[Boatanchors] Metric system?

[James Liles]

I would like to cast my vote for the Metric system with no prejudice 
regarding who invented it.  In 1962 and 1963 the engineering physics classes 
that I suffered through were totally written around the MKS and CGS systems 
(Tesla and Gauss respectively etc.) with minor reference to the English 
system.

In my second year of High school, I first learned that a pound was a measure 
of Force not Mass whereas a Kilogram was Mass and a Newton Force --- I 
wondered what the devil was the measure of mass in the English system.  When 
I raised my hand to ask the dumb question, which I later found I was not 
alone, I was informed that it was the Slug with a look of disbelief at my 
stupidity.  My whole world of understanding had just been crushed by a slimy 
creature that I found slithering under wet rocks and I was certain that I 
would never achieve greater understanding.  What would I do?  Wash dishes? 
Dig and refill trenches?  WHAT????

He saved my life!  He explained that a Slug was a measure of Mass, that when 
subjected to one Pound of force would accelerate at one Foot/Second.  After 
that revelation, in order to prove my vast knowledge of the English system, 
I ordered in 32nds of a Slug at the meat counter.  I was thrown out of 
several by giant hairy armed guys wielding sharpened blades so I gave up and 
threw English accuracy to the wind along with the English system.

Kindest regards and a Merry Christmas and happiest of Holidays to all and to 
all a good night!  Jim K9AXN