With new technological products rapidly appearing, it's important to remember that polite manners are still important. Thelma Domenici, an etiquette columnist, gives some suggestions to counter possible rudeness:

• iPods are fun, but they shouldn't isolate you from other people. If someone asks you a direct question, remove the ear buds.

• Every e-mail and text message you send also sends a message about you. Use good grammar; be kind and clear.

• If you're in a face-to-face conversation, the person present takes precedence over a cell phone call. That's what voice mail is for.

• Last, but not least, cell phone conversations in public places should never make other people uncomfortable or affect your ability to drive. If either of these applies, end the call and talk later ("Technology Requires Old-School Manners," Scripps Howard News Service, Jan. 25, 2007).