Wow, am I glad it’s Friday. I have nothing to really complain about from the last week but each day seemed defy the laws of time and space, lasting much longer than the day before.

Speaking of things lasting much longer than they should, another republican primary aired last night. In case you’re wondering, I believe that was debate number 25. There have been seven debates in January alone. That’s right, there have been more debates in the last few weeks than there have been new episodes of “How I Met Your Mother.” Then again, maybe we needed to see another debate last night; after all, it had been a whopping four days since the last one.

As part of my own agenda, my graduate courses begin again next week, just when I worried that I was getting too much free time after my Progress Chenango adventure.

Progress Chenango, by the way, was well worth the work put into it – not just for readers, but for me too. It was a great experience and an eye opener to see that while local businesses have their share of successes from the past year, state funding continues to hinder local non profits. All in all, to me anyway, it hardly seems fair that some larger corporations like Norwich Pharmaceuticals can plan to invest more money into the company than it has in the last ten years while places like the Norwich City School District and Opportunities for Chenango are forced to tweak their budget and brace for another year of hard fiscal cuts in the state’s budget.

But that’s not to say that this year’s growth in the private sector hasn’t been great news for the county. After all, the expansion of local industries brings the need for more employees and the need for new employees leads to a healthier local economy. Frontier Communications, in particular, has had a tremendous year and their growth led to hiring more than 130 people in the area and that really is good news so all is not doom an gloom in the area. Chenango County really is making its mark.

I really appreciate the opportunity to talk to everyone during my first experience with Progress. Yeah, it meant extra time spent staring at my computer screen at night and less time doing something… you know… fun, but it was well worth it. Check out the last two sections of Progress in today’s paper.

hen you report basketball games night in and night out, you often notice trends. What is “trending” now is abysmal foul shooting amongst the eight Chenango County-area clubs that we cover. Doing the math, there are five starters per team and 16 total teams between the boys and girls for a total of 80 starting players. Can you guess how many total players average 70 percent from the foul line or better? How about 65 percent? Keep reading, and I’ll reveal my numbers at the end. Another trend that caught my eye was the poor foul shooting of athletes who were either named all-stars in their league or to our postseason All-Evening Sun team a season ago. Take a gander at these shoddy foul shooting percentages: 36.1, 42.8, 43.1, 47.1, 50.0, and 51.4. These are free throw shooting percentages (with a minimum of 20 attempts) of excellent players, many of whom do not hesitate to fire up three-pointers from the 20-foot range. Yet, give them a straight-on, unguarded 15-footer – and 10 seconds to shoot the freebie – and they struggle. To be fair, I should point out our most distinguished free throw shooters. The list is fairly short. On the girls’ side, Sherburne-Earlville senior, Cassie Beaver, is shooting a remarkable 81.6 percent from the stripe. Beaver’s rate is nine percent higher than the next-best girls free throw shooter, Jordan Anderson of Unadilla Valley (72.7 percent). On the boys’ side, Norwich’s Dennis Oralls tops our list (again, only those with at least 20 free throws qualify). The Norwich senior is hitting 79.7 percent this season, and his percentage is probably well over 80 percent during the fourth quarter. Oxford’s Ryan Moore, who attempts just under two free throws per game, was next at 77.2 percent from the foul line. And now, the most revealing statistic: All told, out of the 80 starting players, only 11 average 70 percent or better from the charity stripe. That is roughly one out of eight players that can be counted on to make free throws. It doesn’t get any better as we drop our expectations with just 14 players eclipsing the 65 percent mark. Free throw shooting is a staple of every basketball practice, and has been for as long as I can remember. So why do we have more Shaquille O’Neal-like foul shooters than Ray Allens? Perhaps players are spending too much time polishing individual moves that are long on flash, but short on substance.

Congratulations to the Sherburne-Earlville boys’ basketball team, who clinched the Center State Conference Division One title Thursday night at Mount Markham. Winning teams have become more common at S-E over the past several years, but division titles have remained quite elusive. Head coach Kevin Vibbard said the division title was just the second for the Marauders over the past 25 years.

Today we unveiled a promotional ad touting new outdoors columnist, George Franke. George will tell you himself that no one can replace the late Bob McNitt, but he has told me he hopes to continue the tradition of fine outdoors reporting established by McNitt over the previous 34 years. Franke’s first column will appear this coming Thursday, Feb. 2

I can’t spill the beans on our athlete of the week, but he is most deserving. During my discussion with the head coach, he gave me one of the best quotes I’ve heard in years. Perhaps it is a budding cliche that this coach borrowed from someone else, but I thought it was a message that all high school athletes should heed. Check it out in Friday’s edition.

Follow me on Twitter @evesunpat

I just love a forecast of heavy rain in late January, don’t you? And while it is just a bit disconcerting (if you’re like me and actually buy into that whole climate change conspiracy), I must admit, it’s better than two feet of snow on the ground, a temperature well below the freezing mark and the requisite ear muffs, gloves, scarf and the like.

But I’ll bet you those snowmobile fanatics (I’m certainly not one of them) – not to mention skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts – across the county aren’t very happy about it. Me? I’m hoping for an early, early spring … and sunshine … and shorts … and sandals.

On a more ridiculous (yet absolutely hilarious) note, my favorite ‘30 Seconds’ entry of the day (the online version).
“ … Romney was on the ‘Today Show’ and admitted he likes to read the ‘Twilight’ books and watch ‘American Idol.’ If elected, he would be the first Mormon and the first 13-year-old girl to be president.”

Oh my, you ‘30 Seconds’ folks are a hoot, let me tell you. But I did laugh/snort out loud at that one.

Moving on to the “most-eye-catching-story-of-the-day,” which I discovered while perusing CNN.com, a mysterious object found at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. Nobody’s quite sure what the strange, 60 meter wide structure and/or spaceship really is, but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t bear a striking resemblance to the Millennium Falcon. Just saying.

Obviously, I’ve been thinking about the Star Wars, Episodes IV, V and VI, Blue Ray collection I received for my 35th birthday – which has been collecting dust for the most part over the past two weeks – far too much.

Which brings me to this interesting little tidbit. Did you know that our News Edit spell check does not, in fact, recognize the terms “lightsaber,” “Jedi,” “Sith,” “Corellian,” “droids” or Wookie.”

What, may I ask, is wrong with this picture?

With that in mind, my quote of the day … “That’s ‘cause droids don’t pull people’s arms out of their sockets when they lose … Wookies are known to do that.”

Take that, spell check.

• Not really a big shocker that the proposed ambulance district got shot down yesterday in both New Berlin and Columbus – judging by ‘30 Seconds,’ anyway. I’m not sure people really understood what they were voting on despite our best efforts to keep them informed, but the mob mentality was certainly against it. I can’t help but hear the late Kathy O’Hara’s voice in my head sometimes — when discussing editorial topics, she’d say, in her best Chenango twang, “Are we fer it, er agin’ it?” Stay tuned; I’m sure there’s more to this story.

• Accidents are never good news, of course, but they do often make for great pictures. We used a couple in the print edition today (that intersection in Oxford has been scary since I was a little kid), but I put even more of Brian’s photos up on our Facebook page because, darn it, helicopter rescues are pretty dramatic.

• Progress Chenango 2012 continues to roll out this week – sections 5 and 6 were in today’s edition. I’ve heard a lot of positive comments so far, which is exactly what we’re looking for. Not positive as in “praise us, we’re wonderful” (although that’s always nice, too), but as in “wow, Chenango’s really got something special going on.” That’s why we do it, you know — to highlight the “Progress” our community is making every day. And there’s a lot of it!

• Caught quite a bit of the State of the Union address last night, although I admit to nodding off near the end (I’m getting old, what can I say?) My favorite part isn’t necessarily the speech itself (that gets analyzed and ripped apart ad nauseam immediately after and for days), but rather the entrance shots. Watching the President arrive anywhere is always a tad awe-inspiring, but at the State of the Union in particular I’d pay to be a fly on the wall. All those politicians jockey for position to get close to the aisle as the president walks in, each hoping to get his attention – or curry his favor – for 15 seconds or so. If only the commentators weren’t chattering over every barely discernible syllable … I’d love to know how the president’s ear was bent last night.

We Evening Sun staff writers can whine and moan all we want, but when it’s all said and done, there’s definitely something special about living through another successful year of the controlled chaos that is Progress Chenango. Sure, it means extra work. And yes, it can be more-than-a-little stressful, but in the end, it really is worth it, which is why today’s column was dedicated to our annual Progress Edition.

And now that it’s over, onward and upward.

Well, I completely forgot all about last night’s State of the Union address, much to my dismay (thank God for You Tube, right?). Not that it matters, really, considering all I have to do is check out ‘30 Seconds’ and – more often than not – I can get a feel of sorts for how it all panned out. Republicans and other right-leaning voters calling our president names and blaming all manner of problems on his decisions (many of which have absolutely nothing to do with his decisions)? Chances are (if that’s the case … which it was), I would’ve applauded our Commander in Chief. Sorry, but I happen to think the middle class deserves a chance and – if Obama is not re-elected – let’s just say I’m of the firm opinion that we’re pretty much … err … you know … done for.

Never a dull moment, eh? Just about to put dinner in the oven yesterday afternoon when a call came in over the scanner reporting a two-car motor vehicle accident in the Town of Oxford. And even though it’s my job to jump in the car and proceed to the site of such events (as quickly as possible, I might add), that doesn’t mean I get any kind of warm, fuzzy feeling when it happens. Personally, I try to look at it from a different perspective, in that it’s my responsibility – a privilege, really – to snap some photos of our county’s emergency and law enforcement personnel in action. I certainly hate to see people get hurt and – if that should ever change – I suppose it would be time to call it a day. I may be a journalist, but I do have a heart. Really, I do.

In other news … my New York Football Giants are headed – unbelievably – to the Super Bowl. Not sure how they got there, but I can honestly say I’m beyond excited. What can I say? I have fond memories of Super Bowls XXI (vs. Broncos), XXV (vs. Bills) and XLII (vs. Patriots). Super Bowl XXXV (vs. Ravens) … well, not so much. This time around it’s the Patriots once again and (obviously) I’m hoping for a repeat performance from Big Blue. GO GIANTS!

• As of early this afternoon, I am officially done with Progress Chenango 2012. For you, of course, it’s just beginning – with Sections 1 and 2 (of 10!) included in today’s paper. If you haven’t seen our Progress editions before, a.) Why are you reading this blog? and b.) I think you’ll really be amazed at the tremendous amount of business success, innovation and ingenuity that we have going on here. I know I am, and I’ve seen every one of ‘em.

• Someone called today and asked, in all seriousness, if a certain town supervisor requires that he read our notes after a reporter attends a town meeting and “approves” them. Umm, no. Supervisors and town boards may well approve the official minutes taken by the town clerk, but not those of a reporter. Ever. Sorry, caller, if I choked a little bit on that one. Whoever told you that was pulling your leg, or amazingly ignorant.

• Congratulations to Brad Ward, the latest in a long line of Eagle Scout Wards. Julian’s done a couple nice stories on Brad’s recognition and his Eagle Scout project at Rotary Park. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Brad act his heart out on the Sherburne-Earlville stage a few times, too. Good kid. Always nice when we’re able to highlight the achievements of high school students, particularly (for me, anyway) off the playing field. If you know of more who deserve the spotlight, give us a call!

• Wow, you really can’t shake a stick … err … spoon … without hitting a story on Chobani in the media these days. While we’ve done about a hundred of our own, of course, I decided to give the Associated Press version front page play today too, especially since it addressed the whole Greek yogurt craze in general. If you’re reading this, Agro Farma, I have not had a chance to taste test the pomegranate flavor yet. Please and thank you.

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.

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

• 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!

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