Online Message Board: What Do You Think of the 2002 Olympics? So what's on your mind with the 2002 Winter Olympics? Is the traffic as bad as you thought? Do you agree with the judges that gave the Canadian skaters the silver? How's the coverage? We want to hear what you have to say. Please keep it clean. Note that all messages are reviewed before going live! Here's what others have to say:

volunteers -- Wendy of slc, UT

Just a thought. I feel that both KSL and NBC have really missed the boat as far as the volunteers go. I think that you should have done a volunteer profile everyday during the Olympics. Maybe even two or three a day. These are the people who have totally put their lives on hold for two weeks. They have had to adjust their family lives and work lives. Some of them are working 12 hour days and are retired folks, that are so tired. I think our community would like to know what these folks stories are because there are many of them. My own personal story has not been good. I got bumped out of the voulunteer pool. I have been unable to get tickets to any of the concerts at the medals plaza, I can't afford to go see an event and there was no one on the planet that wanted the Olympics here more than me. But for all those people who have worked so hard I really feel as though something should be said to support them. Very little has been said about them and I think that is a shame. Hope you will give it some thought.   

You're not funny or sincere Woody -- Blake of Kaysville, UT

Woody Paige's article was a lousy attempt at humor at best. I believe that the article was meant to insult from its inception. Woody's initial apology on a TV interview was very insincere. His aploogy in the Denver Post was better, but likely forced. Whatever the case, I think that Woody is a sour, unhappy man that is attempting to draw attention to himself by penning poor painful prose. Let's just leave Woody alone to cry in his greater than 3.2% beer, and refocus our attention on the great Olympic events that surround us. Wood is not newsworthy.  

Colorado feeling left in the dust -- Jeff of Orem, UT

Paige's comments were nothing more than a reflection on the insecurity of many in Colorado that Utah is a much better place to raise a family, Ski, enjoy the outdoors, earn a living and... oh yeah, HOST THE OLYMPICS! Colorado has been feeling the pinch as more and more people from around the globe are discovering how great Utah is and opting to visit here for thier vacation instead of our neighboring state. All his comments add up to is an attempt at grandstanding his sour grapes. Hey Woody, if you need a drink when you plan your Utah vacation, BYOBB (bring your own brown bag)!  

Canadian Pair -- Sigrun of Payson, UT

Everyone I know is sick of hearing about the Canadian couple. Why subject us all to the whys, the wherefores, the could-have-beens, and should-have-beens all day long?????????????? When there has been a decision made, give it to us. Till then, let's concentrate on the Olympics, OK?????? >From now on, we will all switch channels when another "news" story is brought about the Canadian couple. We are not interested in speculation. Why waste precious time on this subject, when it accomplished absolutely nothing. We want to see and hear about the Olympics, not the scandal. Other than that, you are doing a wonderful job!!!!!!! Sigrun Coombs Utah   

Delete -- Howard of Kaysville, UT

I think the Denver Post should rip out one Paige. Oh, I forgive.  

Mitt Romney -- Dave of Buhl, ID

Perhaps it would be much more news worthy to report on the incredible job Mitt Romney has done with the Olympics instead of him loosing his temper at a traffic situation.   

Woody for Pairs Figure Skating Judge -- John of Seattle, WA

I recommend that Woody be selected to take the place of the French Pairs Figure Skating Judge. He has shown from his impariality and his ability to judge things from an unbiased viewpoint, he would make a great Skating Judge. All 6's Woody?  

Jim McKay -- Timothy of Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Why is he on TV? He is a cotton-mouthed, washed-up bumbling fool. Is he an alcoholic? Looks like. Maybe that explains it. But NBC is wrong to give him air time. Get him back to the home!  

Ksl/nbc late night coverage -- Phylliss of Hurricane, UT

We can't believe the vulgar,garbage that is coming into o ur home from KSLNBC from Jay Leno's "Comedian?" on the late night broadcasting from Salt Lake. Also the Dave Letterman "Girl on the street" Almost every thing they say is R rated. We really resent that this kind of filth is being broadcast from Utah. It seems like the producers or worever are responsible are trying to show that Utah is as immoral, indecent and vulgar as anyone else in the world. Let KSL know how we feel about this put-down.   

Peace -- Tammy of South Salt lake, UT

Alot of reporters have said things that was not good.And they had to apologize for it,Because had to so they wouldnt lose there job..Everyone has a right to there own opinion.And some of us keep are opinion to are selfs.If he didnt mean what you said,Why did he say it..Just remember all the tragic events in the past few months (WE ALL STAND TOGETHER AS A STATE AND AS A COUNTRY AND HOPE IN THE FUTURE THE WORLD)Lets not worry about what one little man has to say.For right now we have the world here in Salt Lake City.Lets have peace   

Woody's Column -- Amy of Etna, CA

If Woody Paige would have made his comments about Blacks, Hispanics, or another religous, or minority group, he would have really been blasted. I'm tired of Utah bashing in general. It's not like we're hearing anything new! I'll believe he's really sorry if he stops bashing everyone. There are other things to write about. The whole thing seems like a "red herring."  

Judging the Olympics -- LaRaine of Salt Lake City, UT

With all this "stuff" going with the judging the Figure Skating. Here's an idea...... What about having former Olympic Athletes from the different Countries judge? They understand the integrity that goes with judging and all the hard work put in.   

Journalist's Comments and Locals -- Julian of South Jordan, UT

I read in the Salt Lake Tribune about the Denver journalist's comments and took the time to read some of those comments posted on your 2002 Winter Olympic comment section. In short, it is really sad that so many of these people are so bitter about things here in our wonderful state. It is one of the best places in the world to raise your family. I have talked to people from out of the state as well as out of the country and they have told me that we don't really understand how good we have it here. Recently I spoke to a lady from Great Britain who is moving here to our state. She was making the comment that she was moving here to some of the neighborhood children and they said, "why would you want to move here?" She made the comment that she can walk her dog at just about any time without having to worry about her safety, not getting blown up by a terrorist bomb or mugged. She also commented on how nice the people were to her. I would personnaly like to suggest to all those that have something critical to say about things here to step back and for once try to appreciate just how special this place is and maybe give something back instead of just finding things that they see are wrong with our state. We have so many things here to appreciate. If you spend every waking moment trying to find bad things, that is all that you will ever find. I could comment on how terrible I think these people are and say bad things about them but this would make me just like them. I choose to be positive about things and look for the good in things and especially in people. As far as the editors in all of these newspapers including our own Salt Lake Tribune, I have found that many of the writers have gone out of their way to paint a negative picture of many topics in our state only to have created a negative reaction from a large amount of the population. After all is said and done you then have the editor have to come back and make apologies for these comments and say they should have reviewed the articles more closely and been more responsible. It's one thing to show the opposite side of things fairly, and it's completely a different thing to take it to the extreme. We all should be more responsible for the things we say and do and try on our part to make a concerted effort to make things a little better for each other. Most of the people here at the games have make positive comments about the Olympics and our state, yes, even those from out of the country. Those were the ones that everyone was worried we were going to dissapoint. These people will be back because they have been her and seen with their own eyes what we as a state can offer. To those that have been writing the critical articles in all fairness, please come to the state, get out of your hotel room and walk around. Get your facts straight and report them honestly and fairly, don't just report on what one of your friends told you. That's totally irresponsible. Folks this is our state, take care of it, nurture it, love it, and make it a better place. DO YOUR PART! :-)   

Paige Rage -- Paul of Draper, UT

I worry more about road rage than Paige Rage. Woody Paige and his bosses thrive on controversial publicity. I got weak and mad and wrote the editor, they apologized. I accept his apology, sincere or not. I, being very unperfect, have made many apologies in my life. I admit they all weren't perfectly sincere. I hope the ones to Deity were accepted as sincere. Woody will answer for his own actions, let's forgive and forget, and try to solve some real problems like "road rage" and leave the "paige rage" to the unforgiving ragers. He was wrong, yes, let someone else punish him, I'd rather live better in heaven than have revenge on earth. Paul Cox - Draper, Utah  

Woody - Liability or Asset? -- Ron of Bountiful, UT

I've read Woody Paige's unfortunately misguided article of 2/12 and his retraction today. I'm very sorry that the Editor of the Denver Post didn't prevent Woody from himself. With Enron's accounting debacle in the news, I believe it's time for the Denver Post to take a look at their own balance sheet. After close inspection I fear that they may realize that Mr. Paige has long been a liability cleverly disguised as an asset. He unveiled himself with his article of 2/12. It may be too hard to put the disguise back on him now. Everyone has seen the clown under the mask. He's scary! Not funny!   

WOODYS' WITTICISMS -- Chris of Glenwood Springs, CO

I heard something about Woody Paige's trash talking the Winter Olympics and more precisely, the Mormon Church, and just had to read for myself what all the hub-bub was about. Heck,(pardon my harsh language, I hope you're not offended) Woody, you even made the KSL radio news, which during the early morning hours, punches through loud and clear here in Western Colorado where I live. So, I logged on to 9News's(Denver) website. I read your witticisms. And as a member of that religion, I'm offended. The Jell-O jokes?--well okay because even I joke about that. I can really yuk it up with my Mormon friends. Don't know if you've heard, Woody, but there is actually a Jell-O Olympic collectors' pin. Better get one soon, though, I've heard they're hard to find. Oh, while you're at it and see if you can find, and I'm not making this up, a funeral potatoes pin as well. They'll make a great pair, don't you think? Maybe Temple Square would be a good place to start. Watch out for cheap, counterfeit imitations and don't take any of that printed propaganda. Only a small amount of character is needed to make a mockery of one's religious beliefs. You picked the wrong state, the wrong city, the wrong people and the wrong time to do that. But it takes a great amount of character to publicly apologize to all the people you publicly offended. Nice to see you eat a good, heaping helping of crow, Woody. Now, how about some yummy lime Jell-O for dessert?   

My 2 cents about Woody -- Barbra of Salt Lake City, UT

I'm glad Woody apologized and as we've seen, some see it as not being very sincere. I accept the apology at face value and will leave it at that. Bottom line, NO religion should be defiled. That right is specifically stated in our Constitution. Whether I'm a member of the LDS faith or not isn't an issue. To comment on such sacred beliefs and practices of any faith is wrong! It is very true that the LDS church could sue for such libel, but I doubt they'll take that recourse. To the folks that have used this forum to back up Woody and blast Utah, it's culture, and the LDS church, would you be thrilled about it if the attacks were about your beliefs specifically? I doubt it. Sour grapes for sour people. Some people just need to grow up. As for the games, Swifter, Higher, Stronger! Salt Lake City and Utah is doing a magnificent job. This former New Yorker is proud to be a Utahn now.  

there is more then skating -- alvin of cleveland, UT

too much coverage of skating vevues. there is more of the olympics this. way too much coverage of the skating events.   

Figure Skating -- Debbie of Waltham, MA

I think that figure skating has been unfair with the scoring of the judges, because for many years they fix whom the winner of the gold shall be. I think that they should change the judges, to not be from the countries that are competing in the sport. I also think that people in charge of figure skating should become more educated in the sport by watching it closely so that it will be fair and fun.  

Awards plaza -- Joyce of Salt Lake, UT

We residents of Utah who do not have tickets to the medal plaza have not yet seen the stage open up. NBC will not cover it! Is there any way that KSL could cover it and show it on SLC live? It would be appreciated.   

Apology Accepted Woody! -- Jeanette of West Valley City, UT

It bothered me when I read another message posted here. A gentleman stated that "us Mormons" are doing an injustice and more damage to our religion than Mr. Woody ever could. Why? Because we could not accept Mr. Woody's apology. My question is, did you look at the date those messages were posted? We may have been blowing off steam the day we'd read it, and like any human tendency (not just Mormon's)...we just don't express appreciation and gratitude as much as we should. So, I thought I would let him know that once Mr. Paige admitted that there was a fine line between humor and harrassment, AND that he had crossed it...no harm done! I actually thought he was VERY humorous in his apology when he said: "Salt Lake has become "the capital of niceness." I don't understand the infatuation with Jell-O or fry sauce, but I appreciate "friendly." Maybe we should all eat more Jell-0 and fry sauce." THAT was funny! Apology Accepted Woody!!   

Kristy of Provo -- Kristy of Provo, UT

I feel bad for the people that like to judge a state by their standards. I say let them be judged by their higher authority and not us. I don't see a difference between Bin Laudins views upon the U.S.A. and our beliefs and the colunist from Colorado's view of Utah. They both were judged upon people that need to have some compassion in their lives and really need someone to love them so they can love...  

Why bash Woody -- Alan of Denver, CO

Why you guys bashing Woody Paige? You're lucky it wasn't Mark Kiszla of the NEWS(Rocky Mountain News) bashing your city, he's 10 times worse then Woody. Obviously you're not used to Woody's ramblings but we are, this is nothing new to us. We've heard it from Lincoln Neb and Miami about Woody. Hell he even bashes Denver and Colorado sometimes in his colums. Why even care about a article anyway? Just ignore it. Sorry if it hurt the mormon church or whatever but it was a stupid article gone wrong. It wasn't even his best article anyway the one on NEB was better. So just ignore whatever anybody says about your city or state!   

Spirit in the Flames -- David of Taylorsville, UT

Spirits in the Flame (Poem) Alive ... come alive borne by swift relay to kindle life, tinder our thoughts to fuel a combustion that ignites then tempers our competitive desires. Illuminate this bronze canopy stoke the coals of a fragile humanity, for we are sometimes lost blown ashes in a cold hearth that tests our sanity. So burn ...... slowly burn ..... and whisper mysteries of who you are, did our spark, along with yours birth from violent death of a silver star ? An inter-galatic explosion ... a black holes implosion ? the melting breath of the solar winds nurturing remnants from an icy corrosion? So please just burn .... and we'll keep blowing we'll take your company without knowing, and as you gasp for a last breath, flicker, then look into our eyes for help ... know we will . For without you stirring our souls we also will become dying embers, and only by sharing our light within we forge strong rings of human greatness ... Then the spirit of these games rises high within-like flames warming the world to dance Swifter... Higher... Stronger... In a golden journey through the soul then beamed into the endless universe, never to be extinguished by death. Light The Fire Within! d.m.c. 2/04/02  

Woody -- Kathy of Salt Lake City, UT

When I read the February 12 column I was shocked and dismayed. I was as hurt as I would have been if the column had been written about me personally.I appreciate the attempt to undo the damage represented by the February 14th column. I am by nature a vindictive and unforgiving person. Thanks to the influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, my nature has improved considerably over the last 30 years. For that reason only, appology accepted.   

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