September 5, 2008
Issue #579
Published By: John Ortiz & Assoc., LLC www.spokanetidbits.com ads@spokanetidbits.com For Advertising Call 509-270-6514 Something New to Laugh a =WZ 1O\ 6S\`gĂ‚a 6SZ^a “2008 Honda CR-V Ranks #1...â€? bit with 7[^`]dS ;g 5Oa ;WZSOUS U.S. News & World Report, 2008
A newsboy was standing on the corner with a stack of papers, yelling, “Read all about it! Fifty people swindled! Fifty people swindled!� Curious, a man walked over, bought a paper, and checked the front page. He then riffles through the rest of the paper. Finding nothing, he said, “There’s nothing in here about fifty people being swindled.� The newsboy ignored him and went of, calling out, “Read all about it! Fifty people swindled! Fifty people swindled!�
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by Ryan Toepfer Several readers have written us to request a followup compilation of news items that make us smile‌ or roll our eyes‌ or slap our heads in disbelief. Tidbits is more than happy to oblige. • Just earlier this year, a Kansas man was working with a friend to install some lattice for his wife’s garden. Suddenly, he felt a slight sting on the side of his head. His friend had been untangling the air hose of his nail gun and – ouch! – it misfired. The victim said it didn’t really hurt, even when the ER doctor removed the two-inch nail with a claw hammer. (Traditional medical tools had failed to accomplish the job). Luckily, the patient was fine and suffered no permanent damage as a result of the mishap. • The Milwaukee area had been inundated with nine inches of rain over one weekend in June 2008. Such a rainfall can easily overburden a city’s sewer system, which may cause manhole covers to shoot up into the air like champagne corks. Cheri K. was driving over one such manhole on College Avenue at the very moment it blew. Witnesses said the blast lifted the rear of her van about five feet into the air. It also knocked the right rear tire off. Cheri was frightened but unharmed. • Motor scooters, okay, but motor coolers? Yes, they exist. In New York State, they’re regulated like other vehicles – so it’s illegal to drive them while intoxicated. A Washington County man was pulled over while driving his Cruzin’ Cooler erratically down a major thoroughfare at a speed of only about 12 miles per hour. He’d just left the local American Legion hall and was found to have 14 beers inside his “vehicle.â€? • Early one morning, Stephen S. of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, was awakened by a phone call from turn the page for more!
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Balky Thermostat Is Grime Victim Q: My house thermostat -- one of those older, round kinds where you twist the dial to the temperature you want -- doesn’t seem to work right. It cools the house down to a freezing temperature, then lets the temperature climb back up until we’re sweating. I can’t figure it out -- Harry S., Greenville, S.C. A: Simple low-voltage thermostats, like the one in your home, are pretty darn reliable and can last for many years. They do pick up a few quirks, however, when grime builds up on the bi-metal coil that acts as the temperature sensor. The coil expands or contracts as the temperature changes, so if it’s dirty, it may not expand or contract properly. You can easily check the condition of the thermostat. Turn off power to the thermostat at the circuit panel and remove the top cover of the unit. Use a circuit tester to make sure no power is flowing through the unit. Turn the dial to its lowest temperature setting. Then inspect the coil, contacts and wire connections. Sweep away dirt with a soft brush (an old watercolor brush will work). Turn the dial to its highest temperature setting to reach the rest of the coil. While the cover is off, make sure that the wires connecting the unit to the heating/air conditioning system are securely wrapped around their terminals (the little screws behind the dial). Loose connections can be re-wrapped using needle-nose pliers. One of the nice things about having an older, lowvoltage thermostat is that you can easily swap it out for an electronic thermostat, which runs on the same low voltage and so can be hooked up with the same wires as the old thermostat used. Electronic thermostats give you the advantage of precise temperature control and can be programmed to minimize heating or cooling when you aren’t at home -- saving that much more money. HOME TIP: To cool down a house with no central air conditioning, open the door to the cellar (or deep crawlspace) and place a floor fan at the entrance, facing the living area of the house. Send questions or home-repair tips to homeguru2000@hotmail.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
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WEIRD NEWS (continued): his brother, who said he’d be unable to drive Stephen to his scheduled court date that day. Stephen didn’t want to miss his appointment and be subject to an arrest warrant, so he walked to court. Twenty-five miles. In 90 degree weather. He arrived late, dehydrated, and a little light-headed, but the judge admired Stephen’s pluck and deferred his sentencing until a later date. • A doorman for a Park Avenue apartment building in New York City recently won $5 million in the state lottery. Ironically, he still can’t afford to live in the building where he works. The only apartment for sale there is priced at a cool $9.5 million! • In early 2008, a group called the Center for Health, Environment and Justice made headlines briefly with the frightening information that shower curtains were downright deadly. The “group” claimed that its studies revealed that a typical PVC shower curtain releases 108 different toxic chemicals into the air. Many groups, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, questioned the Center’s methodology. (It was later revealed that they’d only tested one shower curtain. Not one brand; one curtain.) The truth: unless you’re renting a room from Norman Bates, you probably won’t die in the shower. • Passers-by alerted the Miami Fire Department of a dog seen pacing over a storm drain grate in the roadway. Firefighters investigated and found a nineweek-old shepherd mix puppy whimpering in the sewer. Two rescuers donned HAZMAT gear, climbed down into the drainage system, and retrieved the frightened pup. When the pooch was returned to street level, the excited mother dog licked and nuzzled both her offspring and the firefighters who’d saved him. • A Salina, Kansas, man lost control of his car and drove it into the front steps of a house. His defense was the dreaded “brain freeze” followed by “chest freeze.” The driver had taken a sip of a large frozen drink he’d just purchased at a fast food restaurant, and was apparently overcome by some sort of overall ice cream headache. He was treated for minor scratches and bruises and released. • A not-so-smart thug in London, England, robbed three teens on the city’s Underground (subway) at knifepoint. After demanding and receiving their jewelry, he took time out to try on one of the necklaces he’d just taken and admire his reflection in the lens of an onboard security camera. Armed with 15 seconds of filmed close-ups of the perpetrator’s face, London’s finest were able to apprehend him just a short time later. turn the page for more!
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More Than One Way to Leash a Cat DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I read your column on cats wearing leashes and wanted to tell you our experience. Our cat, “Baby,” is not allowed out of the house without her halter on. She goes to the door and meows when she wants out. Baby has a 20-foot leash that we attach to posts placed strategically around the yard for her comfort. She lets me know exactly which one she wants to be on. We keep a water bowl handy for her, and she has plenty of shade, room to roam without becoming entangled, and comfortable places to relax. When she’s had enough of being outside, she meows for me to come get her. At 5 p.m., she will sit extended to the end of her leash and meow for her “walk.” My husband takes her for one every night. She will go to the end of our property, lie down and wait for him to pick her up and carry her back! No dummy, is she? She is very aware of her limitations, and in four years has never tried to go to the street. She likes being outside, but does not want to be anywhere where she can’t see us. In turn, we don’t put her outside unless one of us is at home to check on her. I would say she is trained, but I believe it is the other way around. Yes, there is a lot of “let me out,” “let me in,” but to my way of thinking, if you can’t treat an animal as part of your family, you shouldn’t have one. Their needs are like a child’s: love, warmth, food, exercise, a safe home and more love. -- Jill T. in New York DEAR JILL: True words, there. Cat training is more often than not a cooperative venture, and it appears that you and your cat have worked out a way to use the leash that’s acceptable to both. Kudos to you! Send your tips, questions and comments to Paws Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475, or e-mail them to pawscorner@hotmail. com. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
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(509) 283-7030 WEIRD NEWS (continued): • The Bulova Company should use Teddy Bacon in its advertisements. Bacon was aboard a war ship near Gibraltar during World War II. He lost his watch in the Atlantic Ocean when throwing a line to shore. Just recently, the 89-year-old vet received a package in the mail. Inside was his beloved watch. A group of divers had found it and returned it. Even though it was underwater for 67 years, the timepiece was not scratched or rusted. More amazing? It still keeps perfect time! • A 22-year-old mugger picked the wrong guy to rob when she assaulted Harry Kopenis as he withdrew money from an ATM. The 71- year-old Korean War veteran chased after her, assisted by a good friend who joined the pursuit in his motorized wheelchair. The two men caught up with the woman and managed to tackle her to the ground. They even managed to hold her until the police arrived. • A photographer for the Ogden Standard- Examiner was busy snapping photos at the Utah high school track and field championship earlier this year when he accidentally wandered into an “off-limits” area. That particular area was off-limits because it was the receiving area for the javelin throw. You can predict what happened next. The shutter bug was taken to the hospital, where the spear was removed from his leg. The resultant wound was sewn up with 13 stitches. • Phil K. of Brighton, Michigan, inadvertently wrote out his property tax payment check for the wrong amount. It was no massive mistake: he only shorted the city 48 cents. But the traditional 6 percent late fee was added on to his bill, so the city sent him an invoice for a total of 51 cents. Naturally, the government sent this bill to him via certified mail, which cost them $5.21 in postage. • Researchers in the U.K. reported that men who press weights for 45 minutes three times per week are more likely to go bald. Supposedly, the testosterone rush of pumping iron causes thinning of the hair. • Chris Dunn met Pam Jensen in an online chat room called CompuServe CB Simulator. They were married in 1983 and the media referred to them as “The World’s First Internet Couple.” We’re pleased to report that in April 2008, Pam and Chris celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!
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(get along, or move along!) Dear Dave, I operate a window business in a small town. I have an employee that I’ve trained for a year, but we don’t seem to share the same vision and morals. We have nothing in common and we hardly ever talk. He usually does his job pretty well, but it’s an uncomfortable situation and I don’t want to have trained my competition. How should I handle this? Bill Dear Bill, I ran into the same kind of situation early on when I opened my business. It taught me really fast that you have to be super-vigilant in the hiring process. I now only bring people onto my team that I’d like to have over for dinner or spend time with my kids. If they can’t pass this test, then they definitely don’t have the character that I want representing my name. There’s a fabulous business book by Jim Collins called “Good to Great.” In it, he talks about the importance of getting the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus and getting the right people into the right seats on the bus. In other words, having the right team members in the right positions is vital to the success of any business. Along these lines, you need to ask yourself if you’d hire the person in question today if he or she didn’t already work with you. If the answer is no, then you need to start planning for how you’re going to move them out and replace them. It’s an uncomfortable process, but why would you keep someone that you wouldn’t hire again? Once this happens, the person needs to either
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leave your team or make a change in their behavior and character so that they will be someone you want to grow your organization with. Now, it’s always possible that you could mentor this person and train them to be the kind of person you want to have around. But if you can’t transform them – or if it’s a case where he or she isn’t willing to be transformed – then be very generous with a severance deal, move them out and bring in the new person! - Dave
(free law school) Dear Dave, I’m 24, and I don’t have any debt except for a small student loan. I’m going to law school to study international law, and I’d like to work for the United Nations when I’m through. I do have a scholarship that pays 25 percent, but I won’t really be able to work much while I’m studying. How can I do this without taking on more debt? Amy Dear Amy, If I were you I’d do some online research on all the governmental agencies out there. I’ll bet there’s one that’s willing to pay for your law school if you would agree to work for them for a few years after you get out. It’s kind of an indentured servitude deal, but that’s a lot better than taking on $150,000 in debt! The scholarship is a good thing, too, but we both know it will only scratch the surface when you’re talking about law school. Think about this, Amy. Basically, you got the scholarship by finding the opportunity and asking for it, right? There’s a ton of scholarship money out there, and millions of dollars of it goes unclaimed every year. If I were you I’d also get into the business of hunting money. Track down every possibility you can and use every honest thing to your advantage. You can make this work, Amy! - Dave * For more financial advice plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org or call 1-888-22-PEACE.
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Tidbits® of Spokane Washington
Mild Exercise Helps Manage Arthritis I bought a bicycle to help with my arthritis. The next-door neighbor thought I was crazy, saying it would make the arthritis worse. He was wrong. Studies have shown that gentle range-of-motion exercises actually make arthritis pain easier to manage. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise is “critical” for those with arthritis because it “increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain and helps combat fatigue.” That’s good enough for me. Because I live in an area with hills, and mostly because I know I won’t go out every day to the YMCA for swim classes once winter comes, I bought an indoor recumbent bike. There are a number of benefits to this: I can read or watch TV while pedaling, there’s no danger of falling to the pavement, so a helmet isn’t required, the weather doesn’t matter, and best of all, since it’s right
here, I’m more likely to use it. I’ve settled on a routine of 10-minute sessions, at a slow pace, three times a day, and I can already feel a difference, as promised by the studies. That’s not to say that using this bike is now all the exercise I do, but my right knee isn’t as “hot” as it used to be, and I sense an overall increase in leg strength. Another idea, if you already have a bicycle, is to buy a trainer stand. Your regular bike goes up on the stand, and you pedal normally while the wheel spins behind you. If you would rather find an arthritisfriendly exercise program, consider the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program or Aquatic Program. Check www.arthritis.org or call 1-800-2837800 to locate classes in your area. Ask your doctor first if gentle rangeof-motion exercises are recommended for you. Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
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A “Miscellaneous” $6.9 Billion The Department of Veterans Affairs got its hand slapped again recently with the results of a Government Accounting Office report on $6.9 billion in expenses that were categorized as “miscellaneous.” The money, as best the GAO can figure, was spent on things like medical and dental services for veterans, drugs and hospital supplies, as well as transportation for treatment. Shouldn’t those things be genuine categories in a budget? Calling them “miscellaneous” leaves too much wiggle room for error, waste and fraud. Granted, it doesn’t look like somebody pocketed the whole $6.9 billion, but the GAO identified $30.2 million in goods that likely were converted to personal use. The policies and procedures “were not designed to prevent one person from performing multiple roles in the process of authorizing and executing miscellaneous obligations,” the GAO said. In other words, the same person could request funds and approve them, and then take receipt of the merchandise, without anybody being the wiser. It gets better: There was no policy on what got filled-in on the request forms for the money’s purpose. So why did the VA abuse the “miscellaneous” category so much? Because it’s easier, apparently, to pay for goods and services that don’t already have contracts. If a purchase order is issued when a specific quantity or price is unknown, that purchase order can’t easily be modified once those numbers are known -- and it causes “undue burden” on the ones filling out the paperwork. The VA did come up with some new guidelines, but informed the GAO that those guidelines “were not subject to legal review.” Makes you wonder how many loopholes they left. Write to Freddy Groves in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Tidbits® of Spokane Washington Recipe of the Week COMFORT FOODS -- Made Fast and Healthy! By Healthy Exchanges Lemon Strawberry Shake Here’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer afternoon or a quick healthy snack you can help the kids make when they get home from school.
American Flag Etiquette Did you know that according to the United States Flag Code, the American Flag represents a living country and is considered, in itself, a living thing. It is therefore very important to understand proper flag protocol.
1 1/2 cups Dannon plain fat-free yogurt 1/2 cup diet ginger ale 1 (4-serving) package Jell-O sugar-free lemon gelatin 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries In a blender container, combine yogurt, gin-
In June 1923, the National Flag Conference es- ger ale and dry gelatin. Cover and process on tablished The Flag Code. This Code is the guide HIGH for 10 to 15 seconds. Add strawberries. for all handling and display of the Stars and Re-cover and process on HIGH for 15 to 20 Stripes. It does not impose penalties for misuse seconds or until mixture is smooth. Evenly pour of the United States Flag. That is left to the indiinto 2 glasses. Serve at once. Makes 2 ( 1 1/2 vidual states.
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When to Display the Flag: The flag should be displayed on all days when the weather permits, especially on legal holidays or other special occasions. It is customary to display the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings or on a stationary flagstaff in the open. The flag may be displayed at night when properly lighted. How To Display the Flag: The flag should be raised and lowered by hand. Raise the flag unfurled quickly to the peak of the flagstaff. It should be lowered slowly and ceremoniously and never be allowed to touch anything beneath it, such as the ground or the floor. The flying of the flag at half-staff is a sign of mourning and when done so should first be hoisted to the peak for a moment before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day, the flag should fly at half-staff from sunrise until noon and at full-staff from noon until sunset.
¥ Each serving equals: 120 calories, 0g fat, 10g protein, 20g carbs, 221mg sodium, 238mg calcium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Fat-Free Milk, 1/2 Fruit; Carb Choices: 1. Visit Healthy Exchanges at www.healthyexchanges.com, or call toll-free at 1-800-7668961 for more information about the only national food newsletter for diabetics, heart/ cholesterol concerns and healthy weight loss. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
• On Sale in September: Cookware and dishes, pool and patio equipment and new cars (check for deals on the current year’s model after the new model year’s release). • What’s “in season” for fall? Try squash, apples, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, coconuts, cranberries, grapes, mushrooms, parsnips, pineapple, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and Swiss chard. • “I use this trick in my linen closet all the time, but you can also do it in your regular clothes drawers. Place a fabric softener sheet in dresser drawers or between towels and sheets when you put them away. Your clothes will retain a nice, freshly laundered scent. Make sure you place the sheets near a safe fabric, not silk or anything delicate.” -- R.L. in North Carolina • Studies show that having a late-afternoon snack of 100-200 calories high in protein can not only help you stave off the pre-dinner hungries, it also can save you as many as 400 calories at suppertime. You aren’t as likely to be overhungry, so you can pay attention to when your body tells you to stop eating. • Clean up your mailbox: To get off of junk-mail lists and to opt out of credit-card offers, take note of these handy Web sites. The Consumer Credit Reporting Industry maintains an official Web site at www.optoutprescreen.com for those who do not wish to receive preapproved offers regarding insurance and credit. The Direct Marketing Association handles requests for opting out of other mailers at www.dmachoice.org. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@ yahoo.com.
Cleaning the U.S. Flag: The flag may be laundered or dry cleaned as appropriate for the fabric. Some dry cleaners will clean the US Flag without charge. Always keep your flag clean to represent the ideas it stands for. In addition, replace US Flags that are faded or ripped beyond repair. Note that it is appropriate to cut off ragged ends and re-hem the flag or stitch together stripes if they come apart in the wind. However, the flag should not be cut and hemmed to the point where the height to length ratio look out of proportion.
(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
Retiring Old Flags: In many American communities, one or more organizations render an important community service by collecting and overseeing the proper disposal of old, worn, frayed and/or faded US Flags. For information in your community try the Boy Scouts, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or the American Legion. If they provide a flag retirement service, the flag can be dropped off and they will take care of the ceremony. Care and Respect: The flag is a symbol of us all – of all America. It is not a political symbol but a symbol that each American should respect, for it represents the honor, courage and sacrifice of those who struggled to preserve the ideals upon which our country was founded: Freedom, justice, and opportunity for all. Contrary to other flags of the world, the US Flag is the flag of the citizens – the people of all ages that make and keep America a stronghold and example of freedom. Submitted by Joe Borowski retired USAF
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Tidbits® of Spokane Washington FITNESS
& HEALTH
FROM START TO FITNESS By Andrea Renee Wyatt, M.S.S., C.S.C.S.
Step Aerobics Without the Sore Knees Q. One of my favorite group exercise classes used to be step aerobics, but over time it began to bother my knees. My gym just started offering these classes again, but I’m worried about hurting my knees. Is there a right and wrong way to do step classes? A: Step group-exercise classes were extremely popular in the past and are again becoming more and more integrated in group-exercise classes. The concept of using a “step” for cardiovascular and strength training is now being used in a combination of group exercise classes, and even though we step up and down each day as we walk through life, there are ways to ensure you are not injured during step classes. Concerns about hurting the knees are very common in step classes. Many adults deal with achy, sore, tired knees all day, and the last thing they want to do is stress already bothered knees. To keep this from happening, you can take precautions. First, choose the appropriate height of risers under the step you are using. A step that is too high for your height and leg length can add unnecessary stress to your knee. Many people want a higher step to add more intensity to their workouts; however, a too-high step can
cause pressure on the knee and hip, and over time can cause pain or injury. A proper step height would be with the knee at approximately a 60-degree angle when one foot is on the step. When starting out, you can use a lower step, but the 60-degree angle should be your maximum step height. Second, while stepping, it is important to step at a distance that is only one shoe length behind the step. Before beginning, place your toes touching the step and step back one shoe length. Notice how far you are from the step, and while stepping down, be sure not to step back any farther. It may take a little time to get used to this motion, but you want to make sure you are stepping up and not forward. Another tip is to make sure you are stepping up on the step with your heel first and making sure your whole foot is on the step without your heels hanging off the edge. Landing on the step with your toes first can keep you from standing up completely and also can put added stress on the knees. Be sure to speak with the step-class instructor beforehand about all of these proper stepping techniques to keep you safe. Stepping is great for cardiovascular and strength conditioning, and with proper technique, you can keep stepping toward your goals.
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Always consult a physician before beginning an exercise program. If you have a fitness or training question, write to Andrea in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Be age 50 or older Have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee Have been taking pain medication for osteoarthritis for at least six weeks Benefits include study-related care and lab test, plus compensation for time and travel.
Contact us to find out if you qualify: Daniel J Dionne MD Physicians Clinic of Spokane 820 S. McClellan, Suite 200 Spokane, WA 99204
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Marcos Ambrose Is the “Real Deal” Q: Greg, I really enjoyed the weekend, as one of my favorite NASCAR drivers, Marcos Ambrose, won at Watkins Glen on Saturday in the Nationwide race and then drove the Wood Brothers Ford to an excellent third-place finish on Sunday in the Sprint Cup race. It couldn’t happen to a nicer fellow. -- K.L., Michigan A: I agree, K.L., and with his sterling performance, things might be turning around for both Marcos and the Wood Brothers, as the team’s spectacular finish Sunday couldn’t have come at a better time in the Sprint Cup division. Behind the wheel of the Wood Brothers Racing “Little Debbie” Ford Fusion, Ambrose’s practice times were at the top of the chart during Watkins Glen practice sessions on Friday, but the official Sprint Cup qualifying was rained out. Thankfully, the Woods received the last and 43rd starting spot based on owner points. On Saturday, Ambrose posted his first-ever NASCAR win with a victory in the Zippo 200 at the Glen’s tough road course in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Ambrose thus becomes the first Australian to earn a NASCAR victory, and his historic feat on the 2.45mile road course lifts him into the top 10 in the NAS-
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CAR Nationwide Series standings. Then on Sunday, Ambrose proved he was “for real” (everyone already knows this who follows NASCAR), as the popular Aussie drove his Ford from “down under” last place to third when the checkered flag fell in a brilliant drive. Since leaving Australia to pursue a career in NASCAR, Ambrose has made 83 NASCAR starts: 22 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 59 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and two in the top-flight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Saturday’s win came in a Ford Fusion backed by STP and Kingsford, and owned by JTG/Brad Daugherty Racing. In 2009, Ambrose will race full-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the JTG/Daugherty team. The Nationwide win at the Glen in New York was the first since Daugherty, a former NBA star and television racing analyst, bought into the team. Look for big things to come in the future from Ambrose and JTG Daugherty, and a return to form for the Wood Brothers, too. *** Q: I’m really starting to enjoy the IRL races again now that more than 17 cars start a race. Do you favor ovals or road courses? -- Larry C., New Jersey A: Larry, I personally love the ovals, but know of the importance of the road courses in attracting drivers, teams and sponsors to this class of racing. Back in the old days, virtually all USAC Indy Car races were held on ovals and worked in tandem with the USAC Silver Crown, Sprint and Midget Series in determin-
Cory L Tesarik, Agent 4408 S. Regal Street Spokane, WA 99223 ctesarik@amfam.com (509) 448-0224 (509) 448-5542 Fax
BC-208008 - 4/08
ing champions. However, the failure of USAC’s Indy Car division late in 1978 brought about the formation of CART, and before you knew it, USAC was out and CART was in. CART road races later became routine along with ovals on the CART schedule. I’d say leave everything alone right now, as ovals and road courses are neat in this day and age of Indy Cars. Write to Greg Zyla in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475, or send an e-mail to gzyla@ptd.net. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Marcos Ambrose became the first Australian to win a NASCAR race with his victory in the Zippo 200 Nationwide Series race at Watkins Glen, N.Y. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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