NPR's Howard Berkes joins us from Beijing to set the Olympic scene for us, and Howard, let's start first with a question of pollution.

NPR: Beijing Preps For Opening Of Olympics

Stores have been filled for weeks with an array of patriotic paraphernalia, from flag-adorned teapots to aprons to picnic sets, to help hosts set the scene for what is billed as a national celebration.

CNN: Eyes of world on spectacular Thames royal pageant

If more bad news from Asia causes equity prices in the United States and Europe to slide, the scene would be set for a slowdown spreading far beyond Asia.

ECONOMIST: As Japan goes?