John Olsen. Geek or pyro?

John Olsen is a published author and mega-computer-geek, with a similarly geeky wife and wonderfully geeky children. He’s written hit computer games that have sold millions of copies. He’s the kind of geek other geeks look up to.

He enjoys over-engineered solutions to common household problems. The problem here: how do you set up an impressive display of timed fireworks using only commonly-available, Utah-legal fireworks? I mean, my family usually follows the tried-and-true approach of “set up three fountains, and try to get the last one lit before the first one burns your hand off”. Not John! To the right is his July 24th (Pioneer Day in Utah, a big celebration similar to Independence Day elsewhere in the U.S.) automated conflagration setup — and below, his setup for tonight’s festivities. Regarding this arrangement, John says, “last July 24th where I was going more for duration than intensity. This new one is relatively small in comparison. The box said to light one at a time, so I redefined one.”