NationStates Jolt Archive

Campaigners have hailed a decision to allow traders to continue using pounds and ounces as a "monumental victory".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6637587.stm

The EU has suspended its plans to enforce metrication across the Union by 2009. While the 'Metric Martyrs' claim that this is a victory for freedom of choice, those in favour of the change say that keeping both measurements together is "crazy".

Should the UK go fully over the metric measurements? While in some ways we have been 'metrified' already, for example cooking weights and measurements, in others we have yet to be so; we weigh a chicken in kg, but ourselves in stones. For me, I think the most confusing change would be to the roads, getting used to new speeds, and new distances.

Of course, we'd adapt over time, but the question has to be asked: why should we? What possible purpose does it serve, aside from costing the earth and disrupting our lives during the changeover? There is no real benefit from bringing us into line with the rest of the continent on these matters - why bother?

It'll make you look less like America's bitch.

I was looking at some suits in a shop (I think BHS - what was I thinking) and the trousers were sized in inches and the jackets in centimetres. So I think it would be a good idea to go all metric.

I take it you dont do a science subject to a high level then....

For me, yes. I'm 18 and have never been taught (or used) imperial measurements in my life, especially since I'm doing mostly Science A-Levels. Being able to use the system I was taught at school (and have to use in any scientific environment) for me would be convenient.

I take it you dont do a science subject to a high level then....

Science already uses metric. I have no need to calculate the tangent of a tree as I'm driving along a motorway, so why does the real world need to switch?

Science already uses metric. I have no need to calculate the tangent of a tree as I'm driving along a motorway, so why does the real world need to switch?

Decimal based metric calculations are easier to do in your head.

Decimal based metric calculations are easier to do in your head.

Yes, but my point was that I'm not doing calculations. The signpost we have already paid for and put up says a speed limit of 50mph and a distance of 100 miles. What benefit comes from tearing them down and putting another one up in its place?

I was looking at some suits in a shop (I think BHS - what was I thinking) and the trousers were sized in inches and the jackets in centimetres. So I think it would be a good idea to go all metric.
Which is one of the things I detest. I was making Hungarian chicken the other week, and trying to make some chicken stock. The recipe book said to create X fluid ounces. The instructions on the stock were in pints. The only jug I had was in pints. So I had to convert everything to metric, work it out, and back again.

The fact is, I could never shop in an imperial only shop.

Which is one of the things I detest. I was making Hungarian chicken the other week, and trying to make some chicken stock. The recipe book said to create X fluid ounces. The instructions on the stock were in pints. The only jug I had was in pints. So I had to convert everything to metric, work it out, and back again.

The fact is, I could never shop in an imperial only shop.

A reason to go all the way to metric.

Yes, but my point was that I'm not doing calculations. The signpost we have already paid for and put up says a speed limit of 50mph and a distance of 100 miles. What benefit comes from tearing them down and putting another one up in its place?

See NBs example. Having a bastard mix of metric and imperial will only benefit the people who make pocket calculators.

Yes, but my point was that I'm not doing calculations. The signpost we have already paid for and put up says a speed limit of 50mph and a distance of 100 miles. What benefit comes from tearing them down and putting another one up in its place?
Because I, and a vast majority of Britons being crapped out the education system are taught, and think, in metres. Honestly, though, I'm not fussed about road signs. A yard is nearly a metre and a mile a kilometre and a half. I can get used to that. It's things like volumes, shops and the like where you have to do complex calculations in strange arbitrary units that need to change.

Metric is better; base 10 is easier on the old noodle.

A reason to go all the way to metric.
It would send the Eurosceptic* (even though the Imperial system they love in French) right wing 'evil PC liberals' crowd absolutely mental, even though it's pretty much 1)essential and 2)happening already. Although it's the right thing to do, the populist press, politicians and interest groups would make it an impossibility.

*Even though the UK set up the metrication board in 1969, before we were in the EU.

It would send the Eurosceptic* (even though the Imperial system they love in French) right wing 'evil PC liberals' crowd absolutely mental, even though it's pretty much 1)essential and 2)happening already. Although it's the right thing to do, the populist press, politicians and interest groups would make it an impossibility.

*Even though the UK set up the metrication board in 1969, before we were in the EU.

It will happen, eventually.

Because I, and a vast majority of Britons being crapped out the education system are taught, and think, in metres. Honestly, though, I'm not fussed about road signs. A yard is nearly a metre and a mile a kilometre and a half. I can get used to that. It's things like volumes, shops and the like where you have to do complex calculations in strange arbitrary units that need to change.

I had the joy of being in primary school when we first went metric. However for some reason there were no metric maths books available (or the education system was too cheap to buy them or had not planned ahead). So my teachers went through all our maths books and crossed out things like yards and ounces and replaced them with the metric equivalents. Unfortunately that naturally changed what the results should have been - as this was aimed at seven year olds it was usually a nice round number like 5 foot. After the teachers attempts at metrification we were having to works things out that came to answers like 1.6579 metres. Confused me no end.

the only reason for not changing to metric is that it would take some effort adjusting. that's not a good reason imo.

the only reason for not changing to metric is that it would take some effort adjusting. that's not a good reason imo.

No, a very good reason is that it would cost millions and I'm yet to see any particular benefit. Where two options are available, with no particular advantage to choosing one over the other, it's fairly sensible to stick with the status quo and save the money.

No, a very good reason is that it would cost millions and I'm yet to see any particular benefit. Where two options are available, with no particular advantage to choosing one over the other, it's fairly sensible to stick with the status quo and save the money.

What about imports/exports?

What about standarization of educational terms?

Because I, and a vast majority of Britons being crapped out the education system are taught, and think, in metres. Honestly, though, I'm not fussed about road signs. A yard is nearly a metre and a mile a kilometre and a half. I can get used to that. It's things like volumes, shops and the like where you have to do complex calculations in strange arbitrary units that need to change.

I was wondering whether it was inevitable, because people at school are being taught it. But then I thought by time any of those people get into positions of power, they would have been used to imperial measurements for a good 20-30 years, so would they too wonder why they should bother?

Science already uses metric. I have no need to calculate the tangent of a tree as I'm driving along a motorway, so why does the real world need to switch?

1.Because it is easier to make calculations - there are just powers of ten as multipliers instead of medieval "12 inches in a foot, 3 feet in a yard and who know how many yards in a mile".
2.Because we live in the age of globalisation and it is good to have a common standard for technical specifications.
3.Because science and tech rule the real world - and science and tech use the metric system.
4.Because Great Britain isn't the 51st state of the USA.

What about imports/exports?

What about standarization of educational terms?

Again, this sort of thing has already been done.

Here's an article from last year on the issue of the roads:

Paul Watters, head of roads and transport policy at the trust, said: "A move to make UK road signs metric will take far longer than five years.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport said it had "absolutely no plans" to change the signs - a move which she said would cost several million pounds.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4741894.stm

The article makes the point for other side as well, and again, it seems to be little more than 'it makes us look old'.

4.Because Great Britain isn't the 51st state of the USA.

This has come up twice now. Is anti-Americanism really so strong that we should change everything to not be like them?

That's like saying we should paint our faces purple so we don't look the same as them. Sort of stupid, and pointless.

Again, this sort of thing has already been done.

Here's an article from last year on the issue of the roads:


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4741894.stm

The article makes the point for other side as well, and again, it seems to be little more than 'it makes us look old'.

Ireland switched all our speeds to km/h in no time at all. Though our road signs were always in kilometers, so it was retarded for us not to change one of them.

I came across this unit in Physics the other day K·m²/W... the Imperial unit is ft²·°F·h/Btu... wtf?

Million pounds seems to be a bit...Overstreched. But if you like to remain isolated in terms of technology and science, regarding your neighbours, so be it. Noone is going to force you to change, in any case.

I came across this unit in Physics the other day K·m²/W... the Imperial unit is ft²·°F·h/Btu... wtf?

Yeah, imperial measurements in science are just odd.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6637587.stm

The EU has suspended its plans to enforce metrication across the Union by 2009. While the 'Metric Martyrs' claim that this is a victory for freedom of choice, those in favour of the change say that keeping both measurements together is "crazy".
...
There is no real benefit from bringing us into line with the rest of the continent on these matters - why bother?
I'm sure there is a large cost associated with converting all the scales and such from imperial to metric. Why force business to absorb that cost for purely arbitrary reasons? If Britain is determined to weigh and measure in metric, then just require that replacement devices be metric, rather than imperial.

Sure will ruin horseracing, though. There is no equivalent measure to a furlong, or will we shorten all the courses so that we measure them in 200 meter increments? Same with diving. Where will we be without fathoms?

But more critically, how do you order a pint in metric?

It'll make you look less like America's bitch. To quote Al Murrey "Back off Brussels!"
If you knew exactly how corrupt, self serving and completely undemocratic the European Union is, Americas bitch does'nt look so bad! Try this. All legislation is created by the EU commision, ie the civil service. The European parliament can vote on and reject this legislation three times. Then the commision can just push it in to law without further vote by MEP's. So if they want to make having ginger hair a crime, MEP's can only stop it 3 times before
they force thru carrot head concentration camps!

Keep the pint! and the Pound! Rule Britannia.

But more critically, how do you order a pint in metric?

I believe a pint as about a quarter of a litre. You could order quarts.

But more critically, how do you order a pint in metric?

you make a good point there. 500ml is just not enough beer, and you just know the prices won't go down to make up for it.

MEP's can only stop it 3 times before
they force thru carrot head concentration camps!

:eek:

*invests in hair dye*

As a Canadian, I am fully versed in both systems of measurement and can easily go from one to the other. Though I do admit that metric is easier to calcualte with, imperial measuring systems are easier to imagine, a foot is about the size of a large foot, or your shoe, if you have smaller feet. An inch is the width of your thumb. An acre is the amount of land a apir of oxen can plow in a day, etc. Though sometimes you don't know if people are talking about liquid ounces (volume) or dry ounces (mass or weight).

I believe a pint as about a quarter of a litre. You could order quarts.

British pints (22 oz) or American (17 oz)?

Although you may wish it were otherwise, the world is strongly interconnected now and people move from country to country as opportunities arise.

Now if you wish to spurn these opportunities philosopy, then that is your choice. You can continue, quite happily measuring distances in chains, rods and furlongs. However there is no reason to enforce this conceptual isolationism on you compatriots.

If I tell you that I weigh 109 Kg does that mean anything to you, or how about that I live 170 km from a given city, how long will it take me to get there on a good road? To insist on using imperial measures is to have to convert in your head data from the rest of the world (except in a few isolated cases such as the USA) before this data becomes information. This is tiring, error prone and unnecessary.

Should the UK go metric - yes. The UK is part of Europe and Europe as a whole uses the metric system. It would take time, but the benefits are significant in preparing the UK people for the realities of the world in the 21st century.

This has come up twice now. Is anti-Americanism really so strong that we should change everything to not be like them?

No, just the measurement units, to stop being as medieval as the former colonies like to be.



That's like saying we should paint our faces purple so we don't look the same as them. Sort of stupid, and pointless.

The intelligence of the answer you get is directly proportional to the intelligence of the question you asked.;)

Also, about that lady who said that going metric would cost millions of £, well, that's totally instrumental, because roadsigns could be changed to metric as a part of standard maintenance program.

Shouldn't there be a poll on this thread?

A walrus' bucket...

How much fish can it carry, both in imperial and metric?

I believe a pint as about a quarter of a litre. You could order quarts.

a pint is just over half a litre. i think beer should be served in steins anyway. that's a respectable amount of beer.

British pints (22 oz) or American (17 oz)?

Probably British.

This has come up twice now. Is anti-Americanism really so strong that we should change everything to not be like them?

That's like saying we should paint our faces purple so we don't look the same as them. Sort of stupid, and pointless.

Actually, a lot of the Arab world sees the US as just a large county of Britain! Apparantly Britain tells America what to do and they do it. Something to do with the ancient nature of Britain compared to the US and our expierience.
Also for all you freaking scientists, they are only using imperial measurements foe Apples, spuds Gasoline (Bilingual there!) and road signs. Mind you they got to the Moon on imperial!

a pint is just over half a litre. i think beer should be served in steins anyway. that's a respectable amount of beer.

Curses.

Though serving beer in steins, this I can approve of.

:eek:

*invests in hair dye*

All together now!GINGER!

All together now!GINGER!

yes, well done :rolleyes:

Also for all you freaking scientists, they are only using imperial measurements foe Apples, spuds Gasoline (Bilingual there!) and road signs. Mind you they got to the Moon on imperial!

They did lose the $125 million Mars orbiter because Lockheed used imperial measuements and NASA used metric.

Sorry, I was tempted!:D

It'll make you look less like America's bitch.

Who controls the British Crown? Who keeps the metric system down? We do! We do!

It's not about being America's bitch. It's about not being France's ;)

They did lose the $125 million Mars orbiter because Lockheed used imperial measuements and NASA used metric.

Yeah they did, and metric is more scientific 'cos of being bound in with one mole of water. (= 1 litre water=1 cubic decimetre etc.);)

Who controls the British Crown? Who keeps the metric system down? We do! We do!

It's not about being America's bitch. It's about not being France's ;)

Ah, I see.


Stay imperial. In fact, go even more imperial, go so imperial that the measurements aren't standardised anymore.

Who controls the British Crown? Who keeps the metric system down? We do! We do!

It's not about being America's bitch. It's about not being France's ;)

Right on bro! Lets invade Normandy and retake New England!:D

Ah, I see.


Stay imperial. In fact, go even more imperial, go so imperial that the measurements aren't standardised anymore.

I think we should reintroduce cubits too

For sure the Usians should re-enforce the use of Dark Ages sytem and keep their products away from a modern Europe where new Dictators come to life (France, Bulgaria etc...)

UK is not US it's Europe, US is more a vague colony far away with no ambition but to conquer the wolrd.
Just the teenage crisis we all have know.

Next step is to segregate country folks from urban citizen.
We all wait a model from the great America.

I think we should reintroduce cubits too

And spans.

Shouldn't there be a poll on this thread?

Polls are for silly threads. If you put one in a thread where you are actually interested in the answers, you find that people just vote and don't say anything.

And spans.

As Grandpa Simpson said "My car gets forty rods to the hogshead, and that's the way I likes it".

Also, about that lady who said that going metric would cost millions of £, well, that's totally instrumental, because roadsigns could be changed to metric as a part of standard maintenance program.
Because that wouldn't be insanely confusing.

And it was the Department of Transport, not 'some lady'. Although the minister was a real Darling at the time. ;)

Although you may wish it were otherwise, the world is strongly interconnected now and people move from country to country as opportunities arise.

Now if you wish to spurn these opportunities philosopy, then that is your choice. You can continue, quite happily measuring distances in chains, rods and furlongs. However there is no reason to enforce this conceptual isolationism on you compatriots.
You have put words into my mouth. I have not in any way said I wish anything. Indeed, my entire point was 'why bother?'; this is quite distinct to 'let's not', or ' under no circumstances'. It was an invitation to convince me that something I see as pointless is actually worthwhile. It was not principle, but pragmatism.

If I tell you that I weigh 109 Kg does that mean anything to you, or how about that I live 170 km from a given city, how long will it take me to get there on a good road? To insist on using imperial measures is to have to convert in your head data from the rest of the world (except in a few isolated cases such as the USA) before this data becomes information. This is tiring, error prone and unnecessary.
I don't live in 'the rest of the world'. I live in the UK. For the overwhelming majority of the time, this means I need to be able to understand the measurements of this country. To suggest that we should change for the few times when someone from elsewhere says something, I assure you that I can cope with what they are saying on those occasions.

I was wondering whether it was inevitable, because people at school are being taught it. But then I thought by time any of those people get into positions of power, they would have been used to imperial measurements for a good 20-30 years, so would they too wonder why they should bother?
You don't. If you do anything in business that involves weights, mass or volume, you use metric. All scientific research is in metres. All the food I buy (apart from milk) is in metric. Apart from mileage, everything to do with cars is in metric, down to filling it up in litres.

I can't say I've had much experience in life, but I can definitely say it hasn't been in imperial measures.

As Grandpa Simpson said "My car gets forty rods to the hogshead, and that's the way I likes it".

Oddly enough, those are real imperial measurements.
Rod (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_%28unit%29)
Hogshead (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hogshead)

Also
In the episode of The Simpsons titled ‘A Star Is Burns’, Grampa Simpson uttered: “The metric system is the tool of the devil! My car gets forty rods to the hogshead, and that's the way I likes it!” That translates into about 12 (beer) or 10 ½ (wine) feet per gallon, or about 1.2 litres per metre!

For sure the Usians should re-enforce the use of Dark Ages sytem and keep their products away from a modern Europe where new Dictators come to life (France, Bulgaria etc...)

UK is not US it's Europe, US is more a vague colony far away with no ambition but to conquer the wolrd.
Just the teenage crisis we all have know.

Next step is to segregate country folks from urban citizen.
We all wait a model from the great America.

I doubt that we have anything to do with Britain choosing to stay imperial. I can understand whatever anti-US sentiment one has, as America bashing is extremely popular nowadays (especially here in America), but I think the suggestion that curbing the use of the metric system globally is part of America's Imperialist master-plan is absurd.

Incidentally the only reason that the country is segregated from the city is because the US is fucking huge. That's not something we made sure of

You have put words into my mouth. I have not in any way said I wish anything. Indeed, my entire point was 'why bother?'; this is quite distinct to 'let's not', or ' under no circumstances'. It was an invitation to convince me that something I see as pointless is actually worthwhile. It was not principle, but pragmatism.


I don't live in 'the rest of the world'. I live in the UK. For the overwhelming majority of the time, this means I need to be able to understand the measurements of this country. To suggest that we should change for the few times when someone from elsewhere says something, I assure you that I can cope with what they are saying on those occasions.

"Why bother?" is normally an expression of "Let's not". If you meant it otherwise, it was not clear.

You are currently posting on an internet forum. This forum is used by people from all over the world, and yet you still claim that there are only a "few times when someone from elsewhere says something". That claim is patently false.

Additionally you are making the arguments personal. I was addressing the issue of the measurement system being used by the millions of UK citizens, not the unique single individual that represents themself as Philosopy here. That you can cope, in what you claim (falsely) are the rare occasions when you interact with any of that vast majority of people in the world that use the metric system does not mean that this will be true of all your compatriots.

You asked why should the UK convert. I have given you a clear answer ad yet you simply say that it does not apply to you. In that case do not convert yourself, but te justification is still valid in the general case.

I don't live in 'the rest of the world'. I live in the UK. For the overwhelming majority of the time, this means I need to be able to understand the measurements of this country. To suggest that we should change for the few times when someone from elsewhere says something, I assure you that I can cope with what they are saying on those occasions.
Yes, but the UK still has dealings with the rest of the world. All our most important trade is with metric countries, and they have to deal with our system of weights and measures. It's just as important that foreign businesses can access the UK as you can.

Because that wouldn't be insanely confusing.

Not if you write "km" or on the new signs. Iirc, UK roadsigns give distances in the format "1 3/4 miles", not just "1 3/4".
As for speed limits, you place the new metric signs under the old ones (so it reads
(50)
(80)
and warn the populace of the "double" signs. After six months, remove the old signs and leave just the new metric ones.


And it was the Department of Transport, not 'some lady'. Although the minister was a real Darling at the time. ;)

A lady is a lady is a lady - just to be avant-garde. I didn't know her name, so I used a generical "that lady".

I don't live in 'the rest of the world'. I live in the UK.
This means that you drink french mineral water, italian wine and czech beer; drive german cars; import chinese steel; burn russian LPG and arab petroleum; export goods to the whole world.
Really, old chap, the bloody "outside" world is leaking through. Britain can cope with it. No one is demanding that you stop drinking tea! (I like tea!)

All measurements of distance should be in Smoots. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoot) *nod*

You are currently posting on an internet forum. This forum is used by people from all over the world, and yet you still claim that there are only a "few times when someone from elsewhere says something". That claim is patently false.
This is a forum that uses both imperial and metric. Like the UK at the moment, it is a hybrid of the two systems, with some people using one measurement, and others using the other. As such, I can quite easily switch between the two, and understand both. To go fully metric would leave me less able to understand the international system, not more.

Additionally you are making the arguments personal. I was addressing the issue of the measurement system being used by the millions of UK citizens, not the unique single individual that represents themself as Philosopy here. That you can cope, in what you claim (falsely) are the rare occasions when you interact with any of that vast majority of people in the world that use the metric system does not mean that this will be true of all your compatriots.
What is life if not intensely personal? For the vast majority of people, what will matter to them is not the finer details of international trade, or the scientific measurement of the mass of the Sun; it is "how far away is x, and how long will it take for me to get there".

For me, yes. I'm 18 and have never been taught (or used) imperial measurements in my life, especially since I'm doing mostly Science A-Levels. Being able to use the system I was taught at school (and have to use in any scientific environment) for me would be convenient.

ditto, though with driving i'm totally used to miles... but measure short distances in meters. i think i'd get used to km in no time.


it costs extra if you have to print everything in two scales, just like it does printing in two languages (menu costs in economics). ok, so that's not what's happening but still...

All measurements of distance should be in Smoots. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoot) *nod*

I tip my Red Sox cap to you

Not if you write "km" or on the new signs. Iirc, UK roadsigns give distances in the format "1 3/4 miles", not just "1 3/4".
As for speed limits, you place the new metric signs under the old ones (so it reads
(50)
(80)
and warn the populace of the "double" signs. After six months, remove the old signs and leave just the new metric ones.
You don't even need to do that, apparently.
http://www.metric.org.uk/why/myths.htm#roadsigns

We've got metric measures on everything already; the imperial system's based on real-world measures and things; the metric system may be useful from a scientific standpoint, but I don't see why we should lose our old measures.

We've got metric measures on everything already; the imperial system's based on real-world measures and things; the metric system may be useful from a scientific standpoint, but I don't see why we should lose our old measures.
What real world measures are these, and how are they useful? Furthermore, if the metric system is only useful for science, why has every country except the UK, America and Burma gone metric?

What real world measures are these, and how are they useful? Furthermore, if the metric system is only useful for science, why has every country except the UK, America and Burma gone metric?

Cuz we're stubborn ;)
Really I think it's just what we're used to. Whenever I go visit my family in Ireland the road signs initially frighten me when they say speed limit 120 as 120 mph is fast. It takes me a little bit to readjust.

Cuz we're stubborn ;)
Really I think it's just what we're used to. Whenever I go visit my family in Ireland the road signs initially frighten me when they say speed limit 120 as 120 mph is fast. It takes me a little bit to readjust.
That's just it. I'm used to metric, think in metric, but everything is in imperial. And surely the best way to not get scared by metric road signs would be to adopt them in <insert imperial country here> and get used to them, no?

the imperial system's based on real-world measures and things

No unit of measurement can be defined without reference points.

What real world measures are these, and how are they useful?

Not usually, especially considering that most of those measures were so obscure or inaccurate they had to throw them out. Imperial units of length are currently defined in terms of Metric units IIRC :rolleyes:

British pints (22 oz) or American (17 oz)?

A U.S. pint is 16 fluid oz. Two pints to the quart, four quarts to the gallon. After that we get into hogsheads and such. That's about two pints to the liter, but I kind of like the idea of a British pint, when it comes to beer. Twenty-two ounces is a lot more fun than 16.

That's just it. I'm used to metric, think in metric, but everything is in imperial. And surely the best way to not get scared by metric road signs would be to adopt them in <insert imperial country here> and get used to them, no?

You're right, but I think you would have trouble instituting that in the US. Measurements are arbitrary. We could just as easily come up with a third system that was workable, but people get accustomed to thinking in imperial (or metric). I'm not opposed to metric, (I think that if the whole world had the same system it would be easier) but I don't think that it would change here. Americans will choose a 20 oz soda over 500 ml any day.

A U.S. pint is 16 fluid oz. Two pints to the quart, four quarts to the gallon. After that we get into hogsheads and such. That's about two pints to the liter, but I kind of like the idea of a British pint, when it comes to beer. Twenty-two ounces is a lot more fun than 16.

Some places around Boston use the British pint. Always a pleasant surprise.

Not usually, especially considering that most of those measures were so obscure or inaccurate they had to throw them out. Imperial units of length are currently defined in terms of Metric units IIRC :rolleyes:
The yard is defined as 0.9144m, apparently.

We've got metric measures on everything already; the imperial system's based on real-world measures and things; the metric system may be useful from a scientific standpoint, but I don't see why we should lose our old measures.

Imperial measurements used to be based on real world measurements(1foot was the length of your foot), but now that they're standardised they're about as real world as metric measurements.

Some places around Boston use the British pint. Always a pleasant surprise.
Really? I knew the gallon was different the other side of the pond. I learn something every day, other than I've ordered the wrong Biology textbook.

The yard is defined as 0.9144m, apparently.

Britain is using metric measurements assigned arbitrary divisions and names and doesn't even know it. *rubs hands together* the plan is working.

Really? I knew the gallon was different the other side of the pond. I learn something every day, other than I've ordered the wrong Biology textbook.

It depends on the place. Most of the time it's 16 ounces, but in some places if you ask for a pint they give you 22 ounces. Sometimes they refer to it as a large/tall beer though

You're right, but I think you would have trouble instituting that in the US. Measurements are arbitrary. We could just as easily come up with a third system that was workable, but people get accustomed to thinking in imperial (or metric). I'm not opposed to metric, (I think that if the whole world had the same system it would be easier) but I don't think that it would change here. Americans will choose a 20 oz soda over 500 ml any day.
Well, the situation is different in the USA in the UK, of course. I'd choose 500ml because I know it's half a litre, and can visualise that. I can't do that with 20oz. It's all to do with education, trade, and what you're used to.

Well, the situation is different in the USA in the UK, of course. I'd choose 500ml because I know it's half a litre, and can visualise that. I can't do that with 20oz. It's all to do with education, trade, and what you're used to.

500 ml bottles look small to us. I guess that's part of the reason people would be reluctant to give up imperial here. It would be less for the same price

Britain is using metric measurements assigned arbitrary divisions and names and doesn't even know it. *rubs hands together* the plan is working.
:eek: Don't let UKIP hear you say that. They'll get their tinfoil hats out.

It depends on the place. Most of the time it's 16 ounces, but in some places if you ask for a pint they give you 22 ounces. Sometimes they refer to it as a large/tall beer though
Which one is the British one?

:eek: Don't let UKIP hear you say that. They'll get their tinfoil hats out.


Which one is the British one?

British pints are 22 ounces, US pints are 16

At any rate, I have to be off to work. Have a great day everyone

500 ml bottles look small to us. I guess that's part of the reason people would be reluctant to give up imperial here. It would be less for the same price
Again - it depends on what you're used to. All drinks, apart from beer and milk, are sold in litres.

British pints are 22 ounces, US pints are 16
That sucks. Sorry guys.:(

That sucks. Sorry guys.:(

Yeah, lol, I guess that's one of the things we gave up when we rebelled against the Crown.

Imperial measurements used to be based on real world measurements(1foot was the length of your foot), but now that they're standardised they're about as real world as metric measurements.

I heard something about the foot being the distance traveled by light in the vacuum in 1 nanosecond or zomefink leik zat.

Anyway, my foot is longer than 1 imperial foot, hence I have caused the imperial system to fail. ;)

I ask for pints of british ales, that's the only serious use of imperial units as far as I'm concerned.

I heard something about the foot being the distance traveled by light in the vacuum in 1 nanosecond or zomefink leik zat.

Yup. A light-nanosecond, the distance one photon could travel in one nanosecond, is roughly 30cm.

As ever, wiki knows all (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_coincidence#Coincidences_of_units).

As ever, wiki knows al (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_coincidence#Coincidences_of_units).

I'd like to meet Al. He sounds like a nice guy.

EDIT: Curse your speeding editing!

Porn still uses the imperial systam - i've never seen an advert for huge 27.5cm c*ck action.

Porn still uses the imperial systam - i've never seen an advert for huge 27.5cm c*ck action.

from wiki:
Elio e le Storie Tese did homage Holmes with one of their first hits titled "John Holmes (A Life lived for Cinema)", included on their debut album Elio Samaga Hukapan Kariyana Turu published in 1989.


Quoted from "Elio e Le Storie Tese"'s "John Holmes" song:

"Trentatrè centimetri di dimensione artistica"
(thirty-three centimetres of artistical dimension)

from wiki:
Elio e le Storie Tese did homage Holmes with one of their first hits titled "John Holmes (A Life lived for Cinema)", included on their debut album Elio Samaga Hukapan Kariyana Turu published in 1989.


Quoted from "Elio e Le Storie Tese"'s "John Holmes" song:

"Trentatrè centimetri di dimensione artistica"
(thirty-three centimetres of artistical dimension)

Gah, that's the French for you.

The eat horses as well.

Gah, that's the French for you.

The eat horses as well.

1.That's italian.
2.Horse meat is good. Expecially the filet, but also as minced meat or in the "pastisada de caval", typical from Verona. Yes, Romeo and Juliet eat horse meat.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6637587.stm

The EU has suspended its plans to enforce metrication across the Union by 2009. While the 'Metric Martyrs' claim that this is a victory for freedom of choice, those in favour of the change say that keeping both measurements together is "crazy".

Should the UK go fully over the metric measurements? While in some ways we have been 'metrified' already, for example cooking weights and measurements, in others we have yet to be so; we weigh a chicken in kg, but ourselves in stones. For me, I think the most confusing change would be to the roads, getting used to new speeds, and new distances.

Of course, we'd adapt over time, but the question has to be asked: why should we? What possible purpose does it serve, aside from costing the earth and disrupting our lives during the changeover? There is no real benefit from bringing us into line with the rest of the continent on these matters - why bother?

The US doesn't seem to have a problem using non-metric for some things, and metric for others.

For instance, our military long ago changed over to metric (1960s?).

Our roads and cooking measurements are still non-metric.

With the advent of calculators and computers that go back and forth with ease, it's not really a problem.

If we were all still doing conversions on our fingers and toes, it would be a problem.

1.That's italian.
2.Horse meat is good. Expecially the filet, but also as minced meat or in the "pastisada de caval", typical from Verona. Yes, Romeo and Juliet eat horse meat.

French / Itallian - neither can drive properly

We British would never eat our RedRums and out Best Mates!

We prefer good old British Beef.

The US doesn't seem to have a problem using non-metric for some things, and metric for others.

For instance, our military long ago changed over to metric (1960s?).

Our roads and cooking measurements are still non-metric.

With the advent of calculators and computers that go back and forth with ease, it's not really a problem.

If we were all still doing conversions on our fingers and toes, it would be a problem.

Do you know why the US military made the change?

French / Itallian - neither can drive properly

Next time a british team or driver will win the F1 championship, I'll believe you.:p :)

We British would never eat our RedRums and out Best Mates!
It is widely known that brits aren't exactly the greatest cooks in the world. Ragout, anyone?

We prefer good old British Beef.
From the sheer number of britons flocking to Tuscany every year, I'd say that brits like the Chianina Beef even more, expecially if transformed in a Fiorentina steak.;) ;)

Do you know why the US military made the change?

So they could understand the road signs in the nations they invaded?

Do you know why the US military made the change?

Maybe because in continental Europe it is more useful. Continental Europe had a huge display of US troops during Cold War.

I wonder, though, why the NATO uses imperial for aircrafts. I'd say that using metric for aircrafts, like Russia does, is better for those countries who already use the metric system in all other fields of application. Oh well.

added: see the post above this one. Someone beated me to anti-Americanism, damn!

Yes. I think probably the only reason we haven't gone metric is America - for example in Science there are standard units of measurement for everything - all metric, which every developed country in the world uses ... except America which insists on using measurements such as pounds per square inch etc. This actually caused a rocket to crash one as some of the parts used were American and the units hadn't been converted.

Metric is best.

The way things are now is just fine, and how can someone say that we keep the imperial measurement to be Americas bitch when we had them first. Plus, if shop owners should be able to display their goods in whatever method on measurement they want. If they choose the wrong one that impacts on their business then tough luck.

Plus. Why should we do what un-elected, corrupt government in another county tell us too, especially when other countries *cough* France *cough* openly disobey stupid new meaningless laws.

I have always wondered why cocaine dealing seems to be metric but cannabis for the most part is in ounces.

Gah, that's the French for you.

The eat horses as well.

I can't properly explain in how many levels you show your ignorance in that post...

Plus. Why should we do what un-elected, corrupt government in another county tell us too, especially when other countries *cough* France *cough* openly disobey stupid new meaningless laws.

Because you britons elected your own european representatives at the last european elections.
Also, you could use some centilitres of cough syrup.;)

Next time a british team or driver will win the F1 championship, I'll believe you.:p :)


It is widely known that brits aren't exactly the greatest cooks in the world. Ragout, anyone?


From the sheer number of britons flocking to Tuscany every year, I'd say that brits like the Chianina Beef even more, expecially if transformed in a Fiorentina steak.;) ;)

Quoted entirely for truth. When I went to Tuscany, I found more brits than italians... Although both were horny molestors. Drunk horny molestors, in the case of the brits.

Quoted entirely for truth. When I went to Tuscany, I found more brits than italians... Although both were horny molestors. Drunk horny molestors, in the case of the brits.

this does not surprise me *nods*

Also, for any females going to Italy, please include a fly killer in your luggage, that's the only way you will be able to scare away the italian assailants in their scooters ;)

Quoted entirely for truth. When I went to Tuscany, I found more brits than italians... Although both were horny molestors. Drunk horny molestors, in the case of the brits.

Sounds like the night clubs in my part of the world, how strange...

Also, for any females going to Italy, please include a fly killer in your luggage, that's the only way you will be able to scare away the italian assailants in their scooters ;)

Not sure. Libido can reach pretty high levels here, and the fair-skinned daughters of Britannia always triggered the imagination of the average italian male.

Better a knife. You can use it to eat a Fiorentina, and stabbing someone with a knife is traditional in Italy.;)

Next time a british team or driver will win the F1 championship, I'll believe you.:p :)


It is widely known that brits aren't exactly the greatest cooks in the world. Ragout, anyone?


From the sheer number of britons flocking to Tuscany every year, I'd say that brits like the Chianina Beef even more, expecially if transformed in a Fiorentina steak.;) ;)


Wasn't a British pub recently voted the best in the world?

The poor quality of English quisine is outdated. England has some of the finest chefs in the world.

500 ml bottles look small to us. I guess that's part of the reason people would be reluctant to give up imperial here. It would be less for the same price
Most of the packaged beer is in 12 fl oz containers. I think that's about 455 ml. I remember buying 500 ml cans in Japan and thinking I got a good deal. That was in 1983-4, before Reagan devalued the dollar and the exchange rate went from about 300 yen/dollar to something like 175 overnight. That put the brakes on drinking in town.

News just in, my mother burst into a round of Rule Britannia when she heard the 'news' that we've been 'saved' from the metric system.:rolleyes:

I remember the decimalisation of the UK monetary system. Instead of businesses converting the old money into the new rates they just changed the £ signs and raked in twice the money for what the product being sold was worth before being decimalised.

The same will happen with going metric on measurements. The UK businesses will adjust their quantities to suit the amount being charged rather than the unit quantity to the price. E.G. 1 pint of beer at £3.00 would be changed to 0.5 litres for £3.00.

The petroleum companies in the UK were very happy to price their products as pence per litre instead of pounds per gallon. 99.9 pence per litre doesn't sound as bad as £5.00 per gallon.

Rip off UK. Someone please send me money so I can afford to leave the UK and to live somewhere nice - like the Bahamas.

I remember the decimalisation of the UK monetary system. Instead of businesses converting the old money into the new rates they just changed the £ signs and raked in twice the money for what the product being sold was worth before being decimalised.

The same will happen with going metric on measurements. The UK businesses will adjust their quantities to suit the amount being charged rather than the unit quantity to the price. E.G. 1 pint of beer at £3.00 would be changed to 0.5 litres for £3.00.

The petroleum companies in the UK were very happy to price their products as pence per litre instead of pounds per gallon. 99.9 pence per litre doesn't sound as bad as £5.00 per gallon.

Rip off UK. Someone please send me money so I can afford to leave the UK and to live someone nice - like the Bahamas.
My Auntie is a Bahamian (okay, expat, but been there for 30 years) and I'm sure it's not quite as much as it's made out to be.

I remember the decimalisation of the UK monetary system. Instead of businesses converting the old money into the new rates they just changed the £ signs and raked in twice the money for what the product being sold was worth before being decimalised.
I call bullshit on this. The value of the £ did not change in 1971, nor did the sign. (I do remember it). What changed was we went from £sd to £p. Businesses did convert old pence to the new pence and they were scrutinised in doing so by the office of fair trading. (Some shops and businesses were caught trying to profit on the conversion and were prosecuted for it.).

I call bullshit on this. The value of the £ did not change in 1971, nor did the sign. (I do remember it). What changed was we went from £sd to £p. Businesses did convert old pence to the new pence and they were scrutinised in doing so by the office of fair trading. (Some shops and businesses were caught trying to profit on the conversion and were prosecuted for it.).
In any case, the argument is null because everything is already in metric anyway, apart from beer and milk.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6637587.stm

The EU has suspended its plans to enforce metrication across the Union by 2009. While the 'Metric Martyrs' claim that this is a victory for freedom of choice, those in favour of the change say that keeping both measurements together is "crazy".

Should the UK go fully over the metric measurements? While in some ways we have been 'metrified' already, for example cooking weights and measurements, in others we have yet to be so; we weigh a chicken in kg, but ourselves in stones. For me, I think the most confusing change would be to the roads, getting used to new speeds, and new distances.

Of course, we'd adapt over time, but the question has to be asked: why should we? What possible purpose does it serve, aside from costing the earth and disrupting our lives during the changeover? There is no real benefit from bringing us into line with the rest of the continent on these matters - why bother?

Britain's NOT on the metric system!? then where did Canada get it from??

anyway...ZOMG CONVERT TEH 3B1L IMPERIAL HEATHENS!!!!11!111!

A U.S. pint is 16 fluid oz. Two pints to the quart, four quarts to the gallon. After that we get into hogsheads and such. That's about two pints to the liter, but I kind of like the idea of a British pint, when it comes to beer. Twenty-two ounces is a lot more fun than 16.

Thanks for the correction. I remember ordering a pint once, expecting the British pint, and receiving an American one. I almost cried.

Why on earth can't you use BOTH, Blockhead Island? Just print it in the two systems, darnit. Or don't, if you don't want to, whatever! I bet you can look at a sign saying a number in miles and another in kilometres and don't get confused.

Thanks for the correction. I remember ordering a pint once, expecting the British pint, and receiving an American one. I almost cried.

Another of it's nuances. 33cl is going to be the same everywhere :D

Why on earth can't you use BOTH, Blockhead Island? Just print it in the two systems, darnit. Or don't, if you don't want to, whatever! I bet you can look at a sign saying a number in miles and another in kilometres and don't get confused.
Because, as a blockhead, I don't want to have to go through two systems, flicking between the two. And guess what? That's what we do now. Still blockheads are we? Our cars are filled up in litres but mileage is measured in miles/gallon. As someone pointed out in this thread, you can buy a jacket in cm and the corresponding trouser in inches. Does that really help industry or the consumer?

Having two sets of road signs as opposed to one would not just cost double the amount to maintain, but create confusion on our roads. Do you think people have time, while driving, to peer at small print on road signs to check which number is the one they want to use?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6637587.stm

The EU has suspended its plans to enforce metrication across the Union by 2009. While the 'Metric Martyrs' claim that this is a victory for freedom of choice, those in favour of the change say that keeping both measurements together is "crazy".

Should the UK go fully over the metric measurements? While in some ways we have been 'metrified' already, for example cooking weights and measurements, in others we have yet to be so; we weigh a chicken in kg, but ourselves in stones. For me, I think the most confusing change would be to the roads, getting used to new speeds, and new distances.

Of course, we'd adapt over time, but the question has to be asked: why should we? What possible purpose does it serve, aside from costing the earth and disrupting our lives during the changeover? There is no real benefit from bringing us into line with the rest of the continent on these matters - why bother?
"Stone" isn't even a standard Imperial unit. The standard Imperial unit of mass is the slug.

Just zip over to the metric system. It helps you out in science education terms...

MAybe because it's easier? I thought you guys already were metric. Well I support any and all metrication.

It'll make you look less like America's bitch.

hahahaha

ouch

It'll make you look less like America's bitch..............

and more like Europe's bitch.

Nah stay with Imperial...us Americans need allies out there that use it :).

Europe and Europe as a whole uses the metric system. It would take time, but the benefits are significant in preparing the UK people for the realities of the world in the 21st century.Nah stay with Imperial...us Americans need allies out there that use it :).yes Europe uses the Metric.
I think the World uses metric.
The only 2 countries I have been.. where they still use the-older-system are.. UK and US.
So The US and UK use the older-system.

are there any other countries?

yes Europe uses the Metric.
I think the World uses metric.
The only 2 countries I have been.. where they still use the-older-system are.. UK and US.
So The US and UK use the older-system.

are there any other countries?

It's been said before: Liberia and Myanmar! YAAAAAAAAAY!

Let's get partying metric-style, 33cl all round

It'll make you look less like America's bitch..............

and more like Europe's bitch.
Just what I was thinking. I don't want to be either. Anyway, are we really that childish that we need to change the way we do certain things just because America is?

Liberia and Myanmar! YAAAAAAAAAY!thx.

Just convert slowly to metric in the US and UK and you won't have a problem with the older generations not figuring stuff out.

and BTW, who gives a shit about the difference in a Pint of beer, just order two if you're in the US. -.-

Yes, and should have done so years ago.

Hell no! The metric system can go to hell! Imperial system forever!

The way things are now is just fine, and how can someone say that we keep the imperial measurement to be Americas bitch when we had them first.
It's called humour
Plus, if shop owners should be able to display their goods in whatever method on measurement they want. If they choose the wrong one that impacts on their business then tough luck.
So shop owners should be able to arbitrarily make up measurement systems for their goods? Yeah that'll be great. Going down to the butchers, asking for a pound of mince meat and getting less than a pound, because the butcher's pound is different than yours. That'll work out great. For the butchers.
I have always wondered why cocaine dealing seems to be metric but cannabis for the most part is in ounces.
Strange indeed.
Quoted entirely for truth. When I went to Tuscany, I found more brits than italians... Although both were horny molestors. Drunk horny molestors, in the case of the brits.
That does sound like the stereotypical brit on holiday. Though a girl I know who went to Italy had only good things to say about the Italians.

She might have just liked the attention though.
Hell no! The metric system can go to hell! Imperial system forever!

Any reason for that?

LOL, I thought Britain had converted.

Oh well, that's something we did ahead of you.

Yes, us convicts converted waaay back in 1966 (we decimalised our currency at the same time).

Yes, us convicts converted waaay back in 1966 (we decimalised our currency at the same time).

Do the Brits use paper money? Because if so that's something else that we're better off with.

Do the Brits use paper money? Because if so that's something else that we're better off with.

or plastic depending on your location

It'll make you look less like America's bitch..............

and more like Europe's bitch.

If the UK is so displeased of BEING PART of the EU, they can stop sending representatives to the european parliament - who are handsomely paid for by the british taxpayers, I get.

LOL, I thought Britain had converted.

Oh well, that's something we did ahead of you.

Yes, us convicts converted waaay back in 1966 (we decimalised our currency at the same time).
I can't see why we didn't metricate at the same time. It was government policy then here too.

It's called humour
And the fact that the Imperial system was developed in continental Europe has nothing do do with it.;)

Not sure. Libido can reach pretty high levels here, and the fair-skinned daughters of Britannia always triggered the imagination of the average italian male.

Better a knife. You can use it to eat a Fiorentina, and stabbing someone with a knife is traditional in Italy.;)

As the flavor of the daughters of Spain, the plump bodies of the daughters of the United States, the distant attitude of the daughters of France, the valkyrie stance of the daughters of Sweden and Norway, the mystery of the daughters of the Middle East, the ebony fascination of the daughters of Africa, the bouncing motion of the daughters of Latin America...All of those trigger the imagination of the average italian male.

To be honest, you italians hit anything that resembles a female. I wonder what you do during winter. And I don't know why, you have gorgueous women.

That does sound like the stereotypical brit on holiday. Though a girl I know who went to Italy had only good things to say about the Italians.

She might have just liked the attention though.

In this case, I survived that stereotype myself. Brits in Spain happen to behave in exactly the same way.

Italians are good people, corteous, nice and lovely, but they're too horny, damn, even for my standards.

It doesn't matter one whit whether people use metric, imperial or the hullabagoo finger-length system. Get off it and stop being whiny measurement nationalists.

I, for one, use both metric and English on a regular basis with no confusion or loss of efficiency. It's not hard.

In this case, I survived that stereotype myself. Brits in Spain happen to behave in exactly the same way.

Italians are good people, corteous, nice and lovely, but they're too horny, damn, even for my standards.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6637587.stm

The EU has suspended its plans to enforce metrication across the Union by 2009. While the 'Metric Martyrs' claim that this is a victory for freedom of choice, those in favour of the change say that keeping both measurements together is "crazy".

Should the UK go fully over the metric measurements? While in some ways we have been 'metrified' already, for example cooking weights and measurements, in others we have yet to be so; we weigh a chicken in kg, but ourselves in stones. For me, I think the most confusing change would be to the roads, getting used to new speeds, and new distances.

Of course, we'd adapt over time, but the question has to be asked: why should we? What possible purpose does it serve, aside from costing the earth and disrupting our lives during the changeover? There is no real benefit from bringing us into line with the rest of the continent on these matters - why bother?

Meh we already are really. I think choice is better, but order your meat by the pound or the kilo, it makes no differance, you still get the same amount.

I can't ever see us getting rid of the good old pint, nor swaping miles for kilometers.

Teach the kids both, and everything will be sweet!

Meh we already are really. I think choice is better, but order your meat by the pound or the kilo, it makes no differance, you still get the same amount.

I can't ever see us getting rid of the good old pint, nor swaping miles for kilometers.

Teach the kids both, and everything will be sweet!

Apart from the fact that having two systems is surely going to be more expensive than just having one, even if it is just the cost of having to teach the kids two different systems and how they relate to each other.

Apart from the fact that having two systems is surely going to be more expensive than just having one, even if it is just the cost of having to teach the kids two different systems and how they relate to each other.

I don't remember ever being taught anything in imperial in school. Everything was taught in metric and I just picked up what I needed to know about imperial measurement in the real world.

I like imperial for no particular reason I can put my finger on but as the only things it is used for now are road speeds, distances and beer measurements I don't see why we need to change it.

I don't remember ever being taught anything in imperial in school. Everything was taught in metric and I just picked up what I needed to know about imperial measurement in the real world.

I like imperial for no particular reason I can put my finger on but as the only things it is used for now are road speeds, distances and beer measurements I don't see why we need to change it.

Virtually the same here, although for some reason I'm quite happy using cm and meters, for 'driving distances' I only use miles even if it means converting from km :confused:. I think that comes from despite being taught metric all through school etc, whenever I've been out driving/being driven, all the distances on the signs are in miles, so I've never had any real feel for how long a km is in the real world.

Meh we already are really. I think choice is better, but order your meat by the pound or the kilo, it makes no differance, you still get the same amount.

I can't ever see us getting rid of the good old pint, nor swaping miles for kilometers.

Teach the kids both, and everything will be sweet!
Plenty of people have trouble learning one system, let alone two, and having to convert between them. It seems odd that petrol is sold in litres and efficiency measures in miles per gallon, for example.

Plenty of people have trouble learning one system, let alone two, and having to convert between them. It seems odd that petrol is sold in litres and efficiency measures in miles per gallon, for example.

Then plenty of people are really stupid. I'm social sciences, I hate math and I can juggle multiple systems no problem.

It'll make you look less like America's bitch.

>>America doesn't incest, Brittain is its mother. Canada is America's bitch.

Then plenty of people are really stupid. I'm social sciences, I hate math and I can juggle multiple systems no problem.
I don't think it's that, I think that a vast majority of people simply don't want to use two systems, simply because it's more convenient. I can use the British imperial system at a push, but when I do, I'm thinking in metric, can converting between that, to imperial, and back again. And vice versa for most people of an older generation who like the imperial units. That's why this entire thread started: the EU backing down over forcing all units to displayed in metric only.

It's not stupidity, or even laziness. It just seems to be an innate conservatism over units, and having to learn two for the same thing.

Do you know why the US military made the change?

Conforming to NATO standards.

Troops have referred to distance in "klicks" or kilometers in the US since before the Vietnam War.

All weapon calibers are in millimeters.

All weights are in kilograms...

Everytime I hear someone say "The US is ignorant because they don't use metric" I have to point out that some of the US has been using metric since before they were born.

Everytime I hear someone say "The US is ignorant because they don't use metric" I have to point out that some of the US has been using metric since before they were born.

Why the hell should anyone be 'requiring' that the UK or US use any one system of measurement over another?

You don't like our units? Don't trade with us.

I don't think it's that, I think that a vast majority of people simply don't want to use two systems, simply because it's more convenient. I can use the British imperial system at a push, but when I do, I'm thinking in metric, can converting between that, to imperial, and back again. And vice versa for most people of an older generation who like the imperial units. That's why this entire thread started: the EU backing down over forcing all units to displayed in metric only.

It's not stupidity, or even laziness. It just seems to be an innate conservatism over units, and having to learn two for the same thing.

I guess I'm crazy then, because I definitely think in both. I use centimeters and inches interchangeably, prefer liters over gallons, but ounces and cups over milliliters, Fahrenheit finds itself used only in the day-to-day temperatures I deal with, everything else is going to be Celsius. They coexist in my mind without conflict and without trouble.

Why the hell should anyone be 'requiring' that the UK or US use any one system of measurement over another?

You don't like our units? Don't trade with us.

Considering that conversion of units is easily handled by software, I fail to see why any units are any problem at all.

I usually hear this from people who think that metric is "easier". Well, if I have to do math with idiots, yes. And if I have to limit my calculations to fingers and toes, yes.

Otherwise, welcome to the 21st century, where simple software solves all your arithmentic problems...

Then plenty of people are really stupid. I'm social sciences, I hate math and I can juggle multiple systems no problem.
A lot more than plenty of people are stupid.
Why the hell should anyone be 'requiring' that the UK or US use any one system of measurement over another?

You don't like our units? Don't trade with us.

You do know that that would leave the US and UK with each other, Myanmar and another country whose name escapes me to trade with, right?

Apart from the fact that having two systems is surely going to be more expensive than just having one, even if it is just the cost of having to teach the kids two different systems and how they relate to each other.

That makes no sense, we have already lived with two systems of measurments in this country for most of my life. My kids learn both at school, feet and inches or centimeters and meters, pounds and ounces or kilos and kilograms, even centigrade and farenhite, its not that hard.

Considering that conversion of units is easily handled by software, I fail to see why any units are any problem at all.

I usually hear this from people who think that metric is "easier". Well, if I have to do math with idiots, yes. And if I have to limit my calculations to fingers and toes, yes.

Otherwise, welcome to the 21st century, where simple software solves all your arithmentic problems...

People don't tend to carry calculators around with them everywhere they go, just in case they need to convert from imperial to metric.

That makes no sense, we have already lived with two systems of measurments in this country for most of my life. My kids learn both at school, feet and inches or centimeters and meters, pounds and ounces or kilos and kilograms, even centigrade and farenhite, its not that hard.

Hard isn't the issue. A math book with metric only or imperial only would be smaller, and therefore cheaper. Training teachers to only teach one system would be faster, and cheaper. Teaching kids only one system would be faster. Having only one system means never having to do any conversions, even if they are easy.

People don't tend to carry calculators around with them everywhere they go, just in case they need to convert from imperial to metric.

Funny, most traders do.

You do know that that would leave the US and UK with each other, Myanmar and another country whose name escapes me to trade with, right?

Yep, and how much of a hit would the economies of other nations take by losing the US and to a lesser extent the UK as trading partners?

Funny, most traders do.
Even still, no matter how easy it might be to do conversions, not having to do them will always be easier.
Yep, and how much of a hit would the economies of other nations take by losing the US and to a lesser extent the UK as trading partners?

The rest of the world could still trade with everyone else in the rest of the world.

I guess I'm crazy then, because I definitely think in both. I use centimeters and inches interchangeably, prefer liters over gallons, but ounces and cups over milliliters, Fahrenheit finds itself used only in the day-to-day temperatures I deal with, everything else is going to be Celsius. They coexist in my mind without conflict and without trouble.
And that's great, and honestly, I envy that - it'd make using elderly cookery books so much easier, but I don't think a majority of people do that, or prefer to do it. I for one, would rather not go through that mental judo simply to know, for example, how much petrol to put in a car or to cook a meal.

Yep, and how much of a hit would the economies of other nations take by losing the US and to a lesser extent the UK as trading partners?

You would completely screw up your economy to spite the rest of the world?

You would completely screw up your economy to spite the rest of the world?

No, I just don't think it's a big enough deal for all the fuss that is made over it. The fact is that people trading with the UK or US are happy enough to do any conversions required and the citizens of the two countries are happy enough with the current system or it would have been officially changed by now.

Then plenty of people are really stupid. I'm social sciences, I hate math and I can juggle multiple systems no problem.

Yeah what you said!:D

People don't tend to carry calculators around with them everywhere they go, just in case they need to convert from imperial to metric.

Heheh what do you need one of them for to know that 1 inche is two and a bit centimeters? Or that 1 kilo is 2.2 pounds. That sorta maths really isn't hard.

Hard isn't the issue. A math book with metric only or imperial only would be smaller, and therefore cheaper. Training teachers to only teach one system would be faster, and cheaper. Teaching kids only one system would be faster. Having only one system means never having to do any conversions, even if they are easy.

The point though is, we have had both metric and imperial measurments in this country for most of my life, the books reflect this. Look in the back of most dicrtionarys and you will find converstion tables. In fact simply because we have more than one type of measurment worldwide, these tables are not going to go away, and so the cost you talk about is one that has been about for years and will be about until the whole world comforms to one standard measurment system.

As to teaching the kids, they an learn both, we have done up till now, and we will contiune, your argument is really a nonsense.

Heheh what do you need one of them for to know that 1 inche is two and a bit centimeters?

1 inch = 25.4mm
1 "metric inch" = 25mm

The point though is, we have had both metric and imperial measurments in this country for most of my life, the books reflect this. Look in the back of most dicrtionarys and you will find converstion tables. In fact simply because we have more than one type of measurment worldwide, these tables are not going to go away, and so the cost you talk about is one that has been about for years and will be about until the whole world comforms to one standard measurment system.

As to teaching the kids, they an learn both, we have done up till now, and we will contiune, your argument is really a nonsense.

Switching to both would be the first step towards getting rid of imperial measurements completely, it would take ages but eventually the problem would go away.

The point though is, we have had both metric and imperial measurments in this country for most of my life, the books reflect this. Look in the back of most dicrtionarys and you will find converstion tables. In fact simply because we have more than one type of measurment worldwide, these tables are not going to go away, and so the cost you talk about is one that has been about for years and will be about until the whole world comforms to one standard measurment system.
So you agree that having one system would save countless billions of pounds? And the more countries that are metric the more money will be saved?

As to teaching the kids, they an learn both, we have done up till now, and we will contiune, your argument is really a nonsense.

Whether they can learn two systems or not isn't my point at all and you know it.

1 inch = 25.4mm
1 "metric inch" = 25mm

*fixed*

*fixed*

*tests*
How many metric inches in a smoot?

The point though is, we have had both metric and imperial measurments in this country for most of my life, the books reflect this.
It was the same in Ireland, and they then went metric. It was the same in Canada, and they went metric. It was the same in Australia, and they went metric. It was the same in South Africa, and they went metric. It was the same in New Zealand, and they went metric. If they can successfully do it, why can't we?

Imperial measurements are fast becoming obsolete. All, or at least a vast majority of, the people coming out our education system today use and think in metric. In the near future, there's going to be no point in the imperial system, except for roads and beer.

Look in the back of most dicrtionarys and you will find converstion tables. In fact simply because we have more than one type of measurment worldwide, these tables are not going to go away, and so the cost you talk about is one that has been about for years and will be about until the whole world comforms to one standard measurment system.
Which is what the world is doing. The world isn't just going metric, it's all but gone metric. Everything I buy is in metric, bar milk and beer. Which again begs the question: why, when in the near future the vast majority of people are going to work, think and use the metric system, do we have to burden businesses, traders and importers with a soon-to-be-obsolete system of units?

As to teaching the kids, they an learn both, we have done up till now, and we will contiune, your argument is really a nonsense.
Actually, people don't learn both. Education is metric-only, apart from a few outdated physics textbooks I used in AS.

Metric is better; base 10 is easier on the old noodle.

People keep saying that - but it just isn't true.

Metric is only better at what it is designed to be better at... multiples of ten (not surprising, in base ten calculations...)

Imperial measurements are more organic (the real reason they have survived so well), and they are easy enough to handle when you are doing the right calculations.

Sure - if someone is six feet tall, it might be a little tricky to work out 10% of their height, but it's much less tricky to work out twelfths.

I might be more convinced for the metric-only argument, when I see circles realistically 'metric-ated'.

*fixed*

Whoops, sorry... :rolleyes: I need some sleep... I'm going to bed

But more critically, how do you order a pint in metric?
Well, in Canada we use the metric system and we can still order pints at the pub. 60oz pitchers too, for that matter.

People keep saying that - but it just isn't true.

Metric is only better at what it is designed to be better at... multiples of ten (not surprising, in base ten calculations...)

Imperial measurements are more organic (the real reason they have survived so well), and they are easy enough to handle when you are doing the right calculations.
So, just in the same way that metric is usually easy with base 10, imperial is easy when you use the right numbers? Like feet and inches, nice and easy using 12s and 6s. Or yards and feet with 3s. Or with pounds and ounces with 16s. Or pounds and stone with 14s.

Hmmm, seems with imperial there's a whole lot of numbers that it's helpful to know multiples of.

So you agree that having one system would save countless billions of pounds? And the more countries that are metric the more money will be saved?

Whether they can learn two systems or not isn't my point at all and you know it.


Heh in all honesty, I really don't care one way or the other. People dislike change, that is true, change occours, that much is also true.

The young are often more equiped to deal with change than the old are, well that is mostly true.

The cost you talk about is a red herring really, because as I say, we have been living under both systems for as long as I can remember, and as I say even if we Britian were to go for just one or the other, unless the rest of the world follows suit then we are always going to need to be able to convert.

So there really is no cost implication, and children will still need to learn both in order to convert, in short this whole topic is much ado about nowt.

Hmmm, seems with imperial there's a whole lot of numbers that it's helpful to know multiples of.

:eek: It's a conspiracy to make children learn how to multiply

:eek: It's a conspiracy to make children learn how to multiply

And thus bankrupt the calculator industry.

Oddly enough, the metric system is a conspiracy to make day to day math easier, and bankrupt the calculator industry.


Everyone hates the damned calculator industry.

And thus bankrupt the calculator industry.

Oddly enough, the metric system is a conspiracy to make day to day math easier, and bankrupt the calculator industry.


Everyone hates the damned calculator industry.
I do. I lost mine.

So, just in the same way that metric is usually easy with base 10, imperial is easy when you use the right numbers? Like feet and inches, nice and easy using 12s and 6s. Or yards and feet with 3s. Or with pounds and ounces with 16s. Or pounds and stone with 14s.

Hmmm, seems with imperial there's a whole lot of numbers that it's helpful to know multiples of.

While this is true, as I said - at least in the Imperial system, the measurments are organic to start with. Indeed, one could argue that the rule of thumb (oops, a whole other can of worms, there) is just as easy for Imperial, because we tend to carry the measurements with us.

Example - you don't need to remember how many inches are in a foot, or feet in a yard as multiples... you just look at the approximate values they are based on. So - the inch is historically supposed to be the distance across an average man's thumb at the nail base. The foot should be about twelve of these, or about the length of a 'foot'. The yard should be about a stride.

Also - it is worth bearing in mind that we are never going to metricise the day, the week, the month, the year - or any of those systems derived from circular measurment. Our hours, minutes and seconds are all linked directly to these circular measures... so - why is it any more complex to talk about pounds and ounces... than it is to talk about 'kilometers per hour' or 'meters per second'?

While this is true, as I said - at least in the Imperial system, the measurments are organic to start with. Indeed, one could argue that the rule of thumb (oops, a whole other can of worms, there) is just as easy for Imperial, because we tend to carry the measurements with us.

Example - you don't need to remember how many inches are in a foot, or feet in a yard as multiples... you just look at the approximate values they are based on. So - the inch is historically supposed to be the distance across an average man's thumb at the nail base. The foot should be about twelve of these, or about the length of a 'foot'. The yard should be about a stride.

Also - it is worth bearing in mind that we are never going to metricise the day, the week, the month, the year - or any of those systems derived from circular measurment. Our hours, minutes and seconds are all linked directly to these circular measures... so - why is it any more complex to talk about pounds and ounces... than it is to talk about 'kilometers per hour' or 'meters per second'?

When we start measuring time in centons, I'll kill myself.

I say yes. Dump this iperialist rubbish and lets all talk the same language in terms of weights and measures. Does this country have to dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century??? We are the third world country of Europe

So, just in the same way that metric is usually easy with base 10, imperial is easy when you use the right numbers? Like feet and inches, nice and easy using 12s and 6s. Or yards and feet with 3s. Or with pounds and ounces with 16s. Or pounds and stone with 14s.

Hmmm, seems with imperial there's a whole lot of numbers that it's helpful to know multiples of.

Heheh and lets not talk about binary or hexadecimal number systems huh! And don't mention converting between them.

While this is true, as I said - at least in the Imperial system, the measurments are organic to start with. Indeed, one could argue that the rule of thumb (oops, a whole other can of worms, there) is just as easy for Imperial, because we tend to carry the measurements with us.

Example - you don't need to remember how many inches are in a foot, or feet in a yard as multiples... you just look at the approximate values they are based on. So - the inch is historically supposed to be the distance across an average man's thumb at the nail base. The foot should be about twelve of these, or about the length of a 'foot'. The yard should be about a stride.

Also - it is worth bearing in mind that we are never going to metricise the day, the week, the month, the year - or any of those systems derived from circular measurment. Our hours, minutes and seconds are all linked directly to these circular measures... so - why is it any more complex to talk about pounds and ounces... than it is to talk about 'kilometers per hour' or 'meters per second'?

Rather lucid and powerful post, excellent work.

Rather lucid and powerful post, excellent work.

It was an accident. Sorry. Normal service shall be resumed shortly. :)

I say yes. Dump this iperialist rubbish and lets all talk the same language in terms of weights and measures. Does this country have to dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century??? We are the third world country of Europe

??

What behind places like Spain, Bulgaria, Moldovia, Ukraine etc. We used to rule the world. There is a certain sofistication in using multiple forms of measurement in order to keep johnny foreigner guessing.

Because I, and a vast majority of Britons being crapped out the education system are taught, and think, in metres. Honestly, though, I'm not fussed about road signs. A yard is nearly a metre and a mile a kilometre and a half. I can get used to that. It's things like volumes, shops and the like where you have to do complex calculations in strange arbitrary units that need to change.

I thought a yard was about 1/3 of a metre.

Follow the E.U and Australia's side: Join the metric side!

I thought a yard was about 1/3 of a metre.

Follow the E.U and Australia's side: Join the metric side!


Just shows how ignorant those without knowledge of the imperial system can be. A yard is 3 feet = 90cm = 0.9m

Britain still aren't metric? Typical. Like not switching to the Euro. Okay so changing currency would be tough, but going metric is really not that difficult - Ireland switched to km/h instead of miles (exactly how many metres are in a mile?! - 1609? - hard figure work with, no?) about a year ago with few difficulties. The only problem was for people who didn't have km on their speedometer gauges (and that was a relatively small percentage).

Just shows how ignorant those without knowledge of the imperial system can be. A yard is 3 feet = 90cm = 0.9m

Thats what I got it mixed up with: feet. I can't believe I forgot that (shows how tired I am).

Well I don't use stones in measuring mass so I am ignorant of the approx. equivalent in kilograms.

There is no real point to imperial measurements in the present.

Just shows how ignorant those without knowledge of the imperial system can be. A yard is 3 feet = 90cm = 0.9m

I thought a yard was about 1/3 of a metre.

Follow the E.U and Australia's side: Join the metric side!

The international yard is defined (by agreement) as 0.9144m. So, actually, those who like their imperial system are actually using an arbitrary metric unit. Doesn't say much for the imperial system when it has to be defined in metric...

Britain still aren't metric? Typical. Like not switching to the Euro. Okay so changing currency would be tough, but going metric is really not that difficult - Ireland switched to km/h instead of miles (exactly how many metres are in a mile?! - 1609? - hard figure work with, no?) about a year ago with few difficulties. The only problem was for people who didn't have km on their speedometer gauges (and that was a relatively small percentage).
I doubt there's many people without km on their speedometers these days, considering all our cars are made in Europe by mainly European manufacturers. I'm less fussed about road distances, though, and more about weights and measures in shops and the like. It's dual pricing, conversion between units and different units for different products that irritates me and costs business.

Thats what I got it mixed up with: feet. I can't believe I forgot that (shows how tired I am).

Well I don't use stones in measuring mass so I am ignorant of the approx. equivalent in kilograms.

There is no real point to imperial measurements in the present.

It's easy if you know anything about maths. 1 stone = 14 pounds. 1 kilo = 2.2 pounds.

So if you wheigh 10stone you are 63.6kilos.

Irrelevant really as the U.K does not need to convert legally as was to be imposed by the facist EU government. And we thought we won WWII.

The international yard is defined (by agreement) as 0.9144m. So, actually, those who like their imperial system are actually using an arbitrary metric unit. Doesn't say much for the imperial system when it has to be defined in metric...

I doubt there's many people without km on their speedometers these days, considering all our cars are made in Europe by mainly European manufacturers. I'm less fussed about road distances, though, and more about weights and measures in shops and the like. It's dual pricing, conversion between units and different units for different products that irritates me and costs business.

Does't say much for the metric system when a relative integer of the imperial system has to be rounded to a 1,000th of a unit in the metric scale. Try multiplying by that in your head.

It's easy if you know anything about maths. 1 stone = 14 pounds. 1 kilo = 2.2 pounds.

So if you wheigh 10stone you are 63.6kilos.

Irrelevant really as the U.K does not need to convert legally as was to be imposed by the facist EU government. And we thought we won WWII.
Okay. Let's go along with your delusion that the EU is 'facist', shall we?

From wikipedia, and with a DTI source:

"In 1862, the Select Committee on Weights and Measures favoured the introduction of decimalisation to accompany the introduction of metric weights and measures."

That's what, 110 years before we joined the EU?

And some more info from UKMA:

1897 British Parliament legalised metric system for use in UK
1950 Hodgson Committee concluded 'that a change from imperial to metric for all trade purposes is sooner or later inevitable'
1965 Federation of British Industry concluded metric system was vital to our national interest
1965 President of the Board of Trade announced target of 10 years for British industry to convert
1968 Standing Joint Committee on Metrication recommended full metrication by the end of 1975 with necessary statutory instruments in place by 1971
1969 HM Government agreed and created Metrication Board to complete the transformation by 1975
1973 UK formally joined the EEC along with Ireland and Denmark

You were saying?

Does't say much for the metric system when a relative integer of the imperial system has to be rounded to a 1,000th of a unit in the metric scale. Try multiplying by that in your head.
Which you can do for any unit in any system. 1m = 1.0936 international yards, and that's rounded to a 1000th of a unit.

That's a bogus argument and you know it.

Okay. Let's go along with your delusion that the EU is 'facist', shall we?

From wikipedia, and with a DTI source:

"In 1862, the Select Committee on Weights and Measures favoured the introduction of decimalisation to accompany the introduction of metric weights and measures."

That's what, 110 years before we joined the EU?

And some more info from UKMA:

1897 British Parliament legalised metric system for use in UK
1950 Hodgson Committee concluded 'that a change from imperial to metric for all trade purposes is sooner or later inevitable'
1965 Federation of British Industry concluded metric system was vital to our national interest
1965 President of the Board of Trade announced target of 10 years for British industry to convert
1968 Standing Joint Committee on Metrication recommended full metrication by the end of 1975 with necessary statutory instruments in place by 1971
1969 HM Government agreed and created Metrication Board to complete the transformation by 1975
1973 UK formally joined the EEC along with Ireland and Denmark

You were saying?


110 years and we still don't want it. How many generations is that?

The Gregorian callender is very old. The year used to be split up into 10 months (DECember being the clue) - why not get rid of the outdated months of July and August (named after Roman Empororers) and decimalise the callender, and while your at it how about a 20 hour day.

Which you can do for any unit in any system. 1m = 1.0936 international yards, and that's rounded to a 1000th of a unit.

That's a bogus argument and you know it.

This thread is moot anyway. I can still buy my veg by the lb no matter what arguments take place.

Tradition wins.

It's easy if you know anything about maths. 1 stone = 14 pounds. 1 kilo = 2.2 pounds.

So if you wheigh 10stone you are 63.6kilos.

There wasn't a need to know every imperial measurement so my school did not teach it.

Irrelevant really as the U.K does not need to convert legally as was to be imposed by the facist EU government. And we thought we won WWII.

Fascist? How is it fascist?

110 years and we still don't want it. How many generations is that?
If we still don't want it, why is my bottle of coke two litres? Why do I have 500g of pasta? Why do I get petrol in litres?

Or is it a fascist EU conspiracy to you?

It's not a question of wanting the metric system. For the most part, it's a case of needing it. It's the language of commerce, science and trade across the globe. That's why the metric system - and not the imperial system - is taught today in our schools. This and the next generation of Britons simply won't need the imperial system, and so we won't need to burden business and importers with two systems of weights and measures.

The Gregorian callender is very old. The year used to be split up into 10 months (DECember being the clue) - why not get rid of the outdated months of July and August (named after Roman Empororers) and decimalise the callender, and while your at it how about a 20 hour day.
That's irrelevant. We aren't talking about time here, and time is unchanged in the metric/imperial system anyway.

This thread is moot anyway. I can still buy my veg by the lb no matter what arguments take place.
No it's not. This general discussion is on whether the UK should convert to a metric system or not.

Tradition wins.
I can honestly say I don't care two shits about 'tradition' - especially when in 20 years the only people that use it will be a few 'metric martyrs' who are past their sell-by date.

I can honestly say I don't care two shits about 'tradition' - especially when in 20 years the only people that use it will be a few 'metric martyrs' who are past their sell-by date. That’s what they said in the 80's. Now I’m 15 and I use both systems, Metric in school because it’s what’s used. But I tend to use imperial at home because there more practical. The gap between centimetres and meters is too large, whereas with imperial you get a nice medium with feet in-between inches and yards. And kilometres are too short, miles are just right. As far as weight is concerned I use stone and ponds, no particular reason but it’s probably because that’s what we weigh our selves in.

P.S By far the strangest imperial measurement is Bore for shotguns. For example a 12 bore shotgun would have the barrel diameter equal to the diameter of a lead ball that weighs a 12th of a pound. And while were on the subject all ranges in the UK are going to be converted back to yards and civilian bullets still use the old .303,.22 etc system.

That’s what they said in the 80's. Now I’m 15 and I use both systems, Metric in school because it’s what’s used. But I tend to use imperial at home because there more practical. The gap between centimetres and meters is too large, whereas with imperial you get a nice medium with feet in-between inches and yards. And kilometres are too short, miles are just right. As far as weight is concerned I use stone and ponds, no particular reason but it’s probably because that’s what we weigh our selves in.
If you're 15, how do you know that's what they said in the 80s?;) I have to say, though, being not much older, that I, and most people I know, don't use imperial over metric.

I use metric at home purely because I don't need to use imperial. I've learned to use metric, almost everything I use is supplied in metric, so why bother in imperial? I don't have a problem using using centimetres as opposed to feet, because that's what I'm used to. If someone said 'that's a foot long' I immediately think 30cm. I can't really be convinced by the argument that miles are 'just right'. The only reason for that is that it is, in the imperial system, a relative integer.

I must admit that I weigh myself in stones, insofar that I usually weigh exactly 10 stone and can easily check whether the needle is just to the left or right of the thick line. I've never, ever used a pound in my life, and don't intend or need to.

P.S By far the strangest imperial measurement is Bore for shotguns. For example a 12 bore shotgun would have the barrel diameter equal to the diameter of a lead ball that weighs a 12th of a pound. And while were on the subject all ranges in the UK are going to be converted back to yards and civilian bullets still use the old .303,.22 etc system.
But army equipment is all metricated, of course.;)

Now, I'm not from Britain, but the U.S. does use the old system too, so I feel I have an opinion on the matter. =P The way I see it, Imperial measures are dying a slow death in the U.S. (probably a quicker on in the U.K.). All the science classes use metrics and a lot of commercial goods are switching over too. I've seen a lot of 500ml drinks around lately that previously were nowhere to be found.

Slowly, but surely, the metric system is creeping in and eventually it will take down the big hold-outs: roads and weight. It's just a matter of time, but believe it or not, people get attached to units. You spend your whole life weighting so many pounds or being so many feet tall and being told by the rest of the world that this makes you stupid and you need to change is highly offensive.

My point is: the United States and the United Kingdom would probably switch faster if there weren't people breathing down our necks saying "OMFG YOU GUYS! STOP USING YOUR STUPID ASS ANCIENT SYSTEM AND GET WITH THE PROGRAM! LIKE FOR REALS! DO YOU THINK THE WORLD IS FLAT TOO????"

*cough* So anyway, leave us alone and we'll make the jump to full-metric when we're damned well ready to make that final leap.

We prefer good old British Beef.

Mmmmmm, prions.

The international yard is defined (by agreement) as 0.9144m. So, actually, those who like their imperial system are actually using an arbitrary metric unit. Doesn't say much for the imperial system when it has to be defined in metric...


You realise that the Imperial system predates the attempt to metricise, yes?

While in some ways we have been 'metrified' already, for example cooking weights and measurements
I find it odd that when I cook I measure things in ounces yet I was taught metric at school....when my mum cooks she does the reverse.

Originally Posted by Amoebathegrate
It'll make you look less like America's bitch..............

and more like Europe's bitch.


If the UK is so displeased of BEING PART of the EU, they can stop sending representatives to the european parliament - who are handsomely paid for by the british taxpayers, I get

oh yeah, we can just stop it all just like that can we? nobody ever asked me if i wanted the EU but I got the blasted thing all the same.

You realise that the Imperial system predates the attempt to metricise, yes?
Yes - and because of all the different variations of the yard it was standardised in 1959 and defined in metric units. Whether it predates it or not is irrelevant.

http://www.sizes.com/units/yard_international.htm

A U.S. pint is 16 fluid oz. Two pints to the quart, four quarts to the gallon. After that we get into hogsheads and such. That's about two pints to the liter, but I kind of like the idea of a British pint, when it comes to beer. Twenty-two ounces is a lot more fun than 16.

It's actually twenty ounces to an imperial pint.

But the principle holds.

Also, the whole world should adopt the metric system to facilitate ease of communication.

Likewise, everyone should learn to speak english. (And english should be made the official language everywhere).

English is only good for international trade and banking. If yoiu wanted to use a pre-existing language as a universal language you would have to use Chinese (mandarin I think) or Indian.

That or you make a new language that has clear set rules and an easy to learn structure (and a capable sign language one).

That or you make a new language that has clear set rules and an easy to learn structure (and a capable sign language one).

Esperanto?

Esperanto would work very well. Now to see if sign languages can be made easier to learn...