Daylight Saving Time

Postby Kyle » Wed Mar 12, 2014 6:41 pm

Don't forget, for those of you here in the US (except Arizona) you have to change your settings on here to reflect Daylight Saving Time going into effect, if you haven't already.

On that note, this might be better suited for Jump in the Fire, but hopefully it won't be that heated a topic: do you like Daylight Saving Time? I personally wish we'd stick to the same time all year long. I know the reasoning behind it but I've never seen any proof it really cuts down on energy costs.

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jay Candice » Thu Mar 13, 2014 12:03 am

If the reasoning behind it is a hoax, then that's the biggest joke the world's ever played on America.
In the end, it matters not how many breaths you took, but how many took your breath away.
-shing xiong

We are not retreating, we are advancing in another direction
-General Douglas MacArthur

Fall down seven times, stand up eight
-Japanese Proverb

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby xtc » Thu Mar 13, 2014 3:53 am

There are considerations in the UK relevant to the effect of darkness upon SAD sufferers, of whom I am one before anybody starts taking the piss! I also presume that those who oppose such measures do not live that far north. It also has an effect on accident figures.
Boxer shorts are cool,
but little speedos rule!

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Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby vantran » Thu Mar 13, 2014 4:24 am

xtc wrote:There are considerations in the UK relevant to the effect of darkness upon SAD sufferers, of whom I am one before anybody starts taking the piss! I also presume that those who oppose such measures do not live that far north. It also has an effect on accident figures.


It screws people up especially students who lose time in writing their assignments.

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jason Toddman » Thu Mar 13, 2014 12:16 pm

As xtc pointed out, it's effectiveness is greater the further north you are. Of course, xtc is in Britain (roughly 52 to 54 degrees north) and therefore is further north than any part of any state in the US except Alaska. But I live in southern Maine (between 43 and 44 degrees north), which is far enough north so that without daylight saving time in effect school children have to wait for their buses in the pitch dark.
I know what this can be like, because the winter of my senior year in high school they decided not to enact daylight saving time, and that's what I had to do. I wasn't exactly a child; I was 17 and not at all scared of the dark. But I lived out in the country, so there were no street lights or anything to help drivers see me as I stood there waiting for the bus. It's bad enough waking up when it's still dark. But it really sucks out loud going to school and waiting in home room for your first class and it's still effing dark outside!!! I remember looking out my home room window, watching the full moon set in a still pitch black sky, and thinking to myself, whose stupid idea was this?!
You folks in more southerly states don't get such short days in the winter (the closer to the equator you are, the less the difference in length between your longest and shortest days will be), so maybe you can't appreciate this, but I can attest from experience that DST is much safer for rural children going to school in the wintertime. They tried abolishing it in 1974 because of the Oil Embargo. It was a miserable failure. It just added to the number of days we all had to wake up while it was still dark out. Screw that!!!
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jason Toddman » Thu Mar 13, 2014 12:18 pm

vantran wrote:
xtc wrote:There are considerations in the UK relevant to the effect of darkness upon SAD sufferers, of whom I am one before anybody starts taking the piss! I also presume that those who oppose such measures do not live that far north. It also has an effect on accident figures.


It screws people up especially students who lose time in writing their assignments.

I fail to see how students lose time writing their assignments, unless you are talking about that one hour out of the whole year they lose in the fall - which they get back in the spring anyway. Any student who fails to complete an assignment for the loss of that one hour has the lamest excuse ever since the dog ate the homework excuse was invented!
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby vantran » Thu Mar 13, 2014 12:50 pm

Jason Toddman wrote:
vantran wrote:
xtc wrote:There are considerations in the UK relevant to the effect of darkness upon SAD sufferers, of whom I am one before anybody starts taking the piss! I also presume that those who oppose such measures do not live that far north. It also has an effect on accident figures.


It screws people up especially students who lose time in writing their assignments.

I fail to see how students lose time writing their assignments, unless you are talking about that one hour out of the whole year they lose in the fall - which they get back in the spring anyway. Any student who fails to complete an assignment for the loss of that one hour has the lamest excuse ever since the dog ate the homework excuse was invented!


I fail to see you having seeing anything!

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jason Toddman » Thu Mar 13, 2014 12:55 pm

vantran wrote:I fail to see you having seeing anything!

Is that supposed to be sarcasm, or what? I'm simply asking you to explain your point, which makes no sense as far as I can see. There are still 24 hours in a day every day but the two in which DST begins and ends. So how do students lose time writing their assignments? Can you explain that without being snarky about it?
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby FelixSH » Thu Mar 13, 2014 1:24 pm

While I do prefer DST, I don´t care that much. What annoys me is the change itself. I would prefer to decide for DST or standard time and keep it the whole year.

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Kyle » Thu Mar 13, 2014 1:43 pm

Jason Toddman wrote:As xtc pointed out, it's effectiveness is greater the further north you are. Of course, xtc is in Britain (roughly 52 to 54 degrees north) and therefore is further north than any part of any state in the US except Alaska. But I live in southern Maine (between 43 and 44 degrees north), which is far enough north so that without daylight saving time in effect school children have to wait for their buses in the pitch dark.
I know what this can be like, because the winter of my senior year in high school they decided not to enact daylight saving time, and that's what I had to do. I wasn't exactly a child; I was 17 and not at all scared of the dark. But I lived out in the country, so there were no street lights or anything to help drivers see me as I stood there waiting for the bus. It's bad enough waking up when it's still dark. But it really sucks out loud going to school and waiting in home room for your first class and it's still effing dark outside!!! I remember looking out my home room window, watching the full moon set in a still pitch black sky, and thinking to myself, whose stupid idea was this?!
You folks in more southerly states don't get such short days in the winter (the closer to the equator you are, the less the difference in length between your longest and shortest days will be), so maybe you can't appreciate this, but I can attest from experience that DST is much safer for rural children going to school in the wintertime. They tried abolishing it in 1974 because of the Oil Embargo. It was a miserable failure. It just added to the number of days we all had to wake up while it was still dark out. Screw that!!!


I used to start school at 7:10 a.m. DST doesn't really keep you from getting ready in the dark when you start that early.

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jason Toddman » Thu Mar 13, 2014 1:50 pm

FelixSH wrote:While I do prefer DST, I don´t care that much. What annoys me is the change itself. I would prefer to decide for DST or standard time and keep it the whole year.

I'm the reverse, Felixsh. In fact I'd be all for doing it a second time in summertime, advancing the clock yet another hour during summer vacations and rolling them back to normal the weekend before Labor day. In the summer, virtually everyone is still in bed when the sun rises, and we could have an extra hour of daylight in the evening when people could enjoy it.
Of course, living at the eastern edge of a time zone in a northern state (where the sun never sets later than 8:45 or so), i'd find this more useful than people living on the western edge of a time zone (where the sun might already set nearly as late as 10 pm in northern states) i'm sure. And no doubt lots of people would probably want to shoot me for even suggesting such a thing! Oh well.

Kyle wrote:I used to start school at 7:10 a.m. DST doesn't really keep you from getting ready in the dark when you start that early.

Depends on where in the time zone you are. If you're at the western edge of one, naturally the sun rises later so you're in the dark later. But eliminating DST only makes the problem one hour worse, not better. I know; I've been there there and done that. And i live (and lived then) on the far eastern edge of one, where the sun rises earliest. And without DST it was still dark outside even so! Sounds like what you need is MORE time set back in the autumn, not LESS!
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Kyle » Thu Mar 13, 2014 1:57 pm

When we were on DST was actually when it was darkest. It was really dark in October right before we went back to "normal" time (or whatever it's called when you're not in Daylight Saving) and it was dark again in April when we went back on it. Getting off DST moved the sunlight to early morning hours and made it brighter.

I walked to school, because it was about a 5-minute walk. There were a few days in the year I left home right as the sun was coming over the horizon.

At least we got out at 2:30. That was the trade-off. The kids in the next town who shared the buses didn't get out until almost 4:00 p.m.

DST has its benefits. You do get more sunlight in the afternoon. I'd prefer just to stay on regular time but I could deal with being on DST all year, although the mornings would be a problem.

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby xtc » Thu Mar 13, 2014 2:10 pm

I must beware of abbreviations here but . . .
Back me up Paulscott, KT, Gemcott, et al: what do you think about the idea of Double Summer Time or keeping to GMT?
Will that affect the independence vote? Chaos or what?
Boxer shorts are cool,
but little speedos rule!

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Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jason Toddman » Thu Mar 13, 2014 2:22 pm

Kyle wrote:When we were on DST was actually when it was darkest. It was really dark in October right before we went back to "normal" time (or whatever it's called when you're not in Daylight Saving)

It's called Standard Time.

Kyle wrote: I'd prefer just to stay on regular time but I could deal with being on DST all year, although the mornings would be a problem.

Less of a problem it seems to me than not having Savings time at all; seems to me.
Not a problem for me now in any case. I work nights so I sleep during the major part of the morning anyway.

xtc wrote:I must beware of abbreviations here but . . .
Back me up Paulscott, KT, Gemcott, et al: what do you think about the idea of Double Summer Time or keeping to GMT?
Will that affect the independence vote? Chaos or what?

You mean you like my idea?
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby FelixSH » Thu Mar 13, 2014 2:44 pm

Jason Toddman wrote:I'm the reverse, Felixsh. In fact I'd be all for doing it a second time in summertime, advancing the clock yet another hour during summer vacations and rolling them back to normal the weekend before Labor day. In the summer, virtually everyone is still in bed when the sun rises, and we could have an extra hour of daylight in the evening when people could enjoy it.
Of course, living at the eastern edge of a time zone in a northern state (where the sun never sets later than 8:45 or so), i'd find this more useful than people living on the western edge of a time zone (where the sun might already set nearly as late as 10 pm in northern states) i'm sure. And no doubt lots of people would probably want to shoot me for even suggesting such a thing! Oh well.


Hmm...How about we just change two hours and keep that. To make sure that no one has to get up when its dark we additionally postpone the start of work, opening shops, etc. also by two hours. Everyone wins. That way I would at least never have to get up at some unholy hour like 7 a.m. I hate the morning. Getting up before the sun is against Natures Plan.
I think I will excuse myself now before I continue talking nonsense... :mrgreen:

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jason Toddman » Thu Mar 13, 2014 3:01 pm

It'd be fine with me except that then noon and mid-day would become completely different (and mutually exclusive) concepts. Also, your idea would only waste even more morning hours during the summertime than are wasted already. And instead of going to school in the dark, children would come home from school in the dark. Yeah, that'd be really popular! :lol:
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby FelixSH » Thu Mar 13, 2014 3:24 pm

We might need to sacrifice a few hours BUT we also eliminate the risk that anyone has to get up when it´s still dark. See? My plan totally works. :geek:

I actually have no idea what I´m talking about. I mathematical abilities are pretty decent, but when I think about the change from Standard Time to DST my brain breaks.

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby xtc » Thu Mar 13, 2014 3:48 pm

OK. Time for a draconian solution: China has only one time zone. I propose a universal time zone: GMT/BST. Now THAT makes sense (except, perhaps, to Scotland).
Boxer shorts are cool,
but little speedos rule!

More by the same author: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=22729

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jason Toddman » Thu Mar 13, 2014 3:55 pm

FelixSH wrote:We might need to sacrifice a few hours BUT we also eliminate the risk that anyone has to get up when it´s still dark. See? My plan totally works. :geek:
I actually have no idea what I´m talking about. I mathematical abilities are pretty decent, but when I think about the change from Standard Time to DST my brain breaks.

I think those last three words are the only ones I'm in full agreement with there. :quirk:

xtc wrote:OK. Time for a draconian solution: China has only one time zone. I propose a universal time zone: GMT/BST. Now THAT makes sense (except, perhaps, to Scotland).

I hate to think what BST stands for. Bull S**t time?
If you mean one time zone for the entire world, and simply arranging schedules by locale to suit, that might actually become standard practice someday as global inter-communications continue to improve and once personal travel evolves to the point where people can commute to any point of the globe within a couple of hours. But that likely won't occur for at least a century; if then. Especially considering how hard it is to get some people to change their ways even in sensible directions (like the lamentable and short-sighted reluctance of the US to adopt the metric system).
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby xtc » Thu Mar 13, 2014 4:54 pm

BST = British Summer Time (GMT + 1)

Yes, America and metric, what a cock-up! Even "Imperial" measures don't tally between England and the USA.

It's bad enough over here. We were "promised" that the metric system would be in place by (I think) the end of the "seventies". Our road signs are still in miles but our timber is measured in millimetres! Who the "Beep" can think in millimetres? OK, I know the arguments.
PS Being a shortarse, I'm still five foot seven!
Boxer shorts are cool,
but little speedos rule!

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Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jason Toddman » Thu Mar 13, 2014 4:58 pm

xtc wrote: It's bad enough over here. We were "promised" that the metric system would be in place by (I think) the end of the "seventies". Our road signs are still in miles...

Really? Gee, and i keep hearing about how the US is the only developed country that hasn't entirely converted to the metric system yet. i guess that's a bit of an overstatement then. Probably a (failed) attempt to shame us into finally converting.
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby xtc » Thu Mar 13, 2014 5:07 pm

Convert, convert, my brother . . .
Oops do you think people will believe I'm taking the piss?

Seriously, the metric system is the only system that makes sense unless we can miraculously all grow an extra digit. The duo-decimal system would then be much more convenient.

PS. Did you know that some shepherds counted in base five? Very efficient.
Boxer shorts are cool,
but little speedos rule!

More by the same author: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=22729

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jay Feely » Thu Mar 13, 2014 7:16 pm

I do not mind it here in Texas. Either way, I am very energized throughout the day till I go to bed.
You will have to subdue me to restrain me. I been a bad boy so make sure you torture me too with anything but pain.

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jason Toddman » Thu Mar 13, 2014 7:27 pm

Jay Feely wrote:I do not mind it here in Texas. Either way, I am very energized throughout the day till I go to bed.

Yeah, but so was I when I was your age... at least, once the sun was up. It's a bit harder when you're in late middle age.
Fortunately for me, it doesn't matter anyway as I work nights and usually sleep in until WAY past sunrise regardless of the time of year.
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby mistofoleese » Thu Mar 13, 2014 9:06 pm

Jason Toddman wrote:
Jay Feely wrote:I do not mind it here in Texas. Either way, I am very energized throughout the day till I go to bed.

Yeah, but so was I when I was your age... at least, once the sun was up. It's a bit harder when you're in late middle age.
Fortunately for me, it doesn't matter anyway as I work nights and usually sleep in until WAY past sunrise regardless of the time of year.


Oh PULLLEEEAAASSEE!! Come on I'm the SAME damn age as you and I'm still up at 5 am and am out running Now that the frigid weather is over Im out every morning again either running by or with my neighbor Hell sometimes even his granddaughter comes along with us.
The guys a retired Marine corps Sgt Major and he's 30 years older than I AM !!!!. A great guy and one hell of a runner! I hope when I get to be HIS age I am still in as good shape as that guy and be able to run
Jason **Shakes Head ** WOW regardless of being Air Force YOU need to go out and get some damn exercise LOL

I checked there are a few Zombie 5 k's coming up in your area. Nothing get the blood pumping better than being chased by a zombie!

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jason Toddman » Thu Mar 13, 2014 9:14 pm

mistofoleese wrote:Jason **Shakes Head ** WOW regardless of being Air Force YOU need to go out and get some damn exercise LOL

I checked there are a few Zombie 5 k's coming up in your area. Nothing get the blood pumping better than being chased by a zombie!

Perhaps you missed the part where I said I WORK NIGHTS?! When do you expect me to sleep, dude? When I'm at work? At night?
Btw this was my night off; otherwise I normally would not have been here at all these last few hours.
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby mistofoleese » Fri Mar 14, 2014 1:06 am

Jason Toddman wrote:
mistofoleese wrote:Jason **Shakes Head ** WOW regardless of being Air Force YOU need to go out and get some damn exercise LOL

I checked there are a few Zombie 5 k's coming up in your area. Nothing get the blood pumping better than being chased by a zombie!

Perhaps you missed the part where I said I WORK NIGHTS?! When do you expect me to sleep, dude? When I'm at work? At night?
Btw this was my night off; otherwise I normally would not have been here at all these last few hours.


Well to quote my old 1st Sgt " you can sleep when your dead " Im quite certain if it means a great deal to you you will find time to get some good PT in regardless of what time you work
Many times over the years I myself pulled the night shift pulling the staff duty then turned right around and went out ran a few miles with my troops
its all on how you look at it , Kinda depends on what type of training you've done.

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby xtc » Fri Mar 14, 2014 4:14 am

Jay Feely wrote:I do not mind it here in Texas. Either way, I am very energized throughout the day till I go to bed.

That is just a disgusting waste of sloth . . .
. . . and Mr. M is simply a disgrace to the mature human race. He lets us all down!
Boxer shorts are cool,
but little speedos rule!

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Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby Jason Toddman » Fri Mar 14, 2014 5:44 am

mistofoleese wrote:Well to quote my old 1st Sgt " you can sleep when your dead " Im quite certain if it means a great deal to you you will find time to get some good PT in regardless of what time you work

And exactly where here did I say that I do not? Making some pretty big assumptions, aren't you Mr. M? Just because i don't do exercises in the early morning like you do doesn't mean i don't do them at all. Just not in first few hours after sunup. My morning is more like in the early afternoon most days.
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

Re: Daylight Saving Time

Postby xtc » Fri Mar 14, 2014 10:22 am

Suggested early morning exercise routine: up, down, up, down, now the other eyelid . . .
Boxer shorts are cool,
but little speedos rule!

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