Topic: 2012 Summer Olympics

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Sports in 2012: here are some Monitor highlights

It’s impossible to list all the records set in 2012, but here’s a short rundown of some heralded highlights, plus 20 of our favorites, including some you might have missed.
2012 enters the record books. Were you paying attention? A news quiz.

The year 2012 brought no shortage of significant news, from scheduled political transitions in the US and China to unexpected tragedies, moments of human triumph, and more record-setting in the realm of social media.It's gone by quickly. Were the London Olympics really just a few months ago? Test your knowledge of these events with the Monitor's 2012 news quiz.
Five ways big banks' Libor scandal affects you

London, this year's host of the Olympics, is also home to a bank scandal that threatens to rock the financial world as much as the Games influence the world of sports. Here's why: Libor (London Interbank Offered Rate) is a global benchmark for interest rates that reaches deep into the international financial system. Allegations that banks rigged those rates means that everyone from mortgage-holders and indebted students to cities and mutual funds may have had their interest rates unnaturally altered. Already tainted by other scandals, banks are under investigation because of charges that they profited illegally from their rate-rigging scheme. The mess further taints big banks and puts more strain on the credibility of the global financial system. Here are five ways the Libor scandal could affect you:
In Pictures: Paralympic Games 2012
Four ways the Olympics can inspire global business

The Olympics embody the ideal of globalization. High-performance competitors push each other to do their best in an arena where everyone follows the same rules. An Olympian's dream is to stand out – not only in his or her own country but around the world. Global companies aim to do the same. There's one key and fortunate difference between sports and economics. In any sporting contest, there's only one winner. In a global economy, the number of winners is potentially unlimited, as I point out in my book, "Globalization." So what can businesses learn from these Games? Here are four ways international sport can inspire a better global economy:

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London Olympics opening ceremony to focus on rural Britain

Oscar-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle unveiled some of his plans Tuesday for the opening ceremony of the London Summer Olympic games, scheduled for July 27.
Sharapova to carry Russian flag at London Olympics opening ceremony

The newly-crowned French Open ladies champion will lead her native country's contingent into London's Olympic stadium next month.
Elizabeth barges down the Thames for Diamond Jubilee

The pageantry for Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee included a royal barge trip down the Thames today and hundreds of thousands cheering her on from the banks.
On Diamond Jubilee's eve, diverse Britain seeks unity in Queen Elizabeth

Some say monarchy is a rare unifier in a land absorbing large numbers of immigrants. 'She will become my queen, too,' says newly minted Briton Youssef Siblini.
Progress Watch Saudi girls find freedom in cleats

A high-energy evening soccer game between two girls' teams is part of a growing female sports movement in conservative Saudi Arabia.
David Beckham escorts Olympic flame upon arrival in UK

David Beckham will take the Olympic flame at a ceremony Friday when the flame arrives from Greece. Then, the Olympic flame will go on a 70-day, 8,000-mile relay around England ahead of the 2012 London Olympics.
Running With the Kenyans

In a move that is alternately naive, courageous, and entertaining, British journalist Adharanand Finn transplants to Kenya to learn from the world's best runners.
Missiles on my roof? Londoners push back on Olympics security

The defense ministry has begun putting anti-aircraft missiles on rooftops in a few parts of London ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games.
World's largest McDonald's: A big ad for obesity, say British doctors

World's largest McDonald's will be built in London for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The world's largest McDonald's will seat 1,500 and has an exclusive franchise in the Olympic village.
Boston Marathon: The village in Kenya where the elite train

Some Boston marathoners today will have trained at 8,000 feet above sea level in the Kenyan village of Iten. The big money in the sport has attracted younger athletes here.
NCAA tournament offers a B-ball boost for US-British 'special relationship'

President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron will take their global concerns and 'special relationship' to what should be good seats at the first NCAA tournament game in Ohio.
Backchannels Syria, Al Qaeda, and cognitive dissonance for fans of intervention

Want Bashar al-Assad out of power in Syria? Al Qaeda's on your team.
Alberto Contador stripped of Tour de France title amid doping scandal (+video)

Alberto Contador of Spain, a three-time Tour de France champion, was stripped of his 2010 title by the Court of Arbitration for Sport because of a failed drug test.
Kate Middleton celebrates quiet 30th after gala premiere

Kate Middleton turned heads — and dominated Britain's Monday morning front pages — by attending the London opening of Steven Spielberg's 'War Horse.' Her husband, Prince William, used an umbrella to keep her glossy brown hair drizzle-free.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 10/07
Social media firms: Can they stop UK riots?

Social media executives meet with British government, police officials to talk about how to keep social media from being misused by would-be rioters.
After London riots, some bemoan damage to city's image ahead of 2012 Olympics

Olympians and businessmen express concern that a week of riots have hurt the city's image as a safe, world-class venue for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
London riots caught on CCTV camera: 'We will pursue you,' say police [VIDEO]

London riots have spread to several cities, featuring youths trying to obscure their faces so the ubiquitous CCTV cameras can't identify them easily. That won't work, say authorities who promise to track down rioters.
London riots strain police force. Have spending cuts played a role in unrest?

The London riots and looting this weekend were among the worst civil disturbances Britain has seen in a quarter-century. Some blamed government spending cuts for sowing unrest and weakening police.
London riots prompt 160 arrests in weekend (VIDEO)

London riots: Groups of masked and hooded young people looted shops, attacked police officers and set fire to vehicles in violence that has raised questions about security ahead of the 2012 Olympics and revealed pent-up anger against the city's police.
Zara Phillips, Queen's granddaughter, set to wed rugby standout

Zara Phillips wedding: Prince William and Kate Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are expected, along with Prince Harry and bright lights from Britain's sports and show business worlds.
Abby Wambach and US women already looking to future

Abby Wambach became the US women's soccer scoring leader during the just-completed World Cup. Despite the championship loss to Japan, Abby Wambach and her teammates remain optimistic about future matches.
Yao Ming retirement risks NBA profile in China

Yao Ming's expected retirement comes at an already difficult time for the NBA, with the 2011-12 season in jeopardy due to a dispute between teams and the players' union.
Team Great Britain at 2012 Olympics? Scotland, Wales cry foul over 'historic deal.'

The British Olympic Association plans to field soccer teams at the 2012 Olympic Games, but the national football associations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland don't want any part of it.
In Pictures: Athletes turned politicians