Road & Travel Magazine have outlined the Basic Rules for Cellphone Etiquette in public.

Restaurants:

• Ask if there are special restrictions on phone use.
• Initiate only essential calls.
• Keep conversations brief to terse. Use an at-table call primarily to make an appointment for a more appropriate time for a call-back.
• If you simply must be available you can put your phone on “vibrate” – say for your anticipated dinner companion to tell you that he is caught in traffic like a grape in aspic so have another drink. (If your phone does not have a vibrate capability maybe it’s time for a new one.)
• Practice speaking in a quiet conversational tone.  If no one looks your way I think you’ve got it.

Theaters, concerts, meetings etc:

• Check at the entrance to be sure your phone is “off.” If you’re compulsive, check for voice mail at breaks. (Remember, you used to have to go home to check your messages.)
• If the only time you could get tickets to take the kids to “The Lion King” coincides with the only time a major mucky-muck is available for a conference call, put your phone on “vibrate” close to your heart and dash for the exit at the first tremor.
• If you forget both “off” and “vibrate” and your phone rings, turn it off instantly. (And as unobtrusively as possible so nobody will suspect you are the jerk responsible). No matter what: DO NOT ANSWER IT!

Museums and art galleries:

• Consider the reasons you are in such a place and be there totally. Turn off the phone, or better yet check it with your coat or tote bags.

Someone else’s house or office:

• Turn off your phone. If you are expecting a call of extreme importance, ask if it is acceptable that you receive an inaudible signal so you can leave the room to take the call.

Places of Worship:

• Leave the cellphone at home, in the car or at least turn it off before you enter. God may call you but it’s unlikely He will use Verizon.

Airline Travel:

• Follow airline personnel instructions. Usually cellphones must be off as soon as the aircraft doors are closed until the doors open again on arrival. (Unless otherwise informed on long apron delays etc.)
• Be particularly diligent if you have a cellphone with you but haven’t used it lately. It could be on; there is adequate evidence the electronics within can interfere with those that guide the plane.

Face-to-face with someone:

• Do not talk on the phone while someone is trying to take your order in a restaurant, locate an upgrade for you on an airplane or return the shoes you had half-soled. Attend to the face-to-face business totally even if you have to ask the one on the line to hold. Continuing to use the phone while nodding and signaling to the person in front of you is belittling and so extremely rude I’ve only seen the obnoxiously self-important do it.

But a few hours in a plane can have a devastating effect, particularly on complexion and hair, so let’s take a look at a few things you can do so you step off the plane all ready to wow the locals.

• Use a water-rich moisturizer before you travel to keep your skin fresh, to stop losing moisture.
• Choose water, energy drinks and juices to combat humidity and keep you hydrated.
• Wait until the end of the journey to put on your face.  Keep things simple and limit yourself to a tinted moisturizer, a touch of blush, clear mascara and lip gloss.
• Wear loose clothes that don’t wrinkle. Carry a spare top in your hand luggage. in case of an emergency.  And don’t forget to keep a wrap handy in case the air-conditioning gets too much.
• A sleep mask can be useful if you hope to do more than just doze on the journey, as sleep quality is better when light is cut out.
• Support hosiery is a great way to avoid circulation problems. As well as tights (which help combat swelling in legs), you can also get support socks, so the guys can benefit, too.
• To keep the circulation going in feet and legs while sitting, flex your ankles in an up-and-down motion, as if you were using an old-fashioned treadle sewing machine.
• Moisturising tissues and baby-wipes can be a godsend for cleansing, refreshing, cooling…

Step 1. Remember this order of operations: Shirts on the bottom, then dresses, then pants.

Step 2. Stack tops, unfolded, by placing wrinkle-prone tops toward the bottom of a pile and less easily wrinkled ones toward the top.

Step 3. Fold the sleeves in toward the shirts’ torsos.

Step 4. Fold the shirts in half from the bottom. You now have a rectangular bundle of shirts; place it in your suitcase.

Step 5. Drape long dresses in the suitcase so that the ends hang over the sides.

Step 6. Place pants and skirts on a flat surface; fold each in half lengthwise.

Step 7. Stack pants and skirts on top of one another, with easily wrinkled ones on the bottom and sturdier ones, such as jeans, on top. Fold the stack over, so that its length is halved.

Step 8. Place your stack of pants and skirts on top of the dresses, and then fold the ends of the dresses over the pants and skirts.

Packing Accessories:

Step 1. Stuff socks in shoes. Pack underies in mesh laundry bags or side pockets to save space.

Step 2. Arrange each pair of shoes so that the heel of one aligns with the toe of the other.

Step 3. Wrap pairs of shoes in separate plastic bags, and place them along the border of your suitcase.

Step 4. Protect clothes from leaks by placing toiletries in a plastic bag.

Step 5. Pack essential toiletries in a carry-on bag. Include your toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, medication and other important items.

Remember Ladies, challenge yourselves and pack everything you need in one suitcase…

Give it a try…You can do it!

More than five years in the making, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has become the most highly anticipated entertainment experience of 2010. The Harry Potter books and films have captured the hearts and minds of millions – and now, guests can experience the adventure first-hand at Universal Orlando Resort. The spectacularly themed area, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant – all faithful to the books and films.

Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be swept into the adventures of Harry Potter. They will tour Hogwarts castle, shop in Hogsmeade and dine in the Three Broomsticks. Other adventures will allow them to fly with Harry, ride on a dragon, sample Butterbeer, eat exploding sweets – and experience all the magic and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films.

The best way to experience Universal Orlando Resort is to book a vacation package and stay at our on-site resort hotels. Go to UniversalOrlando.com to book on-site hotel rooms and for vacation package options including special benefits inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Fireworks can be dangerous and the last thing a parent wants to do this Fourth of July is put their child’s health in danger. As part of its new children’s eye health program, Star Pupils, Prevent Blindness America offers the Safe Summer Celebrations guide free to parents that offers tips on how to keep the Fourth of July fun, festive and safe.

Some suggestions are:

• After the sun goes down, wrap flashlights in colored cellophane to provide fun shades of light.
• Purchase non-toxic glo-sticks, glo-ropes and glo-jewelry that can
  safely light the night for kids.
• Create your own noisemakers by banging wooden spoons on pots and pans.
• Search your house for horns, whistles and bells and other items to create a marching band.
• Make your own firecracker sounds by popping bubble wrap.
• Using yarn, craft sticks, paint and construction paper, families can make the United States flag.
• Make 4th of July rockets by using paper towel rolls, paint, streamers and paper cement.
• Let kids create in the kitchen by making fun desserts using blueberries, strawberries and whipping cream for star-spangled treats.
• Have children design and decorate their own t-shirts and hats using glow in the dark paints. Add puffy paints and glitter to make them sparkle.
• Use hypoallergenic face paint or make-up to make designs on your child’s face. Adults should apply the face paint and remove it with cold cream or eye make-up remover instead of soap. Follow product guidelines about applying product directly around the eyes.

1. Dust off your Owner’s Manual; it’s not just for your mechanic

The Owner’s Manual of your car lists preventative maintenance schedules that are specific to your car’s make and model. Follow this book carefully and make sure that you understand each section. Scheduling service appointments for routine maintenance checks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and engine checks will ensure that important preventive maintenance services are done in a timely manner.

2. Learn to do simple repairs yourself

Save hundreds of dollars by doing some simple repairs yourself. You can learn simple techniques for changing wiper blades, replacing your air filter, changing the oil or replacing your battery. Before you begin, do a little homework, get the tools you need and remember to safely dispose of any liquids that come out of your car. See if your community college has a basic car care class. Investing in a car maintenance class will not only teach you much needed maintenance tips but will make you a smarter car consumer.

3. Keep it clean

Waxing your car not only makes it shine, but it will effectively protects the finish on the car. Most mechanical experts recommend waxing 1-3 times per year. Now with spring is in full bloom, save your interior from sun damage by parking your car in the shade as much as possible or use a windshield cover. This is especially important if you are looking to sell or trade-in your car.

4. Comparison shop for repairs

When your car requires a repair that costs a considerable amount of money, it is wise to check with 2-3 different dealerships or mechanics for estimates. Be sure to also get the estimates from various parts of your town, as prices can differ depending on the neighborhood. To search for Certified Women-Drivers Friendly™ service dealers in your area, visit Women-Drivers.com.

5. Use what’s available: car pool or take public transportation

Hop on the bus, train or subway; not only will you save on gas, but will also help you relax and make the most of your commute. Use this extra time to get in some reading, get a few emails or texts handled, or, more importantly, unwind from a busy day.

6. Conserve fuel

If you are the one driving the car pool, investigate alternate route(s) at rush hour to avoid stop-and-go traffic patterns. Bumper-to-bumper traffic is tough on brakes and gas mileage. On longer trips, use the ‘Cruise Control’ setting to save 5%-10% of gas per gallon. Never drive at high speeds with your windows rolled all the way down; this will waste fuel. Avoid constantly pressing the accelerator when driving; coast when you can. Keep your tires well inflated; check the pressure monthly.

7. Head to the pump more often

Make an effort to avoid driving while the tank is below ¼ full. Keeping a gas tank that low can increase the likelihood of dirt, debris and rust forming in the fuel system.

8. Take a look at your accessories

When upgrading your vehicle it can be cheaper to buy certain accessories directly from another company. Accessories such as GPS units and specialty floor mats or rims can be hundreds of dollars less when purchased through the internet or big box retailer.

9. Take a look at your car daily

By doing something simple such as paying attention to leaks, you can get your car to the service dealer earlier and save money on costly repairs. Knowing the color of fluids such as engine oil, and other fluids will make it easier to detect the problem, and will also tip the service manager that you know what you are doing. Brown fluid is engine oil; bright green or orange fluid is anti-freeze or coolant; clear or light brown fluid is clutch or brake fluid.

10. Know where NOT to scrimp

While it may be tempting to buy a less expensive part for your car, it is not always the best policy. Buying a high quality auto part will ensure added security, peace of mind and will save money in the long run. Make sure that all vital replacement parts are of high quality and recommended by a dealer or advisor that you trust. If unsure, get a second opinion.

• Drive from home to school while 10 minutes late. Credit for not speeding.
• Successfully ignore ringing cell phone on passenger seat while driving (and no one allowed to get a blue tooth until age 25).
• Send and receive at least three text messages during a single red light.
• Change ring tones while waiting in line at the McDonald’s pick-up window.  Then…
• Drive while consuming a Big Mac, fries, and Coca Cola, without hitting anything and without spilling the Coke down the emergency brake handle.  Meanwhile, execute 3 lane changes with proper turn signals.
• Apply eye shadow while driving (mostly for the girls)
• Change earrings while driving (no longer just for the girls).
• Observe another driver making an obscene gesture.  Do not respond.
• And for the final challenge, as the would-be driver travels at 25 mph, have three mechanical squirrels scamper into the street.  Must not hit any parked cars or pedestrians trying to avoid the squirrels.

That’s what I call a driving test!
 
I still have three years to figure out how to expand my driveway to handle three more cars.  Anyone seen that defibrillator?

About The Author: Don Staffin has been writing a monthly newsletter, which he recently turned into a book called Postcards from the Garden of Estrogen (www.donstaffin.com).  Don coaches youth soccer and basketball, and serves as the chairman of the Recreation Board of Bridgewater Township in New Jersey. 

Most of my friends and family members know that I’m a bit of a worrisome when it comes to driving by myself or riding with others so I catch them slipping all the time and they conviently play off as if I’m the one with the problem and they were paying attention the whole time.  It wasn’t until someone close to me admitted that my overly concerned behavior had actually saved our lives a couple of times, but everyone doesn’t have a person in the passenger seat like me who doesn’t mind coming across a bit crazy in an effort to save lives.  Call me what you want but an extra set of eyes are better, especially if the driver is attempting to text and drive at the same time.

Oprah Winfrey recently wrote a guest post for New York Times and the statistics are not only sad but they should be an eye opener.

At least 6,000 people were killed by distracted drivers in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the number is rising.

Although Obama and others are pushing to make this a federal issue so it gets the proper amount of attention, it is up to you; the driver and passengers to look out for yourself and each other.  I know many of you think it’s okay to drive distracted and you think those in favor of enforcing this as a law are over doing it and I understand how you feel. Think of it this way……. If you’ve never hit a car or have been hit by a car due to distracted driving, consider yourself lucky but you don’t want to wait until it’s too late.   Let’s be proactive people and put the phones down while driving, it’s sure way to save lives.

• The sense of accomplishment and confidence a woman feels is liberating.
• The bond you share with other women bikers when you see each other on the road.
• Becoming the master of your own destiny and tackling the open road and the wind.
• The freedom you feel when riding down the highway while being adventurous.
• Some people feel that riding a bike can build your confidence.

Whatever the reason, it seems like women who ride motorcycles are some badasses (that’s a good thing) that won’t let fear, a male dominated hobby or inexperience stop them from living their lives.  For that I admire them.

James Joseph, author of Every Man’s Survival Guide to Ballroom Dancing, says plain and simple, “It doesn’t have to be that way. Dancing can transform someone who thinks they are doomed for life into a winner who is as popular and sought after wherever they go.”

Men – dance is the only activity where you can go up to beautiful women one right after the other, spend three minutes touching them artfully all over their body, and each one will thank you for it afterwards.

Women – get to experience and evaluate how well their partner can maneuver them around the floor, taking care not to bump into anyone, dancing to the music and spontaneously choreographing a changing and pleasing series of moves, all the while maintaining conversation.

Jim says that “You don’t know how to really live, unless you’ve learned how to dance.”  He offers beginners ten tips to get them over the chasm of early doubt:

1. Understand the music. Learn how to count the beats of music to identify the musical structure. Focus on the music you love.  It makes it so much easier.
2. Take Lessons. A good teacher will demonstrate the elements of music and dance that defy words and will tell you when you are doing something right and wrong.  If you need to, take the beginners class a second time before moving on to a harder class so you really get the basics down.
3. Focus on rhythm patterns, not direction of movement. Learn to understand when to step.  It is far more important than where to step.
4. Focus on technique, not learning more step patterns. The step pattern is the fancy moves you make when you move on the floor.  Technique is what you look like and feel like when you do it.  Make what you do look really good before you make it complicated.
5. Get out and dance. Time on the floor dancing is the only thing that will make you better.  Get out and dance! With great classes, great music and enjoyable people, it’s fun and it’s easy.,
6. Dance with a variety of partners. Dancing with one person risks the creation of bad habits. Having to dance with a variety of partners is a basic dance skill. It removes the stress of dancing and is a good way to build confidence and skill.
7. Dance Up – which means that you ask better dancers to dance with you. When you work with someone more skilled than you, suddenly the difficult things will start to work.
8. Recover seamlessly from missteps. Handling mistakes is tough.  Lighten up, smile, take the next step Some of your best accidents will produce the most interesting results and improvements you will ever make.  As Ms Frizzle says, “Go ahead.  Make mistakes!”
9. Watch great dancers! Some of the best dancers in the world are on TV week after week.  Watch the dancers and learn from the best. Men – if you get hooked on dancing, you’ll stop gazing at the women and start studying the men – to steal their moves!
10. Learn manners. Be a gentle and polite dancer and you’ll have lots of happy willing partners. It’s hard to dance with someone who lacks sensitivity of their partner. It’s OK to be a little klutzy.  It’s not OK to be rude or arrogant. Be warm and friendly with all eye contact. Treat everyone with respect.