The New York Times
"Obscure Olympic Event Energizes a Utah City"
By Michael Janofsky
Dennis Stephens, a roofing contractor who looked more like a cowboy than a curler as he ate lunch today at Karen's Cafe, said he could not be prouder of Ogden for its inclusion in the Olympics. Not that he has plans to buy a curling ticket.
"It's good for the town," Mr. Stephens said. "Even though I don't know anything about the sport and I haven't seen it, I'm glad it's here."
It is difficult to measure the tournament's economic impact on Ogden. . . .
But the emotional and psychological boost seems more important, as if civic self-esteem were improved even by a connection to one of the strangest of Olympic sports.
Ms. Waters said, "It's definitely raised the profile of the town. We've never had that happen before. I'm thrilled the curlers are here; I wanted them all to stay at my house." . . .
CNN Sports Illustrated
"Judgment on the judging in figure skating: more rotten than ever"
By E.M. Swift
I tried. I really did. For several hours on Monday night and yesterday morning I tried to find someone, anyone, who agreed with the judging of the pairs skating competition, which had Jamie Sale and David Pelletier of Canada placed behind the Russian pair of Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze.
I failed, just as those five judges who voted for the Russians failed their sport and their Olympic oath. Not one person I talked to, fan or expert, skater or judge, was anything less than absolutely certain that the Canadian pair had been robbed. It was the worst decision I've seen in my 18 years covering figure skating . . .
The Washington Post
"Salt Lake Snippets: Buttoned-Up No More"
By Bill Grant
With its arcane liquor laws and buttoned-up reputation, this town was not supposed to know how to throw a party. But on a Tuesday night excursion (the things I do in pursuit of a story), I found a bustling downtown filled with shoppers, strollers and clubbers, all seemingly having a good time a few miles from the nearest Olympic venue and in spite of tight security.
For small-business owners, the influx of 70,000 visitors a day — even if it's for only 17 helter-skelter days — has been the shot in the arm that Salt Lake City's once-blighted downtown needed. . . .
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"Picabo ends her magical journey with joy"
By Steve Hummer
As Tuesday marked an ending, Ron Street was in a mood to remember the beginning.
Little Picabo was born at home, which was then an old mining cabin in Triumph, Idaho (as much a foreshadowing device as it was a town). As difficult as it is to believe given her current endless supply of wind, little Picabo was a little slow to kick-start.
So Ron Street puffed into her tiny mouth and brought those lungs to life. "It was a very special person born that day; a very special spirit came into our lives.
"Think, it all started when I gave her that first breath. It has been quite a ride." . . .
