Re: [FEATURE REQUEST] Timezone support in org-mode datestamps and org-agenda

[Thomas S. Dye]

Aloha all,

IIUC, timestamps in Org might be used to track two things: events 
and occurrences.

An event refers to a particular region of space/time, in Org's 
case the space/time occupied by the user, regardless of which time 
zone the user occupies.  An event might be "Brush teeth before 
bed" set for 10:00 PM, which the user would want to make happen at 
that time, regardless of the time of day in the timezone in which 
the timestamp was applied to the event.

An occurrence refers to changes in the nature and relations of 
substances at a time.  It takes place in absolute time in order to 
avoid circularity.  An occurrence might be "Attend virtual 
meeting" set for 9:00 AM on a certain day, which the user would 
want to make happen at 9:00 AM on that day in the time zone where 
the timestamp was applied to the occurrence, regardless of the 
time zone where the user happened to be.

I found this distinction in a book called On Truth by Frank 
Ramsey, that was unfinished at his untimely death at age 26. 
"Event" and "occurrence" were Ramsey's suggestions.  He seemed to 
like "event", but thought "occurrence" would work, though it might 
be improved.

I enjoy having terms for these two kinds of happenings and I'm 
hopeful you'll find them useful, too.

All the best,
Tom

--
Thomas S. Dye
https://tsdye.online/tsdye