This is what I've learned about choosing baby names: we are inspired by the Bible, travel, and peer pressure.

 

I recently discovered a story in USA Today that examined the most popular baby names by decade since 1890. As someone who had to pick first and middle names for his two children, I understand the fascination. One name my wife and I had loved since college (Jackson), one was lifted from a friend's random anecdote (Tanner), one was picked from a baby name book (Tate) and the last one came in a deperate attempt to choose before the water broke (Owen).

In reviewing the names listed by decade, it becomes obvious where they come from. Considering that John and Mary were the most popular names from 1890-1920, it's clear that simple, status quo names were the thing. We also relied on the Good Book for ideas, a trend that continues today (Paul, Thomas, Jonah, Ruth, Joseph, Carl). During the 90s, Mary got kicked to the curb, and we became enamored with all the girls that signed my yearbook with circles over their i's (Christina, Jennifer, Stephanie, Melissa). And now with this millennium, we are inspired by places we've been (Austin, Sydney, Brooklyn) and places we know we're headed to (Destiny).

Parents-to-be in search of that perfect munchkin moniker should check the baby name section on Parenting.com. Beyond the standard A-Z list, you can review the themed lists (like action heroes? Learn about the origins of names like Indiana, Conan,and Maverick) and pick based on any cultural and ethnic heritage you can think of (from Aboriginal to Zimbabwean).

While some of us opt for an out-of-the-box name, we are largely creatures of habit and victims of trends. "Parents in the United States are increasingly sensitive to the change in frequency of a name in recent time," states the USA Today article. It will be interesting to see the name chart in another 10 years, and if there are more Baracks and less Georges.

Remember that scene in Knocked Up where Katherine Heigl finds all the parenting books that Seth Rogen bought still in the Barnes & Noble bag? I think that's fairly typical. What to Expect When You're Expecting sat on my nightstand unopened for months, moonlighting as the world's most well-researched coaster. And most of the books targeted to new dads have an overtly syrupy tone, with book jackets featuring misty mornings on a lake or sepia-toned photos that wouldn't be out of place in the 'Thinking of You' section at Hallmark. Sure, it helps to know what a mucus plug is, but mostly guys need books that offers simple, streamlined, practical info that doesn't get bogged down with a lot of "medical diagrams" or "compound sentences."

 

Well have I got the book for you, Pops. Anyone out there looking for a fun, helpful read to give a new dad should check out Rules for my Unborn Son. It's written by Walker Lamond, a man whose penchant for Paul Stuart blazers, horn-rimmed glasses and vintage ties make me wonder if he was grown in the same Petri dish as Ira Glass. A TV producer and filmmaker by trade, Lamond started a blog by the name same - rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com - upon hearing that he and wife were having a baby. It grew into a collection of short quotes, tips, and advice items - none longer than a dozen words - that's now in paperback, serving as "the ultimate instruction manual for becoming a gentleman." Even with 212 pages filedl, nary one of these quips sounds tired or cliche. Here are just a few selections:

* Don't underestimate your fertility.

* Be beholden to no one. Pay cash.

*  Have a signature dish, even if it's your only one.

* Don't boast about projects in progress. Celebrate their completion.

* If you've made your point, stop talking.

Rules for My Unborn Son gets four and half beans from The Daily Bean. And remember: Keep a copy of your letters. It makes it easier on your biographer.

Mommy blogger, did you know the government is basically calling you Winona Ryder in Saks Fifth Avenue? As most of the blogosphere knows by now, on Oct 5th the Federal Trade Commission announced it was amending its laws about advertising endorsements and testimonials to include mommy bloggers. Ever notice how some commercials show a guy talking about how much he loves soap but in fine print it says "not a soap user"? Or a Internet dating site shows an amorous couple and the 12-point font blurb "not actual love. she just really wants to travel this summer...alone...without him"? Well now the government wants bloggers to admit upfront whether they were paid or compensated for endorsing a product in their blog. 

Can you believe this? What in the name of delicious new Jalapeno Popper-flavored Doritos is going on here? Does the government think that just because we love the smooth refreshing taste of A&W root beer that someone will just send it to 460 N. Orlando Avenue in Winter Park, Florida? That's absolutely positively Zestfully clean ridiculous. So be aware, blog readers: look for notices at the bottom of each entry that say "This is a paid endorsement" or "I enjoyed this product mostly because it arrived for free in my mailbox."

While the media made mommy bloggers appear to be the sole target of the FTC, that's incorrect. The new amendments also target celebrities. That's right: the goverment is cracking down on celebs, who, according to the FTC, "have a duty to disclose their relationships with advertisers when making endorsements outside the context of traditional ads, such as on talk shows or in social media." Drew Barrymore, when you went on Jay Leno and talked about how you make the best grilled cheeses with Kraft Singles, you were paid? So what are you saying? Did you bring those Reese's Pieces to the set of E.T. too?

So stay sharp, brave consumer. While there are times when the government will intervene, you will typically face these challenges alone. Like the time I kept pushing those big nacho chips into the dip and they kept breaking. Then I tried Tostito's Scoops, the bite-size chip that goes great with any dip or salsa.**

**I am currently eating free salsa^^

^^With free chips