Ringing It In And Other Rituals: New Year’s Traditions From Around The World

How do you celebrate the new year? Booze? Lentils? Party Hats? Resolutions? New Year's is one of those holidays that, regardless of where you live (provided you are connected to civilization and not living off the grid or in a tree), is celebrated by most people around the world. Many cultures have similar traditions but … Continue reading Ringing It In And Other Rituals: New Year’s Traditions From Around The World

The Most Objective “Best of 2012″ List Ever, Part III: Social Media

Some more “best of” in the spirit of the new year. I like the take on Facebook Groups: breathing new life into a social media platform that is SOOOO 2011.

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Earlier this week I posted “Part I: Television” and “Part II: Memes” of “The Most Objective ‘Best of 2012’ List Ever.” There doesn’t seem to be much enthusiasm for these highly idiosyncratic “Best Of” lists that I’ve been producing BUT I’m the kind of gal who likes to finish what she starts, so today I present Part III of my list:

Best of Social Media

You thought this post was going to be about Pinterest, didn’t you? Wasn’t 2012 the year of Pinterest? And really, I should be the target consumer for Pinterest since, according to MediaBistro, 97% of Pinterest users are female. And I’m a female. But after just a few weeks of heavy use back in March, I stopped using my Pinterest account all together. Simply put, I found it overwhelming. So many crafts to make, so many recipes to try, so many quick and easy ways to “do…

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The Most Objective “Best of 2012″ List Ever, Part II: Memes

Awesome: entertainment AND context!

judgmental observer

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Over the weekend I posted Part I of  “The Most Objective ‘Best of 2012’ List Ever,” focusing on why I think Wilfred is the best, or at least the most unusual and innovative, television show of 2012.  I then promised threatened to continue to devote posts to “Best Film,” “Best Meme,” “Best Single,” and “Best of Social Media” of 2012. That list was ambitious, particularly since I am going on a long vacation in a few days. I’ve realized I may not get to cover everything promised in my first post before 2013 hits (when you will promptly stop caring about “Best of 2012” lists). But as the kids say, YOLO! Let’s move forward as best we can:

I present Part II of my “Best of 2012″ list:

Best Internet Meme

It’s hard to select the best meme of 2012. There are so many and, like all trends, when they hit big…

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Marraige: The Ritual Accoutrements

an informative video on marriage Today my wife and I are officially legally married...at least in the state if New York and any other state that chooses to acknowledge it. When we got to the city clerk's office, not wearing anything special nor bringing any accoutrements to adorn the occasion, I suddenly felt like we … Continue reading Marraige: The Ritual Accoutrements

Medicating Pets: Where Do We Draw The Line?

If you would like to experience an exercise in futility try making a cat take a pill. Better yet - how about three? As a part of our stay in NYC this week my wife and I are house sitting and (more to the point) cat sitting for my brother's family cats. One is very … Continue reading Medicating Pets: Where Do We Draw The Line?

Isn’t It Romantic? Snapshots Of The civic Process of Marriage

When little girls dream of their wedding day, visions of white dresses and flying bouquets and dance floors and champagne usually come flash before their dreamy eyes. The ritual of marriage as portrayed in media and more is one of romance and pageantry and grand demonstrations of celebration. What they don't share with you in … Continue reading Isn’t It Romantic? Snapshots Of The civic Process of Marriage

Get Your Christmas Style On! Sociology Of Style 5 Outfits Of Christmas

It's not necessarily a day of rest:  it' Christmas!  On Christmas day most of us don't lay around in one place all day.  There are family visits, Church and all kinds of stops in between.  Good thing the folks over at Sociology of Style have thought of everything to get us through! http://sociologyofstyle.com/2012/12/24/the-5-outfits-of-christmas-and-some-holiday-tech-tips/ The 5 … Continue reading Get Your Christmas Style On! Sociology Of Style 5 Outfits Of Christmas

For Christmas I Want A Fat Dude Sliding Down My Chimney To Bring Me Stuff

I remember when I was little and (despite the fact that both my parents are Jewish) I would spend the weeks up until Christmas anticipating Christmas morning, when Santa would have brought me and my brothers a living-room full of presents.  I took the responsibility of making sure Santa had cookies and milk (as well … Continue reading For Christmas I Want A Fat Dude Sliding Down My Chimney To Bring Me Stuff

On The Road To Godlesness?

As we careen toward's Christmas just a few days away, the topic of religion is obviously unavoidable.  I know, I know...muddying the celebratory waters with facts.   An article in today's New York Times discusses the fact brought to light by a new Pew Center study that a full 20% (that's 1/5th) of the U.S. Population … Continue reading On The Road To Godlesness?

The Gift Of Stress? Pontification On The Anthropological Origins of Exchanging Gifts

The holiday season in the U.S. is a wondrous time of year when we choose to prioritize family over work, corniness over being "cool" and eating tons of fat and sugar over a proper balanced diet. it's also a time of year when we all gain a few extra gray hairs racking our brains over … Continue reading The Gift Of Stress? Pontification On The Anthropological Origins of Exchanging Gifts