Saving time, saving energy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
He just couldn't leave well enough alone; someone had to change things around. Thanks Benjamin Franklin for conceiving the idea of Daylight Saving Time. Thanks for bringing about the idea to take away an hour of sleep in spring. I'll be sure to pay tribute when I wake up earlier than I'm used to March 9.

Then again, thanks should go to Benjamin Franklin for sparking the idea that would eventually be a powerful energy conservation tool.

Daylight Saving Time for 2008 begins for most of the United States at 2 a.m. March 9 and ends at 2 a.m. Nov. 2.

Spring Forward. Fall Back. Those are the rules for Daylight Saving Time. And as more of a guideline than a rule, you might think about changing your clocks the night before so you don't miss out on your lovely Sunday plans.

It makes sense. If we bounce the time forward in spring it spreads for those early risers, and the days become longer as summer solstice approaches. Then in the winter as the days are getting shorter, time falls back to give people a little more light in the evenings. Thus, energy is conserved all year long.

Thanks Benjamin Franklin for your light-giving, energy-saving, bright idea.