As I may or may not have mentioned here previously, I was hired into my current job by a fellow named Alan. You can imagine the fun that ensues when two fellows who work together share sound-alike names.

For various reasons, we have come to the conclusion that we should take a shot at hiring a new guy to help augment the team. The new guy's name? Allen.

The current plan, as I understand it, is that Allen will work under my supervision. And I work under Alan's supervision. We are a hierarchy of Al--ns.

If Allen works out, I'll be searching for more Al--ns who are talented with computers. I'll keep you posted. I've been told that first names are not a protected class when it comes to preferential treatment.

Al--ns of the world, unite!