You may have heard by now that we are fast approaching a historic ‘leap second.’ Yep, coming this December, 31st an extra second will be inserted into the National Atomic Clock in D.C. and the world will collectively hold its breath. Every few years this happens, but it is actually an interesting phenomena. Here is the mundane article from the AP about the ‘leap second.’
Naturally, Harper’s Magazine was all over this story the last time a ‘leap second’ was inserted into our lives at the dawn of 2006. The article, “Clash of the Time Lords: Who Will Measure Our Days?” by Michelle Stacy, appeared in the December 2006 issue of the magazine. To view the whole article you need an online subscription, but you could always go to the library and check it out.
The article is one of my favorites to date that has appeared in Harper’s. It delves into the debate of time keeping and the nerds that argue about it. In fact, it makes pretend bicycle racing drama seem rational. Here is a recent article talking about the debate (no where as good as the Harper’s read).
Ways I am going to spend the leap second:
- Breathing.
- Thinking of the soreness after doing some “squats.”
- Eating.