One solution to the window-shade-up-or-down dilemma might be to fly on a 737. For some unknown reason, one window on 737s is missing, the one immediately above the leading edge of the wing. And no, that's not the exit. Depending on the configuration ordered by the airline, the row with the missing window is row 9 or 10 or thereabouts. <BR>So if you're assigned a window seat in that row, you actually have a blank-wall-seat. <BR> <BR>Anyone have any idea why that window is missing? I assure you it is: I've been seated in that row on a Continental flight, and I've checked the exterior of every other 737 I've seen and the line of windows is missing one on them all.