metric vs english measurements

Being an architect, and an American, I have to deal with the dreaded English system of measure. Probably more than most people, I have to deal with it. Chances are if you are a doctor or a lawyer or a scientist even, you aren't dealing with the English system. Sure you might casually say, "oh that's ten feet, or that's a 30 gallon trashcan," but you aren't making computations like an architect is. I really want to switch over the metric system with the rest of the world and start making fast computations. You don't realize how embarrassing it is when my boss rattles off dimensions and is able to add them in the matter of seconds "4'-3", plus 8'-6 5/8" plus 9'-11 3/4" is....(and he looks at me, pauses...I give him the blank stare)...waits a second... 22'-9 3/8"!" uh what?

emails

I've noticed a few friends have automatic email signatures that say "thank you, such and such". I'm not sure that's the best option. It's okay if they are really thanking them me for something but if it's just, "I think we should go with the wood ceiling rather than the drywall ceiling, we tried convincing him of that, thank you" doesnt make much sense, It's even worse when it's a boob forward, "thank you" just seems weird.

bat boys

I was wondering the other day if bat boys get tipped by major league baseball players. Extra tip if they throw their bats and the bat boy has to fetch them? Extra if the guy hits a few home runs that week? Extra if he comes out and collects your helmet and batting gloves when you strike out to end the inning?