Dear Sun Spots: How would one be able to get a Blue Angels signed picture by mail if they do that? saw the airshow but they were not signing pictures. Thanks for the help. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: The Blue Angels flew at Brunswick Naval Air Station last week. How many gallons of jet fuel does one of the jets consume in one show? – Enthusiastic Sun Spots reader.

Answers: Regarding the first query, Sun Spots checked with the Brunswick Public Affairs Office who say there are no signed photographs available. Perhaps there are some readers who attended the show and who might be willing to share some of the photographs they may have taken of the event.

n answer to the second reader, Sun Spots checked out the Blue Angels Web site at http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/geninfo/faq.html, and discovered many interesting facts about the team. Among them the answer to your question, which notes that on average one F/A-18 uses about 8,000 pounds or 1,300 gallons of JP-5 jet fuel in a show.

Here’s a few more fun facts:

The fastest speed flown during an air show is about 700 mph and the slowest is about 120 mph.

An F/A-18 weighs about 24,500 pounds empty of all ordnance and aircrew.

An F/A-18 can travel about 1,000 miles on a full load of fuel, without external tanks.

The team was established April 24, 1946, and the name originated during a trip by the original team to New York in 1946. One of them came across the name of the city’s famous Blue Angel nightclub in the New Yorker Magazine.

The team’s first show was in Craig Field, Jacksonville, Florida.

An estimated 15 million spectators view the squadron annually. The Blue Angels also visit more than 50,000 people a show season, at schools and hospitals.

Dear Sun Spots: hope you can use this poem to help those who have been impacted by the flood down south. write God inspired poetry which often makes me cry and thought these words might help someone. am 81-years-old and live in Marshwood Manor. – Hilda Clapper, Canton.

Beyond the door of death

there lies a needed rest

A victory from earth’s struggles of life

where sin can be no more

As we enter heaven’s door

and upon His bosom lay our weary head

For this life is just a mist

from our birth unto our death

But He carries our load from day to day

For our loved ones gone before

we shall see as we enter Heaven’s door

For Christ, He will guide us,

All the way

Answer: Sun Spots does not often include poetry in the the column, but was so moved after chatting with Hilda that she thought these words might also help others, suffering in the wake of this flood or other trials and tribulations. Perhaps Hilda’s word will also help soothe your day.

Dear Sun Spots: Will you please answer me this auto question?

After the engine oil has been changed, use synthetic, how long can the other topped fluid levels be expected to last? n terms of mileage? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Unfortunately, Sun Spots is not a qualified mechanic and could not offer an answer for this type of question. However, Sun Spots would urge you to check in with your mechanic or a qualified mechanic to see what he or she recommends for your car and situation.

n the meantime, Sun Spots checked in with the Car Talk Web site, and a reader offered the following answer:

“Anything could start leaking today or tomorrow, or next week, or next month. That’s why you should open the hood periodically and check ALL fluid levels.”

Again, Sun Spots would urge you to contact your mechanic.

This column is for you, our readers. t 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). 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. nquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. n addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].