https://mihnev.com/tags/nostalgia/Recent content in Nostalgia on Alex's blogHugoenSat, 27 Jun 2026 15:07:05 -0400https://mihnev.com/images/dog_with_cone.pnghttps://mihnev.com/https://mihnev.com/posts/torches/Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:07:05 -0400Alex Mihnevhttps://mihnev.com/posts/torches/<p>Someone had gifted me an LED nightlight. You know, the ones which are battery-powered and look like a cylinder which is slightly tapered towards the top (like an old police strobe light).</p> <p>Lately, I've been finding myself reaching for that at night because it's got a healthy red mode -- ideal for reading, midnight snacking, or just conducting business -- without messing with that precious melatonin balance. More importantly, I love the omnidirectionality which makes for a nice atmosphere.</p> <p>I also have a head torch with red mode but dislike it for a couple of reasons. The first one is that the neighbors would think someone broke into our home. The second one is that conducting business at night feels like you're camping in the woods where you have to keep your head on a swivel just in case of an industrious bear.</p> <p>None of that smart light stuff nor flashlights.</p> <p>Speaking of ancient instincts, carrying something resembling a torch in your hand feels kinda badass. So it got me thinking.</p> <p>Why did we stop carrying torches?</p> <p>I mean it makes sense with fire and all. But we have so much fancy light-emitting tech... Wouldn't you carrying all the light you'd ever need be way more energy efficient? Plus, you can attach it onto a long stick and you have an actual torch that can double as a wizard's staff and even be used for non-lethal dissuasion of would-be attackers. Back to the point: think of all the ways you could express yourself with.</p> <p>For example:</p> <ul> <li>Red mode -- considerate</li> <li>Orange -- angry</li> <li>Rainbow -- going to a rave</li> <li>Blue/Red -- the law</li> <li>Blue -- being an arse</li> <li>Purple -- leave me alone</li> <li>Yellow -- talk to me</li> <li>Pink -- I'm fabulous</li> <li>Green -- on a trip</li> <li>No light -- up to no good</li> </ul> <p>Just look up &quot;LED poi&quot;.</p> <figure> <img src="https://mihnev.com/posts/images/rave.png" alt="A bunch of LED-armed ravers under the night sky"> <figcaption>Squids figured this out a long time ago...</figcaption> </figure> <p>Sure, sure. It may be safer to have lights on in stations, and streets for safety, and yada yada... 🥱</p> <p>Just think of all the light pollution we could get rid of and once again become consumed with thinking of and gazing at the beautiful night sky. Who knows, maybe this will help us pull our heads out of our fundaments a tad more often.</p> <p>Anyway, torches are cool.</p> <p>Stay tuned for the next article on bringing back pitchforks.</p>