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I remember, as a kid, being as superstitious as everyone else.  I would avoid black cats, not walk under ladders and other crazy irrational things.  Never noticed whether I had better luck when I kept away from these things or not.  Just seemed to make sense to cover all bases–why take the chance?

I wasn’t the only one.  There seemed to be an official acceptance of superstition.  Many tall buildings did not have a 13th floor.  No one wanted an office or apartment numbered 13 anything.  Then there was Apollo 13.  Launched on the 13 minute of the 13th hour.  Whoa.

I almost believed in astrology for a short period of time, back in the 60′s and 70′s.  I recall where this one young lady, whom I liked a lot, correctly told me my astrological sign, based on her observations of me.  I have to admit, that impressed me more than a little.

Then, logic clicked in.  If you read my entries of a couple of months ago, you already know that my best friend was born the same day same year, and although we are similar in some ways, we’re also very different.  I have also always been a student of astronomy (yes, astronomy), and astrophysics.  I don’t claim to have any great understanding, but I just could not see how the placement of the planets on the moment of my birth could have a significant effect on my personality or the future events in my life.

As far as bad things happening on the 13th or whatever, well stuff happens when it happens.  If we think that Friday the 13th is bad news, we may, without realizing it, cause bad things to happen.  Our worries may get in the way of concentration or judgment.  The possibilities are endless.

Then, as my Christian faith and beliefs grew, the whole superstition thing; good luck, bad luck, just did not make any sense.    To quote Albert Einstein, “God does not play dice with the Universe.”

So, eventually, I found myself seeking out black cats, walking under ladders on purpose, “splitting” light poles and stepping on cracks in the side walk.  And I assure you, my mother’s back is fine.

It’s all a matter of perception.  Believe it or not, many good things happen on Friday the 13th.  Children are born, couples get married, fortunes are made.  It is a documented fact that the performance of the Stock Market is no different on Friday the 13th than any other day.

So, next Friday the 13th, don’t be  paraskavedekatriaphobic. Who knows?  It might just be your lucky day.

I attended the Chicago Urban League’s 48th annual Golden Fellowship this past weekend. Came close to and actually shook hands with some important people.

While sitting at our table, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn entered the room, just moments before he was announced. He waved and said hello to folks as he passed. I held out my hand and he shook it. I also got a chance to say hello to and shake the hand of legendary radio personality Cliff Kelly (I was actually interviewed by him a few years ago).

Got close to, but did not get to shake the hand of Illinois Congressmen Roland Burris.

I’ve mentioned before my celebrity page www.groupendeavors.com/steve where you can see photos of me posing with some famous people (including Mr, Kelly while being interviewed at the Operation Push Expo).

What I have have told few people about are the famous people I met over the years when I did not have a camera. Where here a partial list:

Legendary Chicago TV newscaster, the late Fayhe Flynn: Just happen to see him standing on the street. I said hello, he smiled and said hello back.

Richard M. Nixon: Between his time as Vice President and President.  It was at some luncheon I attended because I was an honor student in High School.  After he spoke, I had a chance to go up and meet him and shake his hand.

Patrick MacNee of the original Avengers:  Mr. MacNee was in town doing a play.  Stopped him on the street corner.  Typical British gentileman, he spoke to me briefly and shook my hand.  I think he appreciated the fact that someone actually recognized him.

Late comedian Sid Ceasar:  While working as a cable TV tech in the Drake Hotel, shared and elevator with him.  Very friendly.  Spent a few minutes lamenting the sorry state of comedy (bad language and dirty jokes).  This was in the late 1970′s.

Andrew Young:  I believe he was mayor of Atlanta at the time.  Happened to see his standing in the airport.  I walked up, said hello and shook his hand.

B. B. King:  This one is a little strange.  Again, I was working as a cable technician at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare.  I needed to get into a guest room to repair the equipment.  I asked the maid if the room was empty.  She did not speak very good english and apparently misunderstood me when she replied “yes.”  I entered the room with the master key and there, in the middle of the floor sat Blues Legend B. B. King, in his underwear sorting through his tapes.  I quickly apologized and backed out of the room.  He was very kind and accepted my apology.  If that wasn’t bad enough, the next evening we had tickets to see him perform at the Blue Max, a small, intimate club at the hotel.  I spent half the time hoping he would not recognize me.

More celebrity encounters in a later post.