The "President's Own United States Marine Band" provided a sometimes rousing, sometimes sentimental and frequently uplifting concert to a capacity house at the Convention Center Thursday evening.  There was a clarinetist, the likes I am sure very few people have ever heard, a pinaist who was all over the keyboard and received a standing ovation,  the brass sections, and a soloist who brought the house to tears with "Danny Boy."  The drums and percussion were out of this world. The "Stars and Stripes Forever" had everyone clapping to the beat and the entire house sang the National Anthem and "God Bless America."  Service men and women from all branches of the service were honored.  It was a free concert.  I am sorry that it got so little publicity (but apparently enough to fill the house) and I am sorry there were no TV cameras there (perhaps not allowed by the military) and I am sorry it was only one night.  It was a huge treat.  If they ever come back through Bakersfield, I hope they fill the house again.  I'd almost feel guilty going a second time; afraid I might keep someone from seeing and hearing them who didn't have the chance this time.  All ages were represented (including a couple of babies who I am sure would have rather been home in bed).  As usual, even though we were asked at least twice to make sure our phones were off, some goofballs just couldn't get that right.  A great evening.  One that inspired the soul of every person there to be proud of their country and proud of the men and women of this unbelievably talented group of musicians. 

LTE today, September 30, inferred the path at the Park at Riverwalk and on out east and out west toward Enos Lane and beyond is intended for bikers only.  Tons and tons of people walk the path.  Tons and tons of bikers bike the path.  Dog walkers walk their dogs.  It is my understanding that the path is meant for all who wish to exercise but certain unwritten rules/manners should be followed.  Bikers are really nice when they say to walkers, "Passing on Your Left," and walkers are really nice when they stick to the right side of the path and lean more to the far edge than the middle line.  There must be some way for everyone to use the path and not get killed or injured.  My suggestion:  Bikers call out when you are passing walkers; walkers stay as far to the right as you can.  Don't take up the whole path.  Bikers, never pass walkers on the right (as happened to me and my friends last week).  Walkers, don't walk any more than two abreast and keep your dogs with you in the same "lane."  Ditto your kids and your strollers.  Dog walkers, clean up your dog's dodo.  There are handy dandy bag dispensers for just that purpose. The path is such a wonderful opportunity for being outdoors that it's just common sense that for those who enjoy it, certain manners should be agreed upon.  Anyone agree?  Anyone disagree? 

As most of us know, health insurance is a major item in our budget.  I happen to have Blue Shield of California.  As I age, my premiums increase, no matter whether I am a "frequent flier" or an occasional visitor to the doctor.  I received a letter theother day that started out like this:  Important:  Can you read this letter?  If not, we can have somebody help you read it.  You may also be able to get this letter written in your language. 

Being easily amused, I found that first couple of lines hilarious!  Is it only me? Even more hilarious was apparently the same paragraph printed in 15 different languages.  This couldn't possibly have anything to do with premiums continuing to escalate could it?  If someone who reads Cov Kev Pab Txhais Lus Tsis Them Nqi (seriously that was one of the languages the first paragraph was written in) needs emergency health care, how do they call 911 and get it?  Does the dispatcher have someone on hand who speaks 15 languages, minimum?  Does anyone know? 

I did not intend to get into a discussion of the wardrobes of each First Lady.  Actually, what I intended was to show us what the press can do when they get going.  So goes life. 

Does anyone else wonder why the press insists upon comparing Michelle Obama to Jacqueline Kennedy?  Both are attractive (were in the case of Jackie O) women but there is nothing very similar about them at all.  There is nothing similar between BHO and Abe Lincoln either and they insist upon doing that.  It's kind of like comparing Colonel Sanders to the Burger King guru guy.  They are different.  Just plain different.  Why can't they leave this alone and let Michelle Obama carve out her own identiy?  Are they trying to make her into something she's not?  The woman is tall and has toned arms.  I'd like to know a little more about what she's done, what she intends to do and how she thinks she can carve her own place in history.  Curious to know other's thoughts.