Gene Mechtly wrote: >On Thu, 3 Apr 2003, Pat Naughtin wrote: >> >> As I walked this morning, I calculated my speed at about 100 metres per >> minute. I have now compared this with some track and field results for >> champion athletes. I would appreciate any comments... > >Interesting. But, why not delete all the *clutter*? That is, delete all >but the values expressed in SI? That is, in m/s. >
It's very hard for a walker or runner to get a feel for m/s. Both m/min and km/h can be very useful. If I plan on running 5 km and know how fast I can run, in km/h, then I have an idea of how much time I need to allocate. If I only know my speed in m/s, that's a slightly more difficult calculation (even though well within the capabilities of a numerate person). (I must hastily add that, any time I feel the urge to run 5 km (or even to run any distance), I lie down until the feeling passes.) Let's not make a religion out of avoidance of approved non-SI units. Metrication needs to offer a reasonably big tent to cover a variety of needs and styles. With too much rigidity, metrication has less chance of ultimate success. Bill Potts, CMS Roseville, CA http://metric1.org [SI Navigator]
