Chinese media has responded to the controversy surrounding the U.S Olympic uniforms being made in China by accusing U.S. lawmakers complaining about the decision of being "hypocritical" and "irresponsible."

"The Olympics spirit is all about separating sports from politics, but these U.S. politicians are going too far and trying to force a political tag onto the uniforms," expressed Xinhua News Agency.

The Chinese media suggested that there is no particular importance in the fact the American uniforms are being manufactured in China rather than the U.S., and even said U.S. politicians complaining over the decision should be banned from 'wearing anything or using any product' that was made abroad," Reuters reported. more >>

Two decorated Olympians will be honored with the prestigious Eric Liddell Award – named after the gold medalist Olympian who afterwards became a missionary to China – for outstanding character on and off the field.

Bryan Clay of the United States, who won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in the decathlon and a silver medal in the 2004 Olympics for the same event, will be honored at the More Than Gold Legacy Breakfast in London on Aug. 10, along with Debbie Flood of Great Britain, who won a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in quadruple sculls and a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics for the same event.

Both Clay and Flood are devout Christians. Clay founded the Bryan Clay Foundation that mentors youth to develop good character and maximize their potential through programs that pursue physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Flood is co-founder of Creativity in Sport, an organization that offers at-risk youth the opportunity to study positive life skills curriculum and work toward fitness teaching qualification. more >>

Olympic gold-medal gymnast and "Dancing With the Stars" champion Shawn Johnson talks about growing in her Christian faith and learning to trust in God in her memoir, Winning Balance: What I've Learned So Far About Love, Faith and Living Your Dreams.

In her story of trial and triumph, Johnson reflects on the lessons she's learned at key moments in her life as she shares prayers or verses that have helped her.

One lesson that Johnson learned during the 2008 Beijing Olympics was finding her self-worth outside of the color of her ribbon. When she learned that Olympic teammate Nastia Liukin beat her by six tenths of a point, winning the gold in the women's all-around, Johnson said she felt "confused, happy and upset." But upon reflection, Johnson found that losing the all-around helped her learn that her worth came from God, not a medal. more >>

Sen. John McCain is among the Republicans who are supporting Mitt Romney's planned visit to Israel amid Democrats' call for the presidential candidate to stay closer to home in the face of a high unemployment rate in the United States.

"I really think it is important that Romney go to Israel, particularly, since these are the most very dangerous times," McCain said on CBS' "Face the Nation" Sunday.

"The talks with Iran predictably have failed, and we are facing what could be a serious crisis between Israel and Iran, so I strongly support that," the Arizona senator explained. more >>

Tebow, Kardashian and Our Worship of Idols

President Barack Obama and his Republican rival Mitt Romney will be with their respective families on the Fourth of July. But given the unmatched patriotic spirit the holiday brings with it, the two will also seek to connect with voters by participating in Independence Day events.

Obama, who spent the weekend at Camp David, Md., plans to host a naturalization ceremony for active-duty troops in the White House's East Room, followed by a picnic with military families as well as his administration staff and their families on the South Lawn, on Wednesday. And Romney, who is out on a family reunion at his New Hampshire vacation home, will take part in a Fourth of July parade in Wolfeboro, N.H.

Obama will speak at the naturalization ceremony, and will give the Outstanding American by Choice award, a recognition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for "naturalized citizens who have made significant contributions to both their community and their adopted country." more >>