Not the smallest unit of time by a long stretch, but certainly the smallest unit of useful time, the second is a much abused measurement. People often refer to something taking "just a second", but in fact, there are very   few activities which actually take only one second to complete. These include a single blink, a short sneeze, a pin-prick and saying the word "cheese". You will probably not be aware that while you have been reading this paragraph, almost fifteen of the little blighters have slipped by, unheeded. Let us now take a second to reflect on their passing. Start now ... and stop. Thank you. MP

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