Many web scripts, like blogs and CMSs use and display the time. The problem is that without modifications, the time displayed will be that of the Dreamhost server you are on which is US West Coast time.

If you would rather have your scripts run and display your local time you can modify your .htaccess file to do so.

The first step is figuring out your timezone in the PHP manual. For instance if you are in Michigan, the correct timezone code would be: America/Detroit

Now, open your .htaccess file and add this line to it:

SetEnv TZ America/Detroit

(replacing America/Detroit with your own timezone).

Ta Da! That was easy — now the scripts on your web server will run in your local time.