Heard a story from a fellow presenter and veteran of airport security. Evidently, the line was tied up at the Houston airport some time ago, when an unidentified electronic device was spotted by TSA. The presenter told that this device belonged to a very well-dressed businesswoman, one who clearly was a frequent traveler and used to the routine. This electronic device had to be removed from the luggage and placed in its own bin for scrutiny, and it caused the crowd to pause and the screener to blush. The woman, however, was unapologetic. "I don't go anywhere without Big Al," she explained.
Well, I guess this presenter has retold this story on several occasions, though today was my first time. Big Al has become a bit of a cult code among some presenters. In fact, another presenter sent a gift to the purveyor of the Big Al story. He was working in Peoria, Il, on the way to the airport after a training at a Catholic school when he spotted Big Al's strip club with merchandise for sale. He had to detour to nab a Big Al XXXL t-shirt. Of course, the packing tube made the gift complete. I love a good travel story, and this one was a peach!
