DEAR SUN SPOTS: Recently someone in Lisbon was looking for Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. I have two adorable sets. How was anyone supposed to contact them? — No Name, too!

ANSWER: Contact information is an ongoing issue for Sun Spots. Many people want her to act as a behind-the-scenes go-between, but not only does she not have time to do that but it defeats the whole purpose of the column — providing interesting, informative content for readers.

Another issue is writers providing only email addresses. While that’s convenient for most of us, there are still many people — and a high proportion of Sun Spots’ readers — who don’t use computers.

Don’t be shy, readers. Tell us who you are!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am very interested in buying the stamp collection in the April 5 column. Can you give me the name and phone number of the person who’s selling it, please? — Rita Rioux, theriouxs2006@myfairpoint.net, 783-8019

ANSWER: Again, the reader asked this information be withheld. But Sun Spots can provide your information in the column so she can contact you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My question is about the disclaimers that appear on the TV screen during automobile and financial commercials. I know the law says that they have to appear, but how will that protect the consumer if the type is so small and blurry that no one can read it unless they have a huge-screen TV?

Besides, the disclaimer is only visible for a few seconds, and with four or five lines of type most people wouldn’t have time to read the whole thing anyway. Is the law so weak that it is virtually ineffective? — Paul Dubay, Poland

ANSWER: Sun Spots doesn’t really have an answer for this question, other than to suggest if disclaimers appear, consumers will be more likely to investigate the downsides of a product before purchasing, which is ultimately the purpose of the law.

Disclaimers have become a big problem for some smartphone advertisers. The screens are so small it’s impossible to get both the ad and the disclaimers on the screen at once.

Perhaps the problem is that if a product has that many disclaimers it shouldn’t be allowed to be sold in the first place?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: ROK Korean War Service Medals will be presented at the 60th anniversary of the Korean War ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday July 27, at Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston, sponsored by the L & A Veterans Council.

Those who want the medal must fill out an application and return it to the L & A Veterans Council, P.O. Box 2316, Lewiston, ME 04241, with a copy of their DD214. This will enable them to get their medal presented at the ceremony. If you cannot attend the ceremony and still would like to get your medal, then you should fill in the back of the form and the medal will be mailed to you.

The deadline for applications is May 4. The L & A Veterans Council will take the applications to Camp Keyes in Augusta and give them to the Peter Ogden, director of Maine Veterans Services, who will then send them to the proper branches of the military for review and mail all the medals back to him for the July 27 presentation. Representatives for all five military branches, plus other dignitaries, will be present at the ceremony.

You may pick up applications from all the veterans posts, such as the American Legion, AMVETS, DAV and VFW. Also, Maine’s Washington delegation have copies, and we hope to give copies to the Vet Center and the Lewiston VA Clinic and the offices of the mayors of Lewiston and Auburn. — Bert Dutil, advisor, 786-2305, badutil32@yahoo.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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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