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Metric, Schmetric

Unlike Europeans, we are smart enough to be able to calculate numbers, weights and measures in the Metric system and in our English system. It takes more brain power -- but we are easily up to the task. Shamefully, our Academia (U.S.) has latched on to the "easier" metric system in an effort to appear smarter and more sophisticated. (Adopted a dumber system to look smarter... What's wrong with that picture?)
Interestingly, one of our measuring systems in America is based on the binary counting system. Here is something your teacher probably never taught you. In America we have units of measure such as Gallon, quart, pint and others. Look at the chart below. Notice the binary numbering system?

Binary #'s 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
 
Ounces 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
U.S. Measure 1 gallon 1/2 gal. 1 quart 1 pint 1 cup 1 gill N/A 1 oz.

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Copyright 2007 Joe Hepperle
Page Last Updated Dec 2007