Bakersfield, where 100 degree summer days last 30 days or more in succession. The Plunge was a welcome swimming pool on South Union Avenue. I don't remember there being a café nearby. I can imagine a sign inside the café warning: SWIM, THEN EAT -- DON'T EAT THEN SWIM. AVOID STOMACH CRAMPS.

 Attention Nashville! This is not progress.....

Replacing the Hermitage Cafe with something called Mr. J's, described as a "West-Coast Burgers" eatery? Maybe if it was West Coast like in In-N-Out Burgers. Maybe. But this is akin to leveling the Brown Derby in Hollywood for Vinnie's Spaghetti Joint. Money, I know, I get it. Still, it's Nashville's loss.

 Cliff Urseth, my intrepid publisher at the Daily Independent in Ridgecrest, Calif., where I held the Sports Editor slot. He's younger here than how I remember him then. Write on, Cliff, wherever you may be.