DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for your helpful column. I read it every day. I have three questions for you.

On Oct. 28 the Sun Journal had a story about Jude Bellas, who does paper quilling. I would like to get in touch with her.

Also, where can I find a crazy eight ball? I really need one as a Christmas gift.

Third, is there anyone who still sells the old-fashioned clacker bells? They look like big marbles on a string. I would be very interested in finding a set. 

Hope you can help me again. — No Name, Greene

ANSWER: Sun Spots found a J. Bellas in the phone book, 783-1490, and called to see if the number is Jude’s. It is indeed.

As for the crazy eight ball, Sun Spots is told that you can buy one anywhere toys are sold, which would include stores such as Walmart and Kmart, especially with Christmas right around the corner.

The clackers proved a bit more difficult. Amazon.com had a listing for them, but it said they were out of stock. Several websites featuring vintage toys (for example, timewarptoys.com) were a bit pricey.

Finally, it occurred to Sun Spots to check out the Vermont Country Store. Turns out they call them Quick Clacks, which is why they didn’t come up in a search for “clackers,” but the price is right — $9.95. 

They also sell a magic eight ball for $14.95. 

You can call the Vermont Country Store at 800-547-7849, where you can order or request a catalog be sent to you. They are online at vermontcountrystore.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know where the Butchers Command Center is. It’s a cleaning product for floors, bathroom, tub. I do not know where I could purchase some. If someone knows where I could buy some, please let me know. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots looked online and found Butchers Raindance Floor Cleaner, a commercial-grade product for institutions, designed to be used in one of those big floor-cleaning machines that you see in hospitals, schools, etc. A 1.5-gallon container was listed at $119.98.

There are numerous other Butchers products available, as well as a “command center,” or dispensing machine, all in large quantities at steep prices.

Sun Spots did not find a home use version of the product, but perhaps readers will know something she doesn’t.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have helped me in the past, and I want to thank you. 

I’m sure people have noticed how some things in the grocery store are marked at the same price but you get less. For example, you get 4 pounds of sugar for the same price you used to get 5 pounds. And Cracker Barrel cheese is now 8 ounces instead of 10 ounces.

This makes it hard when a recipe calls for a certain size package. I feel we’re getting cheated. Can they really say this is right? — E.B., Livermore

ANSWER: Manufacturers have decided that shoppers are much less likely to notice a reduced package size than they are an increase in price. And for many people, this is true. Mr. Sun Spots did not notice that a half-gallon of ice cream is now 1.5 quarts until Sun Spots pointed it out.

Sun Spots does not know that you can call this cheating, but it is a sneaky way of raising prices without announcing that fact. Of course, eventually they will have to raise the price. You can only make a package so small. Then prices will go up, too.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person with the vintage bridal gown (Oct. 28), check out Charlene Norman Leclair on Facebook. She owns Glitz ‘n Glam vintage clothing at the indoor flea market on Minot Avenue, across from Agren’s. — No Name via email

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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