Newsies

First the good: Tom DeLay losing support in own district. And now the better: Michelle Kwan is going to Turin.

I love that Michelle is going, though I'm not sure she's as strong a contender as Sasha Cohen is. However, her experience on the international stage, her confidence and focus, and ability to get the job done, put her in greater stead than Emily Hughes. What is interesting about Kwan's performance -- and probably what exemplifies her as an athlete -- is that she's giving officials two opportunities, on the 20th and 27th, to see her skate and if they don't think she's ready, she'll withdraw. That's a generous enough timeframe that if things don't go according to plan, Emily Hughes will be able to prepare and be ready.

I have a thing for people who keep trying, who don't make excuses, and who despite setbacks and being written-off, keep trying and maintain a positive, mature attitude. That's the quality I really admire about Michelle Kwan, and that's why I'm so glad she's getting her third (and most likely) final shot at Olympic gold.