Although I try to be rational in my beliefs, there are a few superstitions that I simply cannot refuse to believe in.

It is bad luck for a black cat to cross your path, but only when the black cat weighs as much or more than you do.

Any activity that involves explosives, incendiaries, or hypertoxins is unlucky.

Gambling at a casino is unlucky. However, buying into a casino and gambling as a casino is very lucky.

It is very bad luck to stride into a "tough" bar and announce that you can beat up any two guys there.

Playing Russian roulette is unlucky.

If you wake up in the morning, look out of the window and see 300 Federal marshals surrounding your house, and hear a loudspeaker say "You have sixty seconds to come out with your hands up or we start shooting," it is going to be a bad day.

It is bad luck to wake a sleeping grizzly bear.

Talking back to one's wife is VERY unlucky.

Try as I might, I cannot expunge these superstitions from my subconscious.

David F Mayer