OpiniOn

column

The WoodsTock IndependenT

Feb. 13-19, 2013

Shortened season keeps it interesting

Ive watched nearly all of the Chicago Blackhawks season so far this year and have made an important discovery a shortened, condensed season is a fans best friend. A lockout extended into January, forcing the NHL to reduce the number of games from 82 to 48 games. In addition, there are fewer days off between games and more back-to-back contests. Perhaps the Blackhawks 10-0-2 record is clouding my judgment. Even former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith, who had an odd obsession to think of a season in four-quarter intervals, has to be admiring that kind of first-quarter play. As a longtime fan of the sport, I cant think of any other season when Ive been this engaged from the start. Not during the late 1980s to mid-90s when the team was reaching the playoffs with regularity, certainly not during the late 90s and early 2000s when they reached the playoffs only once in a 10-year span and not even the past few years Mike when the team has Neumann been serious Stanley Cup contenders. I know what youll Declarations say. Its easy to stay interested when your team is picking up points in the standings in literally every game. Its not that simple, however. Theres a reason the NFL captivates viewers more than any other sport in America. With a 16-game season, every game matters. With 82 games a year, during an average season, its easy for even the most die-hard NBA or NHL fan to lose interest at some point during the season. Dont even get me started on the excruciating and positively dull 162-game baseball season. When youre able to lose 78 games during the season and still win a championship, as the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals did, youve lost me. I know, I know, its a marathon, not a sprint. But when was the last time you tuned in to watch a marathon? Ill bet most of you would take less than 10 seconds to watch Usain Bolt run 100 meters, though. I know shorter, condensed seasons arent ever going to become the norm. Money as much as history dictates the excessively drawn out, painfully long seasons. Im just enjoying this NHL season for what it is. And I can keep crossing my fingers that another lockout or strike could jeopardize portions of future seasons. Im only joking, I think. The search is on While I dont know who will be tabbed to take over as city manager when Tim Clifton retires at the end of April, the Woodstock City Council has been busy interviewing candidates for the position. The search has been ongoing since Clifton announced his upcoming retirement last year. The process has been calculated and deliberate, and I have no doubt the city will find an excellent replacement within the next few weeks.

Mike Neumann is news editor of The Woodstock Independent.

column

Quotable
letter to Juliet contest, and dining at candle-lit restaurants. Japan, South Korea and Taiwan In these countries, women may give men heaps of chocolate and shower them with attention. One month later, however, men must reciprocate the gesture with candy and more extravagant gifts on White Day. How do you feel about Valentines Day? I personally like it, despite the love-hate relationship Ive had with it over the years. Not in the mood for romance? Maybe these quotes will help: The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. Thats what I hope to give you forever. Nicholas Sparks And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. Khalil Gibran Hear my soul speak. Of the very instant that I saw you, Did my heart fly at your service. William Shakespeare Happy Valentines Day!

The love bug bites the world

It is that time of year again. Whether you love it or hate it, Valentines Day is upon us. February 14 was originally created to honor St. Valentine, though specifically which St. Valentine no one is exactly sure. There are multiple stories about several Christian martyrs with this name. One of the most popular stories associated with St. Valentine revolves around his imprisonment after performing weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry, and ministering to Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire. Legend says while in prison he healed the daughter of his jailer and wrote her a letter signed Your Valentine, before his execution. The day first became associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages, when courtly love was all the rage. By the 15th century, Valentines Day morphed into an event where lovers declared their devotion to one another by giving flowers, candy or sending romantic cards. Valentines Day around the world Valentines Day is said to be the most celebrated holiday after New Years Day. In the United States, we are all familiar with traditional Valentines festivities. People often buy significant others flowers, candy, cards, extravagant dinners, or profess Rhonda undying love Mix and propose marriage. Mix Many elemenMessages tary schools around the country also celebrate by throwing parties wherein children hand out candy, cards, and perhaps even a secret admirer letter or two to someone special. I personally remember having a great deal of anxiety during these parties; in particular, I remember one incident where a boy dropped a card onto my desk that said I like you second best, after Lisa. This card was humiliating for more reasons than one, but I suppose I should have been happy someone liked me in all my nerdiness at all. What are different ways the day is celebrated around the world? Thailand Daring lovers in Thailand find hanging from the sides of cliffs, skydiving or marrying underwater the perfect way to declare their love. Single ladies may head to shrines where they toss down red roses, candles and incense in hopes of appeasing a Hindu god and finding a husband. Germany Have a sweet tooth? In Germany, popular Valentines Day gifts are giant heart-shaped gingerbread cookies complete with ribbons. The cookies are then tied around the shoulders of significant others. Philippines Some couples in the Philippines believe Valentines Day is the perfect time to participate in a mass wedding. The lip locking competition where hundreds of people kiss at midnight simultaneously in pursuit of a world record also has become another trend. Italy In Verona, Italy, romantic couples attend a series of events during the citys Verona in Love celebration. The gala pays homage to Romeo and Juliet. Activities include walking tours that retrace where the star-crossed lovers trod, visiting the Juliet statue for good luck, participating in a love

most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out theyve got a second.
William James

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

Twyla Tharp

Rhonda Mix is a staff writer for The Woodstock Independent.

I NDEPENDENT
671 E. Calhoun St. Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 Fax: 815-338-8177 www.thewoodstockindependent.com
The Woodstock Independent (Usps #001287) is published weekly at 671 e. calhoun st., Woodstock, IL 60098-3213. periodicals postage paid at Woodstock, Illinois. POSTMASTERS: Forward address changes to The Woodstock Independent, 671 e. calhoun st., Woodstock, IL 60098-3213. Subscription rates/year: $35 in Woodstock and Wonder Lake, $37 in Mchenry county, $42 for snowbirds and $50 outside Mchenry county. Letters to the editor: We welcome letters of general interest to the community and reserve the right to edit for clarity or length. Letters should be fewer than 400 words, and writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters are due at noon Wednesday and must be signed and include the writers address and a telephone number for verification purposes only. Corrections: The Woodstock Independent strives for accuracy. To suggest corrections or clarifications, email news@ thewoodstockindependent.com.

The

Woodstock

staff
Cheryl Wormley Publisher c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com John C. Trione General M anaGer gm@thewoodstockindependent.com Mike Neumann news editor news@thewoodstockindependent.com Katelyn Stanek Creative direCtor katelyn@thewoodstockindependent.com Jay Schulz editorial assistant/sPorts editor jay@thewoodstockindependent.com Rhonda Mix staff writer rhonda@thewoodstockindependent.com Jason Reinhardt GraPhiC desiGner jreinhardt@thewoodstockindependent.com Display Advertising Melissa knight, melissa@ thewoodstockindependent.com Other Advertising Jen Wilson, jenwilson@ thewoodstockindependent.com; Barb gessert, barb@thewoodstockindependent.com Columnists John daab, Lisa haderlein, dick hattan, Lisa kelly, paul Lambert, debbie skozek, Tony casalino, Beth ryan, peter anderson, Laura Witlox, paul Lockwood Editorial Cartoonist Jim pearson Photographers Michelle krenger, ken Farver, alisa ellegood Proofreaders Tricia carzoli, don humbertson Reporters Tricia carzoli, carolyn handrock, elizabeth harmon, Jason Learman, Megan Ivers Sports interns Marilyn chakkalamuri, Mallory Bellairs and Brandon Lewis Special Correspondent don peasley

deadlines cont ac t
Noon Wednesday press reLeases and phoTos pr@thewoodstockindependent.com
LeTTers To The edITor letters@thewoodstockindependent.com

Noon Thursday dIspLay adverTIsIng ads@thewoodstockindependent.com Noon Friday LegaL noTIces subs@thewoodstockindependent.com
cLassIFIed ads classifieds@ thewoodstockindependent.com