DEAR STACY: I keep seeing these wonderful paintings of African-American figures on the walls in reruns of the old "Cosby Show." Can you tell me the name of the artist? Are there prints of his/her work available? — J.J., Los Angeles

DEAR J.J.: You may be referring to the energetic, flowing figures in the works of the late, legendary pro football player-turned-artist Ernie Barnes (www.erniebarnes.com), whose paintings graced the Huxtable home on "Cosby." So did simple, upbeat depictions of African-American life by painter Varnette Honeywood, who died at age 59 last year after a long cancer battle. Honeywood also collaborated with Bill Cosby, illustrating his 12 "Little Bill" children's books and consulting on the "Little Bill" animated series. Prints of her work are widely available, through such outlets as heritagesart.com. Another "Cosby Show" favorite was renowned fine artist Synthia Saint James (www.synthiasaintjames.com).

DEAR STACY: Is Kaley Cuoco dating Jim Parsons? — Teresa W., Newark, N.J.

DEAR TERESA: That's a persistent rumor, but people in the know report they really are just friends. Cuoco revealed last year that she had a two-year serious relationship with her other "Big Bang Theory" cast mate, Johnny Galecki, however. She said, "It was a wonderful relationship, but we never spoke a word about it and never went anywhere together. We were so protective of ourselves and the show and didn't want anything to ruin that." The actress feels that all that secrecy took a toll and "made it sad." And she vowed, "No more actors."

DEAR STACY: I can't stand it anymore. They keep showing that Volvo ad with the two women switching clothes with a very loopy song in the background that has the words "Oh, boy" over and over. What is that song, and who sings it? — Jeff A., San Bernardino, Calif.

DEAR JEFF: That is "Oh Boy" by 28-year-old Swedish singer Linda Carlsson — better known as Miss Li. Her tunes are popular with Hollywood and Madison Avenue, having been heard on "Weeds," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Desperate Housewives," and commercials including the Apple iPod Nano 5G.

DEAR STACY: As an old "The Facts of Life" fan, I was sorry to hear that Charlotte Rae had pancreatic cancer. Is that true and how is she doing? — Marta E., Abilene, Texas

DEAR MARTA: The 84-year-old actress was successfully treated last year for pancreatic cancer by Dr. Howard Reber, director of UCLA Pancreatic Diseases Center and the Ronald S. Hirshberg Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory. Her prognosis is good enough that she did a video talking about her diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of early detection. Because Rae had lost family members to the illness, which often presents no symptoms until a late stage, she had herself checked, and the cancer was found in time for effective treatment.

To find out more about Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith and read their past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.