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happy friday the 13th :D

Friday, January 13, 2006

being born and raised a Filipino tends to make you superstitious. as for me, i believe that things happen for a reason and that we are in charge of our own luck. it's not that i don't believe in all these superstition nonesense but like they say, there's absolutely no harm in trying, right.

 today, we celebrate one of the most feared days - friday the 13th. etymologists have even coined a term for people who fear friday the 13th (paraskevidekatriaphobia). the question is… why?!

we all know that 13 is "suppossed" to be unlucky. here are some facts about the infamous number that you'll find interesting..

  • French socialites (quatorziens) would make themselves available as emebery guest fill-ins for dinner parties which held 13 names so they could be the 14th guest.
  • Threats on computer viruses run amuck on Friday the 13th often needlessly scaring many users.
  • Otis Elevator Company says that 90% of skyscrapers (and many big hotels) have no 13th floor
  • Many hospitals, hotels, office complexes, etc. have no Room 13
  • Universal Studios in California has no studio lot 13
  • Many airlines, sports arenas and auditoriums eliminate a "seat 13" or even a row 13
  • Many business (or CEOs) don't like starting a business trip or even signing a contract on any 13th of any month, especially if it's Friday the 13th.
  • The airport in Fresno, CA doesn't have a Gate 13
  • Many folks will not have 13 as a house number so the Post Office gives them 12 1/2. And in France , to replace the number 13, they use 12 two times (1212)

 

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