Some images of today's torch relay/protest/insanity/Newsomness as the torch run turned into, well, complete chaos. Whew, what a day.

Brian Brooks, Jessica Kraft, and Chase Tingley: thanks for the sharp shots today of the Olympic torch melee.

Earlier

• Also, still no sign of torch. SFPD motorcycles are seen zipping up Third and Second Streets.
• "No reports of serious violence," declares Barbara Rodgers of CBS 5.
• Eerie sensation of local on-air talent far too close to SFist HQ right now. There is a presence in this neighborhood.
• British PM Gordon Brown boycotts opening ceremonies; Bush still debating similar boycott.
• Barbara Rogers calls bullshit on current torch run path on King Street. Wonders if it might be happening somewhere else. That would be awesome.
• Visible torch flame seen at McCovey Cove!

Ta-da. Now it's really on, folks.

The calm before the storm: McCovey Cove (just outside AT&T Park) awash in red flags, taken late this morning.

Although, according to fine Mayor Gavin Newsom, the torch route change at a moment's notice, the path is currently starting at AT&T Park (where confrontations are reportedly already taking place), running along the Embarcadero Park (where confrontations are reportedly already taking place), and ending at Justin Herman Plaza (where confrontations are reportedly already taking place). If you get any shots of the flame or hot-headed behavior, be sure to tag them with "sfist" in your Flickr stream for everyone to see.

Drivers, you will want to avoid SOMA and the Embarcadero at all costs today. Seriosuly. King Street, according to ABC 7, will be closed until 7 p.m. tonight, By the way.

Also, politics aside, how gorgeous is the Beijing Olympic torch? Stunning, really.

Before today's Olympic torch run, check out some images from yesterday's
Tibet Rally and Peace March, brilliantly shot by local photogs 37 °C, Jim Herd, Steve Rhodes, and Dave Schumaker.

Today's Olympic torch relay, set to start just outside AT&T Park at 1 p.m., will result in MUNI delays. Here are the lines that will be affected today. Or not.

Lines: F, K/T, N, 9X, 10, 12, 19, 20, 30, 39, 47, 49, all Cable Cars Area: Downtown, SOMA, The Embarcadero Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Time: noon until clear

Of course, as most of you already know, this is not set in stone: both the relay route itself and all Muni service re-routes are subject to change at any time.

Supervisor Chris Daly speaking in UN Plaza today, drenched in ivory. Hot.

While we can say for sure where the torch route will go tomorrow--KTVU confusedly announced the "official map route" during today's noon broadcast and KPIX interviewed a fake Bono, so we can't be sure of anything anymore--we can take a stab at it, yes? Yes.

Rumor ia that the torch run might----go through Berry Street. You know, that little strip of street near the AT&T park? That borders China Basin? Near SF Weekly's office? Next to the cocaine-like coffee poured by the good folks over at Philz?

Anyway, the UCSF shuttle bus that goes through there had a sign saying that Berry Street "would be closed [tomorrow] but 4th street would be open." Which would make sense: it's a skinny slip of a street with tall buildings surrounding it, perfect for ample police presence. But we'll fill you in with more when (of if) we know the route for sure.