Glad You Asked: Transfering old film to disc; the origins of the term 'Peeping Tom'; electronic adapter tips; basketball superstitions

Monday, March 19, 2007 2:18 AM CDT

8mm followup

We have more information to pass along about transfering 8mm films to DVDs. There are some local businesses you can go to for this service, according to readers who read Saturday's GYA. Here are their responses:

Jeanine Doubek wrote: I had my 8mm films transferred to video a few years back by Grasso Multimedia Services. I would imagine they now put them on DVD. They are at 6326 51st Ave. in Kenosha, (262) 657-5573. They did a fabulous job and were wonderful to work with.

Ann Berka wrote to say Televent Video, located at 5870 Highway 36 outside of Burlington, will transfer VHS, 8mm, super 8, 16 mm to DVD or if you want they will transfer to mini DV or digital 8 so that you can download to your computer and create your own presentation. The costs is 10 cents per foot if under 1,000 feet, 8 cents per foot if over 1,000 feet, and all work is done at the business (meaning it's not sentout). Ann added that she plans to use the business soon.

And, Cyndy wrote to tell us that she had a dozen 8 mm films, and 100 or so pictures, put on a DVD a couple of years ago at Old Tyme Photography, 303 Main St., in Racine. "I think they send it out," Cyndy said, "but at least there's someone to talk to personally about what you want done. And they turned out very good."

Thanks to everyone for helping us with this question!

Why is a "Peeping Tom" referred to as Tom?

A number of people wrote and called us to let us know the term "Peeping Tom" comes from the 11th Century legend of Lady Godiva, who rode through the town naked to protest excessive taxes enforced by her husband, an earl. During the ride, it was ordered that everyone go inside and close their blinds to respect Lady Godiva's privacy. One town resident, Tom, allegedly peaked out at Lady Godiva and was struck blind.

Different parts of the story vary by the telling. Some say Lady Godiva was dared by her husband to ride naked,while others say she defied her husband and rode out of protest of the taxes. Historians question whether the ride ever happened, noting there is no record of the event other than stories from later in history.

However, "Peeping Tom" is considered one of the first recorded acts of voyeurism.

With all of the electronic equipment we all have nowadays, how can one determine the "charger" or the power cord for the right item

when they've all gotten mixed together? Whether it's cell phones, digital cameras/video recorders, household fountains/lamps, etc., they all generally seem to have similar plugs. How can one tell which one is the right one to use? And, will the wrong one damage the item?

GYA liked this question, because they've run into the same problem. Is this cord for the cell phone or the digital camera? Should I keep this plug or throw it away because it's outdated. Surprisingly, we heard other people have the same problem, but few people have any solutions. Not even Google was that helpful.

The best answers we found were from GYA readers. Jim answered: I often have the same problem when I find a box of assorted power converters. Although the plugs look 'similar' they are not necessarly so. Each voltage/amp configuation has a slightly different plug. The best way to 'match' power supplies to gadgets, is to look at the 'output' voltage and amps. These statistics should be printed on the device and on the power supply. You indeed can damage equipment if mis-matched. Also NEVER force a plug into a piece of equipment.

An online reader of GYA added: Look at the device you are trying to match. It will probably say something like "12V, 500mA." If it's not printed on the device, check the owners manual. Most transformers have these numbers printed on them as well so all you have to do is match the voltage/current requirements. If you can't find the transformer, Radio Shack sells them in all kinds of different sizes with interchangeable tips so you can make one that works yourself.

This may be a stupid question, but for several years I've noticed high school and college basketball players often reach down and touch their feet/tennis shoes. Is this for luck, confidence, habit or what?

An online reader answered: Basketball players touch the bottom of their tennis shoes to get any dirt/dust off of them so they don't slide on the floor. If the bottom of the shoes stick better to the ground the player will have more control.

What is GYA?

GYA stands for Glad You Asked, a regular column in The Journal Times. Do you have a question or an answer? Write us at ask@journaltimes.com or call us at (262) 631-1758.

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