Jack- Interesting times, indeed. Tonight I learned that Hershey, the parent company of Jolly Rancher Candies, will soon close it's Wheat Ridge, Colorado plant entirely, costing several hundred jobs. They produce "Fire Sticks", and the little candies of many flavors capable of pulling a loose tooth out.

I realize 300 jobs is small time compared to what's going on in the airline, hotel and other industries. But this hits close to home. Jolly Rancher has long been an icon in the Denver business community, in business for 52 years. I grew up near the plant, and the smells eminating from the plant are one of my earliest childhood memories. I grew up with the attractive barn-red architecture of the plant, and the guesses of what flavor candy they were making as we drove past.

Hershey will be closing a couple of other plants in Pennsylvania, as well, and hopes to cut a couple of thousand jobs. They still plan to make the popular candies, just not in Colorado. I will consider this the next time I think of buying a Hershey product. Sigh, BlueJay