Exactly. The biggest I carry is a leatherman wave and a small flip cell phone. Anything bigger and I look like someone took a side mirror off a Mack truck and stuck it on a Honda, just sticks out way too far. Even with the small gear I have I still manager to catch it on things.

I befriended the 6'3" / 270 lbs in college who worked part time as a bouncer (had enough patience to teach him how to use an O-scope) so I had the best of both worlds <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you are in shape, height and weight do not matter.

I will never forget a PBS show where this tall strong looking American woman (In what most of us would consider good physical condition.) tried to carry a load of firewood like the native women of the country she was in were doing. She didn't make it on level ground and gave up as they started up a hill. She was in pain for days after that and marveled that the little (in stature) native women did this sort of thing on a daily basis.

Bountyhunter

Thought checker. I got me one of those.
And we've been married 16 years...... <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

All the best,

.....CLIFF

Excellent ! <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
at least for those of your puns I understand !
I don't get n° 1 and n° 4 and I'm not sure for n°3 <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Your "pants hamster" comment really got me. It rings true, as well.

I once had my jeans geared up just fine. The sturdy cotton held everything without sagging. Then we had to go to a slightly formal affair, where dressier trousers were called for.

Once I had on my better-looking Dockers, holy cow, talk about sag! Omigod, every pocket bulged, my dress belt bit into my hips, and the Pants Hamster was born. I had to seriously offload things and carry a shoulder bag I have.

You are right on target with the Daytimer idea. I know this because I have read on different forums about how office workers can be prepared without attracting attention. Now I'm casting about for the right one for me.

Exactly. The zippered notebook looks the most professional, but leaves you without both hands free. With two children, I have to keep both hands free at all times. Talk about preparedness! On the other hand, a waist pack or shoulder bag can carry more, but isn't "acceptable" for a lot of the social situations I find myself in weekly, such as church, board room, customer visit, etc. Hmm. As long as I have my children with me, I can get away with stashing some stuff into the diaper bag without looking strange. Around here, however, a man carrying a shoulder bag would get some strange looks, and the last thing I want to do is call attention to myself. I guess a very low profile, trendy messenger bag might work. Bigger guys can wear waist packs without them even standing out, but on me, it would look like the example above of the Mac Truck side mirror on a Mini Cooper.

Frenchy:

I guess I did assume an American point of reference. Apologies to my international colleagues.

The Top 10 reference is to a late night talk show host here, David Letterman, who nightly does rather silly "Top 10" lists.

As to No. 4, I figured that since wolfsbane wards off werewolves, mint had to ward off something; something rather less dangerous. A "Wereduck" seemed amusing, absurd, and all together less threatening.

As to No. 3 refers to two Wrigley's chewing gum brands - Doublemint and Spearmint. When I was a kid, we thought all the cool guys chewed Doublemint, and only losers liked Spearmint or (horrors!) that other Wrigley flavor - Juicy Fruit. (Note: I have amended my thoughts on this as I have aged. I now base such baseless decisions on people and their preferred brands of Scotch...)

As to No.1, I have no idea, either. I would claim artistic license, but mine expired years ago.......

Bon temps, mes ami - and a Happy Mardi Gras!

.....CLIFF

This forum is international. That´s a good opportunity to broaden one´s horizon. So don´t feel too guilty.
I thought I had figured out number one as mint is not only candy but also a leafy shrub. Considering what used to be covered with the figue leaf it sure makes sense to be prepared if the leaf falls off. I could be wrong though.

Agreed.

What I'd love is a Daytimer/zippered notebook-type of thing with an optional shoulder strap.

Good God, two kids? Then you need more than two hands, you also need caffeine and eyes in the back of your head. Grin.