I've just been on a public newsgroup.

I wanted to find out about fitting a Vtec engine into a (proper) mini.

There were germans, brits and canadians discussing this.

They were all talking about the need to increase the engine bay by 6 inches.

Indeed the German was particularly upset about changing the look of his beloved mini by stretching it 6" (he used the double quote, martin).

I guess if I was eric (metre) I'd make some sort of odd "harsh reality" remarks about this and suggest that people in Germany prefer using imperial rather than a botched metric something-or-other.

But then, I'm "realistic" and won't go there!

But, it is easy to lift a conversation between just a few people in a world of billions and billions and cite that as the "norm", isn't it?

When you say "German", do you mean living in Germany, of German origin, or both?

Both, otherwise it wouldn't be "proving a point".

His post was in English though - since it's the "ligua franca" of international forums! ;-)

While we’re on this topic, I’d like to call your attention to something: If I were eric, I would be arguing that English should compulsory in all countries because it is the language of international trade, etc. The moment someone puts forth that viewpoint, though, you get people like the French muttering something about an Anglo-American plot to take over the world. However, when the shoe is on the other foot, and it is French measurement that the Germans and the French are trying to compel the British to accept, we are expected to treat their intentions as being completely good.

Eric will be rapping your ears with some list of fundamental differences between language and measurement very soon, if he reads this.

Yes, I agree unreservedly with both you, Bud, and you, Niles.



P.S. Bud, is that really your name or just a pseudonym? I have often wondered as the stereotypical American name is "Bud" (or "Chip", just like for the English it is James or John Smith).

Bud said: “Eric will be rapping your ears with some list of fundamental differences between language and measurement very soon, if he reads this.”

Response: Yeah, I realized that when I was writing the post, but I couldn’t help myself.

No, "Bud" is not my real name. It is not a stereotypical American name either, which is usually "Joe" or "John". "Bud" is simply a nickname that I use for the purpose of posting on these forums. I don't know anyone by that name.

I know most Americans aren't called Bud, but what I said was the stereotypical name is Bud. Or Chip. Or Buck. Maybe you've not heard that one. Oh well.

And who's Randy anyway?

Wasn't Randy the original "New Man"

"He released "I Love L.A.," a parody of shallow yuppie culture that was misinterpreted and became an anthem for '80s greed." (VH1 biography)
The Harry Enfield (Loadsamoney) of the USA?

Unfortunately, none of his album or single titles lend themselves to a W&M pun. "12 songs" might express support for the Dozenal Society of GB though!

<<<French measurement that the Germans and the French are trying to compel the British to accept>>>

I think you need to do a bit of research on the subject of metrication.

a) Its not French measurement. Its the international system of measurement which almost all of the world uses. I believe a Frenchman had something to do with the development of the system, as did British scientists.

b) Britain decided long before it was a member of the EU that it was in its best interests to go metric (as did virtually every other country on this planet)

c) the EU is not 'the Germans and the French' - it is also the British, the Irish, the Estonians etc

Andy wrote

<<
a) Its not French measurement. Its the international system of measurement which almost all of the world uses. I believe a Frenchman had something to do with the development of the system, as did British scientists.
>>

In fact, British scientists probably made more contributions to teh metric system than did the French.

<<a) Its not French measurement. Its the international system of measurement which almost all of the world uses. I believe a Frenchman had something to do with the development of the system, as did British scientists.>>

It's origins is French. Don't try that one.
Remember the start of it all was the metre.

<<b) Britain decided long before it was a member of the EU that it was in its best interests to go metric (as did virtually every other country on this planet)>>

No, wrong.
Politicians decided.


<<c) the EU is not 'the Germans and the French' - it is also the British, the Irish, the Estonians etc>>

The main thrust of the EU is Germany and France. Originally the EU was designed to (in a crude way) "stop them fighting each other".
The UK is a major contributor to the EU, thats true (look at the nice roads in Ireland and Spain bought for by...), but you will find that the EU (ie Germany and France) are constantly fed up with us slowing their plan down.
Their dilemma is - they need us more than we need them (a fact that is constantly overlooked in the "should we be in the EU" debate)

I would like to see the EU replaced by an ED (Europe of Democracies). This idea was recently touched upon in a Telegraph article, and is often not mentioned by folk like me who wish to leave the present EU set-up (that is, what would we do without the EU). Or, if the EU cannot tranform, then let us and our brother countries in Europe (i.e. all nations who feel the same way) break away and form our own EU (the ED).

I shall try to dig the article out for everyone- it is a good read.