Summer Rules to live by...

June 2007

Let me be clear about the subject right from the get go. We locals love having the thousands upon thousands of visitors descend on the shore every year at this time. In many ways, you folks are like family to us. And, like most big families when they get together after not having seen each other in a long while, there is bound to be a lot of laughs, some heated arguments, and definitely some tense moments. But at the end of the day, or in this case summer, we all shake hands, give each other a big hug, and breathe a collective sigh of relief that we made it through another big family gathering without a major incident. You see, it's not that the locals don't appreciate what our summer visitors bring to the table in terms of adding to the excitement, enthusiasm and flavor of summer; we do. It's just that we sometimes scratch our heads wondering whether or not some of you left your common sense and courtesy at home...albeit inadvertently of course. Particularly when it comes to the rules of the road. I mean imagine if thousands of people descended on your home town for a month and then proceeded to act like they don't know how to drive all of a sudden, or walk across the street. It's true, there are now marked off areas at major beach crossing streets all along the shore, which give the right of way to the pedestrian.

For some reason visiting beachgoing pedestrians must feel that all drivers are of sound mind and body, and whose stopping reflexes are such they can respond to a blind, no-look strut right out into on-coming traffic by an over zealous street crosser. Not for nothing, but that's one heck of a roll of the dice.

But hey, this is the gambling capital of the East Coast.

Now, having grown up on Atlantic Avenue in Ventnor, New Jersey ,engaging in down and outs at the Doodle Den and across Atlantic Avenue, even we maniac kids looked both ways before running into the street. "Common Sense," Thomas Paine wrote an entire thesis on the subject in 1776. One which spelled out plainly America's grievances against the British Monarch and fueled the fire for freedom. It is the one constant that has always bound a civilized society. It has basically kept America together over the past two hundred and thirty years trumping regional differences, philosophical approaches and personal and petty desires. "Common Sense," the very phrase calls out to our collective intelligence, giving pause at heated times, allowing for clear thought and action. "Common Sense" as applied to rules of summer is the one thing that should serve as the foundation for a great time.

Courtesy. Another acute measurement of a civil society. For what is a society if it is not civil in its discourse among its people?. How can there be freedom if there is not courtesy for the expression of ideas, differences and creative thought. But for those who endeavor to engage in such ways, the reverse is true. The key to courtesy is of course the old axiom...do unto others as you would have them do unto you... That's all.

So after mulling the delicate topic of the dynamics of the local and visitor relationship, Common Sense and Courtesy are the two top keys to a great time this summer...for everybody. You see, the way I see it, summer of 2007 should be one big happy party where everyone arrives safely, with a smile on their face and leaves the same way. So, with that in mind, and Common Sense and Courtesy our guides, here they are; clear, basic and simple. In fact these rules of summer are so easy you'll be wondering why no one ever wrote them out before. As usual, we value your opinion too.

Be you local or visitor, we'd like to know what you think of my "Rules of Summer" piece, and if you have some you'd like to add to the list. If so, just shoot me an e-mail at dklein@acinside.com If I get some that make sense, we'll print them in the following issue of South Jersey Insider Magazine. Be sure to include a phone number so we can contact you to clarify, verify and solidify the idea(s)...

Oh, and while I've tackled the "Rules of the Road" here, monthly columnist Frank Gabriel provides his own take on "Rules of Summer" on page 14. It's a don't miss column for locals and visitors. Rules of summer...

1.) When house hunting or sightseeing by car, keep to the right...

This one's a biggy and relatively self explanatory. You see, while you're on vacation, not everyone is. Many of us have to get to work, appointments, etc. You know what I'm writing about, you have to do the same thing when you're not on vaca...remember? By all means, sightsee all you want, drive as slow as you want, just do it in the lane that you're supposed to, the right hand lane...Here we have common sense and courtesy working together so that everyone gets where he or she wants.

2.) Look both ways before crossing the street...

I know. It sounds a bit ridiculous having to write that in a publication designed for intelligent people over twenty one. I'm sure it doesn't apply to most of you, so I apologize in advance. But you would be surprised at how many people I see in my extensive travels, who simply walk right out into the street without looking, simply because they have a marked lane which technically says they can do that. I don't know about you but that seems a little foolish for someone who's trying to have a good time on vacation...don't you think?

3.) No one wants to hear your cell phone conversation...

Contrary to popular belief, people don't want to hear your cell phone conversation at the convenience store check out line. Have you seen this display yet? Talk about folks who are so completely wrapped up in themselves that they have no consideration for anyone else. In many ways it's kind of pathetic, this rise in the need for attention and five minutes of fame. Please, if you must talk, take it outside.

4.) Pick up your trash...

Self explanatory, yet for some reason people need a constant reminder to do something which should come naturally. Imagine if someone came over to your house and left their trash on your front lawn. Remember, do unto others...

5.) Have a great time...

Really. we locals like to bitch and complain about you, but like I noted earlier, you're like family, even if, at times, in the words of Ross Perot, one time presidential candidate, "you act like the crazy aunt who's locked up in the basement..."

:)

Dan Klein is publisher of the South Jersey Insider Magazine, as well as host of the weekly radio show by the same name, heard Saturdays from 1PM to 4PM on LifeRadio 1020 AM - WIBG.