, Woodhaven Kmart.

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.

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

North Carolina: High Point Sears, Moorehead Sears, Rocky Mount Sears, Statesville Sears, and the newly revealed Durham Kmart (79 jobs lost).

New Jersey:  Lawnside Kmart.

Ohio: Chagrin Falls Kmart, Springfield Kmart, two Toledo Kmarts, Medina Kmart, Columbus Kmart, 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.

Oregon: Roseburg Sears, Tualatin Kmart.

Pennsylvania: Upper Darby Sears Full line, Pottstown Sears Full line, Pittsburgh Kmart, Wilkins Sears.

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

Tennessee: Antioch Sears Full line, Cleveland Sears Full line, Oak Ridge Sears Full line, Hendersonville Kmart, Morristown Sears Full line.

Texas: Two Sears parts and repair centers closing in The Woodlands (117 jobs lost), rebuild center in Garland (58 jobs lost).

Virginia: Norfolk Sears Full line,  Midlothian Kmart, Richmond Kmart, Lynchburg Sears (84 jobs lost).

Washington: Walla Walla Sears Full line, Lacey Kmart, Kelso Sears, Lakewood Kmart (59 jobs lost), Bellingham Sears (92 jobs lost).

Wisconsin: West Baraboo Sears Grand/Essentials, Rice Lake Kmart.

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, 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

Hawaii: Ala Moana Center

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

Minnesota: Apache Mall

Illinois: Market Place Shopping Center

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 02 – 05 November 2012. Mujahideen to officially take over after U.S./NATO leaves! Afghanistan takes over nighttime home invasions! Military pact with Germany approved. More U.S. airstrikes against civilians! Afghan officials disappear in the United States! Pakistan & India pleads with the U.S. to stay in Afghanistan!

05 November 2012

ISAF said: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died as a result of a non-battle related injury in southern Afghanistan today.”

In Kabul Province, the body guards of a government official got into a firefight with Afghan National Police.  There is no official explanation, however a local police official says there might have been confusion as police were also battling bank robbers at the same time.

The Afghan Special Forces have officially taken over the dubious job of night time raids, from the U.S.: “We are conducting night time operations in a way where Afghan special forces are knocking the doors where suspected insurgents are hiding and call on the house residents to come out of the house and female Afghan special are taking in part in operations where required to inspect the women. The operations have become totally under the control of the Afghan  forces and there has been no civilians casualties so far.”-General Syed Abdul Karim, Afghan Special Forces

In Farah Province, Afghan Special Forces claim to have killed seven Mujahideen, and captured 30.  Mujahideen claim two local police/militia members joined the Mujahideen.

In Helmand Province, a local policeman joined the Mujahideen.

President Hamid Karzai is meeting with his Indian counterpart, on the prowl for more money for Afghan military and mining industries.  India is already one of the biggest international donors to Afghanistan, having already donated $2.3 billion USD.  China has already stated that they will help fund and train the Afghan military after the U.S./NATO leaves in 2014.

In Ghazni Province, local officials say local Mujahideen fought Pakistani Mujahideen. Four people were killed.  Local government officials say the fight was the result of arguments.

In Parwan Province, a fueler on its way to Bagram airbase blew up.  No indication that it was the result of an attack.

In Wardak Province, local government officials claim that another U.S. airstrike has killed five civilians.

In Kandahar Province, Afghan intelligence (National Directorate of Security) arrested the boss of a local religious reform council. They claim he was about to join the Mujahideen.  However, a local provincial official said the whole thing was a misunderstanding and they are working to get the religious leader released.

04 November 2012

The Afghan Senate approved a long term strategic pact with Germany.  Germany will give Afghanistan $193 million, every year, to support police and military forces after U.S./NATO leaves in 2014.

In Daykundi Province, two local cops surrendered to Mujahideen.  (Mujahideen have also been making the names of those who surrender, or join them, public)

In Badghis Province, two cops joined the Mujahideen.

In Helmand Province, Mujahideen say U.S./NATO personnel abandoned their outpost near Haji Abdul Ali Aka village.  Mujahideen also claim they attacked an ISAF contingent from the country of Georgia. They claim to have destroyed four armored vehicles, killed eight Georgians and wounded four others.

In Herat Province, Mujahideen claim an Italian/NATO tank ran over a land mine, wounded all four crewman.

Italian Prime Minister, Mario Monti, made a surprise visit to Afghanistan. He assured Afghan leaders that Italy will continue to support them even after the 2014 U.S./NATO pullout date.

Afghan intelligence (National Directorate of Security) officials say they are launching an investigation as to what happened to two Afghan NDS agents who disappeared while in the United States: “Based on the report two senior Afghan intelligence officials have disappeared in U.S. They are junior officials and are not among the decision makers.”-Shahfiqullah Tahiri, NDS

According to U.S. media, the two Afghan agents were supposed to meet up with U.S. official in Washington DC, but never showed up.  They were supposedly going to take part in an elite executive training program called the George C. Marshall Center Advanced Security Studies program.

03 November 2012

On the Baghlan-Kunduz highway, a convoy of U.S./NATO armored vehicles struck a car, injuring at least four people (one reported in critical condition).

In Laghman Province, a Muslim cleric was assassinated when he was hit with machine gun fire.  Recently, President Karzai said such attacks are not being carried out by Muslims.

In Ghor Province, local government officials confirmed that two policemen left their posts and joined the Mujahideen.

In Farah Province, a U.S./NATO/Afghan National Army convoy was ambushed.  Mujahideen claim they captured two cars and a Toyota truck.

In Kandahar Province, a local security boss was assassinated by explosion, and several cops were wounded.  They were conducting security checkpoint inspections.

In Zabul Province, a local cop joined the Mujahideen.

United Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, William Hague, claims proper steps have been taken to reduce Green on Blue attacks.  They include cultural awareness education for Red Coat British forces, and increased surveillance of Afghan government forces.

Pakistan’s former ambassador to United States, Hussain Haqqani, said: “Instead of signalling eagerness to exit Afghanistan, Washington should be demonstrating that the United States is willing to stay for as long as necessary.”

Haqqani says if the U.S./NATO leaves then surely there will be another 9/11 attack.

02 November 2012

In Helmand Province, at least four Afghan National Police cops were killed by fellow cops. Mujahideen claim five cops were killed, and they were killed by six cops who then joined the Mujahideen.

In Saripul Province, four local cops join the Mujahideen.

In Balkh Province, reports say four Norwegian/NATO troops were wounded after they drove over a landmine.

Former Indian Foreign Secretary, Krishnan Srinivasan, begged the U.S. to stay in Afghanistan because “The Taliban are likely to return to power fairly quickly and easily.”

Isn’t amazing how many countries are afraid of a group that was once considered backward and weak?

According to the Afghan Water and Energy Ministry, an official Mujahideen group is being formed to take over military operations in Herat Province.  It will consist of “thousands” of local Mujahideen, and replace U.S./NATO personnel when they leave (the very same Mujahideen that the U.S./NATO forces are fighting!): “We will support our National Police and National Army service members and the Mujahideen fighters will be ready to assist the Afghan security forces if any security issue threatens Afghanistan.”-Mohammad Ismail Khan, Chief of the Mujahideen Council, and Afghan Water and Energy Minister

The Asian Development Bank says Afghanistan’s explosive economic growth will slow down, to only 6.5% in 2013!  Remember when the U.S. used to have that kind of economic growth?

Some Economic Recovery? Washington & Colorado legalize Marijuana!

“Assuming a fully functioning marijuana market and the assumptions following in this summary, estimated total revenue generated to the state could be as high as $1,943,936,000 over five fiscal years.”-Washington OFM Fiscal Impact Statement (I-502)

On 06 November 2012, voters in the U.S. states of Washington and Colorado legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults.

Many people will claim this as a victory for civil liberties, but it could result in a huge boost to the economies of those states, as well.

According to Culture Magazine, in 2011 the state of Colorado collected $5 million USD in taxes from medical marijuana use, about $1.5 million more than the state’s electronics and appliance retail industry!

Now Colorado will be able to collect taxes on the recreational use of marijuana as well. According to supporters of the new law, it will also save law enforcement $12 million in the first year, and create $24 million every year for school construction projects.  They estimate that after five years legalized marijuana will result in $100 million per year in revenues and savings for state/local governments!

According to Washington’s own State Office of Financial Management, legalized marijuana will create almost $2 billion in tax revenue for the state, over the next five years!

State officials also expect increased revenue from fees for traffic violations, as a result of driving while under the influence of marijuana.

And by the way, this revenue comes even as the price of marijuana is expected to drop due to the fact that it’s now legal.  In Washington the marijuana tax system is a European style Value Added Tax, meaning it is taxed at production, distribution and at the final sale.  Essentially it’s taxed three times.

The problem now are the threats coming from Washington DC: “One of the nightmare scenarios for Washington is Congress gets really nasty and says, ‘Ha! No more federal highway dollars for you.’ If they do something like that then the financial loss vastly swamps any of the financial gains.”-Jonathan Caulkins, Carnegie Melon University

What Economic Recovery? Economic powerhouse Germany sees surprise drop in factory orders, recession certain!

“…a catastrophe and very bad news….We have a huge problem in the rest of the euro area that now seems to be reaching Germany and its labor market. For the coming quarters, the economic outlook is quite gloomy.”-Thomas Harjes, economist at Barclays

On 06 November 2012, Deutsche Bundesbank revealed that there is no let up in the dropping factory orders for German companies.  September had a 4.7% drop, October saw a 4.6% drop, from the year before.

From October to September (month to month) there was a 3.3% drop, which was much more than analysts had expected.

Factory orders from European Union (EU) customers (Euro-area orders) make up the biggest part of the drop, followed by orders outside the EU (export orders): “The weak economic environment in the euro area and in the broader global economy is having a bigger impact on demand for German industrial goods. Therefore industrial production may weaken further in the months to come.”-Statement from Germany’s Economy Ministry

Germany is considered the economic powerhouse of the European Union.  Almost a month ago the President of the Deutsche Bundesbank, Jens Weidmann, said: “The German economy continues to be in robust shape….”

Now one analyst says Germany “…is unlikely to be spared from a technical recession.”-Annalisa Piazza, New Edge

Christian Ott, an investment bank economist said: “…the [German] resilience has come to an end…”

What Democracy? U.S. Main Stream Media say Idaho picks Mitt Romney, with 0% of polls reporting! More proof you wasted your time voting!

“These are party loyalists. We don’t get into the ‘faithless electors’ scenario.”-Ben Ysursa, Idaho’s Secretary of State, referring to Idaho’s Electors

The evening of 06 November 2012, with some people still voting in Idaho, and 0% of “polls” reporting, the U.S. main stream media confidently “projected” that Mitt Romney won the Gem State!

Could it be because Idaho is one of those states where the electors are made up of the dominant political party, and must vote accordingly?  Why yes!  So all you Idahoans who keep going to the polls, Presidential election after Presidential election, hoping to bring change with your vote, you’re all fools!

Do you know who Idaho’s Electors are?  Travis Hawkes, Republican who raised millions for Mitt Romney. Teresa Luna, Republican appointed to run Idaho’s Department of Administration.  Jason Risch, Republican attorney. Damond Watkins, Republican who gave Mitt Romney at least $1 million!

These Shadow Voters actually vote on 17 December 2012, weeks after the facade of the popular vote is over!

I’m not just targeting Republicans, the main stream media did the same for California and Hawaii, “projecting” that each of those states elected Democrat Obama, even though people are still voting as I write this!  (which was at approximately 21:00 hours Mountain Time, 06 November 2012)

 

What Democracy? Rogue ballot counter caught ‘Red’ handed changing ballot results!

Just a few days before the 06 November 2012 elections, officials in Oregon revealed that a Clackamas County ballot counter was altering submitted ballots!

On 05 November, the Willamette Week published an article in which the accused Oregon City woman admitted to them that she changed at least two ballots.

However, government officials say they’re not sure how many ballots were changed, and they pointed out that the accused began working as a ballot counter back in 2000.   The woman is being investigated after an election official caught her ‘red’ handed in the process of changing ballots.

And what was she changing the mailed in ballot results to?  Why, to favor Republican candidates!  Most likely Republican party officials will disavow any knowledge of the election fraud, and claim she’s a rogue ballot counter.

 

What Democracy? The late great George Carlin was right! If you vote it’s your fault!!!

“I have solved this political dilemma in a very direct way: I don’t vote. On Election Day, I stay home. I firmly believe that if you vote, you have no right to complain. Now, some people like to twist that around. They say, ‘If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain,’ but where’s the logic in that? If you vote, and you elect dishonest, incompetent politicians, and they get into office and screw everything up, you are responsible for what they have done. You voted them in. You caused the problem. You have no right to complain. I, on the other hand, who did not vote, who did not even leave the house on Election Day, am in no way responsible for what these politicians have done and have every right to complain about the mess that YOU created.-George Carlin

Some Economic Recovery? Idaho’s $1 billion per year meat industry will get boost from Japan!

06 November 2012, the Japanese Health Ministry decided to ease restrictions on U.S. beef imports.  Seven years ago Japan banned U.S. beef from cows older than 20 months, because of the Mad Cow disease.

They will now take beef from cows as old as 30 months.  There is one condition, the brain and spinal column must be removed.

Japan is a major buyer of beef from the U.S. state of Idaho, and even with the 20 month age restriction, sales to Japan has helped Idaho's meat industry make about $1 billion USD per year ($2.5 million of that is from exports of beef)!

Japanese health officials say they’re raising the age restriction because there has been no Mad Cow reported in the U.S. for ten years.  Unfortunately that is not true, back in April it was confirmed that a cow in the U.S. state of California had the disease.

The real reason is probably economic: Japanese officials claim that more than 90% of U.S. beef exports to the rest of the world are from cows 30 months of age or younger, and their decision to increase their age restriction will help drop the outrageously high beef prices in Japan: “They say U.S. beef prices will come down about 20%, once the ban is eased and imports increase. I think our customers will be happy.”-Grocery store manager in Japan

Another reason could be that U.S. officials, backed by the U.S. beef industry, has been threatening to retaliate by restricting the sale of Japanese beef in the U.S.

 

 

 

What Democracy? U.S. Main Stream Media always calls the winner of the Presidential elections before all the voters have voted, and at least one month before the Electors have voted! Do you know when the Shadow Voters actually vote?

“There is no Constitutional provision or Federal law that requires Electors to vote according to the results of the popular vote in their States.”-U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

When I was a kid in the 1970s it always amazed me that the U.S. media would call the winner of a Presidential election before all the voters had voted (especially people in Hawaii or Guam).  And this was back in the day before electronic voting.

It is simply a logistical impossibility to count all the individual popular votes within a 24 hour period, even with electronic voting.  So how can the U.S. media declare the winner, and who died and made the U.S. media the decider of the elections?

Add to that the confusing fact that we the popular voters don’t really elect the President.  It’s called the Electoral College (Shadow Voters), and they don’t even vote until December!

Now throw in the fact that there is no Federal law dictating how electors vote!  Some states require their electors to vote according to the popular vote, other states require their electors to vote according to what ever is the dominant political party in that state.  Some states even fine electors if they vote against the dominate political party, and the U.S. Supreme Court approves!

Back to the fact the the Shadow Voters vote on a day in December, a day picked   by the U.S. Congress.  Knowing that how electors vote depends on the laws of their state, and that they don’t even vote until December, then (again) how can the main stream U.S. media declare the new President shortly after the popular vote elections?