Tag Archives: wall street

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Two more Kmarts goin’ down!

20 February 2013/09 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/02 Esfand 1391

In Columbia, South Carolina, a Kmart on Saint Andrews Road will close down by May.  Another South Carolina Kmart, on Wade Hampton Boulevard in Greenville, will also close down in May.  Leases were not renewed.

Today “…multimedia financial-services company…”, The Motley Fool, advised against investing in Sears Holdings: “Sears just does not have the resources to compete….the leadership change amplifies the already high level of risk….Sears Holdings is not profitable right now, nor are they forecast to return to profitability anytime soon, which makes a usual valuation analysis meaningless.”

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 Sears to be closed by 03 February 2013 (69 jobs lost), Hialeah Kmart (67 jobs lost).

Hawaii: Honolulu Sears (owned by GGP, 372 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).  Naperville Kmart (98 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).

New York: Depew Kmart (68 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, 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 for potential new tenants).

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 (57 jobs lost), Columbia Kmart on Fort Jackson Boulevard in 2012, Columbia Kmart on Bush River Road in 2009, recently revealed Columbia Kmart on St Andrews Road (66 jobs lost), Irmo Kmart (no info on how many jobs lost), recently revealed one of two Greenville Kmarts (74 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 (will be closed, see above)

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 – 13 February 2013. U.S. backed assassination attempt on Iranians in Afghanistan? Afghans invade Iran? More proof that attacks are up! More women & children killed by U.S. led home invasions!

13 February 2013/02 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/25 Bahman 1391

In Kunar Province, provincial government officials say a U.S. led NATO home invasion operation resulted in four men killed (dubbed “militants” by U.S. led forces),  four women killed and five children killed. It happened in Chopan village.  U.S. led NATO and Afghan National Army (ANA) forces said the house was a Mujahideen refuge.  Mujahideen sources say only women and children were killed in home invasion, and that they attacked the U.S. led forces after the home invasion, killing five ANA troops and wounding three.   Also, to add to the confusion, villagers say NATO/ANA forces kidnapped six people.  For even more confusion, other reports say the attack in Chopan village was actually an air strike!  Oh, the fog of war!  The only thing everyone is agreeing to is that four women and five children were killed!

In Balkh Province, a staff member of the Iranian Consulate was shot while he was on his way to university classes.  He was wounded with four bullets in his chest and stomach.  Police say the assassination attempt was done by men on motorcycles.  Israeli and U.S. forces have used similar tactics to assassinate Iranian nuclear engineers inside Iran.

Then along the Iran-Afghan border,  Iranian border police say they engaged a group of armed drug smugglers coming from Afghanistan. Seven were killed, they had 400 kilos (881 pounds) of opium.  Provincial officials in Farah Province used a most common excuse, that the Afghans were sneaking into Iran to find work.  Iran has a no tolerance anti-narcotics policy, drug smugglers are punished with death!  A few years ago Iranian border police say they found U.S. documents on Afghan drug smugglers, such as U.S. issued credit cards!

An independent report out of Kabul shows that violence against Afghans, especially kidnapping, continues to increase. This is not the first time such a report has been made, and it comes as U.S. led forces continue to claim a reduction in violence against their own personnel.  The latest Afghan study explains that the latest increase in violence against Afghans is at the hands of U.S. supported private security contractors (mercenaries/Arbaki).  Recently police in Kabul stopped an attempted kidnapping and it turned out that the kidnappers were working for a U.S. backed security company.   The police said they were forced to let the kidnappers go after being pressured by government officials.

12 February 2013/01 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/24 Bahman 1391

In Ghazni Province, U.S. led forces conducted a home invasion which resulted in two people killed, two kidnapped.

In Khost Province, a U.S. led home invasion killed a medical student.

In Kapisa Province, U.S. led home invasions resulted in 12 people killed.

The Afghan government admits that Mujahideen are still in control of legal proceedings in at least 65 districts around the country.  This is because the government does not have the legal infrastructure to impose government law throughout the country.

11 February 2013/30 Raby` al-Awwal 1434/23 Bahman 1391

In Nangarhar Province, one ANA troop was killed another wounded after they drove over a landmine.

In Kapisa Province, local government officials say a U.S. led ANA operation killed eight Mujahideen.

An Afghan investigation into claims from the United Nations, that torture is on the increase in Afghan controlled prisons, backs up the UN claim.  Afghan investigators found that the use of torture by cops and guards was on the increase, and that secret prisons have been created.

A UN report says bribery is big business in Afghanistan.  A survey showed that almost half of all Afghans were forced, or felt they had to pay a bribe, to the tune of $4 billion in 2012!  That’s double Afghanistan’s official domestic revenue.

In Kandahar Province, local government officials are pushing Afghan investors to bring 80 factories from Pakistan into Afghanistan!  The officials claim the move would create 3000 jobs for the province.

Economically strapped Japan has just promised to give Afghanistan an additional $13 million USD in taxes collected from struggling citizens of Japan.

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 27 January 2013. Nestle blames inflation!

After only a few months in business, Canadian-American Structured Solutions (CASS) has laid off half of its employees at its Montana modular homes operation.  Good news, they say it’s temporary: “This is a temporary situation as we wait for materials to arrive for our next projects. And this is a very common practice within the industry.”-Lorne Wallace, CEO

In Arkansas, Nestle laying off 70 people, and cutting production days from six days per week down to just four!  The prepared foods maker blames it on increased costs of food products (inflation).

Click pics to make bigger

Kansas based electrical equipment rebuilder, Solomon, let go another 33 employees. Company officials blame the bad economy.

Wireless equipment maker, PowerWave, goes bankrupt with hundreds of millions in debt.

Wisconsin based School Specialty goes bankrupt. The school supply company is selling off assets.

After 28 years in business, Florida’s Kitchenique Cooking School shutting down.  The owner blames the bad economy and a bad location for a steady drop in business: “This is hard; very emotional. Writing the closing announcement was almost like writing my obituary.”-Vicki McCain

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? 372 employees just now told they will be out-o-work, I reported the Sears store closing weeks ago! Wake up people! I got more evidence of Sears’ demise!

“I was shocked. We knew the store was going to close sometime, but they kept telling us it wasn’t going to happen until later.”-unnamed Sears employee

19 February 2013, reports out of Hawaii saying that the employees at the Honolulu Sears were just told (on 18 February 2013) their store will shut down in June.  Local media sources say the June closing date is several months ahead of what they were told back in November. I reported on 31 January 2013, that the flagship money making Sears store was being closed soon.

The huge Sears store/auto center employees 372 people!

Local Hawaii media stuck with a Sears Holdings’ claim, back in November, that the store would stay open through 2013, closing in early 2014.  The problem is that Sears Holdings does not own the store!  They sold the store at the beginning of 2012 to General Growth Properties (GGP).  GGP has been closing down most of the eleven stores they bought (except for the one in Utah, because they cut a deal on the lease).

Hawaii media also stating that GGP revealed (also in November) that the Sears store would be turned into smaller retail spaces, get this, beginning in 2013, in direct contradiction to the Sears Holdings’ statement.

This is a clear case of store employees, and the local media, relying on info from the wrong ‘official source’.  They were relying on info from Sears Holdings which did not apply in this case because the store was actually owned by GGP (never mind the fact that Sears Holdings hasn’t been reliable, also I’ve worked for GGP at one of their Idaho malls and know what stupid corporate decisions they are capable of).

There have been growing complaints by customers that Sears/Kmart is not honoring their ShopYourWay rewards program. Also, growing reports that advertised items are not actually in stock, customers are then pushed to buy something else.  Is it the old bait-n-switch, or are they just not ordering new inventory?

Back in 2010 Sears Holdings sold $250 million USD worth of bonds to its own retirement plan.  Such a move is considered a desperate attempt by a company in trouble to raise cash, on paper anyway.

Recently Sears issued a $5 “Thank you” coupon.  If you bought $25 worth of stuff you got $5 off.  The problem was that the list of “restrictions” was so long many people didn’t bother.

Also, a man in Florida made the dumb move of taking his SUV to get an oil change at Sears (I worked in a Sears automotive shop in California back in the late 1980s, right before it was proven they were ripping people off on brake jobs).  He claims the Sears employee got in his SUV and then rammed it into a wall: “The Sears auto worker gets in the vehicle, literally, it looks like slams on the gas and hit a truck lift and a concrete wall with the vehicle. It was surreal. I didn’t believe it happened.”-Dan Lindeman

Sears refused to pay for damages: “He told me you just need to pay for these repairs out of your pocket and then sue us or you need to call your insurance company.”

The trusting victim, Dan Lindman, did what Sears told him; he and his insurance provider (Farmer’s) actually paid for repairing the damages caused by Sears!  At last check, Farmer’s said Sears made a payment offer but it was too low and Farmers rejected the offer.

Refusing to honor rewards points, selling bonds to their own retirement plan, issuing coupons with restrictions that make it almost impossible to use, and refusing to pay for damages caused by employees: Sure signs of a company going 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 closed on 03 February 2013 (69 jobs lost), Hialeah Kmart (67 jobs lost).


Hawaii: Honolulu Sears (owned by GGP, 372 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).  Naperville Kmart (98 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).

New York: Depew Kmart (68 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, 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 for potential new tenants).

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 (57 jobs lost), Columbia Kmart on Fort Jackson Boulevard in 2012, Columbia Kmart on Bush River Road in 2009, 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 (will be closed, see above)

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

Minnesota: Apache Mall

Illinois: Market Place Shopping Center

Fukushima

Nearly two years later, Fish still contaminated with radiation!

18 February 2013, fish being caught off the Pacific coast of Chiba Prefecture, in Japan, are contaminated with 130 becquerels of cesium per kilogram! The new (higher) official safe limit is 100.

The area is 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Fukushima Daiichi, where several GE designed reactors melted down in March 2011.

This is the first time that fish caught near Chiba Prefecture has exceeded the government safe limits.  However, back in December 2012, sea bass were already showing 60 becquerels of cesium per kilogram. Some fisheries voluntarily stopped accepting the fish back then.

This shows that radioactive contamination of the Pacific Ocean is ongoing, almost two years after the multiple melt downs.

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 26 January 2013. More than 50,000 people laid off!!! More of God’s schools shutting down! No more margarine?

The U.S. Department of Defense announced they have started laying off 46,000 taxpayer funded employees! Also, for the next 22 weeks full time civilian employees will be forced to take one unpaid day off every week. This is because the government is broke!

DRS Technologies closing down its Cheektowaga factory in New York. The electronics contractor for the U.S. Defense Department as gone through many owners and name changes since 1957. Officials say government budget cuts, and the bad economy, did them in.  They did not reveal how many people will lose their jobs.

Doll collectors will have one less place to get their collectables repaired, the Victorian Doll Museum & Chili Doll Hospital in New York is shutting down: “I’m kind of like Kodak. I could be here another 10 years, but I’m realistic. The importance that dolls once held in people’s lives has taken a back seat to technology today. Time brings change. I’m ready for change in my life.”-Linda Greenfield, doll doctor

International news service, Thompson Reuters, laid off 3,000 employees around the world!  Barb Burg, vice president and global head of communications at Reuters, explained that it was all about controlling costs (after the merger of Thompson and Reuters back in 2009, mergers are never good for employees).  The layoffs included employees in the United States, and at Reuters TV because their contract with YouTube was not renewed.

In Massachusetts, 12 people lost their jobs at the Holyoke Health Center. Hospital officials admit they no longer have the money to keep them employed: “The Health Center does not have the resources to maintain positions that are not covered by contracts, grants or third party reimbursements.”-Jay Brienes, Executive Director

In Pennsylvania, the Allentown School Board approved a budget that will mean layoffs. Officials indicated they will start with administration, they also implied over-staffing was a major problem.   The new budget tries to anticipate reduced funding from state and federal sources.

In California, a Christian school closing its doors for good in Fresno. Declining enrollment and increasing operating costs are being blamed for shutting down Sacred Heart Catholic School.  But there does seem to be a trend as the Catholic Church is shutting down schools, and even hospitals, across the country.

Germany based SolarWorld is laying off employees again.  Last year their massive layoffs affected the Hillsboro, Oregon, factory with nearly 90 layoffs. It looks like layoffs will hit the factory again. The solar panel maker is in trouble with debt.

Even though Chrysler reports profits, they’ve ended a shift at their Dundee, Michigan, engine factory.  Most of the employees were given new jobs, but reports say that those who were still under probation were fired, at least 14.

Employees with Gardner Denver in Quincy, Illinois, went to local media with claims of dozens of layoffs. Company officials refused to comment. The 154 years old international industrial equipment maker is up for sale!

The Pennsylvania based PNC Bank is consolidating branches in Maumee, Ohio.

The Wa-Zoo women’s clothing store in Louisiana is giving up on brick & mortar stores, and switching to internet sales only.

Unilever closing down operations in Atlanta, Georgia. 125 people out-o-work! The Atlanta factory is where Country Crock, Imperial and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, margarines are made. Unilever officials said they are consolidating production with other factories to save money.

Flint Energies’ appliance store in Warner Robins, Georgia, will shut down once they’ve sold off all their inventory. They blame the bad economy: “We had some very good years serving our members in the decade of the 2000s, peaking in 2006. But the market has not rebounded enough for us to continue.”-Jimmy Autry, senior vice president

In Nebraska, Windstream is closing down its Hastings store.  The Arkansas based communication company is closing down 30 of its bill paying/service stores across the country. Officials blame their customers for using the internet, instead of their brick & mortar stores. Windstream is currently spending big bucks on a new three story building in Rochester, New York.

In Indiana, Abercrombie and Fitch closed its store in the University Park Mall in Mishawaka. Its part of the clothing company’s plans to close 180 stores.


 

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 08 – 10 February 2013. 104 people working for U.S. contractor poisoned! USMC blames Red Coats for destruction of Harriers! U.S. mililtary equipment leaving Afghanistan, yet General Allen says the war still has not been won!

10 February 2013

In Helmand Province, a U.S. led NATO/ANA offensive was repelled by Mujahideen.  Occupying troops were flown into Trikh Nawar area of Marjah district, supported by armored vehicles.  Mujahideen were prepared and detonated at least seven bombs in the battle.  Reports said that the fighting was ongoing and that nine NATO occupiers/ANA puppets were dead, six wounded.  Also, two Mujahideen killed, four wounded.

In Ghanzi Province, a bomb was planted near the local High Peace Council office. It exploded, yet there are no reports of casualties.  As is typical with bombings, no one claims responsibility.

In Paktiya Province, a local government official was wounded as Mujahideen launched three mortar rounds into a government compound.

In Kabul Province, 104 employees of “Minority, Woman-Owned…” Onyx Construction were sent to hospital after being poisoned.  They got sick after eating.   Onyx Construction is based in the U.S. state of Florida.

In Badghis Province, 17 local cops joined the Mujahideen.

U.S. Marine Corps General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Outgoing USMC General john Allen was interviewed by the BBC, and he said the war is not won: “I think we have gone a long way to setting the conditions for what, generally, usually, is the defining factor in winning a counter-insurgency, to set the conditions for governance, to set the conditions for economic opportunity…. I think we are on the road to winning.”

Despite admitting that the U.S. has not achieved its goals, the military pullout has begun.  Customs officials in Pakistan report that 25 container trucks loaded with U.S. military equipment left Afghanistan.  They are heading for Karachi, a port city along the Indian Ocean.   Pakistani Customs officials say they’ve been told to expect another outbound U.S. convoy soon.

09 February 2013

“We agree with the UN report and confirm that innocent kids have been killed during coalition forces operations, specifically U.S. troops operations during the past ten years.”-Aimal Faizi, Afghan government spokesman

In Helmand Province, six people killed when they drove over a landmine.  An investigation into the massive Mujahideen attack on Camp Bastion, last year, blames the U.K./U.S./NATO personnel on the base!  U.S. National Public Radio reported that a USMC investigation revealed that British Red Coat controlled Camp Bastion was not properly guarded, allowing Mujahideen easy access. Camp Bastion is next to Camp Leatherneck, where U.S. Marine Harrier VTOL jets are based. The attack damaged or destroyed eight Harriers at a cost of $300 million USD.  Two occupying troops were killed, eight wounded, one contractor wounded.

In Paktia Province, a local contracted militia/security guard (Arbaki) commander joined the Mujahideen.

In Uruzgan Province, witnesses say U.S. led forces conducted a home invasion in Kakraki area Gohergeen Nawa region, Char Chino district.  Two people were kidnapped.  Also, in Char Chino district two local cops joined the Mujahideen.

In Kapisa Province, Mujahideen claim they assassinated a man working for the spy agency National Directorate of Security (NDS).

08 February 2013

In Kapisa Province, in Tagab district, Mujahideen attacked U.S. led efforts to retrieve a downed helicopter.  The ‘copter was shot down the day before. Mujahideen said they were expecting them and killed two U.S./NATO/ISAF troops and three U.S. led Afghan troops. One Mujahid was killed.

In Ghor Province, Mujahideen claim they repelled a attempted home invasion by “enemy” troops, in Qomandan Ahmad village of Charsada district.

In Badghis Province, Mujahideen launched attacks against an Afghan National Army (ANA) base, and several checkpoints.  They claim to have killed six “puppets”, and wounded five others.

Idaho, Influenza

U.S. Influenza update, 17 February 2013: Human flu cases seem steady. Dog flu spreading! Get ready for the newest deadly version of bird flu!

New Mexico reporting one 2 years old girl, and one 15 years old boy, died due to flu. Since October 2012, 89 people have died from flu related complications.

Fresno, California, reporting high incidence of flu cases: “We’re still seeing a lot of calls, a lot of visits, a lot of emergency room visits.”-Dee Lacy, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center-Fresno

In Texas, druggists say it looks like the latest influenza is getting out-o-town quick: “It is considerably down from a couple of weeks ago. We were dispensing 25 to 30 prescriptions of Tamiflu a day about a month ago. We’re down to a couple a day.”-Louis Morgan, Shawn Sams pharmacy

However, officials with Texas Department of Health Services says flu cases are still up: “Statewide, we’re still seeing a high level of flu activity, though the proportion of people showing up at the doctor for flu-like illness is less than it was in the final week of 2012, according to the providers who report that information to us.”-Chris Van Deusen

Indiana reporting 56 deaths since the flu season officially began in December 2012: “Tragically, we are continuing to lose lives due to flu-related illnesses in the state. We still have months left in this flu season.”-William VanNess, Health Commissioner

Two South Carolina prisons report flu outbreaks.  A maximum security men’s prison, and a minimum security women’s prison have been put in lock down as a result.

South Dakota reporting the deadliest flu season in the past eight years.  30 people have died.

Nebraska reporting at least 12 deaths.

Oklahoma reporting 25 deaths, two in the past week.

Idaho State Department of Health and Welfare reporting at least 23 people have died.  21 were more than 50 years of age, the others were children. The number of people who’ve died this flu season is approaching the high set ten years ago.

Washington reporting more than 40 flu deaths.  38 have been confirmed as flu caused: “People shouldn’t confuse flu season peaking with flu season ending. There are a lot of people still getting sick. And there will be a lot more flu illnesses occurring in the community over the next six to eight weeks.”-Jeff Duchin, Public Health Seattle & King County

The new flu that’s taking down dogs (Canine Influenza/H3N8) has hit the state of Oregon. Several dogs in a Salem shelter are sick, the shelter even shut down for one day. Its now identified in 22 U.S. states. As I’ve reported before: “Canine Influenza is a very rare and unusual disease that’s new to dogs. It’s only been since 2005, 2006 that there’s been any cases known in the United States.”-Joan Towers, Willamette Humane Society

Influenza is making the rounds globally; in United Kingdom deaths are being reported (at least 18 in Scotland), as in India (from swine flu).

Indian health officials report new versions of H1N1 (aka swine flu), H3N2 and flu B.

Cases of H5N1 (aka bird flu) are popping up in Egypt, Cambodia and China.  So far for Gregorian year 2013 there are ten confirmed human cases, eight of those infected died.  That’s an 80% kill rate for this year’s H5N1 bird flu.

Bird flu does not spread easily to humans, but when it does it’s usually deadly.  This years bird flu strain has the Philippine Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Health, on alert. They’re even warning about another version of bird flu, H7N3.

H7N3 hit Mexico hard in 2012. By January 2013, 20 million chickens were killed (by the virus or by culling), and at least 66 million were vaccinated.   Interestingly officials declared the outbreak over in October 2012, but cases are still being reported (the most recent involves an outbreak at seven farms just this past week).

On 17 February 2013, a farm in Germany (east of Berlin) had to cull 14,000 ducks after lab tests showed they were infected with the H5N1 version of bird flu.

 

 

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 25 January 2013. No more Classic Custom Car cruise spot for Chubbuck! Expect even fewer toys and games for Xmas! More hospitals letting employees go because of Obama/Romney Care! God is shutting down more of His (Hers/Its?) schools! I need to see your ID if you want to buy that ice cream.

Click pics to make bigger

25 January 2013

Toy and game maker Hasbro announced 550 layoffs! Company officials blame weaker than expected holiday sales at the end of 2012 (gee, remember the main stream media talking up how good sales were?).  Hasbro says retail stores have drastically cut back on orders.

Abrasives maker, Glit/Microtron, will shut down its Wrens, Georgia operation.  120 people out-o-work!  Company officials claim that no matter what they did, and no matter how the local community tried to help, the 35 year old factory never “made” money!

Abercrombie and Fitch clothing store in the Augusta Mall, Georgia, closed down.

In Plymouth, Indiana, Whitley Products shut down operations and laid off 110 people, without notice!!!  Company officials ignored local media inquiries.  It appears the company went under and is now being liquidated.

Medical records manager, Athenahealth, laying off 36 people in Birmingham, Alabama. No reason was made public.

In New York, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic laying off 58 people: “Like many hospitals across the State of New York, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic is preparing for the Affordable Care Act.”-Lewis Zulick, President & CEO of the hospital

In Fresno, California, Saint Agnes Medical Center laying off 75 employees. Hospital officials said it was necessary to stay within operating costs.

The California based maker of PlayStation’s All-Stars Battle Royale, SuperBot, laid off 20 employees.  That’s according to a game designer.

Another California based video game maker is dead altogether. THQ is being liquidated. Not only is about 100 people out-o-work, but they won’t be getting final pay either (I’ve experienced that, the wonders of bankruptcy for companies)!

UBM Tech, a division of UBM (formerly known as United Business Media), laid off several vice presidents.  UBM first started in 1918 as United Newspapers.  A company statement revealed that the layoffs were in anticipation of a declining economy: “This was about re-aligning resources with market opportunity and planning for the coming year.”

Based in New York City, and in London, England, Group Commerce laid off 31 employees.

Ongoing construction is being blamed for the demise of Gio’s Cafe and New York Deli, in Dallas, Texas: “This construction just did us in. The guys who fund this place aren’t restaurant guys and they are tired of funneling money in.”-Mark Walls, manager

Rumors that Vermont Law School will shut down.  The school already laid off two people, and bought out the contracts of ten others.  A new report revealed that only 48.3% of its 2012 graduates found full time/long term work.  Who wants to shell out $43,500 USD per year (!) to attend the law school, only to end up unemployed!

In Tennessee, the Catholic Church is closing down its Bishop Byrne High School in Whitehaven. Church officials blame declining enrollment.

A Gainesville, Florida, women’s shelter closing down. Officials with the 30 year old non-profit Arbor House say that since 2010 their funding has crashed.  Catholic Charities took over operations in 2012, but has decided to shut it down.

The Stir Crazy Fresh Asian Grill restaurant chain now bankrupt. The company claims it has $10 million in assets, but $50 million in debts.

In Ohio, the Parker Hannifin foundry in Youngstown shutting down. 63 people unemployed.  Work is being moved to other foundries.

A Talbots clothing store shut down in Connecticut.  Reports say the property owner wants to split it into three smaller stores.

Nassau’s Furniture closing another store in Connecticut. This time it’s their store in Avon. They closed a store in 2012, and now have only one location in the Constitution State.

In Hopkins, Minnesota, a Boston Gardens restaurant closed down. After 30 years of operations, the location will now become a pizza joint.

As I’ve reported in my Sears/Kmart updates, a Irmo, South Carolina, Kmart will close down.

In Oregon, Pepsi is shutting down its Salem warehouse. This is another example of corporate America getting ready for even more bad economic times: “This difficult decision was not made lightly and was necessary for the long-term health of our business.”

In Arizona, investment firm GenSpring Family Offices (owned by parent SunTrust Bank in Florida), closing its Phoenix location. Most of their clients are wealthy elites (“…high and ultra-high net worth clients”). Just a few days ago they lost their battle against a lawsuit, and it will cost them $4.3 million! As I’ve said before; no pity for investment firms.  The lawsuit said GenSpring was flat out lying to its rich customers: “Prior to the 2008 financial crisis, GenSpring represented the hedge funds as a ‘substitute for bonds,’ claiming that they had the same risk as bonds but with higher returns….it appears that this was a systemic approach that GenSpring used with virtually all of its clients as a means of attracting business….”-Ed Dovin, securities attorney

Jim Beam closing down vodka and rum factory in Maine, moving it to Kentucky. 160 jobs lost for Maine!

In Scottsdale, Arizona, the only alcohol filled ice cream parlor, Lee’s Cream Liqueur, shut down. The owner is going wholesale only, contracting with a California company to make the ID required ice cream.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 05 – 07 February 2013. While the West fawns over the single Pakistani girl who was shot, nothing is said about the hundreds of Afghan kids killed at the hands of U.S. led forces!!! More U.S. led home invasions!!! More of your money down the drain!!!

07 February 2013

In Kapisa Province, a U.S. led NATO helicopter crashed in Tagab district. Witnesses say NATO personnel were killed or wounded.  Mujahideen claim they shot it down, however, local government officials called it an “emergency landing”.  Mujahideen say the ‘copter burst into flames while still in the air.  ISAF confirmed it indeed crashed: “An International Security Assistance Force helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan today.”

The helicopter being shot down might be a reprisal for a massive U.S. led home invasion mission in Kapisa Province overnight. Reports say 30 homes were raided in Tagab district.  Villagers say the U.S. led NATO/ANA forces detained them while their homes were ransacked and valuables stolen (Israeli style). Two villagers were killed when they tried to stop the crime.

In Herat Province, Mujahideen launched an attack against a fuel depot. At least one security guard was killed, three wounded. Mujahideen claim they destroyed five military supply vehicles.

In Baghlan Province, local police say someone planted a bomb in one of their vehicles. It went off, killing one person, and wounding another.

In Kunduz Province, a bomb exploded in front of a house.  Police say no one was hurt, but witnesses say there were casualties.  No one knows who planted the bomb.

In Balkh Province, a government security commander and his four bodyguards were killed after they drove over a landmine.

In Nangarhar Province, Mujahideen claim to have ambushed a U.S. led NATO/ANA patrol.  They say three NATO/ANA personnel were killed, four wounded, as well as two vehicles destroyed.

In Laghman Province, reports of heavy fighting as Mujahideen went on the offensive.  A government checkpoint in the provincial capital was attacked, one killed, several wounded.  An ANA patrol was ambushed, resulting in one ANA troop killed.  Also, Mujahideen claim they launched a rocket attack against an “enemy base”.

In Helmand Province, Mujahideen say they repelled a U.S. led NATO/ANA heliborne operation in the Malmand Karez area of Sangin district.

In Ghazni Province, a report says eight Afghan National Army (ANA) troops joined the Mujahideen. The report actually gave the names of those who switched sides.

A United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child investigation condemns the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan, saying U.S. personnel have imprisoned and tortured hundreds of children, as well as killed hundreds of kids since 2008, and it’s only getting worse:  “Those responsible for the killings have not been held to account even as the number of children killed doubled from 2010 to 2011.”

USMC General John Allen paid a final visit to Pakistan “….in a regular series of engagements aimed at bolstering the military-to-military relationship between ISAF and Pakistan…”

06 February 2013

In Ghazni Province, eight cops were hospitalized after being poisoned.  Other reports say two died, and the others are in a coma.  Also, a local government militiaman joined the Mujahideen.

In Logar Province, Mujahideen say they shot down a drone (UAV) in Barak district.  They captured the wreckage.

The leaders of Norway have signed a military pact with Afghanistan, promising  lots of their taxpayers’ money.

05 February 2013

In Herat Province, A U.S. led NATO supply convoy was ambushed.  Mujahideen claim they destroyed three fuelers along with their contract drivers.  Also, local government officials say U.S. special operations forces killed several civilians. Two women were killed and three children wounded in the Zer-e-Koh area of Shindand district. Other reports say six people were killed and one U.S. personnel wounded.  ISAF admitted guilt: “Our initial assessment is that after the engagement, one Afghan woman and three Afghan children were found dead in a compound separate from where the Afghan and Coalition forces engaged the insurgents. ISAF takes all civilian casualties seriously, and an investigation is on-going to determine exactly what happened in this operation.”

In Faryab Province, a bomb planted in a hotel exploded.  Reports vary, but as many as four people killed, 20 wounded.

Pakistan has re-opened its Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan.  More than 3,700 shipping containers have been sitting for three months waiting to get through. Hundreds of people were also stuck waiting in the cold and snow, several died.

The U.S. based International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced even more money for Afghanistan!  The IMF said that Afghanistan had passed “key structural benchmarks” to give the Central Asian country access to more credit.