Friday the 13th
Paraskevidekatriaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th. Apparently, beliefs in numerology and superstitions can lead some people to have a mental condition that prevents them from leaving the house today. Wowsers. According to NBC, more than 25 million Americans will change their behavior today (stay home, not go out, leave work early, etc.), resulting in more than a $1 billion loss of productivity in the economy.
There are 12 months in a year. There were 12 Apostles. There are 12 Zodiac signs. Greek mythology had 12 gods on Mount Olympus. A dozen is 12 donuts. 12 is complete and normal and part of our everyday lives. 13 is just a bit off, considered unlucky. Most buildings of a certain age do not have a 13th floor. 10, 11, 12, 14.
And although we look forward to Friday as the end of the work week, Christian tradition singles out Fridays as being unlucky; Eve gave Adam an apple on a Friday, the Great Flood also started on a Friday, and so did the crucifixion of Jesus.
So when you combine the unluckiest day of the week with the unluckiest number, you get Friday the 13th. Fears. Dread. Phobias. Then a movie called Friday the 13th, which has 11 sequels.
I’ve always been a bit superstitious. Every Little League baseball player learns superstitions. Lucky socks. Rally caps. Avoiding stepping on the foul line. To this day, I will not walk under a ladder or deliberately step on a crack in the sidewalk.
Yet, Friday the 13th no longer frightens me. I’m old now and have lived through all of them. I guess I’m safe from developing Paraskevidekatriaphobia. It’s a good thing because I would be afraid to pronounce that word. For those who may suffer, the North Carolina Psychological Association says, “The most effective treatment for 400 recognized phobias involves working with a mental health professional to focus on changing your response to the situation that you fear through Exposure Therapy.”
After looking up Exposure Therapy, it seems like these dastardly psychologists are simply making people with phobias “face their fears,” by exposing them to the thing they’re afraid of. Who knew? Dad was right. You fall off the bike and skin your knee, and then you get right back on the bike. Voilà! No more Cyclophobia.
And hopefully, when this email hits your inbox at 3:00 pm today, you will have survived–without too much bad news. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
MONDAY:
GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
June is National Gun Violence Prevention Month. In an effort to reduce gun violence across Virginia, we’ve taken action with the Office of the Attorney General through the proven Ceasefire Virginia initiative. Visit ceasefirevirginia.org for more information about the campaign and to access tools and resources to help reduce violent crime in your community.
TUESDAY:
THE TEAM-EST TUESDAY YET
I had serious FOMO this Team Tuesday. Creative Team lunch, meetings galore, and the party didn’t stop at the end of office hours! Adding another hat to Copywriter Lauren McKinney’s head, she hosted trivia for the first time at Brambly Park like a seasoned pro. The ladies of the Creative Team went out to support her, and our very own Creative Director, Carissa Ghaffari, ended up winning the whole quiz! Promptly after trivia, Sr. Graphic Designer AJ Stuit and Copywriter Robyn Quarles met up with Account Manager Amanda Anderson to catch Account Executive Ava Coles wail on the mic at a Bucko set. Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday!
WEDNESDAY:
DANIEL GOOD-MURAL
Did you know Sr. Copywriter Daniel Goodman is also a pretty dang good muralist? You can find his work around RVA, but his latest project is making a BIG splash. Daniel and his dad, Michael, recently teamed up to paint a vibrant new mural at Atlantic Park—a new surf park in the heart of Virginia Beach’s ViBe District. This marks the third mural collaboration for the father-son duo, who share an offbeat sense of humor and colorful delusions of grandeur. Here’s hoping their latest piece brings luck, laughs, and character-building wipeouts to all who pass through.
THURSDAY:
POWER UP YOUR BUSINESS
If you’ve perused the latest issue of Virginia Business Magazine, you may have noticed some rebates that will have your business charged up! Appalachian Power is offering upgrades and solutions, through their TakeCharge program, that best fit your business, no matter its size! Explore other energy-efficient incentives and rebates when you visit www.virginiaenergysense.org/incentives-and-rebates.
FRIDAY:
NOT ON THE AIR
This morning, I was ready to update WRVA listeners, but breaking news from the Middle East preempted me. Here’s a list for you if you’re looking for things to do this Father’s Day.
- Father’s Day BBQ at the Vines at Oakdale in Ashland, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.—$40.
- Father’s Day BBQ at Final Gravity Brewing Co. (Lakeside): Enjoy brisket egg rolls, pulled pork sandwiches, and more from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- Father’s Day Cookout at Fine Creek Brewing Company (Powhatan): Celebrate with live music and a selection of “Dad beers” from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Friday, June 13, 2025
Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m., game starts at 6:35 p.m.
Location: The Diamond
The Flying Squirrels join hands with Virginia Pride to celebrate Pride Night at The Diamond 2025. The first 1,000 fans of all ages will go home with a Pride Fan giveaway while supplies last.
The Faces Of Freedom: A 160th Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park
The Faces of Freedom event celebrates Africans and African Americans from the 1600s to today. Atumpan will perform traditional dance with drums to honor the first Africans. Historical interpreters will be on-site and on stage to introduce themselves and how they found freedom in a society where that was not always legal or the norm. The celebration will end with modern African American performances to showcase the joys and talents of the African American community today.
Peace, Love, & Local Market
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Main Line Brewery
Craft beer, live music, and artisans selling handmade items, vintage, and vinyl! This is the 6th year at Main Line Brewery, bringing together amazing local artists and makers selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more! Family friendly, dogs welcome, outdoor games, and an overall great atmosphere to spend your Sunday Funday! #ShopLocal!
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – President Franklin Roosevelt