Remember the doomsday predictors back in 2000? Y2K is coming and we'll all die!!! Well, we prepared (many would say we OVER-prepared) and we certainly didn't die. In fact, there weren't even any noticeable hiccups. If Y2K was an earthquake, then DST 2007 might be the aftershock. The problem is
Congress. [I know, you're amazed!] Late in 2005 President Bush signed legislation extending Daylight Savings Time. In 2007 we begin on March 11th --- three weeks before the more traditional "first Sunday in April". That's all fine and good for us humans, and it's OK for our really smart, late model computers and electronic gadgets. Unfortunately, it wrecks havoc on all those in between. Everything from microwaves to VCRs to many older computer operating systems will soon be very, very confused. And the people in Indiana, we'll let's just say they'll CONTINUE to be confused. [They finally joined the rest of the country in observing DST last year --- and now we're changing it again --- tough time to be a Hoosier!]
While this isn't life and death it is important to pay attention. There are two things to remember. First --- common sense. During those three weeks, especially the first few days, make SURE every appointment you have is on the CORRECT time. And double check with your meeting colleagues. It's too busy a time to to be wasting it (time that is). Second is to download and install the Time Zone Data Update Tool for Microsoft Office Outlook. If you use Outlook you need this tool!!!
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Why does this stuff happen during busy season? I know, it's terrible. But keep in mind that next fall you'll have yet another "mini-boom" aftershock as we extend DST past it's normal "last Sunday in October" until after Halloween. More daylight time for the kiddies to trick or treat! And three more days of double checking everyone's calendars. Grrrrrrrrrr.
