Toppers & Name-Droppers

2008 Resolution #1: I resolve not to be a topper or a name-dropper.
*excuse me while I humor myself*

I've spent my fair share of time around toppers & name-droppers... and at times I've even tried to beat them at their own game. But I've finally decided that these types are quite annoying and so I will resolve to abstain from such behavior for the next 365 days.

I'm sure you've seen them. Toppers are the type of people who always have to "top" your story by their own... which of course is always superior and leaves you basking in their glory. They would say something like... "Oh... nice job on finishing your first marathon... I finished my first in 2002, my second in 2003 and my third in 2004."

Name-droppers are pretty self explanatory. They love to build their reputation by claiming to be close personal friends with a very well-known celebrity... and reminding you of that regularly at the weirdest times. They might respond to the comment "Dude gas prices are up to $3.03"... with a response like this... "yah the last time gas prices were this high, was the summer when I was up in Long Island spending time with Calvin Klein at his summer house."

Not that these people are evil or dangerous to society... but I do find such behavior unbecoming. My take is that toppers... like themselves too much and name-droppers... don't like themselves enough.

Toppers can't just enjoy your story because they believe that theirs is better and thus they are in some way better. Name-droppers feel so insignificant that they have to prop up their self-worth within someone else's reputation. Like I said... they aren't evil... just a bit needy.

To my topping and name-dropping friends... I STILL LOVE YOU... and wish you a happy 2008. This post is targeted at no one in particular... just the generically nasty habits mentioned here. PS - Do not lump my good friend Ted into the name-dropping category... It has been confirmed that he IS a personal friend of Randy Alcorn.

Full Disclosure

Not too many people or businesses are into full disclosure these days. It seems that everyone and every organization holds at least a few cards close to the vest. There are just some things that you aren't meant to find out.

So as I was looking for a job today... I chuckled as I came across a company that is bending over backwards to set clear expectations up front. This is legitimately fresh off monsterjobs.com

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and use hands to operate computer keyboard, and telephone. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

I laughed out loud. I'm not sure I can live up to expectations (I'm only good up to 20 lbs)... but at least I know what to expect.

I'm PG...

While my boy Stef and pally John are both G's... watchout Mom's and Dad's... I'm a screaming PG. Due to 4 mentions of death and one of sex.

Andfter my upcoming post about a friend who died shortly after having sex with a drug dealer... I'm sure I'll be firmly planted in PG-13 land (oooops.... I think I'm already there).