There are quite a few irritating products on the market for home
repair and use. But there are seven inventors/ producers I want to
kill.

1. The idiot that started producing plastic snow shovels
2. The idiot that decided that America needs metric nuts and bolts
3. The idiot that invented the keyless drill chuck
4. The idiot that started putting backstab terminals on outlets and
switches
5. The idiot that made the sealed auto battery
6. The idiot that made oilless electric motor bearings.
7. The idiot that replaced the auto window crank with a motor

If you know any of these idiots, please post their name and address !

wrote in message

1. The idiot that started producing plastic snow shovels

Original ones were junk, but I have tow very good ones for a number of years
now.


2. The idiot that decided that America needs metric nuts and bolts

Can't wait until we make a complete change. I work with metric on a daily
basis and once you do, it is easier.

3. The idiot that invented the keyless drill chuck

One a cheap drill I agree. The one hand chuck on my Panasonic is the best
chuck I've ever used.

4. The idiot that started putting backstab terminals on outlets and
switches
Yep

5. The idiot that made the sealed auto battery
Nope. I've not had reason to open one. My batteries have lasted quite a
long time. I do recall spilling acid from the old ones years ago.

6. The idiot that made oilless electric motor bearings.
In a few cases I agree

7. The idiot that replaced the auto window crank with a motor

Won't buy a car without them. I've only ever had a problem with one on a
back door so I just fixed it closed. OTOH, I've had problems with crank
windows more often over 44 years of car ownership.


If you know any of these idiots, please post their name and address !

Pass them on to me so I can send a "thank you" card.

wrote in message
...
There are quite a few irritating products on the market for home
repair and use. But there are seven inventors/ producers I want to
kill.

1. The idiot that started producing plastic snow shovels
2. The idiot that decided that America needs metric nuts and bolts
3. The idiot that invented the keyless drill chuck
4. The idiot that started putting backstab terminals on outlets and
switches
5. The idiot that made the sealed auto battery
6. The idiot that made oilless electric motor bearings.
7. The idiot that replaced the auto window crank with a motor

If you know any of these idiots, please post their name and address !

It's not the people who invent and manufacture these things who are the
idiots. They are actually quite clever in a capitalistic way, aren't they?
It is the people who buy them who are the idiots (fools, sheep, victims,
your name here).
You vote with your wallet.

1 It comes under "use the right tool" they are for light snow and are
easier to use because of their weight

2 So you think we should demand the world changes for our benefit

3 You obviously by cheap junk, a cheap key chuck is no different

5 My batteries fail not from low electrolyte, but plate failure, again,
dont buy cheap junk. Electrolyte only boils down with alternators that
overcharge. So you have been missing your problem for years, and im sure
always will.

6 Oilless are superior, no maintenance is necessary to allow early
failure from lack of maintenance.

7 you like the inconvience of cranking windows, or you drive junk that
constantly breaks.

I would guess you hate the guy that invented the lightbulb socket since
you family cant turn you fast enough on the chair to replace bulbs, and
you get a shock when you try to clean the inside of the sockets. Next
time buy what you like, mr home moaner

I would add plastic gears on just about anything to the list of crappy
products.

On Sun, 05 Mar 2006 01:56:08 -0600, wrote:

There are quite a few irritating products on the market for home
repair and use. But there are seven inventors/ producers I want to
kill.

1. The idiot that started producing plastic snow shovels

When you are a little sweet old lady or a man who no longer has the
strength a lightweight plastic snow shovel is heaven sent. The cost
of replacing one frequently is cheap compared to a shovelling job not
done or getting a heart attack.

2. The idiot that decided that America needs metric nuts and bolts

To each his own. I prefer metric.

3. The idiot that invented the keyless drill chuck

Don't have one. I still have exscellent tools that predate keyless
chucks.

4. The idiot that started putting backstab terminals on outlets and
switches

I am with you here. Electrical contractors love them though as they
are very easy to install, neat and fast. No need to strip an extra
length of wire and leave exposed wire tails in the box. No time
wasted with wrapping a wire around a screw and tightening the screw.

5. The idiot that made the sealed auto battery

The average motorist does not want to look under the hood. Old style
batteries need topping up regularly. Loss of electrolyte from
evaporation reduces battery power and life. The sealed battery is a
big step forward in low maintenance.

6. The idiot that made oilless electric motor bearings.

Same thing. Low maintenance. Idiotproof. A properly sized motor (to
its load) should last just about forever.

7. The idiot that replaced the auto window crank with a motor

Don't own a car anymore. I still like manual gear shift and the
precomputer cars one can fix with bailing wire and duct tape.

If you know any of these idiots, please post their name and address !

There are a lot more people who pay good money for the things you
dislike. The majority wins.

On 5 Mar 2006 08:49:18 -0800, wrote:

I would add plastic gears on just about anything to the list of crappy
products.

I agree 100%. I should have added that to my original list.
I have replaced quite a few of them on timing chains in cars, and I
know what happened to the one on my lawn tractor starter.
Look ma, no teeth !!!!

Yup, that is a permanent one added to the list !!!!

On Sun, 05 Mar 2006 12:43:47 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski"
wrote:


wrote in message

1. The idiot that started producing plastic snow shovels

Original ones were junk, but I have tow very good ones for a number of years
now.


2. The idiot that decided that America needs metric nuts and bolts

Can't wait until we make a complete change. I work with metric on a daily
basis and once you do, it is easier.

3. The idiot that invented the keyless drill chuck

One a cheap drill I agree. The one hand chuck on my Panasonic is the best
chuck I've ever used.

4. The idiot that started putting backstab terminals on outlets and
switches
Yep

5. The idiot that made the sealed auto battery
Nope. I've not had reason to open one. My batteries have lasted quite a
long time. I do recall spilling acid from the old ones years ago.

6. The idiot that made oilless electric motor bearings.
In a few cases I agree

7. The idiot that replaced the auto window crank with a motor

Won't buy a car without them. I've only ever had a problem with one on a
back door so I just fixed it closed. OTOH, I've had problems with crank
windows more often over 44 years of car ownership.


My older car had cranks. I bought a newer car, basically the same
car. Same engine, same body, same trans, etc. But it has power
windows. Once the weather gets cold, they dont work, and if you make
the mistake of lowering one of them, you either drive around freezing,
tape plastic over the window, or rip the door apart. With a crank,
they WILL go up, might make my arm sore, but they go up....

This car also has power locks. More garbage....
This stuff is made for lazy people, and for people with large wallets
when it comes to repair.



If you know any of these idiots, please post their name and address !

Pass them on to me so I can send a "thank you" card.

wrote:
There are quite a few irritating products on the market for home
repair and use. But there are seven inventors/ producers I want to
kill.

1. The idiot that started producing plastic snow shovels

Don't buy 'em.

2. The idiot that decided that America needs metric nuts and bolts

More fool, you. It's a far superior system, and, by law, the US was to
have converted a long time ago. As of 2005 only three countries, the
United States, Liberia, and Myanmar (Burma) had not completed the
changeover. Yeah, that's the industrial company I'd want to keep.

3. The idiot that invented the keyless drill chuck

It's a great invention. Maybe you don't have the hand strength to
tighten it properly, or maybe you just buy junk tools, but that's not
the chuck's fault.

4. The idiot that started putting backstab terminals on outlets and
switches

Another great idea - unfortunately it hasn't been perfected.

5. The idiot that made the sealed auto battery

I can see the direction this is going. You enjoy mundane tasks.

6. The idiot that made oilless electric motor bearings.

See above.

7. The idiot that replaced the auto window crank with a motor

Okay, Sparky, how do you open and close the rear windows while you're
driving along in your 1966 Rambler? Opening the rear driver's side
window a bit keeps the wind from being too turbulent as it is when only
the driver's window is open.

If you know any of these idiots, please post their name and address !



R

On 03/05/06 02:56 am wrote:

There are quite a few irritating products on the market for home
repair and use. But there are seven inventors/ producers I want to
kill.

2. The idiot that decided that America needs metric nuts and bolts

No. Let's find out who the idiot was who decided that America (unlike
the rest of the world) does *not* need metric nuts and bolts.

My foreign-born mother-in-law says that if she could get used to feet
and inches and pounds and pints at age 40+ Americans could easily get
used to the Metric System if they learned it from the word go.

BTW, speaking of "pints," The US ones aren't real pints. A real pint
contains 20 fl. oz., not 16.

Perce

"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in message
Americans could easily get used to the Metric System if they learned it
from the word go.

No need. Just start using it and in day you know exactly what the
measurments are. Very simple really.

Like many Americans, years ago I though going metric was silly but now that
I have to use it at times, I wish we'd make the change and be done with it.
All of out machines at work are metric and it is as normal as can be in use
and no 29/32 to worry about.

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
. com...

"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in message
Americans could easily get used to the Metric System if they learned it from
the word go.

No need. Just start using it and in day you know exactly what the measurments
are. Very simple really.

Like many Americans, years ago I though going metric was silly but now that I
have to use it at times, I wish we'd make the change and be done with it. All
of out machines at work are metric and it is as normal as can be in use and no
29/32 to worry about.

The mistake this country made when they first tried to "go metric" was trying to
teach everyone the conversion formulas. You don't need to know how many metric
whatsits go into an imperial doo-dad (the rest of the world doesn't know this
either). All you need to know is that a metric whatits is "about this
big/much/far".

Most people could only give a very crude guess on how much a gallon, pint, or
pound was if they had to measure out that much sand or water on their own. If
they can get about that good at guessing a kilo or litre, then they're good to
go.

--
I don't check the Email account attached
to this message. Send instead to...
RBrandt at Hunter dot com

wrote in message
...
There are quite a few irritating products on the market for home
repair and use. But there are seven inventors/ producers I want to
kill.

1. The idiot that started producing plastic snow shovels
I like mine, its light and cheap... Its orange too!
2. The idiot that decided that America needs metric nuts and bolts
Hmm - Conspiracy with the wrench suppliers?
3. The idiot that invented the keyless drill chuck
Never had a problem with mine, Actually I have both kinds depending on use.
I hate it when I cant find my chuck key.
4. The idiot that started putting backstab terminals on outlets and
switches
Yea - Have you seen the 'backstab' type wirenuts now?
5. The idiot that made the sealed auto battery
So - They last plenty long enough anyway
6. The idiot that made oilless electric motor bearings.
As long as they work
7. The idiot that replaced the auto window crank with a motor
I guess you have small cars. Reaching over the seat of my full size pickup
would be a pain. The power windows make that easier.

If you know any of these idiots, please post their name and address !
Nope

There are plenty worse things you could rant about.
Designers at craftsman who can make a 'stud finder' with 97 other functons
that fails at finding the stud that a $3 zircon can find.
Well - I thought I waould have a bunch other worse things off the top of my
head but i don't anyway, relax, it could be worse.

The mistake this country made when they first tried to "go metric" was trying to
teach everyone the conversion formulas. You don't need to know how many metric
whatsits go into an imperial doo-dad (the rest of the world doesn't know this
either). All you need to know is that a metric whatits is "about this
big/much/far".
Agreed. It was a big mistake.

Most people could only give a very crude guess on how much a gallon, pint, or
pound was if they had to measure out that much sand or water on their own. If
they can get about that good at guessing a kilo or litre, then they're good to
go.
That's a very astute observation. If the system were changed to metric
overnight, people would, by force of habituation, become as good with
metric as with imperial in fairly short order. Especially if there's
significant training in the workplace for those who need it.

On Sun, 05 Mar 2006 22:25:35 GMT, "Rick Brandt"
wrote:

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
.com...

"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in message
Americans could easily get used to the Metric System if they learned it from
the word go.

No need. Just start using it and in day you know exactly what the measurments
are. Very simple really.

Like many Americans, years ago I though going metric was silly but now that I
have to use it at times, I wish we'd make the change and be done with it. All
of out machines at work are metric and it is as normal as can be in use and no
29/32 to worry about.

The mistake this country made when they first tried to "go metric" was trying to
teach everyone the conversion formulas. You don't need to know how many metric
whatsits go into an imperial doo-dad (the rest of the world doesn't know this
either). All you need to know is that a metric whatits is "about this
big/much/far".


Once, I heard a story about what it would be like to use metric for
everything. Something like drinking 5961 milliliters of milk and
eating 2492 milligrams of egg. Then watching a football game where a
player is on the 93.674 meter line.

Most people could only give a very crude guess on how much a gallon, pint, or
pound was if they had to measure out that much sand or water on their own. If
they can get about that good at guessing a kilo or litre, then they're good to
go.

BTW, the "calories" in food are actually Calories (kilocalories, also
called large calories).

--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

wrote in message
...
There are quite a few irritating products on the market for
home
repair and use. But there are seven inventors/ producers I
want to
kill.

1. The idiot that started producing plastic snow shovels
2. The idiot that decided that America needs metric nuts and
bolts
3. The idiot that invented the keyless drill chuck
4. The idiot that started putting backstab terminals on outlets
and
switches
5. The idiot that made the sealed auto battery
6. The idiot that made oilless electric motor bearings.
7. The idiot that replaced the auto window crank with a motor

If you know any of these idiots, please post their name and
address !

yep and how about the gy that invented my track lighting.
I still can't change a lightbulb!

ssometimes plastic gears are there intentially to protect something
else.

so the $2 plastic gear strips protecting the 100 dollar motor.

Rick Brandt wrote:
"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
. com...

"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in message
Americans could easily get used to the Metric System if they learned it from
the word go.

No need. Just start using it and in day you know exactly what the measurments
are. Very simple really.

Like many Americans, years ago I though going metric was silly but now that I
have to use it at times, I wish we'd make the change and be done with it. All
of out machines at work are metric and it is as normal as can be in use and no
29/32 to worry about.

The mistake this country made when they first tried to "go metric" was trying to
teach everyone the conversion formulas. You don't need to know how many metric
whatsits go into an imperial doo-dad (the rest of the world doesn't know this
either). All you need to know is that a metric whatits is "about this
big/much/far".

Most people could only give a very crude guess on how much a gallon, pint, or
pound was if they had to measure out that much sand or water on their own. If
they can get about that good at guessing a kilo or litre, then they're good to
go.

--
I don't check the Email account attached
to this message. Send instead to...
RBrandt at Hunter dot com

I agree. I spent many tours overseas and had a complete set of metric
measureing tools plust the usual household maintainance items. Hated
it when I retired and had to go back to this abortion we call a system.

One of the dumbest arguements against the metric tool system was from a
mechanic.

"I wouldn't be able to tell what wrench to grab". I pointed out that
he doesn't know now in that when he needs a 9/16 he doesn't grab a
"9/16" he grabs one "that size" and it would be the same in metric
except simpler as there are fewer choices.

Sorta OT. When did Great Britain do away with the Whitworth bolt/nut
sizes? Back in the 60s IIRC a mechanic had to have all 3 sizes of
wrenches.

Harry K

I love my plastic snow shovels, so nice orange easy to find, and
slippery so snow doesnt stick.

I love my plastic snow shovels, so nice orange easy to find, and
slippery so snow doesnt stick.

On Sun, 05 Mar 2006 22:25:35 GMT, "Rick Brandt"
wrote:

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
.com...

"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in message
Americans could easily get used to the Metric System if they learned it from
the word go.

No need. Just start using it and in day you know exactly what the measurments
are. Very simple really.

Like many Americans, years ago I though going metric was silly but now that I
have to use it at times, I wish we'd make the change and be done with it. All
of out machines at work are metric and it is as normal as can be in use and no
29/32 to worry about.

The mistake this country made when they first tried to "go metric" was trying to
teach everyone the conversion formulas. You don't need to know how many metric
whatsits go into an imperial doo-dad (the rest of the world doesn't know this
either). All you need to know is that a metric whatits is "about this
big/much/far".

Exactly. I've never understood the fuss. After all, just how long
*is* a meter? Answer: It's the distance between two marks on a stick
calibrated for such. Same answer as "How long is a foot?"

How much is a liter? How much is a quart? Same answer for both: The
amount of liquid to fill up a properly calibrated measuring container
to a specific mark.

Who gives a fig about conversion? When working in metric, you use
measuring devices calibrated in metric. You measure to the marks
indicated. Just like when working with "British" ("American").


Most people could only give a very crude guess on how much a gallon, pint, or
pound was if they had to measure out that much sand or water on their own. If
they can get about that good at guessing a kilo or litre, then they're good to
go.

On Sun, 05 Mar 2006 19:06:38 -0600, Mark Lloyd
wrote:

On Sun, 05 Mar 2006 22:25:35 GMT, "Rick Brandt"
wrote:

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
y.com...

"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in message
Americans could easily get used to the Metric System if they learned it from
the word go.

No need. Just start using it and in day you know exactly what the measurments
are. Very simple really.

Like many Americans, years ago I though going metric was silly but now that I
have to use it at times, I wish we'd make the change and be done with it. All
of out machines at work are metric and it is as normal as can be in use and no
29/32 to worry about.

The mistake this country made when they first tried to "go metric" was trying to
teach everyone the conversion formulas. You don't need to know how many metric
whatsits go into an imperial doo-dad (the rest of the world doesn't know this
either). All you need to know is that a metric whatits is "about this
big/much/far".


Once, I heard a story about what it would be like to use metric for
everything. Something like drinking 5961 milliliters of milk and
eating 2492 milligrams of egg. Then watching a football game where a
player is on the 93.674 meter line.

Well, in cooking, most measurments and portions would be adjusted
slightly to the nearest round metric number. Thus, the 'standard'
drinking glass would probably grow slightly to become the 'standard 25
ml. glass'.

The unit of measure for eggs would probably remain what it is under
the current system: the egg, 1 each.

Sports fields could be adjusted (making a football field 100 meters)
but would require two sets of record books. I believe track and field
has pretty much already made this adjustment, with most tracks being
built to 400 meteres instead of 400 yards, but it is much more an
international sport than American football. Probably better to leave
football and baseballs fields alone, with the use of yards, feet, and
inches being considered a 'quaint' historic relic. How far is it
from pitchers mound to home plate in thoroughly metric Japan?

Most people could only give a very crude guess on how much a gallon, pint, or
pound was if they had to measure out that much sand or water on their own. If
they can get about that good at guessing a kilo or litre, then they're good to
go.

BTW, the "calories" in food are actually Calories (kilocalories, also
called large calories).

On 5 Mar 2006 19:45:15 -0800, "
wrote:

I love my plastic snow shovels, so nice orange easy to find, and
slippery so snow doesnt stick.

Well, I hate all plastic snow shovels, and what really ****es me off
is that you cant buy metal ones anymore unless they are second hand at
a garage sale.

By the way, why does every one of your posts come thru 3 times? You
need to fix your software. (You probably used metric when you set it
up).

On 5-Mar-2006, "RicodJour" wrote:

After about
the age of seven, there's no Italian word that an Italian kid can't
spell - it's essentially a phonetic language.

A study done years ago found that rates of reading dyslexia were higher
in countries with languages like English and French, where spelling and
pronounciation were not necessarily consistent, and lower in countries
like Russia, Italy, Spain etc where the spelling is essentially phonetic.
The difference was pretty significant.

Mike

wrote:

Yeah, I just love it when I have to keep two sets of wrenches and my
car has both types of bolts so all I do is fight to figure out which
wrench fits properly and which one is a sloppy fit. And even if I hse
a 17MM socket, my ratchet is still a 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch drive, which
means I have to constantly use two different standards of
measurements. Now, they still sell gasoline in gallons, but sell soda
in liters. America did just fine for centuries using the SAE
standards. It's obvious that foreign cars will come with metric
bolts, and in that case, the owner buys metric tools. But American
cars should have SAE bolts, because they were made in America. There
is no reason we need to kiss butt to other countries, and all we have
done trying to convert is confuse people, such as my car having both
type of bolts. Just to adjust the alternator belt I have to use both
SAE and Metric wrenches. That is just assenine.
The REAL reason they wanted to change was just to sell more tools,
sell more of everything else that is not metric, and make life
complicated.

I am having a very tough time believing you are not a troll. The
myopia that passes for your logic is staggering.
- Cars that are "Made in America" are assembled here but have parts
from all over the world. The only reason your car has two types of
bolts, is because of people like you who resist change, even if the new
way is far superior. It's like that idiot that everyone knows who is
married to the dragon lady but won't divorce her, saying things like,
"The devil you know is better than the one you don't." You know,
bull****.
- Because of people like you, this is one of the only three third world
countries still stuck in the 1800's with the Imperial system of
measurement. We're not a colony anymore, get it? There is no more
king, we're a country. We no longer have to stick to an archaic
measuring system that the country that invented it no longer uses!
-You're right that they want to sell more tools, parts and everything
else. We also want to _buy_ more tools, parts and everything else.
The problem comes in when a metric country/company has to make a choice
between setting up two manufacturing lines. One, their standard
metric, is already in place, the other, Imperial, has a limited market
- the US (Libya and Myanmar). You're argument will undoubtably be,
well, we'll make what we need right here, in the good ol' USA. Guess
again. If you're willing to fork over $100K for your Chevy, that might
work, but where are you getting the $100K from?

I cant wait till they convert gasoline to sell in some metric amount,

A liter is close to a quart. Four liters is close to a gallon. That's
all you need to know, and you don't even need to know that.

You'll do what you do right now. You'll keep your eyes open, see a gas
station which has lower prices than the rest, pull over and buy some.
You'll say, give me $20 bucks or fill 'er up. You won't take out a
measuring cup and calculate the conversion. Hell, right now you don't
know if you're getting a gallon or not. You just trust that you are.

and stop using the dollar and convert to the pound. That way when I
take a 7 pound bag of dog food to the counter, and the store also
sells a 10 pound bag, the clerk can ask me if I have a 7 pound or a 10
pound bag, and I will think that is the price they are charging me
because the pound is also a term for an amount of money.

They'll scan the item, you'll pay for it. What do you care what units
are used as long as the net cost to you is reasonable?

All this amounts to is the government making things as complicated as
possible, the same way they do it with income tax forms and pretty
much anything else they touch.

On that, at least, we agree.

R

On 5 Mar 2006 23:14:07 -0800, "RicodJour"
wrote:

wrote:
On 5 Mar 2006 19:45:15 -0800, "
wrote:

I love my plastic snow shovels, so nice orange easy to find, and
slippery so snow doesnt stick.

Well, I hate all plastic snow shovels, and what really ****es me off
is that you cant buy metal ones anymore unless they are second hand at
a garage sale.

Where the hell do you live? Can't buy a metal snow shovel - yeah
right. Maybe you should stop shopping at Toys R Us and try a
reasonable hardware store, Home Depot, etc. They all sell metal
shovels, and you'll most likely have a choice of aluminum or steel as
well.

R

Well, considering you are a trolling asshole, I dont have much to say
to you, but neither my local hardware store or Menards carry them,
unless you include metal manure shovels, which is what I have used
since my $15 plastic piece of **** broke in half after about one hours
use.

"RicodJour" wrote in message
ups.com...
wrote:

Yeah, I just love it when I have to keep two sets of wrenches and my
car has both types of bolts so all I do is fight to figure out which
wrench fits properly and which one is a sloppy fit. And even if I hse
a 17MM socket, my ratchet is still a 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch drive, which
means I have to constantly use two different standards of
measurements. Now, they still sell gasoline in gallons, but sell soda
in liters. America did just fine for centuries using the SAE
standards. It's obvious that foreign cars will come with metric
bolts, and in that case, the owner buys metric tools. But American
cars should have SAE bolts, because they were made in America. There
is no reason we need to kiss butt to other countries, and all we have
done trying to convert is confuse people, such as my car having both
type of bolts. Just to adjust the alternator belt I have to use both
SAE and Metric wrenches. That is just assenine.
The REAL reason they wanted to change was just to sell more tools,
sell more of everything else that is not metric, and make life
complicated.

I am having a very tough time believing you are not a troll. The
myopia that passes for your logic is staggering.
- Cars that are "Made in America" are assembled here but have parts
from all over the world. The only reason your car has two types of
bolts, is because of people like you who resist change, even if the new
way is far superior. It's like that idiot that everyone knows who is
married to the dragon lady but won't divorce her, saying things like,
"The devil you know is better than the one you don't." You know,
bull****.
- Because of people like you, this is one of the only three third world
countries still stuck in the 1800's with the Imperial system of
measurement. We're not a colony anymore, get it? There is no more
king, we're a country. We no longer have to stick to an archaic
measuring system that the country that invented it no longer uses!
-You're right that they want to sell more tools, parts and everything
else. We also want to _buy_ more tools, parts and everything else.
The problem comes in when a metric country/company has to make a choice
between setting up two manufacturing lines. One, their standard
metric, is already in place, the other, Imperial, has a limited market
- the US (Libya and Myanmar). You're argument will undoubtably be,
well, we'll make what we need right here, in the good ol' USA. Guess
again. If you're willing to fork over $100K for your Chevy, that might
work, but where are you getting the $100K from?

I cant wait till they convert gasoline to sell in some metric amount,

A liter is close to a quart. Four liters is close to a gallon. That's
all you need to know, and you don't even need to know that.

You'll do what you do right now. You'll keep your eyes open, see a gas
station which has lower prices than the rest, pull over and buy some.
You'll say, give me $20 bucks or fill 'er up. You won't take out a
measuring cup and calculate the conversion. Hell, right now you don't
know if you're getting a gallon or not. You just trust that you are.

and stop using the dollar and convert to the pound. That way when I
take a 7 pound bag of dog food to the counter, and the store also
sells a 10 pound bag, the clerk can ask me if I have a 7 pound or a 10
pound bag, and I will think that is the price they are charging me
because the pound is also a term for an amount of money.

They'll scan the item, you'll pay for it. What do you care what units
are used as long as the net cost to you is reasonable?

All this amounts to is the government making things as complicated as
possible, the same way they do it with income tax forms and pretty
much anything else they touch.

On that, at least, we agree.

R
The funnier part is where he assumes that the conversion to metric system
requires conversion to the British monetary system! All while the British
are converting to the European monetary system.

wrote in message
...
On 5 Mar 2006 23:14:07 -0800, "RicodJour"
wrote:

wrote:
On 5 Mar 2006 19:45:15 -0800, "
wrote:

I love my plastic snow shovels, so nice orange easy to find, and
slippery so snow doesnt stick.

Well, I hate all plastic snow shovels, and what really ****es me off
is that you cant buy metal ones anymore unless they are second hand at
a garage sale.

Where the hell do you live? Can't buy a metal snow shovel - yeah
right. Maybe you should stop shopping at Toys R Us and try a
reasonable hardware store, Home Depot, etc. They all sell metal
shovels, and you'll most likely have a choice of aluminum or steel as
well.

R

Well, considering you are a trolling asshole, I dont have much to say
to you, but neither my local hardware store or Menards carry them,
unless you include metal manure shovels, which is what I have used
since my $15 plastic piece of **** broke in half after about one hours
use.

When your handle changes from opinionated@myshop to educated@myshop you will
know better.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I love my plastic snow shovels, so nice orange easy to find, and
slippery so snow doesnt stick.


And they don't scratch up my composite decking.

On 5 Mar 2006 19:38:05 -0800, " wrote:

ssometimes plastic gears are there intentially to protect something
else.

so the $2 plastic gear strips protecting the 100 dollar motor.


But then, they charge you a Hundred Bucks
for the replacement gear......


rj

"RJ" wrote:

On 5 Mar 2006 19:38:05 -0800, " wrote:

ssometimes plastic gears are there intentially to protect something
else.

so the $2 plastic gear strips protecting the 100 dollar motor.


But then, they charge you a Hundred Bucks
for the replacement gear......


rj
If they will even sell it to you.
--
Jim Rusling
More or Less Retired
Mustang, OK
http://www.rusling.org

On 03/06/06 07:40 am mm wrote:

On Sun, 05 Mar 2006 15:25:27 -0500, "Percival P. Cassidy"
There are quite a few irritating products on the market for home
repair and use. But there are seven inventors/ producers I want to
kill.

2. The idiot that decided that America needs metric nuts and bolts

No. Let's find out who the idiot was who decided that America (unlike
the rest of the world) does *not* need metric nuts and bolts.

Didn't the English system precede the metric system?

Possibly. But not everything older is better.

BTW, speaking of "pints," The US ones aren't real pints. A real pint
contains 20 fl. oz., not 16.

What about "A pint's a pound, the world around". I've heard that all
my life.

I've never heard it. When I still lived in UK, a pint (of real beer) was
about 1 shilling (one-twentieth of a pound) or less. :-)

The following site mentions the rhyme and points out that it is often
misunderstood:

http://www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/units/volume.htm

The 16oz. vs. 20oz. pint issue explains why you will find maintenance
manuals for machines sold on both sides of the Atlantic giving oil or
fuel or coolant capacities as, for example, "5 US pints (4 Imperial
pints)" or "8 Imperial gallons (10 US gallons)". (And now they probably
will have Metric measures as well.)

What's the difference between a fluid ounce and an ounce?

A fluid ounce is a unit of volume. An ounce is a unit of weight. And
just to complicate matters even further, there are Troy ounces and
Avoirdupois ounces, the former (used for precious metals and jewellery)
being about 10% more than the latter "common" ounce.

Perce

On Sun, 05 Mar 2006 22:00:20 -0600, Ed Stevens
wrote:

On Sun, 05 Mar 2006 19:06:38 -0600, Mark Lloyd
wrote:

On Sun, 05 Mar 2006 22:25:35 GMT, "Rick Brandt"
wrote:

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
gy.com...

"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in message
Americans could easily get used to the Metric System if they learned it from
the word go.

No need. Just start using it and in day you know exactly what the measurments
are. Very simple really.

Like many Americans, years ago I though going metric was silly but now that I
have to use it at times, I wish we'd make the change and be done with it. All
of out machines at work are metric and it is as normal as can be in use and no
29/32 to worry about.

The mistake this country made when they first tried to "go metric" was trying to
teach everyone the conversion formulas. You don't need to know how many metric
whatsits go into an imperial doo-dad (the rest of the world doesn't know this
either). All you need to know is that a metric whatits is "about this
big/much/far".


Once, I heard a story about what it would be like to use metric for
everything. Something like drinking 5961 milliliters of milk and
eating 2492 milligrams of egg. Then watching a football game where a
player is on the 93.674 meter line.

Well, in cooking, most measurments and portions would be adjusted
slightly to the nearest round metric number. Thus, the 'standard'
drinking glass would probably grow slightly to become the 'standard 25
ml. glass'.

The unit of measure for eggs would probably remain what it is under
the current system: the egg, 1 each.


Probably. There used to be a lot of that 'conversion' nonsense, and it
could explain why some people don't like metric.

Sports fields could be adjusted (making a football field 100 meters)
but would require two sets of record books. I believe track and field
has pretty much already made this adjustment, with most tracks being
built to 400 meteres instead of 400 yards, but it is much more an
international sport than American football. Probably better to leave
football and baseballs fields alone, with the use of yards, feet, and
inches being considered a 'quaint' historic relic. How far is it
from pitchers mound to home plate in thoroughly metric Japan?

Most people could only give a very crude guess on how much a gallon, pint, or
pound was if they had to measure out that much sand or water on their own. If
they can get about that good at guessing a kilo or litre, then they're good to
go.

BTW, the "calories" in food are actually Calories (kilocalories, also
called large calories).
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

On 6 Mar 2006 06:39:19 -0800, wrote:



[snip]


What's the difference between a fluid ounce and an ounce?

A fluid ounce is a measure of volume (how much space something
occupies). An ounce is a measure of weight (mass). This is a common
source of confusion with the USA system. Switching to the metric
system would at least prevent this from being a source of confusion.


Ounces & Pounds are used both for weight and mass, despite the fact
that weight and mass are very different things. Weight is actually
force.

In the metric system, a gram is really a unit of mass. Weight is
measured differently (I think the unit is Pascals).

[snip]
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

On 5 Mar 2006 23:14:07 -0800, "RicodJour"
wrote:

They all sell metal shovels, and you'll most likely have a choice of aluminum or steel as
well.

Last year, at Canadian Tire, I saw a real beautiful line of stainless
steel shovels, hoes, garden tools. Reasonably priced too. Too bad I
didn't need any. I wonder how did they sell and what's the consumer
feedback on them.

On 6-Mar-2006, wrote:

America did just fine for centuries using the SAE standards.

Centuries? Make that century.

But American
cars should have SAE bolts, because they were made in America.

There are more "American" cars made in Ontario, Canada than in Michigan.

There is no reason we need to kiss butt to other countries

Over 6 billion of them vs about 300 million of you. Keep building those
walls, eventually you'll be all alone.

You may have opinions; too bad you don't have facts.

Mike

On 03/06/06 01:11 pm Michael Daly wrote:

America did just fine for centuries using the SAE standards.

Centuries? Make that century.

But American
cars should have SAE bolts, because they were made in America.

There are more "American" cars made in Ontario, Canada than in Michigan.

Yep. We got an old Dodge Mirada from my father-in-law, who insisted that
he would never buy a foreign car. When I looked at the plate on the door
frame, I discovered that it was made in Canada. Our '02 Chrysler 300M is
the same -- although we knew this ahead of time.

Perce

On 5 Mar 2006 19:38:05 -0800, "
wrote:

ssometimes plastic gears are there intentially to protect something
else.

so the $2 plastic gear strips protecting the 100 dollar motor.

Why would a car engine need protection of the timing chain?
They come with plastic gears from the factory, then the replacement
gear is steel. Why not just use steel at the factory?

Goedjn wrote:


My only issue with SAE wrenches is that they
insist on labeling them with different denominators,
so I have to go and paint them in N/64ths,

But wait! Aren't smaller numbers easier?

R

According to Keith Williams :
In article ,
says...

BTW, speaking of "pints," The US ones aren't real pints. A real pint
contains 20 fl. oz., not 16.

Sure they are; "pint's a pound, world round". ;-)

US == world, right?

[I don't think any country in the world has a 1 pound pint anymore. Except
the US. Imperial pints aren't a pound.]
--
Chris Lewis, Una confibula non set est
It's not just anyone who gets a Starship Cruiser class named after them.