Notable passings this week.

Donald Herbert, known to television fans as Mr. Wizard, died yesterday, he was 89. A throwback to a gentler time in television, he was, like the other Misters (Rogers and Dressup) respectful to his audience and cared to get things right, because it mattered. And he could do things the network lawyers would never let anyone do nowadays. Holy crow some kid might try it at home!

Kurt Waldheim, former UN Secretary General and former president of Austria, died today, he was 88. Most of his political life was dogged by assertions he had been at worst a WWII war criminal or at least knew of them. This did not stop him being elected Austrian president in the 80's.

And . . . .

Edwin Traisman, 91, died June 9. He worked for Kraft foods and helped develop Cheez Whiz (thank heavens) and instant pudding. Hmmm, seems to have a creamy, sauce -ish theme going. And to round out a healthy meal he patented a method to freeze the french fries used in McDonald's restaurants.