YEARENDER-Olympics-Tears and smiles by the billion at London Games (Reuters)

(This is a re-edited version of a piece that moved on Aug. 13) LONDON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Britain spent nearly nine billion pounds ($14.42 billion) to create a magical and ambitious wonderland of venues for the 2012 Olympic Games, where fans were thrilled across a capital whose grime and grandeur alike got a makeover of global glamour. The Games proved a timely shot in the arm, spiritually if not financially, for a bruised nation struggling with economic recession. ...