Writing My Twitter Etiquette Article: 14 Ways to Use Twitter Politely
Every form of communication deserves an etiquette manual, if only so we can treat our fellows better, even in 140-character bites.
Margaret Mason
Gift Subscriptions
A gift in the mail is a joy to open--a gift every month (or less) trumps that. For those stumped on how to tie up their holiday shopping, our resident shopping expert advises you to pour yourself some ’nog, and order a few magazines.
iPod Etiquette
We have something important to discuss. Are you listening? Oh, seriously, will you take out your earphones? Yes, both of them.
San Francisco
San Franciscans love green space, and locals never find themselves too far from a good picnic spot.
Twelve Calendar Gifts for a Happy New Year
In 2006 you will remember every birthday, every tooth cleaning, every oil change and tune-up. Your mother will get flowers; you will turn your mattress; you will schedule your vacation months in advance. Our writer picks the calendars that will help.
Fifteen Prudent Gifts for the Budget-Minded
You enjoy the lights, you're fond of the cocktails; you loathe the stores. Our shopping expert offers her online picks for under $30, so you can focus on making merry.
Fifteen Luxury Gifts Worth the Splurge
Maybe you're feeling especially generous, maybe you did something unforgivable, maybe you're just loaded. Our shopping expert suggests gifts they'll remember for years.
Konzuk Metalwear
Karen Konzuk designs spare jewelry with an industrial feel. She makes clean, geometric pieces in powder-coated stainless steel, concrete, and now diamond and platinum. Even if you don't ordinarily wear jewelry, you may find yourself coveting her subtle steel rings with colorful powder-coated interiors, or the touching platinum
Donors Choose
You know how teachers are always spending their own money on fun things for their classroom? Fun things like paper and books? Donorschoose.org is a brilliant site that lets you fund classroom projects. Teachers submit requests, and you decide who gets your cash. One teacher in San Francisco wants
Lithophane
A few weeks ago, I bought a curious Japanese tea set at a flea market. When you hold the tiny teacups to the light, you see a ghostly image of a geisha impressed in the porcelain at the bottom. I've since learned that these are Lithophane cups, produced
The Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide
You put it off again this year, and now you’re on the verge of disappointing your very own mother. You have four days to find and ship an amazing Mother’s Day gift. MARGARET MASON recommends gifts from sites that offer quick delivery.
Valentine's Gift Guide
The heart-shaped box of chocolates was sweet and the bouquet of roses was lovely, but your Valentine deserves a surprise this year.
Twenty Gifts That Go Easy on Your Budget
You're a generous sort, but you don't have much time (or cash). Ideas for gifts that won't leave you paying off your credit cards through July.
Couples Showers and Late Wedding Gifts
You're asked to buy an expensive, ugly bridesmaid's dress, but aren't invited to the shower. You bought the wedding presents years ago; they're just in your closet.
RSVPs and "Best Persons"
A wedding invitation arrives without an RSVP card, and a bride wonders what to call a female "best man."
Give Me a Sign
Political conventions exist for the cameras, and the cameras like to see audiences with a sea of signs. But where do all those banners come from?
When Guests Outstay Their Welcome
If your guests are walking all over you, it may be that you look suspiciously like a doormat.
Virtue: Volunteering From Home
You planned to spend the morning hammering together a shelter for the homeless, but your hangover is better suited to a cup of coffee and the Sunday paper. In the second installment of her Virtue series, Margaret Berry shows you how to get off your duff without leaving the couch.
Virtue: Ten Bucks? Ten Charities
They’re providing basic sanitation; we’re subscribing to Cooking Light. In the first installment of her series on Virtue, Margaret Mason introduces you to 10 charities that know the value of 10 bucks.
Part IV, Wedding Tips
Will custom-printed cocktail napkins take this celebration to the next level? No one cares.
Part III, Wedding Party Responsibilities
The bride and groom just spent hours arguing over Dad’s new wife and whether she gets to sit at the head table. Now is not the time to piss them off. How the wedding party can stay in good graces.
Part II, 10 Ways to Mess Up Your Marriage Proposal
You've got one chance here, don't flub it. The warning label for your proposal.
Part I, 15 Fights to Have Before You Get Engaged
If you're the couple that never fights, now's your chance. Vent now, or forever hold your peace.
Threesomes
Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. This week we provide the 12-step program for a satisfying threesome.
Charlie White
California photographer and author of Charlie White: Photographs discusses a world of desire, Apeneck Sweeney, and loud hungry things with gnashing teeth.
Part V, Releasing Your Inner Slut
If you look like you just got some, it's sexy. If you're dressed like you're out to get some, it's slutty. Ignore the distinction.
Life Lessons in Literature
Where were you when the family car broke down, when you first heard about oral sex, when you chose a political party? More importantly, what were you reading? Margaret Berry shares the books that made the woman.
Part IV, Accessories
Forget about your butt; consider your jewelry. (You can change it a hell of a lot faster.) A look at the history of accessories.
Part III, Hats
Why have hats fallen out of favor? After all, if you choose your headgear well, no one will notice what else you're wearing.
Part II, Color
Black is slimming, but orange is fun. To hell with neutrals, we want to see more cha-cha in your wardrobe.
Part I, Classics
Forget about trends for a moment and focus on good taste. Here’s what you need: the A-line skirt, the peacoat, the little black dress.
Weddings
Why you can’t ask your wedding guests to pay for your mortgage, or their own drinks.
Socializing
Why is that woman next to you gasping? Oh, dear. You seem to be stepping on her toes. You didn’t even notice, did you?
Relationships
Advice on relationships: how to call, coo, cuddle, and compete, all by adhering to a decent code of conduct.
Kindness
You may think that etiquette doesn't matter, that grapefruit spoons are for sissies and no one should hold the door anymore. Think again, jerk.
Chagrin and Men I Have Loved
Shark attacks, public gaffes, ruining a prom dress: as topics for nightmares, any may cause a bad night’s sleep. But only our writer has survived them all in full daylight, with the help of a few good men.
The Case for Cocktails
Fifty years ago, men ordered Manhattans, women drank Mai Tais, and no one brought guns to school. The logic is irrefutable.
Ladies Night Transcript
Every Wednesday, a group of San Francisco women meet to chat over a few glasses of wine. Our correspondent is among them. This week they discuss the mechanics of sticking it to the man.