November 13th, 2009 | 05:15 pm

Today, I thought I'd give you some history on Friday the 13th and demonstrate that it's not always a “spooky,” backwards day.

Here are some facts I learned about the origin of Friday the 13th:

• A fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia (try saying that three times fast) and over 17 million people suffer from this phobia in the U.S.
• The earliest known documented reference of Friday the 13th was by a man named Gioachino Rossini. He regarded Friday as the unlucky day and 13 as the unlucky number. Ironically, he died on Friday the 13th.
• Much of the superstition of Friday the 13th comes from a fear of the number thirteen (Triskaidekaphobia). Twelve is considered the number of completeness (12 ribs in the human body, 12 hours on a clock, 12 months on a calendar) and 13 is considered irregular for following this completeness.
• The following people have 13 letters in their names: Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Theodore Bundy.
  Here's the biggie, the one that prompted this e-mail: $800 million is lost in business on this day because people have a fear of doing business.

Being the optimistic bankers we are, I've decided to change your perception of this much-maligned day. Here are some “good” things that have happened on Friday the 13th:

• In 1805, Johann George Lehner, a Viennese butcher, invented a recipe and called it the "frankfurter." (What would any sporting event be without the hot dog?)
• Thomas Crapper pioneered the one-piece pedestal flushing toilet in 1863.
• In 1854, Anthony Foss patented the accordion (this is why I put “good” in quotes above—you many not be a polka fan).
• The first "Mickey Mouse" comic strip 1st appeared.
• The Wham-O Company produced the first Frisbee in 1957.
• In 1969, the Beatles released their "Yellow Submarine" album.
• The U.S. spacecraft Mariner 9 became the first spacecraft to orbit another planet, Mars.
• Julia Louis Dreyfus, of Seinfeld fame, was born on Friday the 13th. Two Emmy's, two Screen Actor Guild Awards, and one Golden Globe later…(oh, and Happy Birthday, Elaine!)
• Friday also happens to be pay day!

Even after our convincing proof of accordions, toilets, and Frisbees that Friday the 13th isn't ALL bad, you still may be hesitant to fly on an airplane, walk under a ladder, or take action on a stock tip today. I can't blame you for your superstitions (to be honest, I have some myself). But remember: you shouldn't fear calling or e-mailing me to find out about smarter commercial property financing. Truth be told, right now is a great time for business owners to purchase commercial real estate. Don't believe me? Call me at 1-866-622-4504 or e-mail me at info@mercantilecc.com and I'll make you a believer.

Sending a little luck your way,

Chris