Re: Cars' GPS related instrument Clock / Hoover Dam: a timing wonder of the world


the swisswatchguy wrote:
> John S. wrote:
> > Mij Adyaw wrote:
> > > The world should have switched to the Metric system many years ago. When I
> > > was in school during the sixties and seventies, we were told that the USA
> > > was going to make the switch to the Metric system. Unfortunately, it never
> > > happened we are still currently using the same illogical English measurement
> > > system. :-(
> > >
> > I agree...and I'm an american! Metric is much easier to use, but we
> > are still hobbled by our english heritage.
>
> I do not think that it is due to any English heritage, but much more
> due to the fact that U.S.A. is big & powerful enough to get away with
> it, like many other anachronism. At least, with today's powerful
> computers, the translation is not too difficult, and I think that many
> U.S. international technically oriented companies have already started
> using the metric system. In any case, in the most advanced fields, like
> services, the exchange of information, electronics, etc. everything is
> measured in universal standards.

My comment about heritage was not meant to be serious. That said I
think the reasons we stay with the english system are both inertial and
practial more than something like an imperialistic attitude that you
imply. We used the english system while their colony and continued to
do so long after that relationship officially ceased. As a consequence
we have built up an economy and a society around one system of
measurement and are as a group used to it. The costs of conversion
would be significant and consequently it will take a large group effort
to overcome the considerable inertia that has built up.
>
> With regards to timezones, GMT & the like, there is also the Internet
> Swatch Standard, to be mentioned as an alternative:

.

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