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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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).
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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).
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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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?
But this sort of thing can have rather serious consequences, as in this famous case:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
According to ITV, there's also a list of banned words and phrases, including "very", "equal", "yourself", "speculate", "ascertain" and "disappointment".
Comments
As I said before it was so rudely taken away
If you give 0.0254 metres someone (TSE) will take 1609.34m
Nailed on then.
But is he saying there's to be a dot for Mrs?
Affected and, incompetent.
So again, he's wrong, it should not be attached to anyone who can be called 'MP'.
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.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8160778.stm
Regarding roads, the sooner we switch to km/hr the better.
I am, however, shocked that he has taken so vociferously against the poor old Oxford comma. Particularly as he studied there. Very poor form.
Edit - I love that I have myself made a typo...
In fact I think the only liquid I buy in metric is fruit juice - apple, orange and grape (sometimes fermented).
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.
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.
https://youtu.be/P_i1xk07o4g
It's just sometimes the apple and grape juices are called other things.
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.
JRM is now a Privy Councillor so is now The Right Honourable Member as opposed to Honourable Member or Total Member ....
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?
Bring back the Blackberry (or Nokia alternatives)
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.
He isn't right and he's not notable for being honourable.
The length on both sides are by feet/foot whatever the imperial term is.
The width is in millimeters
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.
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 ...
But this sort of thing can have rather serious consequences, as in this famous case:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimli_Glider
I'm very happy to use metric for science and engineering and imperial for day to day life.
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.
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.
Plus I think we should teach kids both and make them convert back and forth just to piss them off once in a while
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.
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.
As per Joinery standards I have tried to explain - they used a mixture of both imperial and metric for space travel.
NASA has used metric exclusively since the early 90s.
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.
The man must be certifiably insane.