Why Do Some People Set Their Clocks Ahead?

THOUGHT/QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Why do some people set their clocks ahead?

I don’t get it.

I grew up with family members who set the household clocks 5 minutes ahead. Hi, Mom. Now, Marieta sets half the clocks in our house 5 minutes ahead and the other clocks presumably have the *correct* time. I have no idea what the *correct* time is, of course, unless I’m in front of a computer of have a smartphone in my hand (okay, which is about 95 percent of the time). Still, it’s the point of accuracy that irritates me.

Who exactly do these “fast clockers” thing they’re fooling? When we’re supposed to be at an appointment on time and I’m rushing out the front door, Marieta always tells me — “don’t worry, the clock is 5 minutes ahead.”

Huh? Which clock? Are you sure that’s the clock that’s fast, or is that the clock with the correct time? Damn, all I want to know if the REAL time, not star on an episode of History’s Greatest Mysteries.  The living room clock is supposedly set 5 minutes fast. The dining room clock is 3 minutes fast. And the DVR is flashing “12:00.” Pretty soon, I’m going to end up with a Paul Erdos number.

Oh, and then we get in the car and you wanna’ know something. More confusion: The car clock is set 5 MINUTES FAST. I think.

Oh, and then we get in the car and you wanna’ know something. More confusion: The car clock is set 5 MINUTES FAST.

Does anyone else go through this unnecessary confusion? If so, how do you deal with it? Oh, and by the way — if I’m ever 5 minutes late to a meeting, now you know the real reason. I was looking at the wrong clock.