Profiles In Manners and Public Displays of Social Graces

John Jacob Astor IV

In remembrance of the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, I chose to recognize John Jacob Astor IV. He was said to be the wealthiest man on the Titanic, but it also seems he had a generous heart as well. Not only did he give up his place on  the lifeboat next to his wife to make room for someone else, he took drastic measures to save the life of a fourteen year old boy who was not allowed to board a life boat. The now defunct Warsaw Times newspaper dated April 20, 1912 gives this account:

"Captain Chase F. Crain, U.S.A., one of Carpathia’s passengers, said that one of  the survivors, a boy fourteen years of age, told him that he owed his life to Colonel Astor. The boy’s story, as repeated by Captain Crain, was that when he tried to get into a lifeboat the sailors pushed him back with: “You’re not a girl.”

Colonel Astor, the boy said, happened to be near, saw this and picking up from the deck a girls hat, jammed it on the boys head and watching his chance pushed him into the boat with the women."

Heroic acts that save someones life  in my humble opinion are of far more importance than any social protocols that are violated in the process.

To read the entire article click here.

For crying out loud!!!

A man's manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait.  

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Celebrities with Good Manners DO Exist! The National League of Junior Cotillions says so!

The National League of Junior Cotillions (NLJC) has selected its “Ten Best Mannered People,” individuals it considers “outstanding role models of good manners.” (Lord knows we need them!)


The top 10 well mannered celebrities of 2011 are as follows:


1. Kate Middleton,  The Duchess of Cambridge – “for the poise and dignity with which she conducts herself in the public spotlight.” and “the exemplary manner in which she has conducted herself, before and after her marriage to Prince William of Great Britain,” explains NLJC national director Elizabeth Anne Winters.

2. Justin Bieber – “for consistently showing courtesy to his fans.”

3. Paula Abdul – “for her encouragement to aspiring entertainers.”

4. Aaron Rogers – “for being a positive example for young athletes.”

5. Taylor Swift – “for inspiring young people with her music and her manners.”

6. George Stephanopoulos – “for extending warmth and kindness to Good Morning America guests.”

7. Jackie Evancho – “for demonstrating humility and politeness as a young performer.”

8. Erin Burnett – “for the respect she shows others as a network host.”

9. Emma Watson – “for the kindness extended to her Harry Potter fans.”

10. Tim Tebow – “for displaying good sportsmanship on and off the field.”


I look forward to finding out who makes the list for 2012 and ill behaved reality show faux-lebrities need not apply!

For Crying Out Loud

Fine manners need the support of fine manners in others.

Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Please, Say thank you Part 2- "THANK YOU" NOTES

 

How to write  a "Thank You" note.

Step 1 — Greeting
Step 2 — Express your gratitude for the gift, invitation, job interview, etc.
Step 3 — Elaborate (if you say something specific about the act or gift, your sentiments are much more heart felt)
Step 4 — Compliment and look ahead (“I enjoyed your company for lunch and you looked wonderful! I can’t wait to start reading this book you gave me.”)
Step 5 — Restate your gratitude (a simple,  “thank you or thanks again” is sufficient)
Step 6 — Close and give your regards (love, sincerely, warm regards, etc.)

******ANNOUNCEMENT******* MANNERS COURSE IN ONTARIO, CA STARTING Feb 5th 2012 ******SECOND COURSE ADDED*******

Miss Edna has been informed by Maura Graber that a new course has been added on Sundays  and there is still time to enroll. Click on "Upcoming Classes" above for more details.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

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