Torch (juggling)

Juggling torches are one of various props used by jugglers. Torches are usually commercially made props that are made of wood and/or metal with a wick attached at one end. The wick is impregnated with a flammable substance (usually paraffin) and ignited before use.

Wicks

The two most common wicks used with juggling torches are:

Both materials come in reels of material ranging from 13mm to 180 mm wide and up to 100 m long. Around 40–80 cm of wick is wrapped onto each torch. In general, it is best to use hard limiting devices, such as nuts and bolts, to hold the wick onto the shaft of the torch.

Construction

The torch is usually constructed around a wooden dowel which runs the length of the torch from the knob (base) to the top. The lower 8-10 inch section is fitted with a handle, and is the section the juggler uses to catch and throw the torch. The handle can be covered in spiral wound plastic, cloth or leather. The middle of the torch is often larger in diameter than the handle and this section helps to balance the torch and makes it easier to juggle. The upper portion of the dowel is often covered in metal (usually aluminium) with the uppermost section covered in a wick. The wick is wrapped around the top of the shaft several times and secured with screws into the wooden core.

Torch

A torch is a stick with combustible material at one end, which is ignited and used as a light source. Torches have been used throughout history, and are still used in processions, symbolic and religious events, and in juggling entertainment. In some countries the word torch is used as the term for a 'battery operated portable light'.

Etymology

From the Old French "torche" meaning "twisted thing," hence "torch formed of twisted tow dipped in wax," probably from Vulgar Latin *torca, alteration of Late Latin torqua, variant of classical Latin torques "collar of twisted metal," from torquere "to twist".

Torch construction

Torch construction has varied through history depending the torch's purpose. Torches were usually constructed of a wooden stave with one end wrapped in a material which was soaked in a flammable substance. In ancient Rome some torches were made of sulfur mixed with lime. This meant that the fire would not diminish after being plunged into water. Modern procession torches are made from coarse hessian rolled into a tube and soaked in wax. There is usually a wooden handle and a cardboard collar to deflect any wax droplets. They are an easy, safe and relatively cheap way to hold a flame aloft in a parade, or to provide illumination in any after-dark celebration.

Torch (American rapper)

Kevin Christopher Belnavis (born July 12, 1982), better known by his stage name Torch, is an American rapper signed to Maybach Music Group as part of the group Triple C's. He grew up in the Castle Hill area of the Bronx before moving to Florida as a teen. While living in Miami, he met William Leonard Roberts II who would come to be better known as Rick Ross, a Miami rapper called Gunplay and rapper Young Breed; together, the four would go on to form the southern rap group Triple C's (aka Carol City Cartel).

Childhood

Torch was born Kevin Christopher Belnavis to his parents Lorna and Christopher Belnavis on July 12, 1982 in the Castle Hill area of the Bronx in New York. Spending most of his childhood on the streets of this rough neighborhood earned Kevin the nickname "Torch" for his rampant and unpredictable misbehavior. Fearful of the dangerous and seemingly predictable path her son was on, Torch’s mother sent him to Florida to live with his older sister. While living in Miami, Torch met his future Triple C’s group members Rick Ross and Gunplay.

Torch (band)

Torch is a hardcore/metal band from Trondheim, Norway.

Music

The band have self-described their sound a mix between Rock and Metal. Although sources have described their sound as everything from Hardcore Punk to Metalcore, Emo and nu metal.

History

Torch was formed in Trondheim, Norway in 1999. Their style back then was a combination of hardcore and nu metal. The sound of their early demos bears a strong resemblance to the style of bands like Korn, Deftones and especially Snot.

In 2003, with new key members added to the line-up, they released the Visions of... EP. It was released independently through Hardstar Records. The EP led to a successful national tour with the bands Miksha and Turdus Musicus in early 2004. They toured England the same year, gaining praise from small, but enthusiastic crowds.

In 2005, the band would sign to the Norwegian indie label Kong Tiki Records. Their video, The Experiment debuted on the national TV charts Urørt Svisj and ZTV. It helped them keep the fire hot while they started recording their debut album. The recording process would eventually take 7 months to complete. The documentary, titled How To Start a Fire was added as a limited edition bonus DVD on their debut album. The Experiment remains the band's most well-known song.