A Sign of the ‘90s--Abby Beats Us to the Buzz

First Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders and now . . . Abby?

That’s right, in Dear Abby a few weeks back, Abigail Van Buren opined that legalization of drugs was “an idea to consider.” This one opinion has generated more mail into her Beverly Hills office than any column in recent memory.

“I’ve got much more reaction than I ever imagined,” says Van Buren, who, we were surprised to learn, always has been pro-legalization and reads her own mail. “It’s still pouring in weeks later.”

Not only was the reaction split, but opinions pro and con were found on both sides of the generational divide. An 11-year-old kid, for instance, wrote in to say that he thought Abby’s libertarian views were stupid. On the other hand, Abby says, “people have written me from nursing homes and said “Right on, it’s time people realized that.”

Hmmm, we wonder what Abby’s sister Ann Landers has to say about this.

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Odes to eats: We’re noticing that L.A.’s up-and-coming bands are laying off the love songs these days and, instead, are singing about what’s really at the root of Angeleno Angst-- not being able to find a decent diner.

To wit: On “Invisible,” from Possum Dixon’s debut CD, the group sings, “My head aches / Echo Park turns to Silver Lake / Well, Millie’s Diner is closed today / Oh, oh.”

Things don’t get any better on the other side of town. That Dog’s debut CD has a song called “Westside Angst,” in which the quirky quartet bellyaches that “There’s no more Ships in Westwood now / Can’t have my toast and eat it, too.”

Poignant, indeed. Now, if only someone can spare a few sad lyrics on behalf of the Miracle Milers who miss the Carnation Diner.

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And here’s something else to sink your teeth into: A North Hollywood company has been marketing a product called Love Gum, which has been turning up in liquor stores and 7-Elevens all over town.

According to the box, it’s “a full-potency gum to increase romantic power.” Scanning the ingredients list, it seems that this Chiclet-like chewing gum gets its charge from natural ginseng powder, although we’re frankly a little dubious about the presence of softeners.