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NEWS ABOUT: 2012 Olympics

Olympic Flame Lit in Greece

Torch begins first leg of its journey

(Newser) - The Olympic flame has been lit and is on its 1,800-mile journey around Greece before it makes its way to London next week. A “high priestess” (read: actress) ignited the flame by catching the sun’s rays in a mirror at a ceremony in Olympia’s Temple of... More »

London Cabbies Sitting Out Olympics

Some 40% of drivers to strike over city rules

(Newser) - London is planning travel restrictions for some 109 miles of its streets during the Olympics; a third of that distance will be reserved for athletes, members of the press, and officials. London cabbies aren't happy about it: Some 40% of the city's 23,200 black-cab drivers plan to... More »

Argentina Olympics Ad Tweaks Britain on Falklands

It shows athlete training there on 'Argentine soil'

(Newser) - Argentina isn't afraid to play politics with the Olympics: A controversial new ad shows an Argentine athlete training on the Falklands with the tagline, "To compete on British soil, we train on Argentine soil," reports the Guardian . The 90-second ad also refers to the islands by their... More »

New Threat to London 2012: Poisonous Caterpillars

Oak processionary moth caterpillar can cause quite a bit of distress

(Newser) - Planning to attend the Olympics in London this summer? It's sure to be a fun time, except for the creepy-crawly detail of poisonous caterpillars that have been ravenously chomping on Britain's oak trees. The caterpillar in question is the larval form of the oak processionary moth, and its... More »

No Longer Shaken? James Bond Goes Heineken

Plus: 007 now a Heineken man?

(Newser) - James Bond is no longer exclusively a martini man: The super-spy will be swilling Heineken in at least one scene in upcoming 007 flick Skyfall, according to a surprising report from Advertising Age. It's part of an advertising push by the beer maker; Daniel Craig's Bond will also... More »

London Olympics Blasted for Using Endangered Wood

Team USA will use basketball court for training

(Newser) - At next year’s London Olympics, the US basketball team will train on some pretty rare ground. The court is being made from eucalyptus wood logged in a 1,000-year-old Tasmanian forest that's home to endangered species such as the Tasmanian Devil, activists allege. The UN World Heritage Committee... More »

The Clash's 'London Calling' Now an Olympics Jingle

Punk battle cry being used to lure tourists

(Newser) - It was probably only a matter of time before the establishment appropriated the ultimate anti-establishment anthem. Olympic organizers are using "London Calling" by The Clash in ads to draw tourists to the 2012 summer games in England, reports NPR . It's a little bit of an odd choice, considering... More »

In Slumdog Director's Olympic Opener, No Athletes?

Coaches fear participation will detract from Olympians' success

(Newser) - The director of Slumdog Millionaire wants to feature athletes in the 2012 Olympics' opening ceremony, which he happens to be directing—but their coaches aren’t so keen on the idea. British track and field coaches have barred their athletes from participating over fears that doing so could tire them... More »

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