Black Cat Lore According to Paul

Now this is sound advice for anyone interested in avoiding the uncommonly bad luck, possibly resulting in death or dismemberment, brought on this season by the legendary black cat crossing one's path. Two days ago Paul and I were walking through the school parking lot at an hour too early to relate when a black cat slinked (yes, it slinked) from between some parked cars in front of us and walked directly across our path so boldly and broadly that there was no avoiding the cursed trail he left in his wake. I was, naturally, frozen in superstitious fear, but Paul immediately sprang into action. He took my hand and led me in sort of a wobbly circle which eventually rejoined our original course toward the business building.

"There" he looked triumphant, "we are now safe."
"How?" I asked confused, and a little dizzy. "We still have to cross it's path."
"No," he insisted confidently, "we have negated his powers by curving our path into his path but still away from it..." and then I think there was something about a trajectory and the healing powers of spinning in a circle. Needless to say I was a bit skeptical with regard to Paul's certain knowledge of black cat lore that seemed to come out of nowhere, but the prospect of being late to class eventually drove all thoughts of cats, black or otherwise, out of our minds and we speed-walked directly through the ominous path of said cat on to class.

Due to the fact that I am still alive and in possession of all my limbs one or more assertions can be drawn from this scientific experience. First Paul's take on counteracting black cat powers must be accurate. I have also considered the possibility that the cat was actually not black and it was just too dark outside. In the event that Paul's little cat dance actually worked, the scientific method would also dictate that handstands deter werewolves and leeches hate loud music. You are welcome to use this powerful information to your advantage. Have a safe and fun Halloween everyone!