Q. When does DST start?
A. DST used to start the first Sunday of April. However, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 moved the starting date to the second Sunday in May. Slight as this change may seem, it was the most significant policy action taken by Congress in 2005. It was a very quiet year.

Q. Why is DST starting earlier this year?
A. To combat global warming. Taking the extra hours of daylight out of circulation will help cool the Earth and slow the melting of ploar ice caps. It will also increase accountability in our nation's schools, although we're not sure how.

Q. How will the earlier DST affect my computer?
A. You computer may not automatically set itself for DST until April, and will display the wrong time for three weeks. During this period, you will probably be entirely out of touch with reality and unable to function. Just stay in bed.

Q. Is there any way I can manually reset the clock in my computer?
A. No. Attempting to do so could void your warrenty.

Q. When will DST end?
A. Never; it is an inescapable fact of life from now on, and you should get used to rising and retiring at the whim of your federal overlords. It used to end the last Sunday in October, though.

Q. What else do I need to do to prepare for DST?
A. Change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your house. Reprogram your thermostat and update your family disaster plan. Review your will and put your financial affairs in order. Tell your children you love them.

Q. Are additional changes to DST planned?
A. If studies bear out the additional benefits of an earlier DST, Congress will consider turning clocks back a full 24 hours. Losing an entire day would save the federal government and private business billions of dollars in wages. Taxpayers would benefit by getting to live one day of their lives over again.