Still a Matter of Inches.(metric system usage in the US)

From: Insight on the News | Date: September 24, 2001| Author: Condon, Erin | Copyright information

Despite the efforts of Congress and the trade practices of U.S. firms doing business overseas, the metric system doesn't measure up to English units for the American public.

How far is 40 kilometers? (Answer: 24.8 miles.) How many liters of gasoline will fill your car's tank? (Approximately 40 to 50.) What do you wear when the thermometer reads 19 degrees Celsius? (Since it is 48 degrees F, how about a light jacket?) But who really cares. Apparently Americans don't.

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