> Date: Fri, 02 Feb 2001 13:35:50 -0700
> From: "Nikolay O. Malyarov" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: [USMA:10822] United States Postal Service (USPS)
> To: U.S. Metric Association <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
> TO all:
>
> I just returned from the post office here in Provo/Orem, Utah area (about 55
> km south of Salt Lake City). It is a brand new one. Of course it still
> uses imperial everywhere. But, I was shocked to see the sign on the door
> leading to the post office's administration, which stated "Financial
> Operations, Box Renting and Administration hours 09:00 to 16:00." Also, the
> sign above the post office boxes stated "Guarantee time for mail 09:30." No
> a.m. or p.m. Nothing! This is the first time I saw such use of 24-hr clock
> format anywhere in the U.S. except military bases.
>
> Cheers,
> Nick
>
In the USPS, 24 h (don't use 24-hr) clock format is also used on employees' punch
clocks.
However, they are decimally divided (suggested by ISO 8601) to allow easier
calculation of pays.
The smallest time unit on the clock is 0.01 h = 0.6 min = 36 s (don't use ch for
centihour as it
could confuse). The midnight is 24.00 = 00:00 . 00.05 = 00:03 ; 05.10 = 05:06 ; 10.25
= 10:15 ;
15.50 = 15:30 ; 20.75 = 20.45 , and so on. Note the difference of the period (.) and
the colon (:)
very well. However, virtually no one says fifteen point five zero hours for 15.50 =
15:30 .
In circulars being mailed, I have seen pictures of 24 h watches in on which 0
(better) or 24
is on the top, 6 (not 3) is on the right, 12 (not 6) is on the bottom, 18 (not 9) is
on the left.
I hope the use of 24 h time expands. But unfortunately, many do not like to say 24 h
because it is
ofetn consider too long, e.g. twenty-one (21) vs. 9 pm.
Justin
US postal clerk in Mid-Island P&DC, NY 11805
=====
Justin JIH http://www.geocities.com/jusjih/
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