The Dark Times

I just got an idea for the name of a newspaper. We could call it "The Dark Times." I was thinking that with respect to Standard Time versus Daylight Savings Time. (I know some people like to call it "Daylight Saving Time" but being a Boomer and a creature of habit, I'm going to keep referring to it in the plural, as in "Savings," not "Saving.") I only recently saw it spelled that way, and I have decided I don't like it and I'm not going to use it unless or until I must work with an editor or publisher who insists. Meanwhile, "Daylight Savings Time" will stick. The whole idea of having it dark by 5:00 PM to me is utterly absurd. I mean right now it's not even 4:10 PM and the sun is already beginning to make its retreat. Whoever thought of calling it Standard Time in the first place? What is Standard about it? I am fortunate enough to get off work at 3:00 but most people, that is, I suppose, the average working person who is a professional or works in an office, work at least until 5:00, maybe 6:00, but why subject people to instant darkness the moment they leave their office? I don't get it. I am happy that the Dark Times only go from the first Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March. I think I reported on this earlier, but I can't remember the exact history. So, a quick dive here. From 1966 to 1985 The Uniform Time Act (President LB Johnson enacted it) made Standard Time and DST approximately six months each. The 2005 Energy Policy Act (President George W. Bush) made it what it is today (first Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March). AI OVERVIEW here ONLY: "Daylight Saving Time (DST) was year-round in the U.S. for two brief, unpopular periods: during World War II (1942-1945 as "War Time"), and a longer trial from January 1974 to October 1974 (later extended to April 1975) due to the energy crisis, but was repealed due to public backlash over dark winter mornings, especially for schoolchildren." It was called Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act of 1973 (President Nixon signed it). In 1974 Congress amended it (the Uniform Time act), making Standard Time eight months, as it is today. It’s a bit confusing, to be honest. There. That's enough of that. We just roll with the punches, don't we, but I like DST, I would be fine with it, year-round, but because of the schoolchildren, or so they say, it's probably better just like it is, being basically Standard Time during the winter, and letting DST come back in time for Spring. Spring begins in 2026 on March 20. So, the Dark Times newspaper would chronicle all the terrible catastrophes that encroach upon us as darkness falls so unjustly early. For example, people have to drive home from work in the dark. What kind of issues might that create? I would not be surprised if there were more auto accidents. AI AGAIN: "Yes, studies show a spike in car accidents, especially fatal ones and deer collisions, in the days and weeks after the shift to Standard Time (when clocks 'fall back')." I knew it. They report more heart attacks and general fatigue during the transition to Standard Time. What I want to know is, is it the transition itself that causes the problems or is it Standard Time itself? Some people want Standard Time all the time (God only knows why) and others, such as myself would prefer DST all year around (except for the schoolchildren, I guess). I guess maybe it depends on who is president or who our senators and representative are in the government. Anyway, my mind is being boggled and it was already a very mind-boggling day with me having an accident in my car that will cost me and I've debated dealing with my insurance company and have decided not to. I think I'd rather continue to save my money every month and pay out of pocket. That's why they call it an "emergency fund." Pay myself rather than the insurance company. Makes sense to me. Makes more sense than the Dark Times anyway.