Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Sun Lite for May 24, 2004

Lisa Ferguson

Monday, May 24, 2004 | 8:19 a.m.

The 'Doctor' is in

A long holiday weekend is headed this way, and you know what that means: Hours spent fighting bumper-to-bumper traffic on the nation's highways, interrupted by a couple of days spent fighting crowds at cheesy vacation spots. Gee, sounds like loads of fun.

While we're talking about loads, don't forget to check the tires on your vehicle - which will undoubtedly be brimming with the family's luggage and other trip "necessities" - before hitting the road. A blowout at high speeds because of improper inflation or balding could prove dangerous, reminds Joel "The Car Doctor" Burrows, of the Precision Tune Auto Care chain, which has several service centers in the Las Vegas Valley. Among Burrows' other holiday-driving tips:

Into the fire

By skipping the tourist traps and sticking close to home this holiday weekend, you'll likely save your car some wear and tear. We're guessing, however, the barbecue grill won't be as lucky.

Earlier this year, exactly 1,203 people were polled online for grill-maker Weber's 15th annual GrillWatch survey; 70 percent of respondents reported they typically fire up their grills in honor of Memorial Day - the third- most-popular grilling holiday behind Independence Day (89 percent) and Labor Day (75 percent).

In the spirit of this summer's forthcoming Games, the GrillWatch survey also asked, "If there were an Olympics for grilling technique, where would you rate?" An honest 37 percent of people said they "wouldn't make it to the qualifying heats" (versus 34 percent of cocky cookers who were certain they would); 16 percent vowed to finish in the finals; 8 percent said they'd win a silver or bronze medal, while 5 percent figured they'd bring home the gold.

It's your move

Speaking of home, a good number of folks will likely spend the long weekend preparing to abandon their abodes, seeing as how more than 13 percent of Americans move each June, according to U.S. Census Bureau numbers.

Anticipating the mountains of moving boxes that will soon spring up around the country, the execs at Stamford, Conn.-based DYMO Corp., a manufacturer of labeling and identifying tools, has dusted off some tips to help make moving day more efficient.

Company honchos suggest starting with the basics: "Invest in sturdy boxes, packing tape and bubble wrap." Then, refrain from over-packing boxes: Heavy items should go in small boxes to avoid breakage, while fragile trinkets should be tucked away with towels, sheets and pillows. Naturally, you'll want to label all packed boxes (preferably, of course, with the help of a DYMO label-making gadget).

Create a "moving file" to use throughout the big day for filing receipts, the lease and other important papers. Later, "Unpack one room at a time," beginning with the kitchen and followed by the bathrooms, saving bedrooms for last.