DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone repair HD/LCD televisions any longer in the greater Lewiston-Auburn area? It seems that the manufacturers expect them to be disposable today. Thanks. — Terri, tevm@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Actually, thanks to an alert reader who wrote Sun Spots, she now knows of one local person who works on these TVs, as well as the traditional models and other electronics, such as stereos. You can drop your item off at Belanger’s Electronics, 153 Ferry Road, Lewiston, ME 04240. You can call Maurice Belanger at 784-2731.

Disposability does seem to be an all too common feature of modern electronics. Digital cameras come to mind as something that cost more to repair than replace. It is undoubtedly more profitable for the manufacturers, not so good for Planet Earth or consumer pocketbooks.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have an iPad 2 with Wi-Fi 3G. I love it. I need to upgrade some things, including the operating system, which will allow me to get Netflix. I am supposed to do this using my other computer.

However, my other computer is very old now, and I have not been successful. (I will need to get another desktop computer soon so do not want to spend money updating it now.)

It has been a frustrating exercise, and I am afraid I will do something to the iPad, which rarely has problems. Is it possible to upgrade the operating system on the iPad without using my other computer? Is there someone locally who can help me with this issue? The closest Apple store is in Portland.

Thanks for all the answers you provide to people in our community. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: This question is a little above Sun Spots’ pay grade. She has never even used an iPad.

On a traditional desktop or laptop computer, no special process is needed to watch Netflix. You simply open Netflix.com in a browser window. But apparently it’s not quite that simple on an iPad.

You may be best served by an Apple expert, but there are some computer helpers in L-A:

* Action Computers, 1071 Lisbon St., Lewiston, www.acs4u.com, 786-8740

* Christopher Anderson, christopher.rei.anderson@gmail.com, 402-4675

* Dyer’s Electronics, 64 Main St., Mexico, 364-7606

* Rumford Computer, 106 Congress St., Rumford, 612-6923

* Expenet, Wilton, call Josh at 207-645-4449, www.expenet.com

If anyone knows of another source for computer services, especially for Apple, or can offer instructions to No Name, please write to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Lady Sun Spots, you rock.

For the past few years Lewiston has had a day for free shredding of personal papers. Is there a way to find out if or when this will happen?

Another question is: Why cats can’t see their reflection in a mirror? Is this true? Thank you. — Roger Dupre, ropo563@yahoo.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots was asked about the free shredding a while back, and it was not being offered. If any readers know anything, please let the column know.

You can pay for shredding, of course. Security Shredding on Route 202 in Greene, 946-2319, can help you.

As for cats, they, like most other animals, can see the mirror itself, but they don’t have the self-awareness to recognize what they see. A handful of animals, including dolphins, great apes and elephants, do seem to recognize themselves in the mirror, but your cat and dog are incapable of admiring themselves in the looking glass.

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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