while we're on the subject, note also that a "corkscrew" (which is permitted in carry on luggage, per TSA) is not the same thing as a wine opener suitable for grown ups (i.e., the sort used in restaurants, with a folding corkscrew and a folding blade for opening the foil) -- apparently the blade trumps the corkscrew, so a real wine opener is NOT permitted in carry on luggage.

Security also doesn't like it if you have your ID in a plastic sleeve in your wallet and take too long to get it out of that sleeve. Take it out ahead of time, or risk a free personal security screening.

It's not all that bad: thanks to the Tabacco lobby, it is perfectly fine to carry lighters and matches into an airplane. Not that hijackers would ever consider lighting up their explosive shoes...

Those must be some honking great big gold cufflinks you're wearing there, Brad! I've travelled the length and breadth of the States with nary a thought to my tasteful enamel cufflinks. Are you sure it wasn't your Rolex or bling-bling gold chains that set the detector off?

Finally, the great political equalizer. Folks form all sorts of political persuasions finally agree on one thing: Flying today generally sucks as a result of the tender mercies of the TSA.
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I never thought I'd live to hear someone allege Brad DeLong has bling-bling.

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Aw, man, I have to give my email address now?