Good Questions: RSVP Etiquette, Car Tabs, Stomach Gum
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Every Friday, we tackle a bunch of viewers' burning questions. This week, Heather Brown explores the myth about gum's durability in the human stomach, the source of car tab convenience fees and the etymology of RSVPs.
Mike from New Auburn wants to know: Does gum really stick in our stomach for seven years?
"Gum wouldn't stay in the system for seven years," said Mary Beshara, a clinical nurse specialist with the Penny George Institute at Allina. "Everything goes through and comes out the other end."
Beshara said gum is a resin, so it will stay intact all the way through a gastrointestinal system. She estimates it might move through a little more slowly than food that breaks down but would be out of someone's system within seven days.
Len from Burnsville renewed his car tabs this week and saw a $9.66 convenience fee on the receipt. So, he asks: What is that?
The Department of Public Safety said it's a 2.45 percent fee that goes directly to U.S. Bank, the bank that handles online transactions. The state said it never sees that money. People can avoid the fee by paying in person or by check.
Michele from Woodbury is throwing a Super Bowl party and having trouble getting people to tell her if they're coming or not. So, she wants to know: What does RSVP mean?
It stands for "répondez s'il vous plait," which is French for, "Respond, please."
According to Red Stamp founder and chief Executive Erin Newkirk, you can respond by phone, email and even text.
"As an invitee, the quicker you can respond, the better. It's just plain nice," Newkirk said. "Try to shoot for an instant response to show excitement and courtesy."
But if waiting stresses out the party planner, Newkirk suggests hosts and hostesses might consider asking for a "reply by" date to prompt their guests. Typically, that date would be set one to two weeks before the event.
