Remember when you were a kid, and you'd chew vibrant rainbow-hued bubble gum until it was mush, extracted of all its overwhelming sugary delight, and thoroughly mutilated by your cavity-strewn teeth?
Since 9/11, I have watched attitudes toward America evolve from sympathy and curiosity a month after the attacks, to indifference and disbelief in March 2003, to outright disgust by June 2007, to overwhelming enthusiasm and delight this summer.
But much to my surprise and delight, the overwhelming majority of responses were bipartisan questions aimed fairly at both sides.
Still, overwhelming is overwhelming.
Aidan O'Brien left Churchill Downs in Kentucky on Saturday evening as the only overseas trainer to win a race at the 2011 Breeders' Cup, but with his pride as a father as the overwhelming emotion ahead of his delight at winning for Ireland and for Europe.
We were delighted by the overwhelming response to the course that was originally expected to draw only 40 people.
Although not yet final, we have received the provisional results of the election, and are delighted by the overwhelming support for the African National Congress... To the people of South Africa and the world who are watching: this a joyous night for the human spirit.
But within minutes, we were all laughing and shrieking, completely delighted at this overwhelming, scary and fantastic interaction with the biggest animal any of us had ever met.
"We were delighted with the overwhelming critical and fan response to the series, and we expect that season two will continue to seduce and chill audiences," said Sarah Barnett, president and GM at Sundance Channel.
"I am delighted that the overwhelming majority of MEPs backed this deal.
Along with Hockney's public persona, as expressed in interview and broadcast appearance, the overwhelming impression is one of artistic delight.
