DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for more information about any instructors offering Zumba events, such as the Party Hearty Zumbathons. I’ve heard that Zumba Clubbing may be coming to Club Texas in Auburn, but I can’t seem to find any information about how to register. A friend of mine takes Zumba classes with Adriane Kramer in Lewiston, and I’d really like to try it in the relaxed atmosphere of a club! I appreciate any information that you might be able to find. Thank you. — Rita Ouellette, okie_dokie1010@hotmail.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots called Club Texas, but they didn’t return her call. Online, she found www.zumbame.com, which features information about four Zumba instructors in Maine. She also came across Adriane’s website at www.zumba4me.net. In addition, there is a Facebook page for Zumbathon 2011, but the information was pretty limited, and there was no mention of Maine. Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thanks to for all your great information. As I don’t like reading the paper on my computer screen, I’m wondering which hand-held device, Kindle, Nook, iPad, etc., the Sun Journal technical staff would suggest as compatible and best for viewing the full electronic version of the paper. Thanks very much. — No Name via e-mail

ANSWER: The Sun Journal is not currently available on Kindle or the Nook, but according to Sun Journal Circulation Director Mike Theriault, you can read the Sun Journal online on your mobile device using a program called Tecnavia with a subscription to the e-edition. To see a demonstration of the e-edition using a computer, visit http://tinyurl.com/67rkje7. Once a subscription is established, the mobile version would become available. Tecnavia is working on similar programs for the iPad, which should be available soon.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have found over the years that the whack method usually works on cheaper digital cameras. Take the camera and whack it against your palm. That usually does the trick. Also works with other small electronic gadgets. Sometimes connections loosen and a whack or two will reseat it. Usually sending it out to be repaired costs more than a new camera will cost. — Alan Elze, dummyncc@juno.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not generally recommend violence against inanimate objects, but a little basic cleaning and disassembling and reassembling can be helpful at times.

Sun Spots’ computer was behaving most erratically and frustrating Mr. Sun Spots, a technology professional, who had performed numerous diagnostic tests to no avail. Finally, he opened the case, took out the memory, vacuumed the inside, then replaced the memory. It has worked perfectly since.

Removing batteries or memory cards on a camera won’t hurt and might help. And Alan is right — repairing digital cameras is usually not cost effective.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The 2011 Taylor Pond Pike Derby would like to thank you and the Sun Journal. Because of your support we were able to raise $2,400 to help Maine children smile. We had a beautiful day. Joe Kirk brought in the winning pike, which weighed 9.64 pounds, and donated $100 back to Healthy Smiles.

Due to the generous support of businesses like yours, we were able to give away over 29 door prizes and teach 12 children how to ice fish. Signs at the entrance to the lake recognized all our supporters.

We received great reviews and were encouraged to make this an annual event. Feb. 4, 2012, will be our second annual Taylor Pond Pike Derby. Now that the first one is behind us, we will only get bigger and better! We are looking forward to your continued support. — Cindy Leavitt, Healthy Smiles for ME, 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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