When Brooke Russell [Astor]was born March 30, 1902," writes the Washington Post, "Theodore Roosevelt was president, the U.S. had only 45 states and the Wright brothers had yet to make their first flight."

One hundred and five years later, former frat-guy/legacy George W. Bush is our president, America has 50 states (some of which still, apparently, don't understand how to work the damn voting machines) and Southwest Airlines has ordered that any/all passengers "who are unable to lower the armrests (the definitive boundary between seats) and/or who compromise any portion of adjacent seating should proactively book the number of seats needed during initial reservations."

Rest in peace, Brooke. It's been one hell of a century.