DEAR SUN SPOTS: On WCSH weather, why is the Lewiston current temperature always blank? — Ron, no town

ANSWER: According to Jason Nappi of Newscenter, the equipment for the Lewiston temperature gauge is waiting to be fixed. There have been similar scenarios ever since the pandemic started. It’s a good thing that in this day and age, there are many ways to get a good reading on the Maine weather, even though it changes by the minute!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I bought Ticonderoga pencils hd #2 in September at the Auburn Dollar Store, four in the package. I still remember the jingles on the radio in the 1940s. My dad had the radio on in the early morning and I remember all the tune and the words. Great memories and good pencils, too. — Irene, Auburn

ANSWER: That’s a sweet story. My dad used to play the radio in the morning and sing along.

Dixon Ticonderogas used to be made in the United States. However, in 2005, after 210 years as an independent U.S. company, Dixon was acquired by Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini, an Italian firm that makes pencils, art supplies and a range of other products. The pencils are now made in China.

According to the website, the Ticonderogas are marked #2 HB (soft) and are sold at Walmart, Staples, Target, etc. The site (https://weareticonderoga.com/) has some fun information, claiming that you can write 45,000 words with one pencil and asking, “What will you do with your 45,000 words?” Since I’m a wordsmith by trade, I love that!

Who besides me likes to write with a classic yellow #2 pencil? Did you know those pencils have been around since 1913? On the Ticonderoga site, there’s a catalog and the pencils in question are listed there as #2 HB. However, you can also get pencils in #1, #2.5, #3, and #4. The higher the number, the harder the lead and the lighter the mark will be. I hope that makes sense to everyone!

You’ve read or heard of “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory,” right? The author, Roald Dahl wrote his stories with Dixon Ticonderoga HB #2s and it is said that he sharpened six of them at the start of each day.

There are other companies that still make pencils in the United States: Faber Castell (best known for drawing pencils), General Pencil Co. (also catering to artists), Musgrave Pencil Co. (specialty items such as mini-pencils for golf, bridge, etc.), Pen Company of America (office supplies), and Seaboard Pencil Co. (specialty pencils). There are more companies that still make pencils in the U.S. and many of them use sustainable methods.

Even though I was sad to learn my pencils aren’t made in the U.S. any longer, I loved this question and have a whole new appreciation for my vast collection of Ticonderogas that are scattered all over the house or balanced over one ear.

Here’s a link to the jingle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uEWseT_3kw. Is this the one you listened to on the radio?

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