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Writer's pictureBill layne

NC.. GEAR UP FOR DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME: SPRING FORWARD!



Hey everyone, get ready because Daylight Saving Time (DST) is about to kick in. This year, we're setting our clocks forward an hour on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Yep, at 2:00 AM, we'll jump to 3:00 AM. It might be a bummer to lose some sleep, but think about it: we're getting longer evenings in return!


### The Birth of Daylight Saving Time


So, who came up with this idea? A guy named George Vernon Hudson, an insect scientist from New Zealand, proposed shifting clocks by two hours back in 1895. But it really took off during World War I, starting with Germany, to save coal. The U.S. and other countries jumped on board too. The goal was simple: use daylight better to cut down on energy use.


### Cool Facts About Daylight Saving Time


- Not Everywhere Does It: DST isn't a thing everywhere. Countries near the equator or places like Hawaii and most of Arizona in the U.S. don't bother with it because their day and night cycles don't change much.


- It's Kinda Controversial: The idea was to save energy, but not everyone's convinced it's worth the hassle. Switching times can mess with our health, causing more heart attacks and accidents right after the changes. Plus, some people argue the energy savings are pretty small.


- Not Just About Saving Energy: At one point, the candy industry even pushed to extend DST to cover Halloween. More daylight meant kids could trick-or-treat longer. Yep, it was all about selling more candy.


- A Mixed Bag of Rules: Even in countries that do DST, not everyone's on the same page. Like in Australia, where not all states participate, making the country's time zones a bit of a puzzle for part of the year.


### Making the Most of It


As we spring forward, think about the weird history and debates around DST. Sure, it has its downsides, but it's also a sign that spring is coming, bringing longer days and more time for fun stuff outside. So don't sweat the small stuff like setting your clock forward. Instead, think about the extra daylight in the evenings as a bonus for all sorts of activities.

Daylight Saving Time is like a nudge to get ready for all the cool things spring has to offer. So, adjust your clocks, and let's welcome the longer days. It's almost spring, and that means new adventures and warmer weather are just around the corner.

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