WHY AMERICA NEVER CHANGED TO KILOS AND GRAMS PIRATES STOLE OUR METRIC SYSTEM
Pirates, that’s right, pirates stopped America from changing to the metric system. While they can’t take all the blame, they steal a good chunk of it. There was a specific time in history when America did consider taking up the metric system. But pirates intercepted the standards, and America has refused to change its measuring system ever since. Way back when America was still a new country, there was no regulated measuring system throughout the states. Each territory was using some bizarre system that stayed only within state lines. For example, people were using Roman measurements, Dutch systems, and British systems dating back to King Henry VII. In 1789, Thomas Jefferson decided that some order needed to be in place. A lover of all things French, Jefferson admired the metric system’s logic and principle. He asked the French to help the U.S. transition to the metric system, and they were kind enough to send scientist Joseph Dombey. A SWEETER RIDE
Dombey boarded a ship and set sail for America with two items pivotal to our measuring system change. The first gadget was a copper cylinder 3 inches in height and width, weighing precisely 1 kilogram. The second was another copper object, but this time a rod estimated to be a meter in length. These simple trinkets would have eased us into the metric system. Except, we never received them. In fact, Dombey never set foot in America. Unfortunately, storm winds blew his ship off course and into the pirate-filled Caribbean. The pirates hijacked his boat and held him captive, hoping to use him for ransom. In a tragic turn of events, Dombey died in that pirate prison before any ransom money could be sent. The pirates then auctioned off everything Dombey had on his boat, metric measuring tools included. So, you can thank the pirates for all the painstaking work we have to go through when using metric-based recipes. Why Americans never swapped systems after 1789 is still a mystery!
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and in our personal injury work, we regularly see the toll accidents can take on riders. While all collisions can be devastating, people on motorcycles have far less protection than those in a car. With nothing but best safety practices standing between riders and the unforgiving road, we all have a role in saving lives. Tips for Motorcyclists Before you get on a bike, ensure you have the proper safety gear. A Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet is the most essential item you can wear, but your efforts should go further. Boots and gloves will give you a better grip and control over your bike. Meanwhile, a leather jacket and pants protect you from flying debris that could pose a distraction or road rash if you fall. Goggles or a visor are also a good idea, and you should equip your bike with a first-aid kit. After following traffic laws, the top thing a motorcycle rider can do to protect their safety is to remain visible. Many drivers report “not seeing” the motorcycle after an accident. You can defend yourself by avoiding drivers’ blind spots, wearing reflective clothing, and using headlights even during the day. It also pays to drive defensively. Don’t assume other
drivers will see you or stop when they should. You can even take advanced safety courses to learn avoidance and control maneuvers that make collisions less likely. Tips for Drivers People in cars and trucks often feel like they own the road — but we all must share it safely. You can avoid collisions with motorcycles (and other vehicles) by driving alert and undistracted. Put away devices, pay attention to the road, and remember to check your blind spots carefully. Many accidents happen when a driver makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, so take an extra second to ensure the road is clear before passing through the intersection. When you do see motorcycles on the road, give them extra room. A mild rear end inconvenient to most drivers can be fatal to someone on a bike. If you must pass, be cautious and leave plenty of space on all sides. Further, remember that motorcycles can maneuver more quickly than cars. Do not assume you know how a rider will behave. Let’s follow the rules and watch out for each other. Remember, safe driving benefits us all.
SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS AND DRIVERS
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