My flight yesterday on Alaska Airlines prompted some comments. At the airport I noticed I'd forgotten my headphones so I picked up a small set of ear-buds. The purchase turned out to be a good choice since there is no in-air entertainment system on the 737-900 jet I was on. They advertise a DVD/CD/MP3 player for rent if arrangements are made in advance. The jet was clean, new and quite nice. The flight crew left something to be desired. The snippy flight attendant informed me that although she could see that the ear buds were off they had to be taken out of my ears and "stowed" for takeoff. I use my headphones as ear-plugs during takeoff and landing... but not with the grumpy stewardess. I'm glad I won't be using the airline much if this is typical.