DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is the “Judge Judy Show” filmed in New York or Los Angeles?

Also, I am looking for Patty Bubier of Livermore and Tri-County Auto Sales to contact me by email. —bruceomega@hotmail.com

ANSWER: According to several websites, Judge Judy is filmed in Los Angeles. At answers.yahoo.com it said:

“‘Judge Judy’ is filmed at the Tribune production studios, now known as Sunset Bronson Studios as of early 2008, on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, Calif., … directly beside the Judge Joe Brown set in the same studios.

“Despite its California location, upon returning from commercial breaks the show displays various images of New York City, including a subway train that is passing by the camera which reads World Trade Center, but is only noticeable if the footage is paused. It also features the phrases ‘State of New York’ and ‘Family Court’ ([Judge Judy] Sheindlin was previously a New York family court judge) within the letterboxes used going to and from breaks since the ninth season. The set features a New York state flag behind Sheindlin’s seat.

“In order to ensure a full audience, the producers … hire extras who comprise the entire gallery. The phone number for Judge Judy is 1-888-800-JUDY (5839). Call if you “want justice” or if you want tickets to see a taping of the show. Though tickets are not offered for the show, arrangements can sometimes be made with Sheindlin’s production staff to allow fans of the show into the audience. Once all the cases are through, all of the audience members receive payment.

“The extras must be dressed formally. Extras are also instructed to appear as if they are having discussions with each other, before and after each case, so the bailiff may make announcements, such as ‘Order! All rise’ and ‘Parties are excused, you may step out.’

“As far as the court cases are concerned however, what is seen on ‘Judge Judy’ is neither staged nor scripted. The plaintiffs have actually sued the defendants and that very case is heard and decided upon by Judith Sheindlin.

“The postal address for Judge Judy is P.O. Box 949, Hollywood, CA 90078.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a card shuffler that runs by batteries that I will give to Harold (June 20) if he will call me at 743-6635 — Sally Brown, brownsally131@yahoo.com

ANSWER: How very nice of you! Another reader dropped off a card shuffler at the Sun Journal. If Harold goes to the customer service counter at 104 Park St. and asks for Dot, she will give it to him.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have arthritis really bad and at times it is difficult for me to write. I was wondering if anyone out there has a typewriter they would be willing to sell.

Thanks for your help. — No Name, No Town, 674-2129

ANSWER: Sun Spots predicts a plethora of people willing to part with no-longer-used typewriters.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For Harold of Oxford (June 20), as a person with rheumatoid arthritis for more than 40 years, I have found three sources for aids for persons with limitation problems.

1. Independent Living Aids, 800-537-2118, independentliving.com

2. Living Better With Arthritis, 800-654-0707, aidsforarthritis.com

3. Functional Solutions, 800-821-9319, beabletodo.com

I have older catalogs so the prices are probably not right. These catalogs are also good sources for other aids that they may find handy. — Faith, Sabattus, faiarmstro4@aol.com

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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