The Buhner.com Blog

Thin ice: Culpepper gives jewelry, gets it back

Talk about being put into a no-win situation. For those of you too lazy to read the story, it breaks down like this. NFL quarterback is taking questions at a press conference. Paralyzed high schooler asks if he “can get some of that ice”, referring to the $75k necklaces quarterback is wearing. Quarterback puts necklaces around high schooler’s neck. High schooler’s parents assume quarterback was giving the necklaces to their son. Quarterback finishes press conference and looks to get his necklaces back from high schooler. Uncomfortable situation ensues.

I’m actually impressed that the media is reporting the story fairly - using the direct quote that the high schooler gave and reporting the story. However, you can guarantee that every half-ass local news hack and sports radio troll is going to report this as if Culpepper pushed the kid down a flight of stairs. We don’t even know if the kid really meant that he wanted the necklaces - such a request sounds pretty ballzy (ballsy?) - and was more likely the kid being a kid and throwing a compliment in Culpepper’s direction. When Culpepper figured he’d try to give the kid a thrill, the parents took it the wrong way and Culpepper was left looking like crap because he wanted to get his jewelry back.

Now, the argument that people have is that Culpepper makes a lot of money, why not give him the jewelry. Well, why should he? The rich are supposed to just give away their possessions? Since I’m not rich, should I just randomly ask rich people for their possessions? “Wow, you’ve got a nice car, can I have it?” I could have my mom faint or something.

Culpepper’s apparently “making it up” to the kid by giving him a gift in the future of some variety. Hopefully everyone will end up happy in the process - the kid gets something for nothing, the radio and local TV hacks get a story to make them seem like they have opinions about something, and if Culpepper trys hard enough and ignores what the hacks might say about him, he might be able to feel good about meeting this kid and doing something nice.

Doubtful, though. Media hacks - bah.

This was the first day I’ve worn my sneakers in over a week since getting my Payless special workboots. I love those boots - they go great with the truck and I can trudge them through the snow and not get my feet soaking wet. They’re oddly comfortable too. And, since I only dropped $25 on them, I don’t feel bad crappifying them.

I think that’s the official sign I’ve “grown up”. Five years ago, those boots would be Timberlands, have cost $120, and I wouldn’t have worn them outside until the snow melted, which is scheduled for April.

Tech support pet peeve - people who introduce themselves on the phone and wait for a greeting. I’m your tech support person. I don’t want to hear “this is so-and-so from Important Company Corporation.”

[beat]

“Um, hi. How are you today?”

“Fine thanks. Listen, my email is giving me a problem…”

Like, couldn’t you have just said what your problem was? My favorite ones are the ones who when that beat takes place and I’m waiting for them to explain their problem, they say “hello?” to make sure I’m on the phone. I hate that awkward position of that “how are you?”, especially in a tech support situation, because in a bast case senerio, the person ignores that question or responds with “good, thanks” like my wife does even when she’s in a big shitburger mood. Worse case senerio, they tell you how horrible their day has been SOLELY BECAUSE OF YOUR COMPANY. Look, you reaching your quota limit because you don’t know how to delete your email messages isn’t why your one night stand didn’t call you back or you got passed over for a promotion. It’s because you don’t know how to delete your email. Be thankful I showed you how to do it and didn’t talk down to you like 98% of other tech support people.

At least I have Cheez-Its here. White Cheddar - brings back memories of Reuters.