Many years ago when I was a sophisticated young woman (I think I was 18) I sat next to this chatterbox kid (he was maybe 15) wearing sunglasses. He talked and talked and talked about everything under the sun. When the pilot came over the loudspeaker and talked about the beautiful sunshine and billowing clouds, my seat mate said, "Tell me about it". "Why don't you tell me, you've got the window?" I replied. "Oh, I can't," he said, "I'm blind".

He then pulled a Life magazine out from under the seat and began to show me his pictures. He was Little Stevie Wonder. He sure was friendly then.

Also sat IN COACH many years ago with Bill Gates (from Vegas to Seattle). At the time the rumor was that he would never pay for a 1st class ticket. I recently flew Seattle to London with an entire Biz Class full of Microsofties and mentioned it to one of them. They said, "I don't think he ever did. He went straight from coach to his own plane."

I too was prevented from entering an elevator with Elizabeth Dole last fall at the Baltimore airport. Wonder what she does in there that she needs all that privacy?

My son and I sat across the aisle from Isaiah Thomas JFK/DTW in March. I noticed he had on a nice suit, but I wouldn't have known him from Adam My son was thrilled. They played palm pilot games.

In May we were on the same plane as Hakim (some Spanish/Moorish rock star). We knew he must be famous when we were plowed down by 60 screaming thirteen-year-olds who were flying from Malaga to Barcelona with their school music group. I adore teenagers but am always amazed at how much engergy they waste and how much noise they can make.