Proper Ollie Buzz

And if you still happen to forget someone? Don’t fret says Oliver Mims, host of online manners and etiquette show properollie.tv: "You can go back later” after the holidays, apologize for your forgetfulness, and hand them the tip. They should have no problem accepting it.

Oliver Mims, the British-born host of Proper Ollie, an Internet TV show focused on manners, said 15 percent used to be the standard tip for regular service, say at a hair salon, but that many people now routinely give 20 percent tips.

Devin Moss, one of the men behind the Web-based etiquette gentleman Oliver Mims and www.properollie.tv, says flattering the host never hurts.

ON Networks houses about 25 original shows, in various lengths ranging from about 3 to 10 minutes. Among my favorites are Proper Ollie (where a foppish Brit propounds on such important modern issues as cellphone etiquette as he sips tea).

What Moss is sure of is his take on this country's manners, or lack thereof, and that his show can help. His first venture into the Internet market is a fast-track integration of courtesy and comedy, wherein an angular metrosexual with a British accent briefs the audience on social skills in everyday life with a dry, slightly sarcastic approach.