The list for May 20, 1996
The Top 15 Problems Encountered
Along the Olympic Torch Route

  1. Forward progress hampered by slow moving white Bronco.

  2. Torch commandeered in Waco by over-zealous ATF agents.

  3. One *really* pissed off Smokey the Bear.

  4. Budget cuts cause torch to be replaced by less-than-dependable Bic lighter.

  5. Difficulty getting melted marshmellows off torch after “s’mores” party got out of hand.

  6. Running 7 miles before realizing the torch is still on top of the urinal at the last rest stop.

  7. First-degree burns to runners unfamiliar with how to “receive the baton.”

  8. Jim Bob, lying in wait on the outskirts of Memphis with a case of Bud and a supersoaker.

  9. Rosie Ruiz takes flame in NYC — appears 30 minutes later in Atlanta.

  10. Drive-by goosings.

  11. Torchbearers driven insane by repeated playing of the “Chariots of Fire” theme.

  12. Torch-jackings in urban areas.

  13. Crazed hippie terrorists replace Olympic Torch with new Olympic Bong.

  14. Male runners repeatedly get lost and refuse to stop for directions.
And the Number 1 Problem Encountered Along the Olympic Torch Route…

  1. Obnoxious drunks who run up and yell, “No, I meant a BUD light!”
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CREDITS
Selected from among 73 submissions by 24 contributors.
Today’s list authors were:

  • Dave George, Arlington, VA — 1, 10
  • Caroline Gennity, Queens, NY — 2, 4
  • Alkes Price, Philadelphia, PA — 3
  • Bruce Ansley, Baltimore, MD — 5 (Hall of Famer)
  • Jim Louderback, New York, NY — 5
  • Randy Wohl, Israel — 6
  • Lemon/Rinaldi, San Francisco, CA — 7
  • Perry Friedman, Palo Alto, CA — 7, 11
  • Rick Welshans, Alexandria, VA — 8
  • John Hering, Alexandria, VA — 9 (Hall of Famer)
  • Kermit Woodall, Richmond, VA — 12
  • Tom Louderback, Breckenridge, CO — 12
  • Alan Wagner, Bayside, WI — 13
  • Steve Hurd, San Ramon, CA — 13
  • David E. Spiro, Tucson, AZ — 14
  • Lev L. Spiro, Los Angeles, CA — 14 (Rookie!)
  • Sharon Silva, Clarksville, TN — 15 (Rookie!)
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