NationStates Jolt Archive

So, what are your thoughts on the metric system? Love it? Hate it? Why?

Don't love it. Don't hate it. Don't use it. Don't care. :p

Personally, I hate the metric system. I was raised with the Imperial/English system, and will always think in those terms. I'll never use metric!

Resist metrication! Resist!

I'm used to it, and therefore consider it superior to all other systems. It's also superior to all other systems :p

Some good websites:
http://www.metricsucks.org/index.shtml

http://www.metricmartyrs.co.uk/

I was raised with the Imperial/English system, and will always think in those terms. I'll never use metric!

Likewise, but I don't hate it.

i prefer making sense to total arbitraryness. i thus favor generally the metric approach. except i do sometimes find it too easy to loose track of which peramiters i'm refering to with all the units being uniform like that. still it feels more logical to me for them to be. certainly simplifies scaling things up and down.

it's a pity humans were born with five fingers on each hand, ten total, rather then eight, for a total of 16, so we could naturally have a hexidecimal numbering system instead of base ten.

i love powers of two too!

=^^=
.../\...

Some good websites:
http://www.metricsucks.org/index.shtml
That's a serious site? Surely not.....
We are of the firm belief that the metric system sucks. It is a global conspiracy created to cause the downfall of all things that we know and love. Upon careful examination it is clear that the metric system is at least indirectly responsible for most of the world's problems, including but not limited to:

* Government conspiracy
* Microsoft Windows
* Rap Music
* Hondas and their drivers
* Transistors
* Pokemon
* Jerry Springer
* Televangelism
* Toxic waste
* The Republicans
* The Democrats
* Defective and bogus hardware
* Wrenches that dont fit
* Starbucks coffee
* Communism
* Soccer
* The Euro

http://www.metricmartyrs.co.uk/

Do they actually defend the metric system, or the just tradition of using it?

Love it. Although that wasn't until recently that I came to that acknowledgement. All through school, I did math and physics in metric, but I never really knew what a meter/liter/kilogram/etc was. My parents used the imperial system, and the school system never explicitly taught how much estimate quantities in meters. I could only do math in them. Then, last year in an engineering class, we learned how to do modern mechanics in the imperial system. It was nasty. They system came across as very ad hoc and had a general nasty feeling to it. Then, I when to Fort McMurray and there they forced you to use the metric system. They had learned from NASA when they crashed a billion dollar lander into the side of Mars because the Engineers did their work in Metric, but the programmers programmed the lander using the Imperial System. On the site I worked on, Imperial was not allowed on any documentation, which really forced you to learn metric.

After using both systems in day to day life, and in the sciences, I have come to the conclusion that the metric system is superior.

That's a serious site? Surely not.....




Do they actually defend the metric system, or the just tradition of using it?

No its people who were martyrs because of the metric system being imposed in Britain.

The first site is humorous, but is still a good anti-metric site.


I am extremely proud the US is one of the only nonmetric nations in the world.
Love live the Imperial system!

Love it. Although that wasn't until recently that I came to that acknowledgement. All through school, I did math and physics in metric, but I never really knew what a meter/liter/kilogram/etc was. My parents used the imperial system, and the school system never explicitly taught how much estimate quantities in meters. I could only do math in them. Then, last year in an engineering class, we learned how to do modern mechanics in the imperial system. It was nasty. They system came across as very ad hoc and had a general nasty feeling to it. Then, I when to Fort McMurray and there they forced you to use the metric system. They had learned from NASA when they crashed a billion dollar lander into the side of Mars because the Engineers did their work in Metric, but the programmers programmed the lander using the Imperial System. On the site I worked on, Imperial was not allowed on any documentation, which really forced you to learn metric.

After using both systems in day to day life, and in the sciences, I have come to the conclusion that the metric system is superior.

The problem with the imperial system is that the units are all founded on real life things, but totally arbitrary in how they relate to each other. Why are there 12 inches in a foot? Why 3 feet in a yard? Why 14 pounds in a stone? Where as the metric system is arbitrary in it's founding(The metre is defined as being a certain fraction of the distance between the equator and the North Pole. Incidentally, it the distance was measured incorrectly.), is perfectly sensible in how the units relate to each other. There are 100 centimetres in a metre, because that's what the centi- prefix means. There are 1000 metres in a kilometre, because that's what the kilo- prefix means.

No its people who were martyrs because of the metric system being imposed in Britain.
Unless they've actually been killed for refusing to use the metric system then they are devaluing the word.

The first site is humorous, but is still a good anti-metric site.
No, not really. It seems to be nothing more than 'Hurrrr, the metric system is different and we don't like things to be different'.


I am extremely proud the US is one of the only nonmetric nations in the world.
Love live the Imperial system!

But why? Can you make an arguement for the imperial system that doesn't rely on appeal to tradition?

The problem with the imperial system is that the units are all founded on real life things, but totally arbitrary in how they relate to each other. Why are there 12 inches in a foot? Why 3 feet in a yard? Why 14 pounds in a stone? Where as the metric system is arbitrary in it's founding(The metre is defined as being a certain fraction of the distance between the equator and the North Pole. Incidentally, it the distance was measured incorrectly.), is perfectly sensible in how the units relate to each other. There are 100 centimetres in a metre, because that's what the centi- prefix means. There are 1000 metres in a kilometre, because that's what the kilo- prefix means.
The meter is now such that the speed of light is an exact number. It is 1⁄299792458 the speed of light.

The meter is now such that the speed of light is an exact number. It is 1⁄299 792 458 the speed of light.

Indeed. They're real, unchangeable things, but things that aren't really tangible to most people. Not that they need to be.

But why? Can you make an arguement for the imperial system that doesn't rely on appeal to tradition?

Not likely. I was caught in the changeover, so use metric for a few things and mainly imperial for others. Pain in the arse really. Imperial is a load of wank, and another reason we would have been better off invaded by a cultured bunch like the French.

Unless they've actually been killed for refusing to use the metric system then they are devaluing the word.


No, not really. It seems to be nothing more than 'Hurrrr, the metric system is different and we don't like things to be different'.




But why? Can you make an arguement for the imperial system that doesn't rely on appeal to tradition?

Do I need to? Tradition is enough.

But let's see. Money to replace all the roadsigns in the US. Change all the packages, the gas pumps, etc.

It also create innumerable hassles for every American over the age of 10 (guess on the age).

We will be travelling with metric speedometers. No imperial entanglements.

I was brought up with the metric system. It's clear, simple, straightforward and easy.
Then I came to Ireland, which officially uses metric as well, but where many people still use the imperial system in day-to-day life. It does my head in. An example :

We recently moved into a new house and needed curtains for the windows. So we measured the windows (knowing this country, I took the measurements down in cm and ft/inches, to be on the safe side). We went to the shop, picked the curtains we liked and asked the lady there if we could have them fitted. She took the measurements and spent 30 mins (!!!) converting the ft/inches measurements into just inches, because that's how she had to order the fabric from the UK. Converting centimeters into meters is simply a matter of moving a decimal, converting ft/inches into inches takes a calculator and an enormous amount of patience. Why on earth would people want to put up with something as awkward and outdated as that??? :confused:

And I'm just talking curtains here! For a more drastic example, just contact NASA, they can tell you interesting stories about the imperial system as well...

Do I need to? Tradition is enough.

But let's see. Money to replace all the roadsigns in the US. Change all the packages, the gas pumps, etc.

It also create innumerable hassles for every American over the age of 10 (guess on the age).

Don't get me wrong there, but the US government seem to have enough cash to burn at the moment. Why not suggest that instead of blowing it up in Iraq, they use it for something useful at home?

As for the value of tradition... well, just see my sig, will you? :D

Don't really hate it, but then again I sure as hell don't love it.

I was brought up with the metric system. It's clear, simple, straightforward and easy.
Then I came to Ireland, which officially uses metric as well, but where many people still use the imperial system in day-to-day life. It does my head in. An example :

We recently moved into a new house and needed curtains for the windows. So we measured the windows (knowing this country, I took the measurements down in cm and ft/inches, to be on the safe side). We went to the shop, picked the curtains we liked and asked the lady there if we could have them fitted. She took the measurements and spent 30 mins (!!!) converting the ft/inches measurements into just inches, because that's how she had to order the fabric from the UK. Converting centimeters into meters is simply a matter of moving a decimal, converting ft/inches into inches takes a calculator and an enormous amount of patience. Why on earth would people want to put up with something as awkward and outdated as that??? :confused:

And I'm just talking curtains here! For a more drastic example, just contact NASA, they can tell you interesting stories about the imperial system as well...

Bah! The NASA problems are because of the damn metric system! If they all used the Imperial system, there would be no problem!

Down with metric! Up the Imperial system!

Personally, I hate the metric system. I was raised with the Imperial/English system, and will always think in those terms. I'll never use metric!

Resist metrication! Resist!

The only countries that have not officially adopted the International System of Units as their primary system of units are

United States of America
Liberia
Myanmar

I have those memorised now, because of how amusing it is. Also inches and feet are good every now and then to talk about things that are about that size, and miles are good for figures of speech, that's about it though.

Bah! The NASA problems are because of the damn metric system! If they all used the Imperial system, there would be no problem!

Down with metric! Up the Imperial system!

Way to go for ignoring the real issue... why do you think NASA switched to metric after the incident rather than inperial? Hm?

Cause it's EASIER!!!

Way to go for ignoring the real issue... why do you think NASA switched to metric after the incident rather than inperial? Hm?

Cause it's EASIER!!!

BS!

I've been taught metric in school, along with all my classmates, and guess what?

Everyone hates it. It doesn't stick.

It makes no differance to me. I was taught Imperial, and then taught how to convert to metric. After all it's only a measurement, why get so upset about it. I couldn't give a fig wether I drink a pint of beer or a little under a litre of beer. Honestly aren't there more important things to be angry about?

I use the metric system. Not because I have a s pecial like for it, but simply because the imperial system is made of epic fail. Seriously, I cannot fall in love with a system that seems to pull it's conversion numbers out of thin air.

BS!

I've been taught metric in school, along with all my classmates, and guess what?

Everyone hates it. It doesn't stick.

What, x100 and /100 is too complicated for you?
You can hate it all you like, the simple fact is that when doing any form of calculation, it saves enormous amounts of time. And effort.

It makes no differance to me. I was taught Imperial, and then taught how to convert to metric. After all it's only a measurement, why get so upset about it. I couldn't give a fig wether I drink a pint of beer or a little under a litre of beer. Honestly aren't there more important things to be angry about?

British pints are a little over half a litre ;)

So, what are your thoughts on the metric system? Love it? Hate it? Why?
It's a bit weird for me, being an American, because I'm also a scientist and so I use the metric system at work. All our equipment is in liters and meters. I'm probably better at judging volumes and distances in metric, though for some reason I tend to be better with non-metric weight estimates.

Not likely. I was caught in the changeover, so use metric for a few things and mainly imperial for others. Pain in the arse really. Imperial is a load of wank, and another reason we would have been better off invaded by a cultured bunch like the French.
Indeed. Ireland never really changed over, so we're in some kind of strange limbo between imperial and metric. It's ridiculous.
Do I need to? Tradition is enough.
Droit de seigneur (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Droit_de_seigneur) is tradition too. Will you be making sure that your local equivilant of a lord deflowers any daughters you might have?

But let's see. Money to replace all the roadsigns in the US. Change all the packages, the gas pumps, etc.
A once off price that will eliminate all future costs of conversion.

It also create innumerable hassles for every American over the age of 10 (guess on the age).
But create a huge business opportunity for people to cash in on. Metric education classes, metric/US imperial claculators.

Oh, and these are problems associated with conversion. You've still provided no defence for the US Imperial system other than it being used in the US.
Bah! The NASA problems are because of the damn metric system! If they all used the Imperial system, there would be no problem!
No, they're because of different people in different areas using different systems. If they all used one system all those problems would go away, regardless of which system it was.

Down with metric! Up the Imperial system!
But why?

It makes no differance to me. I was taught Imperial, and then taught how to convert to metric. After all it's only a measurement, why get so upset about it. I couldn't give a fig wether I drink a pint of beer or a little under a litre of beer. Honestly aren't there more important things to be angry about?

NONSENSE. This is a matter of principle, tradition, and saying fuck you to the world. The rest of the world can take their damn measurements and shove 'em where the sun don't shine!

I drink in pints (well, usually ounces).

Metric system be damned.

Way to go for ignoring the real issue... why do you think NASA switched to metric after the incident rather than inperial? Hm?

Cause it's EASIER!!!

That and metric is the system of science. And if anyone needs to get their science right, it's NASA.
British pints are a little over half a litre ;)

I know this because a 500ml can of beer will almost fill a pint glass, with just enough room for a decent head.

What, x100 and /100 is too complicated for you?
You can hate it all you like, the simple fact is that when doing any form of calculation, it saves enormous amounts of time. And effort.

seconded.

Bah! The NASA problems are because of the damn metric system! If they all used the Imperial system, there would be no problem!

Down with metric! Up the Imperial system!

Presumably the same explains the performance of the US military, seeing as they have been using the metric system for a long time.

As for the value of tradition... well, just see my sig, will you? :D

Tradition can be a good thing or a bad thing. Obviously, bad traditions should go, but good ones should stay. Note that I'm not saying the imperial system is a "good" or "bad" tradition.

What, x100 and /100 is too complicated for you?
You can hate it all you like, the simple fact is that when doing any form of calculation, it saves enormous amounts of time. And effort.

No its not. It just all seemed like fantasy and make believe to us. We never use metric in real life, so nothing stuck. How far is kilometer? Fuck if I know. I KNOW how long a mile is. I can guess weights in pounds, but in...fuck...kilograms? I have no idea.

The metric system is easier to use, as it involves less arbituary measurements, like eights and sixteenths of an inch. Which is just mental. But, saying that, I work in metric and Imperial for a lot of things.

For example, if I'm being told distances between towns or the like, I'd use miles, as kilometres would confuse me.

If I'm doing weights of people, then its pounds and stones.

However, if its weights of ingredients or things like that, it's kilograms et al.

Measurements of wood and that sort of thing, it's metres and centimetres.

Tradition can be a good thing or a bad thing. Obviously, bad traditions should go, but good ones should stay. Note that I'm not saying the imperial system is a "good" or "bad" tradition.

Yes. Traditions should be judged on their merits, just like everything else. The fact that they're traditions doesn't really matter.

[QUOTE=Trollgaard;13259606]No its people who were martyrs because of the metric system being imposed in Britain.

As a matter of information, the 'Metric Martyrs' have links with the British National Party. This is a racist, xenophobic extreme right wing group, who seize on issues like this to try to suck people in.

Presumably the same explains the performance of the US military, seeing as they have been using the metric system for a long time.

Not listening. Not listening.

30 ought 6. 30 ought 6.

.22.

.223?

Not listening.

..........................................

They only use it because the rest of the world is wrong, and work with allies. And, the military is actually needed, unlike NASA.

Metric is simply superior to all other systems so far considered. It's easier to learn, easier to use, internally consistant and self referential. I only hope my homeland pulls it's head out of it's ass and stops being the world's laughingstock by switching to it.

NONSENSE. This is a matter of principle, tradition, and saying fuck you to the world. The rest of the world can take their damn measurements and shove 'em where the sun don't shine!

I drink in pints (well, usually ounces).

Metric system be damned.

Bwahah you're so funny. I mean really, a measurement? The metric system is far easer to understand than the imperial, but i's just as easy to convert damn it you can even do that in your head.

1 kilo of mince or 2.2lbs, whats the difference? Ohh yeah the words we use to order them are different, but the actual amount stays the same huh!

No its not. It just all seemed like fantasy and make believe to us. We never use metric in real life, so nothing stuck. How far is kilometer? Fuck if I know. I KNOW how long a mile is. I can guess weights in pounds, but in...fuck...kilograms? I have no idea.

This is your problem, not a problem with the metric system. If you had been raised with the metric system rather than taught it after being raised on the imperial system then you wouldn't have this problem.

Yes. Traditions should be judged on their merits, just like everything else. The fact that they're traditions doesn't really matter.

Exactly.

They only use it because the rest of the world is wrong, and work with allies. And, the military is actually needed, unlike NASA.

If metric is the inferior system then why is it so common? I mean, if imperial is so much better then sureley you'll be able to present it's merits to us and demonstrate how much better it is.

This is your problem, not a problem with the metric system. If you had been raised with the metric system rather than taught it after being raised on the imperial system then you wouldn't have this problem.
Probably true, but let's remember that the intuitive grasp of the imperial system is pretty key in some situations. For instance, imagine what will happen to driving if suddenly Americans are supposed to convert from MPH to KPH. We'd all be driving like my grandfather.

Bah! The NASA problems are because of the damn metric system! If they all used the Imperial system, there would be no problem!

Down with metric! Up the Imperial system!
If the engineers used the Imperial System, they would have screwed up anyways. It is an awful system to do physics with and is flawed from its core.

Yes. Traditions should be judged on their merits, just like everything else. The fact that they're traditions doesn't really matter.
Lies. Tradition is there for a reason. Changing or getting rid of a tradition should be no easy matter.

NONSENSE. This is a matter of principle, tradition, and saying fuck you to the world. The rest of the world can take their damn measurements and shove 'em where the sun don't shine!

I drink in pints (well, usually ounces).

Metric system be damned.

OK, some questions for you. How long is a Furlong? A Chain? A Perch?

What is the difference between an ounce troy, an ounce avoirdupois and a fluid ounce? They're all imperial measures.

Probably true, but let's remember that the intuitive grasp of the imperial system is pretty key in some situations. For instance, imagine what will happen to driving if suddenly Americans are supposed to convert from MPH to KPH. We'd all be driving like my grandfather.

Actually, Ireland switched from MPH speed limits to KPH speed limits overnight with no hassle at all. About time really, since we had every other type of signage in kilometres.

What, x100 and /100 is too complicated for you?
You can hate it all you like, the simple fact is that when doing any form of calculation, it saves enormous amounts of time. And effort.

Not to mention memory space.

NONSENSE. This is a matter of principle, tradition, and saying fuck you to the world. The rest of the world can take their damn measurements and shove 'em where the sun don't shine!

They only use it because the rest of the world is wrong, and work with allies. And, the military is actually needed, unlike NASA.

I laughed at this, then I realised that this line of thinking is why America is on a bunch of lists with small Asian/African countries (unit system, using mm/dd/yyyy), and that only makes me sad.

No its not. It just all seemed like fantasy and make believe to us. We never use metric in real life, so nothing stuck. How far is kilometer? Fuck if I know. I KNOW how long a mile is. I can guess weights in pounds, but in...fuck...kilograms? I have no idea.

Guess what? It's a system to measure things, not guess them. I thought that was something it had in common with the imperial system.

This is your problem, not a problem with the metric system. If you had been raised with the metric system rather than taught it after being raised on the imperial system then you wouldn't have this problem.

Yeah coz it's really hard to work out, based on ten and multiplies of ten like it is. Say just like our number system. Man what rotten idea, to have a system of measurements that works the same as our system of maths!

Bwhahhahahah:D

BS!

I've been taught metric in school, along with all my classmates, and guess what?

Everyone hates it. It doesn't stick.

Nonsense. You just weren't beaten hard enough.

Actually, Ireland switched from MPH speed limits to KPH speed limits overnight with no hassle at all. About time really, since we had every other type of signage in kilometres.
Well, see, you already had the signs in the other measure. I can't speak for other Americans, but I have an intuitive grasp of MPH that I would find hard to shake. Driving 70 on the highway seems like the "right" speed (the one I'm supposed to hit, at least); I don't really think in terms of the units attached to 70. If the units were changed on me, I'd probably continue to drive 70 of whatever the new units were.

Lies.
I made no statement of fact, how could I possibly be lying?
Tradition is there for a reason. Changing or getting rid of a tradition should be no easy matter.

If traditions are there for a reason then let that reason be known. Let everyone see the reasoning behind it. For example, I mentioned droit de signeur already. Why should that tradition be maintained? Or the tradition of covering mirrors when someone dies? Or the tradition of leaving milk out for the fairies?

Lies. Tradition is there for a reason. Changing or getting rid of a tradition should be no easy matter.

Ohh really, and what reason could that be?

Probably true, but let's remember that the intuitive grasp of the imperial system is pretty key in some situations. For instance, imagine what will happen to driving if suddenly Americans are supposed to convert from MPH to KPH. We'd all be driving like my grandfather.

Then phase it in slowly, switch teaching from Metric to Imperial at the bottom and have it go up with those children, tack the other measurements onto signs, then remove the old ones a while later.

No its not. It just all seemed like fantasy and make believe to us. We never use metric in real life, so nothing stuck. How far is kilometer? Fuck if I know. I KNOW how long a mile is. I can guess weights in pounds, but in...fuck...kilograms? I have no idea.
The kilogram is not a measure of weight. Besides, if you actually used it day to day, you would pick it up pretty quickly. The barely literate hicks of Fort McMurray, can figure it out in a week or two. Are you saying that you are dumber than all the idiots in Fort McMurray?

Besides, the metric system is so good that many US business already use it. Can you name a single place on Earth that when back to Imperial?

Guess what? It's a system to measure things, not guess them. I thought that was something it had in common with the imperial system.

Guess from the feel of things (picking them up and seeing how heavy without a scale); from seeing a large object, like a fat dude at the mall, etc.

Well, see, you already had the signs in the other measure. I can't speak for other Americans, but I have an intuitive grasp of MPH that I would find hard to shake. Driving 70 on the highway seems like the "right" speed (the one I'm supposed to hit, at least); I don't really think in terms of the units attached to 70. If the units were changed on me, I'd probably continue to drive 70 of whatever the new units were.

Well signs for distance. Speed limit signs were in MPH, so they all had to be changed. But it just seemed terribly silly to have one sign telling you that you're X kilometers from the turn off to Y town, and then pass another sign telling you that you can't go more than Z MPH.

The kilogram is not a measure of weight. Besides, if you actually used it day to day, you would pick it up pretty quickly. The barely literate hicks of Fort McMurray, can figure it out in a week or two. Are you saying that you are dumber than all the idiots in Fort McMurray?

Besides, the metric system is so good that many US business already use it. Can you name a single place on Earth that when back to Imperial?

Pssst the Kilogram is in fact a measurement of weight.

Pssst the Kilogram is in fact a measurement of weight.

No, it isn't. It's a measurement of mass.

Guess from the feel of things (picking them up and seeing how heavy without a scale); from seeing a large object, like a fat dude at the mall, etc.

That's because you're used to imperial units, not because the imperial system is better.

Guess from the feel of things (picking them up and seeing how heavy without a scale); from seeing a large object, like a fat dude at the mall, etc.

Again, neither system was designed for guesses.

Then phase it in slowly, switch teaching from Metric to Imperial at the bottom and have it go up with those children, tack the other measurements onto signs, then remove the old ones a while later.

And face angry voters and possibly rioters? It would be political suicide to ban the Imperial system.

Well signs for distance. Speed limit signs were in MPH, so they all had to be changed. But it just seemed terribly silly to have one sign telling you that you're X kilometers from the turn off to Y town, and then pass another sign telling you that you can't go more than Z MPH.

That, and 70MPH work out as approximately 100 KMH. Which makes it kind of easy to remember, really :)

No, it isn't. It's a measurement of mass.

Ohh my God, and when we say mass we mean?

When I go to buy some meat from the butchers and I ask for half a kilo of pork chops, what am I ordering?

OK, some questions for you. How long is a Furlong? A Chain? A Perch?

What is the difference between an ounce troy, an ounce avoirdupois and a fluid ounce? They're all imperial measures.
On that note, what is the difference between a US Gallon, Canadian Gallon, a UK Gallon, and a Dry Gallon?

Ohh my God, and when we say mass we mean?

When I go to buy some meat from the butchers and I ask for half a kilo of pork chops, what am I ordering?

Yes but once you start ordering your sausages from another planet it will be important.

And face angry voters and possibly rioters? It would be political suicide to ban the Imperial system.

Seems using the imperial system affects one's ability to read too. Phasing the metric system in over time != banning the imperial system. The idea is to teach children the metric system and leave the imperial system there for adults. Once all the people who are used to the imperial system have died, stop using it. Simple.

And face angry voters and possibly rioters? It would be political suicide to ban the Imperial system.

Why would people riot. I just can't get this simple fact out of my head. It's a system of measurement, if I ask for 2.2Lbs, or 1 kilo, I still get the same amount. So why would people riot over what is really nowt more than a naming convention?

That, and 70MPH work out as approximately 100 KMH. Which makes it kind of easy to remember, really :)

That and speedometers already have KPH measurements on them.

Well, see, you already had the signs in the other measure. I can't speak for other Americans, but I have an intuitive grasp of MPH that I would find hard to shake. Driving 70 on the highway seems like the "right" speed (the one I'm supposed to hit, at least); I don't really think in terms of the units attached to 70. If the units were changed on me, I'd probably continue to drive 70 of whatever the new units were.
No, you'd realize you were going slow as fuck, and would start doing 110 like a proper person.

If traditions are there for a reason then let that reason be known. Let everyone see the reasoning behind it. For example, I mentioned droit de signeur already. Why should that tradition be maintained? Or the tradition of covering mirrors when someone dies? Or the tradition of leaving milk out for the fairies?

Or calling yourself "Captain moonlight" and maiming cattle!!!!!!! Bring it back, I say.

And face angry voters and possibly rioters? It would be political suicide to ban the Imperial system.

*lol
Who said anything about banning the imperial system? AFAIK, it's not banned anywhere, you can use it wherever you like. The question is, should it be the official system, rather than the unofficial, but more widely used one when dealing with measurements a lot, as is is now in the US? Nobody stopped my landlord from advertising the house as having xxx sqft.... he just reverted to sqmeters for calculating how many tiles and floorboards he needed, cause it was - guess what - EASIER.

And face angry voters and possibly rioters? It would be political suicide to ban the Imperial system.

Who would riot over something like that?

Yes but once you start ordering your sausages from another planet it will be important.

Ahh I guess that all depends on how many fingers these aliens have. Perhaps well have to get used to a system based on threes?

No, it isn't. It's a measurement of mass.

If anyone can guess the weight of something accurately without mentally multiplying by g, I would like to meet them.

And face angry voters and possibly rioters? It would be political suicide to ban the Imperial system.

All the people that weren't raised under Metric would die out sooner or later.

Seems using the imperial system affects one's ability to read too. Phasing the metric system in over time != banning the imperial system. The idea is to teach children the metric system and leave the imperial system there for adults. Once all the people who are used to the imperial system have died, stop using it. Simple.


!!!
What a dirty trick! Our children will remember the old and pure ways! We will fight every encroachment upon our traditions! This is a culture war, indeed.

British pints are a little over half a litre ;)

Irish pints are too, presumably. Though I understand that a "measure" of spirits drops as one goes from Ireland to Scotland thence to England. Are the Ulster-Scots in between the Irish and the Scots in terms of the measures they give and receive?

Who would riot over something like that?

I would.

I would.

Why? I mean, honoring tradition is one thing, but dude, this is a measuring system we're talking about. Hardly anything worth rioting over.

That and speedometers already have KPH measurements on them.

No one looks at the kph. In fact, the kph speeds are damned annoying.

Irish pints are too, presumably. Though I understand that a "measure" of spirits drops as one goes from Ireland to Scotland thence to England. Are the Ulster-Scots in between the Irish and the Scots in terms of the measures they give and receive?


No, its just that the English can't handle drink.

Ohh my God, and when we say mass we mean?

When I go to buy some meat from the butchers and I ask for half a kilo of pork chops, what am I ordering?

An order of pork chops of mass half a kilogram.

!!!
What a dirty trick! Our children will remember the old and pure ways! We will fight every encroachment upon our traditions! This is a culture war, indeed.

I'll bet you fought long and hard for the u in colour, oh wait, no you didn't, some idiot phased that tradition out of your country long ago. And from I read one of his motives was (I'm not kidding) to be different from England, that might not be true, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was.

Irish pints are too, presumably. Though I understand that a "measure" of spirits drops as one goes from Ireland to Scotland thence to England. Are the Ulster-Scots in between the Irish and the Scots in terms of the measures they give and receive?

I meant British pint as opposed to US pint, I think the US pint is in fact less. ;)
Other than that, I wouldn't really know...

Why? I mean, honoring tradition is one thing, but dude, this is a measuring system we're talking about. Hardly anything worth rioting over.

By the time they do away the Imperial system, many other traditions will most likely be gone, or under threat. By that time it will probably be past rioting stage.

No one looks at the kph. In fact, the kph speeds are damned annoying.

Wrong. The majority of drivers worldwide look at the KPH. MPH is not even present in the majority of cars.

An order of pork chops of mass half a kilogram.



I'll bet you fought long and hard for the u in colour, oh wait, no you didn't, some idiot phased that tradition out of your country long ago. And from I read one of his motives was (I'm not kidding) to be different from England, that might not be true, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was.

That was good. This is America. No unnecessary 'u's in our words. No metric system either.

Wrong. The majority of drivers worldwide look at the KPH. MPH is not even present in the majority of cars.

Pfft.

I'm talking about America.

The rest of the world is a secondary concern.

By the time they do away the Imperial system, many other traditions will most likely be gone, or under threat. By that time it will probably be past rioting stage.

It's just a measuring system. :p

Who would riot over something like that?
Trollgaard. Though is it a riot with only one person?
!!!
What a dirty trick! Our children will remember the old and pure ways! We will fight every encroachment upon our traditions! This is a culture war, indeed.
It's not a trick. It's a way of converting to a better system without trying to have people use both. Besides, who's 'we'? Have you noticed that nobody else is arguing for the imperial system? You're barely arguing for it yourself, you're arguing for blindly following traditions. And you still haven't addressed any of my examples of traditions.
Irish pints are too, presumably. Though I understand that a "measure" of spirits drops as one goes from Ireland to Scotland thence to England. Are the Ulster-Scots in between the Irish and the Scots in terms of the measures they give and receive?

I didn't think there was an Irish pint, I thought it was just Imperial and US Imperial.

And that raises another issue. If tradition is so important Trollgaard, then why are you ignoring the tradition of using the Imperial system. The original Imperial system, not the US one.

Seems using the imperial system affects one's ability to read too. Phasing the metric system in over time != banning the imperial system. The idea is to teach children the metric system and leave the imperial system there for adults. Once all the people who are used to the imperial system have died, stop using it. Simple.

Yeah I agree. My brother is a butcher, and over here in the UK we have to measure in kilos now. That of course don't stop those of the older generation walking into the shop and asking for their meat in pounds and ounces, but then it don't stop the counter staff doing the conversion quickly in their heads.

In all honestly if you can't get used to a system of measurements based on tens, then you have to be a bit thick.

The metric system is superior to the old Imperial system, in every way.

I was taught using metric measures exclusively, and yet I had to learn the Imperial system in addition because so many things in this country still use it to some degree; speed limits, distances on road signs, some fluid measures etc. We've had a few half-hearted attempts to phase metric in - conversion of spirit measures from gills/noggins to ml a few years back springs to mind - but we still stagger along using a mixed system, which is just stupid.

It makes no sense to use a mixed system, and precious little sense to use an outdated and inconsistent set of measures like the old Imperial mess. And yet, I would always describe myself as being 6'4" tall, and never 1.93m. I know that it's 36 miles to Glasgow city centre, but I need to do the arithmetic to know that it's about 58km. Damned cultural brainwashing!

It seems the defenders of the true and pure form of measurement are few on this forum! Our fight will be hard, but our struggle is noble and right. We fight this battle until the bitter end!

Imperial till death!

I'll answer some more posts in a bit.

That was good. This is America. No unnecessary 'u's in our words. No metric system either.

Wake up, hon. Most of your compatriots are in fact already using metric on a daily basis. You can hide in a cave all you want, but that won't bring back the good old times when wifes were the property of their husbands or fathers, people would have half a pig for dinner 5 times a week and being able to read was seen as some form of disability.

but that won't bring back the good old times when wifes were the property of their husbands or fathers, people would have half a pig for dinner 5 times a week and being able to read was seen as some form of disability.

Salad days, salad days.......

Trollgaard. Though is it a riot with only one person?

I don't think so. According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riot):

Riots are a form of civil disorders characterized by disorganized groups lashing out in a sudden and intense rash of violence, vandalism or other crime.

Pfft.

I'm talking about America.

The rest of the world is a secondary concern.

Even on that continent, the ratios aren't in favour of imperial.

No one looks at the kph. In fact, the kph speeds are damned annoying.
I would have thought Americans would be all for going KPH, since the same speed has a bigger number attached. And after all, isn't that the American way. Big scores, high speeds, skinny girls with huge breasts, bigger guns, bigger muscles, bigger cars.
By the time they do away the Imperial system, many other traditions will most likely be gone, or under threat. By that time it will probably be past rioting stage.
Indeed, it'll be at the decomposing stage, since most of the people who were raised in those traditions will be dead, and thus of little or no concern to the living.
That was good. This is America. No unnecessary 'u's in our words. No metric system either.
How dare you ignore the traditions of your British forebears!
Yeah I agree. My brother is a butcher, and over here in the UK we have to measure in kilos now. That of course don't stop those of the older generation walking into the shop and asking for their meat in pounds and ounces, but then it don't stop the counter staff doing the conversion quickly in their heads.

In all honestly if you can't get used to a system of measurements based on tens, then you have to be a bit thick.

Indeed. If you can't count in tens or hundreds in your head then chances are you can't count in 3s, 12s, 14s and all the other ways you have to in the Imperial system.

If the metric system was to be used in the US, it wouldn't just be replacing the Imperial system. It would be replacing the US custom units also. A lot of the non-metric units used in the US are not Imperial measurements, they are custom units referred to as "English units".

It seems the defenders of the true and pure form of measurement are few on this forum! Our fight will be hard, but our struggle is noble and right. We fight this battle until the bitter end!

Imperial till death!

I'll answer some more posts in a bit.

HAH! Pure form of measurement? What utter bollocks. The US Imperial system is a bastardisation of the British Imperial system, which is itself a standardisation of the traditional system of measuring based on your body, based on your container, or based on a day's work. Way back when, a foot was the length of your foot. Acres were defined by how long it took to plough them. How people managed to trade anything back then is beyond me.

I love metric. We should just get it over with and convert here in the US. Our system is damned annoying, anyway.

And that raises another issue. If tradition is so important Trollgaard, then why are you ignoring the tradition of using the Imperial system. The original Imperial system, not the US one.

I just don't get the mindset "This is America, we have to change the language, measurement and date system slightly just to be different/difficult".

Crazy old timey people :rolleyes:

I just don't get the mindset "This is America, we have to change the language, measurement and date system slightly just to be different/difficult".

Crazy old timey people :rolleyes:

It's the argument used when there's nothing else to defend it with.

I just don't get the mindset "This is America, we have to change the language, measurement and date system slightly just to be different/difficult".

Crazy old timey people :rolleyes:

I know. Seriously America, you're on this planet too, whether you like it or not, and we're all going to have to get along.


Sigh. I long for the day when the world just boycotts America until it learns that it is not king of the castle.

Nobody thinks of the poor drug dealers, they have to work in both.

HAH! Pure form of measurement? What utter bollocks. The US Imperial system is a bastardisation of the British Imperial system, which is itself a standardisation of the traditional system of measuring based on your body, based on your container, or based on a day's work. Way back when, a foot was the length of your foot. Acres were defined by how long it took to plough them. How people managed to trade anything back then is beyond me.

By trickery and foolishness no doubt. Today's analog would be the "busy" exec rushing around with an arm full of folders and a laptop bag to "show" industriousness.

That was good. This is America. No unnecessary 'u's in our words. No metric system either.
So why is abandoning the one tradition good while the other is bad? Because you are used to the current situation?

The fact is, the Imperial System sucks. Business do not shell out the money to train there employees so they can know a system that is usable in real world applications for nothing, neither does the government raise taxes to make sure its employees know the measurement system needed to get work done. With or without government intervention, the US is going to become a metric nation. The private sector is causing the change in order remain competitive in the global market. It is only a matter of time before they get the majority hooked on metric.

Nobody thinks of the poor drug dealers, they have to work in both.
And they have their own system too. Seriously, try buying anything by the line except coke and you'll look crazy.
By trickery and foolishness no doubt. Today's analog would be the "busy" exec rushing around with an arm full of folders and a laptop bag to "show" industriousness.

I imagine so. Someone could promise to build you a wall 20ft long, then find someone with tiny feet to measure by.

And they have their own system too. Seriously, try buying anything by the line except coke and you'll look crazy.


I imagine so. Someone could promise to build you a wall 20ft long, then find someone with tiny feet to measure by.

I'd be afraid to object in those circumstances, for fear of being labelled "short feetist".

I would have thought Americans would be all for going KPH, since the same speed has a bigger number attached. And after all, isn't that the American way. Big scores, high speeds, skinny girls with huge breasts, bigger guns, bigger muscles, bigger cars.

If it was all about size, then surely it should be big girls with big breasts. :)

And they have their own system too. Seriously, try buying anything by the line except coke and you'll look crazy.


I have bought some advertising space in a publication by the line too, maybe they were a coke fiend though.

Ohh my God, and when we say mass we mean?

When I go to buy some meat from the butchers and I ask for half a kilo of pork chops, what am I ordering?
Around these parts, that would be heard as "mess" -- as in, "I want to fry up a mess o' pork chops this weekend". The butcher would ask how many, you'd say a half dozen, and you'd be on your way.

Pretty damned simple, if I do say so.


Who buys pork chops by weight, anyway? They may be sold that way, but everyone I know looks at the meat and decides how many and how thick they want them.

If it was all about size, then surely it should be big girls with big breasts. :)
There's some dispute about that one, so they have both.
I have bought some advertising space in a publication by the line too, maybe they were a coke fiend though.

(\\\)*
I should have seen that coming


*Facepalm smiley.

There's some dispute about that one, so they have both.


(\\\)*
I should have seen that coming


*Facepalm smiley.
Too lazy to copypasta the ASCII-art of Picard doing the famous face-palm?

Too lazy to copypasta the ASCII-art of Picard doing the famous face-palm?

Nah, this was proposed to be the new facepalm smiley on /b/ over the weekend. I like it, so I'm going to use it. Though....
............................................______ __
....................................,.-‘”...................``~.,
.............................,.-”...................................“-.,
.........................,/...............................................”:,
.....................,?........................... ...........................,
.................../.................................................. .........,}
................./.................................................. ....,:`^`..}
.............../.................................................. .,:”........./
..............?.....__............................ .............:`.........../
............./__.(.....“~-,_..............................,:`........../
.........../(_....”~,_........“~,_....................,:`..... ..._/
..........{.._$;_......”=,_.......“-,_.......,.-~-,},.~”;/....}
...........((.....*~_.......”=-._......“;,,./`..../”............../
...,,,___.`~,......“~.,....................`.....} ............../
............(....`=-,,.......`........................(......;_,,-”
............/.`~,......`-...................................../
.............`~.*-,.....................................|,./.....,__
,,_..........}.>-._...................................|............ ..`=~-,
.....`=~-,__......`,.................................
...................`=~-,,.,...............................
................................`:,,.............. .............`..............__
.....................................`=-,...................,%`>--==``
........................................_......... .._,-%.......`
...................................,

Oooh, ASCII art, and only 1629 characters.

So, let's see...

Is that 11 gross, 2 score and 5, or is it just 1629.

Take your pick. I have.

Enough of this frivolity! I'm going out to buy 568ml of milk!

Nah, this was proposed to be the new facepalm smiley on /b/ over the weekend. I like it, so I'm going to use it. Though....
............................................______ __
....................................,.-‘”...................``~.,
.............................,.-”...................................“-.,
.........................,/...............................................”:,
.....................,?........................... ...........................,
.................../.................................................. .........,}
................./.................................................. ....,:`^`..}
.............../.................................................. .,:”........./
..............?.....__............................ .............:`.........../
............./__.(.....“~-,_..............................,:`........../
.........../(_....”~,_........“~,_....................,:`..... ..._/
..........{.._$;_......”=,_.......“-,_.......,.-~-,},.~”;/....}
...........((.....*~_.......”=-._......“;,,./`..../”............../
...,,,___.`~,......“~.,....................`.....} ............../
............(....`=-,,.......`........................(......;_,,-”
............/.`~,......`-...................................../
.............`~.*-,.....................................|,./.....,__
,,_..........}.>-._...................................|............ ..`=~-,
.....`=~-,__......`,.................................
...................`=~-,,.,...............................
................................`:,,.............. .............`..............__
.....................................`=-,...................,%`>--==``
........................................_......... .._,-%.......`
...................................,
Yer, I was away from /b/ most of the weekend. I had some serious drinking to do.

Yer, I was away from /b/ most of the weekend. I had some serious drinking to do.

It hasn't been copypasta'd into memehood yet, but give it time.


Also, since we're talking about /b/:
Trolling camwhores till they keyboard on head: Lulz or anti-lulz?

When Trollgaard gets back we can get back to the whole metric/imperial thing.

fuck the metric system

just kidding, I love the metric system:p

Oh, nevermind

fuck the metric system
Why?

fuck the metric system

Yes! Fuck yes! I thought I was alone...


what

just kidding, I love the metric system:p

:(

I know. Seriously America, you're on this planet too, whether you like it or not, and we're all going to have to get along.


Sigh. I long for the day when the world just boycotts America until it learns that it is not king of the castle.

Of course we need to get along. But you can all be wrong and get along with your metric system, while we will get along fine with the Imperial system.

The world boycotting the US? Ha!

Yes! Fuck yes! I thought I was alone...


what

just kidding, I love the metric system:p

Ouch. That's gotta hurt.

And they have their own system too. Seriously, try buying anything by the line except coke and you'll look crazy.


I imagine so. Someone could promise to build you a wall 20ft long, then find someone with tiny feet to measure by.

A foot is 12 inches long. Both the foot and the inch are standardized.

Of course we need to get along. But you can all be wrong and get along with your metric system, while we will get along fine with the Imperial system.
Except that we have to piss away time and money converting whenever we deal with each other. And since the metric system has it's own merits AND is widely used, it should be the US that changes, not the rest of the world(almost)

The world boycotting the US? Ha!

Yeah, never going to happen. Pity.

It hasn't been copypasta'd into memehood yet, but give it time.


Also, since we're talking about /b/:
Trolling camwhores till they keyboard on head: Lulz or anti-lulz?

When Trollgaard gets back we can get back to the whole metric/imperial thing.It definately has the potential.

I say lulz.
You can see them trying to rationalize the situation to no avail.
The best is that one where that Asian girl cried.

The whiners that mistake /b/ for MySpace. What do we do about them?

A foot is 12 inches long. Both the foot and the inch are standardized.

They are now. In the time I was referring to they were not. And my point in bringing that time up is:
1. You're ignoring certain traditions in favour of others arbitrarily, yet can't stand the thought of changing.
2. The US Imperial system is about as pure as cribhouse whore(someone remind me, I stole that from a reference to the English language, right?).
It definately has the potential.

I say lulz.
You can see them trying to rationalize the situation to no avail.
The best is that one where that Asian girl cried.
The 16 year old English girl who insisted that she wasn't a camwhore, but was doing it for a joke amused me. If you're doing it for a joke then why don't you have any pants on?

The whiners that mistake /b/ for MySpace. What do we do about them?
Drop the sagebomb until they learn that we won't give them any attention. Alas, most /b/tards will pay attention to anything, even if it's only to hurl insults at it. See: furries.

Except that we have to piss away time and money converting whenever we deal with each other. And since the metric system has it's own merits AND is widely used, it should be the US that changes, not the rest of the world(almost)





The more you say we should change, the more we resist and stay the same.

As to your noble deflouring virgins example: The noble would have to kill me first.

:(

metric or imperial, its like comparing apples to oranges. Its just more simple if everybody uses one system. Metric is also a base 10 system which makes it a little bit easier to work with when you do math. I can't think of any reason why imperial is superior.

They are now. In the time I was referring to they were not. And my point in bringing that time up is:
1. You're ignoring certain traditions in favour of others arbitrarily, yet can't stand the thought of changing.
2. The US Imperial system is about as pure as cribhouse whore(someone remind me, I stole that from a reference to the English language, right?).

1. Yeah, so? The world is like that.
2. US system has been in place for a few hundred years. Its worked so far.

As to your noble deflouring virgins example: The noble would have to kill me first.

You're that attached to your virginity?

metric or imperial, its like comparing apples to oranges. Its just more simple if everybody uses one system. Metric is also a base 10 system which makes it a little bit easier to work with when you do math. I can't think of any reason why imperial is superior.

Because its the American way.

You're that attached to your virginity?

My hypothetical daughter's, yes. Err, hmm. I just wouldn't let the local lord come and rape her.

(someone remind me, I stole that from a reference to the English language, right?).

James D Nicoll:

"The problem with defending the purity of the English language is that English is about as pure as a cribhouse whore. We don’t just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary."

I've always liked that quote :p

My hypothetical daughter's, yes. Err, hmm. I just wouldn't let the local lord come and rape her.
But its tradition!

But its tradition!


One that went out long before I was born- and is morally reprehensible.

The more you say we should change, the more we resist and stay the same.
How childish.

As to your noble deflouring virgins example: The noble would have to kill me first.
I'm sure that could be arranged. But why are you fighting traditions? Don't you have any respect for your ancestors?
1. Yeah, so? The world is like that.
The entire world is blatantly hypocritical, and accepts this? Really?
2. US system has been in place for a few hundred years. Its worked so far.
The metric system was invented in the 1700s. It's still working just as well as it did then.
Because its the American way.
No, the Imperial system was invented in Britian. America just stole it and changed it a bit to be different. Much like the English language.
My hypothetical daughter's, yes. Err, hmm. I just wouldn't let the local lord come and rape her.

But it's tradition. Who are you to throw time honoured traditions by the wayside? And what about leaving milk out for the fairies so they won't curse you?

One that went out long before I was born- and is morally reprehensible.

Then surely you'd have no problem with your descendants being born into a world where the US Imperial system is just a part of history.

Then surely you'd have no problem with your descendants being born into a world where the US Imperial system is just a part of history.

Hell no. Its a tradition that is still alive, and one that I am familiar with. I will fight for it.

Because its the American way.

I mean, I'm absurdly patriotic, but just because America does it dosen't make it better than what everybody else does. If you love your country, then you should be in favor of the metric system over pointless traditions that cause NASA to blow up rockets.

Hell no. Its a tradition that is still alive, and one that I am familiar with. I will fight for it.

You are outnumbered, billions to one. The tradition you're fighting for has no merits other than being traditional. You will inevitably lose, if you choose to fight.

I mean, I'm absurdly patriotic, but just because America does it dosen't make it better than what everybody else does. If you love your country, then you should be in favor of the metric system over pointless traditions that cause NASA to blow up rockets.

NASA is a waste of money. I don't care what they do. (unless they build some Star Destroyers...)

You are outnumbered, billions to one. The tradition you're fighting for has no merits other than being traditional. You will inevitably lose, if you choose to fight.

So?

Does that make the fight not worth fighting?

You are outnumbered, billions to one. The tradition you're fighting for has no merits other than being traditional. You will inevitably lose, if you choose to fight.So?

Does that make the fight not worth fighting?

Yes. The part that makes it not worth fighting for is the "no merits" section of Ifreann's post that you quoted. ;)

Nobody thinks of the poor drug dealers, they have to work in both.

A very good point. heheh does that mean that your typical drug dealer has more smarts than Trollgard and his fellow class mates, who just can't get metric to 'stick'?

So?

Does that make the fight not worth fighting?

The fact that you're fighting for a system of measurement just because it's the one you use is what makes it not worth fighting. You can kick and scream all you like, but sooner or later Americans will see the advantages of having one global measurement system, and it's a small step to metric from there.

So?

Does that make the fight not worth fighting?

its ok. shhh,shhh. give me a hug

Yes. The part that makes it not worth fighting for is the "no merits" section of Ifreann's post that you quoted. ;)

Well, I see merits in tradition. (And in saying screw you to the world :D).

I'll fight for the Imperial system.

its ok. shhh,shhh. give me a hug

I don't want hugs from you, traitor.


:D

Well, I see merits in tradition. (And in saying screw you to the world :D).

I'll fight for the Imperial system.

And those merits are.......?

Well, I see merits in tradition. (And in saying screw you to the world :D).
No, you don't. You may think that you are taking the role of some kind of paragon of traditional values, but your own dismissal of other traditions elsewhere in the thread simply means that sticking to your guns on this particular issue, in the face of all logic and reason, makes you look a little silly.

I'll fight for the Imperial system.
So I gathered.

The funny thing about metric is that even Americans have to use it. The only time Americans actually need imperial is during school. Even when you go shopping: More and more products are measured in metric units.

I don't want hugs from you, traitor.


:D

But the metric system is the system of love .

The funny thing about metric is that even Americans have to use it. The only time Americans actually need imperial is during school. Even when you go shopping: More and more products are measured in metric units.

Besides, Royale with cheese is far superior to quarter pounder with cheese.
But the metric system is the system of love .
Love and base 10 go hand in hand.

Around these parts, that would be heard as "mess" -- as in, "I want to fry up a mess o' pork chops this weekend". The butcher would ask how many, you'd say a half dozen, and you'd be on your way.

Pretty damned simple, if I do say so.


Who buys pork chops by weight, anyway? They may be sold that way, but everyone I know looks at the meat and decides how many and how thick they want them.


You are quite correct, but speaking as an ex-butcher myself, I'm not longer surprised by what demands customers have.

The funny thing about metric is that even Americans have to use it. The only time Americans actually need imperial is during school. Even when you go shopping: More and more products are measured in metric units.

The hell?

Gallon of milk? Gallon of gas? A 2 by 4 (piece of lumber)? Driving? Weight? Height? 12 ounce can of pop or beer? Ounces of anything? Fractions?!

Oooh, ASCII art, and only 1629 characters.

So, let's see...

Is that 11 gross, 2 score and 5, or is it just 1629.

Take your pick. I have.

Does that include spaces?

Does that include spaces?
No.

A foot is 12 inches long. Both the foot and the inch are standardized.

Now it is sure, but traditionally a foot was the size of your foot. Thank god for people bucking tradition huh!

Besides, Royale with cheese is far superior to quarter pounder with cheese.Don't get me started on that :mad:
They don't sell any hamburgers at American Burger Kings anymore... :(

Fractions?!

Fractions are a part of math, dear, not the US Imperial system.

Don't get me started on that :mad:
They don't sell any hamburgers at American Burger Kings anymore... :(

Meh. Ireland is metric and you can still get a quarter pounder here. I doubt it weighs a quarter of a pound, but nobody really expects it to. It's just a name.

Because its the American way.

Nope it's the English way.

Fractions are a part of math, dear, not the US Imperial system.

Not in the metric system of measurement. There are no fractions. Only decimals.

The hell?

Gallon of milk? Gallon of gas? A 2 by 4 (piece of lumber)? Driving? Weight? Height? 12 ounce can of pop or beer? Ounces of anything? Fractions?!I was in Virginia last year, and I couldn't drink the tap water. Luckily, pretty much all the water was bottled in metric. I was particularly pleased with the 3 liter jugs and the 24 packs of half liter water bottles. Means I carried home 15 kilos of water everytime I bought one of each. And the nutella jars... It was good to be able to read that the American ones are 13 grams less than the smallest European ones.

NASA is a waste of money.

Agreed.

I was in Virginia last year, and I couldn't drink the tap water. Luckily, pretty much all the water was bottled in metric. I was particularly pleased with the 3 liter jugs and the 24 packs of half liter water bottles. Means I carried home 15 kilos of water everytime I bought one of each. And the nutella jars... It was good to be able to read that the American ones are 13 grams less than the smallest European ones.

Hmm. I see gallons of water at stores, and 20 ounce bottles.

Hell no. Its a tradition that is still alive, and one that I am familiar with. I will fight for it.

Then be prepared to lose. Quite frankly I belive now that you are here just for the wind up. Your points make no sense, your logic about 'But it's traditional' makes no sense, admit it TROLLgard!

If on the other hand it's not for the laffs, then I feel sorry for you, for your general ignorance, and for the level of upset that a mere measurement causes you.

As I have said before, there are soooo many more important things to get angry about.

Then be prepared to lose. Quite frankly I belive now that you are here just for the wind up. Your points make no sense, your logic about 'But it's traditional' makes no sense, admit it TROLLgard!

If on the other hand it's not for the laffs, then I feel sorry for you, for your general ignorance, and for the level of upset that a mere measurement causes you.

As I have said before, there are soooo many more important things to get angry about.

I have plenty of anger to go around.

Not in the metric system of measurement. There are no fractions. Only decimals.

Don't be ridiculous. The metric system is only the units, ditto the imperial and US imperial. ONLY the units. Not the numbers used with them. I can have 1/2 litres just as easily as I can have 1/2 gallons. Some fractions are very difficult to use with the metric system, since it's base 10. The same is true with both imperial systems, since they have no uniform base. I may not be able to get 1/3 metres, but you can't get 1/5 feet. Now decimals, decimals don't work nicely with either imperial system, since decimals are based on base 10. 0.x = x/10, 0.0x = x/100, and so on.

Hmm. I see gallons of water at stores, and 20 ounce bottles.Look harder, and you'll see the metric ones as well :D

I have plenty of anger to go around.

Then may I suggest you direct it elsewhere, this 'fight' for imperialism is just stupid, now you're not stupid are you?

Then may I suggest you direct it elsewhere, this 'fight' for imperialism is just stupid, now you're not stupid are you?

Imperial system != imperialism :p

Imperial system != imperialism :p

Heh yeah I'm shocked you didn't realise this!

I don't care either way, I was brought up using both. I measure my petrol in litres and my milk in pints. My height comes in feet and inches, I travel in miles, and for everything else I use metres.

It's not like I can only fit either metric or imperial measurements in my head.

Whats weird is that when I'm cooking, I measure ingredients in ounces. My Mum, brought up using the imperial system, uses grams.

The metric system makes a lot more sense but it's so bloody boring! It's good that you can divide things quickly and easily by 10, but the names of the measurements just aren't the same!

But what about metric time? During the French Revolution days were divided into 10 hours, with each hour made up of 100 minutes and each minute made up of 100 seconds. Changing over to that would certainly be interesting. :D

I BEFRIEND CHESTNUTS;13260077']The metric system makes a lot more sense but it's so bloody boring! It's good that you can divide things quickly and easily by 10, but the names of the measurements just aren't the same!

But what about metric time? During the French Revolution days were divided into 10 hours, with each hour made up of 100 minutes and each minute made up of 100 seconds. Changing over to that would certainly be interesting. :D

I used to have to fill in time sheets using 100 minute hours etc. my brain used to struggle everytime - but then that was because it was something I was not used and having to use normal hours for everything else...

Now it is sure, but traditionally a foot was the size of your foot. Thank god for people bucking tradition huh!

Which neatly captures what is so great about the Old (imperial) System: It is based on Human interaction with the universe.

We are not machines, we are Human, and we view the universe from where the Falling Angel and Rising Ape meet. If we were computers, we would work fine with Metric, but as Humans, we work best with measurements tailored to our experiences.

Temperature gives us the clearest example.
In Centigrade (or Celsius) water freezes at 0 and boils at 100. Fine and good if you are a glass of water, but as a Human, you will never experience 100 C, and if by chance you do, it will be very briefly and you won't experience much else afterward. Fahrenheit, on the other hand, that is a thing of beauty. Zero is F**king Cold, 100 is F**king Hot, what else do you need to know?

Other measurements are similarly tied to the Human Experience. A mile is a thousand paces- hence the name. How many paces to a kilometer? 620? That's an awkward thing to count. A yard is about how much cloth you pull from a roll by stretching your arm out once- to get the same feel in metric you need freakishly long arms! Feet, of course, are about the same size as feet- while a meter, being the rythm of a poem, has no length, and is therefore a pretty silly thing to use as a unt of length!

Which neatly captures what is so great about the Old (imperial) System: It is based on Human interaction with the universe.

We are not machines, we are Human, and we view the universe from where the Falling Angel and Rising Ape meet. If we were computers, we would work fine with Metric, but as Humans, we work best with measurements tailored to our experiences.

Temperature gives us the clearest example.
In Centigrade (or Celsius) water freezes at 0 and boils at 100. Fine and good if you are a glass of water, but as a Human, you will never experience 100 C, and if by chance you do, it will be very briefly and you won't experience much else afterward. Fahrenheit, on the other hand, that is a thing of beauty. Zero is F**king Cold, 100 is F**king Hot, what else do you need to know?

Other measurements are similarly tied to the Human Experience. A mile is a thousand paces- hence the name. How many paces to a kilometer? 620? That's an awkward thing to count. A yard is about how much cloth you pull from a roll by stretching your arm out once- to get the same feel in metric you need freakishly long arms! Feet, of course, are about the same size as feet- while a meter, being the rythm of a poem, has no length, and is therefore a pretty silly thing to use as a unt of length!

All of which would be fine if we had brains like ants. The human brain though is capable of, well almost anything. You can count up to ten, you can understand that 100 centimeters is a meter, whats so hard there?

Unless of course you are advocating stepping backwards, and not forwards?

The problem of course with measurements tailored to our bodies is that not all of our bodies are the same. My friend big Dave, would get a bargain if purchasing 3 foot of cloth based on the size of his feet, whilst my wife would be left feeling ripped of.

Temperature gives us the clearest example.
In Centigrade (or Celsius) water freezes at 0 and boils at 100. Fine and good if you are a glass of water, but as a Human, you will never experience 100 C, and if by chance you do, it will be very briefly and you won't experience much else afterward. Fahrenheit, on the other hand, that is a thing of beauty. Zero is F**king Cold, 100 is F**king Hot, what else do you need to know?Fahrenheit makes no sense whatsoever. At least in Centegrade, I know when water freezes, when it boils, what room temperature is, and when the lipids in my body denaturate. Freezing and boiling I don't even have to memorize, because they're part of the definition.
(and I have experienced 100 °C, and it burns)

a mile is a thousand paces- hence the name.No it's not.

while a meter, being the rythm of a poem, has no length, and is therefore a pretty silly thing to use as a unt of length!

Umm so we are not allowed to have words with more than one meaning?

Umm so are allowed words with more than meaning?
I removed the homophones, as you're not allowed to use them.

..while a meter, being the rythm of a poem, has no length, and is therefore a pretty silly thing to use as a unt of length!

If you spell it correctly as metre it isn't a problem.

I like metric primarily on the grounds that it is traditional, and it royally fucks off the EU that Britain has resisted metrication. Frankly, anybody who attempts to make me drink 500cl beers instead of a pint can fuck off.:)

I removed the homophones, as you're not allowed to use them.

Whats a hatred for the gays got to do with it?:rolleyes:

I like metric primarily on the grounds that it is traditional, and it royally fucks off the EU that Britain has resisted metrication. Frankly, anybody who attempts to make me drink 500cl beers instead of a pint can fuck off.:)

Huh but we haven't if you go shopping for bananas, or minced beef, it's all in kilos?

If you spell it correctly as metre it isn't a problem.Spelling it as "meter" is correct in at least two languages. One of them being English.

Huh but we haven't if you go shopping for bananas, or minced beef, it's all in kilos?

We have over the important issues; pints and miles.:D

I don't really care about the others. Anyway, what are these "bananas" and "minced beef" of which you talk? My studenthood is now forcing me to eat toast, soup and spaghetti hoops as a staple diet...

Spelling it as "meter" is correct in at least two languages. One of them being English.

If by English you mean American English. In English English it is metre (though I was wrong that is also how we also spell the poetry thing)

I used not to care. Then I discovered all my A Level Physics textbooks were in imperial. Then I realised how stupid the whole thing is, confirmed by my experience in cooking for myself. I mean, how can a system that says 'add one cube to XXX fluid ounces' and has jugs in pints have any merit whatsoever? Useless. It's not as if anything apart from beer, milk and road distances is in imperial anyway. And I could happily live without all three, an all honesty.

If by English you mean American English. In English English it is metre (though I was wrong that is also how we also spell the poetry thing)Well, there's at least two languages I know of where spelling it "metre" is correct. One of them being English.

Which neatly captures what is so great about the Old (imperial) System: It is based on Human interaction with the universe.

We are not machines, we are Human, and we view the universe from where the Falling Angel and Rising Ape meet. If we were computers, we would work fine with Metric, but as Humans, we work best with measurements tailored to our experiences.

Temperature gives us the clearest example.
In Centigrade (or Celsius) water freezes at 0 and boils at 100. Fine and good if you are a glass of water, but as a Human, you will never experience 100 C, and if by chance you do, it will be very briefly and you won't experience much else afterward. Fahrenheit, on the other hand, that is a thing of beauty. Zero is F**king Cold, 100 is F**king Hot, what else do you need to know?

Other measurements are similarly tied to the Human Experience. A mile is a thousand paces- hence the name. How many paces to a kilometer? 620? That's an awkward thing to count. A yard is about how much cloth you pull from a roll by stretching your arm out once- to get the same feel in metric you need freakishly long arms! Feet, of course, are about the same size as feet- while a meter, being the rythm of a poem, has no length, and is therefore a pretty silly thing to use as a unt of length!
To most people, 0C is fucking cold while 40C is fucking hot. Big deal. You just memorize that hot starts at 30C instead of 90F. They are units of measurement. They have no meaning without familiarity. There is nothing about 100 that makes it perfect for what one guy defines as fucking hot. 40 means just as hot. They are numbers that are completely arbitrary.

Also, a there are not 1000 paces in a mile. You aren't seriously suggesting that the average persons pace is 5.28 feet are you? A pace actually works itself out to be just about a meter, depending on the person. So while a kilometer may not be exactly 1000 paces, it is much closer than a mile is. As for freakishly large arms, a meter is only 3 inches longer than a yard. A difference of 3 inches does not count as freakish.

If by English you mean American English. In English English it is metre (though I was wrong that is also how we also spell the poetry thing)

Yep. It's metre for both, although Stephen Fry does raise interesting questions about whether meter is closer to the hellenic roots of the word in "The Ode less Travelled".

I used not to care. Then I discovered all my A Level Physics textbooks were in imperial. Then I realised how stupid the whole thing is, confirmed by my experience in cooking for myself. I mean, how can a system that says 'add one cube to XXX fluid ounces' and has jugs in pints have any merit whatsoever? Useless. It's not as if anything apart from beer, milk and road distances is in imperial anyway. And I could happily live without all three, an all honesty.In Arizona, they have road distances in km in some places.

In Arizona, they have road distances in km in some places.
I live in the UK.:p

Although having said that some short distances are done in metres, and the yard is defined in metric terms (ha!) anyway.

I live in the UK.:p

Although having said that some short distances are done in metres, and the yard is defined in metric terms (ha!) anyway.

Although, by the same measure, a good few metric measures are defined in Imperial terms. I must confess I do prefer Imperial personally. It is a far less clinical, soulless system than metric. That and the fact I like drinking pints.

Although, by the same measure, a good few metric measures are defined in Imperial terms. I must confess I do prefer Imperial personally. It is a far less clinical, soulless system than metric. That and the fact I like drinking pints.
I'm quite used to drinking 1/2 litres from bottles (only Bombadier comes in pint bottles if I remember correctly) so it doesn't bother me that much. And to be honest, I don't find having 12 inches to a foot any more or less soulless than having 100 centimetres in a metre, but metric is a whole lot easier.

Although, by the same measure, a good few metric measures are defined in Imperial terms. I must confess I do prefer Imperial personally. It is a far less clinical, soulless system than metric. That and the fact I like drinking pints.
Which ones? Most are self referential. A meter is the distance light travels in about 3e-8 seconds. A litre is 0.1 m^3. A litre of water has a mass of 1 kg.

Which are based of the imperial system?

That and the fact I like drinking pints.


Heh and it is this mindset that I just don't understand.

In the cold hard logical world, what does it matter what you call the amount of liquid in your pint glass, it is after all the same amount, just different words for it.

In all honestly I could go into a pub and ask for a squrdge of beer, and as long as the measure isn't short I'll be fine.

A litre is 0.1 m^3. A litre has a mass of 1 km.A liter of water, and 1 kg, you mean. I can guarantee that a liter of mercury is much heavier than 1 kg .

Heh and it is this mindset that I just don't understand.

In the cold hard logical world, what does it matter what you call the amount of liquid in your pint glass, it is after all the same amount, just different words for it.

In all honestly I could go into a pub and ask for a squrdge of beer, and as long as the measure isn't short I'll be fine.

Not to be rude, but I really don't care. I don't live my life in a "cold, hard logical world", and to be honest, I'm not sure I could. Without emotions we are little more than automata, and I've much too much self-worth to live my life as much. A pint has an emotional attachment that most can empathise with; I can remember the first pint I had which was actully legal, the first one which I bought myself and the like.

I measure distances in Smoots (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoot). *nod*

Which ones? Most are self referential. A meter is the distance light travels in about 3e-8 seconds. A litre is 0.1 m^3. A litre has a mass of 1 km.

Which are based of the imperial system?

METRE. Why are you able to type "litre" but not "metre"?

Incidentally, I did not suggest that they are "based on" the imperial system. I was responding to a different poster's valid suggestion that certain imperial measures are now defined in metric terms.

Not to be rude, but I really don't care. I don't live my life in a "cold, hard logical world", and to be honest, I'm not sure I could. Without emotions we are little more than automata, and I've much too much self-worth to live my life as much. A pint has an emotional attachment that most can empathise with; I can remember the first pint I had which was actully legal, the first one which I bought myself and the like.

Heh you misunderstand me, I too would not live in such a world. Emotions and emotional responses are very much desired in certian aspects of life. Measurements though are not amongst these aspects.

Thinking logicaly too has it's merits, and in this topic, emotions don't win, so logically speaking what are the merits in arguing over one set of words to describe a measurement other another?

I mean come on the whole sphere of measurement is quite clearly a logical one not an emotional one, being based on maths and all. Nobody here is asking you to give up your baby or anything like that huh.

METRE. Why are you able to type "litre" but not "metre"?

Incidentally, I did not suggest that they are "based on" the imperial system. I was responding to a different poster's valid suggestion that certain imperial measures are now defined in metric terms.

Umm different languages?

I measure distances in Smoots (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoot). *nod*We measured bits of rope in "Peters" at a scout meeting once.

Heh you misunderstand me, I too would not live in such a world. Emotions and emotional responses are very much desired in certian aspects of life. Measurements though are not amongst these aspects.

Thinking logicaly too has it's merits, and in this topic, emotions don't win, so logically speaking what are the merits in arguing over one set of words to describe a measurement other another?

I mean come on the whole sphere of measurement is quite clearly a logical one not an emotional one, being based on maths and all. Nobody here is asking you to give up your baby or anything like that huh.

Because neither has any inherent logical merits over the other, hence emotional value is relevant.

It is also, I might add, massively impractical to replace glasses, signs, and, for that matter, imperial road signs, simply to satisfy Brussels.

Umm different languages?

Of which I consider mine to be superior...:D

I prefer the Imperial System myself. Well, in most applications. I'll use centremetres for anything shorter than an inch. And admittedly, I'll click into metric when I'm measuring the amount of food needed for a cake or something.

To be honest, the reason I prefer the Imperial System is due to a combination of Euroscepticism and the simple fact that 'kilometre' has three syllables and mile one. Well, that's what I think.

Imperial FTW.

Of which I consider mine to be superior...:DYou mean your dialect. Your language considers both "metre" and "meter" as correct.

We measured bits of rope in "Peters" at a scout meeting once.

Ewww..... :p

It is also, I might add, massively impractical to replace glasses, signs, and, for that matter, imperial road signs, simply to satisfy Brussels.Indeed. Luckily you're not doing it to simply satisfy Brussels, but the non-British tourists that spend money there. Also, you don't have to change your police uniforms, as they're already blue. Although, you could always make them green, just to spite the EU.

Because neither has any inherent logical merits over the other, hence emotional value is relevant.

It is also, I might add, massively impractical to replace glasses, signs, and, for that matter, imperial road signs, simply to satisfy Brussels.

Rubbish. Thats the whole point because neither has any logical merit over the other the answer should be, so what!

Any sensible person would carry on using what they are used to, and convert to and from. It's not really that hard. Besides, in the end all those Imperial supporters will be dead, and so metric will win by default.

Honestly for anybody to get so het up about it is plain stupid. Pint, or just over half a litre, it really does not mater, not a jot, not a fig, not in the largest nor smallest amount. It is litraly a huge hue and cry about nothing.

Metric system is easier for any situation requiring any measurement or calculation of distance, time, energy, force, work, thrust, current, frequency, etc. etc. etc.

Although in practical terms, it's easier for me to visualize a person's height and weight in feet/inches/pounds than meters/kilograms, just because I was raised that way. But that's not sufficient reason for me to embrace my "unique western heritage" and "resist the forces of globalist conspiracy" and "crusade against the oppression of the metric jewish masters" etc. ;)

Of which I consider mine to be superior...:D

Pah, another bit of stupidity. A row designed to increase an 'us vs them' mentality, yeah baby xenophobia, gosh they even spell differently than us!

Socialise or Socialize, you can understand what they both mean. What about Color and Colour? Does the usage of one over the other really make you feel superior?

Indeed. Luckily you're not doing it to simply satisfy Brussels, but the non-British tourists that spend money there. Also, you don't have to change your police uniforms, as they're already blue. Although, you could always make them green, just to spite the EU.

Non-British tourists or me? Frankly I know whose happiness is of more concern to me. So, I imagine, do you.

Non-British tourists or me? Frankly I know whose happiness is of more concern to me. So, I imagine, do you.It'd be funny to see how happy you'd be in a poor country ;)

It is also, I might add, massively impractical to replace glasses, signs, and, for that matter, imperial road signs, simply to satisfy Brussels.
Why not? Where I lived before I went to uni, pretty much all the road signs were/are mouldy, old and pretty much unreadable and need replacing anyway, and it doens't take Einstein to work out whether you're looking at a metric or an imperial sign. Other countries did it successfully. Hell, we did it when we decimalised, and I don't hear anybody wanting to go back to pounds, shillings and pence.

It'd be funny to see how happy you'd be in a poor country ;)
Which uses the metric system.

I live in the US and make it a point to use the metric system in my daily life.

You guess where I stand on it.

Metric system is easier for any situation requiring any measurement or calculation of distance, time, energy, force, work, thrust, current, frequency, etc. etc. etc.

Although in practical terms, it's easier for me to visualize a person's height and weight in feet/inches/pounds than meters/kilograms, just because I was raised that way. But that's not sufficient reason for me to embrace my "unique western heritage" and "resist the forces of globalist conspiracy" and "crusade against the oppression of the metric EU masters" etc. ;)
Corrected...

As a deeply pro-American person, it was very difficult for me to admit that the metric system is by far the better system.

As a deeply pro-American person, it was very difficult for me to admit that the metric system is by far the better system.
Well considering that the imperial system is no more American than the metric system...

Corrected...

Oh.... European Union, the Jews, transdimensional lizard people. It's all the same, man, it's all just different heads of the Beast!

I don't mind the metric system. Except when it comes to beer. If the pint was changed to metric, we'd be drinking half litres instead of the 568ml that is a pint. Thankfully, although Ireland has gone metric, e.g. road signs in Km instead of miles, we resisted on the important matter and the E.U. has given in to our protests against losing the pint

Oh.... European Union, the Jews, transdimensional lizard people. It's all the same, man, it's all just different heads of the Beast!
It's the Protocols of the Elders of Zion Mk.II.

The imperial system is a silly, antiquated, backwards religio... I mean, system of measurement, and it should be abolished.

It's an anachronism, and it's lived way too long already.

It's the Protocols of the Elders of Zion Mk.II.
I thought that a parody novel by Noam Chomsky, no?

Anyway - Metric is bloody spiffing. Imperial is for backwards colonials, not that their imperial is even the same... but there we go.

Not in the metric system of measurement. There are no fractions. Only decimals.

You can find many examples where fractions are used. For example, "mezzo chilo di formaggio", "mezzo chilo di olio di oliva", "moitié le kilo" et cetera.

I love it. I was raised with the Imperial system and to use the Metric system is a blessing because it uses the powers of 10.

My roommate has to deal with doing math in slugs and stones because of the ancient imperial system. But he likes it in his own perverted way. To each his own?

My roommate has to deal with doing math in slugs and stones because of the ancient imperial system. But he likes it in his own perverted way. To each his own?

Well yes, that's one good thing about using antiquated systems, or multiple systems, for math. You get lots of practice at conversion. As long as you can easily reference or remember just how many feet are in a perch. Or whatever.

But, if you're doing anything like, say, rocket science, or science-y sorta stuff, or modern anything in general, no sane man would use lengths based on how long a medieval English peasant's ox goads were.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ifreann View Post
And that raises another issue. If tradition is so important Trollgaard, then why are you ignoring the tradition of using the Imperial system. The original Imperial system, not the US one.

I just don't get the mindset "This is America, we have to change the language, measurement and date system slightly just to be different/difficult".

Crazy old timey people

Some of the changes were made by the introduction of the Imperial system when it amended original avoirdupois measurements. In 1959, the US did amend some of the measurements to align them with Imperial.

As for being different from everyone else..."It's a conspiracy by Brussels" tends not to uttered in the US but it is a favorite of another country which is English speaking and loves wars.

As a deeply pro-American person, it was very difficult for me to admit that the metric system is by far the better system.

Metric system is great for trade and thus... Capitalism :p

The meter is now such that the speed of light is an exact number. It is 1⁄299792458 the speed of light.

And I truly don't know why they would choose that number instead of defining a meter to be the distance light travels in 1/300,000,000th of a second.

Metric system is great for trade and thus... Capitalism :p

Yes, but is it great for "Capitalsim"?

The more you say we should change, the more we resist and stay the same.

As to your noble deflouring virgins example: The noble would have to kill me first.

"Deflouring"? Is the noble a baker?

"Deflouring"? Is the noble a baker?

In such a formal thread, would you want him to say "As to your noble popping the virgins' cherries"?

No, but deflowering would perhaps be preferred over any removal of vital ingredients.

And metric is superior.

In such a formal thread, would you want him to say "As to your noble popping the virgins' cherries"?

No, but spelling deflowering right would be a nice start.

I thought that a parody novel by Noam Chomsky, no?

Anyway - Metric is bloody spiffing. Imperial is for backwards colonials, not that their imperial is even the same... but there we go.
You know, I kind of associate the phrase "bloody spiffing" with people advicating the imperial system more than the metric system.:p

Metric FTW!

tradition is not a good enough reason to keep using a crap system

Love it. My God, do I love it. The metric system is the only logical system I have seen so far. I mean, how hard is it to multiply by 10?

If you're going to count in base 10, then you might as well measure in base 10 too.

But then 10 is a pretty crap base to count in. 12 would be much better - more factors.