Hello, gang. News, notes and another certified legend has left us. And awayyyyyyyy we go!

LA FLORIDIANA Will’s Too Short Trip To Miami - - And Life Is Good  by Will Moriaty
THIS WEEK'S MOVIE REVIEW "Elf"  by Mike Smith
MIKE'S RANT Hey, Ralphie Boy!....Tampa International Airport....Movie Notes....Good Stuff  by Mike Smith
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HEY, RALPHIE BOY!
It was with genuine sadness that I heard about the passing of the great Art Carney this past Sunday. Mr. Carney died at his home, 5 days after celebrating his 85th birthday. An Oscar winner in 1974 for "Harry and Tonto," Mr. Carney will always be remembered for his portrayal of upstairs neighbor Ed Norton on various incarnations of "The Honeymooners." Born November 4, 1918, Carney was the youngest of six sons. An early interest in vaudeville led to a hobby of doing impersonations of famous performers. That led to a job mimicking world leaders on the radio program "Report to the Nation." He also appeared on the radio show "Gangbusters," a 30's version of "America's Most Wanted." He joined the Army during World War II and participated in the Battle of Normandy. It was while charging the beach that a bullet shattered his right leg. The resulting injury left him with a noticeable limp. Back on radio after the war, Carney was then hired to appear on Jackie Gleason's "Cavalcade of Stars" television show. It was on this show that the skits, later known as "The Honeymooners," began. As sewer worker Ed Norton, he was the quintessential nice guy whose kindness was often mistaken as humorous buffoonery. In the early 1960's he began doing theatre. He originated the role of Felix Unger in "The Odd Couple." A problem with alcohol kept him from working for some time, but when he returned to the scene it was in a big way. His first lead film role in "Harry and Tonto" won him the 1974 Academy Award as Best Actor. Other films include "The Late Show," "Movie, Movie," "Going in Style," "Firestarter" and "The Last Action Hero." He is survived by his wife, Jean, and three children.

TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Thanks, Will, for last week's piece on TIA! When I was working at the Tower Drive In I had a daytime job at the parking facility there. Basically I drove a golf cart around and made sure nobody stole cars. I remember one night filming part of a student film there and being approached by security. Seems they weren't happy with Rick Sousa hiding in, and then popping out of, one of the big lockers that people stored stuff in.

MOVIE NOTES
Fans of Christopher Lee will be upset to learn that he will NOT be appearing at the beginning of "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King." Director Peter Jackson told "Ain't It Cool News.com, " The trouble is that it feels like his scenes are wrapping up the last movie and not starting the new one." The scenes will instead appear on the special edition "King" DVD.

It's no secret that Sylvester Stallone was inspired by the Muhammad Ali/Chuck Wepner fight to write "Rocky." He has said as much for the past 25 years. Now, after all this time, Wepner is filing suit against Stallone, asking for a share of profits from the various films. Good luck, pal. I was saying 'NOT!" back in high school. I don't think Mike Myers is going to share any of that Wayne's World money with me!

GOOD STUFF
Just caught the Phil Spector-less version of "Let It Be" on the radio. Pretty cool. McCartney's voice is much clearer and there is a lot more piano. Also, Harrison's guitar solo is much longer, and a little different, then the previous version. Check it out!

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