Try starting a new thread about the merits of imperial measurements over metric, then you'll get to see how long a thread can get..... ;)
PoP
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The problem is that whilst having 56,712 different units for length is very convenient when those lengths are perfectly adapted to the quantity they measure, it makes it damn near impossible to compare such lengths outside that narrow field without having a telephone book sized book of tables to convert them.
Christian.
You know, I've never seen those arguments put before but they do seem eminently sensible! The EU has been responsible for all sorts of nonsense over the years.
Never really figured how 1760 yards to the mile was a good number to come up with though - I understand 8 furlongs etc, but 1760 never did make the maths simple ;)
PoP
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That's what we had brains, and education for.
Now of course no longer meeded, since the government has built a world for morons.
Anyone who can instantly do duodecimal arihmetic in their heads isn't going to be bilked by any mexican shop girl, as I discovered....
Decimilasation and metrication had nothing to do with the EU. They are simply sensible and time saving changes that happen to throw out the unworkable mishmash of Roman and medieval units used before. Imperial units are all defined as fixed proportions of metric SI units now anyway. Why not use the real thing?
Christian.
Read it somewhere just recently (Don't think it was in this thread)
1 mile = 1 (Roman) mille = 1,000 standard double paces (Left + Right) of a marching Roman Soldier.DG
Sorry to follow up my own post. it was in:
DG
Apart from the mille, what have the Romans ever done for us?
OK, I'll get me coat.
In these days of ubiquitious computerisation, this point is specious.
Because people don't want to? After all, Ghod forbid that they should choose.
A thousand paces by a trained Roman walker is about 10% shorter than 6,000 modern feet.
So you walk around with a computer with all the conversion figures at all times?
Christian.
I choose metric, as do a large proportion of my generation. I find that my generation uses metric for everything, except the following:
Christian.
Why would I need to? You're the one who wants people to work in one set of units. Why can't people use what they want?
Bully for you.
The real thing?
When you die you'll probably be put six feet under (figuratively speaking at least), not 1.72 metres.
If you've been in a close shave it'll be within an inch of your life, not 2.54cm.
The government are currently after their pound of flesh from the BBC. Funny how it isn't a number of grams.
I've yet to come across a metre of ale.
Depths at sea are measured in fathoms. Again, not multiples of metres.
Have you ever heard a sailor swinging from the metre-arm?
Why do UK car speedometers show miles per hour? Why are distances shown on roads and maps shown as miles?
PoP
Sending email to my published email address isn't guaranteed to reach me.
And not forgetting the good old thrupenny bit in the Christmas Pud!
PoP
Sending email to my published email address isn't guaranteed to reach me.
Something that annoys me intensly (sp?) is Discovery's habit of converting
*everything* into metric including QFE / QNH, airspeed and fuel loads.
Strangely, I have, in southern France. Very nice it tasted too, although it was a little warm by the end!
Historical reasons. Ireland is changing over. I can't wait until we're next!
Christian.
Why? What possible benefit is there fore this disgraceful waste of taxpayer's money?
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