Or even better way using ActiveSupport: irb(main):001:0> require 'active_support' => true irb(main):002:0> t = Time.parse('Wed Dec 09 16:05:00 -0600 2009') => Thu Dec 10 00:05:00 +0200 2009 irb(main):003:0> t + 10.minutes => Thu Dec 10 00:15:00 +0200 2009 irb(main):004:0> -- Posted via http://www.ruby-forum.com/.