Smiley faces, smiles within
Today is Monday
Let the smiles begin!
Smile today, tomorrow, too
Keep on smiling
The whole week through!
Smile! Smile! Smile!
Legend & claims resound
Takes more muscles to frown
Generation upon generation has passed along the saying “it takes less muscles to smile than to frown.” If this is true, then one might conclude smiling requires less muscles, thus burning less calories and thereby conserving energy. As with many things passed along through the ages and having been around so long, the cultural landscape of this saying has taken on wide interpretations and variances in recorded data. Let’s take a look and see if there are indeed supportive facts or is this simply a statement of fireside chatter?
Remember the game where a line of people stood along a wall, one person whispered a phrase or statement into the next person’s ear and that person whispered to the next person, and so on? It became a hit because the last person in the line had to repeat aloud an interpretation of what he/she heard and it rarely, if ever, sounded anything like it started! Sometimes it became so distorted it did not even make sense but it certainly brought on its share of smiles and laughter.
Keeping that scenario in mind think about the saying “it takes more muscles to smile, than to frown” but in the context of actual numbers, i.e., how many muscles it takes to smile vs. the number of muscles it takes to frown. As with the little game and because the saying is so widespread, the number of muscles to form both expressions has changed from telling to telling. Different people hear it differently and pass along supposedly the version they heard as absolute truth with absolute certainty…without a shadow of doubt!
From Snopes.com, here is a sampling of some ways this saying has been interpreted and passed along.
It takes 13 muscles to smile and 33 to frown. Why over work? (Washington Post, 5 December 1982)
It takes four muscles to smile, 20 to frown and roughly 317 to appear amused when a Celine Dion imitator, who happens to be a man, sings a song about, er, flatulence. (The Denver Post, 29 September 1998)
Don’t they know it is said you use 35 muscles to frown and four to smile. Don’t tire yourself! ([Queensland] Sunday Mail, 18 August 1991)
It takes 50 muscles to make a frown – but only 13 to produce a smile. (From a 1931 book)
To me, the best comes from the scientists. They conclude it takes 41 muscles to frown and 17 to smile. Makes you wonder…um-m-m-m?
Scientists have WAY too much time on their hands!
Frowning does use more muscles and as a result, burns more calories!
Conclusion: On a diet? SMILE more!
What are your plans for today? Will you fill the day with smiles or mope around feeling blue? Mondays ARE a new beginning!
Click Here: TOUCH of CATNIP
If you are not smiling by now, start dancing! Ever seen anyone frowning on a dance floor? Dance in the kitchen, dance down the hall, dance on your way to the bathroom! Dance! Get the picture? Dance & bring on the smiles!
catnipoflife 
That’s what I need . To stand on my head
Just dance, sweet Chris, just dance!
Well my friend did you find a favourite poem. When I re read these it is hard to believe they were all writen while I was so young.
[…] Smiley faces, smiles within Today is Monday Let the smiles begin! Smile today, tomorrow, too Keep on smiling The whole week through! Smile! Smile! Smile! Legend & claims resound Takes more muscles to frown… […]
…What’s happening to the cats fur!?
I found myself laughing a lot more recently. Let’s hope for a better year.
I decided from the beginning of this year to devote more time for laughter! Laughter is good for the soul and definitely ignites in the heart! Thank you for your comments:>) Does make you wonder about the changes in the fur but at least it brought on the laughter!
Fantastic Sharla and yes I am smiling, hugely … thank you my friend! What a great post to start the week! much affection, Penny xx
Keep smiling, Penny!
I shall indeed!
:):):):):) SMILES !!!
Back at cha’, Len:>)
Loved this post! Things are going great lately so it’s easy to smile. We all know however, the best smiles come from inside. Thanks Sharla!
Many smile your way for the New Year, Peggy!
Going to get me one of those stylish raincoats… 🙂
And post a picture to your website!
hmmmm LOL
I am listening to “Waiting For A Star to Fall” whilst looking at the cat, very well co-ordinated with it.
This is just too cool! Perhaps I should add audio:>)
I think it would be a good idea.
no catnip allowed here my cats would be dancing on the ceiling and walls for days. LOL but we dance and we smile so hang in there and I’ll catch you after while.
Jana, so good to ‘see’ you stop by for some catnip, especially since you cannot have any around at home:>)
I stop by more than you know. I’m there with you everyday. I don’t always leave a comment as my PC is acting up. Smile and your heart smiles with you.
WOW! Thank you, Jana! Did you notice on The Next Big Thing I referenced and linked your book?
This post made me smile on a day when I’m really down from a Lyme attack–chronic!! Thanks for saving me from so many new wrinkles 🙂
Micki
Yea! The smiles worked:>) Love you, Micki!
Love, love this blog. I’m smiling now.
Dicy
Keep smiling the whole week through!
Not only was this is a lovely blog to get us smiling – I also thought it was very cleverly done Sharla – bravo,
Do-you know the old soldiers song about load up your kitbag and smile smile smile!
Thanks, Val. No, I am not familiar with the song. At least I don’t think so…may be one of those once I hear it the memory will return. Wonder if I could find it on YouTube…will give it a try!
I always love posts about smiling. Thank you so much, and the cat is better than mine…….love it… ((smile))
I laughed so hard when I found the dancing cat I knew it had to be posted! Keep smiling…
Reblogged this on Greatpoetrymhf's Weblog.
WOW! Thank you, Mary Helen. That is the highest compliment from blogger to blogger:>)
I have nominated you for the “Reader Appreciation Award”
http://kattermonran.com/2013/01/08/awards-part-one/
Thank you, Alastair. Catnip’s first award in 2013! COOL! I definitely have some ‘folks’ to pass that one along to pronto.
You’re welcome. You’ll notice I have awarded Awakenings as well 🙂
[…] Have fun and have a cup of coffee while completing your post and invitations. If you don’t like coffee, have a cup of tea or whatever you prefer. Just enjoy the day and smile […]