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In Pursuit of the Perfect Brief for Traveling

9/29/2009

Since returning to Salt Lake City, I have been stopping at several stores in pursuit of the perfect briefcase to take on my trip. I saw a bag at the airport in the Brookstone store but I did not purchase it as my hands were full and time was short. Unfortunately, the Brookstone store at the Gateway did not have the bag and could not get one before my departure. I searched online and in several more stores with no success. Perhaps I was asking for too much? Essential qualities in my perfect brief are as follows:

1 - Checkpoint Friendly . . . it must have a separate padded compartment for my computer. The compartment must be able to lay flat from the balance of the bag so that it can clear through the TSA checkpoint without having to remove it from the actual bag. One zip and I am done.

2 - Multiple compartments that all zip closed to contain small items.

3 - Secure area for my travel documents, medications, and wallet.

4 - Lightweight but durable ballistic fabric.

5 - Padded shoulder strap.

6 - Can be carried on the handle of my rolling carry-on without the need for additional straps.

Well I finally found my brief for China. It is larger than I had desired for the brief, but it fulfills all my requirements. Still the bag only weighs 4.4 pounds. It is called the Pathfinder Compubrief Checkpoint Friendly Briefcase. The best news is that it was on sale . . . 40% off!

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In pursuit of traveling with ease

9/27/2009

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Returning to Salt Lake City today really brought home the necessity of zippers! Prior to embarking on the trip to TAMU, I had purchased a very professional appearing but fashionable briefcase to handle my laptop computer and my in-flight electronics. One trip on a flight and I discovered that the lack of zippers on two of the compartments of this brief was a terrible flaw. Tucked in under the seat in front of me, several items would come sliding out during the take-off or landing. The only way to prevent this was to keep it poised between my feet . . . awkward to say the least. Why did I become influenced by the feel of the soft but fake leather and the turquoise lining. Several years ago I had flown using a Land's End tote without a zipper and soon it landed in the bin of has been bags and luggage. Although this brief looks very nice, it will not be making the trip to China. It will be nice for meetings in Utah, so I won't retire it completely. The challenge will now be to find the perfect brief to carry my electronics safely and efficiently.

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Dallas-Fort Worth Skylink

9/24/2009

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It has been several years since I had made connections in the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Typically, I fly in and rent a car so this trip to Texas A&M University (TAMU) would be a test of my ability to traverse the sprawling terminals (A-E) in an attempt to make a connection on American Eagle to College Station. DFW covers almost 30 acres, has 3 control towers, 7 runways, and 5 terminals. It is the 3rd largest airport in the world in terms of operations and 7th in terms of passengers. The terminals stretch the equivalent of 7 foot ball fields. So I must admit I was prepared with my running shoes laced up and double knotted in preparation for the race. When I plan a trip by air I typically scope out the airport and I was aware of the Skylink. Unfortunately, several of my past encounters with "ground transportation" had left me with the decision to run for it rather than take the chance with the inconvenient systems. Well I was pleasantly surprised by the DFW Skylink people mover system.

Skylink is an elevated automated people mover system located above the airport, in this regard the Skylink is similar to the monorails of Disney World fame. The rail line is 50 feet above the ground. The sleek cars even feature large windows allowing the passengers to enjoy the unobstructed view of the Dallas-Fort Worth skyline. The Skylink trains arrive at each station (2 per terminal) every few minutes and speed its passengers smoothly to their destinations at 35-38 mph. The best feature of the system is that it operates within the secured area of the airport. There is no need to depart the airport and re-enter through the often frustrating TSA security screenings.

As my arrival flight taxied to its assigned gate, the flight attendant announced our arrival gate and then reviewed a litany of destinations and their corresponding departure gates. My seat assignment was in row 8 so my exit from the plane was relatively quick. My eyes spied the bright Skylink signs and the escalator quickly whisked me up to the station. I arrived at the Skylink station above the Terminal C just as the train was slipping quietly into the station. The automated voice announced the arrival of the train just as the doors opened and passengers poured out into the concourse. I slipped aboard and took a seat at the end of the first car. My ride lasted less than 7 minutes as the train cruised into a 2nd station in Terminal C, two stations in Terminal A, and then into the two stations of Terminal B. As the train paused perhaps a minute or two in the stations, most of the time I either checked out the view of the Dallas-Fort Worth skyline or reviewed the terminal guide considering my options for a quick lunch. I marveled at the calm demeanor of the passengers as they boarded and patiently awaited their appointed station. Amazingly, the Skylink is so efficient that the passengers do not jostle each other or push their way into the train like so many ill-planned or overcrowded ground transportation systems I have had the misfortune of enduring.

Fortunately, the speedy transfer afforded me the time to enjoy a healthy lunch at Subway and relax before my next flight. I commend the DFW Airport Authority for their foresighted attention and investment in a smooth operating people mover. I also aappreciated the number of volunteers providing information booths located in the terminals. They were always smiling and pleasant as they respond quickly with information and maps. My only recommendation is to provide free wireless Internet access. Unfortunately, every one of the wired Internet locations were filled with passengers. I would have appreciated access while I waited for my flight.

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First Post!

9/23/2009

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I begin the journey with my first blog. This is a new adventure for me and I look forward to chronicling my adventure in a new mode . . . a blog. Usually I take along a leather bound journal in which I write my thoughts and reflections. After each trip I pledge to type them up and share them with family and friends. And yes, there they sit on my bookshelf next to my desk awaiting the day when I have time to type them up. My sister has read some of my entries and she has encouraged me to take the time to share them with everyone. So hopefully some of these "blogs" will be interesting to read and provide some insight into the people and places I meet along the way. Well . . . I have taken the first step into this new adventure of blogging.

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In Pursuit of the Perfect Brief for Traveling

In pursuit of traveling with ease

Dallas-Fort Worth Skylink

First Post!

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