MD-80 going…going…gone?

Alaska Airlines made an announcement more than two weeks ago that its fleet of 26 MD-80s will be retired before the end of 2008, nine years ahead of their planned retirement. I say good riddance. I was in one of Alaska Air’s MD-80s and i was seated right next to the starboard engine. Damn, that thing was loud. They should put warning label next to the seat that permanent damage to hearing is very likely under prolonged exposure.