OVER OVER 4 MILLION 4 MILLION Readers Weekly Readers Weekly Nationwide! Nationwide!
May 25, 2016
FREE FREE
ALL RIGHTS ALL RIGHTSRESERVED RESERVED©2007 ©2007
TheThe Neatest Little Paper Ever Read Neatest Little Paper Ever Read
Published by: Velocity Ventures Trust
For Advertising: (541) 203-0233 TIDBITS® HEADS TO THE
INDY 500
www.TanksPlumbing.net/review
by Kathy Wolfe The 100th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 29, 2016. What do you know about the history of this race and its venue? Tidbits will get you “in the know”! • The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was the vision of Indianapolis business Carl Fisher, who first came up with the idea in 1905. Along with three partners, he purchased Pressley Farm, a 328-acre level piece of ground about 5 miles (8 km) outside of the city, for $72,000. Construction on the 2.5mile (4.0 km) oval track began in March, 1909. Five hundred workers, 300 mules, and a fleet of steam-powered machinery labored to reshape the land. The track was graded, and covered with packed soil, 2 inches (5 cm) of gravel, 2 inches (5 cm) of limestone, and coated with tar and oil. Another 2 inches of crushed stone chips were added, more tar and oil, and a final covering of crushed stone. Grandstands with 12,000 seats were built to accommodate racing fans. • When the Speedway was built, the average price of a new car was $1,280, and a gallon of gas could be purchased for 6 cents. • On June 5, 1909, the first event was held at the Speedway, although the oval hadn’t yet been completed. Nine helium-filled balloons took to the skies before 40,000 people competing for trophies. Two months later a series of motorcycle races were held.
Volume 2 Issue 21
info@tidbitsoftheroguevalley.com
Page 2
Published by Velocity Ventures Trust
For Advertising Call (541) 203-0233
INDY 500 (continued): • The first car race was held on August 19 of that year. The track’s surface was already becoming damaged with ruts and chuckholes. Nearly 20,000 spectators paid up to a dollar for a ticket. The first race, a 250-mile (400km) event, included leader Louis Chevrolet, for whom an automobile would later be named. The track’s first fatality occurred in that race, when a car flipped end over end before crashing into a fence post. Both the driver and his mechanic died on site. The third race of 300 miles (480 km) resulted in three more deaths, and all races and future events at the Speedway were terminated until improvements were made to the track. • Paving of the track with bricks began almost immediately, with 3.2 million 10-lb. (4.5kg) bricks supplied by local manufacturers. The last brick, made of gold, was set in place was by the governor in a special ceremony. From then on, the track became known as the Brickyard. • On Memorial Day, 1911, more than 80,000 spectators gathered to watch 40 cars compete in the first 500-mile (800-km) “International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race.” Driving a Marmon Wasp, which was manufactured right there in Indianapolis, Ray Harroun won the race with an average speed of 74.602 mph (120.06 km/hr). All the other drivers had their mechanic as a passenger, but Harroun picked up speed by driving alone. Without a passenger to keep track of what was behind him, Harroun installed a rear-view mirror in his Wasp, the first time such an apparatus was used in a car. Harroun’s car can be viewed at the Indy 500 Hall of Fame Museum, which opened in 1956 on the grounds of the Speedway.
Creating a Turtle Habitat DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I saw a news story about a man who built a miniature “Jurassic Park” landscape for his pet tortoise to play in. I have a little box turtle named “Darlene” that I got for my birthday, and I’m wondering, can I make something like that for my turtle? -- Sarah J., via email DEAR SARAH: Turtle and tortoise owners can get pretty creative with their pets’ enclosures, and it can be fun to do. To make it fun for turtles and tortoises too, any enclosure has two important requirements: It needs to meet their basic needs, and it must be safe for them. If you live in a climate that is not native to your turtle’s species, you’ll need to have an indoor and an outdoor enclosure. The indoor one should have the most ideal climate possible for your turtle, with steady temperature and proper humidity, a couple of places in which to hide, and a sunny corner (or a heat lamp) where she can go to warm up if necessary. An outdoor enclosure gives your turtle a place to roam on warm, sunny days. It can
and should be bigger than Darlene’s indoor enclosure, but ideally should be covered with mesh or wire to prevent predators from getting in. You’ll also need to build walls around the enclosure so Darlene can’t see out. It should have some nice flat rocks to climb up on, a shallow pool of water to rest in, a few shady spots and plenty of places to burrow in and hide. Always have fresh drinking water available and give Darlene things to snack on, like fresh greens, grasses and a little bit of fruit.
Petbits brought to you by: Celebrity Pets Holistic Care Happy, Healthy Pets Inside & Out
Self-Service Pet Wash Professional Groomers Health & Hygiene Products Artisan Pet Treats
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Although you would prefer to move forward at a steady pace, it might be a good idea to stop and reassess your plans. You could find a good reason to make a change at this time. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Just when you thought you had everything planned to the smallest detail, you get some news that could unsettle things. But a timely explanation helps put it all back on track. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Home and work continue to compete for your attention. But you handle it well by giving each its proper due. Someone you trust offers valuable advice. Listen to it. CANCER ( June 21 to July 22) Unsettling news creates a difficult but not impossible situation. Continue to follow your planned routine, but keep your mind open to a possible change down the line. LEO ( July 23 to August 22) Lick your wounded pride if you like, but it’s a better idea to find out why your suggestions were rejected. What you learn could help you deal with an upcoming situation. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Feeling a bit listless? No wonder. You might be pushing too hard to finish everything on your to-do list. Cutting it down could help get your energy levels up. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Taking time out of your busy schedule might be the best way to handle that sensitive private matter. It will help reassure everyone involved about your priorities. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Insist on full disclosure by all parties before agreeing to be part of a “great deal.” What you learn should help you decide whether to go with it or not. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your decision to protect the secret that was entrusted to you might irk some people. But it also wins you the admiration of those who value trust and loyalty. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Creative activities take on a practical approach as you realize you might be able to market your work. Ask for advice from someone experienced in this area. AQUARIUS ( January 20 to February 18) If you’re suddenly a bit unsure about your decision, ask trusted colleagues and/or friends or family members for suggestions that could help resolve your doubts. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A workplace situation could get stormy. But stay on course until there’s a solution that meets with everyone’s approval, and things finally can calm down. BORN THIS WEEK: You keep an open mind on most matters, making you the confidante of choice for people who need your honest counsel.
Published by Velocity Ventures Trust
1. MUSIC: What group had a hit song with “Love Shack”? 2. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Where was the eastern terminus of the Santa Fe Trail? 3. GEOGRAPHY: What is the name of the area in the Pacific that means “many islands”? 4. MEASUREMENTS: How long does it take light from the Sun to reach the Earth? 5. GAMES: What is the highest score possible in the game of darts? 6. ASTRONOMY: What two planets in our solar system rotate clockwise? 7. MONEY: What is the currency of Switzerland? 8. HISTORY: Where were the first Strategic Arms Limitations Talks held in 1969? 9. INVENTIONS: What 1947 invention led to the development of small portable radios? 10. MOVIES: What film musical included the tune “They Call the Wind Maria”?
1. In 2015, pitcher Jorge De La Rosa became the all-time leader in victories for the Colorado Rockies. Who had held the mark? 2. Two major-league players during the 1960s won the Rookie of the Year Awards in the same season they were on a pennant-winning team. Name either one. 3. Marcus Mariota, in 2014, became only the second college football player from the Pacific Northwest to win the Heisman Trophy. Who was the first? 4. In 2015, Detroit’s Brandon Jennings had a game of 24 points and 21 assists. Who was the last Piston to have at least 20 points and 20 assists in a game? 5. How many NHL seasons did goaltender Martin Brodeur play for the New Jersey Devils? 6. In 2015, Martin Truex Jr. became the first NASCAR Cup driver since 1969 to have 14 top-10 finishes in the first 15 races of a season. Who did it in ‘69? 7. When Angelique Kerber won the Australian Open in 2016, she was the first German woman to win the singles title since Steffi Graf. When was Graf ’s last title?
For Advertising Call (541) 203-0233
Page 3
Grow a Pizza Garden
INDY 500 (continued):
• The name of the race remained the same until after World War I, when, in 1919, the name was changed to “Liberty Sweep Stakes,” a change that stayed in place just that one year. In 1920, it was once again the “International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race. • The 1925 race was the first time a driver averaged 100 mph (160 km/hr) for the race. Pete DePaolo accomplished the feat with an average of 101.13 mph (162.75 km/h). • In 1927, the speedway was sold to World War I fighter ace pilot Captain Eddie Rickenbacker for $750,000. Rickenbacker was also a former race car driver who had competed at Indy five times between 1911 and 1916. • An amazing feat was accomplished in 1931 when racer Dave Evans completed the entire 500 miles without a single pit stop. His Cummins Diesel Special was the first diesel entry in the history of the race, finishing in 13th place. Since that time, only three others have achieved this deed – one racer in 1941 and two in 1949. • 1936 was a big year at the Speedway, when the legendary brick was replaced with asphalt. A 3-ft. (0.91-m) wide section of the original bricks was left at the Start/Finish line, still in place today. • In December, 1941, with the United States’ entry into World War II, it was agreed that 1942’s Indy 500 would be cancelled. Late in 1942, a ban was placed on all auto racing for the remainder of the war, in place through 1945. The track fell into disrepair, and plans were made to subdivide the acreage into a housing development. Eddie Rickenbacker turned down all offers from real estate developers and instead sold it to Terre Haute, Indiana businessman Anton Hulman for the same price he had paid for it in 1927. Hulman restored the track in time for the 1946 race. Amazingly, the same family still owns and operates the Speedway.
It’s time to begin planting your summer herb and vegetable garden. This year add some whimsy to the family project by designing a circular plot with sections shaped like pizza slices. Fill each triangular area with herbs and vegetables that will grow and mature in time to place on the sauce of fresh barbecued or baked pizzas. Grow a pizza garden in three basic steps: 1. If this is your kids’ first garden, keep it reasonably small and manageable. Create a clever border by arranging large white rocks in a complete circle to represent the crust of the pizza. Arrange wooden dowels flat on the soil like the spokes of a wheel to divide the circle in neat triangles. Be sure to allow ample room in some sections for larger plants, such as tomatoes. 2. Sow seeds and plant plants. Good choices are: tomatoes, peppers, onions, basil, oregano and parsley. Set “pizza slice” clay markers in the ground to identify the plants as they germinate and grow. (See directions below.) If you don’t have a backyard garden, plant a few pizza ingredients in container gardens on a sunny patio or deck. 3. Water, weed, fertilize and watch the plants grow throughout the summer. Enjoy the pleasure of harvesting your garden together. Tip: When autumn comes, clip healthy herbs from your garden and wash and dry completely. Place into plastic bags, drizzle a little olive oil into the bag and freeze. Use as you prepare fall soups, pasta sauces and pizza. Make pizza-slice clay markers: Roll out self-hardening clay or clay that can be baked in the oven (available at crafts stores) to 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch thickness. Cut out 4-inch to 5-inch pizza-slice shapes. For younger kids, make a cardboard template and set on the clay. Let your child carefully cut around it with a dull butter knife. Poke a craft or Tinkertoy stick into an edge of each slice. Set the marker on a cookie cooling rack to air dry according to product directions. When hard, paint the pizza slices with acrylic paints with images of a tomato, onion, basil, etc. When dry, an adult may apply nontoxic varnish to protect the surface from rain. If the stick slips out of the clay, secure in place with Elmer’s glue.
Don’t Be Left in the Dark
Your View of the World will be Forever Illuminated After you Read The Fr with ee Bo Co o Uncle Eric Books $152 mplete k Se .5 Order by Calling tollfree
1-800-509-5400
0 +S /H
www.earlywarningreport.com/books
t
Uncle Eric Talks About Personal, Career & Financial Security, Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?, Whatever Happened to Justice?, Are you Liberal? Conservative? or Confused?, Ancient Rome, How It Affects You Today, Evaluating Books: What Would Thomas Jefferson Think About This?,The Money Mystery, The Clipper Ship Strategy, The Thousand Year War in the Mideast, World War I- The Rest of the Story, World War II- The Rest of the STory
Page 4
Published by Velocity Ventures Trust
For Advertising Call (541) 203-0233 INDY 500 (continued):
• On a hot Memorial Day in 1936, three-time Indy 500 winner Louis Meyer drank a glass of buttermilk in Victory Lane after his win. The local Milk Foundation saw the picture in the newspaper and used it as a publicity strategy to encourage milk drinking. The practice became a tradition and every winner is now presented a glass quart bottle of milk after the race. It’s no surprise that the American Dairy Association is a regular sponsor of the Indy 500. • The traditional phrase, “Gentlemen, start your engines” prior to the race has been around since the early 1950s. Wilbur Shaw, a three-time Indy winner became the president of the Speedway in 1945, and is believed to have coined the phrase. When women are part of the line-up, the phrase has been adjusted to, “Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines.” If there’s been a rain delay, occasionally “Restart your engines” has been proclaimed. • A.J. Foyt began his history-making run at the Indy 500 in 1961, when, at age 26, he won his first race there. His next Indy 500 win was in 1964, when he became the last to drive a front-engine car. (Every winner since 1965 has driven a rear-engine car.) Foyt’s Indy victories in 1967 and 1977 made him the first driver to secure four wins. Only two other drivers have accomplished this feat – Al Unser in 1970, 1971, 1978, and 1987 and Rick Mears in 1979, 1984, 1988, and 1991. • A.J. Foyt holds the record for the most consecutive Indy 500 races, having driven for 35 in a row. This adds up to nearly 12,275 miles (19,755 km), with earnings of $2,637,963. Year 34 was a challenge after Foyt suffered severe leg injuries in a serious crash nine months earlier, but that didn’t stop him from competing.
To Your Good Health By Keith Roach, M.D.
Can Tea Tree Oil Cure Nail Fungus?
DEAR DR. ROACH: I read in a medical advice column that tea tree oil can help cure the nail fungus that I have had for more than 10 years on my big toe. It did dramatically reduce the inflammation around the nail, but the nail is unchanged, and the inflammation subsequently returns. Recently, though, I have seen or heard of several nail fungus treatments that do not present a danger of liver damage. Are there any new treatments for the nail fungus that actually are effective? -- J.S. ANSWER: According to the Natural Medicines
Comprehensive Database, 100 percent tea tree oil cream, applied twice daily for six months, is effective at curing infection in only 18 percent of people who try it. Most people have some benefit that isn’t permanent, as you did. The only highly effective medicines I can find good evidence about, with cure rates of 50 percent to 75 percent, all have the possibility, albeit small, of liver damage. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 72. Several years ago, because of bad back pain, I had tests and X-rays. The orthopedic physician assistant I was directed to afterward said I’d need hip replacements, or I could get a shot. No more comment than that. At my own insistence, I tried physical therapy instead of a shot. It merely aggravated the situation. Twice since, I’ve seen the same PA. We have a little conversation, and he bills me for the same advice. He did not display the X-rays, and I didn’t think to ask. I’ve yet to see the licensed doctor in that office. Walking is the one exercise that generally doesn’t bother me, so that’s how I keep a bit active. Judging by charts, I am about 30 pounds overweight. My leg and hip pains now do have me thinking about having at least one hip replaced. How do I
initiate this? What sort of improved mobility can I expect? How long is recovery? Might my insurance cover a second opinion? What options are there? Which implants are best? -- J.W. ANSWER: You need a different orthopedic surgeon. He or she will go over all the questions you have -- all of which are reasonable, but can be answered only by someone who has examined you, listened to your concerns and knows your particular orthopedic problem. Almost all insurances will let you seek a second opinion. If you are feeling kind, let the orthopedic surgeon you didn’t see know the treatment you got from the PA. It has been my experience that physician assistants give out very good care, within the scope of their expertise, but this one is not giving good care to you, and I’m sure the surgeon would like to know. The booklet on back problems gives an outline of the causes of and treatments for the morecommon back maladies. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach -- No. 303W, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.
Published by Velocity Ventures Trust
For Advertising Call (541) 203-0233
Page 5
-- so it would seem that a pickle is, too.
* It was 19th-century Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh -- one of the most popular artists of all time -- who made the following sage observation: “Conscience is a man’s compass, and though the needle sometimes deviates, though one often perceives irregularities when directing one’s course by it, one must still try to follow its direction.”
UNUSUAL ANIMALS:
CRABS
This week, Tidbits goes under the sea to dig up some facts on crabs. • The approximately 5,000 species of crabs are divided into “true crabs” and “false crabs.” About 4,500 are true crabs, or brachyurans, and include blue crabs, spider crabs, and ghost crabs. False crabs are “crab-like” animals, which have a longer abdominal section and fewer walking legs, including hermit crabs and king crabs. • Crabs are decapods, which are crustaceans with 10 limbs. Their two front legs end in claws, called chelae. The other four pairs are the creature’s walking legs. If a crab loses a claw or leg in a fight, it will grow back. • Although crabs can live on land, they spend most of their time in fresh water, and live in more different places than any other sea animal, even under the ice in Antarctica and in volcanic vents. • The crab’s hard shell, called a carapace, is actually a skeleton on the outside of its body. Because the rigid shell cannot grow or stretch, the creature must shed its skeleton and grow a new one. When it molts, a crack forms in the shell, and the crab backs out of it. During their first year of life, this occurs six or seven times, then once or twice a year after that. A crab might go through up to 50 molts during its lifetime. • A crab’s eyes are located on short independentlymoving stalks and are compound eyes made up of hundreds of tiny lenses that can detect UV light more than half a mile below the ocean’s surface.
* Those who study such things say that penguins are so well insulated that, in general, they have a harder time staying cool than they do staying warm. * You’ve probably never wondered how to categorize the dill pickle, but some people have. Is it a fruit? Hard to say. The cucumber is, technically, a fruit -- part of the gourd family
* You’ve almost certainly heard of the Rock of Gibraltar -- as a metaphor for strength and solidity, if for no other reason. This famed monolith of limestone on the European side of the Strait of Gibraltar, that narrow connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, makes up only half of the Pillars of Hercules. On the African side of the strait is Jabal Musa, and this southern half of the Pillars is twice as tall as its more famous partner to the north. * Many people don’t realize that the popular name Renee means “reborn.” * The state of Delaware was named for Delaware Bay, which in turn was named for the first English governor of the colony of Virginia. His name was Thomas West, but his title was Baron De la Warr. Ultimately, his title is derived from the Old French term “de la werre,” which means “of the war.”
agrees. * A Congressional Budget Office looked at the potential government Should Medicare Age savings in 2013, and concluded that the government could save $19 billion be Raised to 67? 2016 and 2023. There’s a movement afoot that, if it between * Seniors generally would stay with gains traction and becomes law, could the same health-care who will affect many of us. Researchers have get less money for providers, the same services, once again studied the ramifications of probably 30 percent less. Those providers increasing the age of Medicare eligibility will continue to see existing patients to 67. The purpose, of course, would be because they’ll be dealing with volume in to save the government money. number of patients. Here are a few of the things the study theSo what does this mean to us? discovered from the records of more than Seniors would need to spend two 200,000 seniors: more years on private insurance. To keep * Overall medical spending dropped employer-provided we’d need by a third when seniors switched to to stay employed forinsurance, two more years. Medicare because the government pays If we were planning to retire and have providers less than private insurers. Social Security as all (or at least of * While the government will save our income, we’re not likely to bepart) able to money, actual health-care spending will afford the high cost of medical insurance, go up. A previous 2011 study concluded as it seems to go up each year as we get that while the government would save older. $5.7 billion (in 2014), seniors age 65 Bottom line: This topic isn’t going and 66 would have increased costs out of away. It’s one to keep an eye on. pocket of $4.5 billion. The current study
Jobs Via Joining Forces Veteran unemployment isn’t as high as it used to be, down to 5.8 percent in 2015 from a high of 12.2 percent in 2011. It’s likely the Joining Forces program is at least partially responsible for that. In 2011, first lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden challenged civilian companies to hire 100,000 veterans and spouses in an employment and training launch. Companies responded by hiring or training more than 1 million. One year ago, that same initiative saw numerous companies pledging to hire 90,000 veterans in the technology and energy fields over the next five years. Fast-forward to now: Forty companies participating in a renewal of the program have committed to hiring 110,000 veterans and to training 60,000 veterans and spouses in the next five years, mostly in technology, aerospace and telecommunications. Let’s see where some of those jobs are:
JPMorgan Chase will hire 1,000 veterans over five years. It’s going to commit to spending $13.8 million through 2020 to support the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Since 2011 they’ve helped 2,400 earn information-technology certificates. Amazon has hired 10,000 veterans and spouses since 2013 and is committing to hiring 25,000 more in the next five years. In addition, it will train another 10,000 in cloud computing. The aerospace industry (including General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems and Boeing) will hire 30,000 veterans in total. The big phone companies (T-Mobile and Verizon, AT&T and Sprint) will hire 25,000 more. Accenture and USAA will hire 5,000 each. Dell, Tesla, GoDaddy, Intuit, Seagate and Hewlett-Packard will hire as well. Multiple companies will provide training and certification. Get your resume ready. For the full list of hiring companies, go online to whitehouse. gov and look for the press release dated May 5, 2016. To read the full reports and keep track of new ones as they come in, check www.va.gov/oig.
to agree that in good condition, your cocktail dress might sell in the $500-$750 range. ***
Cocktail Dress Q: I have a cocktail dress from about 1980 that was designed by Oscar De La Renta. It is floorlength with a white bodice and diagonal rows of beads and rhinestones. The skirt is black silk with a front bow. Is it worth taking up room in my closet? -- Sarah, San Francisco A: Most designer clothes have increased in value in recent years. The 1980s are suddenly very hot, so my answer is yes. I checked with several vintage clothing dealers, and they seem
Q: A number of weeks ago, I sent you a threepage list of antiques and collectibles I asked you to appraise. I even enclosed a SASE for your convenience. I have not received an answer. What’s up? -- Bill, Sun City, Arizona A: I don’t appraise items for either garage or estate sales. Even though I was in the antique business for more than 30 years, I am not an appraiser nor do I pretend to be. When I publish a value in this column, I attribute it either to a price guide or expert. I also limit myself to answering one question per reader. If you send me an inventory of your house --- even with a SASE --- it is a waste of both your time and money. With a computer you can check current values on eBay. I find that extremely helpful
when determining current values. Put another way, there are no free lunches or 5 cent cigars. If you feel you have something valuable, hire the services of a good professional appraiser. For general information, which I hope is helpful, I am your man. *** Q: I have a Coca-Cola tray from the 1920s featuring a couple playing golf. Do I have a valuable item? -- Dorothy, Ladue, Missouri A: Yes, if it is authentic. Coca-Cola collectors must be aware that many of the old beverage trays have been reproduced, and some even aged to look much older than they actually are. If your tray is the real deal, it was issued in 1926 and is valued in the $500-$750 range, depending on condition.
CRABS (continued):
• As omnivores, crabs dine predominantly on algae, although some species eat worms and mollusks. They have no teeth in their mouths, but rather, the teeth are in the stomach. Large mashing jaws on either side of the mouth do mash food somewhat, but within in the stomach, the teeth grind against each other every time the stomach contracts. The mouth opens on the underside of the animal, but because of the hard exoskeleton, it doesn’t open very wide. • A group of crabs is called a cast, and its
members communicate with each other by flapping their pincers or drumming their claws. • The world’s largest crab is the Japanese Spider Crab, found in the waters off the southern coast of Japan. This giant’s leg span can reach 12 feet (3.8 m) from claw to claw and can weigh up to 42 lbs. (19 kg). • A crab that doesn’t find its way into a fisherman’s trap will live between 8 and 13 years (although fiddler crabs live just two years.) Of all the creatures
caught from the world’s bodies of water, 20% of them are crabs. The average crab weighs about 2 lbs. (0.9 kg) and is 6 inches (15.2 cm) long. About one-fourth of its weight is meat. About 1.5 million tons of crab are consumed by humans around the world each year. The Japanese Blue Crab is the most consumed. The popular king crab is not even a true crab. Native to the cold waters of the Bering Sea and northern Pacific Ocean, it’s easily the most expensive per unit of weight.
Page 8
Published by Velocity Ventures Trust
For Advertising Call (541) 203-0233
with the Indy 500, including 38 drivers, 12 mechanics, five spectators, two members of the pit crew, two firemen, and a young boy who was struck by a wheel that bounced out of the arena and across the street. Of the 38 drivers, 14 were killed in the actual race, with the remainder perishing during practice or qualifying runs.
• The first Indy 500 winner Ray Harroun took home $14,250 for his prize. Juan Montoya, winner in 2015, had winnings of $2,449,055. Average speed has grown from Harroun’s average speed of 74.602 mph (120.06 km/ hr) to a record 187.33 mph (301.644 km/hr) achieved by Tony Kanaan in 2013.
MORE INDY 500 FACTS
• The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the first track built in the U.S. specifically for auto racing. The original 328 acres has been expanded to 559 acres, and a seating capacity of 235,000 that can expand to 400,000 by filling the infield. This makes it the world’s highest-capacity sports venue.
• The official trophy of the Indy 500 is the Borg Warner Trophy, standing approximately 5 feet, 4 inches (162.5 cm) tall, weighing 153 lbs. (45 kg), crafted of sterling silver. The original trophy was produced at a cost of $10,000, but today is insured for more than $1.3 million. Every winner’s name and image since 1911 are inscribed on the statue or on its base. The winners do not receive the actual trophy – it is displayed at the Indy 500 Hall of Fame Museum – but rather a miniature replica, nicknamed “Baby Borg.”
• Whereas some race cars had wheels covered by fenders, cars that had wheels sticking out from the main body of the car became known as “Indy Cars.” • Tickets to this year’s race varied from $40 for • The youngest Indy 500 winner was just 22 General Admission to $230 for a Penthouse years old, California native Troy Ruttman, Box seat. who, in 1952, drove his Agajanian Special at a record-breaking average speed of 128.922 mph (207.5 km/hr). Al Unser was just five days shy of his 48th birthday when he became the race’s oldest winner in 1987, his fourth victory. • There has been a pace car at the Indy 500 every year since its 1911 inception. The pace car leads the racers for a ceremonial two-lap run and one official lap prior to the race. It also enters the track in the event of a yellow flag caution event in order to bunch the cars at a reduced speed. The winner of the race is awarded the car at the victory banquet.
• Ten women racers have entered at least once. The first female to qualify and compete in the Indy 500 was Janet Guthrie, an aerospace engineer, who drove in the 1977 race. Starting from 18th position, a timing gear failure after just 27 laps forced her to retire from the race. In 2005, Danica Patrick was the first woman to actually lead a lap at the Indy 500. She went on to finish fourth that year, and took third place in 2009. She also has the distinction of being the first Indy 500 driver to appear in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
• The closest finish in Indy 500 history was in 1992, when Al Unser, Jr. beat Scott Goodyear by just 0.043 of a second.
• There have been 60 fatalities associated
1. Aaron Cook, with 72 wins (2002-11). 2. Tom Tresh with the New York Yankees in 1962, and Jim Lefebvre with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1965. 3. Terry Baker of Oregon State in 1962. 4. Isiah Thomas had a 20/20 game in 1985. 5. Twenty-one seasons. 6. Richard Petty. 7. It was 1994.
Answers 1. The B-52s, 1989 2. Independence, Missouri 3. Polynesia 4. 8 minutes, 20 seconds 5. 180 6. Venus and Uranus 7. Swiss franc 8. Helsinki, Finland 9. The transistor 10. “Paint Your Wagon”