News and notes from around the interweb:
- Mastercard is working on blockchain-based anonymous payments but I’d never trust any system they build for true anonymity since they’re too reliant on governments not to compromise any commitment they make of that sort.
- Bill Murray helps other passengers while going through TSA screening. My only real brush with fame at security was going through in front of Billy Crystal. Based on overhearing a conversation with his assistant, he was unfamiliar with the availability of American’s Five Star service. He stood behind me in a long line to get into the LAX Admirals Club as well.
- Man giving away frequent flyer award redemptions so people can go home for the holidays
- Donor to New York City Mayor, on trial for corruption, mocked TSA agents for believing he was a cop.
A de Blasio donor on trial for cop corruption was heard on tape Friday blasting airport security for believing he was an actual member of law enforcement after he flashed a police badge that the feds say he got via bribes.
…“I showed them my shield..I said, ‘I got to catch this 10:45 [flight], could they escort me,’ ” Reichberg said. “And they didn’t even screen me — these idiots, these fools. Fools!”
…[He] also pretended to be a rabbi to get through TSA lines, according to government cooperator Jona Rechnitz — with whom Reichberg stands accused of teaming up in order to bribe cops.
- Another British Airways flight, another passenger seat soaked in urine
- Sexual harassment at TSA
Spotted Billy Crystal outside an event in Santa Monica years ago. He was walking by himself, no entourage or even an assistant. I wonder if Mr. Crystal had known about the AA Five Star Service, that he would have used it, since skipping lines and being escorted around the airport could make you look like a jerk, something smarter celebrities may want to avoid.
Stood behind Bill Nye in MSP before an early flight about 4 YO. He looked cranky enough to dissuade anyone from asking for a selfie. Perhaps it was the polar vortex outside (he was only wearing a light sportcoat).
Also sat in the same row as the MN Governor and wife (he was middle seat and is 6’6″) on an MIA-MSP Delta flight in late 2008. To top it off, I was late for the flight (heard my name being announced in TSA line) and they held the plane as long as they could which lead to my walk of shame to seat 37F. Yep, Mr. and Mrs. Governor had to get out of their seats to let me in. We then sat with our knees touching the seats in front for the 3 hour flight.
Good times.