Goodbye, 2013. It’s Been Nice Knowing Ya
by Christopher Menkin, Publisher

Leasing is like a box of chocolates: You never know what
you're gonna get…unless you have an index of
what is available to choose from."

From this perch as publisher of Leasing News I see the financing community become more and more similar to the long time structure of the economy, meaning those with money are making more money, and those without, making quite a bit less. While technology has made independents more "equal" in administrative abilities, it has also made large companies quite strong and has at the same time greatly lowered their administrative costs. Banks have never done so well, including their stock is up. (1) There is plenty of cash available also in U.S. corporations.

The well-run leasing companies have had an excellent year: Leader of the Pack: Tom Depping at Ascentium Capital announced his company did over a $1 billion in credit applications; doing as well in the middle market place, new entries by veterans such as Fred Van Etten at Scottrade Financial Services, Edward Dahlka, Jr., Cole Taylor Equipment Finance; the list is long, even Steve Hudson is back with Element Financial, really cutting up the turf, raising money, buying portfolios, bringing Canadian money into the U.S. Leasing is back, despite the negative news!

Those crying the blues have been third party originators, even getting out of the business altogether. The small ticket marketplace is still hot, but has moved more and more to business loans and credit card cash advances with quick decision, as well as more direct sales and vendor support is predominant.

The independent professionals who have their own niche and solid vendor support have survived; some have done very well. The National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers has even gained a good number of new members, certainly a positive sign. The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association meetings and conferences are again quite successful, also with very good turn-outs.

An "in your face" factor is the number of those retiring from leasing, or leaving the leasing/finance business; there are also those who want to leave, but can't afford to and wonder were all their retirement money went (maybe it was never enough). I do see a younger generation getting more involved, but at the same time, they are having difficulty both in finding jobs and paying off student loan debt.

The gist of the news media is the fault of the economy lies with Washington. It really begins with the voters.

I think New York Times columnist, and educator-lecturer, David Brooks, recently brought his observations to the media arena:

"Already, it’s very clear that millions of Americans — and not just Tea Party types — do not accept the legitimacy of the government to overrule individual decisions, even on something like health insurance. This is not the America of 1932 or of 1964. This is an America steeped in distrust of government. It’s an America that is, on both left and right, steeped in the ethos of individual choice. It’s an America steeped in a morality of authenticity, which says that it is right to listen to the individual voice within and immoral to be forced to conform to the external commands from without.

"Governing in an age of distrust is different than governing in an age of trust. Government now lacks the legitimacy to impose costs on losers, so politicians face unprecedented pressure to create situations in which everybody looks like winners. Government lacks the legitimacy to coerce. People like Social Security, but I bet you that Congress could not pass a Social Security law today. If people were unfamiliar with the concept, you couldn’t pass a bill that said: Government is going to confiscate money from each paycheck and spend it on other things, but don’t worry because you’ll get it back decades from now when you retire. (2)

We seem to have survived 2013 which saw a sequester, a government shutdown, and turmoil in every media news day-after-day.

On the positive side, home prices have improved, unemployment rates have dropped, and people are borrowing more which is a very positive economic sign (3).

We need to hire more young people into the banking/financing industry, start visiting them in high school about managing money, for themselves, for others; how important to them personally financing and managing their money, and to the overall economy, and get them more involved. Education about our industry should be paramount, as the Equipment Leasing and Finance Industry is actively pursuing among its members.

Statistics show that while unemployment rate for those with college degrees is lower than those without, the gap has been getting closer and closer. Statistics show college graduates are falling out of the labor marketplace as well as wages are stagnating:

The growing list of debt delinquencies find student loans is the only one increasing, surely an indication of difficulty for college graduates:

On the very positive side for our industry, the number of new Certified Lease Professionals has come from the younger generation. Plus their employers are realizing the value of finishing the education course and having a better understanding of the industry, something not taught in undergraduate courses; as well as the practice world, rather than academic (nothing wrong with that, but the "real world" is much more complex.) To me it is comparing college football to professional football. (4)

As I wrote in the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) November report article, the real concern should be about the first quarter as historically it is the lowest period of new business each year.

If the December, 2013 ELFA report is as good as the previous year, $11.5 billion, the fourth quarter will equal 2012. No matter the results, you should be concerned about your efforts and not others.

Hopefully we can continue to pick out the chocolates we like best.

Christopher “Kit” Menkin

1. Bank Stocks Set to Outperform S&P 500
   http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB100014240
2. David Brooks "Legitimacy"http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/12/24/opinion/brooks-the-legitimacy-problem.html
3. First Increase in US Household Debt; Releveraging Begins
   http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2013/12_20.htm#increase
4. Why I Became a CLP
   http://www.leasingnews.org/CLP/Index.htm

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Classified Ads---Collections

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

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

Thank You for Donating to the
Salvation Army Kettle

The total exceeded the goal of revised goal of $4,000,
and would like to thank those who donated:

$25.00
Peter Bowen
Andrew Lea
Dean Morrison
Tim Rahmanian
Jeff Rudin
David Silverman
Joan Simpson
Gary Trebels
Rosanne Wilson
John Winchester

$35
Susan Almon-Pesch

$50.00
Anonymous
Bruce Cady
Dale Davis
Donald Dulmage
Barbara Griffiths
Theresa Kabot, CLP
Allan Levin
John Rosenlund
Bob Teichman, CLP
Edward Castagna
Ginny Young

$100.00
Lawrence Fargher
Genesis Capital Leasing
Randy Haug
Bruce & Barbara Kropschot
Barry Marks, Esq.
Cliff McKenzie
Klaus Pache
Portfolio Financial Servicing Company (PFSC)
Susan Robert

$500.00
Richard Cohen
Gary Dilillo
Paul Menzel, CLP

$1,000
John Caulfield

Thank you very much. I make my donation privately,
as others have also noted to me by email.
Thank you all.
Kit Menkin

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Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP

Not Looking Forward to Pending Accounting Changes

I am not looking forward to the new rules pending in accounting. Here is one personal experience that may not be allowed to happen when the new rules are in place.

Once I visited a large company that wanted to set up a local retail store and wanted to finance it with a local funder. The local funder wanted to pass on the deal because their proposed financial projections took over three years to show a profit due to the expenses of building a free standing building and all the personal assets in a large shopping center.

Due to the lack of local funders, the parent company was willing to guarantee the transaction; however, the board of the funder continued to look unfavorable on the transaction.

I suggested a different tactic by proposing a lease of all the equipment and personal property. The lease was an operating lease for the lessee. What made it work was the payments began very small and followed the projections for three years before they leveled off for the last two years.

By using the payment stream that followed the projections, it avoided the upfront book expenses and amortized them over the lease term. Operating lease treatment allowed for expensing payments as they were paid, once again pushing the cost into the future. This was only possible with the parent companies guarantee.

The result was the company predicted profitability in eighteen months, instead of three years. The funder decided to approve the transaction so leasing saved the day.

The problem is that the new accounting rules will not allow this type of transaction in the future. This is a direct reason on why operating leasing was a better way to support business needs that matched revenue and expenses. This also allowed funders to see better matched accounting than the straight line amortizing currently required by the accounting requirements.

The new accounting rules for leasing are planning to place leases on the balance sheet by requiring them to look like loans with straight line amortizing of the net present value of the lease payments with the lessees (IBR)(average cost of money).Then after subtracting the present value from the total lease payments, the difference is considered interest and amortized over the lease term.

I believe the loss of being able to expense lease payments as the equipment performs is a major mistake for accounting. The more accounting try to create straight line expenses, the more they get further from reality and make it harder for business to thrive and prosper.

Mr. Terry Winders, CLP, has been a teacher, consultant, expert witness for the leasing industry for thirty years and can be reached at terrywinders11@yahoo.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)

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Aggregate “YouTube” type Employment Interviewing
ZRG Partners Sells CollaboRATE to HireVue

This may be of interest for companies who have many positions open and would like to "streamline" the process. HireVue has announced the acquisition of CollaboRATE Inc. – a spinoff from ZRG Partners, a well-known, international search and human capital management firm.

HireVue works on a contract basis, as do most employment search firms, providing an internet program that potential employees utilize from their computer with a video camera and microphone as well as laptop and dataphone, which many such devices have built in.

The applicant can answer questions, make statements, but what makes the system work is the ability for the employer to simply browse, watch, rate and share the interviews they want, on their own time.

Mark Newman, CEO
HireVue

"Critical data is often the missing piece that separates great hires from poor ones. CollaboRATE's patented decision engine adds to what HireVue has set out to accomplish in powering more informed hiring choices," said Mark Newman, CEO, HireVue. "HireVue has built an almost decade-strong legacy of delivering collaborative, data-driven interview tools, and the CollaboRATE technology is a perfect complement to our newly-expanded platform."

Larry Hartmann
Managing Partner
ZRG Partners

"We have invested significantly in CollaboRATE and in our business process patent. Now, to secure broad reach for this technology, we needed a partner who is passionate about the interviewing space and has the talent to further develop the vision," said Larry Hartmann, Managing Partner, ZRG Partners. "With their state-of-the-art interview solutions, HireVue was a natural choice.

"Companies license the HireVue product on an annual basis. It works well for companies doing a decent volume of interviewing. The product allows for interviews to be done on not only computers, but also IPhone and IPad with their application. Very leading edge interview stuff.

"We (ZRG Partners) built an interview feedback product, called CollaboRATE, that focused on how companies provide feedback on interviews and we turned the feedback into scored data to make decisions. This company acquired our patent and software to integrate into their broader offering. Our leasing clients have been using this product as part of our search offerings for a few years.

"They (HireVue) have raised over $30M of private equity capital , most recently a round with Sequoia Ventures in your backyard."

This news comes on the heels of HireVue's recently announced Talent Interaction Platform, expanded to include video, mobile and social enriched interactions across the spectrum of talent needs, from sourcing and screening to validation, interviewing and onboarding. For more information, visit www.hirevue.com.

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

Senior Account Manager Tustin, California Min. 3 year equipment/vehicle leasing or finance industry experience, bachelors degree or higher, primary concentration on financing semi-trucks and trailers competitive salary commensurate with experience. Please click here for more information www.gocapitalusa.com

Equipment Asset Manager Los Angeles, California Experience in heavy equipment required, ideal Class 8 trucks. Salary commensurate, performance bonus. Call Shervin Rashti direct: 213-599-7660 or send resume shervin@maximcc.com www.maximcc.com Maxim Commercial Capital is a commercial finance company committed to fostering the growth of small and middle market companies by providing creative and flexible asset-backed financing solutions

For information on placing a help wanted ad, please click here:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Hwanted/Hwanted-post.htm

Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees. 

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New Hires--Promotions

Tyler Atkin named Eastern Regional Manager at Diversified Transportation Finance, Ogden, Utah. Previously he was an inside sales rep, inside sales, electronic Funds Source (April, 2010-October, 2013); customer service technician, Flextronics (January, 2010-april, 2010); internet manager, administrative assistant, Sherm's Stor, Inc. (June, 2006-eptember, 2009); sales representative, Tru Green Chemlawn (April, 2006-June, 2006), call center agent, Convergys (December, 2004-March, 2006), custodian, North Park Elementary (January, 2004-October, 2004). Education: Roy High School Diploma (2002 – 2005), Standard Examiner Top Scholar.
www.linkedin.com/pub/tyler-atkin/57/16a/3a0

Lesli Chenelle hired as Credit Analyst at Commercial Finance & Leasing Bank of Cardiff, Inc., San Diego, California. Previously she was a credit analyst, Pentech (2004-2008); assistant branch manager, United Auto Credit (September, 2003-October, 2004); fraud/risk analyst, Peoplefirst Finance (January, 2002-september, 2003); team leader, Toyota Financial services (April, 1998-December, 2001); food and beverage revenue control supervisor, Hotel Del Coronado (September, 1994-March, 1997). Education: National University, bachelor of business administration (1990 – 1994).
www.linkedin.com/pub/lesli-chenelle/11/4b0/45a

Blake Eskelsen named Western Regional Manager at Diversified Transportation Finance, Ogden, Utah. Previously he was sales consultant, central region, TruckersB2B (March, 2011-February, 2013); business development/freight broker, England Logistics (June, 2010-april, 2011), sales executives, National Fitness (November, 2004-December, 2009).Education: Weber State University, Bachelor of Art, Technical Sales, & Spanish (2004 – 2009).
www.linkedin.com/pub/blake-eskelsen/28/a69/389

Joe Fielding named vice president- Account Executive at Commerce Bank, San Luis Obispo, California. Previously he was an equipment finance broker (September, 2013-December, 2013); business banking officer, U.S. Bank (July, 2012-Auguste, 2013), equipment finance professional, PEC USA Inc. (February, 2002-July, 2012); graphic business development, CitiCapital formerly Copelco Capital (1999-2002).Education: The College of New Jersey fka Trenton State College, BS MET, Mechanical Engineering (1979 – 1983): Activities and Societies: ZBT Fraternity.
www.linkedin.com/in/pecusainc

Michael Gsellmeier promoted to Vice President at First American Healthcare Finance; based Rochester, New York. He joined the firm December, 2009. Previously he was personal banker/branch manager, JP Morgan Chase (October, 205-November, 2009); financial advisor, Edward Jones (September, 2003-September, 2005). Education: Rochester Institute of Technology, Bachelors of Science, Finance (2000 – 2003); West Irondequoit. Organizations: Rochester Chapter HFMA Membership Committee.
www.linkedin.com/pub/michael-gsellmeier/19/4a1/b76

Jeffrey Hilzinger promoted to President, President, EverBank Equipment Finance & EverBank Lender Finance. He joined Tygris Vendor Finance May, 2008 as chief financial officer, then promoted to chief operating office, February, 2010, and held the position when the company was purchased by EverBank. Previously he was co-founder & chief financial officer US Express Leasing (March, 2004-May, 2008); co-founder & partner, Aternus Partners (August, 2002-Feburary, 2004); executive vice-president, Heller Financial (October, 1979-July, 2002).Education: University of Michigan, BA, Economics (1976 – 1979).
www.linkedin.com/in/jeffhilzinger

Dave Johnson named National Sales and Marketing Manager at United Auto Funding, Sarasota, Florida. Previously he was account executive-Western Florida, MarkOne Financial (April, 2011-September, 2013);regional sales manager, United Acceptance, Incl. (April, 2009-March, 2011); commercial lease manager, Ervin Leasing (November, 2006-april, 2009), regional sales/branch manager, Wells Fargo Financial CAR (September, 2002-November, 2005), regional sales manager, Wells Fargo Financial (1992-2005), sales manager-national accounts, Popular Leasing (March, 2001-September, 2002); regional sales manager, Wells Fargo Financial Leasing (August, 1992-March, 2001), general manager, Pitney Bowes (April, 1972-January, 1985).Education: Upper Iowa University, Bachelor of Science Cum Laude, Business Administration. Honors & Awards: College GPA 3.8 Cum Laude, Sales Leadership Club - Pitney Bowes 12 years, Presidents Club - Wells Fargo 6 Years.
www.linkedin.com/pub/dave-johnson/6/691/804

Scott Preiser named Vice President at PNC Equipment Finance; "... senior account executive with the equipment finance team. Based in Boca Raton, Fla., Preiser will be responsible for developing new vendor programs targeting the medical industry." Previously he was medical vendor leasing and finance executive, Creekridge Capital (January, 2013-October, 2013), co-founder and executive vice president, TransCon Financial (June, 2005-December, 2012); co-founder, HealthCapital Financial Group (May, 1998-June, 2004); VP-marketing & sales, Neptune Technology Leasing Group (October, 1992-Setpember, 1998), v.p.-asset manager, CIS Corporation (January, 1990-September, 1992); regional vice president-sales, GE Capital-Decimus (October, 1987-December, 1989). Education: Syracuse University - Martin J. Whitman School of Management- Martin J. Whitman School of Management, BS, Finance and Marketing (1979 – 1983) Activities and Societies: Internship with IBM and Pitney Bowes ,American Marketing Association.
www.linkedin.com/pub/scott-preiser/11/8a3/a58

Louis "Lou" Sombat named director of Operations for SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing (STEFL); based in Atlanta, GA. Previously he was SVP Legal & Operations at Century Tokyo Leasing (USA) Inc. (January, 2006-December, 2013; Vice President at Fifth Third Leasing, Manager Portfolio Investments at Key Equipment Finance (November, 1998-October, 2004). Education: Education: Cleveland State University - Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. JD, Corporate and Commercial Law (1994); Cleveland State University BA, Accounting & Finance (1984).
www.linkedin.com/pub/lou-sombat/b/711/7b

Lawrence Watts named head of Capital Markets for SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing (STEFL). "He most recently served as managing director of Well Fargo Securities’ Commercial Asset Leasing & Finance — Equipment Finance Group. Prior to that, he was in leadership positions with Wachovia Securities, Bank of America’s leasing and securities units and Fleet Global Lease Finance. Watts is based in Charlotte, NC."
www.linkedin.com/pub/lawrence-watts/10/612/a0a

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“Should I Leave a Voice Mail for the Hiring Manager?”
Career Crossroad---By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII

Question: I have tried a few times to reach a hiring manager to inquire about a position; can I leave a voice mail?

Answer: Yes, however, first try to reach the person LIVE; however, sometimes a short concise voice mail will be necessary. Be wary of leaving numerous voice mails, as this will turn off the hiring manager.

If you are going to leave a voice mail--- know what you are going to say. You will need to sound professional, so take the time to determine what you would like to accomplish--- and your desired outcome: write it down – (feel free to develop a short script.)

Leaving an intelligent, logical and compelling voice-mail message will increase your chances of hearing back. Make sure you state your name, your telephone number (slowly), and the reason for your call (e.g. I am inquiring about your Senior Credit Analyst opening, etc…). Provide some brief information about your background and be specific to differentiate yourself (utilize a slow, conversational tone). At the end of the message again provide your name and number (slowly!) to improve chances of a call back.

Don’t take it personal why you did not get an immediate call back.

In addition to being busy, there may be a personal development or an administrative meeting being necessary on the decision.

Emily Fitzpatrick
Sr. Recruiter
Recruiters International, Inc.
Phone: 954-885-9241
Cell: 954-612-0567
emily@riirecruit.com
Invite me to Connect on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/pub/emily-fitzpatrick/4/671/76
Also follow us on Twitter #RIIINFO

Career Crossroads Previous Columns
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/crossroad.html

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My Best Leasing News Year Resolution Recommendation
by Robert Teichman, CLP
Chairman, Certified Leasing Professional Foundation
Chairman, Leasing News Advisory Board
Author and Lecturer, Teacher

When I first got into the leasing business in 1963 there were no leasing schools. You couldn’t find a course on leasing in colleges or universities. My “school” was Saturday morning sales meetings held by our sales manager. His style wasn’t very academic; he had been a sergeant under General George Patton during WWII and our instruction was more like boot camp than learning about leasing.

So it was “learn while you earn”. That’s how most of us learned the business 50 years ago. I learned how to be a salesman, but I didn’t learn much about leasing. That is, until I discovered WAEL, the Western Association of Equipment Lessors. They actually had classes and workshops about equipment leasing. And they were accessible to guys like me.

From that point on I was a firm believer in the value of leasing associations. Not only did I find the education I was looking for, but at the meetings I met people who helped me in many ways; professionally as well as socially. Most of my lifelong friends I met through or because of associations I had joined. And on more than one occasion, ideas that popped up in conversation at a round table or during a break helped me solve one business problem or another.

Most associations welcome non-members to their events. But it is the continuing membership of those associations that make those conferences, workshops, educational meetings, social meetings, golf outings, baseball games and funding exhibitions possible. And, by the way, business schools still don’t give degrees in equipment leasing. It is still very much a “learn-while-you-earn” business.

So do yourself a big favor. Find an association that offers what you need and join it. And for you who are already members, when that renewal invoice comes (and it always shows up at the end of the year when a lot of other bills come due), put it on the top of the “To Pay” pile and keep your membership current. If the members don’t renew, the associations would disappear, and that would leave a lot of lessors groping around in the dark. The equipment leasing associations keep the lights on for most of us.

Join, be an active participant, and you’ll find it’s one of the smartest things you did in 2014.

Bob

List of Leasing Associations:
http://www.leasingnews.org/associations.htm

Working Capital Loans $10,000-$250,000
www.channelpartnersllc.com p: (763) 746-7760 f: (763) 592-8297 information@channelpartnersllc.com

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November-----"The List"
Mergers, Acquisitions & Changes
"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"-

Balboa Capital, Irvine, Ca. Irvine, California (11/13) Gets Tagged For Alleged Dummy Docs
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Nov2013/11_26.htm#balboa

Healthcare Partners Group, LLC, Chesterfield, Missouri (11/13) Alleged leasing company takes Pulaski Bank for $7 million for non-extant leases.
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Nov2013/11_18.htm#name

De Lage Landen Financial Services, Wayne, Pennsylvania (11/13) Leaves Lessor to hang re: Evergreen Clause
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Nov2013/11_18.htm#dll
Settles Suit with Element Financial
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Nov2013/11_12.htm#delage

Marlin Leasing, Mount Laurel, NJ (11/13) Announces Retirement of George D. Pelose, Exec. VP/General Counsel/Corporate Secretary
(letter to editor: "I was pretty good friends with George. He was probably pretty burned out. He is a bit of a workaholic.")
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Nov2013/11_12.htm#insiders

Alphabetical Complete List
http://www.leasingnews.org/list_alpha_new.htm

Chronological Complete List
http://www.leasingnews.org/list_chron_new.htm

(Please Click on Bulletin Board to learn more information))
(Leasing News provides this ad “gratis” as a means
to help support the growth of Lease Police)

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A Reality Check With The Kind Assistance
Of The Wall Street Journal
by Barry Marks, Esq.

Greenwich Mansion on More Than 8 Acres
Sells in Day, Closes for $25 Million

I’ve got to stop reading the Mansions Section.

The seller was Cynthia Biondi, wife of the late investment banker
Michael Biondi. Mr. Biondi, co-chairman of investment banking at Lazard, died in 2007 at age 50.

I’ve got to stop reading the Mansions Section.

In the first place, I doubt Mr. Biondi would do it all over again.
In the second, I am about to turn 62.
At this point it is unlikely that I will own a mansion,
die young, or both.

In the second, growing old puts boundaries to your dreams.
I no longer look at the 19,000 square-foot mansion and think
Someday.
I no longer read the sports page and imagine
being signed as a free agent.
I still sing in the shower but no longer
as lead singer
(even though many of them are now my age).
I no longer look at Scarlett Johansson and think
she just hasn’t met me
yet.

Growing old is growing up.
Growing up is growing out of your dreams
and into your life.

Then again, when I have the Little Guy on my lap
and he tells me about how he is doing in school
and asks if he can learn to play tennis,
I still imagine him in whites at Wimbledon and
Into my mind creeps that word again.
Someday.

German Shepard
Irvine, California Adopt-a-Dog

BELLA - ID#A089880

“I am a spayed female, black and tan German Shepherd Dog mix.

“I am about 3 year sold.

“I have been at the shelter since Dec 20, 2013.”

For more information about this animal, call:
Irvine Animal Care Center at (949) 724-7740
Ask for information about animal ID number A089880

Center Hours
Weekdays: noon-6 p.m.
Weekends: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Please allow yourself at least one hour to visit with adoptable animals.
The Center is closed on Tuesdays and holidays.
Included with Adoption:
1) Spay
2) General veterinary examination
3) Vaccinations and health screenings (Cats--FVRCP, Rabies and FELV/FIV; Dogs--DA2PP, Rabies and Bordetella)
4) Flea treatment
5) De-worming
6) Microchip with lifetime registration
7) Sample bag of Science Diet (dog or cat) or bag of hay (rabbit)
8) Free vet check for your new best friend

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/

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Leasing Colleagues Who Passed Away in 2013

Ted Anselmo
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2013/10_06.htm#fresno

Charlie Bancroft
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jun2013/6_11.htm#bancroft

Wayne Evans
Taylor Financial

Raymond Wesley "Skip" Florea II
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_15.htm#florea

Charles Litt
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_02.htm#litt

Jeff MacDonald
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2013/8_19.htm#macdonald

Stan Nathanson
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_13.htm#nathanson

Dennis Neumann
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2013/1_07.htm#neumann

Bob Putnam
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_02.htm#putman

C. Allen Rice
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2013/1_28.htm#rice

Ira Romoff
http://leasingnews.org/Pages/extra_romoff.html

Rex Wiggins
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_19.htm#wiggins

News Briefs----

Mortgage rates continue to climb
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-analysis.aspx?ic_id=Top_Stories_link_1

Sioux Falls Bank expects growth with focus on lending
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20131225/BJNEWS02/312250004/Bank-expects-growth-with-focus-on-lending

Willis Lease Finance: Year End Update
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1914281-willis-lease-finance-year-end-update

5 Auto trends we watched in 2013. Leasing up 27.2% 3rd Quarter
http://www.autonews.com/article/20131226/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE

50 Top Brands in quick-service/fast-casual restaurants
http://www.qsrmagazine.com/reports/qsr-50-0

2013 Best Franchise Deals
http://www.qsrmagazine.com/franchising/2013-best-franchise-deals

GRAT shelters: An accidental tax break for America’s wealthiest
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/grat-shelters-an-accidental-tax-break-for-americas-wealthiest/2013/12/27/936bffc8-6c05-11e3-a523-fe73f0ff6b8d_story.html

Imminent decisions will shape Seattle two key companies in ’14
http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2022538984

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--You May Have Missed It

14 Mistakes You're Making On LinkedIn
http://www.businessinsider.com/14-linkedin-mistakes-2013-12?op=1

Senior Account Manager Tustin, California Min. 3 year equipment/vehicle leasing or finance industry experience, bachelors degree or higher, primary concentration on financing semi-trucks and trailers competitive salary commensurate with experience. Please click here for more information www.gocapitalusa.com

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SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

The 100 Best Workout Songs of 2013
http://www.sparkpeople.com/the_100_best_workout_songs_of_2013

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Football Poem

THE MOUNTAIN AND THE SQUIRREL 

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

The mountain and the squirrel 
Had a quarrel, 
And the former called the latter “Little Prig”; 
Bun replied, 
“You are doubtless very big; 
But all sorts of things and weather 
Must be taken in together, 
To make up a year 
And a sphere. 
And I think it is no disgrace 
To occupy my place. 
If I'm not so large as you, 
You are not so small as I, 
And not half so spry. 
I'll not deny you make 
A very pretty squirrel track; 
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put; 
If I cannot carry forests on my back, 
Neither can you crack a nut.”

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Sports Briefs----

49ers win finale, to face Packers in playoffs
http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/49ers-win-finale-to-face-Packers-in-playoffs-5100457.php

Another big step for Eagles
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20131230
_Another_big_step_in_Eagles__unlikely_revival.html

Seahawks beat Rams, 27-9, to secure home-field advantage
http://seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2022558676_seahawks30xml.html

Rams embarrass themselves in Seattle
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/rams-embarrass-themselves-in-seattle/article_3ae68376-d49a-5305-bcc9-1a493338e111.html

Jets announce they’re keeping Rex Ryan after jubilant win
http://nypost.com/2013/12/29/jets-finish-strong-for-rex-by-eliminating-dolphins/

Blount runs wild; Pats clinch 1st-round bye
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/2013/12/29/legarrette-blount-helps-patriots-beat-bills-secure-second-playoff-seed/bNCmC0UB73XZtfgqtz51ON/story.html

Redskins conclude 3-13 season, and likely the Mike Shanahan era, with 20-6 loss to Giants
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins-conclude-3-13-season-and-likely-the-mike-shanahan-era-with-20-6-loss-to-giants/2013/12/29/820843ae-7047-11e3-aecc-85cb037b7236_story.html

Panthers hold on to beat Falcons 21-20
http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/football/panthers-hold-on-to-beat-falcons-21-20/ncXnr/

Chargers beat Chiefs, make playoffs
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/29/chargers-kansas-city-chiefs-phillip-rivers/

Bears' season ends with 33-28 loss to Packers
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-packers-gamer-spt-1230-20131230,0,4828720.story

Browns will fire Rob Chudzinski
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10210695/rob-chudzinski-fired-cleveland-browns-head-coach

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

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California Nuts Briefs---

Economy, opportunity thinning restaurants' supply of cooks
http://www.sfgate.com/food/article/Economy-opportunity-thinning-restaurants-supply-5093045.php

#

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“Gimme that Wine”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJnQoi8DSE8

Wine fraudster’s conviction ‘tip of iceberg’
http://www.france24.com/en/20131221-wine-fraudster-conviction-rudy-kurniawan-koch/

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

1813 -- Iroquois warriors and British troops capture Buffalo, New York.
http://history.buffalonet.org/1801.html 
   1828- First coffee planted in Hawaii (Kona) 
http://www.konacoffeefest.com/history.html 
http://www.mauicoffeeco.com/history.html
http://www.konacoffee.com/about.html 
http://www.kona-coffee-council.com
    1832 -Hanover College was chartered by the Presbyterian General Assembly of Indiana on November 29 and recognized by the State day to be created as
Hanover College on January 1, 1833. for official. The school had been founded as a seminary "in the wilderness" for training ministers 9n 1827,
 http://www.hanover.edu/
    1835 - Cherokees were forced to move across the Mississippi River after gold was discovered in Georgia. A minority faction of Cherokee agreed to the emigration of the whole tribe from their lands by signing the Treaty of New Echota. The Treaty of New Echota resulted in the cession of all Cherokee land to the U.S. and provided for the transportation of the Cherokee Indians to land beyond the Mississippi. The removal of the Cherokee was completed by 1838.
    1847-Birthday of John Peter Altgeld , born in Germany. He was a very popular
and progressive Governor of Illinois, first serving on the Cook County Supreme
Court.
 ( Lower half of: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec30.html)
   1853-Gadsden Purchase in Mexico City; the treaty settled the dispute over the exact location of the Mexican border west of El Paso, Texas, giving the U.S. claim to approximately 29,000 square miles of land in what is now southern New Mexico and Arizona, for the price of $10,000,000. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis sent James Gadsden, U.S. Minister to Mexico, who negotiated the treaty with General Antonio López de Santa Anna, President of Mexico. The plan was to set in motion land to build a southern continental train route to California. The civil war
halted many developments, including this one.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec30.html
   1862-The Union ironclad ship USS Monitor ( which achieved fame after her battle with the Merrimac) sank of Cape Hatteras during a storm. Sixteen of her crew were lost. As the Monitor pitched and swayed in the rough seas, the caulking around the gun turret loosened and water began to leak into the hull. More leaks developed as the journey continued. High seas tossed the craft, causing the ship's flat armor bottom to slap the water. Each roll opened more seams, and by nightfall on December 30, the Monitorwas in dire straits. At 8:00 p.m., the Monitor's commander, J.P. Bankhead, signaled the Rhode Island that he wished to abandon ship. The wooden side-wheeler pulled as close as safety allowed to the stricken ironclad, and two lifeboats were lowered to retrieve the crew. Many of the sailors were rescued, but some men were terrified to venture onto the deck in such rough seas. The ironclad's pumps stopped working and the ship sank before 16 crew members could be rescued. Although the Monitor's service was brief, it signaled a new era in naval combat. The Virginia's arrival off Hampton Road terrified the U.S. Navy, but the Monitor leveled the playing field. Both sides had ironclads, and the advantage would go to the side that could build more of them. Northern industry would win that battle for the Union.
   1867-Birthday of Simon Guggenheim, American capitalist and philanthropist, born at Philadelphia, PA. He established, in memory of his son, the John Somin Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Died Nov 2, 1941 at New York City.
    1880 - The temperature at Charlotte, NC, plunged to an all-time record cold reading of 5 degrees below zero, a record which was equaled on the 21st of January in 1985.
   1890-Birthday of trumpet player/band leader Charlie Creath, born Ironton, MO. Led bands from 1916-1940.
http://www.redhotjazz.com/creath.html 
http://www.artistdirect.com/music/artist/card/0,,539301,00.html
http://www.bluesworld.com/OTHERPRE.html
     1903 - A fire in the Iroquois Theatre in Chicago killed 588 people; public outrage led to new theater safety codes across America.
    1905- Former Idaho governor Steunenberg assassinated .Targeted for his role in quelling a miners' strike in 1899, former Idaho governor Frank Steunenberg is wounded by a powerful bomb that is triggered when he opens the gate to his home in Caldwell, Idaho. He died shortly afterwards in his own bed. A former newspaper editor, Steunenberg entered Idaho politics in 1890, when he was elected to the House of Representatives. In 1896, he won the Idaho Governor's seat as the head of a coalition of Democrats, Populists, and Republicans who supported the use of silver to back currency. Generally perceived as a friend to labor and the "little man," Steunenberg won a second term as governor in 1896. During this term, he was confronted with one of the most divisive and violent western battles between labor and management of the 19th century. Miners in the rich silver districts near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, had been struggling to unionize and gain better pay and working conditions since 1892. Radicalized by their initial defeats, an increasing numbers of miners began supporting the violence-prone Western Federation of Miners (WFM), which advocated aggressive tactics and worker control of industry. Alarmed by the growing influence of the WFM, Coeur d'Alene mine owners attempted to bust the union in 1899, and the WFM responded by blowing up one mining company's huge and costly concentrators with dynamite. Disturbed by the miners' violent tactics, the hitherto pro-labor Steunenberg heeded the demands of the powerful mine owners and turned against the WFM, requesting that the federal government send in troops. The soldiers placed the region under martial law and herded hundreds of miners into makeshift prisons, ignoring their constitutional rights to know the charges and evidence against them. Steunenberg's actions restored order in the Idaho silver mines, but also earned him the lasting enmity of many radical WFM members. Six years later, the radicals took their revenge by sending a professional assassin named Harry Orchard to Caldwell. The professional hit man was responsible for planting the bomb that killed the former governor. Orchard was captured, tried, and sentenced to life in prison, and his guilt has never been seriously disputed. However, many were convinced that the plot to kill Steunenberg was supported not just by a radical minority within the WFM, but also by its top leadership. WFM secretary-treasurer William "Big Bill" Haywood was brought up on charges of criminal conspiracy but was found not guilty largely as a result of famous Chicago lawyer Clarence Darrow's brilliant defense. Haywood went on to found the even more radical Industrial Workers of the World.
     1910 – Paul Bowles, composer, author, husband of Jane Bowles, lives (1910-1999), New York City. 
http://www.charm.net/~brooklyn/People/PaulBowles.htmlhttp://www.lib.utexas.edu/Libs/HRC/HRHRC/paulbowles.html
   1912-The Haas Brothers patented “crepe,” first produced in France the same year, and commenced production in the United States.
http://64.70.222.59/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store
_Code=CrepeSuzette&Category_Code=corsets
http://tirocchi.stg.brown.edu/essays/print/parmal.html
  1915-Birthday of singer Brownie McGhee, died Feb. 23, 1996.
http://www.io.com/~tbone1/blues/ECblz/bromcg.html 
http://www.bluesaccess.com/No_26/brownie.html
http://yazoobluesmailorder.com/vesta13056.htm 
   1917 -32ºF (-36ºC) in Mountain City TN (state record) 1917 -37ºF (-38ºC) in Lewisburg WV (state record)
    1917 - A great cold wave set many records in the northeastern U.S. The mercury plunged to 13 degrees below zero at New York City, and to 15 degrees below zero at Boston. Temperature readings dipped below zero at Boston five nights in a row. Berlin NH hit 44 degrees below zero in the "Great World War I Cold Wave", and Saint Johnsbury VT reached 43 degrees below zero.
   1918 -John E Hoover decides to be called J Edgar Hoover. he entered (1917) the Dept. of Justice and served (1919-21) as special assistant to Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer . 1872-1936, American politician, b. Moosehead, Pa. Admitted (1893) to the bar, he built up a large law practice, became a leader in the state Democratic party, and served (1909-15) in Congress. In 1912, Palmer helped swing the Democratic convention to nominate Woodrow Wilson for President. Working under Palmer, he directed the so-called Palmer Raids against allegedly radical aliens. President Woodrow Wilson was very anti-black as recording by historians and noted in many books regarding his racism.
(“Lies My Teacher Told Me, “ by James W. Loewan.)
http://www.crimelibrary.com/hoover/hoovermain.htm
  1918-Birthday of pianist Jimmy Jones, Memphis TN
http://www.harlem.org/people/jimmyjones.html 
   1924 -- Edwin Hubble announces existence of other galactic systems
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html
http://www.edwinhubble.com/hubble_bio_001.htm 
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dp24ga.html
http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/HubbleLaw.html
http://www.nso.lt/cosmos/hubble.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A3547695 1517507
   1926-Birthday of guitarist James “Jesse” Richard, Mississippi
   1926-Birthday of pianist Stan Tracey, London ,England
http://home.achilles.net/~howardm/stantracey/st.shtml
 http://www.ejn.it/mus/tracey.htm
    1927 -The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel was incorporated in Los Angeles, CA. Founded in 1923 by evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, the denomination recognizes the significant role that women in ministry. Today, over 40% of its ministers are women.
http://www.foursquare.org/
   1928-Brithday of singer/song writer Bo Didley, (real name Ellas McDaniels) born McCombs, MS.  
 He auditioned for Chess records in Chicago in 1955 with a song called "Uncle John." When the song was recorded -- the session was produced by legendary blues man Willie Dixon -- the title was changed to the autobiographical "Bo Diddley."  "I'm a Man," "You Can't Tell a Book By Its Cover" and "Road Runner" were some of the other Diddley classics. His hard-driving, rhythmic guitar style influenced some of the early recordings of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Yardbirds.
http://www.rockhall.com/hof/inductee.asp?id=88
http://www.guitarsite.com/BoDiddley.htm
http://members.tripod.com/~Originator_2/index_2.html 
  1928-Birthday of tenor saxophone player Jack Montrose
http://shopping.yahoo.com/shop?d=product&id=1
http://art.staviator.com/J/Jack_Montrose.html  http://www.jazzmanrecords.com/jacmonpetjol.html 
http://windmusicplus.safeshopper.com/469/4236.htm?148
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/artist/glance/-
/135969/ref%3Dbr%5Fart%5F/104-3547695-1517507
    1931-Birthday of coach/former baseball player Frank Joseph Torre, New York, NY
    1933 - The temperature reached 50 degrees below zero at Bloomfield, VT. It was the coldest reading in modern records for New England. The temperature at Pittsburgh NH reached 44 degrees below zero.
    1935-Birthday of Sandy Koufax former sportscaster Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, born Brooklyn, NY.
   1938-historic recording of Meade Lux Lewis, Pete Johnson, Albert Ammons “ Boogie Woogie Prayer.” Vacalion
   1939 - birthday of Del Shannon (Charles Westover), born Grand Rapids, Michigan. (singer: Runaway, Hat’s Off to Larry, Little Town Flirt, Keep Searchin’ [We’ll Follow the Sun]; songwriter: I Go to Pieces; inducted into the Rock http://www.history-of
rock.com/del_shannon.htm and Roll Hall of Fame [Mar 15, 1999]; died Feb 8, 1990) 
http://www.cchr.org/art/eng/page20.htm 
http://www.srv.net/~roxtar/shannon_del.html
   1939-Birthday of bassist/producer/arranger Felix Pappalardi, Bronx, NY
Died April 13, 1983
http://www.theiceberg.com/artist.html?artist_id=25076
http://www.pappalardi.com/
   1940-Birthday of drummer Jerry Granelli, San Francisco, CA
http://ubl.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,437701,
http://www.songtone.com/artists/granelli_link.htm 
http://www.cosmik.com/aa-january00/john55.html 
   1942 - Frank Sinatra opened at New York’s Paramount Theatre backed by the Benny Goodman Orchestra, performed his first solo concert at the Paramount Theatre in New York. This show marked the beginning of the mass hysteria for Sinatra among teen girls, known as bobby-soxers. There was a near-riot in Times Square. The show was scheduled to be a 4-week engagement (his shows turned out to be so popular, he was booked for an additional 4 weeks). An estimated 400 policemen were called out to help curb the excitement. It is said that some of the teenage girls were hired to scream, but many more screamed for free. Sinatra was dubbed ‘The Sultan of Swoon’, ‘The Voice that Thrills Millions’, and just ‘The Voice’. Whatever he was, it was at this Paramount Theatre engagement that modern pop hysteria was born.
   1944- Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys made their first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Wills had been popular for more than a decade by then, but his western swing style -- a combination of western and big band music -- apparently was not favored by the Opry management. 
  1946-Davy Jones, lead vocalist of the Monkees, was born in Manchester, England. The Monkees' guitarist, Mike Nesmsith, was born on the same day in 1942. The Monkees were a musical group created by producer Don Kirshner for a television series based on the Beatles' film "A Hard Day's Night." With the help of the songwriting team of Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, and plenty of studio musicians, the Monkees had a succession of pop hits in the 1960's -- among them, "Last Train to Clarksville" and "Pleasant Valley Sunday." 1946 -- Singer/poet Patti Smith born Woodbury,NJ
http://www.oceanstar.com/patti/bio/aristbio.htm
http://www.pattismithland.com/
   1948 - Alfred Drake and Patricia Morrison starred in "Kiss Me Kate" which opened at the New Century Theatre in New York City. Cole Porter composed the music for the classic play that was adapted from Shakespeare’s comedy, "The Taming of the Shrew". The show ran for 1,077 performances on the Great White Way.
   1951---Top Hits
 Slowpoke - Pee Wee King
Sin (It’s No) - Eddy Howard
Down Yonder - Del Wood
Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way - Carl Smith
   1951-The Roy Rogers Show” premiered on TV. This very popular TV western starred Roy Rogers and his wife, Dale Evans, as themselves. It also featured Pat Brady as Roger’ sidekick who rod a jeep named Nellybelle, the singing group Sons of the Pioneers, Roger’s horse Trigger, Evan’s horse Buttermilk and a German shepherd named Bullet. This half-hour show was especially popular with young viewers. 1952 -- Tuskegee Institute reports this is first year in 71 years with no lynchings in the country
http://audible.nolanet.org/itemdetail.cfm?ID=786
   1952 -- Tuskegee Institute reports this is first year in 71 years with no lynchings in the country.
http://www.bl.uk/collections/tuskegee.html
   1953-Trumpet player Chet Baker cuts first strings session for Columbia Records (46174)
    1953 - The film, The Wild One, starring Marlin Brando as a leader of tough motorcyclists terrorizing a small town, debuted in New Yo1953 - The first color television sets went on sale for more than $1,000.
    1954 - Pearl Bailey opened on Broadway in the play, "House of Flowers", about two madams with rival bordellos. Diahann Carroll was also cast in the play, written by Truman Capote. Harold Arlen provided the musical score.
   1954 – Our neighbor in the Pacific Palisades, CA. James Arness made his dramatic TV debut on the "Lux Video Theatre" in "The Chase". The "Gunsmoke" series didn’t begin for Arness until the fall of 1955.
   1954-The first athlete who was African-American to win the James E. Sullivan Memorial Trophy was Malvin Greston “Mal” Whitfield of the Los Angeles Athletic Club, a half-miler who was the first choice on 252 of 657 ballots cast by a nationwide tribunal of sports authorities and tabulated this day. Whitfield set the Olympic record for 800 meters in London in 1948 and held the world 880-yard record and the 600-yeard indoor record. The trophy, presented annually since 1940 by the Amateur Athletic Union, is the top award for amateur athletes in the United States
    1955 - Anchorage, AK, reported an all-time record snow depth of 47 inches. 
    1957- Elvis Presley's Elvis' Christmas Album hits #1
    1959---Top Hits
Why - Frankie Avalon
The Big Hurt - Miss Toni Fisher
It’s Time to Cry - Paul Anka
El Paso - Marty Robbins
   1961 - Jack Nicklaus lost to Gary Player in an exhibition match in Miami, Florida. It was Nicklaus’ first attempt at pro golf. The following year he entered the pro tour, winning $61,868.95, more than any other rookie golfer in history.
   1963-“Let’s Make a Deal” premiered on television. Monty Hall hosted this outrageous and no-skill-required game show. Our neighbor Bernie Gould was the chief writer (yes, all these shows were scripted for one liners, games, introductions, etc.). Audience members, many of whom were picked to “make a deal” with Hall by trading something of their own for something they were offered. Sometimes prizes were worthless (“zonks”). At the end of the show, the two people who had won the most were given the option to trade their winnings for a chance at the “Big Deal”,” hidden behind one of three doors. A rival of the show ran from 1990 to 1991 with Bob Hilton as the host.
   1967---Top Hits
Hello Goodbye - The Beatles
Woman, Woman - The Union Gap
Judy in Disguise (With Glasses) - John Fred & His Playboy Band
For Loving You - Bill Anderson & Jan Howard, jumped into the top spot on Billboard's hit record charts, and stayed Number 1 for 3 weeks.
    1967-"Hello Goodbye" becomes The Beatles 15th Billboard number one hit. The flip side, "I Am the Walrus" reached #56, the lowest ranking for any charted "B" side of a Beatles number one single. John Lennon wrote nonsense words for "Walrus" after learning that a teacher at his old primary school was having his students analyze Beatles' lyrics. He would later say, "Let the fuckers work that one out."
    1968-HOWARD, ROBERT L. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 30 December 1968. Entered service at: Montgomery, Ala. Born: 11 July 1939, Opelika, Ala. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then Sfc .), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam. The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer's equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant's belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area. Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 3 1/2 hours 1st Lt. Howard's small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. 1st Lt. Howard's gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1968- The first Led Zeppelin bootleg, Gonzaga '68, is a recording of tonight's show at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, one of their very first in America and the first ever live recording of the band. 
    1969 - Peter, Paul and Mary received a gold record for the single, "Leaving On a Jet Plane". The song had hit #1 on December 20.
   1969—President Nixon signs off on tax reform. As the 1960s drew to a close, President Richard Nixon signed off on what was then the most far-reaching tax reform bill in U.S. history. The legislation relieved nine million low-income citizens of the burden of paying taxes; it also slashed tax rates for individuals by 5 percent. It was the most far-reaching tax reform bill in US history passed by Congress. Although it removed 9,000,000 of the very poor from federal tax rolls, it was criticized as a measure that aided the rich. The bill, signed by President Nixon on this day, reduced the tax surcharge from 10% to 5% and extended it for six months, reduced the oil depletion allowance from 27.5% to 22%, closed numerous tax loopholes, and increased Social security benefits by 15%.
   1970 - Paul McCartney sued the other three Beatles to dissolve the partnership and gain control of his interest. The suit touched off a bitter feud between McCartney and the others, especially his co writer on many of the Beatles compositions, John Lennon. The partnership officially came to end in 1974. “You get your lawyer
& I'll get mine
We'll all get together
& have a real bad time.”
 George Harrison, "Sue Me Blues
    1971 -- Daniel Ellsberg indicted by a federal grand jury for releasing Pentagon papers to the news
media.
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0838198.html
http://ellsberg.net/index.htm 
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/72nov/ungar.htm 
http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people/Ellsberg/ellsberg98-0.html
   1972 – Officials in Washington, D.C., announce that the peace talks in Paris between National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger and North Vietnamese negotiator Le Duc Tho will resume on January 2 President Richard M. Nixon on December 18th ordered a massive air bombardment of military installations in North Vietnam. The heaviest attack since the November, 1968 bombing halt.
 On December 28, Hanoi agreed to return to the negotiations, and President Nixon ordered a halt to Linebacker II, the intensive bombing campaign of North Vietnam. Nixon initiated the campaign on December 18 when the North Vietnamese, who walked out of the peace negotiations in Paris, refused his ultimatum to return to the talks. During the course of the bombing, 700 B-52 sorties and more than 1,000 fighter-bombers dropped an estimated 20,000 tons of bombs, mostly over the densely populated area between Hanoi and Haiphong. the US (by its own count) lost 15 B-52's & 11 fighter-bombers, with 93 airmen killed or missing. Hanoi claims 76 planes were shot down. Nixon, elected on the campaign with the promise of a "secret" plan to end the war . “The White House tapes” indicate he had none and at the time, was negotiating behind his Secretary of State Kissinger’s back. The North Vietnamese realized that Nixon was going to continue to bomb until they came back to the peace table, no matter what Kissinger was or was not telling them. When the communist negotiators returned to Paris, the peace talks moved along quickly. On January 23, 1973, the United States, North Vietnam, the Republic of Vietnam, and the Viet Cong signed a cease-fire agreement that took effect five days later.
   1975---Top Hits
Let’s Do It Again - The Staple Singers
Saturday Night - Bay City Rollers
Love Rollercoaster - Ohio Players
Convoy - C.W. McCall
    1975-Birthday of golfer Tiger (Eldrick) Woods, born Cypress, CA.
    1976 - The Smothers Brothers, Tom and Dick, played their last show at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas and retired as a team from show business. Each continued as a solo artist. They reunited years later for another stab at TV (on NBC) plus concert appearances that proved very successful.
    1976- ABBA's Greatest Hits is certified gold 
    1978 - Ohio State University fired Woody Hayes as its football coach, one day after Hayes punched Clemson University player Charlie Bauman during the Gator Bowl after Bauman intercepted an Ohio pass.
    1979- Emerson, Lake and Palmer announced they were splitting up. The trio of Keith Emerson, Greg Lake and Carl Palmer was enormously popular in the early 1970's with their classically-flavored progressive rock. The trio regrouped in 1986, at first with drummer Cozy Powell substituting for Palmer. But Palmer himself later rejoined Emerson and Lake.
   1980 - The longest-running series in prime-time television history was canceled by NBC. "The Wonderful World of Disney" was axed after more than 25 years on the tube.
    1982 - An uncommon sight in the sky this night, as a ‘blue moon’ appeared. It was not really a blue moon, but one unobstructed by pollution and haze - appearing grayish in color. It was the second full moon of the month; a rare event that attracted many sky watchers. Now you know where the expression, “once in a blue moon” came from.
    1983---Top Hits
Say Say Say - Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson
Say It Isn’t So - Daryl Hall-John Oates
Union of the Snake - Duran Duran
Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You) - Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
    1983 - ‘Dr. J’, Julius Erving, of the Philadelphia 76ers, sank a free throw in the third quarter to become the ninth pro basketball player to score 25,000 points. The 13-year veteran reached his milestone, but the Sixers still lost to the Seattle SuperSonics, 97-93. 1988 - U.S. President Ronald Reagan and President-elect George Bush were subpoenaed to testify at the trial of former White House aide Oliver North on criminal charges stemming from the Iran-Contra affair.
    1985- IBM-PC DOS Version 3.2 released
http://a1computers.net/pcdoshis.htm|
    1987 -- US: An unusually heavy demand for non-smoking seats aboard a TWA flight from Boston to Los Angeles leads to a complete smoking ban. Toward the end of the flight, 11 passengers protest by lighting cigarettes, & the flight attendant who demands that they be extinguished is physically assaulted. 
    1988 - Unseasonably cold weather prevailed in the southwestern U.S. A week of subfreezing temperatures in southern California claimed the lives of five people. Redding CA was blanketed with four inches of snow. 
    1989 - Extreme cold continued across northern Maine. Milo ME was the cold spot in the nation with a morning low of 38 degrees below zero, and the low of 31 degrees below zero at Caribou ME was a December record for that location. Freezing rain spread across much of Lower Michigan, knocking out electrical power to 1.9 million customers in southeastern Lower Michigan. 
    1991- A girl was born to Bruce Springsteen and wife Patty Scialfa (SKEE-AL'-FUH). It was the couple's second child.
    1991---Top Hits
Black or White - Michael Jackson
It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday - Boyz II Men
All 4 Love - Color Me Badd
My Next Broken Heart - Brooks & Dunn
    1995-Sir Elton John was named a commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's New Year's honors list. He was honored for his service to music and to charity. John donated millions of dollars to AIDS research.
    1995 -- US: Right-to-Life (sic) gunman John C. Salvi III murders Shannon Lowney of Planned Parenthood & Lee Ann Nichols of Pre-term, women's health care clinics in Brookline, Massachusetts.|
Salvi, who worked in a beauty salon in New Hampshire before his murderous rampage, was described by acquaintances as a "very odd" man. Despite his increasingly erratic behavior, Salvi's parents resisted getting professional treatment for him. As his mental state deteriorated, he became a zealous anti-abortion activist. In March 1996, Salvi's trial jury rejected his insanity defense and convicted him of murder. After receiving two life sentences, he killed himself in prison in November 1996.
http://wildcat.arizona.edu/papers/old-wildcats/spring95/February/February8,1995/03_3_m.html
http://www.standardtimes.com/daily/03-96/03-19-96/1asalvi.htm
    2002-According to a Nielsen SoundScan survey, total CD album sales were down 10.7% in 2002, marking the sharpest sales decrease from the previous year in the 11-year tracking history. It was the second straight year the market declined, following steady growth since Nielsen first began tracking the US market in 1991. Total album sales in 2002 were 681 million, compared with 762.8 million the previous year. Country album sales posted the largest increase, as sales rose 12.2% from 2001. This rise was largely fuelled by such crossover sensations as The Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Alan Jackson, and Faith Hill.