Wednesday 6 June 2012

What Do We Blame For The Lack Of Flame?


The above photo was taken at Hanley Park in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire on Wednesday, May 30.  And yes, the big gold thing is not some sort of baseball bat, but actually is the Olympic Torch. The gentleman posing with the Olympic Torch is my good friend, Stephen.  Holding the Olympic Torch is Rhian Morley and she was one of the Torchbearers on the journey from Chester, Cheshire to Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire.  Rhian was given the opportunity to run with the Torch through Stafford, Staffordshire because, as stated by her nominator, "I cannot think of anyone more deserving.  Rhian regularly works with a local amateur theatre company outside of work, working with children from 4 upwards to adults.  Rhian has also done a number of things to raise money for a variety of charities over the last few years, including climbing Snowdon, running the race for life and the great north run and supporting team members through sponsorship drives.  More recently raising over £1000 for a member of retail staff who required a stairlift installed in his home to support his last few weeks as he was diagnosed with terminal cancer."
Okay, now back to the photo.  I know, you may have noticed that the flame has been extinguished.   I'm not exactly sure why.  However, there are at least two possible reasons as to why the flame is out.  Could it be that the guy standing behind Rhian and Stephen is holding his nose because the lady beside him passed wind and blew the flame out?  Or perhaps, due to safety reasons and the wafting flatulence, the flame was put out?  With such a potential explosive situation, I think it might well of been the latter.
If you so wish, further information about the Olympic Torch and the route it's going through Britain, can be found here:   Olympic Torch Relay Route  

52 comments:

  1. THat is so kewl! Our youngest son carried the torch in New Brunswick just after he got back from Afghanistan. He said it was a moment he'll always remember. What a thrill for Rhian.

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    1. Hi Joylene,
      It is well "kewl"! And for sure, the pride your son, your whole family must have felt when your youngest son carried the torch in New Brunswick after his duty in Afghanistan.
      I've no doubt that Rhian was truly thrilled.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  2. England is just a poppin' with excitement these days...the jubilee, the olympics...nice to have some positive things happening.

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    1. Hi Delores,
      England, all of Britain, is hoping that a sense of positivity will be maintained for this nation and indeed, the world, beyond this Olympics.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  3. That's a marvelous experience. I remember the excitement when the winter Olympic flame came through Victoria two years ago. My kids got to see it and had the chance to hold it, which was the next best thing to actually carrying it.

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    1. Hi Ian,
      Ah yes, must have been quite the experience. I'm delighted your kids got to see and hold the Olympic Torch in Victoria. The winter Olympics in Vancouver, was a splendid event.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  4. I shudder to think of the cause! I am bemused/amused that I will have not one, but two(!) trips to the UK this summer, and yet will manage to miss both the Jubbly and the Olympics in their entirety. I wonder if mine is the only household going to the UK on holiday for reasons entirely unrelated to these two events. (Though I will say, as to the Jubbly, that I was charged to find an official tea towel back home for Mom, a duty I discharged fully.)

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    1. Hi Susan,
      Oh my, you are going to delight this green and pleasant land for a second time! Personally, I did everything possible to avoid the Jubilee celebrations.
      I think there may well be many a visitor to this fair isle who is not here for the upcoming Olympic games. I reckon some may come here for the um glorious weather!
      I was thinking of getting an official Jubilee toy corgi. However, one must think of 'Princess' Penny who was not amused at the prospect.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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    2. I am laughing out loud here at the thought of a Jubbly toy corgi! Thank you for the Olympic proportioned wishes!

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    3. Hi Susan,
      I'm glad the thought of a "Jubbly" toy corgi made you laugh out loud! Thankfully 'princess' Penny doesn't have to worry about a toy corgi cramping her style.
      And may you have a peaceful weekend of Olympic proportions!
      Gary

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  5. Your friend Stephen must have been thrilled to be a part of such an important event! Rhian sounds like a truly awesome woman, and definitely deserving to have that honor. Wow!

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    1. Hi Kim,
      Stephen was thrilled to be at the event. I should add that Stephen was perfectly fine with me putting up this photo which he has on his Facebook profile. I told him I could see some potential for a bit of fun with the photo:)
      Rhian was indeed a worthy choice to be a torchbearer.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  6. Um...do the Olympics even count if there is no flame?

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    1. Hi middle child,
      I wondered that myself. I thought the flame was supposed to be lit at all times.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  7. Dear Gary,
    Ah, the Olympic Flame, symbol of all humanity coming together in the spirit of friendly competition and the fact that it's not the winning, but the taking part. And then someone farted and blew it out! Oh well.
    Very Best Wishes, your way, Gary,
    From your pal,
    David.

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    1. Dear David,
      And to think that the flame and indeed, the Olympics could well be jeopardised by the power of a mighty fart! Never mind, eh.
      Talk soon.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  8. Rhian sounds like such a wonderful person, and is very deserving of this honor. I'm still laughing about your theory of how the flame blew out! Julie

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    1. Hi Empty Nest Insider,
      Although I do not know her, my research indicated that she is a person who displays the finest in altruism.
      Fan the flame out with a fart! Or extinguish it due to a potentially 'explosive' flatulence situation. Thank you, Julie.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  9. The route will pass approximately 40 feet from our living room. If David Tennant, or indeed any Dr Who they can find is carrying it, I might show my face. Rhian sounds like a wonderful lady :)

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    1. Hi All Consuming,
      Wow, that's very close to your living room. Would be quite startling if they came through your living room by mistake :) Coincidentally, my friend Stephen is a college lecturer and one of his topics is Dr. Who. In fact, he has some amazing genuine memorabilia from the show!
      Rhian is a credit to the finer aspects of humanity.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  10. Hello Gary:
    Oh to have friends in such high places! But we are a little disappointed to see that the flame of the torch had gone out. We trust that this is not an omen for the games which lie ahead!!

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    1. Hi Jane and Lance,
      And my friends in high places maybe somewhat 'higher' if my theory in regards to the extinguished flame proved correct :)
      Like you, I'm a little bit puzzled as to why the flame was out. I'm sure the games will be just fine. Unless, the final person lighting up the stadium torch has a case of the 'winds'.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  11. I know it's going through Weymouth Dorset where I used to live as the sailing events take place there but when I don't know.
    Enjoyed the write up.

    Yvonne.

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    1. Hi Yvonne,
      Ah, the sailing events at Weymouth. A lovely location. If there is enough 'wind', it could be quite the time :)
      Thank you for enjoying the write up.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  12. Awwww good for Rhian!!! What a privilege and well done her!

    As for flatulence - better out than in is what I say! LOL! Take care
    x

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    1. Hi Old Kitty,
      For sure, good for Rhian :) It must of been an honour and a privilege for her.
      As for flatulence, I reckon folks stand well clear of you. Or perhaps you blame the lingering wind on Charlie! LOL
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  13. She was well deserving to carry the torch!
    Ironically, one person who carried the torch, and when interviewed talked about the honor he felt, was seen texting while running with the torch. Yeah - texting!

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    1. Hi Alex,
      Well deserving and nice to see that folks besides 'celebrities', have been given the opportunity.
      And that person texting while running with the torch could have caused an accident! Wonder what they were texting....
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  14. What an honor to carry the torch! Rhian sounds like a great person. I DO wonder why it is extinguished though. Hmmm...

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    1. Hi Heather.
      Rhian must have been deeply honoured to carry the torch. A most ideal runner of the torch.
      I wonder and perhaps we can come up with another reason for the extinguished flame.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  15. I'd want to carry the flame but that would involve too much effort.

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    1. Hi PT,
      I reckon if you carried the "flame", you'd be quite worried about your burnt hands.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  16. Hi Gary,
    I think I know the reason as to why the flame is out, but it`s far too boring, so I won`t say! Hope the torch etc doesn`t end up on ebay! They are going for big money apparently.
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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    1. Hi John,
      I'm sure there is a logical explanation as to why the flame was out. That's outrageous that folks would sell the torch on ebay. That would be like me selling all my blogging awards on ebay! Although, probably get less money for my um awards :)
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  17. Hi Gary. Thanks for this lovely story. There are hundreds of worthy torch-bearers all over Britain. A local Rabbi, who runs a Drugs Support Line was due to run but is too unwell.
    I heard that people were selling their torches for thousands of pounds on eBay!
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Hi bazza,
      It is a heart warming story. Many worthy torchbearers and it's a real shame that the Rabbi will be unable to run.
      I had no idea they would get to keep the torches. And to sell them on ebay seems rather immoral.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  18. Hmm, maybe she hadn't received the passing the flame yet. As for the passing of gas... you know what 'they' say: 'The smeller is the feller.' Hahaha, funny!

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    1. Hi Dixie,
      It turns out that she had done her part of the run and that would be the torch she gets to keep. None of Stephen's other friends made note of the guy in the background. Strange when I saw the photo, I glanced past the torch and knew we had a posting.
      Thank you for your comment, Dixie. Made 'scents' to me! :)
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  19. Dear Gary;

    i tend to think that participants in the Olympic torch marathon leave the device as a souvenir after the flame passed to the next participant, as far as farting, that may be right also, she does look like scrawny vegetarian.
    Have a nice day, btw.

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    1. Dear Golda,
      I do believe when one torchbearer is finished their part of the run, they light the torch of the next participant with their torch and then their torch gets extinguished.
      Perhaps we should tie her to a 'steak' :)
      Oh, despite the ongoing torrential downpour, I shall have some semblance of a nice day. Hope you have a nice day, also.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  20. What a thrill it must be to carry the Olympic torch!

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    1. Hi Nancy,
      I'm sure it must be quite the thrill. Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star was asked to run with the torch. Trouble is, she thought it was a toy and took it into a nearby field :)
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  21. I was fairly cynical about the whole torch thing until it came past where I worked and then I got caught up in all the razz-ma-tazz...it was quite a party!

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    1. Hi G,
      You got caught up in the "razz-ma-tazz"? Don't tell me somebody farted near the torch as it went by your place of work :) Seriously, glad you got into the party atmosphere.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  22. Hi everyone, a friend stumbled across this and I have to say a lot of the replies have made me giggle!! I guarantee that the flame was safely passed from me to the next Torchbearer - the pic was taken once I had completed my leg.
    I was completely honoured and humbled to be nominated and to take part in such an amazing event! Thank you for all of your lovely comments too :) although I am defo not a "scrawny vegitarian", I will however take a compliment that I look slim ;-)
    Rhi :)
    P.s I will definitely not be selling my Torch - no way!!!!

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    1. Hi Rhian,
      Delighted your friend stumbled upon this article. I reckon 'stumbling' would not be a great idea when running with the torch :) There was some rather humorous responses and yes, the photo, besides your good self being in it, was too hard to resist having some fun with.
      I have seen the video where the flame was passed onto the next torch by yourself. Silly me was under the impression that there was just the one torch. Now we know better.
      Judging by what the person that nominated you said, Rhian you were a wonderful choice and the epitome of humanity at its finest.
      I reckon, you're slim, trim and ready for a cheeseburger and fries!
      Thank goodness, you will be keeping your Torch. Although, I'll trade you for one of my blogging awards. I'm kidding :)
      Thanks for taking the time to comment, Rhian.
      And no doubt, positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  23. Hi Gary; You might notice the guy holding his nose is looking at the lady in green. Maybe she did pass wind. How kind of her to share. LOL. It's very exciting to have the "games" on the way. Love reading your blogs and get a kick out of what you have to say. Hugs.

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    1. Hey Heather,
      Indeed and I also noticed that only part of her is showing in the photo. If it was her who kindly shared a wafting gift, then she embraces the whole concept of sharing and caring. Just like blogland. Not that I'm saying bloggers share farts...somebody hand me a shovel :) Let the games commence. Thanks for the kind words in regards to my shy, humble blog. Hope more folks will discover your blog and your writing passion.
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  24. Gary
    An odorous post of magnificent magnitude!

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    1. Hey Ray,
      Flaming farts! Why thank you!
      Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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  25. Your mere mention of flatulence was worth the valuable time of response from the ultra-amazing Kelly. :)

    Besides that, I'd like to say (and so I shall) that it's really cool that you know the torch bearers and the work that they do for charities. I imagine it was quite an honor for them to do this and they deserve it. Now the Olympics, wherever they're held, I can get into. Over-inflated royal egos putting on expensive celebrations for themselves- eh, not so much.

    Great post, Gary. Be well.

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    1. Hi Kelly,
      Thrilled you um 'caught wind' of the posting. And doubly thrilled that you, oh shy one, would honour us with a comment. Taking time out from your hectic schedule signing autographs for your adoring fans, no doubt!
      I know the fine chap in the glasses posing with Rhian. And through the wonders of the internet, Rhian also caught wind of this posting and graced this humble, unassuming dude with a good natured response. There are many notable torch-bearers who quietly go about doing good for others. It was good to see her acknowledged.
      The Olympics and the ideals of it, are something we both can relate to. Ostentatious, garish displays make me cringe.
      Thanks Kelly and big respect to you in your ongoing pursuit of a positive life despite the challenges you have encountered.
      In kindness and Positive wishes of Olympic proportions, your way, Gary :)

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.