Don't forget to set your clocks

For the first time in seven years, a special leap second will be added to the clock at the end of 2005:

An extra second will be added to 2005 to make up for the slowing down of the Earth's rotation, officials said this week.

The once-common 'leap second' is the first in seven years and reflects the unpredictable nature of the planet's behavior.

The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service in Paris keeps track of time by measuring the Earth's rotation, which varies, and by an atomic clock, which is unwavering. When a difference in the two clocks shows up, the IERS adds or subtracts a second to the year.