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Rule #8: Pencil Holding

Rule #7: Sit up straight Cavemen went extinct thousands of years ago, with the exception of the highly evolved Geiko Cavemen. But even the Geiko Cavemen know how to behave themselves in a fine dining situation. Rather than hunching over your food and shoveling heaps into your mouth, sit up straight, keep your elbows close to your sides, and lean...

Rule #6: No waving your cutlery Uncle Joe just made a remark that gets your riled, and though you are naturally animated when speaking, it's probably not the best idea to wave your cutlery in his direction. Worse case scenario - you stab your uncle. Best case scenario - you look like a fool. Just avoid waving it in the...

Rule #5: Elbows off the Table!I had a grandmother who upon seeing that we had our elbows on the table, would grab our wrists, lift our elbows off the table, and let them then go; banging hard onto the table and hitting our funny bones. "Elbows off the table". We learned quickly what was allowed, and what wasn't. Elbows certainly...

Rule #4: Do not lick ANYTHING Sure, it's tempting to lick your knife, your fingers, or even your plate when the food is just that good - but save yourself the embarrassment and the lacerated tongue by holding fast to the "No Lick Rule". Even if you have finger food, resist the urge to suck the left-over BBQ off of...

Rule #3: Try to chew and swallow before you talk (But, if the conversation is good, or there are a lot of people and a small amount of time at the table, I have found this nearly impossible.) I think this would work better in a culture like the Japanese who take turns in conversation, but the free-for-all that we...

Rule #2: When you drink liquids, no slurping!...even with a straw. www.mottahedeh.com

Mottahedeh Memos is proud to present 10 rules of Western Dining. Every day for the next two weeks we'll be posting a new rule. So check back daily! Rule #1: Chew with your mouth closed. No smacking lips, no chewing noises, no sight of food after it passes into your mouth. Chew with your mouth closed at all times. If...

Virgo Zodiac Box (MS0200I) - $10 Modest and shy, meticulous and reliable, practical and diligent, intelligent and analytical. Virgo is the only Zodiac sign represented by a female. She is often portrayed as delicate and lovely. Why not pamper YOUR Virgo by giving her a small token of love and appreciation. Fill the box with bath salts, face cream, or...

Summer is quickly coming to an end. We're only a few weeks away from Labor Day, which for most students marks the end of the summer and the beginning of a new school year.       For those fortunate enough to live or visit Maine this year, and who love the taste of lobster, this summer you've been lucky...