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[Doo ^^]

[TOPIC 01] 10 Weirdest Superstitions from Around the World

Do you avoid the number 13, chain e-mails and black cats? Or are you far too rational to believe in old wives' tales? Take a look at some of the most bizarre superstitions from around the world.

1. Don't eat lettuce if you want to have children
In the 19th century, English men avoided salads if they wanted to start a family. In The Oxford Dictionary of Superstitions a book on 'Plant Lore' suggested that since lettuce was a 'sterile' plant, it would also make men sterile.

2. Carrots Are Good for Your Eyesight
Though some studies have shown that the vitamin A in carrots is good for the eyes, the vegetable alone isn't enough to spark 20/20 vision. This old wives' tale was fabricated by parents trying to get their children to eat their veggies. This originated as a myth during World War II.

3. Not forwarding chain letters will give you bad luck
We all know how this superstition goes - forward a chain letter so you don't receive bad luck. here'sone chain letter where you can spread the luck to your friends while saving yourself.

4. An awkward silence means an Angel is passing over
This interesting explanation for a lull in conversation is attributed to Dylan Thomas' Portrait of the Artist.

5. Eat grapes at midnight for good luck
On New Year's Eve in Spain, instead of kissing, the superstitious eat twelve grapes at midnight for 12 months of good luck.

6. It's bad luck to chase someone with a broom
In the fourteenth century, brooms were first regarded as a vehicle for witches' transportation. Which is why to this day, it is still considered bad luck to chase someone around with one.

7. Never give a Russian woman an even number of flowers
In Russia, an even number of flowers are for the dead. When you order a dozen roses in Russia you should always ask them to throw in one extra flower for good luck.

8. Pass a newborn baby through a rind of cheese
In Medieval England, expectant mothers made a 'Groaning Cheese' - a large wheel of cheese that matured for nine months as the baby grew. When birth time came, the cheese would be shared out amongst the family - and when nothing but the outer rind was left, the baby would be passed through the wheel of cheese on Christening day to be blessed with a long and prosperous life.

9. Stay forever young by carrying an acorn
In ancient Britain, women carried acorns in their pockets to stay looking young. According to The Encyclopedia of Superstitions, the oak tree was believed to provide longevity and to ward off illness due to its long life.

10. Don't Knit on a Doorstep During Late Winter
In Iceland, it is forbidden to knit on a doorstep in late winter, as it is believed to lengthen its duration.


1. Which superstition do you think is the weirdest in the list?
2. Does Korea also have weird superstitions? Share them.
3. Are most Koreans superstitious? Why do/don't you think so?
4. Are you superstitious? If yes, share some superstitions you believe in.
   If no, why not?
5. Do you think it's okay to believe in superstitions? Why/Why not?

[TOPIC 02] Shoe Collector Breaks Own World Record
Darlene Flynn poses for a photograph at her home 'Dar's Shoe Heaven' in Romoland, California Photo: Barcroft Media

'Shoe Lady' Darlene Flynn of California has amassed 16,400 shoe-related items from furniture, art, badges, clothing, teapots, soap and phones.

Following a divorce, some women might dye their hair, move house or, more predictably, change their name. For Darlene Flynn of Romoland, California - otherwise known as the 'Shoe Lady' - put a spring in her step by igniting a love-affair with shoes, and has spent the past 11 years collecting 16,400 shoe-related trinkets.

Flynn's giant assortment of shoe-shaped furniture, shoe-themed art, clothing, teapots, soap, phones, porcelain and thousands of miniature shoe figurines fist catapulted her into the spotlight in 2006, when she set a world record with 7,765 items in her home

Stepping things up a notch, Flynn's collection has since more than doubled to 16,400 pieces, breaking her own world record and costing around $500,000 in the process.

The collection is so vast, it even takes Flynn two full weeks to remove each piece from its glass cabinet just to put them out on display.

We don't want to put our foot in it, but think Darlene could have put that money to much better use. She could have splashed out on 151 pairs of French shoemaker Christian Louboutin's most expensive, and exquisite 'Fifi Strass' pumps for the same sum, costing 2,095 a pair and embellished with dazzling crystals. They sit neatly in chic red shoe boxes and can actually be erm, worn...

1. What can you say about her collection? Is it worth the time and money?
2. Do you know anyone who is obsessed with shoes? What do you think about it?
3. Why are some people willing to spend so much money on these things? 
4. Have you ever collected anything? What did you collect? Do you still have your collection? What do you plan to do with it? 
5. Are you fond of buying shoes? How many pairs of shoes do you own?

[Bosun(보선)]

1등! I will be there! Can't wait to see you guys on this Saturday!

[Gina(진아)]

우아아~ 오랜만^-^ 토욜에 보쟈규^^/

[Gina(진아)]

참석!!^-^

[Teddy(두희)]

암쏘리~ 다음주에 만나요~ :D

[Gina(진아)]

어디가심???

[Teddy(두희)]

일요일 오전에 중국어 회화시험쳐서 공부해야돼. 삼년지나서 다까먹었당 흐규흐규 등급따야 승진할텐데,,,

[jaguar]

형님. 짱 ^^. 능력자에요 ^*

[Bill Lee]

참석할게요!!

[Ian Ki]

ㅇㅇ? 두희 형은 중국어도 할 줄 알아요? 오우~후! 짱!!

[Teddy(두희)]

哪里哪里还差的问呢～ ㅋㅋ 담주에 보장~ :)

[jaguar]

참석 ^^

[Dexter(한동욱)]

I'll attend. It's been a while. I hunger for speaking English.

[kaiㆀ]

두 행님 타픽 만드시느라 수고하셨어요 ^^

[Susie 수지]

참석해요!