equals()

Why the equals methods don't check 2 things:
public boolean equals (Object obj)

1 - if the object == to null
if(obj == null) return false;

2 - if the object is == to this
if(this == obj) return true;

I think this sugestions reduces the processor uses a lot for a intencive use of the equals method.

I look to DateFormat method. To be inspired.

VELO