When converting metric units into imperial units, journalists (or more likely sub-editors) are apt to make mistakes, especially if they are dealing with subjects with which they are not very familiar. On the 9th December 2006, The Times managed a hat-trick of blunders. [article contributed by MV]
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Archive for December, 2006
Metric howlers – Times hat-trick
Saturday, December 30th, 2006Football going metric?
Monday, December 25th, 2006Viewers of “Match of the Day” on 9 December had the unusual experience of hearing football commentary in metric. Was this an aberration or a straw in the wind? (asks Robin Paice)
A headache on the road to Pickering
Monday, December 25th, 2006Our contributor has encountered a low bridge sign that has left him guessing. [Contributed by Seares and edited by Derek Pollard] (more…)
Christmas Eve Salmon with Hot Beetroot Relish
Sunday, December 24th, 2006Guests arrived early? Not sure what to serve? There is just time to pop down to the supermarket and pick the ingredients for this quick recipe (assuming you can get into the car park). Provided by Roz Denny, UKMA’s answer to Delia Smith.
“Animals in the womb: Mammals” – pioneering TV from Channel 4
Saturday, December 23rd, 2006This programme used a combination of computer graphics, physical modelling, and actual ultra-sound images to create stunning pictures of the foetus of a dolphin, an elephant and a golden retriever developing in the womb. There was a commentary, but for much of the time the amazing images spoke for themselves. [Article contributed by Derek Pollard]
NHS use of kilograms
Thursday, December 21st, 2006Although the NHS uses grams and kilograms, the media often dumb down the information, and politicians do nothing to help [article by Roz Denny]
Suggested New Year resolutions
Tuesday, December 19th, 2006Suggestions, and a request for these to be forwarded on to the organisations and individualsâ?¦[article contributed by PB]
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Cooking Xmas turkey in metric
Tuesday, December 19th, 2006Here we go again, run up to Christmas and the food pages are full of useful hints and tips on how to roast the perfect turkey, giving people a timing of mins per 450g/lb. Not very useful when pack weights are in kg only! [article contributed by Roz Denny]
A ‘Voyage of Discovery’ into the origins of the metric system
Monday, December 18th, 2006A recent programme in the ‘Voyages of Discovery’ series on BBC4 described the meridian expedition to the Andes between 1735 and 1744. During the programme, the presenter suggested that the metric system owes its origins to the Enlightenment, and partly to this expedition. [article contributed by Derek Pollard] (more…)
Market Stall holders trading Illegally
Monday, December 18th, 2006Some fruit and vegetable sellers around the UK are failing to comply with metric trading regulations. [article contributed by PB]