Steve,
Hope all goes well with your son. There was a survey of hospital scales by LARCOS last year - it seemed that some hospital people (administrators?, bean counters?) did not consider hospital scales to be medical equipment, so they were happy to buy cheap ones. Since the report however, it has become mandatory for the British medical profession to have metric-only scales of a proper quality that are recalibrated periodically. In this respect, I noticed a set of dual-unit scales in my doctor's surgery's reception area for patient's own use (presumably of no more use to the doctor). I noticed a similar set when I had to go to a hospital for a check-up. _____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Stephen Humphreys Sent: 01 June 2010 20:45 To: U.S. Metric Association Subject: [USMA:47467] RE: Purpose of USMA Listserver (was Re: Re: Bespoke tailoring) How can discussing all aspects of measurements (which will include different measuring 'systems') damage metric? How patronising! Like metric isn't 'strong' enough to be discussed in the same arena as imperial? Now *that* is anti-metric. There has to be a degree of opposing opinion for a debate to carry weight (ahem)- but then in JPS's world there is no room for opinion or independent thought. Yes - I know I should have 'left this one well alone' but quite seriously how on earth can anyone promoting the metric tolerate such guff that belittles that very same system? The discussion was regarding people quoting there height and weight - to suggest anything other than what I mentioned would mean making it up. If you think the truth hurts then don't get involved. To counter my claims (actually to accompany them) in a more metricentric way people quote engine sizes such as 'one point eight' for 1.8L. In the cold people might say 'it's zero out there' or perhaps 'The forecast says it will barely reach 5 degrees tomorrow'. Sometimes it happens in the heat, ie, although it's common to hear people talk about it being '85 degrees' it's also increasingly common to hear terms such as it being '30 out there'. because of our temperature range in the UK we instantly know which unit to use. Finally - although we 'sort of' know that the medical community use kg I was at hospital today where my son was having an operation. When he was weighed he was quoted as '10 point <something>'. Pounds? Way too small. Stone? I think not! however no unit was mentioned. NB. I have not raised this aspect in any of my posts until now as I was sh*t scared of this day coming! (some contributors knew about it via 'off the listserv' messages). So it does happen - unit-less metric usage. Just not so common on the personal stats stuff. P.S. See how he mistakes a quote character for 'feet'? - " 'it took 4 minutes 20' ". (It took 4 minutes 20 feet? dear oh dear) _____ From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: [USMA:47463] Purpose of USMA Listserver (was Re: Re: Bespoke tailoring) Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 23:54:06 -0500 Ametrica, The description of the USMA Listserver is stated on our Web site at www.metric.org/listserver.htm , in part, as follows: The Listserver is meant to promote communication between USMA members and others interested in metrication. The subscribers alone determine the volume and content of messages. I would interpret this to mean that, since metrication is a measurement issue, any discussion of related measurement issues is welcome. While the majority of subscribers to our Listserver support U.S. metrication, opposing viewpoints are always welcome. Indeed, opposing viewpoints are excellent sources of lively discussion of the issue. Paul Trusten, R.Ph. Public Relations Director U.S. Metric Association, Inc. [email protected] www.metric.org www.twitter.com/usmetric +1(432)528-7724 ----- Original Message ----- From: Ametrica <mailto:[email protected]> To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: 31 May, 2010 11:21 Subject: [USMA:47454] Re: Bespoke tailoring What better way can you think of to damage metrication by using a pro-metric forum to utter non-metric terms? Why is this permitted? [USMA:47454] Re: Bespoke tailoring Stephen Humphreys Sun, 30 May 2010 14:37:03 -0700 Interestingly enough for distances we would not say '200' for yards and '10' for miles but we do 'go unitless' on speed - eg 'We topped 140' - with the colloquialism extending to 100mph being called a 'ton' (do km countries refer to a ton like that?). However most of our (long) distance signs are unitless. BTW - with 'step down' measures (like 11 stone 11 as used below) time uses the same model - ie 'it took 4 minutes 20' From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: [USMA:47453] Re: Bespoke tailoring Date: Sun, 30 May 2010 19:47:27 +0100 _____ Get a free e-mail account with Hotmail. Sign-up now.
