Happy Friday the 13th! We’ve got through 2020 so far, so we’ve got a good chance of surviving this one day, right?
My friend, Mark, alerted me to the fact that 13 is a lucky number in France (which sent me down a small rabbit hole). Wikipedia tells me that “13 was traditionally considered a lucky number in France prior to the First World War.” I cannot find why it fell out of favor between 1914-18!
I now also know that Colgate University (up in Hamilton, NY) considers 13 a lucky number. They were founded in 1819 by 13 men with 13 dollars, 13 prayers, and 13 articles.
One last snippet. The Italians don’t like Friday the 17th because rearranging the Roman numeral XVII can create the word “VIXI” — which in Latin means “my life is over.”
Our neighbor and lifestyle blogger Naty Michele is showing no signs of superstition about the holidays. “After the year we have had, I needed to bring the Christmas joy to my apartment a lot sooner. So yes, my tree is already up! I actually decorated on Nov 1st,” she said on Instagram. “I would usually wait until after Thanksgiving to do it, but at this point, anything goes in 2020. I think we all need the extra joy right now.”
Too soon? Or has this encouraged you to get the tree decorated this weekend?
Do you wonder why your New York apartment gets so damn hot? It’s all because of the pandemic — the one back in 1918-19. Throw open those windows, let in that fresh air, and read this steamy tale.
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What We’ve Been Reading
You’re right – November is warmer than usual. In fact, it’s breaking records! (Spectrum)
Broadway is Back! But only for a day, as part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. (New York Times)
If you’re thinking of moving, there are plenty of empty apartments to choose from. (New York Post)
Are all New Yorkers wearing a mask? City Limits conducted a (pretty unscientific) survey…
COVID test lines are getting longer as fears of a second wave grow. (Gothamist)
And finally… Matt and Enrique at Fine and Dandy have just reminded me that it was 6 years ago today that we launched W42ST! Woot Woot!
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