Guest editorial: Thanks, Art Carney

That bit -- the elaborate arm-flexing -- helped define the humble, friendly, somewhat goofy character of Ed Norton, an underground sanitation worker, as he called himself, and best buddy of Ralph Kramden, also known as Jackie Gleason. Carney played Norton on "The Honeymooners," a 1950s TV series that has been kept alive through reruns. Every American generation for the past half century has had an opportunity to make Norton's acquaintance.

Carney played other roles on TV, in movies and on stage, and won praise and awards for his performances. It's as Norton, though, that we know him best, a wonderfully funny, always endearing character who is somewhat below average by some measures, perhaps, but well above average in others, such as sincerity and good intentions. Through his brilliance as an actor, Carney gave us this unforgettable character who has brightened our days, and for that we owe him thanks.