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beezaur said:
I think, as with most things, the more you learn about something the more interesting it becomes.
Flashlights are cool just on the surface. Light where there was none, wherever and whenever you want it.
Then you start getting into the practical: yes, that 4-D Mag-Lite is really nice in the dark, but no way I can pack that around in my pocket all day for that 30 seconds when I might need soe light.
And then you start to look around, and see that you really can have a 4-D-equivalent light that will fit in your shirt pocket. Hmmm. . .
Then you see that you can have a light that doesn't appreciably dim as its batteries drain, or won't ever need a new bulb. It starts to look interesting.
Then you discover special purpose lights: those for self defense, diving, hiking, aviation. More interesting.
At first you get a cheap one because "there ain't no dam way I'm spendin' that on no dam light." Uh-huh.
You start to carry it regularly since it is so small. Then you start to use it, because you have it. Then you start saying, "if I had this other light, I could do this thing better." Reading in the car. Getting up for a drink at night. Avoiding dog poop at the inlaws' place. Fixing that leak in the roof. Personal safety and emergency use, that is my weakness.
In the broadest sense, I think we flashaholics are just tinkerers and gadgeteers of one particular flavor. When some people are left idly, grab a beer and stare at the TV while they delicately recharge their mental capacity. Usually that involves at least some mouth breathing. (I think anyone, regardless of intelligence, can fall into that trap.)
But others seem to gravitate toward something that holds interest and develops some mental challenges. It is a healthy hobby that keeps the mind sharply tuned and active. I think for a lot of people, it could just as easily be ham radio, archery, model railroading, or lasers.
What I personally get out of flashlights is the ability to do things in spite of the dark. It sounds simple, but it is really satisfying.
Scott
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Wow, that was a trip down memory lane..
You left out the second mortgage though.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif