Paraskevidekatriaphobia: Fear of Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th - The Most Widespread Superstition?

The sixth day of the week and the number 13 both have foreboding reputations said to date from ancient times, and their inevitable conjunction from one to three times a year portends more misfortune than some credulous minds can bear. Some sources say it may be the most widespread superstition in the United States. Some people won't go to work on Friday the 13th; some won't eat in restaurants; many wouldn't think of setting a wedding on the date.

Just how many Americans at the turn of the millennium still suffer from this condition? According to Dr. Donald Dossey, a psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of phobias (and coiner of the term "paraskevidekatriaphobia"), the figure may be as high as 21 million. If he's right, eight percent of Americans are still in the grips of a very old superstition.

There have been a number of events known as "Black Fridays" in history. Usually, these events are devastating. Some historians propose that the origin of the "Black Friday" was the simultaneous arrest of hundreds of Knights Templars on October 13, 1307 (Friday), to be later tortured into admitting heresy.

I say is is all in their heads!

So Soon?

Wow, almost a month since I have blogged. SO busy and really have not much to write about. Been kinda bummed, I have been so busy at work I have not been able to start back swimming, I went only once LAST week. I really need to get in the pool. I need to try out Hoop's new chute, nice job to Hoop on the Swim Miami 10K, you could not pay me to swim that far or for that long ever again. Only a really good or fun bet would MAYBE do it.

Well the fall TV season is underway and shows are getting cancelled. Smith is already gone, and it looks like Kidnapped is on it's way out, been banished to Saturday night and told to wrap up the show by the 13 episode order. Happy Hour, a show I have never heard of is on it's way out as well.

It looks like my Tivo can take a rest on two shows for now. I kinda liked Smith, Ray Liotta is cool, and so is Simon Baker. It had a good concept, just no one watched. Amy Smart was annoying though.

I watched the Nine, do not know if I like it yet, but Heroes is AWESOME! Plus my usual shows I watch!