You know, when the 2008 Olympics first began, I have to admit I wasn't very interested. As they progressed, I started to notice a change in the day-to-day conversations and news headlines as a whole.

You know, when the 2008 Olympics first began, I have to admit I wasn't very interested. As they progressed, I started to notice a change in the day-to-day conversations and news headlines as a whole. With the team USA breaking records and winning medals on a consistent basis, I caught the fever.

Now that the Olympics are over, I think I understand why. A renewed sense of hope, pride and accomplishment were filling the news funnels of the media in America. And it was just what the doctor ordered - good news!  I gotta tell ya, it was refreshing.

I know people (as well as me personally) have mixed emotions about China, but they are also a good example of "people rising to the occasion".  Their persistence and positive attitude should be an example to us during our own struggles. I'd like to hear your views on this, so please respond in the thread. Oh, and by the way, you can turn off your TVs now.