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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » The new order from the Honourable Member for the 18th Century

SystemSystem Posts: 12,128
edited July 2019 in General

imagepoliticalbetting.com » Blog Archive » The new order from the Honourable Member for the 18th Century

ITV News has just published the above – one of the first executive act by Leader of the House, Moggsy.

Read the full story here


«1345

Comments

  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,302
    edited July 2019
    Primus inter pares.
  • LOL - Smithson going large on the big news of the day!!!
  • surbiton19surbiton19 Posts: 1,469
    What a pr1ck ! That's not allowed also, I'm sure.
  • SouthamObserverSouthamObserver Posts: 39,593
    edited July 2019
    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,302
    This is why the Oxford comma is important.


  • eekeek Posts: 28,077
    I spy deleted posts.

    As I said before it was so rudely taken away

    If you give 0.0254 metres someone (TSE) will take 1609.34m
  • I, like Mike, picked out the Esq as the outlier.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,828

    What a pr1ck ! That's not allowed also, I'm sure.

    Why is it not allowed?
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,342
    edited July 2019
    I wonder if JRM slipped on his long johns and a woollen undershirt yesterday, when he heard temperatures were in the mid-thirties?
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,736
    Calling non-titled males "esquire" has never been correct. Traditionally only those with a coat of arms were entitled to be called "esquire." It's just an ignorant affectation.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,342
    Boris "absolutely rules out an election" in Birmingham.
    Nailed on then.
  • JBriskinindyref2JBriskinindyref2 Posts: 1,775
    edited July 2019
    I'm always saying Ms on here; you may have noticed.

    But is he saying there's to be a dot for Mrs?
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,828
    Chris said:

    Calling non-titled males "esquire" has never been correct. Traditionally only those with a coat of arms were entitled to be called "esquire." It's just an ignorant affectation.

    What does Debretts have to say on the matter?
  • No_Offence_AlanNo_Offence_Alan Posts: 4,465
    So, can Jacob Rees-Mogg,Esq. tell me whether "data is" or "data are" is the correct form?
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,736
    And when he says "no comma after 'and'," does he mean "no comma before 'and'"?

    Affected and, incompetent.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154
    Chris said:

    Calling non-titled males "esquire" has never been correct. Traditionally only those with a coat of arms were entitled to be called "esquire." It's just an ignorant affectation.

    Strictly speaking, it's used for those of noble descent without other post-nominals.

    So again, he's wrong, it should not be attached to anyone who can be called 'MP'.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,828
    Chris said:

    And when he says "no comma after 'and'," does he mean "no comma before 'and'"?

    Affected and, incompetent.

    Some may be uneducated enough to put a comma after and. :p
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    dixiedean said:

    Boris "absolutely rules out an election" in Birmingham.
    Nailed on then.

    Million to one against.
  • ydoethur said:

    He's wrong anyway. It's one space after a full stop.

    I was taught two. I presume that's out of fashion now? When did that happen?
  • OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143
    The double space after full stops is probably the most controversial.

    This does seem likely to be the classic tactic for this government. Distract with something ridiculous, but unimportant, allowing the substantive news to go relatively unchallenged.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154

    ydoethur said:

    He's wrong anyway. It's one space after a full stop.

    I was taught two. I presume that's out of fashion now? When did that happen?
    When computers came in instead of typewriters. It was left in TYPED documents in case an asterisk needed to be inserted for an erratam slip. But publishers never used it and computers made that redundant.
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,736
    RobD said:

    Chris said:

    Calling non-titled males "esquire" has never been correct. Traditionally only those with a coat of arms were entitled to be called "esquire." It's just an ignorant affectation.

    What does Debretts have to say on the matter?
    According to the BBC Debrett's said it was old-fashioned and only ever to be used on a envelope:
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8160778.stm
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428

    ydoethur said:

    He's wrong anyway. It's one space after a full stop.

    I was taught two. I presume that's out of fashion now? When did that happen?
    It only really made sense with fixed width fonts such as Courier. Modern fonts already automatically space the letters and words appropriately.
  • rural_voterrural_voter Posts: 2,038

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    I don't think the average voter is going to give two figs about Rees-Mogg's style guide.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428
    edited July 2019
    HTML ignores double spaces. God bless the internet.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.
  • ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    He's wrong anyway. It's one space after a full stop.

    I was taught two. I presume that's out of fashion now? When did that happen?
    When computers came in instead of typewriters. It was left in TYPED documents in case an asterisk needed to be inserted for an erratam slip. But publishers never used it and computers made that redundant.
    Yes well I was taught on a word processor - Someone should have let me know earlier.
  • eekeek Posts: 28,077

    ydoethur said:

    He's wrong anyway. It's one space after a full stop.

    I was taught two. I presume that's out of fashion now? When did that happen?
    It was 2 spaces when using a typewriter. Nowadays it's one as most software packages assume 2 is a mistake.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428
    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.
    Yeah we buy beer and cider in pints but pretty much no other liquids. "A pint" is a simply a unit of measure for alcoholic drinks in the same vein as a "shot".

    Regarding roads, the sooner we switch to km/hr the better.
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 42,753
    Every MP I know tears their hair out and spends many hours correcting the grammar and language of their civil servants.
  • Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 32,270
    I am genuinely split on this. I am delighted that someone has tried to instil some rigour into written submissions but agree entirely that doing so as a new minister who already has the sort of reputation that JRM has is just asking to be mocked.

    I am, however, shocked that he has taken so vociferously against the poor old Oxford comma. Particularly as he studied there. Very poor form.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    I was taught metric in school. I teach in metric, if it comes to that. But I tend to use imperial for personal preference as I find it easier for division (and moreover, it's more widely used). It's harder to multiply, but I only really do that for distances and they're in miles anyway.
  • surbiton19surbiton19 Posts: 1,469

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    Even the NYSE went decimal a few years ago.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154
    edited July 2019
    TOPPING said:

    Every MP I know tears their hair out and spends many hours correcting the grammar and language of their civil servants.

    You should see what the uncivil masters I have at whetaver the DfES is called this week write.

    Edit - I love that I have myself made a typo... :smiley:
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.
    Yeah we buy beer and cider in pints but pretty much no other liquids. "A pint" is a simply a unit of measure for alcoholic drinks in the same vein as a "shot".

    Regarding roads, the sooner we switch to km/hr the better.
    Milk.

    In fact I think the only liquid I buy in metric is fruit juice - apple, orange and grape (sometimes fermented).
  • SouthamObserverSouthamObserver Posts: 39,593
    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.

    They use some, of course - but their language is metres, centimetres, litres, etc, not inches, feet and pints.

    They would not be able to tell you how many yards in a mile, whereas I would know immediately. I do not know what my weight is in kilos, or my height is in metres. The opposite would apply to them.

  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    I wish more polls were being published. YouGov used to do one 6 days a week IIRC.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.

    They use some, of course - but their language is metres, centimetres, litres, etc, not inches, feet and pints.

    They would not be able to tell you how many yards in a mile, whereas I would know immediately. I do not know what my weight is in kilos, or my height is in metres. The opposite would apply to them.

    I was born in 1992 and this applies to me too.
  • surbiton19surbiton19 Posts: 1,469
    AndyJS said:

    I wish more polls were being published. YouGov used to do one 6 days a week IIRC.

    Will they be in metric or imperial ?
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 17,208
    edited July 2019

    ydoethur said:

    He's wrong anyway. It's one space after a full stop.

    I was taught two. I presume that's out of fashion now? When did that happen?
    Typesetters never double spaced. Maybe typists did.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154

    AndyJS said:

    I wish more polls were being published. YouGov used to do one 6 days a week IIRC.

    Will they be in metric or imperial ?
    Are you asking what the point is?
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,736
    ydoethur said:

    Chris said:

    Calling non-titled males "esquire" has never been correct. Traditionally only those with a coat of arms were entitled to be called "esquire." It's just an ignorant affectation.

    Strictly speaking, it's used for those of noble descent without other post-nominals.
    "Noble descent"? Originally it was simply the squire who waited on a knight - well below "noble." But in any case it's never been correctly applied to the entire male population.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.
    Yeah we buy beer and cider in pints but pretty much no other liquids. "A pint" is a simply a unit of measure for alcoholic drinks in the same vein as a "shot".

    Regarding roads, the sooner we switch to km/hr the better.
    Milk.

    In fact I think the only liquid I buy in metric is fruit juice - apple, orange and grape (sometimes fermented).
    Only the big or tiny bottles of milk are sold in pints. More and more brands are now selling them in 2L or 1L bottles. Nut and other milk alternatives especially.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 56,928
    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    I was taught metric in school. I teach in metric, if it comes to that. But I tend to use imperial for personal preference as I find it easier for division (and moreover, it's more widely used). It's harder to multiply, but I only really do that for distances and they're in miles anyway.
    The UK uses a charming mix of metric and imperial.

    Wine comes in 750ml bottles.

    Beer comes in pints.

    When the temperature is cold, we measure relative to the freezing point of water. But when it's hot, many of us switch into Farenheit.

    If we're going on a long journey, then the distance is in miles. If we're measuring the length of a beetle, then w're going to be using centimeters and milimeters.

    That is the British way. Charmingly inconsistent.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154
    Chris said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chris said:

    Calling non-titled males "esquire" has never been correct. Traditionally only those with a coat of arms were entitled to be called "esquire." It's just an ignorant affectation.

    Strictly speaking, it's used for those of noble descent without other post-nominals.
    "Noble descent"? Originally it was simply the squire who waited on a knight - well below "noble." But in any case it's never been correctly applied to the entire male population.
    Even if that were correct, a squire would normally be of noble descent, but not themselves noble - the younger sons of younger sons of knights.
  • SouthamObserverSouthamObserver Posts: 39,593

    I am genuinely split on this. I am delighted that someone has tried to instil some rigour into written submissions but agree entirely that doing so as a new minister who already has the sort of reputation that JRM has is just asking to be mocked.

    I am, however, shocked that he has taken so vociferously against the poor old Oxford comma. Particularly as he studied there. Very poor form.

    Rees Mogg will be loved for this by all those he wants to be loved by and mocked by all those who he wants to mock him. Overall, it will do exactly what is intended - reinforce his brand.

  • surbiton19surbiton19 Posts: 1,469
    Is it correct that in the 2016 referendum the Leave side received 51 7/10 of the votes ?
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 56,928
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.
    Yeah we buy beer and cider in pints but pretty much no other liquids. "A pint" is a simply a unit of measure for alcoholic drinks in the same vein as a "shot".

    Regarding roads, the sooner we switch to km/hr the better.
    Milk.

    In fact I think the only liquid I buy in metric is fruit juice - apple, orange and grape (sometimes fermented).
    You've never bought wine or spirits by the bottle?
  • Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 32,270

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.

    They use some, of course - but their language is metres, centimetres, litres, etc, not inches, feet and pints.

    They would not be able to tell you how many yards in a mile, whereas I would know immediately. I do not know what my weight is in kilos, or my height is in metres. The opposite would apply to them.

    My kids are taught metric at school and imperial at home. Which I think is the perfect combination, setting them up for life. It is inevitable that, for at least their lifetime, both will be necessary. Most of my children's friends talk about their height and weight in imperial not metric but use metric for most other things.

  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428
    rcs1000 said:

    But when it's hot, many of us switch into Farenheit.

    Not my generation. I don't know anyone between the ages of 20 and 30 who uses Fahrenheit for anything.
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 42,753
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.
    Yeah we buy beer and cider in pints but pretty much no other liquids. "A pint" is a simply a unit of measure for alcoholic drinks in the same vein as a "shot".

    Regarding roads, the sooner we switch to km/hr the better.
    Milk.

    In fact I think the only liquid I buy in metric is fruit juice - apple, orange and grape (sometimes fermented).
    You typically buy 75cl of wine.
  • The Oxford Comma Song-

    https://youtu.be/P_i1xk07o4g
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154
    rcs1000 said:

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.
    Yeah we buy beer and cider in pints but pretty much no other liquids. "A pint" is a simply a unit of measure for alcoholic drinks in the same vein as a "shot".

    Regarding roads, the sooner we switch to km/hr the better.
    Milk.

    In fact I think the only liquid I buy in metric is fruit juice - apple, orange and grape (sometimes fermented).
    You've never bought wine or spirits by the bottle?
    That's where the reference to 'fermented' grape juice comes from...
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 56,928

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    In California, the school system has recently begun emphasing metric for smaller distances: so my kids have been taught to estimate in both inches and centimetres.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 56,928
    ydoethur said:

    rcs1000 said:

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.
    Yeah we buy beer and cider in pints but pretty much no other liquids. "A pint" is a simply a unit of measure for alcoholic drinks in the same vein as a "shot".

    Regarding roads, the sooner we switch to km/hr the better.
    Milk.

    In fact I think the only liquid I buy in metric is fruit juice - apple, orange and grape (sometimes fermented).
    You've never bought wine or spirits by the bottle?
    That's where the reference to 'fermented' grape juice comes from...
    Ah, I missed that. Thank you.
  • Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 32,270

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    Even the NYSE went decimal a few years ago.
    And yet I work in probably one of the most hi-tec industries in the world and everything is done in non metric units. Personally I think it is great to be fluent in both and it really isn't that hard.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154
    rcs1000 said:

    ydoethur said:

    rcs1000 said:

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I'm surprised to learn your children do no travel by road and buy no draught beer.
    Yeah we buy beer and cider in pints but pretty much no other liquids. "A pint" is a simply a unit of measure for alcoholic drinks in the same vein as a "shot".

    Regarding roads, the sooner we switch to km/hr the better.
    Milk.

    In fact I think the only liquid I buy in metric is fruit juice - apple, orange and grape (sometimes fermented).
    You've never bought wine or spirits by the bottle?
    That's where the reference to 'fermented' grape juice comes from...
    Ah, I missed that. Thank you.
    I only drink fruit juice. Apple, Orange and Grape.

    It's just sometimes the apple and grape juices are called other things.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428
    edited July 2019

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    Even the NYSE went decimal a few years ago.
    And yet I work in probably one of the most hi-tec industries in the world and everything is done in non metric units. Personally I think it is great to be fluent in both and it really isn't that hard.
    Except that is not the case. I work in engineering, in biopharma specifically, and even in American companies the inch is being phased out for the millimetre.
  • Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 32,270

    I am genuinely split on this. I am delighted that someone has tried to instil some rigour into written submissions but agree entirely that doing so as a new minister who already has the sort of reputation that JRM has is just asking to be mocked.

    I am, however, shocked that he has taken so vociferously against the poor old Oxford comma. Particularly as he studied there. Very poor form.

    Rees Mogg will be loved for this by all those he wants to be loved by and mocked by all those who he wants to mock him. Overall, it will do exactly what is intended - reinforce his brand.

    But I want to do both. I love him for doing it, partly because I value that sort of rigour in writing (even though I am rubbish at it myself) but also in part because it allows me to mock him.
  • rural_voterrural_voter Posts: 2,038
    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    I was taught metric in school. I teach in metric, if it comes to that. But I tend to use imperial for personal preference as I find it easier for division (and moreover, it's more widely used). It's harder to multiply, but I only really do that for distances and they're in miles anyway.
    Why's it widely used though? We went decimal in 1971 and metric around the same time except for the pint and mile. Those units carried on because UKIP members or whatever they were called (the Monday Club?) weren't prepared to accept that it was the late 20th.C.

    Canada went metric to the point that all its road signs are in km and beer is in litres. However, they kept the pint glass so if you order a pint you're now getting 0.568 litres.
  • JackWJackW Posts: 14,787
    Point of Order Mr Smithson.

    JRM is now a Privy Councillor so is now The Right Honourable Member as opposed to Honourable Member or Total Member .... :innocent:
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 17,208
    I am not convinced Johnson's strategem of blaming the EU for intransigence is working.

    To work people have to think the Irish backstop is egregiously unreasonable. I don't believe most people know what it is. They might think, why don't you get on with it?
  • solarflaresolarflare Posts: 3,705
    The only time I heard anyone ever use the term Esquire was Bill S. Preston Esq., one half of Bill & Ted...
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    I was taught metric in school. I teach in metric, if it comes to that. But I tend to use imperial for personal preference as I find it easier for division (and moreover, it's more widely used). It's harder to multiply, but I only really do that for distances and they're in miles anyway.
    Why's it widely used though? We went decimal in 1971 and metric around the same time except for the pint and mile. Those units carried on because UKIP members or whatever they were called (the Monday Club?) weren't prepared to accept that it was the late 20th.C.

    Canada went metric to the point that all its road signs are in km and beer is in litres. However, they kept the pint glass so if you order a pint you're now getting 0.568 litres.
    It's like refusing to use an iPad because you didn't grow up with them.
  • You buy MDF in centimetres by the foot - Industry standard
  • MikeSmithsonMikeSmithson Posts: 7,382
    AndyJS said:

    I wish more polls were being published. YouGov used to do one 6 days a week IIRC.

    Polls need clients and YouGov would do a daily poll again if one of their customers was ready to pay.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 56,928

    You buy MDF in centimetres by the foot - Industry standard

    What is "centimetres by the foot"?
  • Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 32,270

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    I was taught metric in school. I teach in metric, if it comes to that. But I tend to use imperial for personal preference as I find it easier for division (and moreover, it's more widely used). It's harder to multiply, but I only really do that for distances and they're in miles anyway.
    Why's it widely used though? We went decimal in 1971 and metric around the same time except for the pint and mile. Those units carried on because UKIP members or whatever they were called (the Monday Club?) weren't prepared to accept that it was the late 20th.C.

    Canada went metric to the point that all its road signs are in km and beer is in litres. However, they kept the pint glass so if you order a pint you're now getting 0.568 litres.
    Its widely used because in many ways it is a more convenient measure. Not least because our infrastructure was all built in imperial and retro fitting it to metric is not practical.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428
    In other news, it looks like Sports Direct is having problems. Fantastic.
  • ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    I was taught metric in school. I teach in metric, if it comes to that. But I tend to use imperial for personal preference as I find it easier for division (and moreover, it's more widely used). It's harder to multiply, but I only really do that for distances and they're in miles anyway.
    Why's it widely used though? We went decimal in 1971 and metric around the same time except for the pint and mile. Those units carried on because UKIP members or whatever they were called (the Monday Club?) weren't prepared to accept that it was the late 20th.C.

    Canada went metric to the point that all its road signs are in km and beer is in litres. However, they kept the pint glass so if you order a pint you're now getting 0.568 litres.
    It's like refusing to use an iPad because you didn't grow up with them.
    iPads are crap. I can't deal with any sort of touchscreen and theirs is no better.

    Bring back the Blackberry (or Nokia alternatives)
  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,503
    edited July 2019

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I don't especially care which measurement system we use, but petrol always strikes me as the classic halfway house. We all buy it in liters, but when we buy cars we are told how many liters the tank will hold and how many miles per gallon they do. Thus the question "How far can I go before I have to refill?" can only be answered using mental arithmetic.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154
    edited July 2019

    ydoethur said:

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    I was taught metric in school. I teach in metric, if it comes to that. But I tend to use imperial for personal preference as I find it easier for division (and moreover, it's more widely used). It's harder to multiply, but I only really do that for distances and they're in miles anyway.
    Why's it widely used though? We went decimal in 1971 and metric around the same time except for the pint and mile. Those units carried on because UKIP members or whatever they were called (the Monday Club?) weren't prepared to accept that it was the late 20th.C.

    Canada went metric to the point that all its road signs are in km and beer is in litres. However, they kept the pint glass so if you order a pint you're now getting 0.568 litres.
    Because they are widely used. It's a question of inertia. I think also it varies according to where you live. Ask for 500g of steak in Cannock or Dursley and you will get a blank look, even though by law that's what they have to sell it in.

    Personally I don't find metric easier to use than imperial. Easier to multiply, yes, but a bugger for division at more than a basic level. Nor does it bother me overmuch.
  • El_CapitanoEl_Capitano Posts: 4,238

    rcs1000 said:

    But when it's hot, many of us switch into Farenheit.

    Not my generation. I don't know anyone between the ages of 20 and 30 who uses Fahrenheit for anything.
    I don’t know anyone in their 40s who does, either.
  • surbiton19surbiton19 Posts: 1,469

    rcs1000 said:

    But when it's hot, many of us switch into Farenheit.

    Not my generation. I don't know anyone between the ages of 20 and 30 who uses Fahrenheit for anything.
    In fact, yesterday I had to be reminded that 38C was over 100F. 30 years ago I would have converted the C into F myself to understand. Today, I can instinctively realise the "heat" from the C number. Germany going through 42C+, well that's like the Gulf.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154
    edited July 2019
    JackW said:

    Point of Order Mr Smithson.

    JRM is now a Privy Councillor so is now The Right Honourable Member as opposed to Honourable Member or Total Member .... :innocent:

    I agree with the 'member' part of that.

    He isn't right and he's not notable for being honourable.
  • rcs1000 said:

    You buy MDF in centimetres by the foot - Industry standard

    What is "centimetres by the foot"?
    Okay for starters - I think I meant millimeters

    The length on both sides are by feet/foot whatever the imperial term is.

    The width is in millimeters
  • AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    What are his views on decimal currency?
  • rcs1000 said:

    You buy MDF in centimetres by the foot - Industry standard

    What is "centimetres by the foot"?
    Okay for starters - I think I meant millimeters

    The length on both sides are by feet/foot whatever the imperial term is.

    The width is in millimeters
    So you would order something like 3' by 2' by 25mm
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428
    ydoethur said:

    Because they are widely used. It's a question of inertia. I think also it varies according to where you live. Ask for 500g of steak in Cannock or Dursley and you will get a blank look, even though by law that's what they have to sell it in.

    Personally I don't find metric easier to use than imperial. Easier to multiply, yes, but a bugger for division at more than a basic level. Nor does it bother me overmuch.

    My generation knows how big a 6 oz or 12 oz steak is based on what it looks like on a plate but good luck getting us to identify how heavy anything else is in ounces.

    Gyms have used kgs for years, for example.

    Kilograms and grams are now so ingrained for almost everything save human weight and even that is changing slowly.
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,736
    ydoethur said:

    Chris said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chris said:

    Calling non-titled males "esquire" has never been correct. Traditionally only those with a coat of arms were entitled to be called "esquire." It's just an ignorant affectation.

    Strictly speaking, it's used for those of noble descent without other post-nominals.
    "Noble descent"? Originally it was simply the squire who waited on a knight - well below "noble." But in any case it's never been correctly applied to the entire male population.
    Even if that were correct, a squire would normally be of noble descent, but not themselves noble - the younger sons of younger sons of knights.
    Of course it's correct - that's the literal meaning of the word "squire"!

    And a knight isn't "noble," and a squire isn't the younger son of the younger son of a knight. But still, in a world in which Boris Johnson is prime minister ...
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I don't especially care which measurement system we use, but petrol always strikes me as the classic halfway house. We all buy it in liters, but when we buy cars we are told how many liters the tank will hold and how many miles per gallon they do. Thus the question "How far can I go before I have to refill?" can only be answered using mental arithmetic.
    So at least one basic mathematical skill we still use? :smile:

    But this sort of thing can have rather serious consequences, as in this famous case:

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimli_Glider
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    edited July 2019
    How on earth did we get to a position where Boris Johnson and Jacob Rees Mogg are viewed by many voters as a breath of fresh air? That's a big indictment of the people who've been running the country for the last few years IMO.
  • OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143
    I'm a scientist by training and would never think of using imperial measurements for anything scientific, or technical. However, for personal use, such as baking, or knitting, I find that imperial measurements are more human-friendly and convenient to use.

    I'm very happy to use metric for science and engineering and imperial for day to day life.
  • Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 32,270

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    Even the NYSE went decimal a few years ago.
    And yet I work in probably one of the most hi-tec industries in the world and everything is done in non metric units. Personally I think it is great to be fluent in both and it really isn't that hard.
    Except that is not the case. I work in engineering, in biopharma specifically, and even in American companies the inch is being phased out for the millimetre.
    As I said, the oil industry all works in non metric. At least on the drilling and production side. Even European countries tend to work in non metric units - feet, inches, barrels, psi etc.

    In a few weeks I will be geosteering a well drilling 6" hole horizontally in a formation less than 10ft thick at 10,000 feet below sea level and 25,000 feet away from the tophole location. I will be using the most advanced technology on earth to do this and everything will be measured in non-metric units.

    I am not in anyway opposed to metric and happily use it where necessary. But the idea that imperial measurements are disappearing any time soon or that our kids shouldn't know them is simply wrong.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,342

    rcs1000 said:

    But when it's hot, many of us switch into Farenheit.

    Not my generation. I don't know anyone between the ages of 20 and 30 who uses Fahrenheit for anything.
    I don’t know anyone in their 40s who does, either.
    I'm in my fifties. Had to mentally convert when my mother told me it was 90 in her garden yesterday.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428
    edited July 2019

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    Even the NYSE went decimal a few years ago.
    And yet I work in probably one of the most hi-tec industries in the world and everything is done in non metric units. Personally I think it is great to be fluent in both and it really isn't that hard.
    Except that is not the case. I work in engineering, in biopharma specifically, and even in American companies the inch is being phased out for the millimetre.
    As I said, the oil industry all works in non metric. At least on the drilling and production side. Even European countries tend to work in non metric units - feet, inches, barrels, psi etc.

    In a few weeks I will be geosteering a well drilling 6" hole horizontally in a formation less than 10ft thick at 10,000 feet below sea level and 25,000 feet away from the tophole location. I will be using the most advanced technology on earth to do this and everything will be measured in non-metric units.

    I am not in anyway opposed to metric and happily use it where necessary. But the idea that imperial measurements are disappearing any time soon or that our kids shouldn't know them is simply wrong.
    Describing the Oil & Gas industry as the most "advanced technology on earth" really destroys your credibility there.

    What units do they use in space travel again?

    Your advanced technology will do everything in metric and then spit it out in imperial for your pleasure.
  • Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 32,270
    edited July 2019

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I don't especially care which measurement system we use, but petrol always strikes me as the classic halfway house. We all buy it in liters, but when we buy cars we are told how many liters the tank will hold and how many miles per gallon they do. Thus the question "How far can I go before I have to refill?" can only be answered using mental arithmetic.
    You see I really like that. Having the ability to do metal maths in that way on the fly is a great skill and I love having the opportunity to do that sort of thing.

    Plus I think we should teach kids both and make them convert back and forth just to piss them off once in a while :smile:
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 41,947
    Kidding aside, this is utter wank from Mogg. He needs to be strapped in a chair and force fed some 2019.
  • JackWJackW Posts: 14,787
    edited July 2019
    Chris said:

    Calling non-titled males "esquire" has never been correct. Traditionally only those with a coat of arms were entitled to be called "esquire." It's just an ignorant affectation.

    Incorrect.

    The use of esquire has changed down the ages and in England through the 20th century the term was used to determine a gentleman who may enjoy an office of the crown, in the military or professions. Not being an armiger is not a pre-requisite.

    In Scotland order of precedence the title esquire refers to a male above the rank of gentleman who may be descendants of a knight not necessarily an armiger, a laird with a territorial designation or clan chief who is neither a feudal baron or peer.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,154
    Chris said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chris said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chris said:

    Calling non-titled males "esquire" has never been correct. Traditionally only those with a coat of arms were entitled to be called "esquire." It's just an ignorant affectation.

    Strictly speaking, it's used for those of noble descent without other post-nominals.
    "Noble descent"? Originally it was simply the squire who waited on a knight - well below "noble." But in any case it's never been correctly applied to the entire male population.
    Even if that were correct, a squire would normally be of noble descent, but not themselves noble - the younger sons of younger sons of knights.
    Of course it's correct - that's the literal meaning of the word "squire"!

    And a knight isn't "noble," and a squire isn't the younger son of the younger son of a knight. But still, in a world in which Boris Johnson is prime minister ...
    Yes, a knight was considered 'nobility.' And my comment was about their relative social status, not intended as a sign that was what all squires are.

    The key thing is, it's not to be used when alternative postnoms are available. For example, I would not be 'Esq' (even if entitled) because I am BA MA PhD PGCE.
  • SouthamObserverSouthamObserver Posts: 39,593

    I am genuinely split on this. I am delighted that someone has tried to instil some rigour into written submissions but agree entirely that doing so as a new minister who already has the sort of reputation that JRM has is just asking to be mocked.

    I am, however, shocked that he has taken so vociferously against the poor old Oxford comma. Particularly as he studied there. Very poor form.

    Rees Mogg will be loved for this by all those he wants to be loved by and mocked by all those who he wants to mock him. Overall, it will do exactly what is intended - reinforce his brand.

    But I want to do both. I love him for doing it, partly because I value that sort of rigour in writing (even though I am rubbish at it myself) but also in part because it allows me to mock him.

    Richard, I think we can agree your views are not necessarily typical!

  • I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    Even the NYSE went decimal a few years ago.
    And yet I work in probably one of the most hi-tec industries in the world and everything is done in non metric units. Personally I think it is great to be fluent in both and it really isn't that hard.
    Except that is not the case. I work in engineering, in biopharma specifically, and even in American companies the inch is being phased out for the millimetre.
    As I said, the oil industry all works in non metric. At least on the drilling and production side. Even European countries tend to work in non metric units - feet, inches, barrels, psi etc.

    In a few weeks I will be geosteering a well drilling 6" hole horizontally in a formation less than 10ft thick at 10,000 feet below sea level and 25,000 feet away from the tophole location. I will be using the most advanced technology on earth to do this and everything will be measured in non-metric units.

    I am not in anyway opposed to metric and happily use it where necessary. But the idea that imperial measurements are disappearing any time soon or that our kids shouldn't know them is simply wrong.
    Describing the Oil & Gas industry as the most "advanced technology on earth" really destroys your credibility there.

    What units do they use in space travel again?

    Your advanced technology will do everything in metric and then spit it out in imperial for your pleasure.
    Nope

    As per Joinery standards I have tried to explain - they used a mixture of both imperial and metric for space travel.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428
    radsatser said:

    As a baby boomer, like many I grew up with imperial measurement, when metric came I embraced it alongside imperial measurement, seamlessly converting from one to the other on practically a daily basis ever since. We may have become metricated, but the world around us was built using imperial and still has to be dealt with on that basis.

    What never fails to amaze is the lack of understanding of even basic metric measurement amongst the young. When helping several younger members of my family with free expertise to make their new homes liveable over the last few years, the simple process of measuring something seems to be a challenge for them. In learning the metric system, they all seem to have been taught with the centimetre as the base measurement, the concept of the millimetre seems to be completely lost on them. Ask them to take the end of a tape and measure something that is 2508mm long, and they will come with something like 258cm. I thought it was a one off aberration, but this week the 14 year old daughter of my niece went through the same torturous mental gymnastics to come up with the wrong answer, but this incorrect use of the centimetre as the base unit of measurement stretches across generations ranging from 14 to 36.

    Of course they all know their weight and height in imperial measurements, but haven't a clue how heavy or tall they are in metric.

    To be fair most rulers and a lot of tape measures call out centimetres and not millimetres.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,428
    edited July 2019

    I am pretty comfortable with Imperial measurements and generally use them over metric ones - it just comes more naturally. But I am 55. My kids genuinely would not know how to use them. This is Rees Mogg brand building, nothing more.

    I was taught in SI units at school 1968-71 and 50 years later only the USA and some twits in the UK insist on Imperial. Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ and India are metric. Lord Kelvin in the 19th.C called the Imperial system complete with rods, chains, poles and perches 'brain-destroying'. Quite.
    Even the NYSE went decimal a few years ago.
    And yet I work in probably one of the most hi-tec industries in the world and everything is done in non metric units. Personally I think it is great to be fluent in both and it really isn't that hard.
    Except that is not the case. I work in engineering, in biopharma specifically, and even in American companies the inch is being phased out for the millimetre.
    As I said, the oil industry all works in non metric. At least on the drilling and production side. Even European countries tend to work in non metric units - feet, inches, barrels, psi etc.

    In a few weeks I will be geosteering a well drilling 6" hole horizontally in a formation less than 10ft thick at 10,000 feet below sea level and 25,000 feet away from the tophole location. I will be using the most advanced technology on earth to do this and everything will be measured in non-metric units.

    I am not in anyway opposed to metric and happily use it where necessary. But the idea that imperial measurements are disappearing any time soon or that our kids shouldn't know them is simply wrong.
    Describing the Oil & Gas industry as the most "advanced technology on earth" really destroys your credibility there.

    What units do they use in space travel again?

    Your advanced technology will do everything in metric and then spit it out in imperial for your pleasure.
    Nope

    As per Joinery standards I have tried to explain - they used a mixture of both imperial and metric for space travel.
    What has that got to do with anything? I'm not doubting your joinery knowledge.

    NASA has used metric exclusively since the early 90s.
  • Chris said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chris said:

    Calling non-titled males "esquire" has never been correct. Traditionally only those with a coat of arms were entitled to be called "esquire." It's just an ignorant affectation.

    Strictly speaking, it's used for those of noble descent without other post-nominals.
    "Noble descent"? Originally it was simply the squire who waited on a knight - well below "noble." But in any case it's never been correctly applied to the entire male population.
    As someone who spend too much time transcribing 16th and 17th C court documents I can throw a little light on this. The order was generally Lord, in various degrees, Marquis etc; then Knight with Knight of the Bath being above the others. Esquires were the next step down and a step above Gentleman. A gentleman was meant to be able to provide for his family without recourse to manual work. For an Esquire the family wealth was meant to provide for the well-being.

    The aversion to Mr was that that was a form of address that was used to social superiors. As with A levels there was a form of grade inflation so eventually even common servants were addressed as Mr - hence the need to use Esq. Even that was then degraded, so really JRM is trying to impose the style of the 1920s.
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,736
    According to ITV, there's also a list of banned words and phrases, including "very", "equal", "yourself", "speculate", "ascertain" and "disappointment".

    The man must be certifiably insane.
This discussion has been closed.