Month: October 2012

From Hallowed To Shallow? The Evolution of Halloween As A Consumer Ritual

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ 6 Comments

It's scary how our consumer culture latches on to a spooky cultural tradition and manages to find ways to make it economically viable. That being said, I am excited about all the leftover mini-snickers bars I am going to have this year. I thought it appropriate to try and find some sort of anthropological explanation … Continue reading From Hallowed To Shallow? The Evolution of Halloween As A Consumer Ritual

The Dead Man’s Hand: A Little Bit of Poker Context

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ 1 Comment

Last night I played in my first Texas Hold 'em tournament:  a quarterly event at a local bar whereby winners of the weekly games have the opportunity to compete for a cash prize in a 5 table tournament style event. I had been anticipating this game for at least a couple of months:  so excited … Continue reading The Dead Man’s Hand: A Little Bit of Poker Context

Things I’ve Learned From Playing Poker In Bars

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ 1 Comment

First let me start by saying that where I live it is perfectly legal to play poker at bars. For "fun", anyway. There are several companies / leagues in my neck of the woods that promote free tournament-style Texas Hold 'em Poker nights at different bars around the area. The winners get a bar tab … Continue reading Things I’ve Learned From Playing Poker In Bars

A Few Notches Below Brunch: Sunday At The Waffle House

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ Leave a comment

Today is my last day home alone with the dog and I decided that not only was i not in the mood to make breakfast, but I was also not in the mood to "fuss" about taking a long drive to get "the perfect bagel" - as was my previous aspiration until i woke up … Continue reading A Few Notches Below Brunch: Sunday At The Waffle House

Repurposing The Scarecrow: Art Reminiscing About Subsistence Past

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ Leave a comment

This weekend the dog and I are on our own. So, rather than staying home and playing it safe in our own backyard I thought a trip to the local "square" was in order for a little adventure. It was fall arts and farmers market day with lots of interesting crafts (the dog got a … Continue reading Repurposing The Scarecrow: Art Reminiscing About Subsistence Past

The Misguided Issue of Racial Politics: Especially Where “White People” Are Concerened

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ 1 Comment

The election-related political chatter is in full tilt as we approach election day.  And this morning the "talk back" topic on CNN is about race and voting.  In particular, asking why Obama is polling so poorly with "white voters":  https://www.facebook.com/CarolCNN As somebody who studies cultural context for a living, I always get a little perturbed … Continue reading The Misguided Issue of Racial Politics: Especially Where “White People” Are Concerened

Siri As An Anthropomorphic Catalyst For Human Cultural (d)Evolution…And My New Mistress

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ 2 Comments

The narcissist in me absolutely must have the latest new tech toys.  So, naturally I was among the first to get my grimy little hands on Apple's new opus:  the iPhone 5.  And it was my first opportunity (since i missed the last upgrade window) to interact with Siri - who is now my new … Continue reading Siri As An Anthropomorphic Catalyst For Human Cultural (d)Evolution…And My New Mistress

How Do You Rock The Vote? Dress The Part!

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ Leave a comment

It's that time again.  We are mere weeks away from electing America's leader for the next four years.   Debates have come and gone, millions have been spent in campaign ads and bumper stickers and Khaki pants and now  it's down to go-time. The issues have been batted back and forth:  the economy, foreign policy, health … Continue reading How Do You Rock The Vote? Dress The Part!

Office Acculturation 107: The Signification of Seating Arrangements In Workplace Habitats

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ 1 Comment

The culture of an office environment is full of nuance, as elaborated on in previous posts.  Today's topic covers the rapidly evolving signification of seating arrangements in such offices. There is a distinct tradition with some differences depending on the industry or nature of the business than a specific office serves. Here are some examples: … Continue reading Office Acculturation 107: The Signification of Seating Arrangements In Workplace Habitats

The Myth Of The American Icon: Are Our Heroes Meant To Fall From Grace?

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ Leave a comment

It's official: Lance Armstrong is no longer a champion. Stripped of his 7 Tour De France titles and most (if not all) of his sponsors, he now occupies a seat on the bench with a list of fallen American heroes.  He finds himself among is among such esteemed sports heroes such as Pete Rose, OJ … Continue reading The Myth Of The American Icon: Are Our Heroes Meant To Fall From Grace?