[codex]

Yes, hence the "approximately." The current system is a compromise; you can't go slewing the time continuously across latitudes and day of year, at least not yet, but you can't shock people with three hour jumps, either. I for one would welcome two dimensional time zones and continuous slewing. In an era of smart timekeeping, anything is possible.

[nitrogen]

I would much rather have sunset, rather than sunrise, synchronized. If the sun always set at 10PM, life would be easy.