It dawned on me this week that we desperately need to revise how we use numbers. The world outside the US has adopted the metric system of weights and measurements. Inside the US we've half adopted the metric system, but still cling to remnants of SAE. Why? Wait...hold that thought.
Then there's the whole time measurement conundrum. We measure time in units of 12 until it's not convenient or precise enough. Calendars have 12 months, our days are broken into 12 hour halves (lets not get into the reasons why important institutions have creatively invented ways to forego the 12 hour clock for a 24 hour time table) and our time measurements are made up of 60 increments. Once those units are not precise enough we break them down into completely different units. Days...28, 30 or 31? Races are measured in minutes, seconds and then 10ths, 100ths or even 1000ths...not divisible by 12. Why?
I'm convinced the tool industry and Timex are behind these long standing and completely wasteful measurement standards. Through their extensive network of lobbyists and hardcore media blitzing we, the unknowing sheeple, continue to buy two sets of tools and myriad time measurement devices.
Lets stand for change.
Step one: The US should get on board with the metric system 100%. Nuff said.
Step two: Lets all rethink this whole time system. Instead of 60 second minutes, 60 minute hours, 24 hour days and variable day months, let's figure out a time keeping system that's easily divisible by 10. Just like the metric system.
Ya, it will be a huge change. Huge! Calendars, clocks, time zones, watches and even holidays have to be re-invented. Once the dust settles I think we'd all be better off. And it won't hurt that bad to take lunch at 75r units past 52 o'clock.
Then there's the whole time measurement conundrum. We measure time in units of 12 until it's not convenient or precise enough. Calendars have 12 months, our days are broken into 12 hour halves (lets not get into the reasons why important institutions have creatively invented ways to forego the 12 hour clock for a 24 hour time table) and our time measurements are made up of 60 increments. Once those units are not precise enough we break them down into completely different units. Days...28, 30 or 31? Races are measured in minutes, seconds and then 10ths, 100ths or even 1000ths...not divisible by 12. Why?
I'm convinced the tool industry and Timex are behind these long standing and completely wasteful measurement standards. Through their extensive network of lobbyists and hardcore media blitzing we, the unknowing sheeple, continue to buy two sets of tools and myriad time measurement devices.
Lets stand for change.
Step one: The US should get on board with the metric system 100%. Nuff said.
Step two: Lets all rethink this whole time system. Instead of 60 second minutes, 60 minute hours, 24 hour days and variable day months, let's figure out a time keeping system that's easily divisible by 10. Just like the metric system.
Ya, it will be a huge change. Huge! Calendars, clocks, time zones, watches and even holidays have to be re-invented. Once the dust settles I think we'd all be better off. And it won't hurt that bad to take lunch at 75r units past 52 o'clock.
