Summer Vacation Etiquette – Part 6: Outer Space Travel

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Outer Space Etiquette

Would you like spend your vacation – or at least part of it – on the Moon? That might be possible if a company called Space Adventures, Ltd., has its way; the company is one of a growing number of businesses focused on offering private citizens seats on space capsules for travel in outer space. So, while we’re on the subject of vacation etiquette and summer travel, in honor of the 43rd anniversary of the U.S. Moon Landing on July 20, 1969, I’m devoting this entry to the future of commercial space travel and evolving outer space etiquette.

Summer Vacation Etiquette – Part 5: Motorcycle Manners

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Rider Etiquette

My only experience with a motorcycle was as a passenger on my date’s ride when I was in my mid-20s; he was a few years older than I and a rather conservative banker, and I thought it was such a groovy idea (that’s how we talked back then).  Alas, it was the kind of experience that was akin to a ride on Space Mountain, meaning that once is quite enough, thank you very kindly.

The image that many have of motorcyclists, also referred to as bikers, riders and cyclists, is that of rebels and even road terrorists.  But, I can assure you that my banker was neither; he just liked to ride his motorcycle.  And, I have cousins who ride motorcycles and they are a highly educated, highly accomplished bunch.

Summer Vacation Etiquette – Part 4: Fourth of July Barbecue

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Fourth of July Barbecue Etiquette

For many Americans, nothing says summer has arrived like a Fourth of July celebration.  Roughly two weeks following the summer solstice, The Fourth is a great marker for the seasonal passage.

There are many ways we Americans celebrate The Fourth.  Among the favorites is the barbecue; following are some etiquette guidelines to make them even more enjoyable:

Summer Vacation Etiquette – Part 2: The Queue

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Lining Up With Etiquette

Historical sites, natural wonders and theme parks are popular vacation destinations.  Such vacations often include standing in long lines – or queues as they’re called in some regions – or waiting along crowded parade routes.  Few people enjoy them, but lines are a reality of the vacation experience, whether you’re waiting for admission to an attraction, ride, exhibit or restaurant table.  Depending on where you are while waiting in line, you could strike up some interesting conversations and learn something about the place you’re visiting, or have some visiting time with your friends and family members. 

Following are some guidelines to make standing in line – or lining up -- more tolerable and pleasant for everyone:  

Summer Vacation Etiquette – Part 1: The Beach

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Don’t Forget to Pack Your Manners

Everyone looks forward to summer.  Regardless of whether you have plans to go away or not, the nature of summer seems to slow time and evoke a feeling of being on vacation if only on the weekends.  With its warm weather, sunshine and evenings fragrant with honeysuckle summer sets the stage for cookouts, picnics, trips to the beach, lighter clothing, relaxing evenings and a drift toward leisure time.  Summer is vacation time because for many it’s the most convenient time of year to take off time off from work.

Pet Protocol

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In Memory of
Bogie 'Woof' Nelson
2003-2012

Etiquette, Ethics and Empathy for Our Animal Friends

This past weekend, my family and I lost a beloved pet.  We had to make the difficult decision to euthanize our adorable, funny and affectionate male cat, Bogie – AKA Woof -- whose progressive disease finally left him crippled, in chronic pain and unable to walk without great difficulty, despite his medications, home therapy and tons of TLC.  But, in the midst of our grief we had the most extraordinary experience. 

Stand Up!

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Failure to Stand Could Mean a Failure to Succeed

Several years ago upon entering my daughter’s high school guidance office for an appointment, two male students and their belongings were sprawled and strewn across all the available seating.  They ignored me and continued to address each other as though no one else were present.  I almost asked them to remove their jackets, backpacks, books and other paraphernalia to make room for me to sit, but I was so fascinated by their behavior that I opted to wait and see if their manners would kick in.  They didn’t.    

Failure to stand on certain occasions can damage your brand. Just as people will remember a poor handshake, they will also recall if you failed to stand when meeting them.

An Un”Friend”ly Request

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Are Employers Crossing An Ethical Line By Requesting Facebook Passwords?

To Americans, the right to privacy is a precious freedom.  But, Constitutional issues aside, is your interviewer crossing an ethical line in asking you to provide your Facebook password?    

This dismaying development in the job-seeking process was first reported in March by the Associated Press and has generated a flurry of media commentary in ABC News,  The New York Times and Forbes, to name a few. 

As if your job search wasn’t stressful enough!  Now in addition to constructing the perfect resume, developing your marketing plan, networking and prepping for that hard-won interview, it’s possible that you’ll also be asked to share your Facebook password during the interview and hiring process.  Alternatively, you might be asked to log on to your Facebook page right then and there so the interviewer can take a tour!

Vogue Takes a Stand on a Healthy Female Image

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Striking a Blow for Ethics and Women’s Heath

Brava, Anna Wintour!  The most powerful woman in the fashion industry, the editor of Vogue, has struck a blow for women’s physical and mental health, which will likely save the lives of millions of young girls and women.  Beginning with the June issue, all Vogue editions will feature healthier-looking models; gone will be the underaged and emaciated waifs that have been setting the pace for the female body image.  This unrealistic body type has seduced untold numbers of teenage – and even pre-teen – girls to develop eating disorders that has cost some of them their lives and robbed the rest of their health and mental focus.