Dear Sun Spots: Watching the National Geographic channel lately, I have seen a Dow (Chemical) commercial campaign for the “Human Factor.” It plays really nice violin music during the advertisement.

Can Sun Spots please find out the name of this song and the orchestra performing it. Or, was it just a few bars written for this commercial only? – IMR, Strong.

Answer: According to Linda Abrams from the public affairs office at Dow, the title is New Harmony Waltz, composed and recorded by Susan Voelz and from the album 13 Ribs, released by Pravda Records in 1993. Pravda’s site notes the waltz was used in the 90-second commercial. The piece is described as “picturesque scenery and an eloquent narration that describes life, learning, and the human element.”

You might be interested in noting that according to www.carnegiehall.org, Voelz has been the violinist for the folk-rock band Poi Dog Pondering since its inception in 1988 and has played with John Mellencamp, Alejandro Escovedo and Charlie Sexton. Her solo albums include 13 Ribs and Summer Crashing. She co-hosts Schuba’s Hoot Night, the monthly Austin-style thematic open mic event.

Upcoming concerts for Poi Dog Pondering include Saturday, July 21 at 12:30 p.m. at The Red Walls, Shellield Garden Walk, Chicago, Ill., and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16 and 17, at Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights, Ill. For more on the group, check out their Web site at www.poidogpondering.com.

Dear Sun Spots: I was wondering if anyone out there may have bought some wall paper at Marden’s recently? If so, might they have an extra roll of International Wallcoverings Pattern #53505S?

I would gladly buy this and pay for the postage. I may be reached at P.O. Box 477, Strong, ME 04983. – Rebecca Croteau, Strong.

Answer: Sun Spots checked in with International Wallcoverings at 151 East Drive, Brampton, ON , L6T 1B5, 905-791-1547, toll free at 800-366-1700 and has learned they do carry this particular pattern and in fact had about 600 rolls in stock. The entire pattern number is 513-53505 and their customer service department says all Sherwin Williams stores carry their products. You can reach Sherwin-Williams here in Lewiston at 1168 Lisbon St, 784-2939, also online at www.sherwin-williams.com.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a recipe that I originally found in the Friday edition of American Profile. I’m not sure of the date.

The recipe was for a lite lunch that included “perfect popovers” and a stuffing of shrimp. I would appreciate any information on this. Thank you. – Cheryl, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots wonders if perhaps you might be referring to the Relish magazine also received in Sun Journal. There was a recent recipe for popovers along with a shrimp salad. However, Sun Spots has not located any popover recipes stuffed with shrimp at either Web sites. If readers out there do recall this, perhaps they’d be willing to contact you with the recipes. In the meantime, Sun Spots is including the Relish magazine recipes (www.relishmag.com) and hopes you and family has an opportunity to enjoy them soon!

Popovers Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 eggs, 1 cup 2 percent reduced-fat milk. Method: Preheat oven to 450F. Grease a six-cup muffin or popover tin. Mix flour and salt together in a medium mixing bowl. Combine eggs and milk; blend well.

Add to flour mixture and stirring with a whisk until blended. Divide batter among prepared popover cups. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F and bake 20 minutes. Do not open oven door during baking process. Serve immediately.

Shrimp Salad Recipe Ingredients: 2 pounds cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped, 1 cup grape tomato halves, ¾ cup light mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, chives or tarragon. Method: Combine all ingredients; mix gently. Serve with popovers. Serves six.

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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