I've largely ignored the posts on "metric time," particularly those advocating change to the fundamental metric units. While some of it may be of academic interest, it is not of any practical use.
The current discussion of kiloseconds (ks) is a case in point: sure, it could be an improvement if people somehow thought in units of kiloseconds (=16.667 minutes). It would also be great if every verb conjugated in the exact same fashion (as promoted by the Esperanto folks). But the fact is, people don't and verbs don't. However, the purpose of a measurement system (and a language) is NOT fundamentally "consistency." It is fundamentally COMMUNICATION!!! Given how deeply our current time system (hours, minutes, seconds), as well as our current angular measurement system (degrees, minutes, seconds), are ingrained in the fabric of society (for all nations, not just some of them), discussing fundamental changes to either is, in my opinion, fruitless. Furthermore, it detracts from the job at hand for this forum, which is converting America to the metric system. As for myself, I'll be happy when I drive down the highway and see km/h on the sign (or even kph). I'm happy to let later generations worry about m/s or km/ks. Jim Elwell P.S. If you are interested in (or opposed to) English becoming the universal language for the world (rather than Esparanto), as metric will become the universal measurement system, go read Paul Johnson's article: http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2004/1129/039.html You have to register to get to it, but it is free. Jim Elwell, CAMS Electrical Engineer Industrial manufacturing manager Salt Lake City, Utah, USA www.qsicorp.com
