superstitions

I saw a thread earlier on the message board about superstitions, which reminded me that the newsroom has more than its fair share.

They include people saying the "Q" word... you know, the one that means there isn't a whole lot of noise, and any variations of that word, as well as my special cursed shoes. Photographer Jeff Melton will attest to their power, as will former photographer John Derrick.

When I was the Sunday reporter, I'd wear the shoes occasionally on Sunday afternoons before heading to work. Eight times out of ten (or so it seemed), there'd be a fatal wreck, a shooting, or a house fire either waiting for me when I got in or it'd happen shortly after I arrived.

And heaven forbid if anyone would say the "Q" word on the same day.

That's a combo that spells disaster for some hapless Cleveland County soul.

At any rate, I try not to wear the shoes too much... the obits clerk doesn't like it...

Here's a picture of the cursed shoes, taken by former photographer John Derrick.

All this reminds me of a Stevie Wonder song - "Superstitious."


Do you have any weird superstitions that may (or may not) be rational? If so, either share them in the comments section or add to the superstitions post on the message board.

Health questions revisited

A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about embarrassing health questions. After a long and patient wait for some of you, I'll start getting answers to some of those questions soon.

I didn't get as many questions as I'd hoped, but I have enough to at least start with...

The first set all deal with women's health.

Hopefully, the second set will be men's health.

Then, after that, I think it'll just be a potpourri.

All of them are anonymous. (Post them on the message board or in the comments section here.)

Anyone else have a lingering question before I take them to the doctors of Cleveland Family Practice on Friday?

Going once... going twice...