Generation N(arcissist)?

I glanced at an article from the hard-hitting yahoo news describing the trend of unusual names given to children but it warned -- because any word uttered about parenting MUST necessarily and perhaps by law include a hint of criticism, doubt and/or disdain -- that this type of thing can go too far. The claim very, very loosely based on some random psychological research likely taken way out of context basically says all these "being different" shenanigans could cause narcissism in the coming generations.

In the good old days, folks were certain to follow the status quo and pull from the well worn and reliable bank of 18 socially acceptable names. If that set was already exhausted with the first 18 born to work the fields then parents would rely on reusing names of elders or refer to The Book of Saints if they were Catholic. Even if it was some oddball name like "Theodore" or "Spanky." At least people in town would know where it originated.

Nowadays, people and I mean common people, not just them movie stars think they and their kids are really something. I guess what is happening is the parents are trying to avoid having kids that have the same name as other kids. What the heck is this all about? As the article stated just a few short decades ago there was good odds you wouldn't be the only you in your class. And this was a good thing. Now, even if your name is James, one might have to go through six classrooms before finding repeats.

People had better stop thinking their kids are unique or special. Join the crowd, go with flow and whatever you do don't parent in a way that might imprint any anti-social tendency like self-esteem upon your offspring. Children must learn the same sense of self that has been passed down from the generations. It has worked beautifully for me, wouldn't you say?

Hey, Jackass, with the snowblower!

Yes, I'm talking to you. You know, the neighbor with the snowblower? Just wanted to give you an update -- we live in the suburbs. Our driveways are generally narrow and short. Our sidewalks are even smaller. You can't possibly be getting your money's worth out of that thing except maybe in the thrill of blasting all your snow onto other people's property as you watch them toil with their 10.99 Walmart shovels.

And I thought my entertainment would be limited to warmer weather when I have the privilege of watching you trying to drive a riding mower across your front lawn though the machine is so big you can barely make the turns. I think it actually takes you longer to prep that thing and manuever the turns than it does to mow. It is exciting to watch, however I still dial 9-1- on my cell every time I see you mowing. I am certain one of these days I will have to dial that last one when you topple over.

Suburbs. Say it with me. You have most of it right. You own three cars, 8 flatscreen TV's, keep your landscaping neat and have your kids in soccer. You know you have made an error though when your cars can't fit in the garage due to your overabundance of unneeded machinery.

And this is supposed to be a bad thing?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/35254404#35254404

Excuse the pun, but this sounds like a dream.