ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 14, 1995 TAG: 9512140053
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: What's on your mind?
SOURCE: RAY REED
Q: Because it's the holiday season and a lot of things use batteries, I was inspired to ponder about laser pointers after a friend bought one. This takes three AAA batteries. If we were to rewire it to use a car battery (which we would put on coasters for easy handling) would the beam be more intense, project a greater distance, last longer or just not work?
T.M., Roanoke
A: We'll assume you're thinking along the lines of creating an amusement device here, and not a weapon to cut down some perceived enemy.
The answer is: Don't try it; the time and cost aren't worth the likely result.
First, the recommended power source (AAA batteries) provides 41/2 volts. A car battery gives 12 volts.
A direct hookup would probably melt something inside the pointer.
A transformer would modify the voltage so the pointer could handle it. But then all you'd have is a 4 1/2-volt light beam plus a lot of baggage on those coasters.
On the other hand, a car battery can be recharged, so you'd be an environmental activist of sorts.
Hanukkah spellings
Q: What is the correct spelling of Hanukkah? Why is it spelled as many as five different ways?
B.S., Roanoke
A: The most common Americanized spelling is Hanukkah. Chanukah also is popular, because in the Hebrew language the H sounds something like "kah."
The various spellings occur because the Hebrew language uses the Hebraic alphabet, which, among other differences, is read from right to left with no space between words.
Whenever translation must be done from another alphabet, words that don't have a clear English equivalent are spelled according to their sound.
Water, for example, can be translated with no doubt of its spelling. A person's name, though, can take a number of forms in an unfamiliar alphabet.
That happens with Hanukkah. It may appear with a C at the beginning, and end with either A or H, and have one or two K's in the middle.
Hanukkah, or Chanukah, if you prefer, begins Dec. 18 this year.|
Not cobbled
Q: The construction work on Second Street Southwest has unearthed some old paving materials, either brick or cobblestone. What was used here?
L.W., Roanoke
A: Manufactured brick seems to be the prevalent material, though it's been covered with several inches of asphalt over the years.
Farther south on Second Street, many people can remember brick pavement on the hill next to the site where the Poff Federal Building now stands.
Cobblestones still can be found in some alleys of Old Southwest, but they're not to be mistaken for brick. Cobblestones were natural, rounded stones approximately the size of brick.
The bricks beneath Second Street are rectangular. Some of them have the manufacturer's name engraved in the mold.|
Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
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