Readers: The US Should Convert To The Metric System

The ham we’re serving my husband’s family tomorrow weighs just over 4 kilograms (4,0279kg), or 8.88 lbs in US/Imperial measurements. The instructions say to reheat it at 162.78ºC (325ºF).  If we offered soda to drink we’d probably buy it in a 0.52834 gallon bottle (2 liters).  They’re driving 155.62Km (96.7 miles) from Springfield IL, the speed limit on I-55 is 112.65kph (70mph), though his uncle will likely won’t exceed 90kph.

Of the above metric units you all likely can relate to a 2 liter bottle of soda, you know how much that is. Why? We’re used to it.  Your prescriptions are in milligrams.

So why should America change?

The United States is the last remaining industrialized nation with no formal commitment to going metric. America’s position is causing unnecessary isolation. It’s an impediment to trade and puts the United States at a disadvantage.

Not being metric-fluent can hamper collaboration and communication across borders. And it’s not just annoying, but can add real costs. For example, many US manufacturers need to make two kinds of products for every item — one for here and one for there. Foreign manufacturers also have to modify products just for the US market (or decide that maybe it’s not worth the bother). (Vox)

Below are the results from the Sunday Poll:

Q: Should the U.S. switch to the metric system?

1. Yes 14 [58.33%]
2. No 9 [37.5%]
3. Maybe 1 [4.17%]
4. Unsure/no opinion 0 [0%]

Even though converting will be a costly endeavor, I think it’s in our best long-term interests to do so. Money spent building military equipment the Pentagon doesn’t want can be used to create to new highway signs. Of course that means every highway in America, except Arizona’s I-19, will get all new exit numbers.  Had president Reagan not disbanded the Metric Board in 1982 we might be fully metric by now.

— Steve Patterson

Sunday Poll: Should The U.S. Switch To The Metric System?

Some of you are too young to remember our brief flirtation with the metric system, 1975-1982:

The Metric Conversion Act is an Act of Congress that U.S. President Gerald Ford signed into law on December 23, 1975. It declared the Metric system “the preferred system of weights and measures for United States trade and commerce”, but permitted the use of United States customary units in non-business activities. The Act also established the United States Metric Board with representatives from scientific, technical, and educational institutions, as well as state and local governments to plan, coordinate, and educate the American people for the Metrication of the United States.

Executive Order 12770, which cites the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, directed departments and agencies within the executive branch of the United States Government to “take all appropriate measures within their authority” to use the metric system “as the preferred system of weights and measures for United States trade and commerce.” (Wikipedia)

In 1982 President Reagan disbanded the 17-member Metric Board (source). I’ve driven in Canada, where the metric system is used. US highways aren’t in metric — except I-19 in Arizona:

The roughly 60-mile stretch (or about 100 kilometers) is the only continuous highway in the U.S. with metric signs, and it’s the subject of a long-simmering spat over whether they should be changed back to the standard system. (Arizona highway signs in metric units may change)

There were, and are, valid arguments for keeping measurement system as is, and for changing to match 3/4 of the world. Which brings me to the poll question for today: Should the U.S. switch to the metric system?

The poll is open for 12 hours, 8am-8pm central. Results will be posted Wednesday.

— Steve Patterson

Sunday Poll: Which Retail Stores In Our Region Would You Like To See Open A Location In The City Of St. Louis?

Decades ago downtown St. Louis was the place to go shopping, that’s where stores were concentrated. But years of population loss also meant retail stores have decentralized. The St. Louis region has many retail outlets (local & chain) but many don’t have a location within the city limits. Which brings me to the poll question for today: Which retail stores, if any, in our region would you like to see open a location in the City of St. Louis? (pick up to 5)

I’ve included a long list in the poll and you can add one more of your own. Remember, this only applies to stores already in the region. Vote at right, discuss below.

— Steve Patterson

Readers Like New York Thin, St. Louis, & Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Styles

In the Sunday Poll readers picked their favorite pizza styles:

Q: Pick two (2) favorite styles of pizza from the following:

1. New York Thin Crust 14 [25%]
2. St. Louis Style 13 [23.21%]
3. Chicago Deep Dish (and stuffed) 12 [21.43%]
4. The Original: Neapolitan 9 [16.07%]
5. Detroit Style 4 [7.14%]
6. California Style 2 [3.57%]
7. TIE
   1. New England Greek 1 [1.79%]
   2. Unsure/no answer 1 [1.79%]
8. Chicago Thin Crust 0 [0%]
9. Tomato Pie 0 [0%]

See descriptions of each here. I like most styles of pizza — except St. Louis. I’ve been here over 24 years but the St. Louis style trio (crust, sauce & cheese) just doesn’t work for me.

— Steve Patterson

Sunday Poll: Pick Two (2) Favorite Styles Of Pizza

For the poll today I’m asking about pizza styles. Because many styles exist I used the list from 9 Different Kinds of Pizza in the United States:

• The Original: Neapolitan
• California Style
• Chicago Deep Dish (and stuffed)
• Chicago Thin Crust
• Detroit Style
• New England Greek
• New York Thin Crust
• St. Louis Style
• Tomato Pie

See the link above for descriptions of each. The poll is at the top of the right sidebar in the desktop layout. Remember, this poll will close at 8pm Central.

Please pick two from the list!

— Steve Patterson