Not too be confused as part of the "axis of evil", Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel, Jr. passed away the other day. Long after the world has forgotten the leaders of Iran, Iraq and North Korea, Evel will be remembered as a true world-wide inspiration.
Though not an athlete in the true sense of the word - he broke more bones in his body over his lifetime than all of the NBA, NHL and NFL combined. A consummate showman and self-promoter; he virtually invented the "sport" of motorcycle daredevil (which according to Lance Murdock of the Simpson's "the United States has the best doctor to daredevil ratio in the world."), to which he spawned an industry of imitators (including son Robbie). He took to his grave whether or not he intentionally deployed the parachute soon after takeoff of his purportedly underpowered rocket cycle in his Labor Day attempt to jump the Snake River in 1974. Though his last jump was more than 26 years ago (1981) he still made news whenever or wherever he appeared. And while his tough living caught up with him in his later years (bankruptcy, divorce, legal woes, family estrangement, and medical problems) he is an icon that will live on forever.
While on the team ride today in Miami north on the A1A to my eventual turn around just north of Boca Raton a Hollywood, FL cop converged on me as he was merging onto my roadway from an intercoastal bridge overpass - he ultimately slowed as we were side-by-side and let me proceed (though I had my doubts), and then caught up to me at the next intersection where the light was red. In his brief conversation through the passenger (partner?) window he apologized for closing on me so rapidly so as to cause me alarm and wanted to know that even as a police officer they make the occasional mistake. I thanked him for his forthrightness and was so caught off guard that I just shrugged the awe-sucks look at him and we went on our way when the light turned. A feel good moment - good on him for reassuring me in this manner; he probably learned something in the bike/car confrontation & conflict arena that may help later in his career (something Velonews reported on recently).
The Idiot Passenger of the Day award goes to the guy in the boarding jetway who turned to me and asked the "How many drinks have you had tonight?" question. A less tolerant Captain might have reacted differently, but I just said to the guy - "You really don't want to ask that question? If you're joking I'll just let it go - this time. If you're serious, then that's a whole different matter." Well he backed off and said he was just kidding around, and tried to laugh it off with his buddies (who didn't seem amused by his behavior). Folks - while there have been certain high-profile circumstances where pilots have attempted to fly after having consumed an alcoholic beverage too close to flight time (there are both FAA and Company limitations on this issue) - this question is akin to shouting fire in a crowded theater or talking about bombs or guns when passing through airport security; it has serious ramifications. Please engage brain before moving mouth.
The lowest observed gas price was in North Fort Lauderdale beach area at the Hess station on A1A - $3.11/gallon.
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