Topic: Olympic Torch

The hosts mock the Russian publicity stunt of taking an unlit Olympic torch on a spacewalk outside the International Space Station ahead of the Sochi Winter Games. They characterize the Olympic torch relay as a "scam" and a "bogus sports event" used for nationalistic promotion. Adam Curry recalls a personal anecdote about the lack of public interest during a torch relay through Dallas, Texas.

The London Olympics are discussed in the context of strict trademark enforcement and the denial of a visa to the head of the Syrian Olympic Committee. The "logo cops" are noted for preventing the use of protected words like "bronze" or "rings," while the ubiquitous presence of the Olympic torch is compared to an internet meme.

Anti-Western sentiment is rising in China, manifesting as boycotts against French retailers like Carrefour due to pro-Tibet stances. Observations from the Olympic torch relay suggest that some pro-China protests in the West may be organized and coordinated by individuals carrying official itineraries and maps.