Intel exec fears for U.S. competitiveness

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Metric is better?

You'd have to decide on a basis for calling one system better than the other.

Some people use the ease of doing calculations using base 10.

But how difficult is it to work with the base 6 Babylonian system that has defined much of our measurement for so many centuries? Before I go slightly off topic for a moment, it is not difficult to work with the base 6 system. Particularly not for someone who knows computer programming.

The metric system was begun by a French revolutionary committee that decided to make changes because of the superiority of Frenchmen in that time and place. They even made the year 10 months long, with each month given the name of what was happening in France at that time of the year.
The whole pile of nonsense was thrown out shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, it was brought back by a government sentimentalizing about France ruling the world. I don't know how it was ever sold to anyone else.
And don't say it's a more rational system and therefore should be followed; not typing on a QWERTY typewriter you can't.

The main use for a system of measurement is communicating relative sizes. If I say I have gallons of wine, anyone will know that I have a substantial amount. If I say that I have liters of wine, people will not be certain I can fill a liqueur glass. And that's years after the export-oriented wine business went to metric. People still buy their wine in quarts, as you'll hear at any checkout counter.

So, I say the current system is better because it's in use and means something. The metric system would have to be imposed, and would only leave people confused.

How can anyone say the metric system is better??

You're usually far more sensible.

Posted by: Anton Philidor   Posted on: 03/04/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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