Indeed I realise that historically there were loads of feet - even different Scottish/ Irish ones. REalistically though - If someone said 'feet'/'foot' today (as a measure and not an appendage!) they will be referring to the one that planes fly in - the ones used on British roads, also many roads in the UK and beyond, and the one that is fixed against a metric length. You'd be good in a pub quiz, Martin!
From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: [USMA:46854] RE: Replacement of metric signs on I-19 (Arizona) deferred Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 22:39:58 +0000 May I recommend a visit to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_(length). About half-way down the article you will see the metric equivalent of many different feet. … and while you are visiting Wikipedia, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilometre - did you know that the Niagara falls are one kilometre end-to-end? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John M. Steele Sent: 05 March 2010 12:05 To: U.S. Metric Association Subject: [USMA:46837] RE: Replacement of metric signs on I-19 (Arizona) deferred I believe you missed my point. All those other countries managed to agree on an International system (SI). Had they not, there would have been hundreds, as they each had their own before adopting metric. There are two holdouts of major significance. I'm sure St Lucia is significant to St Lucians. However, I suspect that they would acknowledge that they are less of an economic powerhouse or world power than either the US or UK. Only the US and UK are arrogant enough to each demand their little differences (gallon, bushels, and all related measures, stones, hundredweights, and tons, US Survey feet). Those island nations that have not converted to metric use either Cutomary or Imperial because they really can't afford to develop their own weight and measure system and they just go with whichever world power they are a "client" of. If the US and UK metricated, it would certainly end the debate for those other island nations. Hint. hint: You forgot Liberia and Burma. However, except for not being islands, they wouldn't invalidate the argument much. I'm sure we would both acknowledge they are not major players on the world stage. From: Stephen Humphreys <[email protected]> To: [email protected]; [email protected] Sent: Fri, March 5, 2010 5:16:03 AM Subject: RE: [USMA:46829] RE: Replacement of metric signs on I-19 (Arizona) deferred Let me come back on that one with some brief answers: 1) "Hundreds of systems" - We know that in reality and in practice there are 2 systems known/used internationally. That's just 2. 3) I'm sure St Lucia don't regard themselves as of less significance ;-) _________________________________________________________________ Tell us your greatest, weirdest and funniest Hotmail stories http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/195013117/direct/01/
