On Monday 2004 March 01 22:52, Bill Potts wrote: ... > At least the signs in the airport are, I think, 24-hour-only and > Celsius-only. They were when I lived in D�sseldorf (1988) and, although I > didn't pay particular attention, I think they were on four or five > subsequent visits (from 1990 to 1998). ... > Back to your original point, though, it's a pity they feel they need to > pander to am/pm/F diehards. I suspect, though, that it wasn't done for the > benefit of the British, who are used to 24-hour time and Celsius > temperatures.
I have absolutely no doubt that the airport will be 24 h only & Celsius. It's part of the mentality that many non-English speakers seem to have, that English language=imperial/12 h clock. It's also an indication that they see the US as the dominant users of English. You are absolutely right, Bill, in that all UK bus/train/plane timetables are always in 24 h format (there may be a few exceptions with some local buses, but I don't recall seeing any). Only the US uses am/pm. Hence I was doubly annoyed. BTW, I never received a reply to my complaint. > Incidentally, do you ever watch the Red Cap series (which is shown, here, > on BBC America)? I've not seen it, Bill, though I knew it was on. I'm not inclined to watch it after whjat you've told me! Chris -- Chris KEENAN UK Metric Assoc: www.metric.org.uk
