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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 22, 1976)
‘Multiples of ten’ infiltrating Metric system framework for designer class By SANDRA PETERKORT Of the Emerald Whether most people are aware of it or not, the United States has begun a gradual change to the metric system. Evi dences of the voluntary switch are already visible, ranging from dual measurement systems on dress patterns and measuring cups, to the increased availability of metric tool sets and drafting equipment. The University has also begun to reflect the change. Of course, the physical sciences have used metric measurements for years, but now that the country is moving in the metric direction, other disci plines are beginning to make changes. A good example of the changes are those occurring in the ar chitecture department. In an area of study where measurement is of prime importance, a change of standard could have great reper cussions. Jerry Finrow, professor of ar chitecture, now requires that his advanced students use the metric system in all their studio work. Since the change is expected to be completed by the late 1980s, learning to use the system now could be valuable. “People who are being trained in technical areas will encounter it in their lifetime," Finrow exp lained. Richard Parnaby, architecture graduate student, was living in Bri tain during its metric conversion. Although he feels personally that the idea of a changeover is “not a really big deal," it will take a lot of effort. “It will take months or years of propaganda, and it’s important to have some people around that are prepared." As an aid to preparation, Par naby is teaching a SEARCH class this term called Measurement and Metric in Building and Ar chitecture." The real problems involved in the changeover, Parnaby exp lained, are both psychological and economic. The metric system, very neatly divided as it is into mul Drawing by Rebecca Young tbles of ten, is simple to learn to use compared with the complexity of our present system. However, the tendency is for people to try to translate between the two sys tems instead of making the full switch. Like translating in a foreign language, this type of translation only makes things harder. “I’m sort of bilingual," Pamaby con cluded. Students seek academic influence A proposal to unionize students in University departments and disciplines has been drawn up by the ASUO executive. The proposal is academic un ionization and is not to be con fused with student unionization, according to Peter Spratt, ad ministrative assistant. Academic unionization will pro tect students' academic rights while student unionization prom otes students' rights on a broader spectrum including such topics as tuition hikes, he says. The purpose of the proposal is to solicit students interested in "working together toward a grea ter academic voice in their respec tive departments and schools,” according to Spratt. Every discipline will have a union under the proposal. Spratt will meet with interested persons from each discipline to draw up a constitution and by-laws for each group. Unions already exist for some departments such as the Economics Forum and the Politi cal Science Student Union. “Most department heads are in favor of student input, but can't get a grasp on students,” says Spratt. Academic unionization will in crease student input on cur riculum and increase participation in faculty evaluations. In addition, he hopes it will start a movement to include students on more cam pus committees. Spratt estimates that academic unionization could be im plemented in six weeks, with enough student participation. The chairers of the unions will form a board to advise the ASUO on academic matters. SUPER SALE Lady Wrangler Pants 484-9716 V $4.49 Men’s Jeans All styles from $7.00 Wrangler Pre-Wash Cotton Jeans for Guys 20% off Close out prices on all merchandise Low Low Prices Siting* Warehouse outlet 539 E. 13th Ave Mon. - Sat. Eugene, Or. 97401 10-6 r Red food dye maker challenges FDA ban ST. LOUIS (AP) — A major producer of the red food dye banned by the Federal Food and Drug Administration has challenged a government contention that the dye may be a cancer-causing agent, saying there is no danger in using the dye. “There is absolutely no hazard in using Red No. 2 despite what has been reported by the FDA,” said Jerome Kinnison, color products manager for Warner-Jenkinson Co. of St. Louis. "That dye has been in foods since before 1907 and no health hazards have been reported in humans.” Kennison said the FDA decision was based on a new analysis of old laboratory tests that had been inconclusive. He also said he was not convinced that even the massive levels used in the studies on laboratory animals were carcinogenic. Manufacturers stopped producing Red No. 2 on Jan. 12, following the FDA report. Kinnison said his firm will fight the FDA ban. “We will have to examine the processes of challenge,” Kinnison said. "Going to the courts is at least one option open if no channels are available through the FDA. We have to challenge their decision on the basis of being a responsible supplier.” V The Two’ continue recruiting EUGENE (AP) — About 125 people, most of them young, at tended a meeting Tuesday at the Eugene Public Library conducted by six members of the Human In volvement Movement. A number of people from Oregon earlier went with a couple called The Two,” who organized the movement to help teach peo ple to rise to a higher plane of exis tence. The six people, who said they used pseudonyms, collected the names of about 30 people who wanted to receive more informa tion about the movement through collect phone calls. Some people stayed after the meeting to talk with Richard Scott, 22, Eugene, who said he was a former follower of the movement. “I feel it is my obligation to tell people not to go,” Scott said. He said the group traveled to various parts of the country and its members subsisted on donations from churches and the Salvation Army and said he left the group because he felt it was directed by the devil. IOIW.72 - 5+Z.-ZOO 2. It’s not too late_ to sign up for ESCAPE ESCAPE desperately needs volunteers for urgent High School and Junior High School field requests •Art Majors *Math Majors • Science Majors •Journalism Majors WE NEED YOUR SKILLS! Drop by our Registration Table located in the EMU Lobby, or phone 686-4351.
