Not particularly relevant to this forum, but nevertheless I’m hoping some of you will feel some solidarity with me for this.
No 1.
Used to work for a very large US carrier, flying on standby out of SFO about a year ago. 20 seconds or so after taking off there is very bad burning smell. Cabin crew out of jump seats, looking very worried etc. Burning smell gets worse. “Oh, going down then” say I. Yes, it was a joke. Unfortunately the pax didn’t think so.
No 2.
Different job. Preparing a briefing for a very, very, very senior member of the cabinet (as he’s called). Half an hour before the deadline things are not going well. Effing and blinding away at the people contributing to the briefing. Laughter begins. “What the f@*k are you b@*****s laughing at!” Some kind soul began pointing at me. I didn’t take the hint. And gave off at him as well. When I did look behind me, the very, very, very senior member of the cabinet was indeed standing there. I have been promoted since though…