Jerry Springer guests are frequently big, dumb people who like to brawl and throw chairs. <BR> <BR>Not that I've seen the show or anything. :)

I'm just wondering why so many of you are assuming that because someone is big that they are dumb, psychotic, on steroids and kooks? What's that all about?

Another relative/friend of mine story. These are on the net by by the dozen and notice that none are by the actual person involved.

you got that right bubba...gezzzz people..... DUH!!!!!!!!

Hi Cindy, I meant that with my luck it would be a dumb, kooky person, since <BR>the thread is about big people being selected to act as guards, it would be a big, dumb, kooky person. <BR>It was a silly remark meant for laughs, I like big people and little people and all the peeps in between.

My apologies, Marc. I was wrong. <BR> <BR>bubba, and oh please, I was skeptical and jumped on this post too when I first read it. You need to read USA Today's 10-17 front page article, based on reports from 5 reporters who took 11 flights last week. I'm the last one here to be a skeerdy cat, but if we are to believe the press, then you should accept what Marc has told us as probably accurate, because it's exactly what was reported in USA Today's article.

Well, I guess this is one answer to all those people who post saying "What can I do to get a free upgrade?" Bulk out.

I don't believe they are specifically asking people who are overweight, but rather guys who look strong and are willing to take on the responsibility. My boyfriend isn't the least bit overweight, but he does lift weights and is strong. What is outrageous is that we've been put in a position to discuss this topic at all. So sad.

To add: I've had business trips every week since 9/11, and I can say firsthand: the flight crews are as shaken as the rest of us, perhaps even moreso. I usually purchase "up front" tickets (us business travelers are paying full freight anyway, 1st class isn't that much more), and I've been on flights where the pilots give the word to the passengers, "there are "x" number of you, you outnumber any bad guys that could be on board" and follow with instructions on how to physically overpower the bad guys. Also, several flights had (as USA Today mentions) declared the first class lavatory "out of use" because it's too close to the cockpit. <BR>I have to admit, altho I think "they" will try other methods next time, I am indeed still nervous - but resigned, and am flying to all of my appointments, not driving or trying the train. The only part that's worse is to think that the cockpit group are distracted by nerves - if it makes the pilots feel better to limit proximity to the cockpit or to show off their hatchets or put good sized people up front, let them do it so they can stay focused on their real job: getting themselves and their passengers safely to the destination! <BR>

Sorry, if what was in the the USA Today (mcpaper) it has to be true. I know the press (Florida election night) would never reports anything (Dewey wins!) inacurately. Anyway, just my humble opinion.