Q: Was there a reason why Elton John didn't perform or none of his songs were played at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics?
—Bob Routier, Johns Creek
A: Matt Bellamy, the frontman for the British band Muse, said John was once the director of music for the Olympics and wanted to write a song for the London Games, but he "fell out" with Olympic organizers. The band's song "Survival," which was the official theme song of the Olympics, originally was scheduled to be a duet with John, Bellamy told KROQ-FM in Los Angeles in July. "He contacted us and we thought, 'This is far out,' " Bellamy said. " 'We're going to do a song for the Olympics with Elton John.' ... But then he pulled out of the Olympics."
Q: There was a recent story about an overturned tanker that spilled chemicals on the Downtown Connector and shut it down for several hours. Why wasn't it on I-285 rather than coming through town?
—Fred Costner, College Park
A: Trucks with more than six wheels are allowed inside the Perimeter of I-285 for several reasons, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. They can pick up or make deliveries "to or from a shipper physically located inside I-285," travel to or from a carrier's terminal located inside I-285 and go to or from a repair facility inside I-285. Drivers also can travel to or from their residences inside the Perimeter. Otherwise, trucks are not allowed inside the Perimeter.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We'll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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