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The Fayetteville Observer, N.C., Live Wire column
Jan 06, 2013 (The Fayetteville Observer - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Q: Why aren't there any 'B' batteries -- T.P., Fayetteville
A: Don't B so sure there aren't -- or weren't.
At one time, B batteriesdid exist,and they may still be used some overseas. But there's not much call for them anymore -- and apparently none for A batteries.
There was back in the 1920s when manufacturers, major users of batteries and government officials decided to develop a simple system to designate battery cell sizes. Their system was based on the letters of the alphabet and started with the smallest cell then in use, which was dubbed A, and ascended in size from there, according to the American National Standards Institute. The first standards went to G. There also was a large battery known as No. 6.
An even smaller battery started being used in World War II. In 1947, it was dubbed the AA. The AAA came later. Both became widely used in the growing consumer electronics industry, according to mentalfloss.com. Meanwhile, the site says, C and D batteries were used in medium- and high-drain applications.
But there was little market for regular A and B batteries. A batteries were used in battery packs for early model laptop computers and some hobby uses. B batteries may still be used in some lanterns and bicycle lamps in Europe.
Q: Can a restaurant add an 18 percent gratuity to a bill even if it was just for a small party of people -- L.D., Fayetteville
A: It's legal as long as they tell you about it up front. Generally, such notice is given in fine print on the menu somewhere.
Q: I want to file a complaint against the child support agency. Who do I contact to do this -- K.L., Fayetteville
A: Call the child-enforcement client-services line for the whole state. That number is 800-992-9457.
Q: Is the city of Fayetteville ever going to plant flowers or shrubbery in the median on Ramsey Street -- K.M., Lillington
A: No. The N.C. Department of Transportation is going to do that -- or, rather, pay someone else to do it -- during the first half of this year.
The plan calls for crape myrtles, juniper bushes, daylilies, roses, daffodils and grass to be planted along the medians on Ramsey Street.
Q: Please tell me what is being built at the corner of Glensford Drive and Red Tip Road -- T.C., Fayetteville
A: It's a BJ's Wholesale Club. Construction of the 122,000-square-foot store is expected to be completed in the spring.
Live Wire seeks to answer questions of general interest and consumer topics within two weeks. Initials are used to identify questioners when names are given. Contact Live Wire via Live Wire's Facebook page, at livewire@fayobserver.com or at 486-3516.
___ (c)2013 The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) Visit The
Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) at www.fayobserver.com Distributed by
MCT Information Services
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