Most of us can agree that 2020 sucked. We wore face masks nonstop, we obsessed over hand sanitizer and we wondered how we were ever gonna financially recover from not working for a full year. But some people did pretty well during the pandemic. Take the case of Don Cisternino, a 47-year-old Seminole County businessman who secured $7.2 million dollars in PPP funds (Paycheck Protection Program) to keep his company operational. The payments were designed to help employers make it through a hellish 2020 by making sure their payrolls and bills got paid on time. The program helped countless companies keep their businesses afloat in unsure times. But that’s not what happened.
Authorities say Cisternino used his fraudulently acquired millions to buy several luxury cars and an almost $5 million dollar mansion located in Seminole County. Court documents showed that Cisternino filed for and received $7.2 million dollars in May of 2020. He claimed that his company employed 441 people and his payroll was almost $3 million dollars in 2019. That was not true. In fact, Cisternino was the only employee at his company. Cisternino was convicted of using false information when he submitted tax information about people who had never worked for him.
Once the loan was approved by the federal government, records show that Cistrernino bought a Maserati and a Mercedes-Benz. But that’s not the whole story. He also bought a 12-acre estate with a 12,579 square foot mansion. That home is currently for sale for $4.9 million dollars. The special agent in charge, Ronald Loecker from the IRS, says this case should “serve as a warning for those who may have engaged in similar fraudulent activity”. He went on to say that the IRS will continue to investigate and prosecute fraudulently acquired PPP fund cases. Cisternino was ordered to forfeit over a million dollars that was seized from various bank accounts. He was also ordered to return the $7.2 million dollars that he obtained from the scheme. He was even ordered to pay $7.44 million dollars to the Small Business administration as restitution. Cisternino was sentenced to 8 1/2 years in federal prison on charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and illegal monetary transaction. Source: WFLA.com
Friday The 13th Superstitions
Friday the 13th - Bizarre Superstitions from Around the World
Broomsticks - Not Just For Witches
This one doesn’t sit well with me for a bunch of reasons, but here we go. This superstition says that if you don’t want to be single for the rest of your life, don’t let a broom sweep across your feet. If it does happen, there is a way to reverse it, but it’s gross. If a broom sweeps across your feet, make sure you IMMEDIATELY spit on that broom! Take that, witches mode of transportation! I couldn’t find the origin of this one, but it’s said that a woman (I’m going to include all people in this though) that can’t keep the house tidy, is not a good partner. But sure, spitting on the broom is super clean.
(Photo by Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)
The Number Four
This comes from the Eastern Asia area and is similar to our fear of the number thirteen. In China, the sound of “four” sounds like death and in Korea and Japan, four and death are actually the same. At least thirteen is a prime number? Not sure that counts for anything.
(Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Rabbit, Rabbit, Ya Say?
As someone who has lived their entire life in North America, I have never heard of this, but apparently people on this continent believe that if you say “rabbit, rabbit” on the first of the month, it will bring you luck. I’ve heard that rabbits feet are lucky, but this one is new to me.
(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Don't Walk Backwards!
People in Portugal believe that if you walk backwards, it’s an invitation for the devil since you’re showing him where you live or where you’re going. What if I’m going to the dumpster though?
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Tuck Your Thumbs, Save a Life!
People in Japan believe that when you visit the cemetery, you must tuck your thumbs. This is a similar superstition to the number four… Kinda.”Thumb” means “parent figure” in Japanese so by tucking your thumb, you are protecting your parent from death. Seems logical.
(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Don't Say Happy Birthday If It's Not
In Russia they believe that if you wish someone a happy birthday before their actual birthday it will bring bad luck. Fortunately, if you forget to wish someone a happy birthday you can still do it. If we know anything about Russia, it’s that you follow the rules so don’t do this if you ever go there!
(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Don't Give Me Dandelions!
I don’t know if dandelions are actually flowers and this isn’t specific to them, but more so yellow flowers in general. In Russia, if you give someone yellow flowers it is considered inappropriate. Not in an HR violation kind of way, but more like it is said to bring problems in relationships like separation, infidelity and death. Again, if you happen to be in Russia, don’t even look at a yellow flower just for your own safety.
(Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
A Lemon A Day Keeps Evil Away
This is very common in Indian culture. Lemons along with chilies will be hung outside the home to stop evil spirits and bad omens from entering your home. You can also hang them on your car or bike, and after that maybe make a nice marinade.
(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.)
Since You Didn’t Watch It, Here’s The Highlights
