DID YOU EVER NOTICE? TRIVIA BUFF RESPONDS

DID YOU EVER NOTICE – TRIVIA BUFF RESPONDS

James R. Fisher, Jr., Ph.D.
© August 14, 2009

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I am glad this little respite from serious palaver was found interesting. Many more occurred during my 90-minute walk, but I thought this should suffice. In any case, a trivia buff responded, and expanded on one of my observations. It follows:

It's funny that you mention fist bumps in the context of baseball. I suffer the unfortunate curse of having way too much trivia stored in my head. Recall is easy. The fist bump was born of necessity out of health concerns. Moises Alou related to a reporter that to toughen his hands he would urinate on them. As with many of these odd treatments originating from folk medicine, it is easy to assume he was not the only one. Other players on the Cubs changed from recognizing his accomplishments with high five's to fist bumps. I would assume other Latino ball players might have made similar admissions. The fist bump took the place of a high five's and fore arm bumps.

More humorous is the awkward manner in which the unpracticed share fist bumps. They require much more precision than a high five. Misplaced or delivered with too much force it can be painful. Often there is this moment of tentative address that makes the exchange seem more contrived than spontaneous.

Probably more than anyone needs to share.

Be always well,

Jim

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