Body language refers to those gestures, postures, and facial expressions by which a person may indicate various physical, mental, or emotional states being called "communicating nonverbally" with others.

This nonverbal communication by means of facial expressions, eye behavior, gestures, posture, and the like; are often thought to be involuntary.

Then there are the deliberate, usually culturally influenced, nonverbal communication using the body through facial expressions, gesticulations, dancing, insufferable mimes, and so forth.

Now then, I'm not a big proponent of body language as an art form and even less so as a science. I dare say I think students of body language are pseudointellectuals attempting to tout some nonexistent "skill" as worth mentioning. Perhaps too many of us are simply of a too 'follow he herd" mentality and just want to act similarly to everyone else they know.

I know many others will disagree.

Perhaps this is all due to 'poker face' and not revealing yourself to your enemies such as I have practiced since boot camp where I was thrown in the brig for mutiny and conspiracy. Such ridiculous antics by idiots in charge lead to the keeping of ones heart far from their sleeve.

Today is National Body Language Day. It is held since 2010 under the auspices of one Blanca Cobb, so-called "body language expert" and usually goes down on the first Friday of October making it October 4th this year.

The day is meant to make people realize some power in body language as an important mode of communication. I for one am ususally crystal clear in my intent, and yes, I suppose that you might say that body language could be a valid indicator of this.

For example, with me you will readily know if I am incredulous — or bored — or if you better run for your life. I remain and have been a very effective communicator. If you wish to attribute part of this to your perception of "body language" then more power to you !

Happy National Body Language Day regardless of your take on it all.
 

Kampai !

I have had sake on a very limited number of occasions. My first taste was dining on the Ginza in Tokyo. I'm afraid that the drink was cloudy and harsh but this was a preferred brand consumed with great relish by the locals and I just jumped right in and was enthusiastic for the experience. Subsequent tastes of the drink — and the place where my taste for sake itself was cultivated was at Inakaya Watanabe on Saint Andrews at Jamil Road in Saint Andrews, Columbia, SC.

My friend Ryo-San served it up periodically and I partook of several different varieties. He introduced me to my first truly refined mild brand translated as Gentekken Tiara over the Moon. It became a quick favorite of mine and I didn't bat an eye at the eighty dollar bottle — which was a magnificent work of art I might add. Another mild favorite sake of mine is the fruity and subtle Haiku. Oh, how intoxicatingly wonderful. It will light you up like a Christmas tree.

Even though my frequency of visitation has diminished over time, every time I dine at Inakaya Watanable it is a new taste sensation which leaves me anticipating my next visit.

Today is World Sake Day aka Nihonshu no Hi, held since 1978 under the auspices of Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association.

It marks the beginning of the annual rice harvest. It is observed each October 1 annually to recognize sake and its contributions to Japanese culture, ceremonies, and celebrations. Indeed each visit to Inakaya Watanabe is a celebration. The day also hopefully cultivates an appreciation for sake.

So regardless of whether you reside in Japan or elsewhere this day remains for all sake aficionados internationally.

See Also:

International Sushi Day 2022
World Sake Day 2023
International Sushi Day 2024
National Chopsticks Day 2024
 

There was a time when I partook of chewing gum with a much greater frequency than I do these days. When I was a child my mom could usually come up with a piece of Juicy Fruit albeit in different packaging ... seeing how that was her favorite gum and I would indulge forthwith.

As a child I would also find the wish to chew gum strongest in those places which forbade it. As an adult I typically don't feel the urge to chew gum at all because it is insufficiently stimulating.

Today is National Chewing Gum Day. It goes down each September 30 annually.

About the only use for such a day is promotion as far as I can tell. Be all of this as it may chewing gum lacks the allure it had for me as a child, but indeed I have been known to chew upon it like Mr Escoe L Robinson's cud chewing cow poem we would recite line for line after getting caught in his English class chewing gum.

Ah, those were the days.
 

Alas, my lovey dovey days are over.

Whereas I once wrote poetry, bestowed roses, and professed an overflowing fount of emotion and meaning nowadays I simply take it in then move on.

When you get to be my age the chase gets old and the benefits less alluring than they once were.

Some of those way too clingy way too soon social episodes in my memory are part and parcel of this reduced need for company.

I encounter various others in my travels who inquire as to what happened to me — and why don't they ever see me anymore. I tell them that life and our activities otherwise have caused us to circulate in situations which have caused us to miss ...

There is really no explanation other than I no longer seek company outside my inner circle nor mingle.

Today is Love Note Day.

It is celebrated each September 26 every and is supposedly to inspire the sending of warm, heartfelt love notes to your partner perchance to convey your deepest emotions by writing down how much they mean to you and sending it to your lover.

My romatic days having departed a while back forces to beg your pardon if I find the whole concept a bit on the cheesy side of romaticism. There ultimately comes a time when pursuits other than pursuing Bob Lind's Elusive Butterfly of Love take preeminence over your existence.

Perhaps simply telling those for whom you feel close "I love you" will utimately suffice. Regardless, if you have a significant other be sure to show them some love.

If your looking good luck.

If you're no longer looking welcome to the club.

Happy Love Note Day. I hope the day is everything for which you could ask.