At 11:59:59 on 12/31/05, one second will be added to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Leap seconds are sometimes used to keep the atomic clocks synched with the inconsistent rotation of the Earth. Apparently, the rotation of the Earth has slowed ever so slightly and adjustments are necessary.

In 1972 the International Timekeeping agreement was signed, securing the use of the UTC. This will be the 23rd time such an adjustment has been made since the agreement. The last leap second was granted in 1998.

The leap second is the perfect gift, if you think about it. What's the one thing we all claim we want and need?

Time.

You've been given 1 second. Use it wisely.