Or even the number of seconds remaining (untested):

print "\b" x length($time-$_+1), $time-$_;

Also, TGI should probably make sure that autoflush is on (++$|), though s?he doesn't seem to be having a problem with it thus far...

bbfu
Seasons don't fear The Reaper.
Nor do the wind, the sun, and the rain.
We can be like they are.