When I first started traveling on business in 1988, I was still single/young, and loved seeing my FF miles roaring towards that magic million miler plateau – now married w/kids, still travel on business, but I’ll rent a car and drive unless the trip is an emergency OR the drive is longer than 8 hrs by interstate. Before 9/11 I loved settling into one of those transcontinental (or transoceanic) flights – typically on the old L-1011 or (less frequently) on a 747 – and waiting for the food, flick, and if I was lucky, an hour or two of naptime. Fond memories. I was skinnier.

No more. Now I fly (when I fly) wide awake – sticking to regional airframes, I try to lay an eyeball on everyone who boards, taking note of certain details… ignore the wallflower at your peril.

If Whiskey’s right and Lord Zero is determined to allow another mass casualty attack on our country, then our best hope to thwart it is for the sheepdogs to remain vigilant.

May God have mercy on us.