Matt Morawski: "Fall back" is a time a lot of people say they look forward to. An extra hour of sleep. An extra hour at the bar. But, it's days of sleepy struggles for myself and my family.
This past Sunday was Daylight Saving time (no "so" in saving). It's part two of the time change. Daylight Saving time was created to reduce electricity usages by extending daylight hours. It starts on the second Sunday in March at 2 a.m. when we move the clocks forward, or "Spring forward." Then, the first Sunday of November, we "Fall back" to standard time. Our Brandon Roux has a great explanation of Daylight Saving Time. You can read it here
Recommended Videos
For myself, it's a time of confusion. On Sunday, my two youngest kids (ages 3 and 7) got up at their "normal time" (early) - which would be fine any other time, but it came an hour earlier - on a Sunday. We were eating lunch before 11 a.m. and it started getting dark around 5 p.m. They were ready to get in their pajamas around dinner time and the struggle spilled into Monday. The picture with this article is from Monday - where my kids were ready for bed by 5:45 p.m. Thankfully, they rallied and stayed awake for a few more hours.
To top it off, I work an overnight shift which doesn't help with the ping-ponging of the clocks. I can't argue, it is nice going to bed when it's dark…so that's a plus. But, it's short-lived when we "Spring forward" and I'm going to bed when the sun is blasting (thank goodness for blackout blinds).
It's time to stop this practice that started more than 100 years ago. Entire states are pushing to end this silly game of time swapping. According to National Geographic, Florida passed a bill last year that declared the state would go on a year-round Daylight Saving Time. Congress still has to act on this. There's a similar effort in California, Oregon and the state of Washington.
So, let's just pick one and go with it. Personally, I'm a fan of having more daylight in the evening - for my kids' sake. Then, it's not pitch black when we're driving home from extracurricular activities, and they can get outside and be kids a little longer after school wraps up for the day.
Working midnights, I can deal with going to bed when the sun is still up. But, sleep on the weekends is precious, so I would prefer my kids stay asleep until the sun comes up.
Sign up for the Morning Show Insider newsletter here!
Here's what's coming up on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 on Local 4 News Today
All Morning -- Light Snow?!
A small storm will be on our doorstep early Wednesday and model data suggests parts of our West and North Zones will get a little light snow to get the day going. We will have temps in the 20s as you head out in the morning, and then struggle to get back into the lower 40s with mostly cloudy skies and lighter winds SW 5-12 mph. Another wave of snow and/or wintry mix will move in Late Wednesday into early Thursday. Thursday starts near 30F with some a light wintry mix to light snow around in the morning, and then struggling to get out of the 30s in the afternoon.
- Get the full forecast here
Kim DeGiulio will also be watching the roads for us all morning. She'll have any construction updates and traffic trouble spots for the week.
- Check traffic conditions in your neighborhood here
All Morning -- Rhonda’s Brag Book
Do you know a young person who is really making a difference in our community? A standout student, volunteer, star athlete - or all around incredible person?
We want you to submit their information on ClickOnDetroit and they could land in Rhonda Walker's brag book! She'll show off two incredible students Wednesday.
All Morning -- Election Results
Recreational marijuana, school millages, mayoral races and more. Many Metro Detroit communities are deciding on big issues Tuesday. We'll have election results when you wake up Wednesday morning.
6:40 a.m. -- Wellness Wednesday: Improve Your Child’s Mood
It's a way to improve your child's mood and all you need is paper and a pencil. Doctor Frank McGeorge will show us the simple activitiy that could help kids deal with emotions in a more productive way.
ICYMI
Today’s Trivia Retake
Every weekday morning at 6 a.m., we ask you a trivia question on Local 4 for a chance to win a prize.
- Tuesday Question: Finish this classic English rhyme: "Remember, remember! The fifth of November, The Gunpowder, treason and plot..."
- Answer: "I know of no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot."
- Be sure to watch daily at 6 a.m. and click this link to enter for a chance to win.
National Days: November 6
- National Nachos Day
- Saxophone Day
- National Stress Awareness Day
History Highlights: November 6
- In 1860, former Illinois congressman Abraham Lincoln of the Republican Party was elected President of the United States as he defeated John Breckinridge, John Bell and Stephen Douglas.
- In 1861, Confederate President Jefferson Davis was elected to a six-year term of office.
- In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower won re-election, defeating Democrat Adlai E. Stevenson.
- In 1984, President Ronald Reagan won re-election by a landslide over former Vice President Walter Mondale, the Democratic challenger.
- In 1990, about one-fifth of the Universal Studios backlot in southern California was destroyed in an arson.
- In 1997, former President George H.W. Bush opened his presidential library at Texas A&M University; among the guests of honor was President Clinton, the man who’d sent him into retirement.
Celebrity Birthdays: November 6
Celebrating a birthday Wednesday? Submit a Sunshine Award here and we could say your name on Local 4 News Today during our 6 a.m. show.
Here's who you're sharing a birthday with --
- Country singer Stonewall Jackson is 87.
- Actress Sally Field is 73.
- Singer Corey Glover of Living Colour is 55.
- Actor Peter DeLuise (“seaQuest DSV,” ”21 Jump Street”) is 53.
- Actor Ethan Hawke is 49.
- Model-actress Rebecca Romijn is 47.
- Actress Emma Stone is 31.
Get to know the Local 4 News Today team better
Local 4 News Today links