One Question Per Penny, Please

Tags

Fortune Telling, Mystic Seer, Patricia Breslin, Richard Matheson, Rod Serling, script, superstition, Twilight Zone, William Shatner

When I was a little girl, I wanted a Mystic Seer. I mean, really, really, really wanted one. I was a Twilight Zone fan from very early on, and at that time, “Nick of Time” was my favourite episode. Due largely in part, I’m sure, to that quirky, penny-stealing, devil-headed fortune-telling machine that ran roughshod over poor William Shatner in his first of two TZ appearances.

Twenty-plus years later and I am finally getting my Mystic Seer. Well, as soon as Entertainment Earth decides to release it. You don’t want to know how long ago I pre-ordered this thing.

Templars and the Origins of Friday the 13th

Tags

Catholic, Crusades, death, Friday the 13th, Inquisition, Knights Templar, legend, lore, origins, religion, superstition, Templar, torture

When you hear “Friday the 13th”, what comes to mind? Bad luck? Superstition? Black cats? A gruesome movie franchise involving a serial killer in a hockey mask and fake blood by the bucket-full? Or maybe the season premiere of Syfy’s spooky mystery show, Haven? (Yah!)

I know. Most, if not all, of the above, right? But do you know where the idea that Friday the 13th is unlucky originates? I’m betting probably not.

All of superstition is rooted in some sort of fact. And the dreaded, much-feared Friday the 13th is no different.