The Olympic torch relay is at present, struggling it’s way down an alternate route in Downtown San Francisco after protesters scared organizers away from the original planned route:

The procession of the Olympic torch through San Francisco descended into farce today when the flame-holders ran only a few yards before disappearing into a warehouse, then re-emerging on a bus.

After furious clashes throughout the morning between ‘Free Tibet’ protestors and pro-China demonstrators, the authorities seemed to panic, and by 1.20pm, local time - 20 minutes after the published start time - even the TV news helicopters were confused. Then, for a few seconds, the runners were glimpsed, but within seconds they had disappeared from the starting point at McCovey Cove and disappeared into a nearby Pier 48 warehouse. Finally, there were reports of the procession leaving the warehouse on a bus.

However, the protesters are starting to catch up. Keep up with the latest news in pissed hippies and even more pissed cops and Chinese government officials on SFGate’s Torch Page.

As the Olympic Torch is scheduled to make its way through San Francisco on Wednesday, protestors are already gearing up for their message of peace and freedom for Tibet. Today, three people scaled the suspension cords of the Golden Gate bridge with huge banners that read, “One World. One Dream. Free Tibet.” Four others were arrested. Protestors in Paris caused such a disruption that they had to cancel part of the torch’s route. More are expected in the coming days as it passes through SF.

“We want it to be peaceful. But it will be large,” said Dasang, 22, during a phone interview in which he said he was near the bridge. “I heard from Tibetans that now live all over the U.S. and even abroad who are coming here.”

Be careful out there, brave protestors.

After speaking out in support of Tibet Independence in Shanghai, Bjork has ruffled the feathers of the Chinese government.

“We will further tighten controls on foreign artists performing in China in order to prevent similar cases from happening in the future,” the Ministry of Culture said in a statement on its website.

“We shall never tolerate any attempt to separate Tibet from China and will no longer welcome any artists who deliberately do this.”

Here’s a crappy Youtube video of the incident:

Wednesday evening, roughly 10,000 nationalistically devoted Chinese citizens gathered in Tiananmen Square to celebrate the one-year countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Celebrations included detaining journalists, shutting down Web sites, and running over protesting students with tanks.

Some of the outside events from the 2008 games will likely be postponed or relocated to other areas because of air pollution. Meanwhile, the government still arrests people who proclaim Tibetan Independence, executes political prisoners, and says fuck you to human rights. Sweet.

Here’s a fun game: Look at anything you have that’s plastic - does it say “Made In China” on it? How about your shoes? YOU WIN!

The Olympics were started in Greece. So was the concept of democracy. Fuck China’s government in the face.