Some years, we get a leap second or two. You probably didn’t even notice, did you?
Actually, the last leap second we had was in 2005 when 1 second was added to the 31st of December.
Why? Broadcast standards for civil time, called “Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)” is measured by stable atomic clocks. Solar time is determined by the angle of the sun in the sky. The problem is that the rotation of the earth is continually slowing, though at a slightly variable rate. This means that UTC and solar time aren’t exactly the same. So once in a while, to keep UTC and solar time in step with each other, they add a leap second.
There’s your interesting tidbit of information for the day.
Happy February 29th. These only come around every four years you know.
Well… except for century years. Those are only leap years if they are divisible by 400. That means that the year 2000 was a leap year, but the year 1900 was not, neither will 2100 be.
There is an old English tradition that women may make a proposal of marriage to men, only in leap years. Some cases restrict this even further in that the proposal may only be made on February 29th. If the man rejects such a proposal, he should soften the blow by providing a kiss, one pound currency, and a pair of gloves (or sometimes, a silken gown).
So ladies, go out and propose to your man today. At the very least, you’ll get a kiss, a couple bucks, and a pair of gloves or a new dress. Unless, of course, your man is a complete cad. In which case, WHAT ARE YOU DOING PROPOSING TO A COMPLETE CAD??
Happy Leap Day!
Well, that’s a good question. Maybe I should have him read your post first. It’s about time things were made clear.
Hmm. A silk gown would be real nice right now. And I’ve always had a desire to get some elbow length evening gloves.
Where can I find me someone who isn’t a cad so I can propose?
And can we change that one pound currency to one pound chocolate?