Write to Ask Carson, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O.Box 1928, Augusta, GA 30903. FILE/STAFF

Casual is not always the same

Web posted August 22, 1999

By Carson Elliott
Special Columnist

Dear Carson: I'd appreciate your defining and discussing casual attire, for social as well as business occasions. -- Confused in Mystic

Dear Mystic: For social situations casual means Bermuda shorts, jeans, slacks, golf shirt, sandals or similar clothing. Business casual is much more upscale and actually means that a man needn't wear a tie or a jacket necessarily. Jeans, cutoffs, flip-flops, bare midriffs, tank tops, mini skirts and messy or soiled clothing are taboo. Neatness and cleanliness are absolutes.

Dear Carson: I saw your article on flag etiquette on your Web site. Good job! Just for your information, a flag is only flown at "half-mast" on a boat or ship. The flag is flown at "half-staff" on land. Just thought you might be interested. -- Former Protocol Officer to the Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe

Dear Protocol Officer: I don't normally give the name or title of those who correspond with me, but identifying you gives such credibility that I made an exception. Your correction makes sense, and I appreciate your pointing this out.

Dear Carson: Recently, a reader asked how to address an envelope to friends, one of whom is a doctor. You said that "Dr. and Mrs." is traditional and correct. However, my friends cannot be addressed that way because the wife is the doctor. How would I properly address an envelope to this couple?

Thank you for an interesting, enlightening column. -- A Regular Reader

Dear RR: This is a matter of new etiquette which has not been relegated to a standard format. However, I suggest using two lines for the address. On the first line write "Dr. Josephine Dawson Jones" and on the line beneath it write "Mr. Harold Hines Jones." If any of you female doctors have another suggestion, I know all of us would appreciate your letting us know.

Dear Carson: My pet peeve is to be enjoying an expensive meal in a fine restaurant and have a man at a nearby table take out his handkerchief and blow his nose with a loud, rattling noise. -- Nauseated in Nirvana

Dear Nauseated: How right you are! A tiny blow is one thing but a nauseating, thunderous blow is another. They should retire to the restroom.

Readers: For quick answers to queries, please e-mail or enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Write to Ask Carson, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O.Box 1928, Augusta, GA 30903-1928. Send e-mail to askcarson@mindspring.com or call INFOLINE at 442-4444 and press 4422.