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Why doesn't the U.S. use the Metric System?

  

Category:  News & Politics

By:  thrawn-31  •  5 years ago  •  215 comments

Why doesn't the U.S. use the Metric System?

No article here, just something I was thinking about. 

Why doesn't the U.S. use the metric system? The "Standard System" or really "British Imperial System" is sooooooo fucking stupid. It literally makes no sense, there is absolutely no method to the madness. It is so stupid that not even Britain uses it anymore. 

12 inches in a foot? What the fuck kind of increment is that?

Then, rather then 12 feet in a yard, it is three, just because.

And my all time favorite, 5280 feet in a mile. Seriously, what in the fuck? That is seriously someone taking a shit and then deciding that sounded like a good number. 

The U.S. should join the rest of the world and go to metric. You know, a system that actually makes sense.


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Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
1  author  Thrawn 31    5 years ago

For real, why do we insist upon dragging behind the rest of the world? 

 
 
 
Rmando
Sophomore Silent
1.2  Rmando  replied to  Thrawn 31 @1    5 years ago

Ummm..... Why do you have a photo of a woman in yoga pants for a rant about the metric system?? Is this some sort of satire?

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
1.2.1  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Rmando @1.2    5 years ago

I knew someone would ask, and it is just the pic most available from my last publish. Yes, I am that lazy.

And because a sweet ass like that will draw eyes lol.

 
 
 
Rmando
Sophomore Silent
1.2.2  Rmando  replied to  Thrawn 31 @1.2.1    5 years ago

"And because a sweet ass like that will draw eyes lol"

Well..... I can't argue with that....

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
1.2.3  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Rmando @1.2.2    5 years ago

Man or woman, you can't lol. Impressive either way.

 
 
 
cjcold
Professor Quiet
1.2.4  cjcold  replied to  Thrawn 31 @1.2.1    5 years ago
And because a sweet ass like that

Am I the only person on the planet who doesn't find huge Kardashian type asses attractive?

Give me a tight Jessica Alba type butt every time for my viewing enjoyment.

 
 
 
JBB
Professor Principal
1.3  JBB  replied to  Thrawn 31 @1    5 years ago

Mainly just obstinance and to protect certain American manufacturers...

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
1.3.1  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  JBB @1.3    5 years ago

That is what I think as well, the U.S. just trying to be unique. Even though in this case it is absolutely stupid, like when all your friends decide to sober up but you actually declare that you will shoot more heroin just to spite them. 

 
 
 
XXJefferson51
Senior Guide
1.3.2  XXJefferson51  replied to  Thrawn 31 @1.3.1    5 years ago

When I was growing up we had a metric commission trying to impose that crap 💩 on us and they tried it in school. Not much interest and a lot of resistance.  When they finally gave up and closed the stupid commission they said it ended up inces, feet, yards, and miles short of its goal. jrSmiley_24_smiley_image.gifjrSmiley_36_smiley_image.gifjrSmiley_91_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
1.3.3  sandy-2021492  replied to  XXJefferson51 @1.3.2    5 years ago

People of your mindset crashed a Mars orbiter.  Well done!  And all in the name of obstinacy. 

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
1.3.4  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  XXJefferson51 @1.3.2    5 years ago

[delete]

 
 
 
Dismayed Patriot
Professor Quiet
1.3.5  Dismayed Patriot  replied to  XXJefferson51 @1.3.2    5 years ago
When they finally gave up and closed the stupid commission

The only ones who were obviously too stupid were those who refused to see the beauty and simplicity of the metric system and too proud to admit their current method of measurements takes ten times more effort for half the results. But then, I guess logic and reason are simply too much to ask of some.

 
 
 
XXJefferson51
Senior Guide
1.3.6  XXJefferson51  replied to  sandy-2021492 @1.3.3    5 years ago

We weren’t being obstinate.  We were comfortable with what we had and thankfully still have and we were resistant to change, particularly that we felt was being imposed upon us by government.  

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
1.3.7  sandy-2021492  replied to  XXJefferson51 @1.3.6    5 years ago

That's obstinacy.

 
 
 
Texan1211
Professor Principal
1.3.8  Texan1211  replied to  XXJefferson51 @1.3.6    5 years ago

Maybe they have a point. Let's be just like the rest of the world. Time for someone to start paying up. We will be like everyone else and pay nothing for their defense. After all, the rest of the world pays zero towards our defense. The UN better start demanding more money from the rest of the members--we pay too much, and need to lower the amount to be in line with what everyone else pays. Might be time to change our immigration laws to something like Mexico's.

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
2  sandy-2021492    5 years ago

I wish we would just switch.  It's so much easier to move decimals around than to divide and multiply by threes and twelves, and I always have to look up how many feet are in a mile.

And we end up with expensive, stupid mishaps like this:

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
2.1  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  sandy-2021492 @2    5 years ago

Are you trying to make me put a hole in the wall? 

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
2.1.1  sandy-2021492  replied to  Thrawn 31 @2.1    5 years ago

I wouldn't blame you if you did.  That one really pissed me off.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
2.1.2  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  sandy-2021492 @2.1.1    5 years ago

And was so avoidable and completely unnecessary. That much money was wasted because we decided to be different? What the fuck?

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
2.1.3  sandy-2021492  replied to  Thrawn 31 @2.1.2    5 years ago

Yup.

At least they didn't pull that crap with a manned mission.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
2.1.4  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  sandy-2021492 @2.1.3    5 years ago

But did they try?

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
2.1.5  sandy-2021492  replied to  Thrawn 31 @2.1.4    5 years ago

I don't know.  I would hope that if it were a manned mission, somebody would care enough to triple-check the math, but I'm not optimistic.  I guess at least they've always been consistent with which system they used, except for the orbiter.

That was an expensive lesson.

 
 
 
FLYNAVY1
Professor Participates
2.2  FLYNAVY1  replied to  sandy-2021492 @2    5 years ago

Till we start buying products in the grocery store by metric units, it will be a long time till we make the switch.....

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
2.2.1  sandy-2021492  replied to  FLYNAVY1 @2.2    5 years ago

We buy 2-liter bottles of soda.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
2.2.2  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  FLYNAVY1 @2.2    5 years ago

It is funny because that is the one area that we do actually commonly go by metric. 

 
 
 
XXJefferson51
Senior Guide
2.2.3  XXJefferson51  replied to  Thrawn 31 @2.2.2    5 years ago

For some soda bottles but not juice, canned or bottled drinks real fruit or mix or milk.  We still have 12 oz soda cans and 20 oz soda bottles.  You can bet that if they do to soda what they do to small bottles of water that when they switch from a 20 oz bottle to a half liter one that they won’t lower the price for the lost 3.1 oz.  will they replace the small 7.5 or 8 oz. V-8 and soda cans to 1/4 liter. Cans? Of course they will say 0.25 L rather than 1/4.

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
2.2.4  epistte  replied to  XXJefferson51 @2.2.3    5 years ago

Is it change that bothers you because you don't understand how it might affect you?

 You support unregulated capitalism, so isn't that their right to do as they want, in search of additional profit?

 
 
 
Uncle Bruce
Professor Quiet
3  Uncle Bruce    5 years ago

There are two types of countries in the world.

Those that use the metric system.

And those that have landed a man on the Moon.

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
3.1  sandy-2021492  replied to  Uncle Bruce @3    5 years ago

US scientists generally use the metric system.  When they don't, they lose NASA orbiters.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
3.1.1  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  sandy-2021492 @3.1    5 years ago

Because it just makes so much more sense. Literally in every way. I have not heard a single decent argument in favor of the idiot system.

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
3.1.2  sandy-2021492  replied to  Thrawn 31 @3.1.1    5 years ago

Yes, it does.  It's a shame that most kids who don't get into science just get a quick intro to metric in math class, and rarely use it other than that.  One chemistry or physics class is enough to show how much more practical metric is.

 
 
 
Trout Giggles
Professor Principal
3.1.3  Trout Giggles  replied to  sandy-2021492 @3.1    5 years ago

We use the metric system in our laboratory. I think medicine doses are all in metric, aren't they?

Almost all science "stuff" is measured and conducted in the metric system

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
3.1.4  sandy-2021492  replied to  Trout Giggles @3.1.3    5 years ago

Yes, medicine doses are metric. Even when the instructions for a liquid medicine are given in teaspoons, that's used because it's fairly close to 5 mL.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
3.2  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Uncle Bruce @3    5 years ago

Sooooo how is the "Idiot System", sorry "Standard System" better? 

Oh, and numerous countries have sent probes to the various parts of the solar system using the metric system (considerably harder than going to the moon).

Lol, I knew I would snag someone.

 
 
 
FLYNAVY1
Professor Participates
3.3  FLYNAVY1  replied to  Uncle Bruce @3    5 years ago

In 1999, we lost a Mars lander because JPL designed the spacecraft and wrote all of the software to fly and land in metric units.  NASA didn't do the conversion on their control instructions to match.  Didn't work out too well on the landing!

 
 
 
Freefaller
Professor Quiet
3.4  Freefaller  replied to  Uncle Bruce @3    5 years ago
There are two types of countries in the world.

Those that use the metric system.

And those that have landed a man on the Moon.

Lol, I was unaware Liberia and Myanmar had landed a man on the moon.

 
 
 
Gordy327
Professor Guide
3.5  Gordy327  replied to  Uncle Bruce @3    5 years ago
And those that have landed a man on the Moon

American scientists tend to use the metric system in their professions, even if the general population does not.

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
4  Kavika     5 years ago

A woman whose has a figure of 36 24 36 would suddenly become 91.48 61 91.48....I don't want to be around her when she is told that...

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
4.1  sandy-2021492  replied to  Kavika @4    5 years ago

Meh.  If they could just standardize sizes so that I don't have to try on every pair of jeans I buy from the same rack (read: same size, same brand, same cut, same color) on the same day because no two pair fit the same, I'll be happy.

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
4.1.1  Kavika   replied to  sandy-2021492 @4.1    5 years ago

Now that sounds like a serious problem. Since I live 95% of the time in shorts, flip flops and a tank top...(A T shirt when I want to dress up) I have not encountered that problem....jrSmiley_2_smiley_image.png

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
4.1.2  sandy-2021492  replied to  Kavika @4.1.1    5 years ago

Rub it in, Kavika!  We had snow flurries a week ago.  Not quite shorts weather yet.

 
 
 
charger 383
Professor Silent
4.1.3  charger 383  replied to  Kavika @4.1.1    5 years ago

you got it made now, enjoy the dress code of retirement

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
4.1.4  Kavika   replied to  sandy-2021492 @4.1.2    5 years ago

LOL, sorry sandy but it's 84 today and sunny. 

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
4.1.5  Kavika   replied to  charger 383 @4.1.3    5 years ago

I've been enjoying it for 14 years charger and will continue to enjoy it...

Hope that your in the same boat or flip flops.

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
4.1.6  sandy-2021492  replied to  Kavika @4.1.4    5 years ago

My thermometer shows 77.  I could wear shorts, but I'd probably have to change in a few hours.

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
4.1.7  epistte  replied to  sandy-2021492 @4.1    5 years ago
Meh.  If they could just standardize sizes so that I don't have to try on every pair of jeans I buy from the same rack (read: same size, same brand, same cut, same color) on the same day because no two pair fit the same, I'll be happy.

I'd vote this up 20 times if I could. I hate shopping for this reason.  I never find what I want and I walk away just more stressed out for the effort of dealing with inconsistent sizes, snippy clerks, and crowds.    Jeans and bra sizes are the worst.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Participates
4.1.8  Raven Wing   replied to  sandy-2021492 @4.1    5 years ago
If they could just standardize sizes

I hear that! And being 5 ft 11 in tall and long legs, so it makes it hard to find things such as skirts, slacks and jeans long enough to fit me off the rack. Very few stores carry tall sizes for women, and I had to quit wearing dresses because most of the skirts on them were just too short. They looked more like Skorts. And most of my life I have had to wear boys and men's jeans in order to get ones that are long enough for me. 

And, as you say, I have to try on every pair as some are not true to size, even those made by the same company and Brand name. Some use American measurements and some use other measurements which makes a difference in how they fit. And you can't go by if they are from an American company, as a lot of American companies farm their stuff out to be made over seas.

Being a tall woman has its pluses, but, a good many minuses as well in a lot of things.

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
4.1.9  sandy-2021492  replied to  Raven Wing @4.1.8    5 years ago

I have the opposite problem.  I'm 5 even, and there are few pants and skirts that I don't have to have hemmed, even if I buy them in the petites' section.  At least they can be hemmed, I suppose.  If pants are too short, there's no adding length to them.

I have a tendency to stock up when things are on sale.  So if I need jeans, and they're on sale, I used to try on one pair from a rack, then buy several other pairs in the same size from the same rack.  But then I'd get them home, and one pair would fit fine, and the others wouldn't.  Same size, same brand, same everything.  I have to drive 30 miles or more to return them, so that's a pain in the rear.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Participates
4.1.10  Raven Wing   replied to  sandy-2021492 @4.1.9    5 years ago

My best friend in high school was only 5 ft 2 in, so we had the opposite fitting problems clothes wise. But, when we went other shopping we were a big help to each other. If what she wanted was to high for her to reach I would get if for her, and if what I wanted was on the bottom shelf she would get it for me. Worked great! jrSmiley_13_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
4.1.11  sandy-2021492  replied to  Raven Wing @4.1.10    5 years ago

I used to work with a woman who is 6'2".  We had the same taste in clothes, and would sometimes show up at work in a skirt that the other had also bought.  She joked that we should coordinate our shopping, and she could sew the fabric from the bottoms of my skirts and pants onto her own, so that they'd be as long as she wanted them.  Like you, she often wanted skirts and dresses longer than she could actually find.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Participates
4.1.12  Raven Wing   replied to  sandy-2021492 @4.1.11    5 years ago

I guess you can call that the 'long and short' of the story. (grin)

Everyone in my family on both sides were tall. Both my Grandmother's were 6 ft tall, and my Father and Brother were both 6 ft 5 in. One of my Cousins was 6 ft 9 in. So, the tallness does run in the family. (grin)

I was 5 ft 11 in tall when I was 14 y/o. Funny that most of the boys who wanted to date me in HS were shorter than me. I guess they thought I was someone they thought they 'look up to'. jrSmiley_91_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
4.2  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Kavika @4    5 years ago

Lol, but when you start getting the comparisons in metric she would calm down pretty fast. 

 
 
 
XXJefferson51
Senior Guide
5  XXJefferson51    5 years ago

Long live the Standard system! And I’ll keep the teaspoon, table spoon, the fractions there of and ounces, cups, pints, quarts, half gallon, and gallon.  

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
5.1  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  XXJefferson51 @5    5 years ago
[delete]

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
5.2  sandy-2021492  replied to  XXJefferson51 @5    5 years ago

Do you have a rational reason, other than habit and stubbornly clinging to antiquation?

 
 
 
Trout Giggles
Professor Principal
5.2.1  Trout Giggles  replied to  sandy-2021492 @5.2    5 years ago

Think of how much easier it would be to convert in the kitchen if we used metric.

Now....is it 2 cups to a pint and 4 pints to a quart or vice versa???? I always have to look that stuff up.

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
5.2.2  sandy-2021492  replied to  Trout Giggles @5.2.1    5 years ago

I can remember those, usually.

It's more accurate to measure dry ingredients by mass than by volume.  There is no doing that in the English system.

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
5.3  Kavika   replied to  XXJefferson51 @5    5 years ago
Long live the Standard system! And I’ll keep the teaspoon, table spoon, the fractions there of and ounces, cups, pints, quarts, half gallon, and gallon.  

The metric system is used world wide and in many professions in the US...

Since you don't know any better, well keep on keeping on there KAG.

 
 
 
katrix
Sophomore Participates
5.3.1  katrix  replied to  Kavika @5.3    5 years ago

Anti-science people can't be expected to understand why we should use the metric system, silly ;)   Although you'd think cubits would be the preferred measurement for a young earther.

I remember when gas prices skyrocketed a long time ago, some stations briefly switched to pricing per liter - because they needed time to change the pumps so they could charge over a dollar per gallon.

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
5.4  epistte  replied to  XXJefferson51 @5    5 years ago
Long live the Standard system! And I’ll keep the teaspoon, table spoon, the fractions there of and ounces, cups, pints, quarts, half gallon, and gallon.  

Once you learn the metric system you can do the standard-metric conversions in your head.  Metric is the default system in STEM fields because of the international standard. 

 Your own inability is intellectually hobbling you. 

 
 
 
katrix
Sophomore Participates
5.4.1  katrix  replied to  epistte @5.4    5 years ago

It's rather interesting to note the few who are adamantly against this, without providing any reasoning whatsoever.  Others may express concerns and provide reasoning, but ....

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
5.4.2  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  katrix @5.4.1    5 years ago

Increments of 10 are apparently very difficult for some. Clearly a system that is all over the fucking place with absolutely no logical connection between any measurement is far superior. 

 
 
 
Ender
Professor Principal
6  Ender    5 years ago

It actually wouldn't be that hard to change over. Just start teaching it in schools and teach the younger generations and the turnover would be quick.

It is just older people unwilling to change, holding it back.

 
 
 
evilone
Professor Guide
6.1  evilone  replied to  Ender @6    5 years ago

They did teach it when I was in school in the 70's. They killed teaching it precisely to stay different from 'da evil global Socialists.

 
 
 
Ender
Professor Principal
6.1.1  Ender  replied to  evilone @6.1    5 years ago

Sounds about right.  : )

 
 
 
XXJefferson51
Senior Guide
6.2  XXJefferson51  replied to  Ender @6    5 years ago

i was that younger person in school when they first tried to impose that system upon us.  Why would it be different now?  

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
6.2.1  epistte  replied to  XXJefferson51 @6.2    5 years ago
i was that younger person in school when they first tried to impose that system upon us.  Why would it be different now?  

Was that before or after they imposed long division, evolution, and heliocentrism?

 
 
 
Tacos!
Professor Guide
7  Tacos!    5 years ago

So I'm supposed to get football tickets on what? The 47 meter-line?

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
7.1  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Tacos! @7    5 years ago

Sure.

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
8  The Magic 8 Ball    5 years ago
why doesn't the US use the metric system?
because we can't stand the idea of foreign rulers.

 

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
8.1  sandy-2021492  replied to  The Magic 8 Ball @8    5 years ago

Very punny.

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
8.1.1  The Magic 8 Ball  replied to  sandy-2021492 @8.1    5 years ago

I know, I know,  that was cheesy of me...

but I feel grate :)

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
9  The Magic 8 Ball    5 years ago
before you judge somebody who doesn't use the metric system...
you should walk 1.609344 kilometers in their shoes.
 
 
 
lady in black
Professor Quiet
10  lady in black    5 years ago

I'm too damn old to try to learn "new" math jrSmiley_55_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
10.1  sandy-2021492  replied to  lady in black @10    5 years ago

It's not new math.  It's just new units.  The math relating to those units is so much easier - divide and multiply by 10.

 
 
 
bbl-1
Professor Quiet
11  bbl-1    5 years ago

Wasn't the basic British Imperial System based on King John's proclamation that the legal yard was from the tip of his nose to his outstretched arm's fingertip?

Simple enough for simple times.  And yet here in America we're still not simple enough.  "I've got the biggest brain," is the only qualifier required. 

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
11.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  bbl-1 @11    5 years ago
"Wasn't the basic British Imperial System based on King John's proclamation that the legal yard was from the tip of his nose to his outstretched arm's fingertip?"

Maybe so, but who had a 12 inch foot?

Canada went metric when I was 33 years old so I have never got over my confusion about which to use.

 
 
 
luther28
Sophomore Silent
13  luther28    5 years ago

Why doesn't the U.S. use the Metric System?

As my Grandson might say, that's a very good question. They have been threatening to launch this for quite sometime (at least since the sixties when I was a lad), just never seemed to have the correct fuel.

Kind of akin to keeping the coal industry alive, just because it once was.

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
14  The Magic 8 Ball    5 years ago

ok I have some time.

how easy would it be to replace a 1/2 inch bolt with a 12.7 mm bolt?

instead of a 4ft by 8ft piece of sheetrock would they be making a 1219.1999999999998 mm by 2438.3999999999996 mm sheet of sheetrock to match existing stud layouts?  or do we have to rebuild a wall before replacing sheetrock on existing homes? or wastefully cut the sheet down to match existing stud layouts?


think about every nut, bolt, hole, insert, panel, pipe, box, etc, etc, that needs to be replaced in this country.

we would need two home depots in every town.

one for the existing homes and one for the new homes built with metric measurement. 

even garden hoses would not be interchangeable between the old and new buildings.


fun fact - they do not make 12.7 mm bolts unless you have one custom made

             they do make 12mm bolts but that is not going to fix the motor in your classic chevy ss now is it?

 
 
 
katrix
Sophomore Participates
14.1  katrix  replied to  The Magic 8 Ball @14    5 years ago

I do find it a pain that some parts of my car take standard wrenches and some take metric ...

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
14.1.1  The Magic 8 Ball  replied to  katrix @14.1    5 years ago
that some parts of my car take standard wrenches and some take metric

hybrid products are bound to exist but when it comes to existing sizes, there will never be a day when we can replace a 1/2 inch bolt with a metric replacement of 12.7mm. there will only ever be 12mm or 13mm available.

for repairs, do we re-drill and tap every engine block built before the big metrics switch?   not a chance. 

do we rebuild every wall before replacing exterior siding or interior sheetrock? again, not a chance.

if there was an equal and readily available metric replacement for every standard nut, bolt and hinge out there?  making a switch would be no problem.  the cost in availability, labor, and cash to switch now would exceed any benefit.

 

 

 
 
 
Freefaller
Professor Quiet
14.1.2  Freefaller  replied to  The Magic 8 Ball @14.1.1    5 years ago

Not saying there wouldn't be some issues but many other countries have successfully changed over, I would assume the US is capable of doing so as well.

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
14.2  epistte  replied to  The Magic 8 Ball @14    5 years ago
how easy would it be to replace a 1/2 inch bolt with a 12.7 mm bolt? Have  you not noticed that most new cars have metric bolts?

 Advance, NAPA, and O'Reilly sell metric as well as standard bolts, in both coarse and fine threads. You can get Whitworth and NAS bolts if you know where to shop. 

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
14.2.1  The Magic 8 Ball  replied to  epistte @14.2    5 years ago
Advance, NAPA, and O'Reilly sell metric as well as standard bolts

and ya know what they do not sell?

metric bolts that fit in holes drilled and tapped for standard bolts.

besides width, the threads do not match.

I suppose they could be made. but that would just be making a standard bolt that fits a metric wrench. not exactly getting rid of the standard measurements just the standard tools.

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
14.2.2  The Magic 8 Ball  replied to  The Magic 8 Ball @14.2.1    5 years ago

I would like to see someone pull a 1/2 inch bolt out of a chevy 350 small block, take it to an auto parts store, give them the bolt, and say they want a metric bolt to replace it.... just so I could see how long they were laughed at.

maybe while they are at it they can ask for blinker fluid also... LOL

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
14.2.3  epistte  replied to  The Magic 8 Ball @14.2.1    5 years ago
and ya know what they do not sell?

metric bolts that fit in holes drilled and tapped for standard bolts.

besides width, the threads do not match.

Why would you go to the bother to tap a standard bolt/drilled hole to fit metric threads? Tapped threads are only about 2/3 as strong as rolled threads so you only do it when absolutely necessary. 

You don't seem to understand that when we switch to metric that standard threads and other parts will still be made, likely for 100 years. Ford hasn't built a Model-T for almost a century but you can still buy parts to fix them.

I suppose they could be made. but that would just be making a standard bolt that fits a metric wrench. not exactly getting rid of the standard measurements just the standard tools.

You do not try to use metric wrenches on standards bolts or vise-versa. People get fired for that idiocy because you either hurt yourself when the wrench slips or you damage the bolt.  Do you think that standard wrenches would be confiscated when we officially switch to the metric system? I'm not giving up my measuring cups and spoons when we switch to grams. 

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
14.2.4  The Magic 8 Ball  replied to  epistte @14.2.3    5 years ago

I was talking about a usa where we suddenly went metric and everything along with it including bolts went metric.

as in no standard bolts sold anymore.

in that scenario... how do we fix old things? (rhetorical at this point as im no longer in the conversation.

start from the top and read it all again. or not. I'm no longer interested and unlike ten hours ago, I no longer have the time.

 im on the road until further notice, be back in just a few weeks.

cheers :)

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
14.2.5  epistte  replied to  The Magic 8 Ball @14.2.4    5 years ago
I was talking about a usa where we suddenly went metric and everything along with it including bolts went metric. as in no standard bolts sold anymore.

Nobody ever said or even hinted that would happen or even be a possibility. As long as there is a need someone will sell the standard hardware.

in that scenario... how do we fix old things? (rhetorical at this point as im no longer in the conversation.

start from the top and read it all again. or not. I'm no longer interested and unlike ten hours ago, I no longer have the time.

 im on the road until further notice, be back in just a few weeks.

cheers

Bon Voyage'

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
14.2.6  The Magic 8 Ball  replied to  epistte @14.2.5    5 years ago
Nobody ever said or even hinted that would happen or even be a possibility.

no shit.  LOL

 

I was talking about a world that would never be and you countered with what is available now. at napa... 

the question was

why doesn't the U.S. use the metric system?

because we built our country using standard measurements and will not be changing that.

I never said you could not buy a two-liter bottle of soda today or tomorrow

I never said orielys and napa did not sell both metric and standard stuff.

of course they do and always will. because  there will never be a day when the USA leaves standard measurements and goes full metric.  

that was the only point I was making.

 you seriously crack me up sometimes. 

Bon Voyage'

was a last minute delay...  family illness. no bueno.

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
14.2.7  epistte  replied to  The Magic 8 Ball @14.2.6    5 years ago
because we built our country using standard measurements and will not be changing that.

Where do you get this nonsense?

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
14.2.8  The Magic 8 Ball  replied to  epistte @14.2.7    5 years ago
Where do you get this nonsense?

from the question asked.

Why Doesn't The U.S. Use The Metric System?

where do you get your nonsense from?

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
14.2.9  epistte  replied to  The Magic 8 Ball @14.2.8    5 years ago
Why Doesn't The U.S. Use The Metric System? where do you get your nonsense from?

Why is learning the metric system a threat to you?  Most people can make the switch in a week and be able to do conversions in their head. What is it about the metric system that is such a threat to you? 

 There is nothing in our government that mandates that we use an antiquated measuring system.

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
14.2.10  The Magic 8 Ball  replied to  epistte @14.2.9    5 years ago
Why is learning the metric system a threat to you? 

it's not. I buy 2 liters all the time.  and no one is stopping anyone from using metric either.  however,  thinking standard measurement will ever go away in this country is very silly.

implying metrics is a threat to me? just childish and foolish bs.

 

 

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
14.2.11  epistte  replied to  The Magic 8 Ball @14.2.10    5 years ago
it's not. I buy 2 liters all the time.

Were you emotionally scarred the first time you did it? 

  and no one is stopping anyone from using metric either.  however,  thinking standard measurement will ever go away in this country is very silly.

Why is it a problem if we adopted the metric system, other than your previous irrational claim that you couldn't not buy bolts for your car?

implying metrics is a threat to me? just childish and foolish bs.

 Your own words hint that change is a problem for you and that switching to metric is somehow threatening to what being an American means. Meters are 39.37 inches, a kilometer is .62 of a mile, kilos are 2.2 pounds, and an inch is 2.54 cm.

 
 
 
The Magic 8 Ball
Masters Quiet
14.2.12  The Magic 8 Ball  replied to  epistte @14.2.11    5 years ago
Your own words hint that change is a problem for you 

no, I actually implied something completely different than that... LOL

change is no problem for me, but psychoanalyzing people seems to be a problem for you.

I mean what I say and say what I mean. 

there are no hidden coded messages only you can read.

I have no problem doing math of any kind.

so, stop playing with your imagination and move on.

you're being ridiculous.

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
14.2.13  Bob Nelson  replied to  epistte @14.2.11    5 years ago

A mile is legally defined as 1609.344 meters.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
14.3  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  The Magic 8 Ball @14    5 years ago

Simple, we just adopt the standards that the rest of the world uses. Problem solved. 

 
 
 
Trout Giggles
Professor Principal
15  Trout Giggles    5 years ago

I can see changing over to fairly difficult for some. There are people who can't change feet to yards. For example, a crew came out to bury a cable in our yard last week. One of the guys asked Mr Giggles how many yards was it to the drive way. Mr G said about 150. The guy said, well, I don't know if it's that but it is 450 feet.

 
 
 
Nerm_L
Professor Expert
17  Nerm_L    5 years ago

The United States does use the metric system.  That can be confirmed in any hardware or grocery store.  The US has retained its customary system of measurement because of the large amount of equipment, data, and material still in use.

The United States isn't going to scrap everything.  Adopting the metric system would require far more unit conversions and inconvenience than retaining the customary system.  

 
 
 
Freefaller
Professor Quiet
17.1  Freefaller  replied to  Nerm_L @17    5 years ago
Adopting the metric system would require far more unit conversions and inconvenience than retaining the customary system.

I'm sure the same things were said by people in all the countries that have converted in the past.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
17.2  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Nerm_L @17    5 years ago

And yet.... everyone else has done it. Guess it is like healthcare though, we just suck so much we can't figure it out.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
20  It Is ME    5 years ago

"The "Standard System" or really "British Imperial System" is sooooooo fucking stupid."

No it's NOT ! jrSmiley_80_smiley_image.gif

It's really easy to figure out ! jrSmiley_99_smiley_image.jpg

Maybe the "Metric System" is the STUPID unit of measure !

 
 
 
cjcold
Professor Quiet
20.1  cjcold  replied to  It Is ME @20    5 years ago
Maybe the "Metric System" is the STUPID unit of measure !

I'm sure that's why the world's scientists use it.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
20.1.1  It Is ME  replied to  cjcold @20.1    5 years ago

Smart people aren't always as smart as we think. Even they make mistakes !

 
 
 
cjcold
Professor Quiet
20.1.2  cjcold  replied to  It Is ME @20.1.1    5 years ago

The scientific method is a self correcting process that tends to keep us humble.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
20.2  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  It Is ME @20    5 years ago

Yes, because 12 inches in a foot is totally logical, and 3 feet in a yard makes absolute sense, and of course 5280 feet in a mile is just the obvious choice. 

But using increments of 10 for everything is just flat out insane. 

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
20.2.1  It Is ME  replied to  Thrawn 31 @20.2    5 years ago

The other countries learn English. We don't go out of our way to learn their language.

There is a reason for that. jrSmiley_99_smiley_image.jpg

The others should "Change" to our units of measure !

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
20.2.2  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @20.2.1    5 years ago

That's a very ethnocentric and arrogant comment.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
20.2.3  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @20.2.2    5 years ago
That's a very ethnocentric and arrogant comment.

Back-at the ones that want the "U.S.A." to go the other way !

Such a vicious circle huh !

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
20.2.4  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @20.2.3    5 years ago

False equivalence.  Those in favor of metric have rational arguments on their side.  You have only "But I don't wanna!"

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
20.2.5  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @20.2.4    5 years ago
False equivalence.

Wrong !

"Those in favor of metric have rational arguments on their side."

And those that aren't in favor ….. Don't ?

I get it.....AGAIN ! jrSmiley_10_smiley_image.gif

Just another "Do as we say" from a "Left lean" ! 

Any idea on the "Cost" to "Change" to what YOU and some others want ?

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
20.2.6  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @20.2.5    5 years ago
And those that aren't in favor ….. Don't ?

You're catching on.

Any idea on the "Cost" to "Change" to what YOU and some others want ?

There's already been a cost to  not  switching.

And many have already switched.  Healthcare, for example, uses mostly metric units.  Your medicines are measured in milligrams, and doses determined in mg/kg.  Your IV fluids are measured in cubic centimeters (which are the same as milliliters - another easy conversion).  If healthcare can switch, is it really so hard for everyone else?

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
20.2.7  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @20.2.6    5 years ago
You're catching on.

I caught on to "Liberal" thinking Long ago !

"Do as YOU say......nothing more, nothing less...... "Common Sense" be damned.

Why are you so gung-ho to be like "Slow" countries ?

This country moving to fast for you ?

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
20.2.8  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @20.2.7    5 years ago

This isn't "liberal" thinking.  This is someone who understands that science is done in metric thinking.  Even in the US.  Ask a scientist.  Or your MD.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
20.2.9  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @20.2.8    5 years ago
This is someone who understands that science is done in metric thinking. 

Not by Law !

is there a law that says "Everything "Medical" must be in a certain Unit of measure ?

They choose to do what they do !

I chose NOT to want to be like "SLOW" countries. They aren't something to emulate.

This Country IS one to Emulate !

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
20.2.10  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @20.2.9    5 years ago

The fact that they switched without coercion should tell you something.  They switched because they could see that metric makes more sense.

Nobody's going to confiscate your 12-inch ruler.

And it's odd that you refer to other countries as "slow".  Our students don't rank nearly as high in math and science as students in those "slow" countries where metric is used.  Do you think our material resources will keep us ahead of their intellectual resources forever?

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
20.2.11  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @20.2.10    5 years ago
Nobody's going to confiscate your 12-inch ruler.

But they would. If we go to metric, my "12" Rule" is now null and void..... and not by my choice.

Again....why are you so gungho with being like "Countries" that STILL aren't in the Realm of this countries accomplishments ?

"Our students don't rank nearly as high in math and science "

Cause "Books" aren't the "IN" things in this country anymore. It's all about "Feelings" now. We must learn what will and will not "Hurt" someone's "Feelings" !

It's called ….. "Public School " ! jrSmiley_78_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
20.2.12  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @20.2.11    5 years ago

You can't measure something in inches and feet without government sanction?  How very sad.  I measure things in millimeters all the time (part of the job) without the government's blessing.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
20.2.13  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @20.2.12    5 years ago
You can't measure something in inches and feet without government sanction?

I use the standard "Ruler" that is sold throughout this country. Duh ! 

The "Illegals" would be flummoxed if I didn't. jrSmiley_10_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
20.2.14  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @20.2.13    5 years ago
I use the standard "Ruler"

So do I.  It also measures in millimeters and centimeters.  And nobody has slapped my hand for using it that way, same as nobody will slap yours for measuring in inches and feet.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
20.2.15  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @20.2.14    5 years ago
It also measures in millimeters and centimeters.

Your choice.

I should have to be YOU ?

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
20.2.16  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @20.2.15    5 years ago
I should have to be YOU ?

Did you read this part?

nobody will slap yours for measuring in inches and feet.
 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
20.2.17  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @20.2.11    5 years ago
Cause "Books" aren't the "IN" things in this country anymore. It's all about "Feelings" now. We must learn what will and will not "Hurt" someone's "Feelings" !

Ah, you edited this after my initial response.  I find this to be ironic, considering that you advocate for avoiding metric solely on the basis of your feelings.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
20.2.18  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @20.2.17    5 years ago
Ah, you edited this after my initial response.

NO !

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
21  Bob Nelson    5 years ago

The US already uses the metric system:
 - The legal definition of an inch is 25.4 millimeters.
 - The legal definition of a pound is 0.45359237 kilograms.

A few hundred years ago, the kingdom of France had livres. Today, a shopkeeper, asked for une livre de gruyère will serve a half-kilo of the cheese.

China uses the metric system... so...

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
21.1  sandy-2021492  replied to  Bob Nelson @21    5 years ago
- The legal definition of a pound is 0.45359237 kilograms.

I'm going to be a bit pedantic here.  The kilogram is a measure of mass.  The pound is a measure of weight, which is dependent on the effect of gravity and therefore not static.  An object in space is weightless, or nearly so, but has a constant mass.  This legal definition unfortunately ignores the fact that pounds and kilograms aren't really measures of the same thing.

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
21.1.1  Bob Nelson  replied to  sandy-2021492 @21.1    5 years ago

Being equally pedantic jrSmiley_82_smiley_image.gif , I'd point out that that the pound measures weight because in olden days nobody knew there might be a different weight for the same mass.

And now, nobody who works in a field where the difference might be significant would be caught dead using pounds.

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
21.1.2  sandy-2021492  replied to  Bob Nelson @21.1.1    5 years ago
in olden days nobody knew there might be a different weight for the same mass.

No, but we know better now, so that definition should be qualified.  A pound should equal 0.45359237 kg at sea level, for example.  Better knowledge should result in better definitions.

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
21.1.3  Bob Nelson  replied to  sandy-2021492 @21.1.2    5 years ago

... or we might simply say that today the pound (being a multiple of a kilogram) is a unit of mass.

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
21.1.4  sandy-2021492  replied to  Bob Nelson @21.1.3    5 years ago

That would be a good resolution.

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
21.1.5  Bob Nelson  replied to  sandy-2021492 @21.1.4    5 years ago

jrSmiley_82_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
livefreeordie
Junior Silent
22  livefreeordie    5 years ago

I've never liked the metric system.  I hate it when I go to Europe or Canada and have to put up with it.

 
 
 
cjcold
Professor Quiet
22.1  cjcold  replied to  livefreeordie @22    5 years ago

[delete]

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
22.2  epistte  replied to  livefreeordie @22    5 years ago
I've never liked the metric system.  I hate it when I go to Europe or Canada and have to put up with it.

Did you ever learn a second language such as French, German, Latin, or Spanish? Its much easier when you embrace the new language instead of trying to translate everything back and forth.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
22.3  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  livefreeordie @22    5 years ago

And I am positive they hate having to answer your idiotic questions. I am sure you hate having to put up with their different words too eh? 

 
 
 
Citizen Kane-473667
Professor Quiet
23  Citizen Kane-473667    5 years ago

I personally LIKE using the metric system for measurement in my field simply because it is sooo much more concise and accurate. It might take some getting used to, but I wouldn't mind seeing us change over.

 
 
 
Trout Giggles
Professor Principal
23.1  Trout Giggles  replied to  Citizen Kane-473667 @23    5 years ago

It's a lot easier to do conversions in metric

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
23.1.1  Bob Nelson  replied to  Trout Giggles @23.1    5 years ago

A liter of water is a cube 10 x 10 centimeters. It weighs one kilogram.

Those are simple relationships among volume, length, and mass.

Try to explain the same relationships for a cup of water: volume, length, mass. Good luck...

 
 
 
Trout Giggles
Professor Principal
23.1.2  Trout Giggles  replied to  Bob Nelson @23.1.1    5 years ago

Exactly!

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
23.2  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Citizen Kane-473667 @23    5 years ago

EVERYTHING is easier in metric.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
24  It Is ME    5 years ago

Policeman pulls you over for speeding.

Policeman: "Did you know you were going 32.18688 KPH in a 24.14016 KPH Zone ?"

Me: WTF ? jrSmiley_99_smiley_image.jpg

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
24.1  Bob Nelson  replied to  It Is ME @24    5 years ago

Seriously?

Limits posted in km/h. Speedometer graduated in km/h. Speeding violation defined in km/h.

Fine paid in local currency... jrSmiley_80_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
24.1.1  It Is ME  replied to  Bob Nelson @24.1    5 years ago
Seriously?

Yes....seriously. Don't you demand "Perfection" ?

I would want to know "EXACTLY" how fast I was going.

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
24.1.2  Bob Nelson  replied to  It Is ME @24.1.1    5 years ago

         jrSmiley_89_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
24.1.3  It Is ME  replied to  Bob Nelson @24.1.2    5 years ago

jrSmiley_46_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
24.1.4  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @24.1.1    5 years ago

You can't understand a speed if it's not measured in the units you prefer?  That's not really a problem with the units, you know.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
24.1.5  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @24.1.4    5 years ago

I like our system. You have a problem with that ?

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
24.1.6  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @24.1.5    5 years ago

I don't have a problem with you liking it.

I have a problem with attitudes like yours that keep the US "dumbed down" in relation to other countries.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
24.1.7  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @24.1.6    5 years ago
I have a problem with attitudes like your that keep the US "dumbed down" in relation to other countries.

Other Countries have taken "Centuries" to get where they are at right now.

Question:

How many years has it taken this country to get where it's at ?

[deleted]

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
24.1.8  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @24.1.7    5 years ago
deleted for content, by Charger 383
 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
24.1.9  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @24.1.8    5 years ago
Deleted for content, by Charger383
 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
24.1.10  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @24.1.9    5 years ago
deleted for content, by Charger 383
 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
24.1.11  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @24.1.10    5 years ago
[deleted]
 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
24.1.12  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @24.1.11    5 years ago

delete for content

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
24.1.13  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @24.1.12    5 years ago
delete for content by Charger 383

 
 
 
sandy-2021492
Professor Expert
24.1.14  sandy-2021492  replied to  It Is ME @24.1.13    5 years ago

deleted for content, by Charger383

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
24.1.15  It Is ME  replied to  sandy-2021492 @24.1.14    5 years ago
Deleted for content by Charger383
 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
24.2  epistte  replied to  It Is ME @24    5 years ago
Policeman: "Did you know you were going 32.18688 KPH in a 24.14016 KPH Zone ?"

Police radar isn't that accurate. 

Marksman LTI 20.20 is the most commons laser gun used by the police to check speed. The Marksman LTI 20.20 has a beam width of 2 feet at a distance of 1300 feet. The manufacturer claims the gun has an accuracy of 1 mph for speeds up to 60 mph and for speeds over 60 mph, the accuracy is within 3%.

A dirty car is less reflective and that limits the accuracy of the laser.  Weather is also a limiting factor of lasers.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
24.2.1  It Is ME  replied to  epistte @24.2    5 years ago

jrSmiley_18_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
24.3  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  It Is ME @24    5 years ago

Or you can just say 32 kilometers in a 24 kilometer zone. When you are pulled over do you answer 32.18688MPH?

 
 
 
nightwalker
Sophomore Silent
25  nightwalker    5 years ago

Look people, it's not a assault on your measures, and it's not a rebel act to stay with the measures you know.

It's just a deep fear of change, ANY change that's all.

Here's the simple version. The Secret Police aren't going to bust your door down and confiscate your measuring cups and spoons, you can just go on using them. They won't even burn all your recipes. The biggest most noticeable difference would be getting your gas in liters and that should be easy to adjust to. I mean who orders gas by the gallon? (1 gal=3.79 Liters by the way) You could still say, as you do now, either "fill'er up" or the more common "gimmie X dollars worth."

If you want to measure your inseam, LOOK at your measuring tape, one side is in inches and the other is metric unless you have a old, old tape. (1" = 2.54 millimeters, not flattering if measuring yourself, although some guys will go nuts and take up metric.) Most canned goods have the measure in metrics somewhere on the label. A decent ruler or tape measure have imperial and cm/mm, some people find it more precise or easier to use.

Nobody got hurt.

No cause for alarm, it's not a attack, just a easier method of measuring and you don't have to use it if you don't wanna.

But your kids or grandkids probably will.

 

 

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
25.1  Bob Nelson  replied to  nightwalker @25    5 years ago
The Secret Police aren't going to bust your door down and confiscate your measuring cups and spoons...

  jrSmiley_79_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
nightwalker
Sophomore Silent
25.2  nightwalker  replied to  nightwalker @25    5 years ago

oop, 1"=2.54 CENTIMETERS, 25.4 millimeters.

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
25.2.1  Bob Nelson  replied to  nightwalker @25.2    5 years ago

Gosh! D'ya mean that a centimeter is ten millimeters?

Feet divided into twelve inches is s-o-o-o much easier...  jrSmiley_19_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
nightwalker
Sophomore Silent
25.2.2  nightwalker  replied to  Bob Nelson @25.2.1    5 years ago

It's ALL so confusing.....jrSmiley_98_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
25.2.3  epistte  replied to  Bob Nelson @25.2.1    5 years ago
Feet divided into twelve inches is s-o-o-o much easier...

And then every inch is divided into 32nds or 64ths. How many 32nds are in a foot compared to how many millimeters are in a meter. In the later, any idiot can do in their head by moving the decimal point to the left.

 You use this for feet and inches.

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
25.2.4  Bob Nelson  replied to  epistte @25.2.3    5 years ago
And then every inch is divided into 32nds or 64ths.

Well yes.

Of course.

   jrSmiley_30_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
epistte
Junior Participates
25.2.5  epistte  replied to  Bob Nelson @25.2.4    5 years ago

I can write out the 32nds of an inch in 3 place decimals from memory. There is a pattern that starts to repeat. 

 
 
 
Bob Nelson
Professor Guide
25.2.6  Bob Nelson  replied to  epistte @25.2.5    5 years ago

Cool!

jrSmiley_13_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
26  JohnRussell    5 years ago

I don't really care if we have metric or inches, feet, etc.  They both work. 

As far as the standard measurements being arbitrary, as the OP suggests, metric measurements are arbitrary also, or does the meter exist in nature? lol. 

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
26.1  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  JohnRussell @26    5 years ago

One system has a clear logic behind it whereas the other is just straight up random.

And in an evermore interconnected world, it just makes sense for everyone to be on the same page when it comes to units of measurement. You can ask NASA what happens when you aren't. 

 
 
 
Gordy327
Professor Guide
26.2  Gordy327  replied to  JohnRussell @26    5 years ago

All metrics is based on the power 10, regardless if the measurement is mass, volume, or length. it's also used extensively in the sciences, and for good reason. Metrics is a superior and more universal system. 

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
26.2.1  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Gordy327 @26.2    5 years ago
it's also used extensively in the sciences

EXCLUSIVELY. You will NEVER see standard measurements in any lab the world over, even in the US. Because a) the standard system is fucking stupid and b) aside from actually being a logical system, everyone around the world uses Metric.


and for good reason. Metrics is a superior and more universal system. 

Yep. It is easily understood across any culture or language. Powers of 10 just intrinsically make sense to us.

 
 
 
Gordy327
Professor Guide
26.2.2  Gordy327  replied to  Thrawn 31 @26.2.1    5 years ago

Apparently, metrics is not understood by some. I suppose that's why they're so resistant to it. 

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
26.2.3  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Gordy327 @26.2.2    5 years ago

I am understanding to a degree, but when you insist on something because it is "tradition" even though it is far more ineffective, then fuck you.

 
 
 
Gordy327
Professor Guide
26.2.4  Gordy327  replied to  Thrawn 31 @26.2.3    5 years ago

Indeed. Traditions can be nice, but they're a poor reason to do or continue something.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
26.2.5  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Gordy327 @26.2.4    5 years ago

I defer to Rick Sanchez "from a scientific point, traditions are an idiot thing."

 
 
 
Gordy327
Professor Guide
26.2.6  Gordy327  replied to  Thrawn 31 @26.2.5    5 years ago

Awsome. A perfect reference, Lol

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
26.2.7  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Gordy327 @26.2.6    5 years ago

Are we becoming friends?

 
 
 
Gordy327
Professor Guide
26.2.8  Gordy327  replied to  Thrawn 31 @26.2.7    5 years ago

Were we not already? Anyone who is a fan of Rock & Morty is OK in my book, jrSmiley_2_smiley_image.png

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
26.2.9  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Gordy327 @26.2.8    5 years ago

Okay, but you are Bird Person.

 
 
 
Gordy327
Professor Guide
26.2.10  Gordy327  replied to  Thrawn 31 @26.2.9    5 years ago

Wubalubalubdub!

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
26.2.11  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Gordy327 @26.2.10    5 years ago

"And thats the waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay the news goes"

 
 
 
Gordy327
Professor Guide
26.2.12  Gordy327  replied to  Thrawn 31 @26.2.11    5 years ago

Riki tiki tiki biatch.

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
27  Kavika     5 years ago

I believe that the Imperial system is a combination of the British and Roman measures...

The Roman Empire is gone, it no longer exists. The British Empire is a shell of it's former self and If I remember correctly I believe that they did convert to the metric system. Stiff upper lip and all that rubbish.

I say, let's stick with a system that was invented and used by two empires that are in the shitter. 

Long live Queen. Freddie would be quite happy.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
27.1  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Kavika @27    5 years ago

Shit, we may as well go back to the old Roman shitters too :)

You know, the ones that occasionally exploded. Literally. 

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
27.1.1  Kavika   replied to  Thrawn 31 @27.1    5 years ago
You know, the ones that occasionally exploded. Literally. 

Some poor guy was in the shitter trying do divide fractions in the imperial system and his head, along with the shitter exploded.jrSmiley_4_smiley_image.png

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
27.1.2  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Kavika @27.1.1    5 years ago

Lol, talk about blowing up the toilet.

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
28  author  Thrawn 31    5 years ago

Honestly, the best example I can give as to why the metric system is vastly superior to the standard is this:

A mile is 5280 feet, you have run 3467 feet, what percentage of that mile have you run? Take out your calculator.

A kilometer is 1000 meters, you have run 847 meters, what percentage of that kilometer have you run? 84.7%.

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
28.1  Kavika   replied to  Thrawn 31 @28    5 years ago

I didn't even need my abacus for that one..jrSmiley_2_smiley_image.png  

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
28.1.1  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Kavika @28.1    5 years ago

Did you break out and start diving up your stones? 

 
 
 
Split Personality
Professor Guide
28.1.2  Split Personality  replied to  Thrawn 31 @28.1.1    5 years ago

Nope. I pulled up my Windows desk top calculator.

btw, do you know how to convert Chinese mu into Biblical cubits, lol

/s

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
28.1.3  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Split Personality @28.1.2    5 years ago
Nope. I pulled up my Windows desk top calculator.

Jesus, we went to stones BECAUSE of the og Windows. 

btw, do you know how to convert Chinese mu into Biblical cubits, lol

Oh it is easy! you just.... and..... okay what the fuck is Chinese mu and I just know that biblical cubits are as dumb as the standard system.

 
 
 
Gordy327
Professor Guide
28.1.4  Gordy327  replied to  Thrawn 31 @28.1.3    5 years ago

I'll call the biblical cubits dumber. 

 
 
 
Thrawn 31
Professor Participates
28.1.5  author  Thrawn 31  replied to  Gordy327 @28.1.4    5 years ago

So the Harry Potter system. 

 
 
 
Gordy327
Professor Guide
29  Gordy327    5 years ago

I don't know. I'm just a muggle.

 
 

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