DEAR SUN SPOTS: On the TV show “Cash Cab” Ben Bailey is the star cab driver. Is he really a New York City cab driver? Also, are all the people who take part really in a cab going through New York City? It’s hard to believe he can drive a cab, read the questions and do all the things he does. — John Kezal, Rumford

ANSWER: Yes, according to the show’s Web site, Ben Bailey is a licensed cab driver; he is also a comedian and the host of the game show “Cash Cab.” Those are real people who randomly enter his cab and get to play the game.

As for his multi-tasking skills at driving and running the show, Sun Spots suspects they have some kind of teleprompter in the cab for Ben to read off of. (Sun Spots watched a couple of videos online, and it appears as though Ben is looking toward the right side of the dash when he asks a question.) And if you’ve ever driven in New York City, you know that it’s often not a high-speed endeavor due to the heavy traffic. Still, it is a lot to keep track of. Sun Spots wonders if the show would edit out any fender-benders?

If you want to learn more about the show and Ben, visit http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/cashcab/, therealbenbailey.com or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Bailey.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have helped me before. I am looking for a VHS videotape of “8 Below.” I’ve called all the video stores in Lewiston and Auburn with no luck. My mother is 88 years old and lives in Bath; she wants a VHS, not a DVD. I have a DVD one, but I can’t copy it. It is blocked. Is there anyone out there who would like to get rid of their videotape or trade the DVD I have for the VHS? If so, please call me at 449-6554. Thank you very much. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: According to the Internet, very few VHS copies of this movie were made. Sun Spots found one copy on Amazon.com, but it was used and the seller wanted $50 for it. For that kind of money, you could buy your mother a DVD player. This might be a good idea, as fewer and fewer movies are available on videotape now, and eventually they will not be available at all. It is difficult to change your ways at age 88, however, so perhaps you’ll get lucky and someone will have a copy. Another option would be to find it on TV and then you could tape it for your mother.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you provide an address for Dell Computers? My son ordered a part for his almost six months ago. Someone calls my cell phone at least once a week to change the shipping date on the part. There is always a delay. Returning these calls ges no results. What is the delay? We both have Dell PCs. He has nothing against the product, but we’re both very unhappy with the service. — H.T., South Paris

ANSWER: Sun Spots considers the fact that Dell is calling you regularly as a positive sign that they do want to help, but they certainly do seem to be having trouble obtaining the needed part. Here is a mailing address from the Internet: Dell Computer Corp., Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682-0001, 800-289-3355. If you go to www.dell.com, they have several options for customer service, including a live chat online.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I love this section of the paper! You have been very kind in the past and very helpful to many people. I just want to thank the many people who read this column and helped make our first year possible. We at the Classy Elegance & Secondhand Treasures Shop appreciate all the donations that have come in to support the children and elderly this past holiday season. Many have been helped by the goods we have. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the people. We do still take donations in good condition. Again, we want to say thank you for your wonderful generosity in this endeavor. Happy anniversary to us — one year on April 1! — Lyn Hodgdon, Auburn

ANSWER: You can find Classy Elegance at 32 Riverside Drive, Auburn, 998-5525.

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.