The TOP 10 Most Anticipated New TV Shows coming this Year!

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10.

THE MENTALIST -- Simon Baker lasted four years with CBS as "Guardian" and one year with "Smith," now the Aussie actor's giving it another go with the crime drama "The Mentalist." Whether it's hindsight or foresight, Baker's decision to play a celebrity psychic-turned-detective has so far been getting fairly positive feedback. Even the lukewarm reviews admit Baker's a charmer, who pops up 40% in searches over the past month. By the way, as if the airwaves aren't already littered with mediums and self-aware frauds.

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9.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS -- Ashton Kutcher brings the creative spree behind "Punk'd" and "Beauty and the Geek" to ABC with "Opportunity Knocks." The first and only game show on the most-anticipated list, the contest quizzes families on how well they know one another, the mail carrier, or the folks next door. The concept isn't exactly ambush game-show: Wannabe contestants could apply online... but they have to live in a "traditional neighborhood" in a house with a 20x20 foot yard or driveway to make room for the camera crew. Seems like opportunity only knocks for those already in a pretty cozy state.

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8.

LIFE ON MARS -- Recent images coming in from the Phoenix Mars Lander have fueled public speculation about Red Planet denizens... but barely anyone would have figured on Harvey Keitel being in the mix. Actually, "Life on Mars" has nothing to do with the fourth planet closest to the sun, but is an ABC remake of a British drama. The show is actually about a cop (Jason O'Mara) who gets transported from present-day to the '70s after a car accident. And while Keitel and "Sopranos" alum Michael Imperioli may be the show's acting heavyweights, co-stars Gretchen Mol and Lisa Bonet reap the online popularity.

7.

EASY MONEY -- Another show with a "Sopranos" cred, "Easy Money" essentially delves into a similarly criminal enterprise: a successful loan-sharking family. Blue-collar comedies have faded since their peak in the '70s and '80s, so it's rare to see a dramedy tackle the uncomfortably touchy subject of usury. It's even odder to find the program's unlikely home on The CW, champion of shallow wealth. Starring Emmy Award winner Laurie Metcalf and Jeff Hephner as her doubting son (and the show's conscience), the comedy may be the odd family out on the slick CW line-up, but could add up in these tough economic times.

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6.

TRUE BLOOD -- "Six Feet Under" didn't quite revive the dead, but brought lively storytelling to a funeral business. Now its creator Alan Ball gets his hands bloody in "True Blood," based on the vampire-mystery novels by Charlaine Harris. Rave reviews are coming in for the Southern-steeped HBO comedy set in Louisiana. Vampires, thanks to a Japanese invention, can live amongst human beings, but find themselves faced with demanding groupies and deadly poachers. The show stars Anna Paquin (up 48% in searches) as a mind-reading, mystery-solving barmaid. With the movie "Twilight" soon emerging, expect corpuscles to be the next hot thing.

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5.

SANCTUARY -- Weaned on the Web, "Sanctuary" moves into slightly larger environs when the science-meets-supernatural show crosses over to the SciFi Channel. The show's creative legacy stems from the "Stargate" series, and its webisode venture allowed fans to do video mash-ups. Don't expect a cyberspace storyline to carry over: Star Amanda Tapping (who looks pretty good for a 157-year-old doctor sniffing out undercover alien residents) reports that the TV version will be different. What will be the same: continued use of digital sets, a la "Sin City" and "300," making "Sanctuary" the first TV show ever to employ virtual backgrounds.

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4.

FRINGE -- "The X-Files" helped establish Fox, and while the network isn't exactly suffering nowadays with its "American Idol" juggernaut, there's a sense of paying homage to its fictional routes with "Fringe." The show, fourth in online interest, pairs a female FBI agent with a nutcase scientist and his 'estranged' son. Producer J.J. Abrams ("Lost," "Cloverfield") isn't just the mastermind behind the dramatized investigations into 'fringe science,' but also behind one of the most expensive pilots ever at $10 mil plus. A comic book prequel debuts first to warm up the fanboys, but many already suspect this will be the break-out hit of the fall.

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3.

SONS OF ANARCHY -- With "The Shield" turning in its badge this season, FX is rolling out biker outlaws in "Sons of Anarchy." Ages 21-54 have been drawn to the chrome hog drama about a motorcycle-riding, gun-running family syndicate. But fans aren't all male gearheads, with ladies making up more than a third of online searches. The show bears a mutt pedigree, but check out the creative DNA: a "Shield" scriptwriter, "Sopranos" director, and a cast that includes English bloke Charles Hunnam, Ron "Hellboy" Perlman (for once, free of beastly makeup), and Katey Sagal.

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2.

KNIGHT RIDER -- Co-starring with a talking car made David Hasselhoff the toast of Germany and beyond, and the '80s detective show still has life in international cable reruns. Still, with the original K.I.T.T. (and its parent GM for that matter) in derelict condition, can Justin Bruening and Val Kilmer's voice jumpstart a second "Knight Rider" run? One thing hasn't changed: Marketing's in maximum overdrive, starting with a Knight Rider GPS featuring the first K.I.T.T.'s prissy tones (William Daniels). The new cast includes Paul Campbell, Tamiia Poitier (yes, daughter of the great one), and a modified Shelby GT500KR with 605 horsepower.

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1.

90210 -- Primetime soaps go back all the way to "Peyton Place," and CW series "90210" continues the grand tradition, although it's clearly the offspring of the '90s melodrama "Beverly Hills, 90210" with the same siblings-out-of-sparkling-water storyline. The show's not only reuniting Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty (Tori Spelling's holding out for equitable pay), but also throws in "Melrose Place" alumni Rob Estes as the dad. As for the young Beverly Hills-billies, Shenae Grimes ("Degrassi") and Tristan Wilds ("The Wire") bring good acting creds to their roles as interracial siblings (one's adopted). Expect Drama with a capital D.

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Out of the TOP 10 most Aniticpated, I am really interested in Watching 90210, FRINGE, THE MENTILIST, AND SANCTUARY.

SO WHAT NEW TV SHOWS ARE COMING SOON YOU'RE INTERESTED IN WATCHING?

A HISTORIC DAY TO REMEMBER

SO MUCH EXICTMENT, HAPPINESS, TEARS AND CHEERS!!

"Our dreams can be one" Barack Obama tells over 75,000 people

Forty-five years after Martin Luther King shared his vision for equality, Obama makes history!

He Addressed over 75,000 people including Hollywood stars, Famouse Singers and leaders in a Historic Day of the final session of Democratic National Convention.

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Watch Obama accept the historic nomination »

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The Obama family takes to the stage.

Barack Obama makes his acceptance speech in Denver.

Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, addresses the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver.

Vivian Dixonshin, of Sunrise, Fla., dances with other delegates during the final session of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver

Spectators hold flags and signs on the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008.

Singer Fergie waves an American flag at Invesco Field, on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

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Barack Obama has told Americans their "dreams can be one" if they unite in a stirring new crusade for change, in a riotous finale to the historic Democratic National Convention.

Obama accepted the party's presidential nomination before 75,000 delirious supporters, becoming the first-ever black major-party White House pick, exactly 45 years after Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" anthem to racial harmony.

Evoking King's 1963 march on Washington, Obama said what "people of every creed and color, from every walk of life" heard "is that in America, our destiny is inextricably linked, that together our dreams can be one."

"'We cannot walk alone,'" the preacher cried. "'And as we walk we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.'

"America, we cannot turn back," the 47-year-old Illinois senator said as he vowed to turn back the turmoil of the past eight years and the "failed presidency of George W. Bush."

And he tore into his Republican rival John McCain, saying he did not understand the struggles of normal Americans and should stop questioning his patriotism.

"It's not because John McCain doesn't care. It's because John McCain doesn't get it," Obama said.

As thousands of supporters waved tiny American flags after being whipped up into a frenzy by a pageant of patriotic songs, Obama trumpeted: "I've got news for you, John McCain, we all put our country first."

The Illinois senator, who just four years ago electrified the convention as a mere state lawmaker, also savaged Republican claims that he is not ready to be US commander-in-chief.

"Don't tell me that Democrats won't keep us safe," Obama said.

"The Bush-McCain foreign policy has squandered the legacy that generations of Americans - Democrats and Republicans, have built, and we are to restore that legacy.

"I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home," Obama vowed.

But McCain's campaign swiftly dismissed Obama's speech. "Tonight, Americans witnessed a misleading speech that was so fundamentally at odds with the meager record of Barack Obama," said McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds in a statement.

"The fact remains, Barack Obama is still not ready to be president."

Obama sought to address the unlikely aspects of his historic White House quest, saying: "I get it, I realize that I am not the likeliest candidate for this office.

"I don't fit the typical pedigree, and I haven't spent my career in the halls of Washington.

"But I stand before you tonight because all across America, something is stirring. What the nay sayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me, its been about you.

"We meet at one of those defining moments -- a moment when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more."

"We are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look just like the last eight," Obama said.

"On November 4, we must stand up and say 'Eight is Enough.'"

The huge crowd earlier swayed to the soul music of Stevie Wonder and cheered as Democratic heavyweights like Al Gore castigated Bush, pumping up the the heat before Obama's appearance.

Nobel laureate Gore directly likened Obama to Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest US presidents noting that Lincoln, like Obama was once a state lawmaker from Illinois accused by rivals of lack of experience.

"The experience Lincoln's supporters valued most ... was his powerful ability to inspire hope in the future at a time of impasse," Gore said.

"In 2008, once again, we find ourselves at the end of an era with a mandate from history to launch another new beginning.

"And once again, we have a candidate whose experience perfectly matches an extraordinary moment of transition."

McCain meanwhile had chosen his running mate, a campaign aide said, and rumors were swirling the news would leak out imminently in a bid to sap news coverage from the Democrats.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney and independent senator Joseph Lieberman were thought to be high on the Arizona's senator's short-list.

'Failed Bush presidency'

The 47-year-old Illinois senator vowed to turn back the turmoil of the past eight years of the "failed presidency of George W. Bush."

And he tore into his Republican rival John McCain, saying he did not understand the struggles of normal Americans, and should stop questioning his patriotism.

"It's not because John McCain doesn't care. It's because John McCain doesn't get it," Obama said.

And he said to the crowd, waving thousands of tiny American flags whipped into a patriotic frenzy by a pageant of patriotic songs, "I've got news for you, John McCain, we all put our country first."

Obama also reflected on the unlikely aspects of his historic White House quest.

"I get it, I realize that I am not the likeliest candidate for this office," he said.

"I don't fit the typical pedigree, and I haven't spent my career in the halls of Washington.

"But I stand before you tonight because all across America, something is stirring. What the nay sayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me, its been about you."

"America, we are better than these eight years," Obama said. "We are a better country than this," he said.

"We meet at one of those defining moments -- a moment when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more."

"We are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look just like the last eight," Obama said.

"On November 4, we must stand up and say "Eight is Enough.'"

'End dependency on Middle East oil'

Obama also pledged to end America's dependency on Middle East oil within 10 years if he is elected president.

He said clean coal technology and other non-fossil energy sources would be part of his strategy.

He also spoke about equal gender pay and pouring more resources into education.

John McCain's White House campaign has dismissed Democrat Barack Obama's convention speech as "misleading" and said he was not ready to be president.

PHOTO's - Final day of the Democratic National Convention, Invesco Field in Denver

Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, and daughters, Malia, left, and Sasha are seen on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Former Vice President Al Gore acknowledges the crowd as he gets ready to speak on the final night of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden addresses the crowed on the final night of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver.

Jennifer Hudson sings the national anthem during the final session of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver.

Rev. Jesse Jackson greets a fans on the field at Invesco Field, on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

An unidentified supporter of Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., is seen on the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver.

Huge crowds line up to get into Invesco Field for the final night at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Rev. Bernice King, daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King hugs her brother Martin Luther King III as he comes on stage at the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver.

Delegate Daljit Singh, of Visalia, Calif., cheers with the crowd assembling for the final night of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver.

Bernita Jenkins, a delegate from Bakersfield, Calif., wears buttons supporting the Democrat nominees on the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver.

Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., walks through the crowd at Invesco Field, site of the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Virginia Benedict of Newburg, Md., finds her seat on the floor of Invesco Field for the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

A hat from the Missouri delegation sits on empty seats at Invesco Field on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., smiles as he makes a surprise visit to the Illinois delegation women's luncheon in Denver.

Sheryl Crow rehearses for her performance later at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

A woman holds a pin with Martin Luther King on it at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Will.i.am and John Legend rehearse as they prepare for the final night of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver.

Singer Stevie Wonder rehearses on stage at Invesco Field at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., and his wife Jill greet Army National Guard troops from Nebraska and Georgia at Invesco Field in Denver.

Jennifer Hudson rehearses the national anthem as Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics Shawn Johnson looks on as preparations are underway for the final night of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver.

-- IN NOVEMBER, IT'S TIME FOR THE USA AND THE WORLD TO HELP ELECT BARACK OBAMA AS US PRESIDENT BECAUSE CHANGE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING RIGHT NOW! AND OBAMA WILL BRING CHANGE! NO MORE WAR! AND MUCH BETTER POLICIES!

LIKE HILLARY CLINTON SAID - 'NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN'

Democratic National Convention (DNC) - Denver, Colorado

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"Barack Obama is my candidate, And he must be our president."

'The Time Is Now to Unite' - Hillary Clinton

Clinton told supporters that "the time is now to unite as a single party"

Hillary Clinton urges Democrats to back Barack Obama, saying 'we're on the same team' she tell's supporters to set aside hurt feelings and declares 'No way, no how, no McCain.

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Watch Clinton's entire speech »

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Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks during the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Hillary Rodham Clinton acknowledges the crowd as she prepares to address the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks during the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Many Clinton supporters remain disgruntled at her primary loss

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DENVER, Colorado - Sen. Hillary Clinton introduced herself as a "proud supporter of Barack Obama" at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday as she called on her party to rally behind her former rival.

"Whether you voted for me, or voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose. We are on the same team, and none of us can sit on the sidelines. This is a fight for the future. And it's a fight we must win together," she said.

Leading up to her address, there was a lot of speculation about what she would say and whether she would make a strong enough call for unity. But she made a very strident case for Obama's candidacy.

"No way. No how. No McCain. Barack Obama is my candidate. And he must be our president," Clinton said. Her speech, which was the last of the night, followed a line up of other Democrats who used their time at the podium to attack President Bush's record and McCain's policies.

Appearing strong and energized, Clinton thanked her voters for supporting her historic campaign as a female candidate and reached out to those wary of Obama by telling them they weren't in this for her, but for her cause. That cause, she said, is the same thing that Obama and the rest of the Democratic Party are fighting for.

Many analysts said the speech would end speculation that Clinton has not fully embraced Obama as her party's candidate.

Clinton mentioned Obama by name more than twice as many times as she mentioned the party as a whole.

"I thought she was a act," said political analyst David Gergen, who worked in the Clinton administration. "I think it could well be said that nothing has so become her campaign as the way she has ended it here tonight."

Clinton also praised Obama's newly tapped vice presidential candidate, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware. The former first lady called Biden "pragmatic, tough and wise."

Clinton was met with a standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience. Only a few pockets of the standing-room only convention center weren't on their feet cheering for her. Observers said she had the biggest reception of the evening.

As soon as the speech ended, the McCain campaign issued a statement implying that Clinton did nothing to dispel her previous criticism of Obama.

"Sen. Clinton ran her presidential campaign making clear that Barack Obama is not prepared to lead as commander-in-chief. Nowhere tonight did she alter that assessment," McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said.

"Nowhere tonight did she say that Barack Obama is ready to lead. Millions of Hillary Clinton supporters and millions of Americans remain concerned about whether Barack Obama is ready to be president."

The McCain campaign has stepped up its effort to woo disaffected Clinton supporters, running ads highlighting Clinton's criticism of Obama during the primaries.

Obama called Clinton after the speech and thanked her for her support and said she could not have done a better job.

Earlier, former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner appealed across party lines in his keynote address. Obama has been campaigning hard to win Virginia, which hasn't voted for a Democratic president since President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

According to CNN's electoral map, the state is a toss-up going into the general election. In order for Obama to take the state's 13 electoral votes, he would need to win over some of Virginia's independent and Republican voters.

Instead of tearing into the current administration, Warner talked about ideas -- highlighting science and technology.

"I know we're at the Democratic convention, but if an idea works, it really doesn't matter if it has an 'R' or 'D' next to it," Warner said. "Because this election isn't about liberal versus conservative. It's not about left versus right. It's about the future versus the past."

His words echoed Obama's own keynote speech of four years ago when the then little known senator from Illinois spoke of what united rather than divided Americans.

In 2004, before John Kerry was nominated for president, Obama said to delegates: "There is not a liberal America and a conservative America -- there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America -- there's the United States of America."

Republican strategist Alex Castellanos said Warner's address could do for him what Obama's address did four years ago.

"It's a very powerful speech. He's going to come out of this convention the way Barack Obama came out of the last convention -- as the rock star, as the next guy," he said. "It was an important speech because if this election is about experience and strength, McCain wins. But if this election's about the past versus the future, Republicans have a much tougher job."

Warner's most blunt criticism of President Bush was that he has kept the country from living up to its potential.

Tuesday's other speakers played up Obama's message of change and tore into McCain, saying he would only bring about more of the same.

Pennsylvania Sen. Robert Casey Jr. at one point feigned shock at the idea that the Republican Party was asking for four more years in the White House, promising the party of President Bush and McCain "not four more years, but four more months."

In response, the delegates jumped to their feet shouting, "Four more months! Four more months!"

Audience members also waved signs that said "McCain more of the same."

CNN.com

"Whether you voted for me, or voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose," -Senator Clinton

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PHOTO'S -- DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (DNC) - Denver, Colorado

Aug. 26: Michelle Obama Delivers speech at the DNC.

Hillary Clinton with her daughter Chelsea at the Democratic National Convention.

Aug. 26: Michelle Obama appears at the Emily's List 2008 Convention Gala at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Aug. 26: Michelle Obama Delivers speech at the DNC.

Cheers for Ted Kenndy at the DNC

Cheers for Michelle Obama at the DNC.

Aug. 26: Delegate Kelly Jacobs, of Hernando, Miss., shows off her many buttons to Awilda Cordero, a delegate from Bronx, N.Y., left, during the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Hillary Clinton with her daughter Chelsea at the Democratic National Convention.

The Massachusetts delegation cheers as Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton arrives to address the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

The Florida delegation has some fun dancing during the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

A delegate wears buttons showing support for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., during the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

TV GUIDE- Television's 10 MOST ANNOYING COUPLES!

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1. George & Izzie, Grey's Anatomy: First off, could the combo name be any uglier? And secondly, ewww. It was like watching a faded prom queen and her slightly dim-witted brother get it on...at the expense of George's marriage to Callie.

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2. Tom & Lynette, Desperate Housewives: She has him canned from her ad firm, hates mothering and almost cheats on him with a pizza guy. He, in turn, takes it like a tool as penance for lying about his secret kid. Forget Wisteria Lane's occasional homicides, the real mystery here is why these two aren't in therapy.

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3. Boris & Natasha, The Bullwinkle Show: The couple that plays together stays together. The couple that gets off on terrorizing an innocent moose and squirrel is just freakin' scary. Someone call PETA!

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4. Clark & Lana, Smallville: Since we know the Hunk of Steel ends up with Lois, there's no reason to root for the Kansas kids. Throw in the fact that Clark was in the Krypton closet for so long and that Lana is only interesting when she's presumed dead, and you have a super-powered snore.

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5. Billy & Alison, Melrose Place: For roomies-turned-lovahs, these two barely shared more than an address. Alison didn't tell Billy about her abusive past until after ditching him at the altar, and Billy never explained his perpetually slack jaw. Amanda wasn't trying to break them up; she was trying to do us a favor!

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6. Kate & Jack, Lost: Sorry, Losties, but come on: They suck in the future. Jack's a whiny wino and Kate, who was kind of an island slut for Sawyer, has become a really well-dressed nag. We say get 'em back to the island pronto, so these two can feel some heat again.

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7. Trista & Ryan, The Bachelorette: Between her squeaky-toy voice and his poetry, it's easy to hate on the only couple to survive the franchise's rose parade. But what really burns our boutonniere is that two nobodies milked their 15 minutes into a $3.8 million televised wedding.

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8. Ryan & Marissa, The O.C.: He was tough, poor and wore muscle shirts. She was tall, privileged and wore blank expressions. The only thing they had in common was a lack of chemistry, which mercifully evaporated once that fatal car crash freed Chino Boy to fall for the awesome Taylor Townsend.

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9. Sara & Grissom, CSI: First, they hide their romance for two seasons. Then we're supposed to be OK when Miss Sidle suddenly slides out of the bathroom, all flirty and ready for bed? Had she stuck around after he proposed, maybe, but Yoko's only returning next season to facilitate Gil's exit, so they're both dead to us.

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10. Rob & Amber, Survivor: Damn you, Probst! If it weren't for Dimples, Boston Rob and Amba wouldn't have met on 2004's all-star season, used the finale for their showboat engagement or stunk up two seasons of The Amazing Race with their chronic self-promotion.

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THE BEST OLYMPIC GAMES EVER?

BEIJING ENDS THE OLYMPICS WITH A BRILLIANT CLOSING CEREMONY!

The Bird's Nest lights up again for a spectacular end to the Games.

Streamers fall in the National Stadium during the closing ceremony of the Beijing Games in China.

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The greatest polluter on the planet and the nation with one of the world's worst human rights records is basking in the glow of the best Olympic Games there has been.

China began the Games of the 29th Olympiad under a grimy, grey cloud and finished it under a shower of congratulations.

In between, the world saw one man become the greatest Olympian of all time and another become the fastest human that has ever lived.

They also saw themselves become something other than a large, mysterious and questionable world presence.

Michael Phelps won eight swimming gold medals in Beijing, the most by one person in Games history.

But it was his lifetime total of 14 Olympic titles that set the American apart.

The previous career best was nine, and they had been won by some of the most revered names in sporting history - Mark Spitz, Paavo Nurmi and Carl Lewis.

Phelps vs Bolt

As amazing as Phelps' performance was, for glorious, spectacular human achievement nothing beat Usain Bolt.

The Jamaican sprinter doesn't have to move a muscle to look impressive.

But when he got going in his eight races in Beijing's incredible Bird's Nest stadium, he ran with more majesty, power and speed than anyone before him.

Bolt won the 100m, the 200m and the 4x100m relay, all in world record time, making him clearly the greatest Olympic sprinter ever.

Thanks, according to his father, to the home-grown yams he's been feeding his boy.

These Games, however, had far more than Phelps and Bolt.

Among the others who saw their flag raised and sang their anthem more than once were British cyclist Chris Hoy who won three gold medals, as did Australia swimmer Stephanie Rice.

Some minnows of world sport also had their day.

China on top

China topped most medal tables in that exceeded almost every forecast.

Their 49 gold medals placed them 15 ahead of the United States, although the Americans didn't accept second place.

All US publications based the count on the total medals won, which went their way by 107 to 97.

Oddly enough, the Chinese program instituted four years ago to target the medal-rich sports of swimming, canoeing and rowing failed miserably.

Project 119, so named because that is the number of gold medals available in those sports, produced only two golds.

China also succeeded so supremely well without a medal from its athletic hero, Liu Xiang or from the team led by its second biggest star, the NBA basketballer Yao Ming.

Among the giddy spectacles of the past two weeks, the sight of Liu, the hurdles gold medallist from Athens, limping from the track after taking only three strides in his heat, was at the wrong end of scale.

As anticipated, the Chinese won a selection "new" gold medals, scoring for the first time in archery, rowing, sailing and trampoline.

Among the bigger Chinese surprises were Zhong Man winning Chinas first fencing gold in 24 years in men's sabre and the 19-year-old Liu Zige emerging from obscurity to win the women's 200m butterfly at the Water Cube.

London - bound

As the best Games ever shut up shop, it is over to London, which would be wise if they trusted their own assurance and didn't try to compete with Beijing as far as facilities and ceremonies go.

They shouldn't need to.

These Games emphasised the importance China being introduced to the world, and of being embraced by the world in return.

The world needs no such introduction to Britain, relieving them of the necessity to provide over-the-top venues and adventurous entertainment.

The Beijing Games will be remembered by most Chinese as a dream that came true.

The hope is that no nightmares return after the flame goes out.

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AND NOW - It's time to countdown to LONDON 2012!

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Fireworks in the shape of the Olympic emblem explode during the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium.

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YOUR SAY: Do you think the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games was the best ever?