The AP reported PRESIDENT OBAMA "supports a measure that would exempt U.S. Olympians from taxes on their prizes." White House Press Secretary JAY CARNEY yesterday said that Obama "would do 'everything we can to support our athletes,' including signing into law legislation introduced by Republican Sen. MARCO RUBIO of Florida" (AP, 8/6).
YOUR MAJESTY: In London, Roya Nikkhah wrote PRINCE WILLIAM, his wife, KATE MIDDLETON, and PRINCE HARRY have emerged "as the most visible brand ambassadors" for the U.K. during the London Games. The "royal trio, who have attended up to four Olympic events a day while also meeting with foreign dignitaries and international business figures, have embarked on a dedicated push to 'sell' the UK to the world during and beyond the Olympic Games" (London TELEGRAPH, 8/5).
ENJOY COKE: In Toronto, Rosie DiManno writes Coca-Cola’s Beatbox venue in the Olympic Park is an "extraordinary -- and free -- wonder of architecture and sensations, the giant red crystalline structure made up of 200 interlocked translucent cushions, each of them the size of a billboard, packed with groundbreaking audio, lighting and 'responsive sensor technology.'" Parts of the building "can actually be played like an instrument." Users can "touch one of the pads and listen to the sound of sports: a heart thumping, gasping breaths, an archery arrow released from a bow, the squeak of basketball sneakers." It is "as close to the real thing as many people can get" (TORONTO STAR, 8/7).
PUNK GOES POP: The GUARDIAN notes British Gold Medal-winning heptathlete JESSICA ENNIS and Gold Medal-winning cyclist BRADLEY WIGGINS last night "were among the fans at a secret STONE ROSES gig" at the Village Underground in Hoxton. Also in attendance were musicians JIMMY PAGE, MICK JONES, BOBBY GILLESPIE and BOY GEORGE (GUARDIAN, 8/7).
