The discussion of the differences in US and Brit measures recalls the "trading post scales" that were common in the more primitive days of the US.

When you sold something to the trading post, they used one set of weights on the scale, or one particular "bucket" for volumes.

When you bought something, they used a different set of weights and a different bucket.

The "buying" measure was always larger than the "selling" measure - usually on the order of 20 percent or so - which seems to be about the difference between the "standardized" US and British pints and such.

Does this mean that the Brits are more inclined to "buy anything" than they are to have something to sell?

...running agin....

John