ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area ECN Chat Schedule

Please, now that Bill has the Chat area up and running, could we please have some ideas on topics for discussion.
Also, here is a question.
What time are you able to hop into the ECN Chat area?
The reason I ask this is because Bill has some really great ideas about kick-starting this Chat area and I reckon that these wiil go down well amongst us all.
The only problem is the difference in time between us all and I personally reckon (being in NZ) that this may be a bit of a stumbling block, but hey, what's a late night once in a while, eh?.
This is why we need a set time (UTC?)(Universal Time Co-ordinated) to start a given topic, so that no-one is left out.
So, if you guys have ideas on what we can talk about in specific, please by all means let us know below.
Last but not least, this is a resource that should be used to it's fullest, there is no point in having it if it is not going to be used, please make the most of it guys!.

Here in the States, we have time zones identified by: EST, CST, MST, and PST, for Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific. Is there something similiar world wide? I know there is Greenwich Standard Time, but I don't know how far off we are "across the pond".

Earl

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or universal time (often suffixed "zulu") is used by aircraft globally.
UK is presently on GMT (in winter)
EST = GMT -5hrs,
CST = GMT -6hrs,
MST = GMT -7hrs, and
PST = GMT -8hrs.

New Zealand = GMT + 11hrs or
New Zealand = PST + 19hrs; i.e. it's nearly always tomorrow!

This is a very hand time conversion page that keeps track of daylight saving in both the northern and southern hemispheres! Can otherwise get *very* confusing.

[This message has been edited by Hutch (edited 02-09-2004).]

Thanks, Hutch!
I just got home, and was going to look for a global time map. It's funny, many of us don't keep "regular" hours anyway.
Scott35 and I live a few minutes apart.
I'm usually in bed by about 7 or so, but he stays up 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week (just kidding, I wish I had his adrenaline).
Let's all look at this and think...S

[This message has been edited by electure (edited 02-09-2004).]

Hutch;
That's great what you explained there and very clear. I watch a show called JAG and they always use "ZULU" for their times. I asked a couple of people what that meant and no one knew. Didn't think about it til I saw your post. Thanks

Hey, another JAG fan,

I didn't know what 'Zulu' meant either.
Thanks Hutch,

Bill

Pleasure guys!

For a facinating view on our beautiful planet as night sweeps across day and vice versa, I recommend visiting this site http://www.fourmilab.ch/cgi-bin/uncgi/Earth .

I tend to put in my lat-long (i.e. 41N, 116W) and see where the twilight shaddow is at that moment. There are lots of other interesting options too.

We'll have to start with an easy topic, such as the weather, or if the grounding pin on a receptacle should be up, or down. ...S


[This message has been edited by electure (edited 02-09-2004).]

OK,

Back to the Topic at hand.

I'm thinking there's a few ways that the new Chat area can be used. If you'll notice down at the bottom of the Main Page there is an area called "Anyone Interested in a Chat?"


I propose that several days and times are suggested for General or Code Chat sessions. On that Day and Time someone could go in and make a room called "Code Chat" where we could hold the session. This could happen a few times per week so that most everyone that wanted to could be there for at least one. And of course other things could go on at the same time too. Making a room is a simple thing and there could be many.

Another idea is having to do with special areas of interest related (or not) to what we do. I've heard suggestions for a "Business Topic" Chat and a "Radio" Chat (for Enthusiasts). So if that sounds like something you'd like to talk about speak up!

Bill

[This message has been edited by Hutch (edited 02-10-2004).]