------- Forwarded Message Follows -------
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 09:37:01 +1000
To: olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From: andrew fildes <afildes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [OM] OT Tallest tree
>>Reckon we can use the same logic to persuade the States to go metric? :)
>>AndrewF
>
>Now now now, Andrew, no international incidents please. <g> What is special
>appeal of metric exclusivity? We learn and use both metric and English
>systems. Science is entirely metric, and in any case conversion between them
>is easy, with the possible exception of weights. (OK, farenheit sucks, I
>give you that. It's uns*pellable for one thing.)
>
>But must there be no bourbon because there is scotch?
>
>When metric is as useful as feet for calculating fill flash, I'll switch
>entirely. Unless there's a 5-4 decision from the Supreme Court beforehand
>...
>
>Happy Independence Day to whom it is meaningful, and cheers to all,
>
>Joel W.
OK - attempt at sensible answer!
*Given the level of US cultural imperialism, it leads to massive confusion
elsewhere among those of us who have to deal with you and your products. No
nation is an island. I have to keep telling my computer at work that I'm
using A4 when it defaults constantly to something weird called US quarto
and refuses to print, for instance. When Bill Gates thinks in fahrenheit,
the world sweats.
* Change is never easy - some in Queensland objected to daylight saving
time on the grounds that the extra sunshine would fade their curtains and
burn the lawn (honest!)
* Metrication is designed to be an exclusive system which makes life easy
for everyone. Of course, you can continue to think in versts, acres,
fathoms, bushells, chains and leagues locally if you wish.
* Conversion is not easy - try cubic yards to cubic metres sometime.
* The English are metricating fully now, with the usual resistance -
besides which, you don't really use the Imperial system - US Gallons for
example.
* Fill flash is much easier to calculate in metres - there's less of them
(T20 refers to 20 metres!)
* I'll just continue to work my way through this litre of Jamesons for now.
(hmmm - that's about a US quart?)
AndrewF
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