Daylight Savings Time Change Could Resurface Y2K Bug

Do you remember a few years back when the most talked about issue in technology was the Y2K millennium bug? To refresh everyone's memory, the year 2000 problem was a flaw in computer program design that caused some date-related processing to operate incorrectly for dates and times on and after January 1, 2000. It turned into a major fear that critical industries (electricity, financial, etc.) and government functions would stop working at 12:00 AM, January 1, 2000. This fear was fueled by huge amounts of press coverage and speculation, as well as copious official corporate and government reports. All over the world companies and organizations checked and upgraded their computer systems.

The preparation for Y2K had a significant effect on the computer industry. In the end, significant disasters such as nuclear reactor meltdowns or plane crashes did not occur, but the number of non-critical Y2K errors encountered on January 1, 2000 was extensive. Due to the lack of disasters and the faulty "end of the world" expectations, the public largely but perhaps wrongly, regarded the Y2K passage as a non-event.

So now fast forward to present date and time. Today there is talk of another similar Y2K bug. An energy bill that was singed into law just yesterday by President Bush could have ramifications for technology. Beginning in 2007, Daylight Saving Time will start three weeks earlier and end a week later. However many gadgets automatically adjust for DST using a system that has remained unchanged for 18 years. That could mean problems such as DVRs recording an hour late or your telephone company billing incorrectly. Adding to the problem is Canada. If they don't approve the changes as well, software would have to create two zones for Canada and the United States. Technologists say there is not much to worry about, however, as most issues will be minor inconveniences and will not pose a major problem for consumers.

I am waiting for the day when I can say goodbye to the old reminder phrase "spring forward, fall back". I wish there was no such thing as adjusting your clock. When you think about it, it's silly we have kept with the DST as long as we have. The only real benefit and reason of DST to being with was for farmers. These days farmers don't even follow it in terms of when they rise for the workday. So what do you think of the US doing away with DST? Could it ever happen? Is it a good idea or bad idea? Is this possible DST bug going to be a small price to pay for the possible later on convenience of NOT having to turn our clocks, or is the whole bill singing just another frivolous change that will only complicate and make the US even less compatible with the rest of the world? After all, we are the only country that doesn't use the metric system. It's no wonder so many countries hate us - we like to be difficult. ;)