because ... you know ... they messed with the time

Hoosiers continue to discuss the effects of our joining the rest of the nation in observing daylight savings time. Much of the worry relates to fireworks.

The corporate sponsor for the big downtown fireworks show tonight has billboards around town with the time prominently marked: 9:47 p.m.

It used to be 9:00 p.m., and this precise time is probably the earliest moment one could fire off fireworks against a dark sky. Even then, there will be traces of reflected light from the western sky. I notice it when Franklin the dog and I go out for his last pit stop of the evening.

But then it may be raining. We got up this morning to gentle, but consistent sprinkles of water. Thunderstorms are in the forecast, coming in front of a cool front.