Hello gang! A few notes and the passing of an icon (for those of us over 40). Shall we begin?

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THE VOTE IS IN
Congratulations, Nolan, on your efforts to get Jeb Bush out of office. I hoping that once you gain statewide fame for your online efforts that you will be the one who kicks his ass out of office. While I admit I haven't voted in a Florida election since I worked for Bob Grahams' campaign for Governor, I do follow what goes on in my home state and I was shocked to see that Bush won. Of course, not as shocked, I'm sure, as the 3,000 plus families who are looking for the more then 3,000 missing children that were being protected by the state! Sadly, it was the discovery almost 2 years ago here in Kansas City of a decapitated body of a little girl that brought the Florida scandal to light. To this day, no one knows the identity of the dead child, now referred to here as Precious Doe. Nor does anyone know the whereabouts of the little girl whose mother thought may have been the dead girl. It's a sad day when innocent children are left to fall through the cracks of an agency that is there to protect them!

As for the legalizing of marijuana in Nevada, it was defeated. While I have smoked marijuana in the past (though, like our esteemed Mr. Clinton, I never inhaled), I really don't have a problem with this. And, to be honest, I only smoked it once or twice. I think the problem that was perceived in the election was that it would be TOO easy to obtain. I believe that as much as many of us are fine with the idea, the fact that easy availability may lead to it being put in the hands of youngsters may have scared off even the strongest supporters. The law would have allowed medicinal marijuana to be issued to anyone with a doctor's consent. Not a prescription, mind you. Just with his ok. And that, I think, could be a major problem.

YESTERDAY AND TODAY
To clarify a few points mentioned in this week's column by Deadguy. The album in question is entitled, "Yesterday and Today." The original cover showed the Fab Four wearing white smocks, surrounded by pieces of meat and doll parts. (See photo at right.) Though the album was released, it was quickly recalled with a different cover pasted over the recalled albums and a new cover issued for the next pressings. I was lucky to find a Stereo copy of the album at a flea market outside Baltimore in 1982.
    It's funny how perception mattered back then. The first release of the Monkee's album "Headquarters" featured a photo on the back that showed several of the boys in beards. The photo was replaced for the second and subsequent pressings as the thought of the Monkees in beards was not in keeping with their youthful image.

PASSING ON
Like Nolan, I was shocked that the passing of Jonathan Harris did not merit more then a fleeting paragraph. As Nolan has already done justice to the man with his piece, I thought I'd just add a few more tidbits to highlight his career. Mr. Harris was a much in demand television guest star, both before and after "Lost In Space." His television credits include such shows as Fantasy Island, Vega$, Sanford and Son, Love, American Style, Night Gallery, Bewitched, Get Smart, Land of the Giants, The Twilight Zone and Bonanza. He even appeared with his "LIS" co-star Guy Williams in a few episodes of Zorro. (Hey, am I the only one who thought that if Bee Gee Barry Gibb shaved his beard he could pass as Guy Williams' twin?). He was also a much sought after voice over artist. I can remember watching the first episode of "Battlestar Galactica" and hearing the voice of the Cylon leader, Lucifer. Almost in unison, those of us in the room (I believe that included Ben Gregory and Scott Gilbert) noted the voice of Mr. Harris. His last voice role was as "The Professor" in the animated video "Hubert's Brain." His last feature role was as the toy cleaner who restores Woody in "Toy Story 2." Though, like Bill Mumy, he wisely stayed away from the feature version of "LIS," he shared his thoughts and memories of the show in the 1998 CBS special, "Lost in Space Forever."

Also sad to report the passing of British musician Lonnie Donegan, who passed away on tour in Peterborough, England. He was 71. Mr. Donegan popularized the "skiffle" sound, which influenced many a young musician. His hits included "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose it's Flavor (on the Bedpost Overnight?)", "My Old Man's a Dustman" and "Rock Island Line," which inspired several young guitarists, including John Lennon, George Harrison and Pete Townsend. Lennon formed the skiffle group The Quarrymen, while Townsend became the leader of The Detours, a skiffle group that featured a lead vocalist by the name of Roger Daltrey. Sadly, the Quarrymen and The Detours vanished into obscurity, never to be heard from again. Too bad, I hear that Daltrey kid could really wail!

Well, that's it for now. Have a great week. See ya!