Round Table Show 2 - Podcast Episode 58 - Page 2

BrianPlankis · 08-24-2006, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

the weird thing is the metric system makes sense..
everything is in units of 10.
the US system is stupid as all heck. nothing relates to anything

I know it would never happen, but it would be nice to see the US go metric. Once you learn it, the metric system is SOOO much easier.

Brian

***Rob*** · 08-24-2006, 02:13 AM

totally agree.. maybe we should just start doing everything in metric..

we'll start a trend..

kj_yoda · 08-24-2006, 09:51 AM

Guess, if we switch everything to metric, it may make drivers drive slower b/c they will feel they are driving too fast...

Only problem with the switch is that we are too big headed about it all.

BrianPlankis · 08-24-2006, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kj_yoda

Guess, if we switch everything to metric, it may make drivers drive slower b/c they will feel they are driving too fast...

Only problem with the switch is that we are too big headed about it all.

Big headed is a big part of it, but there are some real financial disincentives to switching to metric. One simple example is pipe fittings, think of just how much PVC and metal piping is used in industry in this country, all english system. To switch over to metric would be cost prohibitive for existing industry and then you have to get a supply chain going for any new industry projects. Not exactly an easy thing to do and that is just one example.

Some school districts in the US teach almost exclusively in metric and then when the kids come out of school they have to use the English system in the working world.

Brian

kj_yoda · 08-24-2006, 11:25 AM

I understand the financial disincentives. The state of Delaware (yes, it is a state), built a highway from Northern Delaware to the Delaware Beaches. They started putting everything in Km including the speed limit. THis didn't last too long, once the finally completed the entire road, they had changed everything back to MPH.

**CarmieJo** · 08-24-2006, 09:13 PM

All of our exchange students home countries use metric. Between my science background and converting stuff on the fly for them I don't even think about it anymore. That being said, metric sure is easier!