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This article introduces a section on 100 Olympic athletes to watch at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, including basketball player LeBron James, swimmer Dara Torres, sprinter Asafa Powell, soccer player Heather O'Reilly, boxer Zou Shiming, martial artist Sara Khoshjamal, swimmer Stephanie Rice, gymnast Yang Wei, fencer Laura Flessei-Colovic, and swimmer Federica Pellegrini.

Focuses on the highly contested Ukrainian elections between Moscow-supported candidate Viktor Yanukovych and the Western-favored opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko. Widespread accusations of election fraud and voter intimidation; Protests launched by Yushchenko supporters, who refused to accept the results of the election declaring Yanukovych the Prime Minister; Nonbinding vote passed by the Ukrainian parliament declaring the election results invalid.

This article introduces a section on 100 Olympic athletes to watch at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, including basketball player LeBron James, swimmer Dara Torres, sprinter Asafa Powell, soccer player Heather O'Reilly, boxer Zou Shiming, martial artist Sara Khoshjamal, swimmer Stephanie Rice, gymnast Yang Wei, fencer Laura Flessei-Colovic, and swimmer Federica Pellegrini.

The article focuses on the rejection of the European constitution by France and the Netherlands in the first week of June 2005. French and Dutch voters swarmed to the polling booths to reject the constitution. Alain Duhamel, French political commentator, advocates adopting just those parts of the constitution that put into place different structures for voting and decision making, and that call for an elected European Council President and an European Union Foreign Minister.

The article discusses the accusations of people for collaborating with the communist secret police in 1980s in Poland. The accused include journalist and spokeswoman for the government of first democratically elected Prime Minister of Poland Malgorzata Niezabitowska, top politicians like Jozef Oleksy, who resigned from the post of parliament speaker after being found guilty of lying about his collaboration, and countless senior bureaucrats and academics.

The article reports that relatives of the three Italian security contractors being held by insurgents in Iraq followed their captors' instructions and organized a march in Italy against the war in Iraq. This is a new twist in the tactics of terror, going over the heads of enemy governments to negotiate directly with the people and it adds another dimension to the threat facing Italy and other members of the increasingly shaky U.S. led coalition.

The article focuses on issues related to the war against terrorism in Europe after the bombings in Madrid, Spain, on March 11, 2004. The bombings in Madrid by Islamic terrorist sent shivers across Europe. Osama bin Laden, the number one leader of al-Qaeda, has given many countries reason to worry. The Madrid attacks represent a self-evident failure by Spanish counterterror services, who let the prime suspect in the case slip through their fingers in 2001.

The article discusses the issue of migration in European Union (EU) countries in light of the May 1, 2004 deadline for enlarging the EU. Member countries announced transitional arrangements to restrict free entry which could last until 2011. Polish priest Christophe Dziech believes that the restrictions on workers from the East are unfair because they will drive people underground where they are more likely to be exploited. Trade unions are enthusiastic about workers from the East.

The article discusses the implications of the meeting of Europe's Big Three leaders in Berlin, Germany for the leaders themselves and for the European Union. British Prime Minister Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac and former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder held a meeting in 2006. The leaders maintain that their partnership can bring direction and focus to the European Union. However, others fear that the Big Three are getting together to dictate terms to the rest of Europe.

The article reports on how Christianity is fast becoming a minority faith in Europe. The institutions of Christianity have long been in decline. Church attendance has dwindled by more than 30 percent in Great Britain since 1980. The percentage of the population claiming membership in a religious denomination has dropped by more than 20 percent in Belgium. German historian Jobst Schöne says that churches have always gone through periods when their influence varied significantly.

Discusses the state of Poland in 2003. Plans to join the European Union; Why Poland decided to become United State's ally in the Iraq War, 2003; High unemployment rate and sputtering economy in Poland; Poland's lack of peacekeeping equipment; Need for 50% of voters to cast ballot in order to validate the result for entry into the E.U.; Belief by Poles that their country is better off as an integral part of Europe than a distant commercial ally of the U.S.

Describes the anti-war peace marches that took place across the world in February 2003, in hopes of stopping U.S.'s invasion of Iraq. Details of protest signs seen in London; Memories the crowds evoked of other international protests; Aspects of the speech made by British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Reports on the possible enlargement of the European Union (E.U.) and reasons why some citizens are opposing it. The need for Ireland to ratify NICE, the enlargement treaty; The issue of E.U. subsidies; Skepticism of countries in Eastern Europe; Activists on the Speak-Up-For-Small-Nations Democracy Tour; Power of the larger countries; Effects of enlargement on various nations' economies; Comparison of the E.U. to the former Soviet Union; The meeting of the European Convention under Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. INSETS: AFTER THE BIG BANG;HOW CURVED ARE MY BANANAS?.

Focuses on how the World Cup soccer tournament can unify diverse cultural groups. Idea that a soccer team is an embodiment of national pride and passion; Examples of how soccer fans demonstrate their enthusiasm; Outlook for the 2002 World Cup in Japan; Countries that are favored to win, including France, Brazil and Argentina; Analysis of various teams' strengths and weaknesses.

Discusses the readiness of ten candidate countries for European Union (EU) membership. Status of Poland, which is governed by reformed communist Leszek Miller, in the European Commission's 2001 annual report; Negotiations with other candidates such as Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia; EU members that will open immediately their labor markets to new members; Issue of agricultural policy.

Focuses on the quality of work done internationally by Polish restorers and conservators of buildings. Foundation of the Atelier for Conservation of Cultural Property (PKZ) by the communist Polish government; Work done by Polish restorers, such as Teresa Stankiewicz and Jadwiga Styrna-Nawrocka, in Germany; Divergence of ideology between Polish and German restorers; Possibility that the art of restoration may not survive because of economic and cultural concerns.

Focuses on United States President George W. Bush's trip to Europe in 2001. Details of where Bush will travel and who he will meet with; Mention of transatlantic dissonance due to the unpopular policies associated with Bush; Anger over Bush's rejection of the Kyoto accord; Issues of missile defense, environmental policy, and prospects of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) enlargement; Outlook for demonstrations to protest the U.S. role in globalization.

This article discusses how swimmer Dara Torres, who is 41-years-old, will be competing in her fifth Olympic Games in August 2008 in Beijing, China. Torres loves to compete and continues to break records in the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle events. Many people have questioned her ability to maintain her athletic prowess and her shape, suggesting that she may be taking steroids or other drugs. However, Torres has submitted to regular drug testing by several agencies and is clean.

The article discusses U.S. National Basketball Association (NBA) player LeBron James and the 2008 Olympic Games. James predicts the U.S. will win the gold medal and return the title to the U.S., the country of the game's origin. Topics include an overview of the past Olympic basketball contests and a brief biography of James.

Discusses the conflict in Europe over the pending war with Iraq. Schism within the European Union that is deepening over foreign policy; Role of French President Jacques Chirac; Warning to European Union candidate countries from Chirac; Response of candidate countries such as Bulgaria and Romania; Opposition of Germany and France to a war with Iraq; Support of Great Britain to a war with Iraq; Comments from British Prime Minister Tony Blair; Grants that the U.S. has offered Turkey.

Focuses on Simon Fuller, a British entertainment entrepreneur, who created the television program 'Pop Idol,' its offshoot, 'American Idol,' and 'Germany Seeks the Superstar.' Mention of his privately held company, 19 Group; Discussion of his reality television plans, including the outlook for 'Second Chance Idol'; Background on music-based reality or talent shows and their impact on the music industry.

Profiles Simon Fuller and the idea behind his proposed television show for American network television. Success of his show, 'American Idol', in England and the U.S.; Use of has-been music stars in the possible new show, 'Second Chance Idol'; Popularity of reality TV.

Discusses two cities divided by the Neisse river, which have political and symbolic significance in association with the European Union (EU). Gorlitz, a German settlement, having a wary attitude about changes that EU membership could bring; Town of Zgorzelec in Poland being optimistic about trade opportunities resulting from EU membership; Details of the cities' economies; Suggestion for the revival of the Lower Silesia region; Popularity of Dwarf House, the bilingual kindergarten for children of both towns.

This article profiles Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and her preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Johnson writes poetry to cope with the anxiety and pressure of competition. During competition, Johnson portrays confidence. At the Olympics, she would like to show China that she appreciates the training she has received from her coach Liang Qiao, a former Chinese gymnastics champion, by performing well.

The article focuses on a crisis which is being seen in the government of Poland in 2007 and the changes, including the introduction of early elections which the two identical twins, Lech and Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who are governing the country have implemented in an effort to combat and solve the crisis. A discussion of an opinion poll which found that a right winged political group called Civic Platform might defeat the Kaczynskis in the next election is discussed.

The article focuses on the political scenario in Poland as of September 26, 2005. Lech Kaczynski, mayor of Warsaw and leader of the Law and Justice Party, is trying to win forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in October 2005. The elections are unique because the frontrunners for president Kaczynski and Donald Tusk, head of the Civic Platform party, are both prominent figures of the Solidarity movement.

The article reports that in Russia, May 9 marks the 60th anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany, an event that in Western Europe is marked the day before, and Russia is going all out to celebrate. Leaders, from U.S. President George W. Bush to Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, are expected to come to Moscow for a military parade in Red Square, flyovers by World War II-era fighter planes and, organizers promise, a "stupendous" fireworks display.

Discusses increased employee absenteeism in Europe since 1999; Contributing factors such as family commitments and lack of economic incentives; Evidence that a declining economy and prospects of job loss may increase attendance at work.

Reports on the Polish groups in opposition to the prospect of European Union membership. Views of Roman Giertych, the president of the Congress of the League of Polish Families; Fear that Germans will occupy and buy land in Poland; Consideration that people will leave Poland for higher wages in Western Europe.

Focuses on the unwillingness of the Roman Catholic Church to take action against priests accused of sexual abuse against children. Details of allegations of abuse against several priests internationally, including Juliusz Paetz, Archbishop of Poznan, Poland; Legal actions which have been taken against the Church for not acting on allegations which were proved true; Creation of the Catholic Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults.

Stresses the importance of proper manners and etiquette. Deterioration of social rules and standards; Problems which arise from overaccomodation; Importance of cultural differences.

Comments on the electioneering of Lech Walesa, the founder of the Solidarity who is running for president in Poland in 2000. Public opinion polls which show that few people are planning to vote for him; His election in 1990 as Poland's first post-communist president; Desire to unify the Solidarity movement; Belief of his political allies that his campaigning is more about ego than politics; Situation of the right wing of Polish politics; Incompetence of the Solidarity.

Focuses on the popularity of Polish populist leader Andrzej Lepper. Views, including his denouncement of plans for Poland to join the European Union; Effects on Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek and the government; Economic success in Poland in 1999; Difficulties for Polish farmers; Assistance of the farmers by Lepper; Comparison of Lepper to Russian leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky.

Presents information on the recovery in the number of wolves in Europe as of 1999. Recovery due to their status as protected animals; How the fall of the Soviet Union helped to gain their protected status; The Bern Convention in 1982; Debate over the number of wolves; Sheep and goat ranchers angry over the number of livestock killed by wolves.

This article profiles Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay and his preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Gay has recorded the fastest sprint in human history and is the defending world champion in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints. However, he suffered a set-back when he injured his hamstring during the U.S. Olympic trials. Gay has recovered and will be ready to compete in Beijing.

This article profiles Olympic diver Guo Jingjing and her preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Jingjing entered the Atlanta, Georgia Olympic games at the age of 14 and won two gold medals. She has been competing and winning springboard diving events ever since. However, she has also been the subject of some controversy, making comments about other contenders and engaging in product endorsements.

This article profiles Olympic decathlon athlete Roman Sebrle and his preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Sebrle suffered a wound from a javelin puncture in 2007, but recovered and went on to win a gold medal at the world championship. He has also had the title of the Czech Republic's best athlete of the year for five years.

This article profiles Olympic sprinter Allyson Felix and her preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Because of the controversy surrounding the steroid use of Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones, the U.S. sprinters are being watched closely. Felix is participating in Project Believe which analyzes blood and urine samples more extensively than the World Anti-Doping Agency requires. Felix turned professional directly out of high school.

This article profiles Olympic basketball player Yao Ming and his preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Ming has been playing for the Houston, Texas Rockets basketball team and broke his left foot in February 2008. However, the pressure from China to play for them in the Olympics is immense, so Ming will play for China in the first game of the Olympics although some doctors are saying that his foot is not ready.

This article profiles Chinese Olympic hurdler Liu Xiang and his preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Xiang means "to soar" in Chinese, and Chinese citizens are rooting for him to soar at the 2008 Olympics as he did when he won a gold medal for sprinting at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Chinese officials are putting a tremendous amount of pressure on him to win gold.

This article profiles Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and his preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Since the time slots for the swimming events were switched from the evening to the morning, Phelps is dreading having to get up so early to compete. However, his body is in excellent condition and he recovers quickly from strenuous workouts, so he is a strong contender for gold medals.

This article looks at accusations that the Polish Catholic Church collaborated with communist Russia. In recent weeks, anticommunist newspapers in the country began printing accusations about Warsaw Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus and a senior Cracow priest, Janusz Bielanski. A new report lists the pseudonyms of 12 bishops allegedly recruited by the secret police in the late 1970s.