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U.S. vs. Chinese Gymnasts
Some believe the Chinese women's team didn't meet minimum-age requirements when it beat the U.S. for Olympic gold in 2008. Hopefully older and wiser, the Chinese have the edge on the balance beam and uneven bars in London, while Americans excel on the vault and floor.
THE HUBBUB AT THE PUB
Barrel-Aged vs. Gluten-Free
The National Restaurant Association predicts that artisan spirits and on-site-barrel-aged drinks will be big in 2012. But even serious drinkers aren't immune to the gluten-free craze: Dogfish Head comes out with its no-gluten Tweason'ale in January.
FIGHTING MACHINES
Aqua Bikes vs. Dry Surfing
The RipSurfer X, getting its first gym orders now, sits on inflatable balls so riders can carve imaginary waves. It may catch on among the abs-obsessed, but Okeo's latest hydrobikes are easier on the joints--plus you won't notice how much you're sweating in Spin class.
SUPER-PAC SMACKDOWN
American Crossroads vs. Priorities USA
Prepare for a renaissance of the art of the attack ad. The 2012 presidential campaign will feature a hugely expensive TV advertising shoot-out between the PAC co-founded by Karl Rove and its pro-Obama adversary.