On this Friday the 13th (Yay!!) let me offer a couple of thoughts on the number 13.
Too many people fear it. Yes, there were 13 at table at the last supper, including Judas. So what?
I used to be amused by those New York buildings without a 13th floor - they went from 12 to 14, but that meant if you were on 14 you were really on 13, so what's the difference?
Some people try to argue that the number 13 is unlucky. They might note that Ralph Branca of the Dodgers was wearing that number in 1951 when he gave up the home run heard 'round the world to Bobby Thompson in the one game National League Playoff, or as Russ Hodges expressed excitedly, "The Giants win the Pennant!!! The Giants win the Pennant??"
Yet how can it be the number that is unlucky when the NBA record for points in game, 100, set in Hershey PA (yes) versus the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962, by Wilt Chamberlain (who wore #13), who also had 25 rebounds, and set a league record for field goals (36), free throws (28 of 32), most points for a quarter (31), and most points for a half (59).
Then again, I have never been particularly superstitious - we have twice had black cats, Pele and Cielito.
I have always been fond of the number 13. When I could, I chose it as my athletic number.
No, I have never gone to any of the movies of the Friday the 13th franchise, and I am not dressed up as Jason.
But I always enjoy Friday the 13th. Just as I will enjoy today.
As I said, I am a triskaidekaphile not a triskaidekaphobe.
Peace.