So what’s the rule? 
Well, I wouldn’t ordinarily stare at a woman’s ears, but I might comment on a notable pair of earrings. I would presume the situation would be analogous: If the piece of jewelry is notable, independant of the body part to which it’s attached, then you should feel free to comment upon it. If the piece of jewelry is not in itself notable, beyond where it happens to be worn, then you should give it the same amount of attention you would to any other penis.
But IANAN.
apparently, he was supposed to rush off and discipline the unruly rooster until it settled down, even if he was in the middle of posting on the SDMB?
A general rule of good etiquette is to keep your nose out of other people’s business. Certainly that would hold true in a nudist camp.
Yeah, but what if your business is getting in other people’s noses?
I agree; one should at least start by looking a person in the eye.
Ok, but not if it’s the one-eyed monster we’re talking about, right? That’d be right out?