Brican America Statement to Leasing News:

http://www.bricanamerica.com/

"There is a detailed public record of filings made in the litigation involving NCMIC and Brican. That record speaks for itself and Brican invites any interested party to read the entire file and raw its own fact based conclusions applying sound principles of law cited. Brican does not believe it appropriate to publicly comment on the merits of a pending lawsuit, especially one which will go to trial in approximately a month. Notwithstanding, Brican also believes that LeasingNews.org is not acting in a manner that demonstrates it wishes to or does provide fair, adequate and balanced professional reporting. Therefore, Brican will not be goaded into trying its case in this website. To the extent that any person, party or entity (i) causes a false or misleading publication to occur in any setting related to this case, or (ii) which has the effect of defaming any person affiliated with Brican, or (iii) by making statements that have the intended effect of interfering with business relations, Brican shall take all legal action appropriate against all such persons, parties or entities who direct such tortuous actions."

The above is from Brican America regarding NCMIC Finance Corporation dba Professional Solutions Financial Services (PSFS), Clive, Iowa legal claim against Brican for $38 million involving 1672 leases being heard in U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida (Miami) before Magistrate Judge John J. O'Sullivan...

"...mediation will take place before Michael A. Hanzman, Esq. (the “Mediator”) on December 11, 2009, commencing at 1:00 p.m., at the offices of Berger Singerman, P.A, 350 East Las Olas Boulevard., 10th Floor, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The mediation is in respect of all disputes and controversies between Plaintiff NCMIC FINANCE CORPORATION d/b/a PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES and Defendant BRICAN AMERICA, INC., as well as any and all matters connected to, related to and arising from the above-referenced proceedings."

Leasing News acknowledges and appreciates the Brican America statement as their viewpoint was sought before the October 5, 2009 story was printed.

The complaint centers on:

"15. In fact, there was at least one additional agreement, a "Marketing Agreement," which related to the Goods or Leases provided to the Lessees, that Brican gave to each of the Lessees, which was not included in the documents that were provided to PSFS for each of the leases."

In the October 5, 2009 alert, both sides were presented: the original complaint and the response:

Copy of complaint:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/PSFS%20Complaint.pdf

Brican Response:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Brican%20Response.pdf

Since then, there have been several motions and presentations, including that of Brican America corporate officer Jean-Francois Vincens, a French and Canadian citizen, according to his deposition, here in the United States on a visa. It is not Leasing News intention to be misleading, but to bring to readers attention the story in a fair manner, specifically not making any comment, but quoting court documents, such as Jean-Francois Vincens 141 page deposition (on 64 page PDF) that appears at the end of this article, page 88:

"It says, 'if Brican fails to honor its financial commitment pursuant to this agreement, then all related agreements can be canceled by the client.' Do you see that?
A. Yes.

Q. So at the time the understanding was that if the client didn't receive the marketing money it could stop payment for the equipment, correct?
A. Yes

Q. Has that always been the case?
A. What do you mean?

Q. In other words, that was the arrangement in 2006?
A. Uh-huh.

Page 144

11. When Professional Solutions was asked to finance the equipment and they were sent information about the potential lessee, were marketing or advertising agreements sent to SPFS?
A. No.

Q. To your knowledge, was this agreement ever officially rescinded or terminated?
A. To my understanding it was lost?

Q. It was lost?
A. Yes.

Q. What do you mean it was lost?
A. It was lost by Professional Solutions, We get them a copy of it

Q. Was it ever terminated?
A. No, not to my knowledge.

Page 145
Q. The physical agreement was lost?
A. Yes.

There is a 77 page deposition of Sandra Ellzey, a bookkeeper for Brican America (the entire deposition is at the end of the article:)

Page 13:
23. Q. And how did you find out that it was Viso that was purchasing advertising?
25. A. At the time, the first day I found out, which
Page 14:
1. was the first day I was hired, Jack was not there and Jeff gave me two or three pages of printouts that showed all the people that had just been mailed advertising checks. He briefly explained that those were for advertising and at the time Viso--it wasn't Viso at that time. It was PBLEI.
7. Q. What is that?
A. PBLEI, Palm Beach Lasik and Eye Institute, which is one in Wellington. He told me these have been mailed out and that was pretty much the first, you know, introduction to the marketing agreements I had.
Q. Did you have any responsibility with regards to the marketing agreements?
A. In regards to drafting it?
Q. No, I'm sorry. Did you have any responsibility with monitoring the flow of the paperwork or the flow of payments for advertising?
A. Well, yes. As far as the flow of payments, we would send out the quarterly payments to clients. We had to make sure we had the information as to who was paid for the advertising and then we would cut the checks accordingly.

Paula Barkley was with Wells Fargo for 18 years, then worked for NCMIC from December, 1994 to July, 2009, and in her deposition said she was "fired" and is now back working for Wells Fargo. She discusses various companies, including Brican America-Canada, and is questioned about marketing agreements:

Page: 36
"8. Did you know that there were marketing agreements in place?
10. A. Yes
11. Q. Okay. How do you know that there were marketing agreements?
13: A. The first one that I saw---when the agreement came in, the first one I saw I wentto Todd and I said. I don't know what this is. It's in my---it's with my lease.
17. Q. And when was that.
18. A. Maybe a year ago. Year and a half ago, maybe.
20. Q. Oaky. And what happened next?
21. A. He said that he already knew abut it and that it was okay.
Page 37.
6. Q. All right. Did he ask you to do anything else in terms of obtaining more copies? of marketing agreements?
9. A. No. If they came in they were just put with the file.
Page 40.
23. Did you know who Viso, V-i-s-0, Lasik L-a-s-i-k, was?
25. A. Yes
Page 41
1. Q. Who are they?
2. A. It is the marketing agreement company.
3. Q. And you learned that from seeing the documents?
5. A. Seeing the documents and discussion with Jean and Todd.
7. Q. What did Jean and Todd tell you about Viso Laski?
9. Just pretty much that it was the marketing area. We talked abut how the screens show an image and those images, companies pay for it, and then those doctors get reimbursed for showing those.
18. Did you understand that the marketing agreement provided that it was going to give to the lessee a sum of money?
21. yes.

Leasing News tried to make a fair representation and certainly there was a lot more information in the depositions and one of the reasons they are included hereof readers to have the opportunity to read them in entirety.

Brican America Mediation Hearing
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Brican_America_Mediation_Hearing.pdf

Vincens deposition 141 page deposition (on 64 page PDF 8.9mb)
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Vincens_deposition.pdf

Sandry Ellzey deposition 77 pages (5.6mb)
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Sandry_Ellzey_deposition.pdf

Paula Barkley deposition 71 pages (3mb)
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Paula_Barkley_depo.pdf

Classified Ads---Sales Manager

For a full listing of all "job wanted" ads, please go to:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

Other e-Mail Posting Sites:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Posting_sites.htm

Laurie Bakke President Western Finance & Lease

Laurie Bakke, one of Leasing News named "Most Influential Women In Leasing" is now President at Western Finance & Lease, Inc. (WFL).

“WFL is a bank owned finance company with primary focus on national vendor relationships and direct end-user originations," Bakke said." We are a small ticket lessor that specializes in transactions ranging between $10,000 - $400,000. The company is headquartered in Devils Lake, North Dakota, has been transacting lease and finance transactions for 16 years and has 32 members on its team.

“We are located in North Dakota, Washington, Texas, New Mexico, Minnesota and Florida. Industries include, but are not limited to, agriculture, outdoor power, lawn & tree maintenance, construction, technology, telecom and energy management. Originally from North Dakota, I am fortunate enough to now have the ability to spend time with my family in North Dakota and Washington.

“In my opinion, Western Finance & Lease is one of the best kept secrets in the industry!!"

Laurie A. Bakke
Western Finance & Lease, Inc.
laurie.bakke@wf-l.com
701-665-1615 (direct)
206-369-3867 (cell)
701-665-1715 (fax)

"Laurie Bakke--athlete, sailor, Athletic Hall of Fame - 2000. After learning the finance and leasing business at ITT Commercial Finance, including Manager, Quality Control and Credit Manager, she joined NordFinance, Inc., a subsidiary of Nordbanken, AB, Sweden's largest financial institution, credit manager, vice-president Vendor program, finally named President. She then joined Irwin Commercial Finance as Executive Vice President and General Manager. She brought her vendor and operation skills to Huntington National Bank as Vice President, Vendor Finance. She has served on the board of directors of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association and on the board of trustees for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society."
http://www.linkedin.com/in/bakke2009

Most Influential Women in Leasing
http://www.leasingnews.org/Pages/influential_women.htm

Kettle Count (press time): $1,100

Please help me make the $2,500 goal. Please contribute. If you like reading Leasing News, now is the time to stand with us.

Honor Roll lists the Donors.
(Several have contributed as “anonymous,”
feature, and others have said they have
already made donations locally)

Donations to the Leasing News Kettle can go to the Salvation Army in your town.

New WWW publication---lesseeadvocate.com

Free subscription. December Home page article:

• Video interview with Ingemar Lanevi, Treasurer, NetApp
  "Why does NetApp lease equipment?"

• Publisher Michael Keeler article on "How to Fix Poor End of Term Performance."

• Free handbook: "20 best practices for improving financial performance and SOX compliance."

  
  

"Our Target Audience”

“Our research is intended to serve finance, procurement, operations, and IT executives and the leasing professionals that serve them. We believe these executives are underserved and overworked. Because they have many other responsibilities besides leasing, they do not have the time to develop and maintain expertise in the many dimensions of leasing and leasing operations. We can help them succeed by putting practical know-how at their fingertips."

http://lesseeadvocate.com/about-us/#OurTargetAudience

Michael Keller short Biography:
"Since 2003, Michael has served Ecologic Leasing Serves as the President and CEO. With offices in the US and Canada, Ecologic Leasing Services offers busy executives of Fortune 1000 lessees a comprehensive and turnkey set of lease administration services: leasing operations management, lessor relationship management including an automated competitive lessor marketplace, lease portfolio management including asset management, and web-based leasing software to streamline the equipment finance process."

Full biography:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Michael_Keeler_bio.pdf

To subscribe:
http://lesseeadvocate.com/

Alexa Report---Now US & Worldwide Statistics

Alexa Ranks Leasing News #1

Alexa with the help of Google has now divided reports into Worldwide and into specific countries.

The lower the company is in the list, the more readers they have.

Leasing News is reporting the results in both “World Wide” and United States, as that is Leasing News major market:

Alexa Ranks Leasing Media Web Sites
World rankings

Alexa Ranks Leasing Media Web Sites
US rankings

David G. Mayer's Business Leasing and Finance News is not included in the Alexa report list as it does not have its own individual site and Alexa finds Patton Boggs, LLP Attorneys at Law.  The rating is not valid as it includes all those who visit and communicate with the law firm.  When Business Leasing and Finance News has its own individual web site, it will be included in the Alexa survey.

*It should be noted that NAELB web site "list serve" requires logging onto their site, meaing their e-mails are counted as a visit to the site, whereas they are "list serve" communication.  These are technically visits to the web site, but primarily to use "list serve."

The Alexa tool bar works on most browsers. They are partnered with Google.

You may download their free tool bar A graph and analysis of the last three months are available.

Pioneer Capital/FP Holding Stock Sale

From Len Ludwig:

“Your reporting about me and some of my associates has been fairly accurate, which I appreciate. I remain optimistic that my team will salvage some good from this complicated situation and, consequently, I am willing to discuss related matters directly with you if/when you wish. This activity could be helpful in adding some positive connotations to the descriptions of our industry, which is important to most of us. At the very least, I am hopeful that it will be a positive boost to our collective self image.

“My partners and I are proceeding, one step at a time, down the path to reconstruct the company. It is slow, painful and methodical. We are dealing with many of the creditors and many of the other constituents, along with the bankruptcy trustee—simultaneously. The next step on our mission is to conduct a public sale on behalf of creditors of IFC Credit Corporation of the issued and outstanding common stock of FP Holdings, Inc. and Pioneer Capital Corporation of Texas.

“It would be appropriate, and it would be appreciated, if you would print the attached Notice of this sale in Leasing News. Please let me know if this is practical and what the associated expenses will be.

“Thank you for your consideration."

Regards, Len.

Len Ludwig
4500 SW Kruse Way Suite 350
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
D 503.675.3133
C 503.330.7513
F 503.675.3136

(Note: The Pioneer Capital Corporation reportedly has a very clean portfolio, with decisions and operations run by John Boettigheimer. Editor)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Arthur Levinson and Leonard Ludwig, as creditors of IFC Credit Corporation, will sell (1) 500 shares of common stock in FP Holdings, Inc., and (2) 60,000 shares of common stock in Pioneer Capital Corporation of Texas (collectively, the "Collateral"), each to the highest qualified bidder in public as follows:

Day and Date: Monday, December 21, 2009
Time: 10:00am
Place: Greenberg Trauig, LLP
77 West Wacker Drive Suite 2100
Chicago, Il. 60601-1731

Interested bidders may participate in the auction in person or by telephone. For building security purposes, participants planning to attend in person are asked to send the name(s) of the person(s) attending to saleinfo23@comcast.net. Telephone participants should dial (888) 439¬ 7617, and enter passcode 408547, at least ten minutes prior to the start of the auction.

Ten percent (10%) of the prevailing bid amount will be due in certified funds or cash at the conclusion of the auction, with the remaining amount due in certified funds or cash on or before 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 28, 2009.

There is no warranty relating to title, possession, quiet enjoyment, or the like in this disposition.

Inquiries regarding the Collateral or the sale should be directed by email to sale info 123@comcast.net.

Expect More from Sales Professionals

Summary: You are more likely to get better production from sales professionals when you set high performance expectations that include more than sales quotas and that are designed to help them succeed in what is being called the “new economic normal.”

Well meaning executives often encourage their sales professionals to take just one idea, “one nugget” from a two or three day sales training workshop, and to incorporate that idea into their daily sales activities.

Unfortunately, this is a low expectation approach that often robs the executives of the best potential performance of their sales teams. This point was brought to my attention recently in a sales training workshop I facilitated on selling to senior executives.

A workshop participant agreed that an inordinate amount of the right kind of preparation is required if disaster is to be avoided in making senior executive-level sales calls. I asked her if she would commit to using our process and tool to prepare for an upcoming important meeting with senior executives at a key account. She agreed.

The results she reported, in her words, prove my point:

1. The planning process helped focus the message and focus on what solution impact our proposal would have on the customer’s business. We were able to keep the message concise and brief.

2. Time spent on reviewing the pre-call planning worksheet was a tremendous help in preparing for the call.

3. We were able to ask for specific commitment – the customer answered the question, “Where do we go from here?”

4. We got the pricing discussion out on the table up front.

5. I took charge of the meeting, and assigned specific ownership and tasks. I even had the confidence to do this with a higher-level internal manager who attended the meeting.

6. I was able to keep all participants in the meeting focused and “on task.”

7. We as a team were thoroughly prepared for the E-level meeting.

These are tangible, substantial results of a commitment by a sales professional to use more than just a “nugget” she learned in a sales training workshop. This sales professional saw the value in using a process for planning and executing an executive-level sales call, and used the entire process for a fruitful outcome.

Setting appropriate expectations for sales professionals that requires them to replace an ad hoc approach to selling with an integrated process, elevates how they play the game of sales, and provides them with an opportunity to improve sales revenue and build customer relationships that last.

Tell us what you think

Steve Chriest, CEO

Steve Chriest is the former president of a successful national leasing company.

Steve is a regular contributor to executive-level publications such as Customer Think and Customer Management IQ. Steve recently completed his first book, Selling The E-Suite, The Proven System For Reaching and Selling Senior Executives, in which he translates his experiences as a CEO into a practical guide for selling to senior executives. Steve can be reached at: schriest@selling-up.com.

Previous Columns:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/A_View.htm

Last Call---Will not be repeated until 2010---

“It is so Slow…” Contest to End December 16th

or

Contest will be closing on December 16th in order to be able to send prizes in time for Christmas. What readers are seeing are the ones that are accepted as entrees for the contest.

Over a hundred have been submitted to this date.

Those that have submitted, and not made the list, please try again.

Chronological order:

“Business is so slow, I cannot pay attention.”

David M. Rothenberg
Lease One Systems
St. Louis, Missouri

"It is so slow that the US Congress is moving faster."

Joe O'Hara
OFE Leasing, Inc
Holmes, Pennsylvania

"It is so slow here motel six will not even leave the light on."

Tony Polito CLP
1st Priority Acceptance LLC
Tallmadge, Ohio

"It's so slow that it takes 60 days to get a decline!"

Bob Teichman, CLP
Teichman Financial Training
Sausalito, California

"It is so slow the San Francisco news still says the 49ers may go to the playoffs."

Izzy Finster
Kurtzman Leasing
“Happy Chanukah”

Happy Birthday Bode Ace Menkin

Born December 10, 2005 Madera, California AKC

When he was small, he let the grandkids jump on him, pull his ears, and he would lick them back. He still does. I think he believes he is the fourth brother.

Rigorous training:

Sue and Katie first lesson in the swimming pool:

He still follows me, is with my all the time, in the office, the car, but he certainly loves Sue and the grandkids.

Bankruptcy Filings Increase Nearly 20%

creditcollectionsworld.com

Court records show bankruptcy filings in the U.S. rose 19.6% in November from a year earlier, reports Bloomberg News. Total filings for individuals and companies rose to 115,000, according to data compiled by Automated Access to Court Electronic Records, a service of Jupiter ESources LLC in Oklahoma City released last week.

So far this year, more than 1.3 million Americans have sought court protection from creditors. "All the fundamentals are there for a very difficult bankruptcy environment," says Zach Pandl, an economist at Nomura International Securities Inc. in New York. "Conditions are getting worse in the labor market, and small businesses are distressed, with limited access to credit and a big debt overhang."

#### Press Release #############################

Equipment Leasing and Finance Association Comments
on H.R. 4213, “Tax Extenders Act of 2009”

Statement by ELFA Interim President Ralph Petta

“The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association applauds House action extending for one year until December 31, 2010 the Subpart F provision for active financial services income. This rule addresses concerns about U.S. competitiveness and fairness by applying to U.S. financial services companies the same general U.S. rule that defers current U.S. tax on other active trade or business income. Like their foreign-based competitors, U.S. financial services firms—including manufacturers and leasing companies—will only pay a current tax in the country where their foreign operations are located.”

### Press Release ##########################

IFA Urges Passage of Small Business Proposals

WASHINGTON, —The International Franchise Association today released a support letter signed by 55 other business trade groups calling for swift action by Congress on legislation to increase access to credit for small businesses. Many of these provisions were among the measures suggested this week by President Obama in his speech at the Brookings Institution.

“We are pleased that the President continued to acknowledge that the lack of credit availability for small businesses is slowing the recovery efforts and stalling the significant job creation potential of small business entrepreneurs,” said IFA President & CEO Matthew Shay. “Small businesses cannot be the engine of our economy if they have to line up in a queue and wait to see if they can gain access to credit. Congress needs to act swiftly and restart the flow of credit to America’s job-creating small businesses or else these entrepreneurs will be left to sit on the sidelines.”

In a letter to members of Congress, IFA and 55 other business groups identified immediate steps that could improve credit access, including an increase in the maximum loan size and the maximum guaranteed portion of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and called for by President Obama.

The groups urged passage of legislation proposed by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, to increase the maximum size of SBA 7(a) and 504 loans from $2 million to $5 million. These bills would also provide a commensurate increase in the statutory maximum guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans.

The groups also urged support appropriations to extend the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan provisions of the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through all of Fiscal Year 2010. SBA estimates that $479 million in appropriations is needed to fund the extension of the higher guaranty percentages and waiver of borrower fees for the balance of the fiscal year.

“These stimulus provisions have been so successful that the money allocated thus far has been exhausted,” Shay said. “The depletion of funds is proof that the SBA programs were, and continue to be, critically important for our nation’s credit-worthy entrepreneurs.”

Shay added that the Recovery Act provisions have made a real difference for small businesses, but the recovery has not been completed.

“Lenders were returning to the SBA programs and providing loans of all sizes to the nation’s small businesses – and this momentum needs to continue,” he said. “We urge Congress to quickly provide the appropriations necessary to extend the ARRA provisions so small businesses can access the funds they need to hire, expand inventory, purchase machinery and equipment or real estate.”

About The International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising, is the preeminent voice and acknowledged leader for the industry worldwide. Approaching a half-century of service with a growing membership of more than 1,250 franchise systems, 10,000-plus franchisees and more than 500 firms that supply goods and services to the industry, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising by advancing the values of integrity, respect, trust, commitment to excellence, honesty and diversity. For more information, visit the IFA Web site at www.franchise.org.

### Press Release ##############################

Los Angeles Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Passport Fraud
and Tax Evasion in Connection with Kickback Scheme

Defendant Failed to Report More than $35 Million in Income Hidden Overseas

MATTHEW G. KRANE, 55, of Los Angeles, California, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to Tax Evasion and False Statement in a Passport Application. KRANE was indicted along with the former Chief Executive Officer of Quellos Group L.L.C. (“Quellos”) and an attorney and principal of the investment firm in June 2009. The case against CEO Jeffrey I. Greenstein, 47, of Mercer Island, Washington, and attorney Charles H. Wilk, 51, of Seattle involves an illegal tax avoidance scheme using overseas accounts. Under the terms of the plea agreement entered today, KRANE will serve up to five years in prison for his two convictions. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez scheduled the sentencing for March 2010. Trial for Wilk and Greenstein is scheduled for September 2010.

According to the indictment, Greenstein and Wilk allegedly provided kickbacks to KRANE in exchange for his assistance in enrolling a wealthy client in the tax shelter scheme. The client had more than $1 billion in capital gains in 2001, and Greenstein and Wilk promised KRANE a cut of the fees. The client was never informed of the kickback arrangement. Between March 2001, and October 2001, the men drafted false fee agreements that made it appear that the wealthy client was paying $46 million to Quellos to participate in the tax shelter strategy. In fact, nearly $36 million of that fee was actually diverted by Wilk and Greenstein to an offshore account controlled by KRANE. In his plea agreement, KRANE admits he failed to pay taxes on the income.

Additionally, KRANE admitted today that in February 2008, he applied for a passport in a false name, using false personal information such as a false Social Security Number and California Driver’s License number. At the time he attempted to obtain the false identity, KRANE was aware of the investigation into the Quellos tax avoidance scheme.

The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Mark Bartlett and Assistant United States Attorney Katheryn Kim Frierson.

### Press Release ############################

Bellevue, Washington ---Adopt-a-Pet

Name: Jingee
Breed: Retriever, Labrador / Mix
Gender: Female
Size: Large
Age: 8 years, 10 months
Introduce to: Kids 12+ yrs, Dogs, Cats
ID #: 7117989

"Jingee, an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever mix, is ready to snuggle her way into your heart! Jingee is a smart, gentle, cute and adorable lady with black fur. She understands basic commands like sit, and stay. She loves walks and playing with toys. Some shelters do not consider pets over 3-years old adoptable, but we know Jingee is a good, sweet, and calm companion who deserves a person of her own to love.

"As with all of our dogs Jingee has been micro-chipped, vaccinated, spayed and behavior tested. She will go home with a certificate for an examination by a King County veterinarian and an identification tag. PLUS, most dog adoptions include six weeks of training in one of our on-campus dog behavior courses - a great way to start off on the right paw.

"Introduce to kids 12+, dogs (req), cats.

"Jingee is currently in foster care and not at the shelter, if you would like to meet with her please email adoptions@seattlehumane.org"

This pet comes with an implanted 24PetWatch microchip and free registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service. For more information call 1-866-597-2424.

This pet also is eligible for 30 days of pre-paid pet health insurance. For more information please visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1-866-375-PETS.

http://www.seattlehumane.org/adopt/pets/dogs

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/

Canadian Western to buy National Leasing
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/091209/business/cbusiness_us_cwb_3

Mortgage rates and refinances are up
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rates-and-refinances-are-up.aspx

Defaults Risk to Linger in 2010
http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/14461853/c_14461841?f=home_todayinfinance

Bank of America Repays $45 Billion in TARP Funds
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/
djf500/200912091814DOWJONESDJONLINE000671_FORTUNE5.htm

Geithner defends extension of bank bailout
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jeqsina7NQY6SCzEC6hw7cMqrK5wD9CGLB4O0

GE chief attacks executive ‘greed’
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fe1e3f7c-e507-11de-9a25-00144feab49a.html

Just How Much Was Tiger Swinging?
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20325232,00.html

Las Vegas hotel rates hit rock bottom
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2009-12-10-las-vegas-rates_N.htm

Airport napping rooms let you sleep your layover away
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2009-12-10-travelminirooms10_ST_N.html

Sports Briefs----

Notre Dame confirms that Brian Kelly will be its new coach http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2009/12/kelly-not-the-only-candidate-that-notre-dame-is-talking-to/1?loc=interstitialskip

Browns shock Steelers as '08 champs lose fifth straight game
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-12-10-steelers-browns_N.htm

49ers' Alex Smith improving but still flawed
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13974007?nclick_check=1

Cardinals ready for Gore & more
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091210/SPORTS/912109919/1010/SPORTS?Title=Cardinals-ready-for-Gore-more

Brady Rib injury added to finger, shoulder
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=4731409

Vince Young unable to finish practice
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091210/SPORTS01/91210046/1027/
Vince+Young+unable+to+finish+practice

California Nuts Briefs---

First Openly Gay chosen Assembly speaker
http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2385536.html

Governor Schwarzenegger threatens to veto education bill
http://www.sacbee.com/latest/story/2386255.htm

Sample-sized Wine Bottles Aid Online Sales
http://winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=news&content=69742&htitle=Sample-sized%20Wine%20Bottles%20Aid%20Online%20Sales

New Zealand Struggles to Keep Wine Prices Up
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/business/global/11wine.html?ref=dining

Châteauneuf That’s Easy on the Jam---Eric Asimov
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/dining/09wine.html?ref=dining

WBM Video Interview with Danny Brager of The Nielsen Company: Part 4, Varietals
http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&cms_preview=true&dataid=69741

Hope Is a Tattered Flag
by Carl Sandburg

Hope is a tattered flag and a dream of time.
Hope is a heartspun word, the rainbow, the shadblow in white
The evening star inviolable over the coal mines,
The shimmer of northern lights across a bitter winter night,
The blue hills beyond the smoke of the steel works,
The birds who go on singing to their mates in peace, war, peace,
The ten-cent crocus bulb blooming in a used-car salesroom,
The horseshoe over the door, the luck piece in the pocket,
The kiss and the comforting laugh and resolve—
Hope is an echo, hope ties itself yonder, yonder.
The spring grass showing itself where least expected,
The rolling fluff of white clouds on a changeable sky,
The broadcast of strings from Japan, bells from Moscow,
Of the voice of the prime minister of Sweden carried
Across the sea in behalf of a world family of nations
And children singing chorals of the Christ child
And Bach being broadcast from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
And tall skyscrapers practically empty of tenants
And the hands of strong men groping for handholds
And the Salvation Army singing God loves us