Dear Sun Spots: Myself and everyone that I have asked has no idea of what the little symbols (CC) and (N) mean on the TV Guide programs? We would like to know. – A Lewiston Reader.

Answer: Sun Spots believes you are referring to closed captions, text version of the spoken part of a television, movie, or computer presentation. Closed captioning was developed to aid hearing-impaired people, but it’s useful for a variety of situations. For example, captions can be read when audio can’t be heard, either because of a noisy environment, such as an airport, or because of an environment that must be kept quiet, such as a hospital. The text only becomes visible with the use of a decoder, which may be built into a television set or available as a set-top box. In general, an on-screen menu on newer televisions allows you to turn closed captioning on or off. Open captions, in contrast, are an integral part of a transmission that cannot be turned off by the viewer.

Regarding (N), according to http://radiostationworld.com/directory/listingsFAQ.asp, the (N) means the transmitter is part of a nationwide network.

Dear Sun Spots: When I was a little girl, my grandmother, and sometimes my mother, would make us a sugar pie made with leftover crust from making her holiday meat pies. I cannot locate the recipe, and I so would like to have it so I can make it for a friend and myself. If there is anyone out there that would have the old-fashioned sugar pie recipe, please contact me in the evenings or e-mail it to me. I can be reached via e-mail at louise.lebrun@tdbanknorth.com or via phone at 946-5572. Thank you. – Louise LeBrun, Greene.

Answer: Sun Spots located the following recipe online at http://gonewengland.about.com. There are also other variations posted on this site that might also be worth experimenting with. In the meantime your family might even get to enjoy this pie over the holidays:

Tarte au Sucre ~ Brown Sugar and Cream Pie ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pastry for a double crust 8-inch pie. Method: Place the brown sugar, flour and the cream into a saucepan. Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Preheat oven to 375F. Line an 8-inch pie plate with half of the pastry. Pour the filling into the shell. Place the remaining crust on top and crimp the edges to seal. Cut some steam vents in the top and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

Dear Sun Spots: I’m wondering if you or any readers know where I might find the plastic webbing used in aluminum frame lawn chairs? The frames are still sturdy but the webbing has deteriorated and I haven’t found anywhere to buy replacement webbing. In the past, I found it at Ames Department Stores. Thank you for your help. – Joyce White, Stoneham.

Answer: You might consider checking out Chair Care Patio, 804 Sovereign Row, Dallas, Texas 75247, 1-866-638-6416. They can be reached Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST or on the Web at www.chaircarepatio.com. They carry a large variety of replacement parts/fabrics as well as directions on replacing and refurbishing your patio furniture.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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