Fonseca Best Of Calls:
Friday the 13th Trending ...
- North Carolina's Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute claims businesses lose up to $900 million in sales and productivity on a Friday the 13th
- 40% of people would not feel comfortable getting married on Friday the 13th (the online casino Casumo.com)
- A new study by Paddy Power Games reveals that Friday the 13th is actually luckier than other Fridays. People win the lottery 13% more often on Friday th13th than on other Fridays
Flying Is Cheaper On Friday The 13th: A survey by Kayak.com reveals that flying on Friday the 13th is 14% cheaper than on any other day. The savings are due to a collective fear of flying on the unluckiest day of the year. A Kayak spokesperson tells the Daily Telegraph: “Flight prices are, of course, based on demand, so the data indicates that people really are superstitious enough that they would prefer not to fly on Friday 13th.”
The flight comparison site Momondo says flights are 33% cheaper on Friday the 13th.
The price of hotel rooms stays the same
Have No Fear: The Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute estimates that $800 to $900 million is lost every time a Friday the 13th occurs. They say most of the loss stems from travelers, who avoid doing business or flying on Friday the 13th. National Geographic says between 17 million and 21 million people in the U.S. suffer from a fear related to the day.
Lucky #13: The Dutch Centre for Insurance Statistics studied dates to see if Friday the 13th is really unlucky. Researchers concluded that the superstitious day is actually safer than an average Friday because fewer accidents and crime occur. Statistician Alex Hoen says he's still skeptical. "I find it hard to believe that it is because people are preventatively more careful or just stay home, but statistically speaking, driving is a little bit safer on Friday 13th."
Drive Safe: A survey by Chill Insurance reveals that there is a 14% decrease in car accidents on Friday the 13th. Research also shows car crashes are no more common on Friday the 13th, than on any other day of the week, or any other Friday in the year. Researchers say drivers may actually drive more carefully on Friday the 13th because they are scared of bad luck and crashing.
An Accident Waiting To Happen: Norwich Union Insurance says scores of people don't work on Friday the 13th because they are superstitious. A previous study of accident claims, between 2002 and 2006, shows accidents increase by 13% on Friday the 13th. This study contradicts the study in the story above. The "safest" day to travel is the 26th day of the month. Insurance agents say on that day, accidents drop by 8%.
Friday the 13th Fanboy: Casey Kalinowski, of Hampton Township, Michigan, collects Jason Voorhees memorabilia and is a huge Friday the 13th fan. He tells mlive.com that his Jason Voorhees costume cost $750. "I purchased some of it a little bit at a time. It takes about a year to finish one. I did some of the pieces myself. I started being a dedicated Jason collector about two years ago, but I've always been into 'Friday the 13th'.''
Casey has two Friday the 13th-inspired tattoos.
Friday the 13th Makes People Stay Home
A survey by Mecca Bingo reveals that 5% of people won't leave their house on Friday the 13th. Other findings:
- 80% of people are superstitious.
- 36% of superstitious people have lucky socks.
- 35% of superstitious people knock on wood
- 35% of superstitious people have lucky pants
- 23% of superstitious people believe a lucky coin wards off bad luck
- 22% of superstitious people keep their fingers and toes crossed for good luck
- 7% of people are superstitious on Friday the 13th
Trending
- The New York Post says Taylor Swift attended last night's Chiefs-Broncos game in Kansas City. She wore a Chiefs jacket and sat next to Travis Kelce's mother, Donna. Taylor's windbreaker cost $112 and was designed by Erin Andrews/ The Chiefs beat the Broncos 19-8. Travis had nine catches for 124 yards
- The Daily Mail says talks between Hollywood actors and the studios recently broke down causing the actors strike to continue. Contract negotiations were suspended after the studios said the actors' proposal would cost too much. The actors say the studios are bullying them and mischaracterizing their offers.
- WJW says the Christmas season begins today on The Great American Family Network. They are now airing Christmas movies 24/7 and have produced 20 original holiday films of their own. Hallmark starts its ‘Countdown to Christmas’ on Oct. 20th.
- The Blast says Britney Spears only narrates part of her upcoming memoir because she found some parts too painful to talk about. A surprise celebrity will narrate the rest. The audiobook is set to be released on October 24th
- Deadline Hollywood says Miramax recently secured the TV rights for the Halloween franchise. They are planning to produce a television series and their own cinematic universe. The most recent Halloween film trilogy earned $500 million globally.
- The Fast Food Post says McDonald's recently introduced a new Trick 'N Treat McFlurry in Canada. The limited-time Halloween dessert is made with vanilla soft serve, crushed orange Smarties and chocolate sauce. It has 700 calories, 21 grams of fat and 101 grams of sugar.
- Business Insider says a Dallas restaurant, called Velvet Taco, is going viral because they are using Chat GPT to create their menu. They have a Chat GPTaco that has flank steak, shrimp, red chile aioli, chimichurri, potatoes, grilled onion, queso, jalapeño, and cilantro. The taco is the restaurant's best selling one of 2023 and is rated a 4.6 out of 5 on guest surveys.
- The New York Post says Rudy Isley, of the Isley Brothers, has passed away at the age of 84. He and his group were best known for their hits 'Twist and Shout' and 'It's Your Thing'
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Us Weekly says Harry Styles is serious about his relationship with girlfriend Taylor Russell. They spend a lot of time together despite their busy schedules. A source says, "Things are very serious, and Harry definitely sees a future with Taylor. Harry is always smiling when he's with her. Harry is head over heels for Taylor.’’
Variety Magazine says some movie theaters are changing their rules for Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" movie. They want screenings to feel more like concerts so they are allowing fans to text, post selfies, and dance during the film. Some theaters are providing beach balls for more fun.
The Daily Mail says Taylor Swift and Beyonce had dinner together at a Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles prior to the world premiere of Taylor's concert film.Beyoncé also attended the premiere
The Daily Mail says Ed Sheeran is launching his first watch with Hodinkee and G-Shock. He showed off the yellow Subtract G-Shock yesterday on Instagram. Before this, Ed released his own line of hot sauce called Tingly Ted's
Radar Online says Miley Cyrus' stalker, Alexander Kardalian, has been arrested.Police caught him at Cyrus' home after she got a restraining order. The 52-year-old has been sending her letters since 2018. A source says, "Miley is relieved he is in custody but still very concerned about her safety."
Rema tells JustJared.com that he's not pursuing a career in music for financial gain. "I just love making music, going into the studio late at night to make sounds. Music is my life. I'm not doing music for money; I was chosen by music, I didn't choose it."
Variety Magazine says some movie theaters are changing their rules for Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" movie. They want screenings to feel more like concerts so they are allowing fans to text, post selfies, and dance during the film. Some theaters are providing beach balls for more fun.
The Omaha Daily World says a 68-year-old woman from Omaha was recently scammed out of $15,000 by a man pretending to be Johnny Depp. The scammer contacted the woman through Facebook and various phone numbers. He claimed he wanted to marry her, but needed $10,000 for a wedding planner. The woman sent the scammer money with her credit card. He then took another $5,000 before she went to the police.
Tommy Davidson tells the Club Shay Shay podcast that Will Smith confronted him after an unplanned on-screen kiss with Jada Pinkett Smith in 1988. "Will came into the trailer and he’s standing over me and he’s like, ‘I don’t appreciate that, man. I don’t appreciate that.’ And I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ I’m like, ‘Man what’s going on?’ He said, ‘I don’t appreciate that.’ And Jada’s going, ‘Will. Will!’ And I’m saying, ‘What’s happening man?’ And he’s like, ‘You tell me what’s happening. Hmm? Hmm?’ And [he’s biting his lip like] he might do something."
Wrestle Zone says Ric Flair was recently doing a podcast interview when he revealed he sent a cease and desist letter to McDonald's for using his trademarked phrase 'Wooooo' in a commercial. Flair said McDonald's could have included him in the commercial or paid him instead of shutting down the expensive ad. He also said the correct spelling of the phrase is with five O's.
Personality Profile ... What Your Favorite Kardashian Reveals About You ... According to a new article by The Daily Californian
Kendall Jenner fans ... are into fashion, streetwear, love following it-girls like Sofia Richie and Hailey Bieber, and are fans of designer brands and New York Fashion Week.
Kylie Jenner fans ... are into makeup and skincare, may have owned Kylie's lip kits, love Snapchat, and might now have baby fever due to Stormi-related content.
Kim Kardashian fans ... adore her progress as a mother, businesswoman and fashion icon. They admire her aspirations to become a lawyer.
Kourtney Kardashian fans ... enjoy following her family life, appreciate her snarky replies, are fascinated by her dramatic fights with Kim and are likely into health and wellness.
Khloé Kardashian fans ... are funny and love humor and honesty. They are good at mediating conflicts between friends and family, enjoy being the life of the party and prioritize close relationships.
TMZ says Barry Williams, aka Greg Brady, has responded to the new buyer of the Brady Bunch house calling it the "worst investment ever." Williams agrees that HGTV overpaid for the house. Their one-hour special on it turned into seven episodes. The show was the highest-rated in the history of HGTV. Williams says it was not a bad investment because both HGTV and the buyer, Tina Trahan, benefited from the transaction. Trahan purchased the house for less than what HGTV paid for it and now has an iconic home. She plans to preserve it.
In Touch Weekly says Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are allegedly feeling pressure because their "honeymoon phase" has ended. Another issue causing friction is Ben's close relationship with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner. A source tells the magazine, "The honeymoon phase is over. They're still madly in love, but they're under a lot of pressure with work obligations, being in the spotlight and blending their families."
Best Tipping People According To Their Zodiac Sign ... According to a new article by Bustle
1. Libra
2. Sagittarius
3. Scorpio
4. Aquarius
5. Cancer
6. Taurus
7. Capricorn
8. Gemini
9. Leo
10. Virgo
Top 10 Daily Habits Better For Marriage Than Couples Counseling ... According to a new article by YourTango
1. Say "I love you"
2. Show gratitude
3. Have a daily connection ritual
4. Touch each other often
5. Keep dating each other
6. Be optimistic and laugh together
7. Share your dreams and aspirations
8. Show respect and appreciation for each other's differences
9. Practice kindness and empathy
10. Support each other's personal growth
Top 10 Lies Moms Tell About Life, Love, And Happiness ... According to a new article by YourTango
1. You can be anything you want to be
2. Money can't buy love
3. There's someone special out there for everyone
4. Love is all you need for a successful marriage
5. Sharing means caring
6. If you ignore it, the problem will go away
7. Good things come to those who wait
8. Success and money are the keys to happiness
9. Your life has a specific purpose or calling
10. A college degree guarantees a good job
Top 10 Signs You Have A High IQ... According to a new article by Best Life Magazine
1. You're a night owl
2. You like to learn new things
3. People often call you too sensitive
4. You have a strong sense of humor
5. You're musically inclined
6. You enjoy being alone and need your space
7. You have a large vocabulary
8. Puzzles and complex problems excite you
9. Self-discipline comes naturally to you
10. You're an avid reader
Top 10 States With The Most Beautiful People... According to a new study by Bonus Finder
1. Illinois
2. California
3. Texas
4. Nebraska
5. New York
6. Hawaii
7. Oklahoma
8. Vermont
9. Florida
10. North Carolina
Dear Fonseca,
I teach at one of the larger elementary schools in the area. A parent has filed a complaint against me because of something I did to her daughter. The young girl is the sweetest thing you'll ever meet. The only problem is she is overweight because her mother packs her unbelievably large lunches. I got in trouble after I started cutting her portions in half during lunch. Her mother doesn't seem to care about her nutrition and weight, but I do. Her mother found out what I did and filed a complaint with my principal. I have a meeting on Monday. I don't think I did anything wrong and was just trying to be helpful. The mother says it's not my place to be helpful. I feel like I'm the only one looking out for this kid. Did I do anything wrong? The assistant principal is a friend and says I may get written up and possibly suspended. I don't think the punishment fits the crime. What do you think? Did I overstep my bounds? A teacher's job is to care!