Holding The Olympic Torch

Ok, not THE Olympic Torch, since there's a lot of them out there and each one is only used once, but I got to hold one that will probably be used to carry the Olympic flame as it makes its way across Canada for the Winter Games in Vancouver. My brother is part of the advance team that goes town to town, preparing everyone for the torch run and making sure everything runs smoothly. He popped by our place during a brief eight hour layover so we got to check it out up close. Pretty cool!

Fun fact: anyone who carries the torch has the option to buy the one they used for $350. The torch is then opened up and the gas line cut so that it can't be used again. That is unless someone wants to get a canister made to fit the custom holder the torch uses and weld it back into working order. Each one is hand-made and signed by the person who put it together.

I have to admit, it was a cool moment.

IMAGE(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/592/torch015.jpg)

IMAGE(http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7608/torch016.jpg)

IMAGE(http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/5750/torch021.jpg)

Olympic stuff belongs on Sports board.

That's pretty cool, Certis!

What is it made of? Aluminum? Can't be plastic, right?

*Legion* wrote:

Olympic stuff belongs on Sports board.

That's awesome, man.

Everyone is a huge winter Olympics hater, but I love em'. Way more than Summer.

Aries wrote:

That's pretty cool, Certis!

What is it made of? Aluminum? Can't be plastic, right?

Looks like a mix of aluminum and plastic.

And yes, very awesome.

so whats the deal, he walks on foot across a portion of Canada? and passes it to someone else? its gonna be cold if that's the case... Definitely fix it so it can be used again if he decides to keep it, you can use it as a driveway marker this winter.

Michael Zenke wrote:

That's awesome, man.

Everyone is a huge winter Olympics hater, but I love em'. Way more than Summer.

i like watching the winter games myself, but slightly peeved that this particular winter olympics is making a trip to vancouver this winter near on impossible.

Wait, wait; what's that stuff growing on Certis' face?

Michael Zenke wrote:

Everyone is a huge winter Olympics hater, but I love em'. Way more than Summer.

If the downhill skiing competitions were performed in bikinis I would watch them too.

I want that!

They do Olympics in Canada???

Michael Zenke wrote:

That's awesome, man.

Everyone is a huge winter Olympics hater, but I love em'. Way more than Summer.

2 things make winter awesomer than summer:

1.Olympic Hockey. Go Russia!!

2.Eddie the Eagle

Where does the flame come out?

EDIT: Also you seem to have the same glasses that I do. A DUEL AT DAWN IS IN ORDER!

And the prize for this year's donation drive includes, a 2010 Winter Olympic Torch.

I don't think your brother realized what he did by letting you handle the torch. He's in for a surprise when he checks his inventory.

IMAGE(http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/4975/torch.jpg)

Very cool, once in a lifetime type deal. But that thing looks kind of like half an airplane propeller.

I was thinking more along the lines of Hopesfire, from Tribunal.

Funny that the Olympics are in BC, and the torch looks like a joint.
And yes, I think it's awesome.

That would have been a better picture had you been lighting a bong with the Olympic torch!

Rat Boy wrote:

Wait, wait; what's that stuff growing on Certis' face?

That's what I was wondering!

Michael Zenke wrote:

Everyone is a huge winter Olympics hater, but I love em'. Way more than Summer.

Winter Olympics = hockey played on international-sized ice = awesome.

I've always wanted the NHL to play on that big, wide ice.

New Wii 2010 Winter Olympic's official Wii-mote attachment available in stores soon.

El_Duder wrote:

Very cool, once in a lifetime type deal. But that thing looks kind of like half an airplane propeller.

Well, it was designed by Bombardier.

Welcome to the goatee club, Certis. You're now either A) teaching and want some damn respect or B) getting ready to blend in at GenCon 2010. Don't let Rat Boy and his non-cigar smoking avatar dissuade you.

My sister-in-law is one of the torch bearers/runners as it makes its way through Newfoundland. Pretty cool.

Since your bro is prepping people for the torch run, does that mean he gets to meet Sid Crosby? If so: JEALOUS!!!!!

The Olympic torch would be so much cooler if it was an old-school wooden torch. Maybe a torch from Lost or something. Instead you get what looks like the broken leg of a giant robotic killer praying mantis as designed by Apple, which is actually much lamer than it sounds.

I know if I were to hold it, I would not be able to resist the urge to swing it at everything. Buildings and people, all burning down. Beautiful...

I know you like torchlight, but isn't this a bit LARPish?

Very sweet. Now get your hands on one of those awesome medals!

Dramatic Marlin wrote:

My sister-in-law is one of the torch bearers/runners as it makes its way through Newfoundland. Pretty cool.

A friend of mine will actually be one of the torch bearers / runners as well in New-Brunswick. Quite an awesome experience.

MechaSlinky wrote:

I know if I were to hold it, I would not be able to resist the urge to swing it at everything. Buildings and people, all burning down. Beautiful...

Red Faction Canada?