While we might take the phrase “bright lights, big city” for granted, the fact is that for most of recorded history, nocturnal urban darkness was the norm, not the exception. —Jeet Heer —Cultural history of the night (National Post)

By the way… the oft-repeated story about “blackout babies” born nine months after a major power outage or blizzard is an urban legend.

Here’s a gem from a 1970 study: “It is evidently pleasing to many people to fantasize that when people are trapped by some immobilizing event which deprives them of their usual activities, most will turn to copulation.” (cited by Newsday)