Family Guy

If I had young children, Family Guy would be off limits. But I don't, and this animated series about the Griffin family in the mythical town of Quahog, Rhode Island is must see viewing for me. This season's Fox-TV debut last night didn't disappoint. What's not to like about a talking dog and evil baby using a machine that takes them through different dimensions? It's just pure funny. Even though Quahog is fake, there's plenty of true localism, like the Providence skyline in the background, Buddy Cianci Jr. High School and Stop & Shop. I knew Michael Rowe, a budding young Connecticut comedian who ended up as a head writer on the "Brian Swings" episode with Frank Sinatra Jr. How cool is that? That's one of my favorites, but last night's show where they sang in a Disney animated dimension was right up there. The Simpsons, in their twentieth year, are the gold standard in cartoons today, but Seth McFarlane's Family Guy cracks me up like nothing else on the tube.

A Political Will

In a week marked by the 9/11 anniversary and President Obama's healthcare address to Congress, I can't help but see a parallel between the two events. Unlike the terror threat before 9/11/01 - or for that matter the near economic collapse that hit us a year ago - more politicians and the public are engaged in trying to head off a disaster they see ahead. Unfortunately, many people and organizations still refuse to get on board even halfway. Opponents see it as a government takeover, pure and simple. In watching the President's speech, I saw a determination matched with moderation in the interest of getting something done. It was far from a more left wing agenda embraced by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. After 9/11, was anyone heckling President Bush when he spoke to Congress and the nation? Does anyone really think the health care status quo is taking us where we need to go? Do we need more of a wakeup call with healthcare? When I hear the criticism, some of it understandable, I don't hear any corresponding plan of action. Lively debate is the American way, but so is finding common ground. Is the political will we found in the war on terror after 9/11/01 here now for fixing healthcare? 50 million uninsured Americans hope so.

Downtown Norwich at 350

Happy 350th Birthday to the Rose City! Norwich remains a thriving community in 2009, but you may not know that passing through - or more likely bypassing - downtown. For all the urban renewal and best intentions, the heart of Norwich has never really gotten its act together. A drive down Main Street reveals many empty storefronts, businesses with very unimpressive facades and very few people. The Viaduct that bypasses downtown treats travelers to a view of the unadorned backs of buildings, like the now closed YMCA, and the long deserted train station. This is a shame, since there is some spectacular architecture downtown dating back decades, notably City Hall itself. There are new and refurbished projects such as the Otis Library, Wauregan building and Mercantile Exchange. Add in the likes of American Wharf and the Spirit of Broadway, and you see the unrealized potential everywhere. You may really have to take a long look, though.

First impressions are important. The parking garages and the old Fleet building are ugly monstrosities that block some of the best views of the city. They need to go. Move the parking to the area around the Norwich Bulletin, which doesn't need that space anymore thanks to downsizing. Lose the old YMCA and open that area up. Move the Catholic Charities out of there, too. If a mass transit center won't replace the train station, make it into a park connected to the harbor. And what's a scrapyard doing next to American Wharf?

Despite all efforts, downtown Norwich has never been in close proximity to big employers. Higher education and medical centers can provide a badly needed infusion of people to patronize businesses and even live there. I can't help but think that downtown would have generated more interest from investors if the city's attractions weren't so hidden. And will someone please occupy the front of the Flatiron Building in a very conspicuous way while tearing down the abandoned Dunkin Donuts across the street? It's a downtown worth revitalizing.