Deadspin
I love a good protest as much as the next person, but it seems that the bar has been set impossibly high for my home team, San Francisco. The Olympic Torch Relay makes its only North American appearance here on Wednesday, and because this is San Francisco, the world is expecting a protest on a grand scale; something so big that I'm afraid anything we come up with will just disappoint. The guys who climbed the Golden Gate Bridge on Monday (pictured) didn't help (video and more photos following the jump).
The relay will begin at AT&T Park and go for six miles along the waterfront, unless they change the route at the last minute. I'll be there, and if there's trouble I'm sure Will can provide bail (it's not like he hasn't had to do that with Daulerio enough times). Joining me will be the fine folks at Fan IQ, including the protest-minded 100 Percent Injury Rate, who may or may not have booze hidden on his person. Join us, if you're in the neighborhood. It could end up being the first Deadspin Pants Party held in jail.
Meanwhile, the IOC announced that it will meet on Friday and discuss whether the Torch Relay will be scrapped, both for this year and in future Olympics.
IOC president Jacques Rogge did not rule out the option of suspending or scrapping part of the relay, although most Olympic officials are opposed to such a move and Beijing organizers have vowed to go to the end. The torch relay has been disrupted in Greece, Istanbul, London and Paris by protesters opposed to China's policies in Tibet and overall human rights record. The torch relay is expected to end in mainland China on May 4.The Beijing Olympics start Aug. 8.
But really, my only hope for this event is that Flamy shows up. That would make it a success.
Discord Follows Olympic Torch Relay To USA [MSNBC]
IOC Will Consider Stopping International Leg Of Olympic Torch Relay [Los Angeles Times]
San Francisco Is Already More Than Prepared To Take On The Olympic Torch [Fan IQ]
SF Treats Torch Run As A Hot Potato [SF Gate]
Introducing Tony Dungy's Least Favorite Sports Mascot [Deadspin]
Olympic Torch Relay Proceeding Smoothly So Far [Deadspin]
Comments
The Pistons all-time team was just introduced to a roughly eight minute loop of the intro to "The Final Countdown".
GOB was deeply impressed.
FREE TERABITHIA!
You want to impress somebody?
Try shooting a celebrity.
The smug cloud is growing in SF.
@Yostal: between potheads and a winless Tiger team I guess they figured the fans needed a pick me up.
@Yostal: The Pistons are also on the cover of this month's Poof!
@Steve Trachsel, Ace: It was really strange. I was just reminded why I liked Isiah when I was growing up. But I'm a little worried about Mr. D, he's there in a wheelchair. I hope he makes it to his induction ceremony in Springfield this fall.
@ClueHeywood: +1...here's another little known Arrested Deveopment-Pistons connection: Chauncey is a "never nude".
Where's the giant puppethead of the Dali Lama?
I was just speaking to the Bad One when we noted that Joe Dumars and Isiah were chatting politely with each other during the ceremony: He noted it's like Goofus and Gallant.
"Goofus publicly feuds with Stephon Marbury and trades for Zach Randolph. Gallant drafts Rodney Stuckey and acquires Jarvis Hayes."
@Yostal:
where does drafting Darko fit into this scenario?
@UkraineNotWeak: They could make one of Steven Seagal.
To anyone supporting Tibet, just know this: Steven Seagal was named a Tulku Lama.
Seriously.
@Slothrop: I'm going to argue that even Joe Dumars lows (drafting Darko, which I still don't think was as big a mistake at the time as it was in retrospect (remember Darko has a ring, Melo and LeBron do not), and drafting M. Cleaves) are not as bad as Isiah's highs as Knicks' svengali.
Good Evening DUAN...this is DUAN, isn't it?
@Yostal:
oh, the Cleaves pick--worse NBA career created by a great run in the NCAA tournament: Cleaves or Bryant Reeves?
@JimmyChitwood: Did he go to the convention last year or did he teleconference in? He could use the seminar on chafing.
@Yostal: What about Laimbeer's picks in the WNBA draft?
@How do you spell retard?:
So we should support an oppressive Communist government that violates human rights instead?
What up my peoples?
@Slothrop: I must recuse myself, as I am predisposed to vote against Cleaves on principle.
@EditorOfTheDailyFaberian: Hey, say what you will, Laimbeer has coached the shocked to a pair of titles. Plus, he was a Sleestak in high school.
@Yostal: The Shocked? Really?
[/friggin typos]
free hat!
@Yostal: its the WNBA, no one would have called you out on it...
Say what you want about America's Funniest Home Videos since Bob Saget left, but 34 hits to the crotch in 31 seconds is always funny to watch.
@MrRedDevil:
hey Red, long time since I've seen you. here to gloat about the league championship? not that I would blame you as the Gunners have played like garbage down the stretch.
@JB*:
It's no football in the groin.
@JB*: nice call on the OLP today - right band, wrong song
@SlantedAndDisenchanted: The current Dalai Lama is no great man. His ideal Tibet would place him as king with his Tibetan followers living in poverty. And he has met with Shoko Asahara, a man who released sarin gas killing a dozen people and injuring thousands.
And of course all this talk about terrible draft picks makes me want to watch the Jets draft montage again.
@Slothrop: Mateen Cleaves had a great career as a pine-riding cheerleader.
@UkraineNotWeak: SOme of them were. Some were rakes, and one was a toy airplane.
@Jerkwheat: That was just randomness, since I've been in an OLP mood. But hey - we all get lucky sometimes.
@44 in a Row:
+ Watch video
Gold. Solid Gold.
Best part, "The Jets know something the people up here don't." No, they know less.
@Slothrop: I've been very busy. Lots of work, and I've been driving to and from Jacksonville on my days off to see my Dad in the hospital. I read Deadspin everyday, but usually not till 3am when everyone's gone.
As for the premiership, we're in good position, but Chelsea is very dangerous right now. Hopefully we'll give Roma a proper kick in the mouth tomorrow.
My favorite part is the "OH NO!!!" right before Roger Vick.
@JB*: I really like that song, but I think Cook was pretty meh with it. Disappointing. Your call for "Naveed" put me in an OLP mood as well.
+ Watch video
holy crap - when did eMusic add all of the ABKCO Stones catalog?
@MrRedDevil: Wanna schedule a date in Moscow?
@MrRedDevil:
Sorry to hear your father is ill--I hope it will work out for the best. Chelsea is good, but ManU is playing absurd football. Ronaldo and Rooney are off the charts.
@SlantedAndDisenchanted: If the other option is Steven Segal...yes
Evening, DUAN.
@MrRedDevil:
So sorry to hear about your dad...you're in my prayers.
Quick note, the first place Orioles are now 6-1.
/this has been your nightly irrational Orioles fan update
@Slothrop: Adam Morrison? Granted, his career is far from over...
@Steve Trachsel, Ace: I hate Bizarro Baseball Season
@My Government Name is Berto, But My Spiritual Name is BRONZ...:
Good evenin...Lady Vols have started, where's Brazil Thrill, wonder if he road tripped to the game to see his internet girlfriend?
@Dread-Pirate-Dave-Roberts:
Aside from Jordan, did anyone really think Morrison was a solid prospect? All those Bird comparisons were asinine. Morrison is a nice kid, it seems, but he should probably be in Greece, Italy, or Spain having a lovely time in the Euro leagues.
Hello all.
My day in brief-
Co-worker: See you tomorrow!
Me: Not unless you plan on visiting me at home!
Co-worker: Ah, you might want to check the schedule.
(Checks schedule)
Me: fuck.
So, somebody say something funny. Thanks.
@lisa: Isnt that the intersection of 'internet girlfriend' and 'stalking victim'?
@Slothrop: He struck me as a "big time" version of Taylor Coppenwrath, that kid at UVM a few years back (2005?)...last seen playing in Italy.
@How do you spell retard?: For about 300 years the Dali Lama was the ruler of Tibet, this is no new train of thought.
@The Boy Wonder:
Yes, I think the road trip would cross the line. He did say he kissed her for luck on Saturday, but she didn't respond, but he figured it didn't travel well from his tv screen. I think he's ok...