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Triskaidekaphobia
Author: BobR
Date: 08/13/2010 10:24:35
Today is Friday the 13th. For the superstitious, this day is considered one of the unluckiest of all. There are many theories that claim to explain the origins of the fear of the number 13 (Triskaidekaphobia), but there will never be any that can be called definitive (technically, fear of Friday the 13th specifically is called "Paraskavedekatriaphobia").
One of the most widely accepted is that it was on Friday the 13th of October 1307 that King Phillip IV of France ordered the Knights Templar to be arrested. They went onto become the freemasons. (Our founding fathers were freemasons. Our country had 13 colonies when it was formed. Coincidence?)
Also on this date, in 2004 Hurricane Charley slammed into Florida, and in 1899 Alfred Hitchcock was born. Of course, it was Apollo 13 that had all of the malfunctions and was almost lost.
What is amazing is how much superstition has driven decisions in seemingly logical arenas. How many skyscrapers - designed and built by brilliant architects - lack a 13th floor? How is it that superstitions with absolutely no basis in anything remotely scientific (and let's face it - there is nothing related to the number 13 that could be used as evidence) drive normally sensible people to do nonsensical and sometimes costly or detrimental things?
It is a curious mechanism of the human mind that we will do things that make no sense, because we want to believe the improbable over the indesputable. Look at all the lefties planning on sitting out the upcoming election. It is improbable that Democratic leaders will "learn their lesson". It is indesputable that allowing the Republicans to regain power will lead to a repeat of the past 10 years.
It is way past time in the course of human evolution that we put away notions based on long-dead explanations for the world around us that pre-date modern science. Friday the 13th is just another day on the calendar. Even science-fiction author H.G. Wells would've likely told you that - even though he died on this day in 1946.
One of the most widely accepted is that it was on Friday the 13th of October 1307 that King Phillip IV of France ordered the Knights Templar to be arrested. They went onto become the freemasons. (Our founding fathers were freemasons. Our country had 13 colonies when it was formed. Coincidence?)
Also on this date, in 2004 Hurricane Charley slammed into Florida, and in 1899 Alfred Hitchcock was born. Of course, it was Apollo 13 that had all of the malfunctions and was almost lost.
What is amazing is how much superstition has driven decisions in seemingly logical arenas. How many skyscrapers - designed and built by brilliant architects - lack a 13th floor? How is it that superstitions with absolutely no basis in anything remotely scientific (and let's face it - there is nothing related to the number 13 that could be used as evidence) drive normally sensible people to do nonsensical and sometimes costly or detrimental things?
It is a curious mechanism of the human mind that we will do things that make no sense, because we want to believe the improbable over the indesputable. Look at all the lefties planning on sitting out the upcoming election. It is improbable that Democratic leaders will "learn their lesson". It is indesputable that allowing the Republicans to regain power will lead to a repeat of the past 10 years.
It is way past time in the course of human evolution that we put away notions based on long-dead explanations for the world around us that pre-date modern science. Friday the 13th is just another day on the calendar. Even science-fiction author H.G. Wells would've likely told you that - even though he died on this day in 1946.
Comments:
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Comment by 
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 12:15:36
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 12:15:36
Morning 
Comment by wickedpam on 08/13/2010 12:27:56
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 12:27:56
Comment by 
Raine on 08/13/2010 13:00:14
Raine on 08/13/2010 13:00:14
Good Morning! 
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 13:08:55
the new John Bumper music!
Welcome back John!
Raine on 08/13/2010 13:08:55
the new John Bumper music! Welcome back John!
Comment by 
TriSec on 08/13/2010 13:17:23
TriSec on 08/13/2010 13:17:23
Maybe I have pantophobia.
What's that?
The fear of everything.
That's It!!!!
(and give a good listen when ol' Charlie Brown is on this Xmas...Lucy lists "phallusophobia" among the many diagnoses of Charlie Brown.)
Fuck the GOP, and particularly Newt Gingrich, BTW. The gentleman on KO last night perfectly reflects my situation, and indeed many others. Why take a job that's going to pay less than unemployment? That will make things worse, not better.
What's that?
The fear of everything.
That's It!!!!
(and give a good listen when ol' Charlie Brown is on this Xmas...Lucy lists "phallusophobia" among the many diagnoses of Charlie Brown.)
Fuck the GOP, and particularly Newt Gingrich, BTW. The gentleman on KO last night perfectly reflects my situation, and indeed many others. Why take a job that's going to pay less than unemployment? That will make things worse, not better.
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 13:19:32
Raine on 08/13/2010 13:19:32
Holy good lawd. Dr. Laura is off her rocker.
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 13:30:23
Raine on 08/13/2010 13:30:23
I cannot believe White people are whining for the right to use the *N* word.
Really? REALLY? REALLY?
Really? REALLY? REALLY?
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 13:35:59
Raine on 08/13/2010 13:35:59
I can't wait to hear what this big new is going to be!
Comment by wickedpam on 08/13/2010 13:46:11
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 13:46:11
I'm curious myself 
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 13:55:07
The tweets have me a little nervous.
From Chris:
From SMShow:
Raine on 08/13/2010 13:55:07
Quote by wickedpam:
I'm curious myself
The tweets have me a little nervous.
From Chris:
Big day at work today? Yeah. Game-changing? Possibly.
From SMShow:
There may be a lot of crying next hour.
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 14:00:18
Raine on 08/13/2010 14:00:18
unless, wedding bells are going to ring!!!!
Comment by 
BobR on 08/13/2010 14:03:30
BobR on 08/13/2010 14:03:30
hello! goodby!
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 14:06:48
Raine on 08/13/2010 14:06:48
looks like Chris turned off the camera. 
Comment by wickedpam on 08/13/2010 14:09:13
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 14:09:13
wow! Congrats Steph
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 14:10:36
Raine on 08/13/2010 14:10:36
HOLY SHIT!
God BLESS YOU MOMMA!!!!
God BLESS YOU MOMMA!!!!
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 08/13/2010 14:11:58
velveeta jones on 08/13/2010 14:11:58
Oh, Dr. Laura okay with the "n' word? She's a CUNT. I suppose she's okay with that even though I loathe the word. Congrats Dr. Asshole.
Comment by velveeta jones on 08/13/2010 14:13:05
velveeta jones on 08/13/2010 14:13:05
What'd she say? I just got the radio to play? Did she come out of the closet? Finally? :lol:
Comment by velveeta jones on 08/13/2010 14:16:12
velveeta jones on 08/13/2010 14:16:12
Nope, radio won't play. Damn.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/13/2010 14:16:22
Yep
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 14:16:22
Quote by velveeta jones:
What'd she say? I just got the radio to play? Did she come out of the closet? Finally? :lol:
Yep
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 14:18:45
Raine on 08/13/2010 14:18:45
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 14:25:55
Raine on 08/13/2010 14:25:55
Oh it figures. Momma comes out and my series of innertubes went kaplooey.
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 14:29:01
Raine on 08/13/2010 14:29:01
But for some reason, my wireless is working.
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 14:40:44
Raine on 08/13/2010 14:40:44
I love this, I love that Momma is telling us why she was concerned.
Comment by TriSec on 08/13/2010 14:48:30
TriSec on 08/13/2010 14:48:30
Momma's got the GAY??????
A little club soda will get that out.
Not even a wow from this end. She forgets her audience....I think maybe a "that's nice" will do.
The right, however.....can't wait to see the latest round of hate mail!
A little club soda will get that out.
Not even a wow from this end. She forgets her audience....I think maybe a "that's nice" will do.
The right, however.....can't wait to see the latest round of hate mail!
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 14:50:56
Raine on 08/13/2010 14:50:56
I'm more surprised that she announced it on the show.
That is incredible and very empowering.
That is incredible and very empowering.
Comment by BobR on 08/13/2010 14:52:45
BobR on 08/13/2010 14:52:45
I picked a fine day to be stuck in a training class.. 
Comment by velveeta jones on 08/13/2010 14:53:32
velveeta jones on 08/13/2010 14:53:32
So, why is she coming out? My internet radio wants to keep "buffering" or whatever. I think I've gone down to dialup.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 08/13/2010 14:55:23
Mondobubba on 08/13/2010 14:55:23
What? Momma's a Lesbian? Wow.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/13/2010 14:55:55
Mondobubba on 08/13/2010 14:55:55
(The Wow was for you Tri.)
Comment by velveeta jones on 08/13/2010 14:59:48
velveeta jones on 08/13/2010 14:59:48
Raine, you GOTTA call in, give congrats to her from all of us at the bloggie.
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 15:08:42
I've been trying!
Raine on 08/13/2010 15:08:42
Quote by velveeta jones:
Raine, you GOTTA call in, give congrats to her from all of us at the bloggie.
I've been trying!
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 15:16:53
Raine on 08/13/2010 15:16:53
ok I got thru.
I screwed up.
I screwed up.
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 15:26:25
Raine on 08/13/2010 15:26:25
Jerry, Right wing Jerry on the line. 
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/13/2010 15:28:21
Mondobubba on 08/13/2010 15:28:21
Quote by Raine:
Jerry, Right wing Jerry on the line.
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 15:28:26
Raine on 08/13/2010 15:28:26
Aww Mondo...
Comment by wickedpam on 08/13/2010 15:38:28
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 15:38:28
Damn my computer slowed to a stop, restarted and missed a bunch of stuff! *pouts*
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 15:40:53
This confirms it. Momma broke the inner tubes.
That happened to me earlier.
Raine on 08/13/2010 15:40:53
Quote by wickedpam:
Damn my computer slowed to a stop, restarted and missed a bunch of stuff! *pouts*
This confirms it. Momma broke the inner tubes.
That happened to me earlier.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/13/2010 15:43:23
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 15:43:23
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Damn my computer slowed to a stop, restarted and missed a bunch of stuff! *pouts*
This confirms it. Momma broke the inner tubes.
That happened to me earlier.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/13/2010 15:44:24
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 15:44:24
And see now I wonder if Steph and Cheyl are newly dating
Comment by wickedpam on 08/13/2010 15:44:56
What I miss?
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 15:44:56
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Jerry, Right wing Jerry on the line.
What I miss?
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 15:59:29
He called in and thanked Momma for coming out.
That man has much respect from me.
Raine on 08/13/2010 15:59:29
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Jerry, Right wing Jerry on the line.
What I miss?
That man has much respect from me.
Comment by 
livingonli on 08/13/2010 16:01:56
livingonli on 08/13/2010 16:01:56
Good day everyone. I was in the bathroom before so I didn't get on the blog but I did hear Mondo's call. And damn it, I slept through Momma's coming out announcement. I need to get back to hours where I can get up to hear the show again.
And damn it, I slept through Momma's coming out announcement. I need to get back to hours where I can get up to hear the show again.
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 16:03:38
Hmm. I dunno.
Maybe, maybe not. She certainly helped Momma make this very personal decision to come out in public.
This is what I really love.
as an aside, I truly wish anyone who is LGBT never had to be concerned about coming out.
Raine on 08/13/2010 16:03:38
Quote by wickedpam:
And see now I wonder if Steph and Cheyl are newly dating
Hmm. I dunno.
Maybe, maybe not. She certainly helped Momma make this very personal decision to come out in public.
This is what I really love.
as an aside, I truly wish anyone who is LGBT never had to be concerned about coming out.
Comment by livingonli on 08/13/2010 16:03:50
livingonli on 08/13/2010 16:03:50
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Damn my computer slowed to a stop, restarted and missed a bunch of stuff! *pouts*
This confirms it. Momma broke the inner tubes.
That happened to me earlier.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/13/2010 16:05:20
On your aside, not to take anything away from Momma's big day, but ya know I want to live in a country where coming out isn't brave. Know what I mean?
Mondobubba on 08/13/2010 16:05:20
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
And see now I wonder if Steph and Cheyl are newly dating
Hmm. I dunno.
Maybe, maybe not. She certainly helped Momma make this very personal decision to come out in public.
This is what I really love.
as an aside, I truly wish anyone who is LGBT never had to be concerned about coming out.
On your aside, not to take anything away from Momma's big day, but ya know I want to live in a country where coming out isn't brave. Know what I mean?
Comment by livingonli on 08/13/2010 16:06:02
Now all we need is for someone else who is sort ot out to say it on the show.
livingonli on 08/13/2010 16:06:02
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
And see now I wonder if Steph and Cheyl are newly dating
Hmm. I dunno.
Maybe, maybe not. She certainly helped Momma make this very personal decision to come out in public.
This is what I really love.
as an aside, I truly wish anyone who is LGBT never had to be concerned about coming out.
Now all we need is for someone else who is sort ot out to say it on the show.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/13/2010 16:06:10
aawww - me too
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 16:06:10
Quote by Raine:He called in and thanked Momma for coming out.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Jerry, Right wing Jerry on the line.
What I miss?
That man has much respect from me.
aawww - me too
Comment by wickedpam on 08/13/2010 16:09:06
why as human's we have to judge each other so much on who we love to personal appearance to how we live and so on just breaks my heart on so many levels
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 16:09:06
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
And see now I wonder if Steph and Cheyl are newly dating
Hmm. I dunno.
Maybe, maybe not. She certainly helped Momma make this very personal decision to come out in public.
This is what I really love.
as an aside, I truly wish anyone who is LGBT never had to be concerned about coming out.
On your aside, not to take anything away from Momma's big day, but ya know I want to live in a country where coming out isn't brave. Know what I mean?
why as human's we have to judge each other so much on who we love to personal appearance to how we live and so on just breaks my heart on so many levels
Comment by wickedpam on 08/13/2010 16:10:11
wickedpam on 08/13/2010 16:10:11
and now here's Thom to completely depress me again
Comment by Raine on 08/13/2010 16:38:52
I know what you both mean.
We aren't quite there yet. DAMN, tho, we are closer thqn we were were years ago.
For example, I remember when the world could not fathom that a TV character named Murphy Brown had a child and wasn;t married.
We are going foward.
I also remember when something me keeping my last name was just crazy. Nowadays, most people just think it is cool.
It's not crazy or cool. It's what we felt worked for us.
Raine on 08/13/2010 16:38:52
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
And see now I wonder if Steph and Cheyl are newly dating
Hmm. I dunno.
Maybe, maybe not. She certainly helped Momma make this very personal decision to come out in public.
This is what I really love.
as an aside, I truly wish anyone who is LGBT never had to be concerned about coming out.
On your aside, not to take anything away from Momma's big day, but ya know I want to live in a country where coming out isn't brave. Know what I mean?
why as human's we have to judge each other so much on who we love to personal appearance to how we live and so on just breaks my heart on so many levels
I know what you both mean.
We aren't quite there yet. DAMN, tho, we are closer thqn we were were years ago.
For example, I remember when the world could not fathom that a TV character named Murphy Brown had a child and wasn;t married.
We are going foward.
I also remember when something me keeping my last name was just crazy. Nowadays, most people just think it is cool.
It's not crazy or cool. It's what we felt worked for us.