I'm really sorry (and depressed) to say this, but I have given up all hope. I once believed English could be saved, that politics would change, but now I see it was folly. I really am not happy about it, and will continue to refuse to use metric when I can, but I think it is all over :(

What has caused this change of mind?

To borrow something that I always say to the metric side - a simple walk in the street will do you some good!

Dr SteveH says:

Take two walks in the town and mix with one dose of overhearing people in the pub!

Bryan, always keep the following proverbs in mind:

A kilo of apples a day keeps the doctor away.

and for Stevie:

A litre of cider a day keeps the doctor away.

"A kilo of apples a day keeps the doctor away."

Translating that into "non-foreign" - I'm sure eating over 2 lbs of apples a day wont be good for you

"A litre of cider a day keeps the doctor away."

Drinking just under 2 pints of cider turns one into a "girl"

Listening to youngsters talk of “I don’t understand pounds and ounces” and say things to me, often, like- “I only get miles and metres, kilogrammes and stones” rather has gotten to me. I think that English is but a shell, today, with most kids not even understanding the basic fractions on whgich English is based (due in part ot metrication etc) eg. 4/3 = 1 1/3

Drinking any quantity of cider makes you a girl.

That's because cider is a big girlie's drink for girlie girls !

Be a man and drink Best, by the pint if you like.

Try half a litre of Carlesburg Special Brew or Tennents Super.

That's a mans drink!

Then try another, and another and ... crash (fell on floor).

I can actually imagine mad "Mega mickey" drinking special brew.

It seems to fit the picture.

Perhaps pick a fight with someone who says "yard" after!

I'll still to pints of British cider if you don't mind (french cider is too "soft").