Manning's Law

There is, in online chat communities, a statement called Godwin's Law. Godwin's Law (also known as Godwin's Rule of Nazi Analogies) is an adage formulated by Mike Godwin in 1990. The law states: "As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one." A corollary to this law states that after the Nazi/Hitler, the chat thread is doomed. A second corollary is that whomever makes the Hitler/Nazi comparison can and should have the argument immediately ignored or thrown out.

And, if you participate in any online chat communities -- no matter the context or subject matter -- this law appears to be true. I've been involved in chats about movies, super heroes, sci-fi/fantasy themes, and health care issues. I've been in political chats and opinion chats. Sooner or later, if the chat last long enough, someone always brings up Hitler or the Nazis as a comparison and the chat usually ceases to be worthwhile or ends altogether shortly thereafter.

I now propose a similarly sweeping law: Manning's Law. This law states: "The longer the Colts remain a contending team, the probability of all advertisements featuring Peyton Manning in some manner approaches one."

Back when he only showed up in sports-related advertisements, I was okay. He is pleasantly self-effacing and affable. However, now that he is creeping into electronics, car, food, and other advertisements, I am starting to be annoyed. His pleasant demeanor is starting to grate. I recognize that he is one of the biggest, most recognizable sports stars out there right now. And I have nothing inherently against; on the contrary, I think he is one of the all-time great quarterbacks to ever play. I think his preparation, determination, image, and sports IQ are all things to which young people can and should aspire if they want a career in sports.

But, like with anything else, I have my saturation point. I have reached "full" on seeing Manning in advertisements.

I swear I will give up watching TV altogether when Manning is in a Summer's Eve ad. And you know it is coming; "Ever have a not-so-fresh day? Sack it with Summer's Eve!"