John Frewen-Lord recalls several recent examples of difficulties with measurement and asks if common measuring devices actually inhibit using the metric system.
Government decision contradicts road safety initiatives
The Government has been accused of failing to implement the strategies necessary to achieve goals agreed as part of two major international road safety initiatives. Furthermore, its decision on width and height restriction sign regulations, made shortly after taking office in 2010, directly contradicts one of the aims stated by the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety.
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Should we forget fractions and only use decimal?
I am motivated to write this article because, in the past, I have come across supporters of metrication, some of whom with teaching experience, who say that only decimals should be taught rather than both fractions and decimals in elementary mathematics in school.
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Imperial left-overs in Australia
Although Australia is predominantly metric, there are still some pockets of imperial usage. Ronnie C recently visited that country and has written this account of what he found.
Survey exposes the failure of measurement policy in the UK
The UK Metric Association has issued the following press release:
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The IET – how does it measure up?
We return to one of our favourite topics – the link between numeracy, units of measurement and British engineering success.
The pint problem: A new way forward
The obligatory use of pints and prescribed fractions thereof for draught beer and cider alongside the absence of restrictions when sold in cans and bottles creates anomalies and confusion. What can be done to remove these anomalies without creating new ones?
Launch of the decimal euro
Fifteen years ago, on 1 January 1999, the euro was introduced as an accounting currency. Notes and coins were introduced three years later. Whilst there are arguments for and against the euro, and UKMA takes no position on this issue, no one challenged at the time that the single currency would be decimal.
New Year’s Day, and Britain late for the celebration
Those who are frustrated by the UK’s apparent reluctance to fully adopt the international system of measurement won’t be surprised to learn that this echoes events of 260 years ago, when Britain became one of the last countries in Western Europe to adopt the calendar we use today.
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Santa’s weighty problem
“Oh my goodness!” exclaimed Mrs Claus, as midnight approached on Christmas Eve. “I swear you put on more weight each year! You do give those reindeer a really hard time, you know.”
Metric Views 