It's time for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and here's some quick information to get you primed for the contests and pageantry.

1. Opening ceremony is not until Friday but the games have already started with the U.S. women's soccer team defeating France 4-2 on Wednesday.

2. For the first time ever, the U.S. Olympic team is composed of more women than men - 269 to 261.

3. Two-time Olympic champion fencer Mariel Zagunis will carry the U.S. flag in the opening ceremony.

4. TV coverage of the opening ceremony starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday on NBC but fans have the option to watch live streaming online. (NBC has sold a record $1 billion in ads for its Olympics broadcasts)

5. The games continue through Aug. 12. And then ... guess what? Time for the political conventions!