Posted on 02/15/2003 2:59:42 PM PST by NativeNewYorker
For about an hour around 4pm EST, both my wall clock that synchs to the atomic clock satellite signal, and my computer clock that pings atomic clock web sites, gave erratic responses.
They seem to be ok and in sych now, and I am posting this in case anyone else out there experienced the same thing.
Atomic clocks rely on a small piece of radioactive material and a measuring device, that records it's rate of decay. (the decay of the material...not the measuring device)
This material has a central component comprised from the family of Quarks.
It appears that the Quarks recently sued for reparations based on the fact that recent revelations (no not the Bible stuff) have stated that the Gluons, Reverabatons (a fifties acapella group), and the ever big...albeit strangely powerless Neutrons, are overshadowing the Quarks need to occupy the neighborhood.
As a result of this...the rate of decay being measured is currently under discussion by the United Nations...which uses GPS as it's standard. Unfortunately the multi national corporation which in fact owns the "Globally Peeing Sissies"...is in fact decaying ever quickly. Too fast in fact..to measure it's own demise.
Damn!!!This new cold remedy is vey good!!
There was a short period where I was reading this thread before you posted it, but it's cleared up now.
time-A.timefreq.bldrdoc.gov
Navobs1.gatech.edu
Ncnoc.ncren.net
Tick.mit.edu
Tick.ucla.edu
Tich.uh.edu
Time-a.nist.gov
Time-a.timefreq.bldrdoc.gov
Time-b.nist.gov
Time-b.timefreq.bldrdoc.gov
Wave.mbari.org
I think that the Net is being attacked, there is alot of unusual problems going on lately.
You're just asking for frustration! '-}
Back in the 70's I developed manufacturing processs for the timekeeping modules in the Texas Instruments electronic watches. (Remember those red LEDs and having to push a button to read the time?)
We had a master clock phase-locked to the WWV atomic clocks -- with WWV time distrubuted all through the factory. This included a test set 'socket' (into which a watch module could be placed) that would automatically synch that module exactly with WWV.
My "on-the-arm test" watch contained a module that I had selected and tweaked for a drift of only milliseconds per month WRT to WWV. IOW, I wore a watch that I knew was one of the world's most accurate -- synched exactly to WWV time.
That turned out to be one of the most frustrating experiences of my life -- because, as I learned, almost no one else has the correct time -- or cares! Probably the worst offenders were the radio stations by which most folks checked their clocks/watches.
It was very common to see the hour roll around, and then hear on the radio, "At the sound of the tone, the time -- brought to you by Grimblegrotzynick's Bar and Grill and Auto Repair Shop, where you can blah, blah, blah... the time will be six o:clock....BEEP!
(Reminds me of the 'urban legend' about the phone operator and the guy who blew the noon whistle at the mill...) '-}
I finally gave up and just set my watch about five minutes ahead of WWV -- and thought about it no longer... I now wear the cheapest watch I can find! :-)
Keep your "MickeyMouse University watch" -- you're probably as nearly on time as anyone else! :-D
Really, sorry to hear you are under the weather. I've been struggling since the first of the year, myself. Came down with flu, progressed to bronchitis, and today spent hours in ER while they decided it's now worked itself into pleurisy. Taking bunches of drugs now....feel like a pharmacy on legs. Doing FR is about all I am capable of right now....while sitting up in bed.
Why wait 'till then?
I'm retired -- and living (by choice, BTW) 'way out in the boonies. So, most of the time, I don't care what time (or day, for that matter) it is... :-)
No more Franklin Planners; no more PDAs; no more meetings; no more of that self-imposed evil called, "structured time"!
As my wise brother-in-law says, "Hey, we're retired -- if it ain't fun, we don't do it..." < LOL!!! >
Hmmm -- wonder where I left that watch... < BIG GRIN >
Hm. Sounds series.
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