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This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

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We Might Have Developed Paraskavedekatriaphobia

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So there we were. Granted putting ten pounds into a five pound bag, trying to fit too many things into a Friday night but we were fairly convinced we could do what we always do - outsmart LA traffic and when there are moments where the congestion breaks up, well, gun it.

Friday was not one of those nights. Maybe it was because it was Friday the 13th. While it has never served as a deterrent before, we have heard of people who have paraskavedekatriaphobia, a true fear of Friday the 13th. In fact The Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute estimates that more than 17 million people are affected by a fear of this day. Sheesh, all we wanted to do was get from Santa Monica after a dinner party to Tangier in Los Feliz by 11pm to see The One AM Radio perform. Two accidents on the 10 had us almost at a standstill and surface streets weren't much better. Defeated, we turned back. The worst part, we heard the show was amazing!

Our next opportunity is on May 3rd at the Malibu Performing Arts Center. It's a Thursday and we're going to head up early, catch a happy hour and not let anything stop us!

Have we touched a nerve with the whole Friday the 13th thing? Well you got one more this year in July. But there is a silver lining, it's the same day that the next Harry Potter movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be released. Maybe it would be a good night to walk to your closest movie theater though. Just a thought.

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