Rant section

[Just a Wario Fan]

I don't know if I should rant about this again, but many things about formats and standards that seem to be common in the US, and to a lesser extent in the UK just don't make any sense to me. The worst thing is the imperial system with its miles, gallons, pounds, feet etc. To me as a European, this is really annoying to hear in TV programmes, since the translation into metric is often inaccurate, or sometimes even completely absent. Many Europeans know that a mile is about 1.61 kilometres, or that a pound is roughly half a kilogramme, but that's about it. I think it's about time the US goes metric too, and I just don't understand how they are even able to maintain these standards with organisations like the ISO in existence. The Fahrenheit scale is also a bit of nuisance. A scale that has 34 degrees as its ¨zero point¨? How did this inefficient standard even manage to get into general use? The date format is another confusing thing: I'm used to writing time units in order, with the smallest (days) on the left and the larger (month) to the right of the days. A while back, JS Shantae even got me confused because of this. Another thing that doesn't affect me, but I still think is a bit strange is the North American 120 volts 60 hertz electrical standard. (This wastes a lot of energy) but I have to agree that 60 Hz instead of the European 50 makes the TV screen a bit better on the Gamecube.

 

[Dangerous Duck]

I don't know if I should rant about this again, but many things about formats and standards that seem to be common in the US, and to a lesser extent in the UK just don't make any sense to me. The worst thing is the imperial system with its miles, gallons, pounds, feet etc. To me as a European, this is really annoying to hear in TV programmes, since the translation into metric is often inaccurate, or sometimes even completely absent. Many Europeans know that a mile is about 1.61 kilometres, or that a pound is roughly half a kilogramme, but that's about it. I think it's about time the US goes metric too, and I just don't understand how they are even able to maintain these standards with organisations like the ISO in existence. The Fahrenheit scale is also a bit of nuisance. A scale that has 34 degrees as its ¨zero point¨? How did this inefficient standard even manage to get into general use? The date format is another confusing thing: I'm used to writing time units in order, with the smallest (days) on the left and the larger (month) to the right of the days. A while back, JS Shantae even got me confused because of this. Another thing that doesn't affect me, but I still think is a bit strange is the North American 120 volts 60 hertz electrical standard. (This wastes a lot of energy) but I have to agree that 60 Hz instead of the European 50 makes the TV screen a bit better on the Gamecube.

I have one word for you, my friend..... "gaol".
Back in the 90's our school teachers and parents would scold us severely if we ever dared to spell it "jail". Nowadays the complete reverse is true! More and more the old words and ways are falling into redundancy as the internet unifies the English language, and simplifies everything into American English (no offence to my American friends).

I also had to smile when I saw you'd written "programme". Just like "gaol" that old spelling is on life support... the brink of extinction! It's almost universal to just call them TV "programs" now, and iron out the variations. Anyway, don't get me started on those wretched dating formats again. Cripes...

 

[Magma]

I don't know if I should rant about this again, but many things about formats and standards that seem to be common in the US, and to a lesser extent in the UK just don't make any sense to me. The worst thing is the imperial system with its miles, gallons, pounds, feet etc. To me as a European, this is really annoying to hear in TV programmes, since the translation into metric is often inaccurate, or sometimes even completely absent. Many Europeans know that a mile is about 1.61 kilometres, or that a pound is roughly half a kilogramme, but that's about it. I think it's about time the US goes metric too, and I just don't understand how they are even able to maintain these standards with organisations like the ISO in existence. The Fahrenheit scale is also a bit of nuisance. A scale that has 34 degrees as its ¨zero point¨? How did this inefficient standard even manage to get into general use? The date format is another confusing thing: I'm used to writing time units in order, with the smallest (days) on the left and the larger (month) to the right of the days. A while back, JS Shantae even got me confused because of this. Another thing that doesn't affect me, but I still think is a bit strange is the North American 120 volts 60 hertz electrical standard. (This wastes a lot of energy) but I have to agree that 60 Hz instead of the European 50 makes the TV screen a bit better on the Gamecube.

 

[MonaWare]

I don't know if I should rant about this again, but many things about formats and standards that seem to be common in the US, and to a lesser extent in the UK just don't make any sense to me. The worst thing is the imperial system with its miles, gallons, pounds, feet etc. To me as a European, this is really annoying to hear in TV programmes, since the translation into metric is often inaccurate, or sometimes even completely absent. Many Europeans know that a mile is about 1.61 kilometres, or that a pound is roughly half a kilogramme, but that's about it. I think it's about time the US goes metric too, and I just don't understand how they are even able to maintain these standards with organisations like the ISO in existence. The Fahrenheit scale is also a bit of nuisance. A scale that has 34 degrees as its ¨zero point¨? How did this inefficient standard even manage to get into general use? The date format is another confusing thing: I'm used to writing time units in order, with the smallest (days) on the left and the larger (month) to the right of the days. A while back, JS Shantae even got me confused because of this. Another thing that doesn't affect me, but I still think is a bit strange is the North American 120 volts 60 hertz electrical standard. (This wastes a lot of energy) but I have to agree that 60 Hz instead of the European 50 makes the TV screen a bit better on the Gamecube.

The metric system is the tool of the devil! My car gets 40 rods to the hogs head, and thats the way I likes it!

 

[Dangerous Duck]

Can't we all just get along? I actually prefer some things America does over the older ways.

Then again, Hogan, whenever I rock up at your doorstep on 08/11/20xx with a birthday present, you'll be laughing and saying "Whatcha doing, brother? My birthday's on August 11th, not November 8th! Get your dates straight, dude!" And he'll shut the door in my foolish face, without so much as a ride back to the airport....

 

[Glowsquid]

I don't know if I should rant about this again, but many things about formats and standards that seem to be common in the US, and to a lesser extent in the UK just don't make any sense to me. The worst thing is the imperial system with its miles, gallons, pounds, feet etc. To me as a European, this is really annoying to hear in TV programmes, since the translation into metric is often inaccurate, or sometimes even completely absent. Many Europeans know that a mile is about 1.61 kilometres, or that a pound is roughly half a kilogramme, but that's about it. I think it's about time the US goes metric too, and I just don't understand how they are even able to maintain these standards with organisations like the ISO in existence. The Fahrenheit scale is also a bit of nuisance. A scale that has 34 degrees as its ¨zero point¨? How did this inefficient standard even manage to get into general use? The date format is another confusing thing: I'm used to writing time units in order, with the smallest (days) on the left and the larger (month) to the right of the days. A while back, JS Shantae even got me confused because of this. Another thing that doesn't affect me, but I still think is a bit strange is the North American 120 volts 60 hertz electrical standard. (This wastes a lot of energy) but I have to agree that 60 Hz instead of the European 50 makes the TV screen a bit better on the Gamecube.

thought you were going to bitch about SCART being nonexisted in america for a sec

 

[Just a Wario Fan]

I also had to smile when I saw you'd written "programme". Just like "gaol" that old spelling is on life support... the brink of extinction! It's almost universal to just call them TV "programs" now, and iron out the variations. Anyway, don't get me started on those wretched dating formats again. Cripes...

Wut? I didn't know that ¨gaol¨ was once the correct spelling (I don't even know how to pronounce that word) and as for ¨programme,¨ that's how I've learnt to spell it, and wasn't even aware of the other spelling variants.

Can't we all just get along? I actually prefer some things America does over the older ways.

In case I sound like some anti-American madman nitpicking on every little thing remotely American: I don't have anything against American people, I just think it's weird how the US gov hasn't adopted metric and Celcius yet.

 

[Koopaul]

They actually made an attempt in the 70s I think. It was too difficult to convert everyone to learning the metric system as everyone was so used to the old way.

I know I would have great difficulty converting over to a new system of measurement after years and years of using this one. It would be like having to learn a new language.

 

[MonaWare]

I totally agree that children in america should learn the metric system btw : p Theres no reason to not learn it, haha. It would be great if the US would use it. But at the same time, I remember learning about it in school, and with my child logic, thinking it was a waste of time because everything was already measured in inches, haha.

I think theres a bit of pride when it comes to america and the metric system. We already have a system, and dont wanna be bothered to learn new one. It would be easier if we made the jump too, I just dont think it will be easy to get the entire usa to actually learn it : p The best way to do it is to start with the children, emphasising the need to change. And hopefully theyll be more willing to adjust to the changes, haha.

 

[Koopaul]

It's more than just pride. It's the system we use and converting would be incredibly hard. It's one thing to teach children to use it but to get the US to practice it?

You'd have to change millions of products, measuring tools, street signs, vehicles. Then jobs would have to change like construction workers would have to use a new system and adjust their jobs accordingly, air plane pilots, carpenters, a ton of people! And you'd have to update and reprogram a bunch machinery. Finally older people would need to be educated too. Especially those who work in the fields that require measuring. There would need to be educational programs for them and even then I can see tons of mistakes being made in the professional field.

Yeah sounds super expensive and complicated. Not impossible but would take atleast three generations of slowly converting the US as well as millions of dollars (maybe more).

 

[Magma]

I'm pretty sure they tried to convert the US to the metric system before but it failed mostly due to the reasons Koopaul outlined.

(Also 60 centimeter pythons doesn't sound as good, brother.)

 

[MonaWare]

It's more than just pride. It's the system we use and converting would be incredibly hard. It's one thing to teach children to use it but to get the US to practice it?

You'd have to change millions of products, measuring tools, street signs, vehicles. Then jobs would have to change like construction workers would have to use a new system and adjust their jobs accordingly, air plane pilots, carpenters, a ton of people! And you'd have to update and reprogram a bunch machinery. Finally older people would need to be educated too. Especially those who work in the fields that require measuring. There would need to be educational programs for them and even then I can see tons of mistakes being made in the professional field.

Yeah sounds super expensive and complicated. Not impossible but would take atleast three generations of slowly converting the US as well as millions of dollars (maybe more).

Oh, absolutely, its why I said youd have to start at a young age. It would totally be a slow process.

There is totally a pride issue to it, though : p Ive heard many people scoff at the idea of converting to the metric system : p And Im not one of those "I hate america, were a facist nation" kinda people (if you think I am you dont know me, haha), but Im totally open to moving towards the metric system. But its not going to happen with this generation.

 

[MonaWare]

Poor CMV ; _ ;

Would help you if I could. I could totally make you a switch out of colorful cardboard paper : p

If only I knew what nintendo was planning when I wrote this

 

[Just a Wario Fan]

It's more than just pride. It's the system we use and converting would be incredibly hard. It's one thing to teach children to use it but to get the US to practice it?

You'd have to change millions of products, measuring tools, street signs, vehicles. Then jobs would have to change like construction workers would have to use a new system and adjust their jobs accordingly, air plane pilots, carpenters, a ton of people! And you'd have to update and reprogram a bunch machinery. Finally older people would need to be educated too. Especially those who work in the fields that require measuring. There would need to be educational programs for them and even then I can see tons of mistakes being made in the professional field.

Yeah sounds super expensive and complicated. Not impossible but would take atleast three generations of slowly converting the US as well as millions of dollars (maybe more).

Yes, this is probably the biggest reason why it hasn't been adopted yet. I know someone from Scotland and he says that even there the conversion into metric hasn't been fully completed, so I can imagine the US having a hard time converting and that it would take, many, many years to accomplish. If it's ever going to happen.

 

[Metal]

If only I knew what nintendo was planning when I wrote this

Now I can truly become Hobocop!

 

[MonaWare]

I remember having pretty liberal teachers in school, they used to talk often about how europe looked down on us and all that. I remember when they taught us about the metric system, they lectured us about how we needed to catch up with the rest of the world, as if we were primitive for not using the metric system.

From my experience, this kinda attitude usually turns people away from new ideas. I remember thinking that europeans were jerks from the stuff they said to us. If you want people to come to a new idea, or to learn a new process of doing things, this is the worst way to get them to do it.

 

[Koopaul]

You'd also have to convince America we'd be better off with the metric system. That's a nother big one. Is it worth the hassle? I'm okay with the idea but most people don't want to impliment a new system unless there's a really good reason for it. So far, everyone is getting along fine with the old system and everyone has bigger problems to worry about than updating our method of measuring.

 

[ShyGuyXXL]

Somewhat political, but the current trend of high school kids demanding semi automatic rifles being banned is annoying.

Now, I am NOT a gun nut. I do not own a gun, and I dont want to own one. But that doesnt mean I want others to lose their right to have these weapons for themselves.

You're right. They SHOULD be allowed to own them. Actually, why stop there? They should be allowed to have fully automatic rifles as well! Most people use them responsibly, right?
And miniguns too. Uzis? Assault rifles? Sure, why not? People might need them to defend themselves, right?
You never know when your house might be attacked by a horde of rabid wolves or steers, right?

And people really need to stop making such a big fuss about owning rocket launchers, ok? It's not rockets that blow up people, it's people that blow up people.
...with rockets.
I mean if we take away their rockets that's not gonna stop them from killing if they really wanna kill, right? So we might as well give them the rockets. And granades. And C4. And tactical nukes.
It's all in self defense!
If we all owned tactical nukes the world would be a safer place.

 

[MonaWare]

You're right. They SHOULD be allowed to own them. Actually, why stop there? They should be allowed to have fully automatic rifles as well! Most people use them responsibly, right?
And miniguns too. Uzis? Assault rifles? Sure, why not? People might need them to defend themselves, right?
You never know when your house might be attacked by a horde of rabid wolves or steers, right?

And people really need to stop making such a big fuss about owning rocket launchers, ok? It's not rockets that blow up people, it's people that blow up people.
...with rockets.
I mean if we take away their rockets that's not gonna stop them from killing if they really wanna kill, right? So we might as well give them the rockets. And granades. And C4. And tactical nukes.
It's all in self defense!
If we all owned tactical nukes the world would be a safer place.

I hate to sound disrespectful, but thia post was completely emotionally charged nonsense. People being allowed to keep their rifles =\= to having fully automatic machine guns, grenades s and other explosives. There is nothing of substance here that I can actually argue with.

And yes, people SHOULD be allowed the ability to defend themselves. There are alot of rural people in the usa who live far from the cities who cannot rely on the police. And yes, they do deal with intruders and burglurs, I know people who have.

And even in populated urban places, people should be allowed the ability to defend themselves. You cannot rely on the police to save you, they do not magically teleport to your location once you contact them.

Almost everyone in the us supports reasonable gun control laws, and in this case I mentioned, the authorities failed to take care of the situation, as the kid had already heen reported for making threats of school shootings to the fbi, and the fbi took no action. In thia case, it was a failure of the authorities.

Also, when speaking about rifles, most shootings are done with hand guns, and not rifles, so the idea of taking away rifles doesnt even take on the most common kind of issues we face. Its nothing more than the media using peoples emotions to make them angry and upset and afraid for their own political agenda.

And lets not forget that people dont need guns for such attacks on a large scale, as weve seen with the attacks with vehicles and bombs in europe over the past few years.

 

[Dangerous Duck]

I dont want to be disrespectful, but this is just a bunch of emotional nonsense. To claim that people should be allowed to keep their rifles =\= having fully automatic machine guns, grenades and other explosives.

I hate to sound disrespectful, but thia post was completely emotionally charged nonsense. People being allowed to keep their rifles =\= to having fully automatic machine guns, grenades s and other explosives. There is nothing of substance here that I can actually argue with.

And yes, people SHOULD be allowed the ability to defend themselves. There are alot of rural people in the usa who live far from the cities who cannot rely on the police. And yes, they do deal with intruders and burglurs, I know people who have.

And even in populated urban places, people should be allowed the ability to defend themselves. You cannot rely on the police to save you, they do not magically teleport to your location once you contact them.

Almost everyone in the us supports reasonable gun control laws, and in this case I mentioned, the authorities failed to take care of the situation, as the kid had already heen reported for making threats of school shootings to the fbi, and the fbi took no action. In thia case, it was a failure of the authorities.

Also, when speaking about rifles, most shootings are done with hand guns, and not rifles, so the idea of taking away rifles doesnt even take on the most common kind of issues we face. Its nothing more than the media using peoples emotions to make them angry and upset and afraid for their own political agenda.

And lets not forget that people dont need guns for such attacks on a large scale, as weve seen with the attacks with vehicles and bombs in europe over the past few years.

I've never been a politically-charged person, but I know first-hand that rural people need some form of protection. My old family home is surrounded by dense ranges, foresty hills, and no clearly marked roads or indicators. The phone reception is always scarce, and it would take the police no less than 25 minutes drive from the nearest town (even then they'd get lost very easily on the old country roads without prior knowledge). Giving quick, concise directions over the phone is extremely difficult in an emergency.

All my life we've had dodgy trespassers and shady characters worm their way down from the surrounding cities, sneaking onto our property. And then there are the lethal snakes and other critters you need to be very wary of.

So what can we do without guns? There's always a mug that spoils it for everyone, but they are a necessary tool for country/farm life. My family are not drooling bumpkins or bad backwater stereotypes; we are intelligent, realistic people, and we need an adequate form of protection. Anyone who has lived a remote rural existence knows this.