[muglo] Re: RANT on Canadian imperial settings & politics (was Re: OSAutoconnect)

  • From: "Eric D" <hideme666@xxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: muglo@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2003 15:57:13 -0400

>From: Tee Cashmore <tee.cashmore@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
>Eric D. wrote:
>
> >Exactly where I'm moving in three months :)
> >
>Might I ask where to? I know most of England very well & may be able to
>give you neat places to see, or drink & eat at. I will be in the UK in
>September for 3 weeks.

Doncaster (near Leeds). Everyone raves about the beauty of the area (though, 
I understand it's a former industrial area). I actually have a half-sister 
who's not too far away, living in a national park so that'll be neat too 
(about 80 km away).

> >I was also stunned to find out that the UK still uses miles for distance 
>(all the UK-based map sites use miles and those British cop shows show 
>speeds in MPH).
> >
>maybe, but the best map atlas show in both & a lot of road signs show
>both; a poor way of making a slow change. The fast change from the
>original Pounds, Shillings and Pence to a metric equivalent was quick &
>successful.

How did Canada do it? Or has Canada always been metric for speed (doubtful)?

>It's not really illogical if you know the history. Your thumb averages
>1" from nail to knuckle & your foot is 12 inches with boots on. 3 feet
>to a yard is an easy measure, although an average pace is 3 feet, all
>measures stemming from the Army's need to be pretty consistent without
>carrying "yardsticks".

I have the advantage that I am nearly average sized in measurement respects 
(though, I am stockier than most... probably the distant Scottish heritage) 
so my casual stride is a yard, my foot is 12" and my thumb is 2.5 cm 
(whoops, I am metric, aren't I ;).

Eric.

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