Spring Forward, Fall Back

Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead tonight! Daylight Saving Time begins tonight for most of the United States and Canada. The expansion of the period we use DST is due to the Energy Policy Act of 2005; although studies show the effect on energy consumption is negigible, if not counterproductive. DST will last until the first weekend in November, which is almost two-thirds of the year. European Summer Time begins the last Sunday in March and runs til the last Sunday in October. Nations in the southern hemisphere who observe the practice have been on DST for months, and will soon go back to standard time as their fall approaches. Wikipedia has more on Daylight Saving Time history and practices around the world. Link

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I'm glad to see I'm not alone in recognizing the uselesness and folly of DST. I have the hardest time explaining to people that the increased hours of daylight happen regardless of whether one fools with the clock --- Summer is a comin' in, people! Meanwhile, traffic accidents due to sun glare and tired drivers increase, auto insurance rates continue to climb... and way too many people buy into the party line that "We just saved some daylight!" because the Earth's axial tilt is just too difficult a concept for them to grasp.

There are petitions online for abolishing DST. I urge everyone to seek them out and sign them, or start another one.