******Announcement**************************************

Leasing News Help Wanted Ad Pricing

Help Wanted Web Ad New Programs Classified Help Wanted Special Full Job Description with contact information (normal size) One Time $150 Two Times $250 Classified Ad Section (rotates chronological above headlines and also appears in Classified Ad section.) * Design work is free. Logo is free as well as company description not to exceed the number of lines of the ad. Also free: click to a click to a web site or a full description of the position. 15 days in a row: $395 four lines (a space is a line) ($25 each additional line or space) 30 days in a row: $595 four lines (a space is a line) ($40 each additional line or space) Ads are placed in the "Help Wanted' section by category, alphabetical, with the ad with the most lines first in the group. They appear on the web site and in each news edition at the top in a rotation basis per issue. * Help Wanted” ads  appear in each issue on a chronological basis above the top headline as a courtesy. This position is not available as a paid position, but is generally on a rotation basis.  At the same time, the ad continues in the classified help wanted section in the news edition and web site, so in effect appears twice. Leasing News reserves the right to refuse advertising, particularly to a company that has appeared in the complaint bulletin board.

******Announcement**************************************

Classified Ads---Credit/Operations

(These ads are “free” to those seeking employment or
looking to improve their position)

Seasoned Ops, Broker Development, Credit, Legal, Strategy, P & L Management detail oriented team player seeks position with Small ticket direct lender. Established remote office. Wgriffith61@yahoo.com Resume

SF Bay Area Contract Administrator. Formerly Documentation /Compliance , Pentech; American National Leasing, VP-Operations. 30 years Experience. Available now. Resume gbflinn@gmail.com

Acton, MA Strong experience in lease accounting, operations, & systems.   Implemented lease plus, Great Plains, networks. Excellent financial reporting and analysis skills. Looking for new opportunity. LinkedIn alexanderzlenz@gmail.com| Resume

Seasoned Ops, Broker Development, Credit, Legal, Strategy, P & L Management detail oriented team player seeks position with Small ticket direct lender. Established remote office. Wgriffith61@yahoo.com Resume

Free Posting for those seeking employment in Leasing:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm

All “free” categories “job wanted” ads:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

Why Lease with new Tax Laws?

Looking for reader comments to quote in Leasing News on how the 100% depreciation deduction will help increase leasing business.

Please send to:
kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

Gary DiLillo, President 216-658-5618 or gary@avptc.com Comprehensive personal property tax outsourcing services. Click here to see what our clients say about us.

****Announcement****************************************

Two New CLP's: Mary Armstrong, Samantha Nettles

Mary Armstrong, CLP
Financial Pacific, Washington

Samantha Nettles, CLP
Financial Pacific, Washington

“The Board of Directors of the CLP Foundation would like to extend its congratulations to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Industry’s newest Certified Lease Professionals. The letters "CLP" behind their names are a visible recognition of their experience in the industry and their professional achievement in having passed the CLP Exam.

“The CLP Foundation is the official governing body for the Certified Lease Professional ("CLP") Program. The CLP designation sets the standard for professionalism in the leasing industry. This designation identifies and recognizes individuals within the leasing industry who have demonstrated their competency through continued education, testing and conduct. The letters "CLP" behind their name represent a visible recognition of this professional achievement and status. The CLP Program is the only recognized certification program in the entire world wide equipment leasing and finance industry.

“We invite you to visit our site -- www.clpfoundation.org for detailed information about the CLP Foundation and the CLP Program. For further information about our Mentor Program and Anonymity Program please contact:”

Cynthia W. Spurdle
Executive Director
CLP Foundation
PH: 610/687-0213
FAX: 610/687-4111
E-mail: cindy@clpfoundation.org
www.clpfoundation.org

****Announcement****************************************

Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP

"What good is Lease Education for the back office?"

The back office is clearly a large expense, and to minimize it have each person good at there job and do what they are told to, to hold down costs. How many times have I heard that comment!!! Efficiently comes from people that are not only trained in their job but trained in what leasing is all about so they can detect errors and omissions. Robots can perform many tasks but you do not expect them to think. I believe that too many lessor's think the same about their staff.

On many occasions I have had to thank my lucky stars that a member of my staff questioned what was occurring and therefore saved my bacon. This would not have occurred if I had not understood how valuable education on all aspects of leasing was to my staff. They need not be lawyers but they need to understand documentation and the purpose of doing it correctly. They do not need to be accountants but they can find a problem with structuring and pricing faster than you can. A completely trained staff is the best back up in the world. If you train and respect them they become part of the team and not part of the furniture.

Regardless on how many years someone has been in leasing, changes occur every day. New ways to offer and handle the business need constant attention and management is not always on top of every change. Sending staff to training to refine their tasks and review current changes can support your need to control costs and be on top of your market. Just staying abreast of changes in documentation can save you time and money and protect the viability of your company.

One of the cheapest ways to offer training is to have one of the many lease educators come in and do a review of your procedures by having all of the staff explain their function and where they fit in the chain of events. When everyone sees the correct work flow and its purpose, it gives meaning to their jobs, and once in a while suggestions surface that will improve the duplication of effort and establish a more efficient method. Current changes in the companies business plan can also be presented that makes everyone aware of the company goals and makes sure they are all pulling the same way.

Usually an outside trainer is best because the teacher is not handicapped by the restrictions of the company's outlook and current and new approaches can be presented.

If everyone is trained to understand leasing and its benefits then they can be your ambassadors away from the office. A happy employee encourages customers to do business each day because the customers get answers instead of being past off to others. The more professional your staff looks the better it is for your company reputation.

Another suggestion I have is to prepare a test for your staff on the rules and regulations plus questions on your company policy and simple questions on types of leases you offer and the markets you prefer and then prepare yourself for the results. If you are not surprised at some of the answers you will be in the minority. If you need help preparing these tests contact me because I have a lot of such tests.

One thing is for certain "all the rules and all the competitors change everyday" and staying on top of the changes is a full time job. It is difficult when you have a strong understanding of commercial leasing and an impossible job if you do not. Plus your organization, when poorly trained can destroy you. Education and training is a must to a properly run leasing company.

I also highly recommend more operation staff become Certified Lease Professionals. There are several companies such as Financial Pacific, who help promote this program.

And even if you don't go through the program, make the latest CLP book available to your staff. It is the best Christmas present, besides a bonus, that you can give.

For more information, please go here:
http://www.clpfoundation.org/toolbox/clp_handbook.php

Mr. Terry Winders, CLP, has been a teacher, consultant, expert witness for the leasing industry for thirty-five years and can be reached at leaseconsulting@msn.com or 502-649-0448

He invites your questions and queries.

Previous #102 Columns:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Leasing_102/Index.htm

(This ad is a “trade” for the writing of this column. Opinions
contained in the column are those of Mr. Terry Winders, CLP)

Leasing Books for Christmas

Books on Equipment Leasing by Source:
 
Master Index

             
              Books
              Direct Purchase
              Certified Leasing Professional (CLP) Foundation
              Fiction

Arkansas Bank buys alleged $22 million fake bonds,
three Georgia Banks (21st in state); plus record least cost to FDIC
--Bank Beat

First in Arkansas

The two branches of First Southern Bank, Batesville, Arkansas were closed with Southern Bank, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to assume all of the deposits. Formed August 1, 2005 the bank had gone from 27 full time employees in 2009 to 36 full time employees September 30, 2010 with a branch each in Batesville and Little Rock (opened June 28, 2010), and two in Searcy (the most recent 10/5/2009).

According to www.arkansasbusiness.com:

"First Southern Bank of Batesville bought $22 million worth of rural improvement district bonds that may be fraudulent.

"Other Arkansas banks also may have bought fake bonds, leaving a total debt of between $30 million and $40 million in a story that is still developing.”

“Bank officials, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and possibly the FBI have been scrutinizing the bonds sold to First Southern between December 2008 and September of this year. First Southern discovered something was wrong with the bonds about a month ago but still has several unanswered questions.

"In the meantime, officials would love to chat with attorney Kevin Lewis, who sold the bonds to First Southern. But he can't be located. The phones at his Searcy law firm and his home in west Little Rock have been disconnected, and his wife didn't return a message left on her cell phone."

Net equity year-end 2008: $13.2 million; year-end 2009: $13 million. $123,000 profit year-end 2009. $345,000 loss year-end 2009 with non-current loans of $3.8 million and charge off of $426,000 in construction and land development, $328,000 secured by nonfarm nonresidential property, $54,000 in commercial and industrial loans.

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio: 13.57%.

Bank equity September 30, 2010 was $19.25 million. Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 14.00%. The bank had a net income of $510,000 following a charge off of $648,000 in construction and land development, $30,000 in 1-4 multi-family property, and $78,000 in non-farm, non-residential property.

As of September 30, 2010, First Southern Bank had approximately $191.8 million in total assets and $155.8 million in total deposits. Southern Bank paid the FDIC a premium of 0.25 percent to assume all of the deposits of First Southern Bank. In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the failed bank, Southern Bank agreed to purchase approximately $152.8 million of the failed bank's assets. The FDIC will retain the remaining assets for later disposition.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $22.8 million.

It should be noted the bank was a subsidiary of Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc (SMCB) with assets of $565 million. "Although Southern Missouri Bancorp earned net income of $1.2 million for the first fiscal quarter of 2011 and pays stockholders a dividend, the Bank has still not repaid a $10 million investment to the US Treasury made under the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The Bank is paying the US Treasury a dividend of 5% which will increase significantly to 9% after 5 years."
http://problembanklist.com/first-southern-bank-batesville-arkansas-fails-0264/

This is surprising still up, video message from the president and directors on why choose First Southern Bank:
http://videos.firstsouthernbk.com/

This is You Tube on one of them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p4KT-8qXcA&feature=player_embedded

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2010/pr10275.html

Least Costly to FDIC

The 157th FDIC-insured institution to fail in the nation this year, and the eighth in Minnesota. It also was the least cost of bank failures for the FDIC, where they estimated the cost here at $3.7 million to the Deposit Insurance Fund.

The two branches of Community National Bank, Lino Lakes, Minnesota were closed with Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank, Manchester, Iowa, to assume all of the deposits. Formed December 20, 1980, the bank had 22 full-time employees with an office in Lino Lakes and Vadnais Heights (12/7/1998).

www.startribune.com reports: "Several former executives have pleaded guilty to federal crimes after helping themselves to its money. They include Curtis Martinson of Eden Prairie, former bank president Bill Sandison of North Branch, and his son, Ross, of Grant, who siphoned bank funds from a $35 million failed real estate development known as the Ramsey Town Center project."

www.twincities.com reports: "Community National was the lead bank in a $35 million loan development deal involving 20 banks that would fund Ramsey Town Center, which was envisioned as a $1.3 billion mixed-use development but ran into trouble when the developer defaulted. The development has since been renamed COR, for City of Ramsey, and plans adjusted.

"Three of the bank’s former top officers were indicted on dozens of federal fraud charges in connection with the deal. William Sandison, the bank’s former president, his son Ross Sandison, also a top officer, ended up pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy last year. Curtis Martinson, another top officer, also pleaded guilty in the case."

Friday, the Minnesota Office of the Comptroller of Currency reported: "The OCC acted after finding that the bank had experienced a substantial dissipation of assets and earnings due to unsafe or unsound practices, the bank’s unsafe or unsound practices or conditions were likely to continue to cause substantial dissipation of assets and earnings and weaken the bank’s condition, and the bank, by resolution of its board of directors and its shareholders, consented to receivership."
http://www.bangladeshnews.net/story/720997/ht/Minnesota-scene-of-157th-bank-closing-for-year

As of September 30, 2010, Community National Bank had approximately $31.6 million in total assets and $28.8 million in total deposits. Bank equity 2008 was $5 million and 2009 $4.5 million, following a $3.9 million loss year-end 2008 and $4.5 million loss year-end 2009 following $1.2 million charge off ($491,000 construction and land development, $406,000 1-4 multi-family residential property, $325,000 secured by nonfarm nonresidential property.

September 30, 2010 the net equity had fallen to $2.6 million from the previous September $5 million. The bank loss was $1.85 following $57,000 charge offs in commercial and industrial loans, and this was after $346,000 in loan recovery from charges offs.) Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 10.84%
http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2010/pr10276.html

21st in Georgia

The two branches of United Americas Bank, National Association, Atlanta, Georgia, were closed with State Bank and Trust Company, Macon, Georgia, to assume all of the deposits. Formed September 20, 1999, the bank had gone from 34 full-time employees to 22 full-time employees by September 30, 2010 with an branch in Atlanta, Chamblee, and Norcross.

"United Americas Bank is a full service community bank founded in 1999, which specializes in commercial banking services for small to mid-size businesses. The diversity of its directors coupled with a multicultural staff of bilingual employees has positioned United Americas Bank as the leading Hispanic bank in the State of Georgia."
www. unitedamericasbank.com

The reported Latino-focused business bank had a $20 million net equity year-end 2008, and $16.86 year-end 2009 following a $25,000 profit in 2008 and loss of $3.2 million 2009 following a $3.6 million charge off in construction and land development loans, $253,000 commercial and loans, and $518,000 in loans to individuals as well as some smaller losses in other sectors. $8 million in non-current loans

September 30, 2010 the net equity had to a minus $1.8 million following a net loss of $16 million with a charge off of $2.8 million in construction and land development loans, $1.6 million 1-4 multi-family property, $397,000 in nonfarm nonresidential property, and $165,000 in loans to individuals. Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio: -1.13%.

As of September 30, 2010, United Americas Bank, N.A. had approximately $242.3 million in total assets and $193.8 million in total deposits.

The FDIC and State Bank and Trust Company entered into a loss-share transaction on $195.8 million of United Americas Bank, N.A.'s assets.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $75.8 million.
http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2010/pr10274.html

Lowest Tier 1 for 2010

The 20th bank to fail in Georgia has the record for the lowest Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio: -18.95%.

The three branches of Appalachian Community Bank, F.S.B, McCaysville, Georgia were closed with Peoples Bank of East Tennessee, Madisonville, Tennessee, to assume all of the deposits of Appalachian Community Bank, F.S.B., except for brokered deposits and certain out-of-state certificates of deposit (CD).

Net equity year-end 2008 was $6.1 million, 2009 $5.96 million, and September, 2010 it was a minus $8.2 million net equity. Year-end 2008 the bank lost $2.51 million, 2009 $2.38 million, following $948,000 in construction and land development, $375,000 in 1-4 family multi-residential properties, $174,000 in commercial loans. September 30, 2010 saw a loss of $14.2 million after $9.5 million in charges offs ($3.4 million construction and land development, $1.88 in nonfarm nonresidential property loans, $2.9 million in commercial and industrial loans, and $119,000 in loans to individuals.

As of September 30, 2010, Appalachian Community Bank, F.S.B. had approximately $68.2 million in total assets and $76.4 million in total deposits. Formed April 23, 2007, the bank had 22 full time employees.

Peoples Bank of East Tennessee agreed to purchase approximately $67.5 million of the failed bank's assets. The FDIC will retain the remaining assets for later disposition. The FDIC and Peoples Bank of East Tennessee entered into a loss-share transaction on $46.4 million of Appalachian Community Bank, F.S.B.'s assets.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $26.0 million.

(Note: This bank is not related to Appalachian Community Bank, Ellijay, Georgia, which closed 19 March, 2010. http://www.bankinginsurancesecurities.com/sanctions_closures_fi_frauds/FIs-closed/fis_closed_appalachian_community_bank_ellijay_georgia_usa )

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2010/pr10273.html

The 19th in Georgia

The four branches of Chestatee State Bank, Dawsonville, Georgia were closed with Bank of the Ozarks, Little Rock, Arkansas, to assume all of the deposits. Formed May 15, 1998 to service the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta area, they had 59 full time employees with two branches in Dawsonville, and one each in Cumming and Marble Hill.

The name of the bank comes from Cherokee word that means “Pine Torch Place” or “Place of the Lights.” It was so called because the Indians would light torches from bonfires along the banks of the Chestatee River, and use them to hunt deer and other game at night in the forest bordering the river.

"Dawsonville, GA, is the official government seat of Dawson County and it is located about 10 miles northwest of Lake Lanier, a beautiful man-made reservoir that is used as a source of drinking water by the City of Atlanta. Dawsonville is also 10 miles south of Amicalola State Park and it contains Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall in America east of the Mississippi River..."

"During the 1990’s, a considerable amount of upscale condominium and townhouse development created a new market for luxury homes in Dawsonville, and today the City of Dawsonville is a modern residential community that is ideally suited for families with children or for luxurious retirement living...Millions of people travel to Lake Lanier and Amicalola State Park each year to enjoy sightseeing, swimming, boating, camping and fishing, and tourism accounts for a significant portion of Dawson County’s economy. "
http://www.dawsonville.com/

In 2008 the FDIC citied the bank for management performance and reviews of board of director votes as several should have excluded themselves on votes for loans granted due to conflicts of interest.

2009 year-end net equity was $13.1 million, down $2.8 million from the year before. They lost $3.9 million in 2008 and 6.5 million in 2009 with charge offs of $5.8 million in construction and land development, $465,000 in 1-4 family residential properties, $845,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $165,000 in loans to individuals, $162,000 in credit cards.

September 30, 2010 net equity was down to $2.1 million with a net loss of $11.1 million after charge offs of $9 million ($8 million in construction and land development, $156,000 in 1-4 multi-family residential property, $215,000 in nonfarm nonresidential property loans, $500,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $79,000 in loans to individuals, and $22,000 in credit cards. Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 1.03%.

As of September 30, 2010, Chestatee State Bank had approximately $244.4 million in total assets and $240.5 million in total deposits. The FDIC and Bank of the Ozarks entered into a loss-share transaction on $195.3 million of Chestatee State Bank's assets.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $75.3 million.

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2010/pr10272.html

Tracking Bank Failures Map:
http://graphicsweb.wsj.com/documents/Failed-US-Banks.html

List of Bank Failures:
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html

Bank Beat:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Bank_Beat.htm

 

 

[headlines]
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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

Transportation Focused Company seeks Credit Manager. Knowledge of automated scoring as well as subjective credit underwriting a must. Compensation commensurate with experience. Located in the Inland Empire, please email wdalton@crlease.com

Top Stories---December 13--December 17

Here are the top ten stories opened by readers:

(1) LEAF Financial Press Release Misleading
by Christopher Menkin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_13.htm#misleading

(2) Former Citicapital/GE Capital Lessor gets 10 Years
http://lubbockonline.com/interact/blog-post/logan-carver/2010-12-10/white-collar-criminal-bound federal-slammer

(Tie) (3) Bank Beat---Another internet Bank hits the dust
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_13.htm#bank_beat

(Tie) (3) Donna Mount's Son Found—and Reaction!
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_17.htm#found

(4) Leasing Companies Out of Broker/Discounting Business
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_15.htm#broker

(5) We Support FASB Recommendations
Leasing News’ Comment Letter to IFRS Foundation
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_15.htm#fasb

(6) Mazuma Capital Announces Exclusive Broker Services Program
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_17.htm#mazuma

(7) EverBank Commercial Finance launches industrial finance group
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_17.htm#everbank

(8) Captive Lessors List---Up-date
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_13.htm#captive

(9) Why Are Funders Bothering to Sue E.A.R. Guarantors?
From the Desk of Michael J. Witt, Esq.
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_17.htm#sue

(10) Letters? ---We get eMail!
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_15.htm#letters

Not counted for Technical Reasons

(This was sent out by email Wednesday and was included in the Friday edition, where it placed third as most read. It may have occurred as 2/3rds of the readers bookmark the web site that contains the news edition, plus the reaction part was new)

EXTRA - Donna Mount's Son Found
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_15.htm#extra

(Very well read as sent out by Constant Contact late Wednesday afternoon and also included in the Friday edition)

Announcement - Egan named NEFA Exec. Dir.
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2010/12_15.htm#egan

 

[headlines]
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Uh-Oh five days to Christmas--59% of our goal!

Even if you have contributed to a kettle outside a store,
please help the Leasing News Salvation Army Kettle

(Please click on Kettle)

Happy Holidays

 

[headlines]
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Bank of West Parent CEO on 2011

Chappet's challenge - the new CEO of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions
on his objectives for 2011

Written by Brian Rogerson

(printed with permission of AssetFinance International)

Didier Chappet was appointed chief executive officer of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions (BNPLS) some two months ago. Already he has significantly changed the composition of BNPLS’s management bodies, creating a restricted steering committee and extending the company’s executive committee to include new managers.

Chappet succeeded Philippe Bismut, who will remain as chairman of BNPLS, and who has gone on to act as special advisor to subsidiary Arval’s chief executive.

CEO BNP Paribas Didier Chappet

Graduating from the Ecole Polytechnique and the Ecole des Ponts, Chappet began his career in the public sector in 1979. Initially he worked for the French Ministry of Equipment as head of management and online data processing division, then as research and planning analyst from 1982.

He explained to Asset Finance International that it is quite common in France for engineering graduates to start their career in the public sector. “Working for the government as a civil servant is a good way to assume great responsibilities very quickly. Five years later, however, I decided to move to the private sector and, although I was offered several positions in the industrial sector, I decided to join the financial sector. This decision was aided by the sound advice I received from Andre Levy Lang, the chairman of Compagnie Bancaire.”

In 1984 Chappet joined UCB, a real-estate mortgage specialist. He said: “I didn’t know anything about the banking industry but I discovered a lot through my experience within UCB which was part of Compagnie Bancaire.” Working his way up steadily, he earned a variety of promotions in the commercial and marketing departments before being appointed chief executive officer, then chairman of the company. “It was a long trip,” he recalls, “but a very interesting way to learn a lot of things which have since been very useful.”

Re-organizing and modernizing

In 2005, Jean-Laurent Bonnafe, who was in charge of the French retail banking activity within BNP Paribas, asked Chappet if he would be interested in re-organizing and modernizing the processes of the bank’s back offices. “I was some 50 years old,” he explained, “and I considered his offer to be a very interesting challenge. Over a period of five years, with a wonderful team, I have fully transformed an old fashioned organization in a network of specialized platforms with new tools.”

During this period Chappet came to the conclusion that modernization and staff motivation are the key drivers of creating value for the bank’s customers and to guarantee a high level of service quality. BNPLS is likely to take some advantage from that experience!”

Integrating Fortis Lease with BNPLS was never going to be an easy operation. It commenced under his predecessor’s watch but is a massive task involving the integration, as it does, of operations in some 14 countries.

Chappet, however, remains optimistic. “Integration is in progress,” he said, “and many things have been achieved. Some projects, however, remain to be implemented so I don’t want to comment or judge the work we’ve been doing since we are still ‘in the middle of the bridge’. But I am confident in achieving the objectives which have been defined for Leasing Solutions.”

Fortis Lease has a presence in China – while BNPLS does not. Does Chappet envisage utilizing the Fortis Lease presence as a platform for growth?

He said: “Certainly! But we have to solve the funding issue in local currency. We don’t want to be only a broker in such a market. We want to be a full player for our industrial partners. That will not be an easy job!”

The cost of liquidity

Addressing the Leaseurope convention in Hamburg last October, his predecessor Philippe Bismut said that nowadays access to money comes with a greater cost than previously. “The result,” he said, “is that we have had to educate our own teams with the full significance of the cost of liquidity. For the future we need to build business models, and factor into them, the ups and downs of the leasing industry.”

How does BNPLS intend to “factor in” long term business models that successfully ride the peaks and troughs of the business cycles? Is such a thing actually possible

“I totally agree with Philippe,” Chappet stressed. “To meet these goals, we need to make choices - especially when you belong to a group like BNP Paribas. Making choices means choosing the markets where you can and want to be present, choosing the assets you want to finance, building the offers which are compatible with your profitability’s objectives and which are able to create value for your partners and for their customers.”

BNPLS is a broad-based leasing company with a wide range of vendor and direct services. In which sectors does Chappet believe that its energies should be directed in the future?

He stressed: “We have two main objectives. Firstly, to be able to serve the customers of BNP Paribas group who need leasing services. Secondly, to be a leader in the leasing business through vendor programmes. These two vocations are complementary and mutually strengthen each other. At the same time my conviction is that we need to grow. Growth will provide us with the opportunity to be the best in the leasing business and to serve the bank’s customers wherever they are, and especially in Europe and the US.”

“As far as the BNPLS is concerned the priority will be to focus on organic growth. However, with very strict criteria, we will aim to buy entities which are in line with our strategy – such as added-value leasing solutions through vendor programs.”

Striking a balance

In the post-recessionary environment where does Chappet believe that a balance should be struck between centralization, with its associated cost and process efficiencies, and local responsiveness, i.e. giving local country management teams the authority to adapt their business to local market requirements

He replied: “A structured efficiency program in a company like BNPLS is mandatory. Our profitability depends also upon that. As you probably know, some five of our main countries (France, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Germany) use the same IT system and follow the same operational processes. But I also know that every day’s efficiency depends upon the ability and the intelligence of local people to adapt the processes which have been designed at a corporate level, to answer local specificities. That’s especially true in the leasing business.”

Chappet concluded: “I believe that BNPLS is now stronger than it was before the economic crisis as we took advantage of the right choices at the right time. Our strategy is now clear. Our success only depends on us and our abilities."

For sport, when time permits, Chappet enjoys nothing more than a game of golf – or a long hike in the mountains.

Leaseurope brings together 45 member associations in 32 European countries representing the leasing long term and/or short term automotive rental industries. In 2009, these associations represented more than 1, 300 leasing firms and more than 780 short term rental companies

Free membership to obtain AssetFinance International News:
http://www.assetfinanceinternational.com/index.php?option=com
_comprofiler&task=registers&Itemid=1048

Draper, Utah---Adopt-a-Dog

Found Lab/ Border Collie Mix

Pet ID #: 3054848
(Temporary name: Smiley)

Breed: Border Collie / Labrador Retriever Mix
Size: Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Color: Unknown
Sex: Male
Age: Adult
Smiley is:
already neutered
housetrained

Smiley's story...

"Smiley the Smiling Border Collie

"Love dogs that smile? Meet Smiley the border collie mix"

"Dogs that smile - they're a rare thing and really something to see. When they get excited and happy to see you, they actually smile with all their teeth showing, just like cheesy toddler posing for the class photo. Smiley the border collie is one of these rare smiling dogs. He is a friendly boy who was found wandering in the corner canyon area. Based on his condition when he was found, folks believe that he was probably locked outside, got lost, and was wandering for awhile. This boy is very, very thin and malnourished and is going to need a healthy diet and a home where he can be truly loved, safe, and cared for so that he can get back into good health again. He is a young adult, probably about three years old, otherwise in good health (aside from being malnourished), active, and playful. He enjoys being talked to, going on walks, and chew toys (especially rawhide chews). Already neutered, this guy is ready to go to a forever home.

"This wonderful pet and many others are available for adoption at the Draper Animal Shelter. Some pets, depending on the particular situation, may already be vaccinated, microchipped, and altered (spayed/neutered). The shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed state and federal holidays). Adoption fees are $15 for dogs/puppies and $10 for cats/kittens. Call 801-576-1805 for more information or to make arrangements to meet your new fuzzy friend."

Visit our Facebook page to see other adoptable pets: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverton-UT/Amelias-Angels-Rescue-Network/270337825455

All the adoptable pets sponsored (courtesy posted) by Amelia’s Angels Rescue Network for the Draper Animal Shelter can be viewed at www.adoptapet.com (use zip code 84020)!

*This ad has been placed by Amelia’s Angels Rescue Network as a courtesy to the Draper Animal Shelter. Any mistakes in this ad are not the responsibility of the shelter.

drapershelterfriends@gmail.com

Shelter: Draper Animal Shelter
Phone: (801) 576-1805 801

Adopt-a-Pet by Leasing Co. State/City
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Adopt_Pet.htm

Adopt a Pet
http://www.adoptapet.com/\

News Briefs----

Wynn responds E.A.R. BK for Sheldon Players Gambling Debts
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/dec/19/wynn-fights-demand-return-gambling-debt-payments/

What does the tax deal mean to you?
http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/taxes/2010-12-16-taximpact_N.htm

Asia Stocks Fall, Won Slumps on South Korea Artillery Drills; Dollar Gains
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-20/south-korean-stocks-won-fall-on-live-fire-military-drills-euro-weakens.html

Western states facing 'all-day onslaught' from massive winter storm
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/12/19/winter.weather/

Web, gift cards taking bigger bite from store sales
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/decked_the_malls_PcFcNThZDByYmII4OhjZdI

For air travelers, holidays are the season for delays
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2010-12-20-1Aholidaytravel20_CV_N.htm

Vending machine spits out gold bars and coins
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2010-12-17-gold-to-go_N.htm

 

 

You May have Missed---

Lunar Eclipse, Winter Solstice Coincide This Tuesday
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374519,00.asp

John Kenny Receivables Management • End of Lease Negotiations & Enforcement • Fraud Investigations • Credit Investigations • Asset Searches • Skip-tracing • Third-party Commercial Collections john@jkrmdirect.com | ph 315-866-1167| www.jkrmdirect.com

(Leasing News provides this ad as a trade for investigations
and background information provided by John Kenny)

 

 

 

Sports Briefs----

Falcons clinch playoff with business-like win over Seattle
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/falcons-clinch-playoff-with-782135.html

Patriots take down Packers
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2010/12/19/patriots_vs_packers_game/

In Eagles’ Comeback, a Dark Omen for Coughlin
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/20/sports/football/20araton.html

Slide show: Raiders rout Broncos
http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_16900358?nclick_check=1

Win over rivals is nice, but 'dumb' Cowboys keep struggling
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/
football/cowboys/stories/122010dnspotaylorcol.2f024eb1.html

It's time Seahawks make the change at quarterback
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/stevekelley/2013720094_kelley20.html

Rams' coaches outclassed in loss to KC
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_467069d5-2062-552a-b3c3-9093b0885f12.html

 

 

California Nuts Briefs---

Schwarzenegger's legacy: He made groundbreaking progress on many vital issues
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/19/3266403/schwarzeneggers-legacy-action.html

'Double-dipping' probe targets Air National Guard pilots in Fresno
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/19/3268388/double-dipping-probe-targets-air.html

Silicon Valley starting to push back against payday lenders
http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_16878521?nclick_check=1

3.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Los Altos this morning
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_16898388?source=most_viewed

Overcrowded South Bay animal shelters in crisis mode
http://www.examiner.com/dogs-in-san-jose/overcrowded-south-bay-animal-shelters-crisis-mode

 

 

 

 

“Gimme that Wine”

Healdsburg, California discovered by the world
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/
secondhomes/2010-12-16-healdsburg-california_N.htm

Burgundy vs. Bordeaux
http://metrospirit.com/index.php?cat=11010911103311654&ShowArticle_ID=11011412103912928

Free Mobile Wine Program
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2010/2_26.htm#mobile

Wine Prices by vintage
http://www.winezap.com

http://www.wine-searcher.com/

US/International Wine Events
http://www.localwineevents.com/

Winery Atlas
http://www.carterhouse.com/atlas/\

Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/wnensprts.htm

    1606-Three small ships, departed London, England, bound for America,( "Susan Constant", "Godspeed" and "Discovery", destined for America. Captain Christopher Newport commanded the three tiny ships, which are now on display at Jamestown village in Virginia) where the royally chartered Virginia Company's approximately 120 persons established the first permanent English settlement Jamestown, Virginia. They arrived May 14,1607. When the next ship arrived a year later with additional provisions, there were no survivors. What happened is still a mystery today. It is believed that the survivors joined Indian tribes, and were not murdered or died from disease as there
was no evidence to this conclusion. This was not the first attempt at permanent settlement in the United States. The Norwegians, Dutch, Spanish, and perhaps even Africans, landed here and established colonies. Many of them were invaded by subsequent landings, some were assimilated into Indian life, such as in New Foundland, Florida and the islands, where it is believed Africans were the first to land in this area, including South America.
    1669-History records the first rebellion by colonists happened against an English governor in Delaware, Governor Francis Lovelace, and was led by Marcus Jacobson, “The Long Finne, who claimed to be the son of General hans Christoph Konigsmark. He was trapped and turned over to the English commandant. On December 20, 1669, he was condemned for insurrection in the first trial by jury in Delaware. He was lashed in public, branded with a letter R, and sold in chains as a slave in Barbados.
    1790-The first cotton mill to spin cotton yarn successfully was stated by Samuel Slater in Pawtucket, RI. It was 40 feet long, 26 feet wide, and two stories high, with an attic. Power was obtained from the old fulling mill water wheel in Ezekiel Carpenter’s clothier’s shop on the east bank of the Blackstone River. Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, in his report of December 5, 1791, said, “ The manufactory at Providence has the merit of being the first in introducing into the United States the celebrated cotton mill, which not only furnishes materials for the manufactory itself but for the supply of private families, for household manufacturing.”
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec20.html
    1790 - In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, 23-year-old British subject Samuel Slater began production of the first American spinning mill. The British jealously guarded their technological superiority in the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, making it illegal for machinery, plans and even the men who built and repaired them to leave the country. After serving a 7-year mill apprenticeship in England, Slater recognized the potential offered in America. He memorized the plans for intricate machine specifications, disguised himself as a farm worker and in 1789 sailed to a new life across the Atlantic. Slater entered into a partnership with Rhode Island merchant Moses Brown and built a small spinning mill--the equivalent of 72 spinning wheels. At first, Slater's Mill employed only a handful of children between the ages of 7 and 12, but by 1800, he had more than 100 employees. By the time of Slater's death in 1835, he owned or had an interest in 13 textile mills and left an estate of almost $700,000. From this small beginning, America's own Industrial Revolution grew.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec20.html
    1803-One of the greatest real estate deals in history was completed , when more than a million square miles of the Louisiana Territory were turned over to the US by France, for a prize of about $20 per square mile. This almost doubled the size of the US, extending its western border to the Rocky Mountains.
    1820 - Missouri enacted legislation taxing placing a $1 tax “ on every unmarried free white male, above the age of 21 years and under 50 years.”
    1821- The first record of a “Christmas tree” was mentioned in the diary of Matthew Zahm of Lancaster, PA. Sahm and other German immigrants to Pennsylvania brought the custom of decorated trees from their homeland.
    1833- birthday of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd (born near Bryantown, MD, In the hysteria of the time, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for giving medical aid to disguised John Wilkes Booth, fleeing assassin of Abraham Lincoln. Imprisoned four years before being pardoned by President Andrew Johnson. Died on Jan 10,1883.
    1849--A major event in San Francisco as 25 women arrived on different vessels today.
    1856 -Newberry College was chartered in Newberry, SC, under Lutheran auspices. The campus moved to Walhalla, SC, in 1868, but returned to Newberry in 1877
http://www.newberry.edu/
    1860- In response to the victory of Republican Abraham Lincoln in the presidential election six weeks before, the South Carolina legislature voted to secede from the US, the first state to do so. “ ...are hereby repealed; and that the Union now subsisting between South Carolina and other States under the name of the United States of America, is hereby dissolved.” Within six weeks, five more states seceded. On February 4, 1861, representatives from the six states met at Montgomery, Alabama, to establish a government on February 9, Jefferson Davis was elected president of the Confederate States of America. by June 1861, 11 states had seceded from the Union.
    1868- American industrialist, businessman and founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Harvey Samuel Firestone was born at Columbiana County, OH. A close friend of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and John Burroughs, Firestone was also author of two books about rubber. He died at Miami Beach, FL, Feb 7,1938.
    1880 - Broadway, New York's main thoroughfare, was illuminated by electricity for the first time, between 14th and 26h Streets.
    1881- Wesley Branch Rickey, Baseball Hall of Fame player, manager and executive born at Lucasville, OH. Rickey was baseball’s most innovative general manager. He invented the farm system, instituted unique training and teaching methods and, most prominently, signed Jackie Robinson to play major league baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1967. Died at Columbia, MO, Dec 9,1965.
http://newschannel2000.com/sh/sports/columnist/stories/
columnists-20000821-134738.html
    1886- Hazel Virginia Hotchkiss Wightman, tennis player born at Healdsburg, CA., Known a the “Queen Mother of Tennis,” Wightman was a championship player, an instructor, a benefactor and the donor of the Wightman Cup, a trophy offered for competition between teams of women players from the US and England. Died at Chestnut Hill, MA. December 5, 1974.
    1893- Georgia passed a statue against lynching, “ an act to prevent mob violence in this state...” Violators were guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment of up to 20 years. If death resulted, a murder charge could be instituted.
    1895- Susanne Langer, a leading American philosopher, author of Philosophy in a New Key: A Study in the Symbolism of Reason, Rite, and Art, was born at New York, NY. Her studies of esthetics and art exerted a profound influence on thinking in the fields of psychology, philosophy and the social sciences. She died at Old Lyme, CT, July 17, 1985.
    1907-Birthday of lyricist Paul Francis Webster, New York City , Died March 22,1874,Los Angeles, CA.
http://www.imdb.com/Name?Webster,+Paul+Francis
http://awards.fennec.org/w/webster_paul_francis.html
http://www.basstabs.net/tab/bass/Paul_Francis_Webster.asp
    1914 - The high temperature of 28 degrees at Atlanta, GA, was their earliest daily high below the freezing mark.
    1918-Birthday of saxophone player John Hardee, Corsicana, TX “Hardee was a multi-instrumentalist who played piano, mellophone, C-melody saxophone, alto, and tenor sax. He worked with Don Albert as a tenor player before returning to college. After graduation, he worked as a band director in Texas and also played the clarinet in the military band. Hardee went to New York to pursue his musical career, and worked with Tiny Grimes from 1946 to 1948. Most of the work he recorded was done on 78 rpm records at the precise time that the LP format was killing off 78s as the recorded medium of choice. His work wasn't released on LP and was lost and forgotten for some time, even though his playing put him on a par with Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster. So what happened? Basically a crisis of self-confidence. The jazz scene in New York was extremely competitive at the time, and Hardee simply didn't have the stomach for it. He felt that he could have filled the chair vacated by Ben Webster in the Duke Ellington orchestra, and the recorded evidence, now available on CD, supports that assertion. I strongly recommend either the Chronological Jazz Series release John Hardee: 1946-1948 or the EMI import John Hardee Swingtettes: Tired. We're very lucky to have these performances saved and available for our pleasure. Had Hardee continued to be part of the New York scene he would undoubtedly have become a major tenor player whose contribution and influence would still be widely discussed. Hardee returned to Texas, teaching in Dallas for most of the rest of his life. No doubt he passed on a lot of wisdom to the kids who learned music from him.” Marshall Bowden
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_mucontrib.php/mu_artist=John+Hardee/
ut=0cea001161ce67c0
    1920 - An English-born comedian Leslie Downes, who would later be known as Bob Hope, became an American citizen today. Having lived in the United States since 1908, he became one of the nation's true ambassadors for show business and charity.
    1938- The kinescope, today known as the cathode-ray tube, was patented by Russian immigrant Vladimir Zworykin. It is still used today in computer monitors and television sets.
    1939-Birthday of singer Kim Weston, Detroit, MI
http://www.delafont.com/music_acts/Kim-Weston.htm
    1940- Tony Pastor records “Paradddile Joe.” Bluebird 11008 )
    1942-Birthday of piano player Larry Willis, New York City
http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/artists/larry_willis.htm
http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/reviews/08532.html
    1943-VOSLER, FORREST T. (Air Mission) Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Corps. 358th Bomber Squadron, 303d Bomber Group. Place and date. Over Bremen, Germany, 20 December 1943. Entered service at: Rochester, N.Y. Born: 29 July 1923, Lyndonville, N.Y. G.O. No.: 73, 6 September 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a radio operator-air gunner on a heavy bombardment aircraft in a mission over Bremen, Germany, on 20 December 1943. After bombing the target, the aircraft in which T/Sgt. Vosler was serving was severely damaged by antiaircraft fire, forced out of formation, and immediately subjected to repeated vicious attacks by enemy fighters. Early in the engagement a 20-mm. cannon shell exploded in the radio compartment, painfully wounding T/Sgt. Vosler in the legs and thighs. At about the same time a direct hit on the tail of the ship seriously wounded the tail gunner and rendered the tail guns inoperative. Realizing the great need for firepower in protecting the vulnerable tail of the ship, T/Sgt. Vosler, with grim determination, kept up a steady stream of deadly fire. Shortly thereafter another 20-mm. enemy shell exploded, wounding T/Sgt. Vosler in the chest and about the face. Pieces of metal lodged in both eyes, impairing his vision to such an extent that he could only distinguish blurred shapes. Displaying remarkable tenacity and courage, he kept firing his guns and declined to take first-aid treatment. The radio equipment had been rendered inoperative during the battle, and when the pilot announced that he would have to ditch, although unable to see and working entirely by touch, T/Sgt. Vosler finally got the set operating and sent out distress signals despite several lapses into unconsciousness. When the ship ditched, T/Sgt. Vosler managed to get out on the wing by himself and hold the wounded tail gunner from slipping off until the other crewmembers could help them into the dinghy. T/Sgt. Vosler's actions on this occasion were an inspiration to all serving with him. The extraordinary courage, coolness, and skill he displayed in the face of great odds, when handicapped by injuries that would have incapacitated the average crewmember, were outstanding
    1945- Eddie Condon’s club opens in the Village, New York City.
http://search.centerstage.net/music/whoswho/EddieCondon.html
http://www.edsite2.fsnet.co.uk/Eddie%20Condon.htm
    1949 - Harry Belafonte recorded his second session at Capitol Records, waxing the songs "Whispering" and "Farewell to Arms". With eight song recorded and little enthusiasm from record buyers, Capitol decided not to renew the singer’s contract. He relocated to RCA Victor in April, 1952 where he enjoyed a successful career.
    1949—Top Hits
I Can Dream, Can’t I? - The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (vocal: Jack Leonard)
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Mule Train - Tennessee Ernie Ford
    1952 - Jimmy Boyd hit #1 on the record charts with the Christmas song of the year, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.
    1954 - The Buick Motor Company signed Jackie Gleason to one of the largest contracts ever with an entertainer. Gleason would produce 78 half-hour long shows over two years for $6,142,500.
    1956-The Montgomery Bus Boycott came to an end when the US Supreme Court ruling of Nov 13,1956, calling for integration of the Montgomery, AL, public bus system was implemented. Since Dec 5, 1955, the black community of Montgomery had refused to ride on the segregated buses. The boycott was in reaction to the Dec 1, 1955, arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to relinquish her seat on a Montgomery bus to a white man.
    1957—Top Hits
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms
At the Hop - Danny & The Juniors
My Special Angel - Bobby Helms
    1957-Just five days before Christmas, Elvis received his draft notice from the US Army. He later told reporters that it's a "duty I've got to fill and I'm going to do it." He will be inducted at the Memphis Draft Board in March of 1958 and assigned to Fort Hood, Texas for basic training for six months.
    1961-Birthday of Dallas Cowboy premier lineman Nathaniel “Nate” Newton, Jr.
    1965- “The Dating Game” premiered on TV. Another game show developed by Chuck Barns, it typically featured a “bachelorette” who questioned three men who were hidden from her view and decided, based on their answers, which guy appealed to her the most. The couple was then sent on a date, courtesy of the show. Occasionally, a bachelor would question three women. Jim Lange was the host of the network series and two syndicated ones. Elaine Joyce and Jeff MacGregor hosted one season each on the retitled “The New Dating Game.”
    1965—Top Hits
Turn! Turn! Turn! - The Byrds
Over and Over - The Dave Clark Five
I Got You (I Feel Good) - James Brown
Make the World Go Away - Eddy Arnold
    1966- The NBA granted a franchise to Seattle for the 1967-68 season. the SuperSonics, as the team was nicknamed, were joined by the San Diego Clippers, to become the league’s 11 and 12th team.
    1966 -- Otis Redding Show opens at the Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, California.
http://rockhall.com/hof/inductee.asp?id=177
    1967-The Hollies' "He Ain't Heavy (He's My Brother)" is released.
    1969 - Leaving on a Jet Plane, recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary, jumped into the Number 1 spot on this date on Billboard's Top 40 record charts and was in the top slot for one week.
    1973—Top Hits
The Most Beautiful Girl - Charlie Rich
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
Time in a Bottle - Jim Croce
Amazing Love - Charley Pride
    1973 –It is rare that we bring up a person passing away… Multi-talented entertainer Bobby Darin, best remembered for his Grammy-winning single Mack the Knife, died at age 37 at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles while undergoing surgery to remove two artificial valves in his heart which were malfunctioning. According to the biography written by son Dodd, Darin's hospitalization and subsequent death was brought on by not taking prescribed antibiotics before a teeth-cleaning procedure. Darin had a history of heart problems. He did not die of a spinal infection as is commonly rumored. He left a legacy of memories in rock ’n’ roll and pop tunes, as well as on television and in movies (even an Oscar nomination for his role in "Captain Newman, M.D."). The story of Darin being groomed to replace Frank Sinatra at Capitol Records is absolutely true. Unfortunately, Capitol didn’t think the grooming was going so well, and withheld many of Darin’s songs for many years; releasing them in a compilation CD in 1995. Good stuff to listen to: "Splish Splash", "Queen of the Hop", "Dream Lover", "Mack the Knife", "Beyond the Sea", "If I Were a Carpenter", etc. At the end, Darin, who had recorded for Atco, Capitol and Atlantic Records had just begun recording for Motown.
    1975 - Paul Simon’s "50 Ways to leave Your Lover" jumped on U.S. singles charts. It hit number one (for three weeks) Feb 7, 1976. For you trivia fans out there, this is Paul Simon’s only #1 single (so far). “Just slip out the back, Jack; Make a new plan, Stan; You don't need to be coy, Roy; Just get yourself free...”
    1975--Eric Carmen's "All By Myself" is released.
    1975 -- Buffalo's O.J. Simpson scores a touchdown (vs. Minnesota) in his 14th straight game. The streak started against the New York Jets on Sept. 21. He was a great
football player, but a murderer, nevertheless.
http://images.nfl.com/history/images/1220.jpg
    1979 - Knots Landing debuted on CBS, starring Ted Shackelford and Joan Van Ark as Gary and Valene Ewing.
    1980 - Television experimented with football when NBC covered the meaningless NFL game between the New York Jets (4-11) and the Miami Dolphins (8-7) with no announcers in the booth. The only thing heard were field noises and spectators as the pictures tried to get across the emotion of the game. The next day headlines read, "Jets Silence Dolphins 24-17." 1983 - Joe Gibbs of the Washington Redskins was named NFL Coach of the Year by the Associated Press. He became the first head coach to receive this honor in consecutive years since 1961-62 (when Allie Sherman, of the New York Giants, was so honored). Joe Gibbs took the Redskins to a 14-2 finish in the 1983 season.
    1981—Top Hits
Physical - Olivia Newton-John
Waiting for a Girl like You - Foreigner
Let’s Groove - Earth, Wind & Fire
All Roads Lead to You - Steve Wariner
    1983- Guy Lafleur of the Montreal Canadians scored the 500th goal of his career in a 6-0 victory over the New York Rangers. Lafleur played 17 years in the NHL and finished his career with 560 regular-season goals.
    1985- Denis Potvin of the New York Islanders assisted on Mike Bossy’s goal against the New York Rangers to earn the 916th point of his career, breaking Bobby Orr’s NHL record for the most career points by a defenseman
    1985 - Robert Penn Warren was designated Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry of the U.S. Library of Congress for 1986-1987. The library has used consultants since 1937, when Joseph Auslander was appointed the first Consultant in Poetry, but Robert Penn Warren was the first to be called Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry.
    1986 - The Bangles’ "Walk like an Egyptian" moved to the top of the "Billboard" "Hot 100". It was #1 for three weeks. “Foreign types with the hookah pipes say; Ay oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh; Walk like an Egyptian...”
    1988 - Warner Chappell, a division of Warner Communications and the largest music publisher in the world, agreed to pay $25 million for the song "Happy Birthday to You." The song, owned by Birchtree Ltd., reportedly generated $1 million a year in royalty fees. The copyright would expire after the year 2010 and is expected to fall into the public domain.. The melody of probably the most often sung song in the world was composed by Mildred J. Hill, a schoolteacher. Her younger sister Patty Hill was the author of the lyrics which was first published in 1893 as “Good Morning to All, “ a classroom greeting published in the book Songs Stories for the Sunday School. The lyrics were amended in 1924 to include a stanza beginning “Happy Birthday to You.” Now it is sun some where in the world every minute of the day. Although the authors are believed to have earned very little from song. Mildred Hill died at Chicago, Il, June 5, 1916, without knowing that her melody would become the world’s most popular song.
    1988 - Thunderstorms developing ahead of a fast moving cold front produced severe weather in the Upper Ohio Valley and the Middle Atlantic Coast Region during the afternoon and early evening. Thunderstorm winds gusted to 69 mph at Kennedy Airport in New York City, and winds along the cold front itself gusted to 56 mph at Cincinnati OH. The same storm produced snow in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois, with eight inches reported at Rolla MO.
    1989—Top Hits
We Didn’t Start the Fire - Billy Joel
Another Day in Paradise - Phil Collins
Don’t Know Much - Linda Ronstadt (featuring Aaron Neville)
Two Dozen Roses - Shenandoah 
    1989--- Captain Linda L. Bray, 29, became the first woman to command American soldiers in battle, during the invasion of Panama by the U.S. as an MP. She was assigned to lead a force of 30 men and women soldiers to capture a kennel holding guard dogs that was defended by forces of the Panamanian Defense force. Although law forbids women in combat, the distinction between combat and military police in the Panama invasion was hazy. About 620 women were stationed in Panama before the attack and about 170 more women went to Panama in the attack. No women were killed, but 23 American men were. Eight American women lost their lives serving in Vietnam, the Army said.   The 123-member 988th Military Police company commanded by Captain Bray was sent to Panama from Fort Benning, Ga. One Army officer, although stressing the difference in training between that given an MP officer such as Bray and that given combat officers added, "What has been demonstrated is the ability of women to lead, for men and women to work together as a team without distractions, and for women to react in an aggressive manner."
    The official army report stated Capt. Bray was not in attendance when the initial fighting erupted, but her unit was under fire from snipers while she was on the scene. She oversaw the first stages of the operation by radio from a command center about a half-mile from the kennel. She ordered her troops to fire warning shorts after the Panamanians refused to surrender. The Panamanians replied by firing for about 10 minutes. She ordered the firing of a single warning shot and then later ordered her soldiers to fire M-60 machine guns to the side of the building so as not to hurt the Panamanians. The Panamanians continued to fire until threatened by an artillery attack and then they fled into the woods nearby. When she heard the Panamanians were escaping, she had her driver take her to the kennel to try to stop them. She crawled into a ditch to get closer to the building. No Panamanian bodies were found, but a cache of weapons was recovered.
    1989-The US launched operation “Just Cause,” invading Panama in an attempt to seize Manuel Noriega and bring him to justice for narcotics trafficking. Seven months after Noriega had ruled unfavorable election results null and void, the US toppled the Noriega government and oversaw the installation of Guillermo Endara as president. Although the initial military action was declared a success, Noriega eluded capture. He surrendered to US troops on Jan 4,1990, and was tried, convicted and imprisoned in the US..
    1989 - Low pressure brought thunderstorms and high winds to the northeastern U.S. There were 193 reports of damaging winds with thunderstorms in New York State, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Tornadoes touched down near Seaside Park NJ and McAlevys Port PA. Winds with thunderstorms gusted to 92 mph at Poughkeepsie NY, and reached 94 mph at Newburgh NY. High winds in the Washington D.C. area, gusting to 73 mph, resulted in one death.
    1995 - "Nixon" opened in U.S. theatres. The film starred Anthony Hopkins as Richard M., Joan Allen as the president’s wife, Pat, Powers Boothe as Alexander Haig, Ed Harris as E. Howard Hunt, Bob Hoskins as J. Edgar Hoover, E.G. Marshall as John Mitchell, David Paymer as Ronald Ziegler, David Hyde Pierce as John Dean, Paul Sorvino as Henry Kissinger, Mary Steenburgen as Hannah Nixon, J.T. Walsh as John Ehrlichman, and James Woods played H.R. Haldeman.
    1996-The NBA granted a franchise to Seattle for the 1967-68 seasons. The Super Sonics, as the team was nicknamed, were joined by the San Diego Clippers, to become the league’s 11th and 12th teams.
    1998 - Green Bay’s Brett Favre connected three times with Antonio Freeman in the first half against the Tennessee Oilers en route to a 30-22 victory this day. In doing so, Favre became the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for 30 or more touchdowns in five consecutive seasons (33 in 1994, 28 in 1995, 39 in 1996, 35 in 1997, and 30 in 1998).
    1989 - Low pressure brought thunderstorms and high winds to the northeastern U.S. There were 193 reports of damaging winds with thunderstorms in New York State, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Tornadoes touched down near Seaside Park NJ and McAlevys Port PA. Winds with thunderstorms gusted to 92 mph at Poughkeepsie NY, and reached 94 mph at Newburgh NY. High winds in the Washington D.C. area, gusting to 73 mph, resulted in one death.
    1998- President Bill Clinton was impeached by a House of Representatives that was divided along party lines. He was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice stemming from a sexual relationship with a White House intern. He was then tried by the Senate in January 1999. On Feb 12,1999, the Senate acquitted him on both charges. Clinton was only the second US president to undergo impeachment proceedings. He did not run for re-election because he had served the maximum two terms as president. His wife Hillary was elected to the U.S. Senate from New York.
    1998-Snow flakes fell in San Francisco and low temperature records were made around the Bay with 40 degrees in SF and 35 in Fremont.
    2002-Money making figures for 2002's top grossing Rock artists were as follows:
Paul McCartney - $126.1 million
The Rolling Stones - $90 million
Cher - $67.6 million
Neil Diamond - $52.2 million
Britney Spears - $43.7 million
Aerosmith - $36.3 million
Eagles - $34.9 million
'N Sync - $33 million
The top grossing country artist was Kenny Chesney at $22.7 million.
    2003- "The Diary of Alicia Keys" gives the young R&B sensation her second No. 1 debut on The Billboard 200.
    2006 - A major winter storm affected Colorado, dumping several feet of snow on areas of the Rocky Mountains. The snowstorm temporarily closed the Denver International Airport.
    2009-The top 10 most-played holiday songs in the ASCAP repertory this holiday season are:
1. "Sleigh Ride" (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish) - played 118,918 times
2."Jingle Bell Rock" (Joseph Carleton Beal, James Roth Boothe) - played 118,601 times
3."It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (Edward Pola, George Wyle) - played 101,614 times
4. "White Christmas" (Irving Berlin) - played 89,348 times
5. "Winter Wonderland" (Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith) - played 77,599 times
6. "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) (Mel Tormé, Robert Wells) - played 74,360 times.
7. "A Holly Jolly Christmas" (Johnny Marks) - played 57,948 times
8. "Little Drummer Boy" (Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone) - played 55,617 times.
9. "Feliz Navidad" (José Feliciano) - played 51,072 times
10. "Frosty the Snowman" (Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins) - played 51,068 times

American Football Poem

Silver Lining To The Clouds Of Doubt

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow-
You might succeed with one last blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to be to a faltering man.
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup.
And he learned too late, when night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out.
The silver lining to the clouds of doubt-
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may appear when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit!