The Little Words Mean the Most

In France: Vertical days: The season opens in Pézenas

In France: Days 1-2

Laptop bag comparisons: My take

How do I know we're headed for France? I have my dual watch on, with dials in two time zones, EST and WineST. And facing the usual dilemma: What bag to drag overseas?

It's a real dilemma. In just the past few weeks, I've been in Indiana, Chicago, DC, San Diego, and Anchorage.

The workhorse is my SwissGear by Wenger. Tagline: From the maker of the genuine Swiss Army Knife. Say no more. I see these bags on many shoulders. And there's every reason why: the designers found all sorts of underexploited corners and tucked in zippered, mesh bags. You can carry EVERYTHING. With room to spare. Cons: fully loaded, it's pretty weighty. Even empty, it's pretty weighty.

Tried slenderizing, using a Tom Bihn shoulder bag. But it's just for day appointments. A pretty thing, but not half as clever as it thinks.

This trip overseas I'm road-testing Australia's entry in the "smart bag" competition: the Revolution S from STM. It packs a third less than the SwissGear. But I'm trying to slim down on my "must have's."

Let you know.

Related articles

Tom Bihn Synapse 25 Backpack

!STM Bags Nomad Laptop Shoulder Bag (11 in., 13 in., 15 in.) - Bondi Blue XS - 11 in.

What did I hide from you Friday?

My gurl went through Presidential security

I'm so proud. First in the family to suffer through the long lines and daft restrictions ("no water on the table") associated with "POTUS is in the building." President Obama spoke before Planned Parenthood in DC. Simone was there as a board member for the southern New England affiliate.

Watch her prance!

The land awakens: Take 4

Wisdom: What Jack Hale said

Jack is 13, 7th grade in Anchorage. Met Jack and sister Emma at dinner with their parents, before a flight out. Jack's in this ballet class where he provides the lifting power. The females spin into Jack's capable hands and strong arms ... and soar! A few of his friends teased him about ballet. He pointed out that while they, soccer dudes and such, experienced nothing more than the boy's locker room and sweaty guys, he, Jack, got to touch gorgeous teenage girls.

Point: Jack.

Greetings from Anchorage, at the Foraker Summit

My dentist complained about bird poop

I had turkey buzzards mating above my office. They're not that acrobatic in love. They sounded like roofers having a slap fight.