Five on Friday

Friday the 13th

1. Are you superstitious? Why or why not?

I'm not very. I really think superstitions are a way of thinking about ways of controlling the randomness of the world around us. We can't do that, really. But we like to think we can, hence superstitions.

2. What is the strangest or most unusual superstition you've ever heard of?

My favorite is one from childhood. Take an apple with a stem. Twist the stem as you say the alphabet. Whatever letter you reach when the stem breaks is the first initial of the person you'll marry. [If you're in love with a Zach or a Zoe, TALK FAST!]

3. Do you feel lucky?

No, Harry. Don't shoot!
I feel blessed, not lucky.

4. Would you ever plan a major event for the thirteenth day of any month? How about Friday the thirteenth?

Sure, why not? Today is the perfect day to have finished this project at work for all the superstitious reasons.

When I was a kid, I used to say that I was so weird that Friday the 13th was actually my lucky day.

5. How does your answer to question 4 change your answer to question 1?

Doesn't. Does it?