Isn’t it amazing how quiet it is – everywhere – on Sunday mornings? There are several very obvious reasons for why that is, but still it is remarkable. Even the lineup is subdued.
I read last night that a roadside spectator was killed in an accident at the Tour de France yesterday. If you’ve watched any part of the 21-day race, you’ve noticed the police motorcycles that escort the racing packs and monitor the spectator lines along the roadway edges. About 25 miles into yesterday’s stage, after the first batch of riders passed by, a 61-yr.-old woman dashed out into the roadway apparently wishing to get to the other side before the next group of riders appeared. As she did, she was struck by one of the motorcycles which then went down and slid into the crowd striking a woman holding a child and another elderly man. The first woman was killed immediately and the other two adults were only slightly injured. The child was ok.
The last time there was a fatal accident on the Tour was in 2002 when a child was struck by a support car.
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It was just a month ago, on June 19, that Henry Allingham, the oldest living man in Great Britain, took over the title of World’s Oldest Man. Sadly, Henry passed away yesterday at his nursing home residence. Last month we posted a story about the 113-yr.-old Henry when he moved up to #1. You can read it and view our videos HERE. Also, the BBC News has posted a nice obituary of him, including some early photographs, HERE.
Now the World’s Oldest Man is a resident of Great Falls, Montana, Walter Bruening who was born on September 21, 1896. He’ll turn 113 in two months.
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Now for a spot of trivia that touches on the fire and rescue service. Do you know where the term “rookie” comes from? (Do you even care?) Some cultural historians believe that the slang word dates back to the American Civil War. The enlisted men started calling the new recruits “reckies” for short. Over time, the word evolved into “rookie.” You don’t have to believe that if you don’t want to, but it sounds like as good an explanation as any other.
Now let’s get this equipment checked out. I’ll see how the Sunday breakfast is coming and start teaching the rookie how to make a proper pot of coffee.
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