DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you help me find out how I can avoid all the telephone calls I get asking me to vote for so and so and this and that? I hate it, as I am very capable of making my own decisions.

Is there a phone number I can call to let me avoid all of this nonsense? I have had five calls today, and it is Sunday — my day of rest.

Thank you for your help? — Rose, Lewiston

ANSWER: You can register for the Do Not Call list, but it won’t help with political calls. According to the Federal Trade Commission website, “calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors would still be permitted, as would calls from companies with which you have an existing business relationship, or those to whom you’ve provided express agreement in writing to receive their calls. However, if you ask a company with which you have an existing business relationship to place your number on its own do-not-call list, it must honor your request. You should keep a record of the date you make the request.”

You can register up to three numbers www.donotcall.gov., and it should take effect within about 30 days. If you don’t have a computer, you can call in your registration at 1-888-382-1222.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What protection does a consumer have on buying a used car? I have tried finding a simple definition to the lemon law, without any luck. I bought a car with a 30-day sticker item warranty. I am still paying for the car, and every week there is a new problem with it. Do I have any recourse with the dealer? — No Name, Norway

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ANSWER: Maine has strong consumer protection, with a department in the Attorney General’s Office to oversee it. You can read the details about those protections at http://tinyurl.com/25kgmbx. Click on Motor Vehicles, then Used Cars.

If you still can’t get satisfaction from the dealer with that information, a representative from the Consumer Division will help you. You can call them at 1-800-436-2131 (9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday), email consumer.mediation@maine.gov or write Attorney General’s Consumer Division, 6 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anyone who has VCR tapes of old movies from the 1950s and ’60s, drama, romance or mystery? I would love to have some to share with my old friend in a nursing home. I will pay a reasonable price plus shipping.

I will be so happy to get them. Please call 376-4420. Enjoy your column each day. — No Name, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Hello, everyone! Thank you so much for all the great feedback (Nov. 1 and 16)! Unfortunately, I recently moved to Florida for school; however, I still have the capabilities of converting VHS tapes to DVD here. If you are still interested, please call me so I can get your information, and then mail your VHS tapes to me at 2101 Glenview Court, Apt. 107, Winter Park, FL 32792. — Asher Wilson, asher.wilson@live.com, 890-6059

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Oct. 24 there was a letter asking you about the song “Deck of Cards” recited by Tex Ritter. P. Curtis of Harrison asked if they could get the record or where it could be found.

I do have that record and would be more than happy to make a cassette tape of the record. I can send it to you or the person asking for it, whatever is easier.

They may call me if they would like a copy of it. — Martin Ruane, Wilton, 645-3936

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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