Architectural wonder or a potential eyesore?

Like most people in and outside China, I believe the National Stadium, or Bird's Nest, is a truly stunning structure. It is unique among the world's major sports venues. And I count the day spent viewing track and field events during the 2008 Olympic Games as one of my most memorable China experiences.

But that was then, what about now and the future?

Recent history shows that big Olympic sporting venues tend to lead troubled post-Olympic lives.