This post requires a bit of background music, so let's begin with "Revolution 9" by The Beatles.
Now, let us begin to ponder a strange, cosmic event, an event far weirder than meteors exploding over Russia or fireballs in the sky over the U.S.
Let us ponder the omnipresence of the number 9 in the last 24 hours of news.
The Boston Globe reports, "Secretary of State John F. Kerry will depart Sunday on a nine-nation tour of Europe and the Middle East..."
Fox News wonders about Oscar predictions: "Who will win in the nine major categories?"
Speaking of movies, "...The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey topped the Saturn Award nominations, nabbing nine of the precious slots for recognition given out by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films," announces The Hollywood Reporter.
But nine is a grim number, too.
Dawn.com, a news site for Pakistan, reports, "Nine people were killed in different incidents of violence in Karachi— the restive southern metropolis of Pakistan— on Tuesday."
The Deccan Herald of India says, "Nine accused in the Suriyanelli gangrape case today moved the Kerala High Court for bail."
Meanwhile, "Dutch, Spanish navies detain nine 'pirates' off Somalia," according to Agence France Presse.
Wagering on sports? Place your bets on number 9. Nine has even infiltrated the athletic world.
"Wales have released nine players back to their regional teams as they prepare for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash against Italy in Rome," the Belfast Telegraph reports.
KyivPost.com of Ukraine announces, "Athletes from nine countries to participate in Freestyle Ski World Cup at Bukovel."
London's Daily Mail tells the story of "the incredible moment nine golfing students sank simultaneous putts, one after the other, in the same hole."
A Fox News headline declares, "Northwestern State extends win streak to nine, defeats Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 82-71."
Closer to home, a Charlotte Business Journal headline reads, "Charlotte tumbles nine spots in economic index."
Is this all a coincidence? Or are powerful elites up to something? Is God, is the Universe, trying to tell us something?
Who knows. Just be cautious when you're on Cloud 9, watch out for Love Potion Number 9, and drink a little extra Magic Hat #9.
-Colin Foote Burch
