Why don't we use 24-hour time?

Early mechanical clocks showed all 24 hours, but over time, clockmakers found the 12-hour system simpler and cheaper. Of course, a.m. stands for ante meridiem, which is Latin for "before midday." And p.m. means post meridiem — "after midday."

azcentral.com - Why do we still use a 12-hour clock? You can blame an ancient sundial

What country has the most unexploded landmines?

The landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) problems in Egypt are unique due to the following facts: Egypt suffers alone from more than 20% of the...

Last updated Mar 6, 2021

At what point is a relationship irreparable?

What makes a relationship 'unfixable' according to experts, is when two people are no longer willing or able to commit to one another and make the...

Last updated Apr 11, 2022

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

Promotion

Clay Thompson

The Republic | azcentral.com

Clay originally published this answer on April 28, 2010:

Today's question:

Why do we use the a.m.-p.m. system for telling time? The 24-hour day (i.e. 1300 for 1 p.m.) that the military uses seems so much simpler. Do you really think so? I always have to stop and think for a moment when I'm trying to switch from military time to 12-hour time, but then I'm not much on numbers. Anyway, as near as I can tell, the 12-hour clock goes way back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. The Egyptians used a 12-hour sundial to tell time during the daytime and a 12-hour water clock at night. The Romans also used a 12-hour clock. Early mechanical clocks showed all 24 hours, but over time, clockmakers found the 12-hour system simpler and cheaper. Of course, a.m. stands for ante meridiem, which is Latin for "before midday." And p.m. means post meridiem — "after midday."

What is the origin of "coming from the wrong side of the tracks"? It seems to me in early America, trains were boarded from one side, and, if a person happened to be on the other side, they were said to be "from the wrong side of the tracks." Any truth to that?

There are a couple of ideas about this, neither of which are yours. One idea is that in the old days of steam engines, prevailing winds blew the smoke and soot to one side of town, making it a less-desirable place to live. Another idea is that tracks tended to run through industrial areas or cattle corrals and pretty much split towns in half, separating the poor parts from the better-off neighborhoods.

Got a question? Let us answer it

Whatever your curiosity, the azcentral podcast team wants to help! We'll answer all of your metro Phoenix-related questions in our podcast, Valley 101. Fill out a short form to let us know what you'd like answered.

What is the safest asset to own?

Some of the most common types of safe assets historically include real estate property, cash, Treasury bills, money market funds, and U.S....

Last updated Oct 30, 2022

Which signs are more sensitive?

Technically, the most sensitive are the three water signs as they are ruled by emotions, sensitivity and intuition. Scorpio is the most intense,...

Last updated Feb 23, 2022

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Promotion

Why do guys wait days to text you?

Guys think waiting makes them sound less desperate, so they may feel more comfortable texting you at that point. While it can be really tough waiting for a response, give him a couple of days to follow up or just send him a message first.

wikihow.com - How Long Do Guys Wait to Text After the First Date? How to Follow Up ...

If you just got home from a date, it can be a little nerve-wracking to figure out when to send a text to let the person know how it went. On the flip side, if you’re waiting for a guy to message you, you might feel a whole mix of emotions. While there aren’t any strict rules on when to send (or expect) a text, there are some guidelines about when to reach out, regardless of how the date went. We’ll cover when you should send a text, what to expect if you’re waiting for a message, and some sample messages to send your date's way!

Why is date night important for couples?

Couples who build date nights into their relationships experience better communication, greater affection and gratitude for the other, and a desire...

Last updated Mar 1, 2019

How much cinnamon should I take daily to lower my blood pressure?

An analysis from 2020 found that supplementing with at least 2 g of cinnamon per day could significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood...

Last updated Oct 13, 2018

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Promotion

How can I make quick cash?

20 Ways to Make Quick Cash Sell unwanted items. Sell gift cards. Sell concert tickets. Ask for a raise. Borrow money. Reduce expenses. Take a...

Last updated May 20, 2022

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Promotion

What are the 7 ways to invest?

Here's a summary of 7 smart investment options you can look into: Public Provident Fund (PPF) Fixed Deposits (FDs) Mutual Funds. Direct Equity....

Last updated Sep 21, 2019