The Flame Goes Out in France

[Flesh Thorn]

PARIS: What was supposed to be a majestic procession through the French capital for the Olympic torch turned into chaos Monday as thousands of people from around Europe, many with Tibetan flags, massed to protest the relay. The torch went out several times, and police officers had to bring it onto a bus to try to protect it as demonstrators swarmed the security detail. In the end, organizers canceled the final leg of the procession, deciding to have the torch transported by bus.

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[dirty1]

Fuckin french

[Rangerguru]

Fuckin french

Cant even trust em to pull security around a big ass match.

Big ass match.

[PocketKings]

Well, none of them have jobs, so what do you expect them to do?

[dirty1]

Fuckin french

Cant even trust em to pull security around a big ass match.

Big ass match.

I think they were afraid the Torch was a foreign invader sent to overthrow their country. I'm surprised they didn't surrender immediately

[Ranger Bill]

The torch makes its way to its only stop in the U.S. on Wednesday for a quick route through the city of.... San Francisco. My guess is that Paris may look like a picnic compared to what will happen there.

[42L5V]

There have already been protestors climbing on the Golden Gate bridge.

Hillary has called on President Bush to cancel our participation in the games. Pretty desperate move to gain liberal votes, if you ask me...

[rgrpuck]

I bet we dont.

[Looon]

France + San Fran = just plain fucked up!

I like the 'match'

[Rangerguru]

Who is the idiot that plotted the route? Are they purposely taking it to the most likely protest locations? If they would have just gotten some of us to run with the "big ass match" they wouldn't have to worry about a bunch of hippies trying to put it out.

[inbredyokel]

I'm threaders with this.

Britain....outdone by the French???

If it was going to put out anywhere...it should have happened in London!!!

Says lots about the wimpy protesters we have, and the interest levels of the police forces the French have.

[Chiron]

The Olympic flame

It does have a symbolism that although in today’s world means nothing, I’m laughing at what the French did....

From Google:

Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, is in the western part of the Peloponnese which, according to Greek mythology, is the island of "Pelops", the founder of the Olympic Games. Imposing temples, votive buildings, elaborate shrines and ancient sporting facilities were combined in a site of unique natural and mystical beauty.

Olympia functioned as a meeting place for worship and other religious and political practices as early as the 10th century B.C. The central part of Olympia was dominated by the majestic temple of Zeus, with the temple of Hera parallel to it. The ancient stadium in Olympia could accommodate more than 40,000 spectators, while in the surrounding area there were auxiliary buildings which developed gradually up until the 4th century B.C. and were used as training sites for the athletes or to house the judges of the Games.

THE GAMES AND RELIGION
The Olympic Games were closely linked to the religious festivals of the cult of Zeus, but were not an integral part of a rite. Indeed, they had a secular character and aimed to show the physical qualities and evolution of the performances accomplished by young people, as well as encouraging good relations between the cities of Greece. According to specialists, the Olympic Games owed their purity and importance to religion.

VICTORY CEREMONIES
The Olympic victor received his first awards immediately after the competition. Following the announcement of the winner's name by the herald, a Hellanodikis (Greek judge) would place a palm branch in his hands, while the spectators cheered and threw flowers to him. Red ribbons were tied on his head and hands as a mark of victory.
The official award ceremony would take place on the last day of the Games, at the elevated vestibule of the temple of Zeus. In a loud voice, the herald would announce the name of the Olympic winner, his father's name, and his homeland. Then, the Hellanodikis placed the sacred olive tree wreath, or kotinos, on the winner's head.

The tradition of the “Truceâ€

[Chiron]

Oh, the Olympic flame is lit by a special ceremony using mirrors and the sun at the original site of the first Olympic Games and using the same method. The flame should not be put out until the games are over. That signifies the truce. I’m thinking that they have a spare flame somewhere…..

[EvilCouch]

Oh, the Olympic flame is lit by a special ceremony using mirrors and the sun at the original site of the first Olympic Games and using the same method. The flame should not be put out until the games are over. That signifies the truce. I’m thinking that they have a spare flame somewhere…..

I was under the impression that they always had a burning oil lamp kept in a van, whenever someone's carrying the torch, just in case of rain, wind or some fuck-heads screwing with the torch bearer.