The w&b thing is really a no brainer... The station agent transmits w&b numbers to dispatch and we "wait for our numbers" in a text from The Central Nervous Center & Dispatching Command Office in SBY. Just like the Airbus pilots do… Cactus 740, line up and wait RW 27L… Sorry ground, we’re “waiting for our numbers…” We collect our block rate while someone else scratches the nuts and head trying to deal with the 3 extra people will they be able to go? by the way they have 14 carry on bags and can we get a j/s on there too?? And can you figure this out in 1.3 minutes?? And don’t forget to carry that 6…

We've proven time and time again that we can't do math, the only safe way to do it is to have the 0 fuel weight, takeoff weight and trim setting; this could be sent to us, same as every other 121 Jet carrier. Let the guys/gals in the air conditioned Puzzle Palace put a few numbers into their computers and let it spit out the information sans error. How can the FAA fault that plan? Do they think Delta f/o's are scribbling with their shoes off, a bright green crayon and the captain playing with his toes at the same time to check on the f/o? Does USAirways? United? Don't know, but does Air Wisconsin do it manually? Mesa? PSA?

Trim setting?? This is something NEW!!! Hey, they could put 4 tape hash marks on the trim indicator and transmit whether we should have a setting of 3 or 1 or 2 or 4. Then this could be added to the checklist, and wait, don’t forget the MEL. We could then open our MEL book because the 2nd hash mark has worn off, go through the 34 step MEL process which includes 6 phone calls to verify that verification has been completed between mx control, pilot, f/a, the tower, New York approach and the ramp controller in LGA…. After all, safety first!!!

As long as we're going after stuff and willing to strike over it, let's put an end to this w&b
debacle too. Now, about those %*$%))#^ engine intake plugs.....