I am generally not superstitious. I simply believe that everything can and likely will go completely awry at any time, regardless of where Friday the 13th may fall on the calendar. This week, however, has been fraught with disaster, with each day more troublesome than the last. I wondered why and then I spotted that notoriously unlucky day on the calendar - tomorrow. Sure, the 13th is supposed to only wreak havoc for one day, but I don't see why a whole week can't be ruined if the stars are aligned improperly.
Paraskavedekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th, causes irrational terror in a small percentage of generally reasonable human beings. The best advice I received on the best way to avoid experiencing misfortune is to do as little as possible. Do not walk underneath any ladders or allow black cats to cross your path - don't leave your bed at all.
WATCH THIS
Article Photos
OBSERVER?Photo by Justin?Goetz
Summer People play BJ’s in Fredonia tonight.
Part 1 of the "Project Runway" season finale will be on tonight, with Carol Hannah, Althea and Irina (also known as "Mean-a Irina") sewing to the death in a bid to be crowned Bryant Park's best. All three designers deserve to be there based on their performance all season but Carol Hannah is my personal favorite. Tonight's episode will likely only include Tim Gunn's visit to each designer's homebase to scope out and offer critiques on their final collections. The utterance of "This worries me," accompanied by Gunn's raised eyebrows as he casts a disconcerting glance at the racks before him, has inspired many a freak-out on the pre-finale runway show episode - I can't wait!
Turner Classic Movies' star of the month is Grace Kelly, demure beauty and princess of Monaco, with her films to air each Thursday evening in November. Tonight, Kelly stars in two 1954 Alfred Hitchcock thrillers, with "Dial M For Murder" at 8 p.m. and "Rear Window" at 10 p.m. Fans of classy ladies in classic films should also tune into TCM late on Wednesday, Nov. 18 for "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961) at midnight.
Because Bravo apparently doesn't have enough reality shows about chefs, the new "Chef Academy" will fill that void beginning Monday, Nov. 16 at 10 p.m. All the network needs now is more "Real Housewives," D-list celebrities, designers, decorators, matchmakers and a partridge in a pear tree.
The SyFy Channel (typing "Syfy" made me cringe) shows a lot of ridiculous made-for-TV movies that I neglect to mention, but this one sounded so stupid that I had to include it. If the apocalyptic allure of "2012" doesn't draw you to the theater this weekend, SyFy's "Ice Twisters" may satisfy your craving for CGI mayhem. A scientific weather experiment goes askance, causing "lethal" tornadoes made of ice to form. "2012" - a preposterous, unintentionally comedic doomsday movie. "Ice Twisters" - a preposterous, unintentionally comedic doomsday movie, and free. It's a recession.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Tonight marks the return of Summer People to BJ's in Fredonia. This Binghamton collective features former members of Fire When Ready. Their sound is a warmer style of post-rock with a tip of the hat to A Silver Mt. Zion and Do Make Say Think. Paul's Grandfather and Lemuria are also on the bill. The show starts at 10 p.m. It's free for those over 21 or $3 for 18 and up.
Two SUNY campuses are making some beautiful music this weekend. The Hillman Opera "La Boheme" opens tonight at SUNY Fredonia's Marvel Theatre, with performances at 8 p.m. each night, Nov. 12 through 14, and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. The Italian opera tells the story of a doomed romance between a seamstress and a poet. The JCC Uncommoners' production of "The Producers" continues in Jamestown's Scharmann Theatre on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.; final performances are Nov. 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. Call 338-1187 for tickets.
Women, Rock & Soul is tonight from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Hairy Lemon in Fredonia, sponsored by the Women's Student Union and Women's Studies Program.
Members of the community will come together to provide a "safe place" downtown, and the talents of many performers and musicians will be showcased, including Jenny Herman, Flood the Shoreline and The New Traditionalists, just to name a few.
The Groove, featuring Keith Medley, Jack Pasquale, Steve Strickland and Dave Swart, will debut on Saturday at Rookies Sports Bar in Dunkirk at 9 p.m.
Jay Monaco will perform at Wishberry in Fredonia on Friday from 8 to 10 p.m.
At 41 West, Matt Cross & Friends will provide live music Friday at 10 p.m., Trio on Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and for Sunday's Bills game, a Coors party and giveaways begins at 12:30 p.m.
A chicken and rib barbecue will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wal-mart to benefit the JCC Cheerleading Team Uniform and Competition fund. For pre-sale tickets, call 792-9930.
WHAT REALLY GRINDS MY GEARS
Ladies, if you are my age or younger, do not call me "honey." Fewer things are more asinine or condescending - especially if we are not on familiar terms. I find it to be especially appalling when I hear a young whippersnapper address a fellow female many years her senior this way. Show some respect!
April Diodato is an OBSERVER Staff Writer. Give her the dish on what's happening at aprildiodato@gmail.com.
