Date:         Mon, 13 May 2002 08:14:25 EDT
Reply-To:     JKrevnov@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rico Sapolich <JKrevnov@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Warning!!!  Check Your Speedometer - What a Sad, Sad Example
Comments: To: CTONLINE@WEBTV.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 5/12/02 10:09:50 PM, CTONLINE@WEBTV.NET writes:

<< We reject the ass backward's Metric system---


Why?


For the same reason the Limey's threw out the Witworth and then the

British Standard system of measurement---


Because it ain't simple------ >>

Terry,
Because it ain't simple may be reason enough.  Sure, the factor of 10 aspect
makes it easy to work with metric calculations, but in the real world give me
the power of 2 and the units scaled to the human body which we have in the
English system.

An inch is about the distance from the finger tip to the first knuckle, a
yard is measured from the nose to the finger tips and a foot is the length of
a human foot.  In fact, if I am not wearing my Luchesse's, my foot is almost
exactly a foot.  Fractional measurements are more easily estimated in the
English system.  Almost everyone can divide an inch into two 1/2 inch
segments with some accuracy.  And then into quarters, and those into eighths
and so on.  I have known skilled machinists who could measure to 1/256 of an
inch (i.e., damn close to .004") using only a scale.  Since 1/256 of an inch
is equal to about 0.1 mm (to three places it is 0.099 mm), I sure as hell
would like to might the man who can measure 0.1 mm without a mike.

Almost 30 years ago a friend of mine took the steps to establish a consulting
firm which would specialize in the coming metrification of America and all
the reengineering work that it would entail.  Of course, he wasted his time
and his money on a bunch of hype.

Take heart all you metrificationers; I notice my kids referring to
measurements in terms of those unnatural units of the metric system, so your
propaganda might, God forbid, be taking its toll.

Rich