Gizmodo: bejing

Computer Modeled After Incredible Bejing Digital Building

Mark Wilson — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST

The Bejing Digital building wasn't the breakaway star of 2008 Olympics architecture, but if Michael Phelps built circuit boards, things might have been different. Luckily, one modder created a case to commemorate the building.

Not just some basement mod, the original renderings of this PC were created by Gert Swolfs, the same guy who did the original renderings for the actual building. The case itself was then fashioned from wood and lined with aluminum. In order to fit a full-sized video card along with a slew of other big components, a small platform box was constructed under the cube itself.

The technical aspect of lighting the case was an idea that evolved over time. The builder started with LCDs, considered an LED array and then settled for simple UV Blue acrylic.

Not a bad job at all, especially when you check out the Bejing Digital building's original renderings:
[bit-tech]

The Olympic Torch Transformed Over History

Mark Wilson — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EDT

We'd never want the burden of carrying the Olympic torch, not so much because of the pressure, but because we're out of shape and there's a distinct possibility that we might burn ourselves. However, we're more than willing to look at the NYT timeline of the Olympic torches over the last 70 years and appreciate the torch's evolution from crude, mace-like fire stick to long fire rod. And this year's red scroll designed by Lenovo (yes, that Lenovo) might actually be our favorite. Read more coverage of the 2008 Olympic Games. [NYT]

Million Dollar Olympic Bicycle So Specialized "No Ordinary Person Could Ride It"

Sean Fallon — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EDT

Cycle maker Koga Miyata is hoping that the new million dollar bike he designed for Dutch cyclist Theo Bos will give him the edge in the upcoming Beijing Olympics. According to reports, it has the lowest air resistance of any bike in the world, but it has no brakes and only one speed. That, combined with a super stiff frame makes it one of the most "difficult bikes to ride." So, it is a superfast bike that is damn near impossible to use. Sounds like a sure-fire bet for gold, if you ask me.

[Reuters]