Why I became involved with measurement matters
One of our readers has written to explain why he became interested in the campaign to complete Britain’s prolonged metric changeover. Ronnie Cohen wrote recently to Metric Views: “Out of all the...
View ArticleThe link between measurement skills and numeracy
Poor numeracy is blighting Britain’s economic performance and ruining lives, says a new charity launched to champion better maths skills. You can find recent BBC reports on this topic on the following...
View ArticleUS customary measures: friend or foe of British traditionalists?
In the early years of the twentieth century, both US customary (USC) and metric measures were seen by some in Britain as threats to the survival of the Imperial system. The end of Empire saw metric...
View ArticleHow should I say my height?
I am 1.79 m tall. But how should I say that? Some years ago, I was being interviewed on a local radio phone-in programme, and I was asked my height. (Broadcasting presenters usually try to catch you...
View ArticleAll too often, mystified when we measure
John Frewen-Lord recalls several recent examples of difficulties with measurement and asks if common measuring devices actually inhibit using the metric system. It is said that constant exposure to the...
View ArticleA Biblical specification and a problem solved (almost)
We are justifiably proud in England of the legal principles laid down in Magna Carta in 1215, but less supportive of its command, “Let there be one measure …”. However, weights and measures laws are as...
View ArticleThe Worboys Committee Report revisited
Ronnie Cohen looks back at the 1963 Worboys Committee report and reviews how well the current version of the TSRGD addresses the main criticisms of the earlier traffic signs system and the Committee’s...
View ArticleContinental Europe, offshore islanders and measurement muddle
Immediately after the referendum, Metric Views provided some initial thoughts on the outcome. Now, as the dust begins to settle, there is time for a more general view. Over the next four weeks, we...
View ArticleHow should I say my height?
I am 1.79 m tall. But how should I say that? Some years ago, I was being interviewed on a local radio phone-in programme, and I was asked my height. (Broadcasting presenters usually try to catch you...
View ArticlePositions of main parties and politicians on metrication
At the beginning of the General Election campaign, Ronnie Cohen looks at the current stance of the main political parties and the position taken in the past by some of their MPs. On 18 April, Prime...
View ArticleThe Curiosity rover makes a curious discovery
We take a look at a little-reported discovery made by NASA’s rover during its 2000 days on Mars. It was reported recently that Curiosity, NASA’s car-sized rover, had already spent 2000 days exploring...
View ArticleLiberia joins the club
We comment on reports that Liberia intends to adopt the metric system. It was reported a few days ago that the Liberian Government has decided that the country should adopt the metric system:...
View ArticleEmail correspondence from the archives
Ronnie Cohen draws attention to an exchange of e-mails between a visitor to the UKMA web site and himself, on behalf of the UKMA Committee. Two years ago, Jeremy Hastings contacted UKMA about the...
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