odd hours, strange times

06.may.2005: i hate the 24-hour military time they use. all the train and bus schedules are printed that way. many of the clocks and watches are only in military time (but not all – big ben is probably the most prime example).

when people speak, it can be referred to in both 12- and 24-hour ways. i’ve since gotten used to it, but i’ve always had to make the conversion in my head. for example, if i see that it’s 19 o clock, i know it’s 7 pm if i just take away 2 from that second number (you know, the 9) and drop the 1. granted, it’s easier to figure out than celcius to fahrenheit, or even what time it is in california. and i understand that it can be less confusing when time is of the essence to drop the antiquated a.m. and p.m.

but how many britons make the calculations in their head as well, if they reference it in both 12- and 24- hour systems? or perhaps i’m complaining too much because i suck at math and everyone in england is brilliant at it?