When he’s not onstage, shock-rock legend Alice Cooper, 73, is pretty mellow these days. He lives in Phoenix and plays a lot of golf, which he credits with helping him get and stay sober decades ago without the need of a 12-step program.

Wikipedia, the world’s largest online encyclopedia and consistently one of the top ten most visited websites, was launched to little fanfare on January 15, 2001: it turns 20 today.

Ghost stories have been shared as long as we have wondered what happens to us after we die, and sought to connect with spirits of the departed. Midwinter is the perfect time for them. The nights grow long and dark, and winter weather brings us together to huddle around the fire and share tales.

The ill-omened day is at hand! Or is it? In Spanish and Greek culture, Tuesday the 13th is the ill-omened day, and in Italy, it’s Friday the 17th. Well, at least we can agree that the number 13 is ill-omened? Or Friday? Although for those who live for the weekend, Friday is propitious.