I've been through security five times so far this year, and EVERY SINGLE TIME I've been stopped for a "random security screening" where they take my bag(s), rub a cloth over the handles and zippers then put the cloth in a machine. I finally asked what this was all about and the guard said it detected traces of elements used in explosives.

Two of the times I even had my kids with me! The only thing I've been doing different recently is putting my pager and cell phone in the bag BEFORE security so that I don't have to waste time turning them on/making them beep for the guard. Perhaps this is why I keep getting singled out?

This has happened at IAD (twice), ORD, LAS and MCO. In any cse, it makes me feel better that at least SOMETHING is being done beyond a yawn and a wave...