DEAR SUN SPOTS: As a child, I spent time at my Aunt Freda’s, where she had a 78-rpm phonograph. A song I played over and over was “The Old Master Painter.” I have asked around for this song, but no one sees to have heard it or can find it anywhere. I am quite sure the artist singing the song was Dick Haymes. If anyone has a copy or knows how I can obtain one, I would be happy to know. Thanks. — Bob Heikkinen, Livermore

ANSWER: Not only can Sun Spots tell you where you can buy that recording (well, actually a CD that includes that song along with others), but if you have online access, you can listen to snippets of many of the songs before buying. (The Internet is just the greatest for finding this kind of thing.)

The collection is called “The Golden Years of Dick Haymes” and is available for $29.99. This is a four-disc collection and has songs with other stars of the same era as well as Dick’s songs. To order by phone, call 1-800-201-7575.

Sun Spots listened to your song and a few others and agrees that Dick had a beautiful voice.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please provide me with names and phone numbers of people who could sell some of my many collectible items on eBay, or possibly other ways, for me. Thank you. — Ray, Lewiston

ANSWER: The only one Sun Spots knows of is Oxford Depot, 11 Mechanic Falls Road, Oxford, ME 04270, 539-2202; her commission for items under $30 is 40 percent; for items over $30 it’s 30 percent. She said that with high-ticket items she will negotiate a fee. If anyone else in the region provides a similar service, please write Sun Spots.

Unfortunately, the market for collectibles is not particularly strong right now. Not only has the recession affected the market, certain items are not as popular with current generations as they were in the past and may be difficult to sell.

Please be cautious in making deals with people you don’t know. There are many unscrupulous people who would not hesitate to cheat someone by either undervaluing items or perhaps asking for money upfront to sell them.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You answered my questions last week. Now my husband wants me to write again. He wants to know who is Hannah Storm’s husband? She is a sportscaster on ESPN. I believe her husband does sports on NBC.

What is the criteria for making entertainer of the year in country music? It seems like it always the same five people. Thank you. — B.L.T., Peru

ANSWER: According to a posting on ESPN Media Zone, Hannah is married to NBC golf host Dan Hicks.

As for country music’s entertainer of the year, it appears to be a popularity contest. According to www.acmcountry.com, fans will vote for the entertainer of the year (and some of the other awards), which will be announced at the awards ceremony on April 18 in Las Vegas. The following individuals have been nominated: Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band. A press release announcing the nominees said that the members of the academy select the nominees. You can watch the awards on CBS at 8 p.m.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This great-grandmother is in need of a baby high chair. When the babies come to visit I need something for them to sit in. I can be reached at 782-2815. I will pay a reasonable amount for it. Thank you! — Bram, Auburn

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). Please include your phone number. 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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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