http://flexistentialist.org/blog/archives/2009/02/15/what-is-it-about-this-dog/ Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:39:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://flexistentialist.org/blog/archives/2009/02/15/what-is-it-about-this-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-52365 Flexistentialism » This economy calls for strange gifts Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:18:25 +0000 http://flexistentialist.org/blog/archives/2009/02/15/what-is-it-about-this-dog/#comment-52365 [...] the art show, I had the opportunity to present Mike (winner of the prize for “why does this dog look like my friend”) with his prize: 1 quart of my latest batch of homemade root beer. I have to applaud Mike for [...] [...] the art show, I had the opportunity to present Mike (winner of the prize for “why does this dog look like my friend”) with his prize: 1 quart of my latest batch of homemade root beer. I have to applaud Mike for [...]

]]> http://flexistentialist.org/blog/archives/2009/02/15/what-is-it-about-this-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-52363 Mike Hill Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:51:56 +0000 http://flexistentialist.org/blog/archives/2009/02/15/what-is-it-about-this-dog/#comment-52363 I'm long gone, back to the grind. No prize needed. I just thought I would take a stab at it. See ya in March (spring skiing and all)! I’m long gone, back to the grind. No prize needed. I just thought I would take a stab at it. See ya in March (spring skiing and all)!

]]> http://flexistentialist.org/blog/archives/2009/02/15/what-is-it-about-this-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-52362 m. Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:53:32 +0000 http://flexistentialist.org/blog/archives/2009/02/15/what-is-it-about-this-dog/#comment-52362 Hmmm...I have to admit, my friend has blonde eyebrows most of the time, and that makes the comparison hard to picture. But the eyes seem to bear a strong resemblance, so you still deserve a prize. Are you still in town? If so, let me know, that will make it easier. Hmmm…I have to admit, my friend has blonde eyebrows most of the time, and that makes the comparison hard to picture. But the eyes seem to bear a strong resemblance, so you still deserve a prize. Are you still in town? If so, let me know, that will make it easier.

]]> http://flexistentialist.org/blog/archives/2009/02/15/what-is-it-about-this-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-52361 Mike Hill Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:35:14 +0000 http://flexistentialist.org/blog/archives/2009/02/15/what-is-it-about-this-dog/#comment-52361 I think the keys here are the dark markings above the eyes that resemble eyebrows as well as the crease between the eyes that resembles a furrowed brow. With many primates (including humans) eyebrows or eyebrow markings are a key indicator of mood (surprise, anger, etc). I would argue that the eyebrow markings as well as the furrowed brow resemble a facial expression that reminds you of the facial expression most commonly made by your friend. I have a background in Anthropology so I find this sort of thing fascinating. What is also interesting to me is that these particular traits in this dog are no accident. Dog breeders naturally select features in dogs that make them appear more human. For example, shorter snouts, round faces, small ears, and in this case..........eyebrow markings! I think the keys here are the dark markings above the eyes that resemble eyebrows as well as the crease between the eyes that resembles a furrowed brow. With many primates (including humans) eyebrows or eyebrow markings are a key indicator of mood (surprise, anger, etc). I would argue that the eyebrow markings as well as the furrowed brow resemble a facial expression that reminds you of the facial expression most commonly made by your friend. I have a background in Anthropology so I find this sort of thing fascinating. What is also interesting to me is that these particular traits in this dog are no accident. Dog breeders naturally select features in dogs that make them appear more human. For example, shorter snouts, round faces, small ears, and in this case……….eyebrow markings!

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