J! here, hoping to inform you of the *real* *new* *strange* and *bizarre* customs and cultures we encounter in our travel ventures through and around the world. And even though we're mostly settled here in D-Land, this first installment will take us all the way back to the high plains of Northern Conneticut and the *real* *new* *strange* and *bizarre* greeting habits of the local inhabitants. Many thanks to my father, whose frequent trips into this territory as "Knowledge Trader" led to our exposure to the "Bap 'N Tap."

You may already be familiar with certain aspects of the "Bap N' Tap," a lightening quick conglomeration of techniques often exhibited in both adolescent sports and thumb wars. As a two step process, let's follow the illustrations:

Step One, the "Bap:"

Simple enough, right? Experienced practitioners of this salutation will tell you all about how this first stage of the "Bap 'N Tap" is a teaser for the more complex and visually engaging motion of the "Tap." This congratulatory contact often goes by the names of "Jam Hand," "Pound City," and "Rock Talk." In these simpler forms of expressions, there are disadvantages abound. Oftentimes, one attempts to make fist contact only to realize that the accomplice is approaching with a "High Five," resulting in an awkward flesh connection of palm and knuckle (closely resembling how Paper defeats Rock). In those cultures that primarily practice the "Bap 'N Tap," there are no such worries--as the multifaceted form of expression is the predictable mainstay of the region.

Step Two, the "Tap:"

And now you must realize the amount of finesse necessary for such an expression. Of course, this medium does not lend itself to show the full motion--the "'N" that springs between the "Bap" and the "Tap." But a close observer may notice how the fist must rotate several degrees, and the thumb must extend quickly and accurately enough to collide with the adjacent thumb. Mind you, this is not a slow motion, but a lightening fast gesture indicative of the emotion that this intensity and precision is mean to represent. When first exposed, outsiders may gasp at the breathtaking combination, as children gasp at their first exposure to fireworks. The "Bap" an explosion that lights up the skyline, the "Tap" all the glitter, before disappearing, flickering toward ground.

Dotde signing off on another installment of *new* *real* *strange* and *bizarre* customs and cultures from around the world.