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Good Luck Will Lack, Friday the 13th is Back
It’s Friday the 13th.
Wait, it feels like there’s some weird déjà vu going on here…
That’s right, we’re only into the third month of 2015 and we’re already experiencing the second Friday the 13th. As if bad luck’s shadow didn’t linger far enough the first time, now we must be vigilant for the second month in a row. But that’s not all: November will bring us the third Friday the 13th of the year.
Is it possible the Mayans were off by three years?
The challenge is to refrain from stepping on a crack that will break our mother’s back, avoid that black cat and don’t even look in a mirror today, let alone walk under a straddling ladder. The latter with the ladder is a sentence I’ve wanted to write for a long time. Check. While sorcerers do not walk among us (except for Nicolas Cage), there have always been unexplained phenomena in the world. The ambiguity of life sparks curiosity and expectation because we instinctively keep a look out for supernatural events. So, keep your eyes open and good luck avoiding the terrible trappings of Friday the 13th: Round 2.
By the way, I think Groundhog Day finally found its sequel.
Sweet Serendipity
First off, it’s Friday the 13th. Hopefully, nobody sees any black cats, walks under ladders or steps on a crack that breaks your mother’s back. Today’s post has nothing to do with superstitious behavior. However, to help ensure that nothing bad happens, it feels like the right thing to at least acknowledge this freaky Friday occurrence.
Stay safe everybody!
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We never know who we are going to meet. Life is great that way. In a moment, you’re scrolling through a menu at a restaurant in Agoura Hills, California with a New Zealand-inspired menu. That apple and pear drink was too inviting not to RSVP to, especially on such a warm, sunny afternoon. As the waitress (who lit up the shaded patio area with her beautiful smile) took our drink orders, there was something about her that hinted at some hidden intrigue. There are polite, charismatic waiters and waitresses. And then there are polite and charismatic waiters and waitresses who are merely making a quick stop as a culinary transporter on their way to something big.
Our waitress was the latter.
With our delicious non-alcoholic fruit concoctions in-hand, a conversation was born of “what brings you out to southern California from Ohio?” After a minute of conversing, as soon as the word, “Broadway” was enunciated, the fun started. Katie (our waitress) told us that she had co-written a play that’s going to be work-shopped at The Mint Theater in New York City this June. She wrote a children-appropriate play, “Devil in the Deep” with Graham Russell, the former guitarist from Air Supply. The story is based on “Treasure Island,” which is enough to gain the attention of children and adults like, quite honestly.
Culturally, we’ve become familiar with stories of a waiter or waitress saying, “I’m writing a screenplay” or “I’m just waiting tables at the Cheesecake Factory until I get my big break!” But to meet someone who has written a play that is going to run in a theater in New York City for a month was quite incredible. A testimony of hard work. Another special moment from this past weekend was eating at a beer and wine selling tavern called the Ojai Beverage Company and sitting at a table next to Jason Segel of How I Met Your Mother and I Love You, Man fame. It just goes to show that we sometimes realize, and sometimes may not realize, who we’re sitting next to or speaking with.
Randomly going to a casual joint in Ojai on an overcast, rainy afternoon for the best fish tacos around (true story!) or engaging in conversation with a sweet waitress can change our days (and summer plans) in a matter of moments.
Talk about an off-the-menu special…
“Devil in the Deep”
The Mint Theater, NYC
Playing in June
These Games Should Be Scary Good
First of all, every fan (and team) should applaud and mimic the national pride the Brazilians showed last night by walking into the stadium for the first match of the 2014 World Cup with their hands on the shoulder of the teammate in front of them and by singing their national anthems with heartfelt passion.
It was a beautiful sight.
Three games scheduled today will continue the excitement from Brazil’s 3-1 victory against the Mandžukić-less Croatian side yesterday afternoon (the final score was a bit misleading). These matches include: Mexico v. Cameroon (Noon ET), Spain v. Netherlands (3:00 p.m. ET) and Chile v. Australia (6:00 p.m. ET). Not only will these matches provide us with a good idea of the dynamics for Groups A & B, but it’s also Friday the 13th. Just something to keep in mind. You never know what may happen?
After all, who would have predicted a Brazilian own-goal to open the scoring at this year’s World Cup?
Actually, Big Head the turtle probably picked that…
What to watch for:
Can Mexico erase the mighty struggles it endured during CONCACAF qualifying and compete at the highest-level versus Cameroon? It could go wither way for El Tri. In all likelihood, Brazil will win Group A, but it will be fascinating to watch which team will secure that coveted second spot. At this point, Croatia, Mexico or Cameroon could play themselves into the Final 16 with some purposeful and creative footballing rhythm.
Chile v. Australia will prove as a good example at this World Cup of two teams that may not be highly regarded, but who have the potential to be trouble for the teams that are better known and more heavily favored (ie- Spain and the Netherlands). As Croatia showed, a few dangerous crosses by David can put Goliath in a tricky, uncomfortable spot.
Spain v. Netherlands: a rematch of the 2010 World Cup Final. What form will Spain show up in? Will the Dutch be less physical and more fluid in possession and be more attacking-centric? The World Cup should always kickoff with the host nation before its home crowd, but this match-up warrants nearly as much hype. This game could be a nil-nil tie, a 2-2 tie or a thrilling 1-nil win or even a 3-1 domination. Don’t underestimate Spain and don’t underestimate the Dutch in 2014. The tournament is in the “games” phase right now, which means that an explosive offense can make up for early, silly defensive mistakes. Maybe not necessarily for the group stage, but this match can go a long way in defining each squad regarding its style of play and ultimate potential in its equal pursuit towards World Cup glory far beyond the round of 32.
Now, back to the Friday the 13th issue. In soccer, crazy things can and will happen. Today’s superstitious date adds just a little more spice to that Moqueca de Camarão. The question is: for what teams/players will this famed curse affect?
Perhaps keep an eye out for players wearing #13…
Mexico: Diego Reyes
Cameroon: Eric Choupo Molting
Spain: Juan Mata
Netherlands: Joël Veltman
Chile: Jose Rojas
Australia: Oliver Bozanic
Maybe the Dutch should wear black kits today, since their mascot is a lion, which is a member of the cat family…
Jimmy's Daily Planet 