"Fate is the Hunter" is one of my all time favorite aviation books. If you ever feel like an over-taxed F/O just read that book - puts it all in perspective!

As far as a the late AWABS debate goes - I think the problems that the 747 (and 330 guys?) are having will be short lived. I know that some may think that our system is a step backwards but it really does work. We can talk about the distraction of SE taxi and runway change items - but I can remember being in a NW jumpseat and watching those guys with their heads down as they processed the numbers that they received during their taxi.