Getting a handle on time zone difference

It's starting to get to me and it's not getting easier. I am constantly doing the math to see what time it really is in NY or California. (I have friends on both coasts)
The one hour difference between central time and eastern standard time has me now at times waking up even earlier in order to make telephone calls to friends I speak with as they commute to work. So, why did I post this? I am not sure. Oh, and of course my computers are still on EST. That has to change too I suppose. Oh, if you want to really know what time it is, (no, not the 70's hit by the group Chicago) check out the government time clock. Click HERE for exact time information. More to come, it's a slow news day here in Houston, Texas.