Hershey $HSY is taking a hit after naming their new CEO

Posted By on July 9, 2025

HSY Wednesday afternoon 7/9/2025Although I’m not a big Hershey person, I do own a few shares and continued to write CALL options on $HSY. The surprising skid in stock price has me wondering why shareholders are selling just because a new CEO has been named? That aside, my CALL option has paid off today … just Thinking emojinot as planned. Kirk Tanner must not have really been a first choice?  

Hershey 5 day chart

The Hershey Company announced Tuesday that Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner will become the chocolatemaker’s new leader.

Tanner will take on the roles of president and CEO on Aug. 18, replacing Michele Buck, who announced her plans to step down at the beginning of the year, the company said in a press release.

Tanner has led PepsiCo for more than 30 years, where he served as the Chief Executive Officer, also held several other leadership positions at PepsiCo.

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An idea for my blue bins and some workshop storage

Posted By on July 9, 2025

Storage ideaSitting up in the pool house loft are a bunch of blue bins … leftover from a pharmacy remodel way back in the 1990s. I don’t really know the size of them, but perhaps they could be used for some pieces and parts storage if incorporated into a cabinet? 

The design to the right as it currently stands, pull from a woodworking video, looks as if it would collect way too much dust, but perhaps with a fabric stitched front flap to cover the bins (???) it might offer some dust protection?

Of course I probably don’t need any more pieces and parts storage to clutter up, because I’m always running out or ordering something new anyway. Still this would make for an interesting winter project.

EDIT ADD: Rockler is having a sale (still too much for plastic) on a spline jig for a router table that looks as if I could make to fit my Rockler finger joint cutting jig. Maybe or maybe not … but it is worth archiving the idea.

Rockler Spline Cutting Jig

Samsung Icemaker problem continues (Refurbish lasted 4 years)

Posted By on July 8, 2025

I’m not happy about having to take apart and replace the icemaker in our Samsung side-by-side refrigerator again. The refurbished model I purchase in 2021 seemed to have lasted 4 years IF I’m being generous it really it hasn’t worked since spring. 

New Samsung Icemaker at Amazon

Anyway, I’ve decided to spring for the new and not refurbished replacement this go around. Brenda asked, would it be cheaper to buy a new refrigerator?  I don’t think so … but I did notice that Home Depot 4th of July savings on a new Samsung that was tempting (this was also an excuse to test the archive.ph web page “with sale price” page archiving — it failed).  

Home Depot prices for side-by-side refrigerators

So, take TWO on replacing the ice-maker again. I hope this one is better than the original and the refurb! 

Samsung Icemaker

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Music Monday: The Beach Boys, Shutdown Vol 2 and Shaggy too

Posted By on July 7, 2025

The Beach Boys

Nothing like summertime to bring out The Beach Boys music … even though much of their music was released before my time. Shutdown Volume 2This week is likely a repeat of years gone by just as was last week’s end of June 2025 post, but it still fitting with last month’s passing of the legendary Brian Wilson.  

Fun, Fun, Fun” is today’s Music Monday song and was part of their 1964 studio album Shutdown Volume 2 that had so much “fun” music. So for a few minutes today, close your eyes, think back (if you’re old enough) and remember enjoying the carefree summers of yore. 😊 
 

  The Beach Boys
      “Fun, Fun, Fun”
| 1964

Here’s another interesting tidbit that I recently learned. American Top 40 creator and producer, Casey Kasem, was also the voice of Shaggy Rogers in the Scooby-Doo franchise. Interesting!  

Casey Kasem and Shaggy Rogers

Archive: What did we do over the 4th of July weekend in 2025?

Posted By on July 6, 2025

Reading Kindle in Pool Fazolis in Bellbrook Ohio

If you want to know what Brenda and I did to celebrate the 249th birthday of our country, my answer would be … not all that much. I ended up spraying our lawn for those sod webworms that has become a recent problem (the last 5 years) and then relaxed in the pool with my Kindle finishing “Kent State: An American Tragedy” … until we drove 30 minutes to Fazoli’s in Bellbrook, Ohio for a very enjoyable late lunch (remembering how much we appreciated it during the Covid19 pandemic).  

Taylor and Gigi at Eden Park Birdfeeder up in backyard

From the photo (above), I can only surmise that Taylor and Megan relaxed on their day off, but can’t say the same for the Oostras as they are always busy doing something (Katelyn had hospital rounds and they visited friends with a water slide and watched fireworks) … and Drew put up the birder feeder the girls and I made in 2022

Annalyn with the Birdfeeder Ellerie with the Birdfeeder

As for a finale, Brenda and I watched fireworks right from our back porch — has it really been 18 years since we added the back porch? Wow … photos below from 2007.

New Backporch in 2007 Stone fireplace in 2007

And considering nobody wants to watch smartphone video of “local” fireworks, I decided to condense the clips into a 2 minute chunk – speeding up the middle segment (also filled it with a little “Sugar” snippet rather than the “chipmunk voice ohhs” and ahhs”) and will post the low-quality 2 minute mp4 segment to the blog below the break.

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One Big Beautiful Bill: A Promising Step Forward and a Shortcut

Posted By on July 5, 2025

Apple Shortcut app IconTesting an Apple Shortcut script that pulls formatted text from the Apple Notes app that I often type something in. I’m starting to use Notes more and more since it is simple, synchronizes between all Apple devices and works pretty well on Apple’s iCloud, the iPhone, iPad, my iMac or MacBook Air M2.

The Hustings.news editor requested my commentary for the weekend on the One Big Beautiful Bill (HR 1) that The Hustings bannermade its way to President Trump’s desk for signing today. It does little to restrain spending, curb our deficit or address the mounting National Debt (disappointing) … but extends the 2017 tax cuts for all American and should stimulate the U.S. economy. It will strengthen our military and secure the border which has opened our country to illegals immigration without much vetting from everywhere.You don’t have to have much of an imagination to wonder if some of the 20 million who came over the past 4 years could plot another 9/11 terrorist attack … or just bad people or criminals, decide to harm Americans (way too many already to start listing).

Likely the big take away for many Americans who are trying to make ends meet will be the no tax on tip and overtime, Apple Notes app Iconas well as a bigger tax deduction for most seniors trying to stretch their Social Security checks and retirement savings. Because tax rates stay at the lower 2017 levels and will not rise this helps small businesses and pretty much all Americans even as critics argue that the bill disproportionately benefits wealthier taxpayers … and the new SNAP benefits and Medicaid work requirements will make healthcare a challenge for those already living on a limited income. Of course because it is a Republican and Trump backed bill, Democrats are always going to oppose it. 

One Big Beautiful Bill: A Promising Step Forward

Congress has taken a bold and commendable step by passing the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a transformative piece of legislation now on its way to President Trump’s desk. This bill, while not without room for improvement, charts a path toward economic vitality by prioritizing business incentives that will drive growth and opportunity across the nation. Personally, I would have preferred more aggressive spending cuts to streamline government operations and reduce waste, but the bill’s focus on empowering businesses to innovate, expand, and create jobs is a powerful catalyst for prosperity. By fostering an environment where entrepreneurs and companies can thrive, this legislation sets the stage for a robust economic resurgence that will benefit communities from coast to coast.

A cornerstone of the bill’s economic promise is its commitment to continuing the 2017 tax cuts, which are imperative for maintaining stability and confidence among businesses and individuals alike. These tax policies have proven effective in spurring investment and job creation during the first Trump administration, and their extension ensures that Americans can continue to reap the rewards of a dynamic economy. Additionally, the bill’s targeted tax savings for service workers and those counting on every dollar from tips and overtime pay. Many Social Security dependent Americans will also be help by a tax deduction that benefits lower income seniors struggling most as the cost of living rises. These measures provide meaningful relief to hardworking workers and retirees on fixed incomes. Coupled with President Trump’s tariff policies, which are bringing jobs back to American workers by incentivizing domestic production, the bill strengthens our manufacturing base and prioritizes the needs of our labor force, ensuring that economic gains are shared broadly.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a testament to what can be achieved when we prioritize growth, opportunity, and support for those who need it most. While deeper spending reductions remain a goal for future reforms, the bill’s blend of business incentives, tax continuity, and targeted relief, alongside the President’s tariff initiatives, lays a strong foundation for a thriving, self-reliant America. As it heads to the President’s desk, this legislation inspires optimism for a future where American workers and businesses are empowered to succeed. Let us celebrate this milestone and encourage ongoing efforts to build an economy that lifts up all Americans.

Sent to TheHustings.news editor on 7/3/2025 (LINK)

Tech Friday: Detecting spamming and hacking email addresses

Posted By on July 4, 2025

One of the problems with monitoring user signups for a small WordPress blog is determining who should be granted access to ALL content or just public content. In the old days, I allowed whoever wanted to sign up to sign up and clean up the list later. CleanTalk LogoBut as time progressed, most were spammers or potential hackers up to no good. I’ve tried a few “harsh” plugins to handle the job, but few use artificial intelligence to the point “I” don’t have to double-check on things. In the end, it has been easier to hand check the email addresses, send a polite email to see if they reply (or use commonsense). One of the websites I’ve opted to use is CleanTalk.org … just in case others are in my shoes.

Email Checker

That said, there is a niche for an AI-based solution that “knows” what bloggers are thinking, can use hundreds of databases housing the latest spam/hacker IPs, emails, techniques … and does this in the background. I’m all ears. 😉  

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
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