A Thanksgiving Story

This was a sad week for a local high school and a community. A photographer for The Day captured this moment of tribute to the memory of Ledyard High School student Matthew Buriak. Matt collapsed playing football a few days ago and was later taken off life support. While the shocking loss of a classmate and friend can be devastating enough to this extended family, I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for Matt's parents to appear at the Ledyard-Fitch Thanksgiving Day game just two days after his death. They even spoke to the media, giving thanks for the time they had been able to have with their son. Matt's family served as pillars of strength to a community who had rallied to comfort them.

We Need a Translator

Red Wolf Broadcasting officially launched "La Bomba 97.5" last week in the Hartford market. The Spanish language Tropical format station is broadcast on two frequencies. The so-called main signal is the 50,000-watt HD-2 digital side of recently purchased Connecticut powerhouse FM 104.1, WMRQ/Waterbury/Hartford. By the way, WMRQ HD-1 is modern rock Radio 104.1. 97.5 W248AB/ Bolton is a 60-watt repeater (also known as a translator) for another signal. I say "so-called main signal" because the lower powered translator at 97.5 gets top billing, not the more powerful HD-2 at 104.1. Since most radios are still not yet on the cutting edge of HD digital technology, the 97.5 signal is more widely available than the programming originating on WMRQ HD-2. Of course, there is also the webcast for those who want to listen but can't pick up the on-air simulcast. The Hispanic market continues to grow, even when the rest of the economy doesn't. Will a Spanish language outlet be a good fit for a company with English adult contemporary, rhythmic contemporary, country and alternative rock stations? I think so. I've been bragging about my years of good grades in Spanish classes, but so far I have yet to be called upon for my contributions as reader - or translator.

Waterfront Property Anyone?

It didn't come as a shock to some, but New London doesn't seem prepared to absorb the hit. Pfizer Inc. announced that it will close its New London research and development facility within two years - the same time frame for the end of a sweet tax deal between the drug maker and the city. Groton stands to benefit, with the transfer of 1400 jobs across the Thames. Consider the bitter eminent domain battle over the adjacent Fort Trumbull neighborhood between a handful of city residents fighting displacement and the New London Development Council. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of NLDC. That did not make city officials look good at all, win or lose. Even if you accept Pfizer's claim that they were not the driving force throwing people out of their homes, it is obvious the city was determined to make the Fort Trumbull area more development - yes, corporate - friendly. Now we have the prospect of a huge, empty corporate complex with few takers and the fresh memory of a neighborhood involuntarily uprooted. True, no one may have forecast this economic downturn and part of this harbor area was cleaned up in the process. The developers and corporate folks have that point, but we seem to be back to square one. Anyone want to rent some nice waterfront property?

Yankees Fans Celebrate

New York City was in fine form for the celebration of the Yankees' latest World Series win. I managed to make it down there yesterday and get within a few blocks of the ceremony where a newly reelected Mayor Bloomberg gave the team the keys to the city. Perhaps it was just as well that my entourage didn't get closer, since the sensation of being packed in the crowd like sardines didn't appeal to me. I've heard so much all my life about the not so appealing side of the Big Apple, but my relatively brief visit was a positive one. One thing that impressed me the most was how helpful and friendly people were. WBMW's number one Yankee fan, Charles Adams, is one guy not afraid to ask for directions, and people really came through. Another thing that stood out was the vastly improved view going through the Bronx and Harlem. When I was a kid, the South Bronx looked just like a bombed out war zone. The improvement was dramatic for someone who passes through New York so rarely. Finally, my first visit to the World Trade Center site was something I've been meaning to do for years. What impressed me most was how life goes on all around this memorial. That determination is probably the best thing people can do to honor the memory of 9/11. I'll try not to let another nine years go by before visiting New York City again.