I think it's important to note that even decades later Fahrenheit still gets used. Basically - the on-screen graphics show Celsius but forecasters sometimes mention the 'F-word'. It seems to be almost an 'non-rule' now - ie it's up to the forecaster him/herself if he/she wants to mention fahrenheit. For instance it's easy to realise who are definitely 'anti-fahrenheit'. Radio weather forecasts tend to mention both units. And as you probably know - there's this odd phenomena in the UK where 'seriousness sounding' comes into play. So in the winter it's common to exclaim negative C temps whereas in the summer high temps are 'bigged up' using fahrenheit. The same person could say "It's minus 5 out there today" and "It must be in the 90's out there" albeit at different ends of the year.
From: [email protected]: [email protected]: [USMA:42326] Re: Change-over period to the metric system & the aviation industry.Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:58:06 -0500 On Jan 12 , at 3:28 AM, John Candido wrote: does anybody have a rough idea of how long it would take for the USA to totally implement the metric system throughout the country? One year or less for most things (if everyone tries to MAKE the change instead of trying to FIGHT the change ... which is a big "if"). Some things would take longer because of durable goods that it are too expensive just to throw out because it is not metric; think "my house". You're not going to tear down your house that was built to olde English standards just because you can only get metric sized sheets of wallboard or plywood. Manufacturers will need to make, and suppliers will need to sell, some olde English sizes of building materials for some years so that old, pre-metric homes can be kept in good repair. The critical part of this is to persuade the builders and suppliers of NEW construction to begin using metric sizes. However, most things could be changed over in a few days or weeks (plus some time to use up existing stocks). Speedy changes can be accomplished by advanced preparation; for example, highway speed signs can by changed and the changes covered up until the date when the new speed limits go into effect. Then, removal of the covers can be accomplished almost overnight. (It has been done in other countries!) In my opinion, a classic example of the fact that much can be done in very short order, is the experience I recall reading about when the UK changed from Fahrenheit to Celsius in their broadcast weather reports. They took a year to do it but clearly that much time wasn't needed. During that year, I'm told, they reported both Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures together so that "people could get used to the new measures" (they said). At the end of that year, surveys showed that few people had become familiar with Celsius temperature. However, the stuck to their guns and stopped using Fahrenheit at the end of the year, beginning to report temperatures in Celsius only. Surveys showed that within one week, most people had a working understanding of Celsius temperatures. Clearly a week was sufficient to make the change. The year that was estimated was a waste of time. Bill Hooper 1810 mm tall Fernandina Beach, Florida, USA ========================== SImplification Begins With SI. ========================== _________________________________________________________________ Are you a PC? Upload your PC story and show the world http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/122465942/direct/01/
