Category: friday feature

By David G. Firestone

This will be my last column before my annual summer vacation, where I take the month of July off, to spend the summer with friends, and enjoying myself. Before I do, I’ve been wanting to discuss the recent news that the United States Mint will cease production of the penny. It needs to be clarified for some people that the penny will continue to circulate and is still legal tender.

The cited reason for eliminating the penny is the costs involved in producin the penny, specifically the fact that each individual penny costs. In the words of Chris Isidore and Matt Egan of CNN:

“A Treasury spokesperson said the government made its final order of penny blanks this month, and the United States Mint will continue to manufacture pennies only as long as an inventory of penny blanks exists. Consumers with pennies will still be able to use them for purchases. But without new pennies moving into circulation, businesses that complete cash transactions will have to start rounding up or down to the nearest nickel.

Each penny costs 3.7 cents to produce and distribute. While production costs have risen for each of the coins below, pennies and nickels are the only two that cost more to make than they’re worth. In 2024, it cost four times more to make a penny and three times more to make a nickel than it did 20 years ago.

But the cost of a penny might be a smaller problem than the alternative. That’s because the Mint actually loses even more money on each nickel it produces. Each nickel costs 13.8 cents, with 11 cents of production costs and 2.8 cents of administrative and distribution costs. These figures are for the government’s most recent fiscal year, which ended in September.”

First off, lets discuss this idea that pennies will vanish sooner than later. According to estimates, there are as many as 114 billion pennies currently in circulation. Since the US population is 340 million, this means that there are 325 pennies per citizen in the US. Second, unlike a dollar bill, which has a useful life of 2 years, pennies have a lifespan that lasts for decades. It’s going to take on hell of a long time for pennies to be few and far between.

The most crucial aspect to why people shouldn’t really be worried is that we are closer and closer to being a cashless society. Seriously, cash only businesses are fewer, and cashless stores are more common. Are we going to see some stores roll up to the nearest nickel for cash purchases, but it’s not an immediate threat.

Also, who is to say that this decision can’t be reversed. My thinking here is that if copper is too expensive, then another metal can be used. Same thing with nickels. If costs are too much, why not change the metal? We saw this back in 1965, when silver was taken out nickels and quarters. Who is to say that a more cost-effective metal can’t be used? Time will tell, of course.

But this got me to thinking…when was the last time the US Mint officially canceled a denomination of coin? With the help of Wikipedia, I was able to find a list of obsolete us coins. They are, in order of denomination:

-Half cent ½¢ (1793–1857)

-Fugio cent 1¢ (1787)

-Large cent 1¢ (1793–1857)

-Two-cent piece 2¢ (1864–1873)

-Three-cent silver 3¢ (1851–1873)

-Three-cent nickel 3¢ (1865–1889)

-Trime 3¢ 1865–1889

-Half disme 5¢ (1792)

-Half dime 5¢ (1792–1873)

-Twenty-cent piece 20¢ (1875–1878)

-Gold dollar $1 (1849–1889)

-Quarter eagle $2.50 (1796–1929)

-Three-dollar piece $3 (1854–1889)

-Half eagle $5 (1795–1929)

-Eagle $10 (1795–1933)

-Double eagle $20 (1850–1933)

So the last time the US eliminated a denomination of coin was 1933. However, the Eagle and Double Eagle were eliminated due to the Gold Reserve Act of January 30, 1934. Outside of that, there haven’t really been many coins that have ceased production since the late 1800’s. Again, with the number of pennies in circulation, and the fact that we are closer and closer to being a cashless society, it won’t be a big issue for some time, and a lot can happen.

With that, I’m going fishing, see you in August!

Sources Cited:

https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/22/business/us-discontinue-penny

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsolete_denominations_of_United_States_currency

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_Reserve_Act

Sources Cited:
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/22/business/us-discontinue-penny
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsolete_denominations_of_United_States_currency
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_Reserve_Act

By David G. Firestone

As anyone who knows me will attest, I hate coffee. I haven’t had a cup since 2006. As such, I don’t go to Starbucks. Well, last week, after I wrote my column for the week, I came across an article on Starbucks. Specifically, how a number of Gen Z baristas are up in arms over the new dress policy. What specifically is the issue? well, according to the chain itself:

“That’s why, starting May 12, we’re evolving our dress code in all stores to focus on simplified color options that allow our iconic green apron to shine and create a sense of familiarity for our customers, no matter which store they visit across North America.

The more defined color palette includes any solid black short and long-sleeved crewneck, collared, or button-up shirts and any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms. We’re also making a new line of company branded t-shirts available to partners, who will receive two at no cost – including partner network options.”

Yes, you read that correctly. The Starbucks union employees are up in arms over the fact that the chain is mandadting them wearing a black polo shirt. As dumb as that may sound, here is a snippet from the New York Post article:

“In a video posted to X, Starbucks union workers in Seattle can be seen marching on management in response to the new dress code.

The clip was captioned, “Starbucks workers across the country are facing understaffing, inaccessible benefits, discrimination, and low wages.

“Instead of fixing these issues, Starbucks decided to introduce an unpopular, more conservative dress code.”

A barista wearing a bandana and a party hat can be seen addressing management, saying, “I don’t understand how [the dress code] is in good faith of letting us express ourselves.”

Another worker then says, “We’re just expected to lie down and accept it,” as union members clap and cheer.”

To those who think that this policy is unfair, let me add my own take. Young people have a tendency to be dumb, but this new crop, holy shit!

I’ve worked a number of different jobs in various fields over the years. Every single one of them had a dress code which outlined what I could and couldn’t wear. Sometimes the rules were for aesthetic reasons, khakis and polo to look professional, and sometimes they were for safety reasons, no loose clothes near machinery. Rules are rules, and you have to follow them, even if you think they are unfair.

It’s called being an adult. You’re going to have to grow up at some point. When you get hired to work anywhere, you work for the company, but the company does NOT have to work for you! You WILL spend a lot of time being unhappy, and life will be unfair against you, more often than not. Grown up adults can accept it, but these adult children can’t.

On the Fark.com comment section, one comment, made by

DeathByGeekSquad has a very apt take on Starbucks employees:

“There are three types of people who work at Starbucks stores.

“1. The manager – the person who is or wants to manage a store for the sake of padding their resume for a few years.

2. The paycheck earner – the person who is there while they figure things out but generally just cashing their check

3. The complacent – the people who want to do as little as possible to earn just enough to cover basics and complain about their life. They’re not out looking for better jobs, or looking to do anything that improves their chances of better employment.

The first two don’t care about dress code requirements, it’s part of the job. The third complains about everything, and therefore complains about dress code. They’ll also complain about Partner Services. The Playbook. The hours. The manager. The Assistant Store Manager. The customers. The menu. Their coworkers.

They’re a toxic presence at an otherwise smooth operation.

They’re made up of the dropouts, the people who are too stupid to become an ASM or Shift Manager, or semi-functional addicts looking for a payday.”

Starbucks isn’t a high-end cafe in a rich part of town. Starbucks isn’t a highly praised local or regional coffe house. Starbucks is pretty much the McDonald’s of coffee chains. People don’t visit Starbucks because of what the barista is wearing. You are there to make coffee, not put on a fashion show. Wearing a polo as part of your employment isn’t “fascism,” it isn’t “repression,” it isn’t “censorship.” It is, at best, a minor inconvenience.

Anybody who feels that their anger is justified is also part of the problem, in my eyes at least. Rather than just accept that rules are rules, and that life is unfair, they just can’t accept it, even though they are adults. Again, I’ve worked in many different jobs, in different fields, and all of them have had very specific dress codes. I had them in elementary, middle, and high school. College was more relaxed, but there were still rules. Just go to Amazon, and buy some cheap polo shirts. It’s not the end of the world, and it really doesn’t warrant union intervention.

I’m not a big corporations suck-up, but I do NOT have any sympathy for grown-up children who have no clue whatsoever how to be adults. Adults can handle dress codes and can abide by them, with no issues whatsoever. Grown-up children don’t like being told what to do, and will cry over the most meaningless issues. Sadly, the grown-up children will never learn, and these issues will come back again. Seriously, life is unfair, just accept it!

Sources Cited:

https://nypost.com/2025/05/02/lifestyle/gen-z-starbucks-baristas-revolt-over-new-dress-code/

Updating our Dress Code for a More Consistent Coffeehouse Experience

https://www.fark.com/comments/13658230/Gen-Z-Starbucks-Employees-Having-a-dress-code-is-fascism-Im-not-wearing-your-brown-shirts-Heinrich?startid=178655068

By David G. Firestone

Sometimes in life, luck is on our side. Sometimes luck is against us. We all hate seeing bad things happen to good people, and we all hate seeing good things happen to bad people. On the other hand, it’s always satisfying when good things happen to good people, and when bad things happen to bad people. Today, we focus on the latter.

Johnny Somali, real name Ramsey Khalid Ismael, is an IRL streamer, who claims he is an internet troll. His MO is to travel to other countries to piss off as many people as possible, by being racist and ignorant. He is basically the kid who would eat paste for a nickel, only he annoys citizens of the country he is in for a $5 donation. He’s been banned from most streaming platforms, including Kick. Do you know how much of a douche you have to be to get kicked off of Kick?

In his travels, he traveled to Japan in 2023, and promptly proceeded to make an ass out of himself. He frequently made references to the atomic bombings, made numerous racist statements, got beaten up, and was arrested. He went to Israel, and conduted himself in much the same way. In both cases, he was arrested, and deported. At this point, he felt himself to be invincible. But he forgot one thing. Karma has a unique way of showing up at the worst possible time.

Johnny Somali’s downfall began on September 27, 2024, when he traveled to Seoul, South Korea. He acted the same way he did in Japan and Israel, only this time, he overlooked one critical detail. South Korea isn’t as tolerant of these issues as other countries. Currently, he is on probation, and is prevented from leaving the country. He is facing five charges, and was set to attend court on March 7, 2025.

In this situation, where you are facing serious charges, I would take this as seriously as possible, and be on my best behavior. Not Johnny Somali. Somali showed up to court over an hour late, was incredibly hungover due to a “shots for donations” livestream, and wore a MAGA hat. Court officials told Somali to take the hat off, but he kept putting it back on. During the hearing, it became clear he wasn’t getting another slap on the wrist. Each of the five charges carries the potential of five years in prison. He’s going to trial next month, and I’m looking forward to it.

Johnny Somali has proven himself to be a clown, a troll, and a moron. He’s a trash streamer, who will do anything for a $5 donation. He has never been put in check and all, until this most recent incident. Now, he’s going to prison, hopefully for a long time. Sadly, there are a lot of Johnny Somali style streamers, and we need to send a message to them, that we won’t tolerate this behavior at all.

Now we move on to our second story. Hulk Hogan’s ex-wife Linda Hogan went on an unhinged rant on her family life. She talked about her hatred for Hulk, and blamed him for their daughter Brooke not being a part of her life. It’s such an amazing rant that I can’t really do it justice. But let’s dive a little deeper into Linda Hogan.

Hulk and Linda were married in 1983 and divorced in 2009. During the divorce, Linda dated a man 29 years younger than she was. She took Hulk to the cleaners in the divorce. In terms of personality, she is just as bad as Hulk. She’s just as selfish and narcissistic as Hulk. She is an awful person, and is undeserving of mercy.

Linda’s rant drew the attention of Brooke Hogan, now married with two kids. I’m going to post some of her response here.

“There was a recent video posted by my mother that was concerning enough for people to send to me, making me feel the need to address the tip of a very large iceberg that is my immediate family. What little I am addressing does not even scratch the surface of what I’ve dealt with my entire life.

I will start by saying this video is mild compared to the behavior I have witnessed for the greater portion of my life. This also comes in addition to false claims that she has previously posted and then deleted. That being said, she has been through a lot of trauma and pain—my heart breaks for her. You can’t control how others treat you, but you can control how you treat others and how you cope with things.

Too many times, I have ignored things said about me and haven’t spoken my truths. Even so, I will keep things as vague as possible to continue to protect people… people who should have protected me.

Most importantly, I have completely separate reasons for going no contact with each of my parents. No contact with my mom has nothing to do with my dad, and no contact with my father has nothing to do with my mother. This also pertains to my dad’s second and third, now current, wife. This decision was made based purely on how they have each dealt with me directly my entire life.

I have been EXTREMELY verbally and mentally abused since childhood. Sadly, it would frequently turn physical. And sometimes, it’s not by the person you would assume—abuse comes in all shapes and sizes. This vicious pattern has robbed me of any sense of self-esteem or confidence—I’ve been trained to pretend I have it.

Up until adulthood, I’ve received berating and vile text messages, verbal and public reamings with unbelievably hurtful words said to me that cannot be forgotten. I’ve been asked to defend poor behavior to the public and have done so out of love, only to find I was misinformed, manipulated, and lied to. Still, to this day, I face constant ridicule for the poor decisions of others.

I’ve watched others benefit financially off my suffering and embarrassment caused by their selfish behavior. While it caused my life to crumble, I continued to stay strong and silent.

I was expected to—and DID— forgive massive blows to my career and personal life, nasty behavior, omissions of truth, blatant lies, manipulation, and repetitive errors in hopes of renewing previous family bonds.

I’ve been used as a pawn, a buffer, and treated like I’m downright stupid, too. No child or human should ever experience something like this.

Feeling injustice, not speaking my truth, dealing with smear campaigns, flying monkeys, enablers of this behavior, watching fake win over what’s real, and losing other family members and friends in an attempt to stop gossip and ongoing drama is also a painful side effect of this decision I deal with daily.

I gave endless chances hoping for the best and was met with more disrespect. At a certain point, I had to stop setting myself on fire to keep others warm.

One day, my family will look back and see that I never exposed the full truth. I was a waitress making $2.13 an hour to build a business of my own with no help from anyone. Nobody can take that away from me.

You can forgive people but still not allow them to mistreat you. I have nothing left to give to people who take, take, take, and never give in return. I choose peace. But my silence and my kindness should not be mistaken for weakness.

There are far more important things in this world. There are people out there trying to survive. And yet, there are families who have had all the opportunities in the world, and still choose to destroy each other.”

Based on everything I’ve seen, I fully believe Brooke’s side of things. She’s clearly hurt, she’s clearly avoiding the spotlight, and she is the most believable of the group. But what really strikes me here is that she did something that many people can’t, or won’t do…cut ties and run.

I am a big believer in cutting ties with people who are toxic. Many people in my life think I’m toxic, and have cut me out of their life. I’ve done the same with a lot of people. Brooke is smart enough to realize that Hulk and Linda were Superfund levels of toxic, and the only escape is to cut and run. She doesn’t want her kids to experience the same toxicity she had to endure. She is, without a doubt, the most mature and intelligent member of that family.

I don’t care who they are to you, I don’t care how much they may have meant to you, and I don’t care how much you may love them. Anybody who tries to tear you down for their own selfishness is toxic, and should be cut out of your life quickly. Don’t let them destroy you. I applaud Brooke, and I’m glad she’s in a good place now. She summed it up better. “At a certain point, I had to stop setting myself on fire to keep others warm.”

Sources Cited:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Somali

https://www.ringsidenews.com/2025/03/27/linda-hogan-accuses-hulk-hogan-of-ruining-their-family-in-explosive-rant/

https://www.ringsidenews.com/2025/03/28/brooke-hogan-exposes-years-of-abuse-from-family-after-linda-hogans-rant/

https://people.com/linda-hogan-calls-ex-husband-hulk-hogan-good-father-11705711