[Az-Geocaching] 20 things it takes a lifetime to learn

[Baja Fleg]

You asked for it....

The main purpose of Daylight Saving Time (called "Summer Time" many places 
in the world) is to make better use of daylight.  Daylight Saving Time also 
saves energy. Studies done by the U.S. Department of Transportation show 
that Daylight Saving Time trims the entire country's electricity usage by a 
significant, but small amount, of less than one percent each day with 
Daylight Saving Time. We save energy in both the evening and the morning 
because we use less electricity for lighting and appliances.  Energy use and 
the demand for electricity for lighting our homes is directly connected to 
when we go to bed and when we get up. Bedtime for most of us is late evening 
through the year. When we go to bed, we turn off the lights and TV. In the 
average home, 25 percent of all the electricity we use is for lighting and 
small appliances, such as TVs, VCRs and stereos. A good percentage of energy 
consumed by lighting and appliances occurs in the evening when families are 
home. By moving the clock ahead one hour, we can cut the amount of 
electricity we consume each day.  Daylight Saving Time also saves a small 
amount of energy in the morning when we rise. Studies show that 70 percent 
of all Americans rise prior to 7 a.m. during the workweek. During the summer 
months, sunrise is very early in the morning, so most people will wake after 
the sun rises. Because the sun is up, we will turn on fewer lights in our 
homes. Thus, we actually use less energy in the morning.
The idea of daylight saving was first conceived by Benjamin Franklin 
(portrait at right) during his sojourn as an American delegate in Paris in 
1784, in an essay, "An Economical Project." The energy saving benefits of 
this were recognized during World War II, when clocks were put two hours 
ahead of GMT during the Summer. This became known as Double Summer Time. 
During the war, clocks remained one hour ahead of GMT throughout the winter.
Daylight saving has been used in the United States and in many European 
countries since World War I, when the system was adopted in order to 
conserve fuel needed to produce electric power. In 1918, in order to 
conserve resources for the war effort, Congress placed the country on 
Daylight Saving Time for the remainder of WW I. It was observed for seven 
months in 1918 and 1919. The law, however, proved so unpopular (mostly 
because people rose earlier and went to bed earlier than we do today) that 
the law was later repealed in 1919 over President Wilson's veto. It was 
continued in a few states (Massachusetts, Rhode Island) and some cities (New 
York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and others.  During World War II, the United 
States observed year-round Daylight Saving Time (from February 2nd, 1942 to 
September 30th, 1945). From 1945 to 1966, there was no federal law about 
Daylight Saving Time. So, states and localities were free whether to observe 
or not to observe Daylight Saving Time and could choose when it began and 
ended. This, however, caused confusion -- especially for the broadcasting 
industry, and for railways, airlines, and bus companies. Because of the 
different local customs and laws, radio and TV stations and the 
transportation companies had to publish new schedules every time a state or 
town began or ended Daylight Saving Time.  During the Arab-Israeli War in 
October 1973, Middle East members of OPEC issued an embargo against the sale 
of crude oil to Israel's Western allies. In the United States, gasoline 
became scarce and prices jumped 40 percent, crimping the American economy. 
Following the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo, Congress put most of the nation on 
extended Daylight Saving Time for two years in hopes of saving additional 
energy. This experiment worked, but Congress did not continue the experiment 
in 1975 because of opposition -- mostly from the farming states.

In 1974, Daylight Saving Time lasted ten months and lasted for eight months 
in 1975, rather than the normal six months (then, May to October). The U.S. 
Department of Transportation -- which has jurisdiction over Daylight Saving 
Time in the U.S. -- studied the results of the experiment. It concluded:

Daylight Saving Time saves energy. Based on consumption figures for 1974 and 
1975, The Department of Transportation says observing Daylight Saving Time 
in March and April saved the equivalent in energy of 10,000 barrels of oil 
each day -- a total of 600,000 barrels in each of those two years.

Daylight Saving Time saves lives and prevents traffic injuries. The earlier 
Daylight Saving Time allowed more people to travel home from work and school 
in daylight, which is much safer than darkness. And except for the months of 
November through February, Daylight Saving Time does not increase the 
morning hazard for those going to school and work.

Daylight Saving Time prevents crime. Because people get home from work and 
school and complete more errands and chores in daylight, Daylight Saving 
Time also seems to reduce people's exposure to various crimes, which are 
more common in darkness than in light.

The Department of Transportation estimated that 50 lives were saved and 
about 2,000 injuries were prevented in March and April of the study years. 
The department also estimated that $28 million was saved in traffic accident 
costs


Daylight Saving Time was changed slightly in 1986 when President Reagan 
signed Public Law 99-359. It changed Daylight Saving Time from the last 
Sunday in April to the first Sunday in April. No change was made to the 
ending date of the last Sunday in October.  This was done ostensibly to 
conserve energy during the month of April. Adding the entire month of April 
is estimated to save nationwide about 300,000 barrels of oil each year.

You asked for it!!!
On a side note I hate DST!!!

Michael
Team TJ.









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