The Rossini connection

Yours truly has never fully understood all the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th.

Friday has always been one of my favorite days of the week.

And, the number 13 has always been lucky for me.

But, I guess the trouble comes in the combination of the two . . .

Anyway, I learned today that the superstition doesn't have very deep roots.

In fact, the earliest DOCUMENTED mention of it was in 1869, when biographer Henry Sutherland Edwards wrote about Italian opera composier Gioachino Rossini:

" . . . like so many other Italians, he regarded Friday as an unlucky day, and thirteen as an unlucky number, it is remarkable that on Friday, the 13th of November, he died."

Daily history lesson over. Be safe out there, ye socks!

WDYTYA - Brooke Shields . . . and beyond?!

This may just be my personal opinion, but this week's episode of "Who do you think you are?" would have been worth watching even if the speakers are busted on your tv.

After all, the featured celebrity root-digger was Brooke Shields, who (as it turns out) is descended from a bunch of blue bloods who lived in some fancy palaces in Italy and France.

Anyway, yours truly was a little perplexed after watching the previews for the next episode, because the kind folks at NBC noted it wouldn't be aired for two more weeks . . .

Do any of ye socks know why they're taking a break like that?

There is some good news to report on this series. Just heard that it has been picked up for a second season.

Stay tuned, I guess. (Just not next week!)

School Spirit?

We had a guest at our regular Thursday morning meeting: Eric Yearwood, who works with Campus Crusade for Christ at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Eric recently returned from a summer in Italy, and told us a couple of distressing stories about the decline of faith in Europe and a couple of inspiring stories about reversing that trend.

Anyway, if ye socks would like to read more about his ministry, check out this link: http://www.uscm.org/.

And, if ye feel moved to make a financial contribution or send words of encouragement, contact Eric at:

1700 Forum Blvd #1503

Columbia, MO 65203