Wednesday, September 9, 2009

9-9-09! SIGN OF THE APOCALYPSE?

Today marks one of those special days on the calendar where all of the numbers are identical: 9-9-09. It's unique in a number of ways. For example, today is the last time you'll see a set of identical single numbers on a calendar until January 1 2011 (1-1-11). Is it a sign of the apocalypse? The significance of the number (9) depends on who you're talking to.

In Japan and China, the feelings are very strong for the number 9, but for very different reasons. In Japan, the number 9 is an unlucky number, equated to suffering. Japanese emperors would never wear a robe with nine dragons on it, for it would be a sign of bad luck. Only the number 4 (death) is held in higher disregard than the number 9. In fact, the number 9 is held in such disdain, that many Japanese will avoid rooms with the number 9 in it in hotel or hospital rooms.

China, however, look upon the number 9 in a positive light. Behind the number 8, the number 9 is the most desired number for the Chinese as it is a symbol of long life. Historically, Chinese emperors associated themselves with the number nine closely; it appeared in much of their architecture and royal dress. You often found nine dragons on the outfits of many of the emperors. It is rumored that the Royal Palace complex in Bejing's Forbidden City had 9, 999 rooms built, that's how highly regarded the number is.

Other notable facts regarding the number 9:

Today is the 252nd day of the year. (2+5+2= 9).

9x3=27. 2+7=9.

Multiply nine by any two, three or four-digit number and the sums of those will also break down to nine. For example: 9x62 = 558; 5+5+8=18; 1+8=9.

The Yankees are sitting in 1st place with 90 wins.

Freaky, isn't it?

Back here in the States, aside from the coolness factor and conversation starter, I don't really get what the big deal is regarding 9-9-09. It's simply another day to me. So will the world end today? I somehow doubt it. But then again, that's just me.


PUB TRIVIA/BEER BINGO TONIGHT!

With Monday Night Football quickly approaching, we found ourselves with a dilemma: What do we do with BEER BINGO? Our popular Monday night game became a mainstay during the summer and now that football season is here, what happens to bingo? We got a lot of requests to keep it on so we've decided to move the popular bar game to Wednesday nights, where it will precede Pub Trivia.

Now we have a potent one-two punch on "Hump day". Beer Bingo will kick off the night at 7pm, followed by Pub Trivia at 8pm. The prizes will still be around but now, instead of waiting around until 8pm to win, you can win almost immediately! And best of all: it's still FREE to play!

THEME FOR TONIGHT'S PUB TRIVIA: Football, of course!




Nuff Said