Responses interspersed: > There are a few abbreviations in some of your letters that I do not know. What is "FFU" or "IFP"? A web search yields too many results.
FFU = Fred Flintstone Units IFP, or ifp = inch/foot/pound Another one we use is WOMBAT, which is either Waste of Money, Brains and Time or Way of Measuring Badly in America Today. > When the USA converts to SI, should we use Kelvin or Celsius? For everyday temperature readings, we should use degrees Celsius (as the rest of the world does). For scientific readings, we should use kelvin (not Kelvin) for both absolute temperature and temperature differences. As differences don't involve a zero point, there's not much to be said for using degrees Celsius for them, given that the only distinction between kelvin and degrees Celsius is the zero point. The kelvin is, of course, the proper SI unit. > Does anyone know many US federal agencies abided by executive order 12770 (the one about using metric units; circa 1991), or did that order just get swept under the rug? They have and escape clause -- and, unfortunately, they've used it. > Why is the phrase "metric" used more than "SI"? Everyone knows what metric means. So far, only the well-informed are familiar with the term Syst�me International. It's up to people like us to change that (tactfully). > How would we convince the US postal service to use SI? This would clearly educate the US public about SI. All ideas are welcome for this one. The Canadian post office (Post Canada) seems to have had no trouble converting. > How do we convince the general public that converting to SI is "cool" or possible? That's something we discuss here all the time. Stay tuned. > For example, I don't see any political protests or rallies pushing for SI. I don't think you will. As real social ills go, the practice of using US Customary Units probably isn't even in the top 100. That doesn't mean it's not important. It's very important for many reasons, but I think we'll get further through very methodical involvement than by taking it to the streets. Parading for SI would earn us a "Whacko" label in no time and would, therefore, be counterproductive. > What would the standard size of computer paper be? Beats the hell out of me. It depends on the application. However, for cut-sheet printers (e.g., PC-attached laser, ink-jet, bubble-jet, etc.), the ISO A series sizes would be a good start. Bill Potts, CMS Roseville, CA http://metric1.org [SI Navigator]
