RichD, thanks for your very helpfull post. Obviously you don't have the same troubles that Larry and I do.
I could take some pictures to show that the plastic stick I have is also very glossy and that adds to the frustration, but I'm sure it isn't worth the effort given your perspective.
Jag & GG, thanks, I've tried this and it does help but I have to wait a bit between extracting the stick and taking the reading as the tube seems to re-wet the stick from the oil dragged into it unless I let it purge itself for a few minuets. I decided against doing this at a gas station, I get ugly stares for being slow.
I don't loose oil so I just check it on the weekend. It really isn't as easy as it seems it should be.
I can see where you folks might see this as ridiculous, it isn't. I have no troubles with reading the wifes Camry level, it is metal. John