From Washington DC to Newark New Jersey with Scott Pelley
And creeping people out at the airport
I whispered to my wife as we boarded the small jet, a twin-engined Bombardier to Newark NJ from Washington DC, “look last first-class seat on the left — see him?”
I’m a big guy 6’4”, over 230 lbs. Scott Pelley, wearing a suit, sees me looking at him in the small cabin as people inch toward their seats; guess I’m staring. I’m making him uncomfortable.
Scott Pelley is a veteran newscaster on CBS and a host on their popular 60 Minutes news show. He’s been on the air as long as I can remember and he’s one of my favorite hosts.
My wife looked and I said that’s the Scott Pelley guy from TV. She doesn’t stare at people. I don’t think she’s ever made anyone uncomfortable with a glance.
I shuffled by him, head hunched to avoid bumps on the aisle ceiling. I’m not sure if he was tensing up as I approached because I was no longer looking. I try to look away when I catch myself staring at people.
I made Steve Wozniak, cofounder of the behemoth Apple Computer company, uncomfortable at BWI airport late one evening in 2017. I was picking up family from a late night flight and was standing near the escalators to the baggage claim. I recognized him right away and started staring.
He was due to testify at the Senate that week on the importance of keeping neutral internet access available to Americans. I like this Steve and his message. He was staring at me, caution on his face, slowing as he made his way to the escalator next to me. He must have been the first person off the plane by a mile; there was no one between us and no one behind him.
I must have looked like I was about to jump out at him — I’m not subtle and the thought of clumsily approaching him was going through my head. I’m overly cringe too often, but not this time. I suspected he had important insights to share in the morning and didn’t need an unwelcome interruption of his late-night commute from this odd-looking stranger. I’m sure he keeps an eye out for nut jobs. You never know. I looked away at the last few moments and he was gone down the escalator.
My family from California showed up with the rest of the passengers a few minutes later. I told them who I saw and they asked Steve who? They only knew about Steve Jobs like most people.
I wonder if they would know who Scott Pelley is. I rode a plane with that guy.
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