Pyro Pr0n: Designing The Olympic Torch

Being Buddhist, I have more than my share of bones to pick regarding the Summer Olympic Games in China this year, but I'm willing to set all those politics aside for a moment to enjoy a little pyrotechnic pr0n. Wired has an article exploring how the Olympic torches used in the relay were designed by none other than Lenovo (yes, the Lenovo that makes laptops):

Torch design is as much an engineering problem as an artistic one. As Hill explains, the end product must meet some fairly rigid technical criteria. For one, it must be able to burn at the top of Mount Everest and must pass all kinds of weather-condition tests.

The torch burns propane, which Lenovo chose because it is a low-cost energy source that leaves behind only carbon dioxide and water after burning. (The jet used to transport the torch around the world, however, is producing 5,500 tons of carbon dioxide.) The China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation designed the torch's burning system. It was made to withstand winds of up to 65 km/hour, and to produce a bright, stable flame that can easily be seen even in bright, sunny conditions.

*mental note: add "was not chosen as one of the recipients of torch that can burn on top of Mt. Everest" to the list of reasons to dislike these Olympics*

Hit the link for the rest of the story of the design!

High-Tech Olympic Torch Carries 5,000 Years of History [Wired]