I have enjoyed watching and cheering the Winter Olympics and the Olympians these last few weeks. I bit my nails and hollared when the US scored with 25 seconds to go in yesterday's big game. I cried with Joanie Rochette when she finished her short program. And my stomach hurt for the Georgian team when it lost its teammate and friend.

I looked forward to seeing the athletes in a more relaxed and joyful atmosphere at the Closing Ceremonies. It's one of my favorite television moments: the officials handing over the Olympic flag and flame to the next host city's mayor, the athletes-- this time not separated by nations but rather joining together to party and celebrate their accomplishments; the visible pride of the host nation's citizens...

Instead, I was gypped. By NBC-- and by Jerry Seinfeld. Instead of letting the emotions and energy flow 'til the end, the network cynically cut the party off at the knees to air a half-hour of what it hopes will be its next commercial hit. After encouraging me to buy into the athletes and the events they tackled for 17 days-- in spite of endless commercials and promos-- NBC wouldn't give me the satisfaction of seeing these same athletes finish out their Olympics. Rather, I COULD-- if I stayed up past midnight, certainly something my tween-aged daughter could not do.

So I didn't get to see Alannis Morrisette and Avril LaVigne and the athletes dancing and hugging. What did I miss, really? A feel-good opportunity that's way too rare in these days of devestating earthquakes, mounting bills and potential foreclosures. I think I missed a lot.