DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have a WalkFit NordicTrack machine. The belt is very hard to push. Wish we could trade this machine for a smaller one. Maybe I’m not strong enough to use it. Any help you could give us about this machine would be very much appreciated. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots found a reference to your NordicTrack problem online at the Treadmill Doctor (http://tinyurl.com/3s5b7o5). It lists three possibilities: the walking belt needs lubrication; the tension strap is worn out or the tensioning cable has a malfunction.

Sun Spots notes that your letter is handwritten. If you take this letter to the Lewiston Public Library, the reference librarian in the computer section can help you print out all the instructions (which are in a PDF; much too long to reprint here even if copyright wasn’t a concern).

Then, if you are not handy, you could hire L-A handyman Cliff (376-5604) to assist you.

Another option would be to return to where you purchased your NordicTrack. It appears that Sears is a big seller of the machines. It may be able to help you with parts or repairs.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a fan of Sun Spots. You do a great job answering questions no matter what the subject. I am going to test you on a sports subject.

A few years ago, a major league game was in progress, and I believe it involved the Boston Red Sox. Sean Baston ran out of relief pitchers and a regular infielder was called up on the mound to pitch. It was during Nomar Garciaparra’s era. Could you find out about it? Or did it really happen? Could you get any details on it and why it happened? Thank you very much. — D. Gunn, Greene

ANSWER: Sun Spots’ biggest weakness is sports (the newsroom gasped when she admitted she didn’t know who Tom Brady is), but, fortunately, she has many sports experts at hand. They informed her that the situation you outline is not unusual and that it has happened at least twice this year, maybe three times, to the Red Sox.

Without more details (year, name of player) Sun Spots doesn’t have any way to pinpoint the specific event to which you refer. Maybe another sports fan will be able to help. Perhaps the event sticks out in your mind because it happened during a playoff?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you tell me if you already published the column on different schools’ soccer teams with who is returning players and new players to watch? — Lori Hayman, lorhymn@maine.rr.com

ANSWER: The preview on boys’ soccer appeared in the Sun Journal on Aug. 20, the girls’ teams were reviewed on Aug. 31. You can read those stories online at sunjournal.com/sjvarsity. You can also see videos of reporters Kalle Oakes and Randy Whitehouse discussing the teams.

To purchase those particular papers or the edition with the special high school sports pullout (Sept. 2), contact Circulation at 784-3555 or 1-800-482-0935. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; weekends 6 to 10 a.m. You can also email circulation@sunjournal.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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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