After a day of feeling a little under the weather, I’m ready to get some 40 degree fresh air. Days like this just make me wish a little bit harder for spring.

It was a good weekend for me, filled with no plans and no particular place to be – a nice change of pace for a weekend. The wife and I went to a move and $30 later (admit two for the movie, one small soda and one small popcorn), I can say that I if we start saving now, we’ll be able to do it again by the year 2015… as long as we don’t really need groceries that week too. When did the movies get so expensive? (Side note: We saw “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.” I thought it was OK but I set the bar pretty high and it didn’t quite live up to my expectations).

Speaking of high expectations (nice segue, right?), the first two sections of Progress Chenango came out in today’s paper. The next two will be in tomorrow’s paper, sections five and six in Wednesday’s and… well you see where this is going. Anyhow, if you’re curious to see what some of the county’s biggest for profit and non profit organizations are up to, it’s worth checking out ( and it’s some of the finest writing out there, if I do say so myself).

It’s Superbowl season and as one who isn’t really a football fan, I just thought it was worth mentioning since Superbowl Sunday is an unofficial holiday in this country. I don’t care about the game (or the commercials) but I think I’ll order a pizza that night anyway – just so I don’t feel left out. GO GIANTS… or Patriots… Whatever, I don’t care.

Julian Kappel

Well, I had a super weekend … or should I say a Superman weekend …

Yea, that’s sort of obnoxious, but it’s Monday and the clever part of my mind is still trying to turn on.

What I meant by that ridiculous pun was that I had a chance to watch the Richard Donner cut of “Superman II” which was incredible and far better than the original version. The simple fact that Superman didn’t rip off his S and turn the Kryptonians into super-powered pigs in a blanket was enough to satisfy me, but there were countless other great additions including more Marlon Brando and something like 20 more minutes of footage.

In addition, I’ve been making my way through “Smallville” again and it has tempted me to write a compare/contrast paper about supernatural television shows that use high school as a metaphor. My prime examples will be “Smallville” and, you guessed it, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

I will keep everyone informed on my progress (ugh, I shuddered just typing that word).

In other news, finally finished taking down the Christmas decorations so it’s goodbye garland, lights and nutcrackers until next year.

That’s all for now, I’ll do a more extensive blog as the week continues and my mind re-awakens. TTFN.

Follow me on Twitter … @evesunjulian

Jeff Genung

• TGIF! Well, for me it’s still about Wednesday afternoon. I’ve got a long weekend ahead of me, office-bound, finishing off the last few sections of Progress Chenango 2012. The 10-section, 70-page extravaganza rolls out starting in Monday’s Evening Sun with sections 1 and 2. Check your local newsstands for the most comprehensive picture of Chenango County’s economic climate you’ll find! I’m always amazed at the tremendous amount of ingenuity, innovation and perseverance displayed by our local business community – and I hope that after you’ve read through what is our greatest effort of the year, that you will be too.

• The District Attorney’s office was busy this week – the grand jury handed up 17 indictments. The things people do … always an interesting read.

• Today was the last day of a two-week stint for our BOCES intern Darien Grippaldi (he’s the one who took all of our snowfall photos for Facebook last week). Though his formal internship has ended, he’s asked to stick around the newsroom and learn even more. I think it’s pretty neat that we’re a small enough operation to provide these types of opportunities for interested students. I guess we’re a charming bunch, to boot.

• Someone on ‘30 Seconds’ suggested that technological advancements might make it possible – and prudent – for us to administer breathalyzer tests before allowing people to post on our popular reader reaction line. What? And spoil all the fun? Friends certainly don’t let friends drive drunk, but I’m pretty sure that they encourage them to post to online forums anonymously drunk.

• Anonymously drunk? That sentence was pretty clunky, but it’s Friday afternoon and my grammar-vision is fading fast. Have a nice weekend, everyone!

Patrick Newell

One thing we in the media have a hard time ignoring is a state ranking. In high school sports, a state ranking is nothing more than bragging rights, but it is also fodder for discussion. And, truth be told, touting a team’s state ranking has stretched out many a story in this reporter’s career. No, the state ranking does not guarantee any type of higher seeding or favorable playoff matchup. The subjectivity on this level of sports is far more significant than collegiate or professional sports, so it’s hard to truly assess every team. Nonetheless, we will still point out that Norwich’s girls basketball team was ranked number 16 in last week’s Class B poll. The Tornado were scheduled to play at number 12 ranked Oneonta last Friday in a matchup of the highest ranking Section IV Class B schools in New York State. Inclement weather postponed that contest, and the reschedule date is tentatively slated for Monday, Feb. 6. Also ranked in the Class B poll is Seton Catholic Central at number 19. Norwich suffered an opening-game loss to the Saints on Nov. 25, but have since won 10 out of 11 games. On the boys’ side, Norwich stands at 10-2 overall and is ranked number 20 in Class B. The rankings, through Jan. 8 games, do not include NHS’s victories last week over Oneonta and Chenango Valley, and Tuesday’s victory over Chenango Forks.

Perhaps you have noticed a couple of wrestling photos in the past week that were taken by Oxford graduate, Keith Lanfear. Lanfear is an avid photographer, and with sports, his primary focus is local wrestling. We greatly appreciate his contributions, and if you’re interested in contacting him to about photos, his website is www.momentcaptured.smugmug.com.

I promised some more information on our new outdoors writer, George Franke, who plans to begin his weekly column Thursday, Feb. 2. In his biography, Franke said he began his love affair with the outdoors at age eight as a fisherman, and began to hunt at age 14. “Who can forget their first fish?” Franke said. “My love of the outdoors sports continues to grow, even after catching that first first back in 1967.” Franke’s interests range from hunting and fishing, and extend to hiking, camping, snowshoeing, skiing, bicycling, trapping, and natural history. He has gone beyond that to foraging for mushrooms, birdwatching, fly tying, fishing rod building, ammo reloading, trap, skeet, and target shooting, wildlife restoration and volunteering to help promote various causes all associated with the great outdoors. Franke is currently a Patron Life Member in the NRA, and Life Member in Safari Club International, Bass Anglers Sportsman’s Society, and NY Bowhunters, Inc.

Follow Patrick Newell on Twitter @evesunpat

Julian Kappel

I must say that I have never experienced a more challenging, exciting, terrifying and exhausting two weeks in my life.

We’re rounding the final bend for The Evening Sun’s biggest endeavor of the year, and from what I’ve seen of the final product, this year’s Progress Chenango is going to be fantastic.

As for what comes next … early spring cleaning. I’m ashamed to say that the excitement of the last two weeks has meant I’ve left a veritable whirlwind in my wake and it’s time to pick up the pieces.

I’ve made it my mission this year to finally organize my extensive nutcracker collection before storing it away for the year. A few of them are slightly the worse for wear, so it’s time to whip out the gorilla glue and duct tape.

Also, maybe I’ll try and rediscover sleep… I know that word used to mean something …

Good night Chenango County!

Follow me on Twitter…@evesunjulian

Like most readers, I was a little surprised to see that the city voted down a proposed zoning change earlier this week. And, like most readers, it didn’t really affect me one way or the other because I didn’t really have a dog in that fight. However, unlike most readers, I commend the council on their decision not to follow through with the zoning change.

I guess I just put myself in the shoes of those opposing the change. If I bought a house in a residential neighborhood, I wouldn’t expect the city to pull the rug out from underneath my feet because my neighbor wanted to open a garage/disco/barbacue joint/laundromat/hair care center/air port next to me. (In this case, it’s not so much the proposed auto repair business that bothered me as it was the potentially adverse effects of changing mandated zones to allow one business to do what it wants).

I admit that some arguments made opposing the change were… well… they were pretty weak (after all, neighborly disputes have nothing to do with the issue that was at hand and a zone change wouldn’t make a neighbor vanish into thin air). But I also saw a lot of merit to some of the arguments that hit more close to home.

Strongest argument in my book? Several people own houses within that zone and a zoning change gives potential for other businesses to more easily take advantage of that area. That’s good for the local economy, right. But then again, so isn’t filling vacant storefronts along main street. The only difference is that a focus on those storefronts doesn’t impact local residents the way this zoning change would have. Altering city zones to accommodate one business only opens the flood gates for more to happen (which is bad news for the people that live on that entire block). What I learned from a popular children’s book, “if you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk.”

Hey, let’s talk about the morals in all this. (I know you’re thinking “what do teeth have to do with it?”). Should the law be changed upon the request of one individual? Here’s a kick in the head… If my apartment building doesn’t allow cats because my neighbors are all allergic but as a cat lover, I ask that my lease be changed so that only my apartment allows my cuddly, lovable feline companions. Should it be allowed? Feel free to draw your own conclusions.

On top of all this, I really don’t think that the proposed location would have been the best spot for a garage to begin with. But we need jobs, you say? How many jobs could be provided by a garage that can’t take in more than two cars at a time? But we need businesses you say? OK, the zoning change would have allowed for one more business – at least temporarily. In such a tight, somewhat hidden location, how long would it have really lasted? Yeah, the city should be “business friendly” but allowing any business to go anyplace isn’t being business friendly more than it is being reckless. Anyone familiar with the game of chess knows a game can’t be won by randomly moving pieces. There’s a certain strategy involved. If someone wants to open a repair garage, I’m all on board (after all, I don’t trust my Pontiac any further than I can throw it) but even from a business stand point, there are much, much better places to do it.

Brian Golden

Yes, I know, it’s been eons since I last blogged. And no, I have no excuse for my laziness, I’ve simply been busy with other things, namely Progress Chenango.

I’d like to say the Progress monster has – at long last – released me from its tenacious grasp, but that would simply not be true. I have one last assignment to take care of Friday and then – and only then – shall I be set free. Our esteemed editor, on the other hand, is now in the midst of the controlled chaos that is Progress and – it must be said – I feel for him.

At least the end – as they say – is in sight, right Jeff?

Moving on, however, it must be said that this week’s column was a long time coming, and it’s a topic I’ve discussed at length over the past several weeks. What can I say? I simply do not understand how anyone can justify getting paid to relay – let alone forecast – something as unpredictable as the weather.

As for the continuing laughingstock that is the Republican race for the presidency, well, I honestly don’t know what to say. There’s not a single Republican candidate that I would trust to balance my checkbook (if I had one, that is) let alone tackle the many issues facing our country today. Sorry (not really), but none of them – not … a … single … one – seem to have any kind of empathy for your average American and if one should ascend to the presidency, I have a strong feeling that we, the middle class dregs of society, will be the ones to suffer.

The mega-rich corporations (not to mention those wealthy folks that make up the one percent), on the other hand, look to make out pretty good if that should happen. Just saying.

Personally, I’m sick and tired of politics, politicians and the upcoming presidential election already. And it’s only January. Which is not a good sign. If only there was a way I could alter time, speed up the harvest or teleport myself off this rock …

Too much Star Wars since I received Episodes IV, V and VI on Blue Ray for my birthday, I guess.

Julian Kappel

Well, today is internet blackout day (no, that doesn’t mean it’s time to settle down in front of the computer with a bottle and see how long it takes for your head to hit the keyboard.)

The blackout, which has popular sites such as Wikipedia, news-sharing site reddit.com, browser pioneer Mozilla and others blocking their sites in protest of the proposed SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (PROTECT IP Act) bills which would give the government and certain businesses the right to block sites they believe are promoting, distributing or allowing illegal file-sharing. This would also, most importantly, be done without a trial or court hearing. Numerous other sites, such as Google, have also expressed solidarity by featuring anti-SOPA content.

The purpose of the bill is to protect the intellectual property rights of copyright holders. Now, I’m not proposing that copyright infringement is at all acceptable, or that we should just allow it to occur without consequence. However, the implications in the bills have a high potential for abuse and frankly, I believe censorship without a trial goes against what this country stands for.

I’ve always thought that people abuse the trial system and the amount of money spent on trying some cases is downright ridiculous. However, we’re not talking about suing your neighbor because his dog regularly defecates on your lawn. This is a matter of censorship, freedom of speech, and freedom of information.

I would urge everyone to learn as much as they can about these proposed bills and to take a stand against what could become wanton censorship. You don’t have to support copyright infringement, or even ignore it, to oppose SOPA and PIPA.

Below is an article that gives a few basic facts about the proposed bills, as well as some positive and negative points. It is not scripture, I would encourage everyone to seek out more information about SOPA and the nation’s response. Form your own opinion, but don’t let this serious piece of legislation slide through without understanding exactly what it could mean for the future of the internet.

SOPA blackout aims to stop Internet censorship bill

Five reasons the Internet’s still protesting SOPA and PIPA

Follow me on Twitter … @evesunjulian

Jeff Genung

• Finally some good news about Kurt Beyer Pool! The Greater Norwich Foundation has stepped up to the plate … err, diving board … and pledged a hefty chunk of change towards the pool’s repair – with the smart caveat that the city pony up and follow through on their end, too. Similar pledges will show that Norwich’s charitable trusts really are there when you need them – thanks to their generosity, Norwich’s hot and bothered might just have a place to cool off this summer. Kudos too to the Facebook efforts of the “Save Kurt Beyer Pool” page which will see average citizens (those without the multi-million dollar checkbooks) pitching in to do their part, as well. People from all walks of life uniting for the greater good … kinda makes you proud to live in Norwich, no?

• I have to give a tip of the hat … err, rifle scope? My metaphors are strained today … to the organizers of the Bob McNitt Foundation, recently formed to honor the memory of The Evening Sun’s longtime colleague (and my old friend) Bob McNitt, whose outdoor sports column graced these pages for decades. The foundation is seeking support to start up an archery program at the Norwich Middle School, which sounds like it would have been right up Bob’s alley. I couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with an arrow when I was in Middle School (the late Mr. Tryon would certainly attest), but still it sounds like a wonderful program of which Bob would have been proud to have been a part.

• I tweeted earlier that I’ve been eating a lot of Cheez-Its lately. I’m on my second box since Progress began. This might be the death of me. Headed home now for a (hopefully) sensible dinner and then it’s back to the grind – tonight, Progress Section 4! Woo-hoo.

Julian Kappel

Well last week was nothing short of insanity that culminated with about 20 hours of straight sleep this past weekend.

However, that turned out to be just what I needed and I’m ready to get back to the day-to-day reporting.

However, Progress isn’t quite over, there are still a few last-minute stories to write and of course our intrepid leader is in the midst of what we’re sure is his favorite part: Taking the tens of thousands of words we’ve written and organizing it into something everyone can enjoy.

Personally, I’m excited that we finally have a little snow so that I can do some winter camping … after which I will complain relentlessly about the cold weather and the evil frozen death water (snow) until spring finally returns.

In the mean time, I will try my best to contain my displeasure. Honestly, I still can’t believe it’s already 2012. The holiday season absolutely flew by and I’m still trying to piece together everything that happened. I know I received an excellent indoor grill which will hopefully keep bright thoughts of summer in brain until I can actually grill outside again.

Did anyone else have any friends Tweet something along the lines of “Why is everyone so excited about Milk Day?” It’s tweets such as those that remind me of the defeated words of Prof. Hubert Farnsworth … “I don’t want to live on this planet anymore.”

Anyway, it’s bound to be another exciting week here at The Evening Sun so wish us luck…

… and follow me on Twitter @evesunjulian