Q: In the 1996 Olympics, American women dominated synchronized swimming. I can't find the event on the 2012 Olympics schedule. Did this sport get dropped from the Olympics?
— William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
A: The synchronized swimming competition began on Sunday with the start of the women's duets. The medal round for the women's duets was scheduled for Tuesday. The team competition will begin Thursday and conclude Friday. Synchronized swimming made its Olympics debut in 1984. More information can be found on the official Olympics website at www.london2012.com/synchronized-swimming.
Q: President Barack Obama lamented the loss of his BlackBerry when assuming office, and there was a mention in the media that he could retain it, albeit with special modifications for security and for the ability to memorialize his communications. Did he keep a BlackBerry (or other mobile device), and does he still have one?
— Garry Siegel, Marietta
A: The president kept a BlackBerry after his 2009 inauguration, The New York Times reported on Jan. 22, 2009, but not without rules. A spokesman told the paper that he would be allowed to communicate only with his senior staff and several personal friends with a BlackBerry with enhanced security. Other rules included:
- Only a select group had Obama's email address.
- People on the list received a briefing from the White House counsel's office.
- The president's emails were designed so they couldn't be forwarded.
MSN.com reported in April that Obama was still using a BlackBerry, although iPhones are becoming more popular on Capitol Hill, National Journal reported.
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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