Stray Observations: Flying from Portland to New York

  • In transit to PWM: Sunrise-tinted field in Gorham, on the way to Portland, 4:40 in the morning.
  • Before security: Guy with shaved head, loop earring and giant soul patch like Howie Mandel: “Why would any man wear pink shorts?”
  • Security: While many are actually quite delightful, Airport TSA Officer appears to be a career path of choice for some folks who feel profoundly unheard in every other arena.
  • Preparing to board: I hope that everything goes well. This is not a crowd I would be comfortable enduring an emergency situation with.
  • On the plane: 40-something woman to 60-something mother: “Do you have your Beats?” Mother: “No, I brought the Bose. They’re so old fashioned, though. With the Beats, you feel like you’re really there!”
  • JFK: Safe arrival, greeted by “Maniac” blasting over the PA.

I have danced into the danger zone.

Alex Steed

About Alex Steed

Alex Steed has written about and engaged in politics since he was an insufferable teenager. He has run for the Statehouse and produced a successful web series. He now runs a content firm called Knack Factory with two guys who are a lot more talented than himself.