The Peter Principle is the principle that "In a Hierarchy Every Employee Tends to Rise to His Level of Incompetence." While formulated by Dr. Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull in their 1968 book The Peter Principle, a humorous treatise which also introduced the "salutary science of Hierarchiology", "inadvertently founded" by Peter, the principle has real validity.

It holds that in a hierarchy, members are promoted so long as they work competently. Sooner or later they are promoted to a position at which they are no longer competent (their "level of incompetence"), and there they remain. Peter's Corollary states that "in time, every post tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent to carry out his duties" and adds that "work is accomplished by those employees who have not yet reached their level of incompetence".

The slightest mistake in protocol can be embarrassing at best and headline-making at worst.

The gifts officer, who is responsible for suggesting, purchasing and delivering official gifts for the president, vice president and secretary of state, is a part of the protocol division.

Gibbs has a habit of smacking his subordinates in the back of the head when he is displeased which, I think, in real life would probably not be allowed.

Mullfoto of the Day

In these times of economic stress, it pays to be honest.

Catchy Caption of the Day

Actual Caption:

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger congratulates Iris Kyle after she won the Miss International body building competition during the Arnold Sports Festival Friday, March 6, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio.

Hey, there cutie! I was talking to you, Governor.

(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)