| 
 |
Small ticket leasing company looking for someone to negotiate end lease settlements (renewals, FMV, etc.) and run the department. Report directly to the Director of Operations. Require 2+ yrs. experience minimum. Attractive Compensation $65k to $90k 1 st yr. + benefits. Please email resume to: |
Monday, December 8, 2008
| Actor James Gordon MacArthur born December 8, 1937, Los Angeles, California, "Book 'em, Dano," perhaps best known for the TV series "Hawaii Five-O" as Danny "Dano" Williams (258 episodes, 1968-1979). He also was an early TV western star and famed actor in early TV studio dramas. http://www.mjq.net/fiveo/sounds/bookemdanno.wav |
Headlines---
Kit’s Salvation Army Kettle
Classified Ads---Asset Management
Operation Lease Fleece: Up-Date
Trigger Data Complaints
Classified ads---Help Wanted
New Hires---Promotions
Bank Beat
Top Stories---December 1-December 5
Alexa Leasing Web Site Ratings
"Oy Vey, Banks & Leasing!"
Cartoon—Two dogs
Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
“Late Notices”
Classified ads—Back Office
Feds charge $100MM Fraud SV ex-banker
Experts say Car sales flat until 2015
Geithner Seeks to Push FDIC’s Bair Out
Treasury says bank rescue a success so far
U.S. Bancorp Takes on BofA in Los Angeles
Shoulda Stuck with the plan, Hank
In String of Bad News/Omens Long Recession
News Briefs---
You May have Missed---
California Nuts Brief---
Sports Briefs---
"Gimme that Wine"
Today's Top Event in History
This Day in American History
SuDoku
Daily Puzzle
GasBuddy
Weather, USA or specific area
Traffic Live----
######## surrounding the article denotes it is a “press release”
 |
Please click here to go to |
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Classified Ads---Asset Management
| Dallas, TX 17 years experience evaluating/remarketing off lease equipment including IT, telecom, networking among other products. Extensive customer/vendor network in place. leasevalue@gmail.com |
| Massachusetts, MA Started in credit and collections 30 years ago with a private agency. My skills are negotiating with Attorney's, Insurance Companies & Large & small companies. cityofpa@earthlink.net | Resume |
| Seattle,WA--Pacific Northwest Results oriented CLP with 27 year background in all phases of Portfolio Management and underwriting. Contact for resume and references. dcjohnr@comcast.net |
United States |
For a full listing of all “job wanted” ads, please go to:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm
To place a free “job wanted” Leasing News ad:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm
ELFA Career Center: Job Seekers (free):
http://careers.elfaonline.org/search.cfm
--------------------------------------------------------------
Operation Lease Fleece: Up-Date
Hon. Cormac J. Carney, Former UCLA football star, and UCLA Football wide receiver Rose Bowl MVP.
November 7, 2007 the FBI investigation dubbed “Operation Lease Fleece” officially filed charges against 23 for their roles in a fraud scheme that allegedly caused more than $20 million in losses to several leasing companies and banks that believed they were financing equipment leases. First, that was the dollar amount at the time, as other defaults have brought new cases and charges. It appears there are more named since that date, as well as it now appears all 23 have pleaded guilty:
"The Defendant Mark P Castleman (1) pleads GUILTY to Count 1 (11/24, 2008) Sentencing set for 4/6/2009 09:00 AM before Judge Cormac J. Carney."
In addition, at this point all those originally named are scheduled for sentencing next year.
Several sentencing dates have been changed to 2009, indicating the investigation is on going and that there are more to either to be named or charged, or may have been named or charged, but the information not made public. Leasing News is seeking this public information, if it does not hinder the on going investigation.
Here are the recent sentencing date changes:
"Defendant Jeffrey Greenough: continuing Sentencing hearing to 3/16/2009 before Judge Cormac J. Carney.
"Defendant James H Breedlove. Sentencing continued to 3/30/2009 before Judge Cormac J. Carney.
"Defendant Anthony E. Watson: continuing Sentencing Hearing to 3/23/2009 11:00 AM before Judge Cormac J. Carney.
"Defendant Kirk A McMahan: continuing Sentencing Hearing to 4/6/2009 11:00 AM before Judge Cormac J. Carney.
"Defendant Leo J Najera: continuing Sentencing to 6/15/2009 09:00 AM before Judge Cormac J. Carney
"Defendant Les Spitzer: continuing Sentencing Hearing to 6/15/2009
"Defendant Lourey McComber before Judge Cormac J. Carney. Sentencing is now set for 3/16/2009 at 10:00 AM before Judge Cormac J. Carney."
All the rest have been scheduled for 2009.
Last Up-date (full story):
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/August%202008/08-27-08.htm#ops
 |
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Trigger Data Complaints
Leasing News received many emails about “joining together” and as one leasing broker commented, “What if the rest of the funders and brokers migrated to using other services that don't or wouldn't sell that data? If you hit Experian in the pocketbook then they would pay attention. The industry could police itself ethically if the acted in unison.”
All the reporting agencies sell data, many have leasing data they sell to other software companies who use their own facilities to cull and re-sell the data. It is a major industry. It has been going on for years with credit card solicitation from banks and all the credit companies, widely used in mortgages.
Do a Google search and you will see hundreds of companies in this vein. It is used by banks, financial institutions, and in the last year by many of the larger leasing companies. It is legal. The FTC has ruled
competition is good for the financial industry and approved the use of “Trigger Leads” in the legal format presented to them.
At this point, the National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers (NAELB) is the only leasing association contacted by Leasing News that has come up with a position on “Trigger Leads.” Whether the association will take any action against a member using this marketing technique is yet to be seen, and certainly must be from a complaint issued by a “NAELB” member.
None of the other leasing associations have taken a position so if anything is going to be done. Leasing News suggests NAELB members file a complaint from their personal experience with their association.
Kit Menkin, editor
(This ad is a “trade” for the writing of this column. Opinions
contained in the column are those of Mr. Scott Wheeler)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Leasing Industry Help Wanted
sales
 |
Regional Sales Manager Are you a sales professional with proven track record in the small ticket market? |
 |
Like selling vendor programs and large transactions? CLICK HERE to find out how to have fun again. |
Settlement Specialist
| |
Small ticket leasing company looking for someone to negotiate end lease settlements (renewals, FMV, etc.) and run the department. Report directly to the Director of Operations. Require 2+ yrs. experience minimum. Attractive Compensation $65k to $90k 1 st yr. + benefits. Please email resume to: |
Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees.
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New Hires---Promotions
Paul Knowlton, CLP, was appointed director of commercial finance, Clean Power Finance, San Francisco, California. He is the former president of BWC Equipment Leasing, Walnut Creek, California, which was sold to First Republic Bank of San Francisco, who exited the leasing business shortly after the acquisition. He is the president of the United Association of Equipment Leasing which will merge on January 1, 2008 with the Eastern Association of Equipment Lessors to become the National Equipment Finance Association. He resides in Oakland California with his wife and two daughters. He is also a “Duck,” having received his Finance Degree from the University of Oregon.
Ronald J. Uzzo hired as VP of Vendor Sales, Benchmark Financial Groups, LLC., in Aliso Viejo, California. He previously worked at Balboa Capital and prior to joining Balboa, was the Regional Manager for Sterling National Bank’s Vendor Division.
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Bank Beat
Bank of America said its shareholders approved the acquisition of Merrill Lynch. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that European Union competition authorities also approved the deal.
Press Release:
http://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=8309
Capital One Financial Corp., McLean, Virginia, TARP borrower of $3.6 billion, purchased Chevy Chase Bank, Bethesda, Maryland, for $445 million in cash and 2.56 million of its own shares become the biggest retail bank based in the Washington, D.C., region. The bank will take a $1.75 billion markdown for potential losses in the loan portfolio at closely held Chevy Chase, although also procuring $11 billion in deposit of Chevy Chase. Capital One's 739 current branches are mostly in New York, New Jersey, Louisiana and Texas. The transaction will generate a total of $225 million in expenses in 2009 and 2010, and is expected to close at the end of March, Capital One said. The combined bank will have more than $110 billion in deposits, managed loans of more than $159 billion and 983 branches.
Press Release:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=70667&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1232420&highlight=
Citigroup completed the sale of Citibank Privatkunden AG & Co. KGaA, its German retail banking operation, and certain of its affiliates, to Credit Mutuel for an all-cash consideration of €5.2 billion ($6.6 billion).
Press Release:
http://www.citigroup.com/citi/press/2008/081205a.htm
First Georgia Community Bank, Jackson, Georgia, was closed on Friday by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was named receiver. It is the 23rd U.S. bank seized this year, and the fourth in Georgia. To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with United Bank, Zebulon, Georgia, to assume all of the deposits of First Georgia Community Bank. The four branches of First Georgia Community Bank located in Jackson, Covington, Griffin and Locust Grove will reopen on Saturday as branches of United Bank. As of November 7, 2008, First Georgia Community Bank had total assets of $237.5 million and total deposits of $197.4 million. United Bank agreed to assume all the deposits for a .811 percent premium. In addition to assuming all of the failed bank's deposits, United Bank will purchase approximately $60.6 million of assets. The FDIC will retain the remaining assets for later disposition.
Press Release:
http://ofchq.snl.com/Cache/6CFFA305517077590.PDF?O=PDF&CachePath=\\dmzdoc1
\webcache%24\&Y=&T=&D=
Marlin Bank is one of the many industrial banks that switched to a commercial bank to take advantage of TARP, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. "Bob Majka, president of the Salt Lake City-based Marlin Bank, said that ILC's board of directors made the decision to switch to a commercial bank so the company could access federal bailout money and pursue additional opportunities in commercial leasing. "'Under the business plan we filed with the FDIC (in order to gain federal deposit insurance) we were fairly restricted in what we could do. As a commercial bank we will have a little more latitude to expand our operations,' he said."
Full Story:
http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_11149650?source=rss
Penseco Financial Services Corp., Scranton, Pennsylvania ($639.6 million) announced it will acquire Old Forge, Pennsylvania-based Old Forge Bank ($217.8 million) for approximately $58.0 million, or $103.76 per share. The transaction will increase Penseco Financial Services Corporation’s assets from $640 million at September 30, 2008 to approximately $860 million and increase its number of banking offices from 9 to 12 full-service banking locations located throughout four counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Press Release:
http://www.pennsecurity.com/IMAGES/pr120508.pdf
December 2008 List of Banks Examined for CRA Compliance
http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/community/monthly/2008/cradec08.html
Current list of failed banks:
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html
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Top Stories---December 1-December 5
Here are the top ten stories opened by readers:
(1) Balboa Capital Exits Broker Business Badly
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202008/12-01-08.htm#balboa
(2) IFC Credit latest to make cut backs
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202008/12-01-08.htm#ifc
(3) Direct Capital sales up 23%
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202008/12-03-08.htm#dc
(4) Leasing Brokers “hate” Direct Capital
Direct goes direct with vendors
by Christopher Menkin
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202008/12-05-08.htm#hate
(5) Popular Portfolio for sale, Van Etten says why
http://www.sbnonline.com/National/Article/15944/0/Even_keel.aspx?Category=182
(6) Truck lessors Look Out!!!
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202008/12-03-08.htm#truck
(7) Ponzi Scheme at Citi
http://www.nypost.com/seven/12042008/business/ponzi_scheme_at_citi_142511.htm
(8) Sales Makes it Happen----by Scott Wheeler
“Four Easy Steps… Improve Your Sales Volume
Immediately”
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202008/12-03-08.htm#sales
(9) Cartoon---Balboa Management Meeting
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202008/12-01-08.htm#toon
(10) Archives: December 5, 2001
Dominic Janney joins Marlin Leasing
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202008/12-05-08.htm#arch
Extra not counted for technical reasons:
Pentech ceases funding for two weeks
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202008/12-01-08a.htm
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Alexa Ranks Leasing Media Web Sites
|
Rank |
12/7/2008 |
11/7/2008 |
WEBSITE NAME |
|
| 1. |
195,507 |
187,434 |
www.leasingnews.org Leasing News | |
| 2. | 578,533 |
458,769 |
www.lessors.com eLessors Networking Association | |
|
3. |
761,728 |
648,117 |
www.monitordaily.com Monitor Daily | |
|
4. |
795,490 |
716,635 |
www.elfaonline.org Equipment Leasing and Fin. Association | |
| 5. | 860,256 |
689,258 |
www.cfa.com Commercial Finance Association | |
|
6. |
992,097 |
754,069 |
www.Worldleasingnews.com World Leasing News | |
|
7. |
1,010,361 |
993,132 |
www.naelb.org* National Assoc. of Equip Leasing Brokers | |
|
8. |
1,018,016 |
969,691 |
www.ibaa.org Ind Community Bankers of America | |
| 9. | 1,707,363 |
1,467,841 |
www.leasinglife.co.uk The Journal for Asset Finance | |
|
10. |
2,257,823 |
2,241,520 |
www.uael.org United Association of Equipment Leasing | |
| 11. | 3,872,417 |
3,683,698 |
www.aglf.org Assoc of Government Leasing Financing | |
| 12. | 4,021,251 |
4,549,074 |
www.executivecaliber.ws Exec Caliber-Jeffrey Taylor | |
| 13. | 5,036,553 |
2,911,915 |
www.iicl.org Institute of International Container Lessors | |
|
14. |
5,455,119 |
5,251,816 |
www.eael.org*Eastern Association of Equipment Leasing | |
|
15. |
5,523,705 |
4,736,900 |
www.leasefoundation.org Equip. Leasing & Fin Fndn | |
|
16. |
6,015,011 |
5,851,916 |
www.clpfoundation.org CLP Foundation | |
|
17. |
6,301,921 |
8,501,211 |
www.leasingnotes.com Leasing Notes | |
|
18. |
7,374,712 |
8,381,617 |
www.leasecollect.org Lean -Lease Enforcement Att Net | |
|
19. |
9,354,906 |
15,849,233 |
www.Leasingpress.com Leasing Press | |
| 20. | 12,154,298 |
9,775,199 |
www.nationalfunding.org The National Funding Assoc | |
| 21. | 16,931,709 |
No Data |
www.leaseassistant.org Lease Assistant |
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.
http://www.theleaseblog.com is a blog that exchanges emails and http://theleaseblog.ning.com is a “member only” blog that also exchanges emails and therefore are not included. Alexa ranked them 4,245,343 and 2,018,800.
EAEL.org and NAELB.org have “forums,” but are mainly web sites, although their rankings are influenced by those that utilize these features. January, 2009 the EAEL and UAEL web sites will be merged and then rated as NEFA.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Oy Vey, Banks & Leasing!"
by Izzy Finster
Kurtzman Leasing
First, don't be a Meshuggina: Selling is relationship. Telemarketing is not selling; it is telemarketing.
Also don't be a shlimazl, read that goyisher Shawn Halladay's "Banks and Leasing." (*)
What young Shawn was really saying was financing cash flows at some price will always be possible.
Let me point out, for it to be leasing not financing, though, someone has to step up.
In order:
Banks will start making normal loans again.
Profit on a quarterly basis will start to matter to banks again.
The lending business will get crowded again and margins will suck.
Banks will start looking for profit centers that are sensible.
Bank leasing companies will be restarted in the most surprising places.
The cycle of boom and bust returns to boom.
Independents start to get real backing again from banks.
... In my opinion that last part is 4 years away.
If you are a leasing company you need a) your own cash on hand or
b) customer deposit base (meaning bank deposits).
Otherwise:
ciao bella
- Banks and Leasing by Shawn Halladay, The Alta Group
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202008/12-01-08.htm#banks
 |
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Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
“Late Notices”
Many leasing companies have gone to ACH and are charging late fees when payments are not received on the due date. However, delinquent accounts still exist and notices need to be sent to inform the lessee of the lateness and the charges they may incur for being late. Many lenders continue to charge small late fees and lessor’s charged either 5% or 10% of the payment, depending on the payment size. In addition the grace period is disappearing and phone calls to the delinquent lessee is occurring much sooner.
A few years ago when I was managing a middle market leasing company, trying to squeeze out a little additional income, at a staff meeting, one of my employees stated that it was too bad we had to have a collection department because our good customers had to pay a higher rate to compensate for the collection cost on the past due accounts. That got us to thinking about how to have the lessees that were past due pay the full cost of their tardiness. When the comptroller and I added up the total cost of the collection activity and compared it to the late charges collected we were shocked that the late charges were not even close to the collection expense. So we began a discovery project to determine the actual cost of each letter, phone call, and lessee contact. Then we can up with a fee for each activity.
Our attorney required us to place into our lease agreement this phrase to give us the right to collect these additional fees:
Lessee shall pay to Lessor on demand (1) a late charge in the amount of the greater of (A) five percent (5 %) of the installment not paid when due, or (B) $ 10, plus, (2) interest on the installment not paid when due at an annual rate equal to six percent (6%) plus the Prime Rate from the date such installment was first due until such installment is actually paid, plus (3) Lessor's expenses (calculated by such methodology as Lessor may select from time to time) of advising Lessee of the nonpayment, arranging for the payment, and otherwise collecting the late payment (including, without limitation, Lessor's internal costs (such as allocable portions of employee expenses) of such collection efforts, and expenses for professionals (such as attorneys) whose advice or assistance is sought in connection with such late payments), all determined in accordance with Lessor’s usual and customary procedures from time to time in effect.
Then we created a late notice that reflected the collection costs at that point in time. I believe they would be much higher today with the need to phone the lessee more often and quicker. Here is the late notice we sent back then:
ABC LEASING CORPORATION, 1234 MAIN STREET, SOMEWHERE, ANY STATE 12345
(123) 444-5555
Dear lease customer:
This late payment notice is to inform your company of the late fees and collection fees your company will accrue if your payment is delinquent and collector intervention becomes necessary on your lease. Please remit your payment immediately and on time for the remainder of your lease to avoid these charges being billed to your account.
Phone contact $30.00
Leave Message $15.00
Late Fee-Fax $25.00
5% of your monthly payment if received after the 10 day grace period.
Collection letter $55.00
Information $15.00
Sincerely,
ABC Leasing Corp.
One of the questions raised in our staff meeting was how we were going to record and collect these fees. The answer to the first was that the collectors needed to record each call. This brought some speculation that that was a lot of work and many calls would not be recorded for a variety of excuses.
So I decided to make a revolutionary decision and created a commission of 25% for the collector on all collected fees with the exception of late fees. This solved both the recording problem and the collection problem. In the second year of the program 75% of the collection fees completely paid for the collection activity and an added bonus were that delinquency was cut in half. The collectors seem to work harder too!
Mr. Terry Winders, CLP, has been a teacher, consultant, expert witness for the leasing industry for thirty years and can be reached at leaseconsulting@msn.com or 502-327-8666.
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)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Classified ads—Back Office
Leasing Industry Outsourcing
(Providing Services and Products)
| Back Office: Atlanta, GA Let Tax Partners handle your sales and use tax compliance duties w/less risk and cost than in-house. Largest tax compliance firm in US E-mail:sales@taxpartners.com |
Backoffice: Dallas, TX Property Tax and sales and use tax administration services performance is guaranteed and we will save you time and money or our service is free. E-mail: info@osgsolutions.com |
| Back Office: Laughlin, NV 20 years experience on funder/broker sides. Looking for a relationship where I act as credit shop for smaller brokers when financial statements are involved. E-mail:batarista@laughlin.net |
Backoffice: New Rochelle, NY Proactive management/administration of commercial/consumer vehicle lease/finance portfolios covering insurance, titles, registrations, sales/property taxes, tickets, collections, accounting, vehicle disposition. Since 1975 E-mail: Barrett@BarrettCapital.com |
| Back Office: Northbrook, IL Our staff of CPA's and lease professionals can handle any or all portfolio responsibilities incl. portfolio mgmt, invoicing, sales/property/income tax, accounting, etc. 800-826-7070 E-mail: ngeary@ecsfinancial.com |
Back Office: San Rafael, CA We can run your back office from origination to final payoff. 30 years experience in commercial equipment lease and loan portfolio management. E-mail:gmartinez@phxa.com |
| Back Office - Portland, OR Keep more of your hard-earned commissions! Middle-Market, Small-Ticket for brokers, nationwide, 20+years experience, negotiable splits. Contact us for more information at (888)745-9481 or bev@alliedpacific.net |
Back Office -Portland |
| Back Office: National Property Tax Compliance Services to the leasing industry. Over 60-years experience and fifty Lessors as clients. References and free quotes available, (216) 658-5618, E-mail gary@avptc.com |
All "Outsourcing" Classified ads
(advertisers are both requested and responsible to keep their free ads up to date):
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Outsourcing/Outsourcing.htm
How to Post a free "Outsourcing" classified ad:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Outsourcing/Outsourcing-post.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------
News Briefs----
Feds charge $100MM Fraud Silicon Valley CA ex-banker
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11139232?source=most_viewed
Experts say Car sales flat until 2015
http://www.nypost.com/seven/12072008/business/expert__cars_flat_til_2015_143061.htm
Geithner Seeks to Push FDIC’s Bair Out After Clashes
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aeccssj92qFU&refer=politics
Treasury says bank rescue a success so far
http://www.reuters.com/article/ousivMolt/idUSTRE4B434620081205
U.S. Bancorp Takes on Bank of America in Los Angeles
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a4EubUHp9LvM&refer=us
Shoulda Stuck with the plan, Hank
http://www.nypost.com/seven/12072008/business/shoulda_stuck_with_plan__hank_143067.htm
In String of Bad News, Omens of a Long Recession
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/08/business/economy/08econ.html?ref=business
Chevy Chase Bank: Looking for B. Francis Saul II
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/washbizblog/2008/12/i_called_up_a_handful.html
Tribune Co. hires bankruptcy advisers
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-081207tribune-possible-bankruptcy,0,2155085.story
McClatchy puts Miami Herald up for sale
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20081207/ARTICLE/812070347/2055/NEWS?Title=
McClatchy_puts_Miami_Herald_up_for_sale
---------------------------------------------------------------
You May have Missed---
Ford's most advanced assembly plant operates in rural Brazil
(Coming to the USA? Or will bail out money be used for more off-shore facilities such as Ford?)
http://info.detnews.com/video/index.cfm?id=1189
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sports Briefs----
49ers dominate Jets
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/07/SPTG14JSSG.DTL
Steelers rally to stun Dallas Cowboys, 20-13
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/120808dnspocowlede.2f805f9.html
Oakland Raiders: Playing out the season
http://www.examiner.com/x-514-Oakland-Raiders-Examiner~y2008m12d7-Oakland-Raiders
-Playing-out-the-season
----------------------------------------------------------------
“Gimme that Wine”
Every day's a celebration at Domaine Chandon
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/05/WI4613VQN0.DTL
After Mondavi, is Andy Beckstoffer Napa Valley's new main man?
http://www.sthelenastar.com/articles/2008/12/04/news/local/doc493733b73e29c859718854.txt
Wine event: Chez Panisse Zin fest
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/04/WI9B14H1FJ.DTL
Europe's Changing Drinking Habits: More Beer, Less Wine
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122842679622780557.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Exquisite brandy one of Ukiah area's delights
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/28/TR04144602.DTL&type=travel
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
The London International Vintners Exchange (Liv-ex) is an electronic exchange for fine wine.
http://www.liv-ex.com/
----------------------------------------------------------------
Today's Top Event in History
1861-William “Billy “Durant birthday, almost forgotten by US history. He was a leading producer of carriages at Flint, Michigan; promoter of the Buick car; co founder of Chevrolet and founder, in 1908, of General Motors. He lost, regained and again lost control of GM, after which he founded Durant Motors, went bankrupt in the Great Depression, and operated a Flint bowling alley in his last working years. He died in New York, New York, 1947, basically a penniless man.
http://www.classiccar.com/articles/william_durant.asp
[headlines]
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This Day in American History
| 1776- George Washington's retreating army in the American Revolution crossed the Delaware River from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. 1850-The first college graduate who was African-American woman was Lucy Ann Stanton of Cleveland, OH, who graduated this day from Oberlin College, Oberlin OH, receiving the Bachelor of Literature degree. http://www.oberlin.edu/archive/holdings/finding/RG5/SG4/S3/graduates.html 1861-William “Billy “Durant birthday, almost forgotten by US history. He was a leading producer of carriages at Flint, Michigan; promoter of the Buick car; co founder of Chevrolet and founder, in 1908, of General Motors. He lost, regained and again lost control of GM, after which he founded Durant Motors, went bankrupt in the Great Depression, and operated a Flint bowling alley in his last working years. He died in New York, New York, 1947, basically a penniless man. http://www.classiccar.com/articles/william_durant.asp 1863- President Abraham Lincoln issued a" proclamation of amnesty and reconstruction," offering full pardon to all southerners who voluntarily took a "prescribed oath." When the Civil War was over, there was great political strife toward forgiving the South and various plans that Abraham Lincoln had in place were ignored, except for this proclamation, which also halted the hanging of Jefferson Davis as hatred was more popular at the time than coming together as one nation. Historian believe that if Abraham Lincoln were not assassinated, he would have changed the history of Southern reconstruction and would have united the nation with this action. President Lincoln issued another proclamation on March 26,1864. President Andrew Johnson issued supplemental proclamations on May 29,1865: September 7,1867; July 4,1868: and December 25,1868. 1879-Louisiana ratifies a new state constitution, also moving the state capital from New Orleans to Baton Rouge http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec08.html 1886-Birthday of Diego Rivera, Mexican painter whose murals became center of political controversy, born at Guanajuato, Mexico. Died in his studio at San Angel, near Mexico City, Nov 25, 1957. http://www.diegorivera.com/ http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/rivera_diego.html 1894-James Grover Thurber, American humorist and artist, long-time contributor to the New Yorker, born at Columbus, OH. Died at New York, NY, Nov 2, 1961. http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/thurber.htm http://home.earthlink.net/~ritter/thurber/index.html 1894-Popeye creator Elzie Crisler Segar was born at Chester, IL. Originally called Thimble Theater, the comic strip that came to be known as Popeye had the unusual format of a one-act play in cartoon form. Centered on the Oyl family, especially daughter Olive, the strip introduced a new central character in 1929. A one-eyed sailor with bulging muscles, Popeye became the strip's star attraction almost immediately. Popeye made it to the silver screen in animated form and in 1980 became a movie with Robin Williams playing the lead. Segar died Oct 13, 1938, at Santa Monica, CA. http://home.earthlink.net/~thimbletheatre/ecsegar.html 1912-Clarinetist Irving Fazola (Irving H. Prestopnik ) born, New Orleans, La. Died 29 March 1949. http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/fazola_irving/bio.jhtml http://www.centrohd.com/biogra/f2/irving_fazola_b.htm http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/artist/glance/-/ 195844/104-3191958-8595946 1913-Trumpeter-violinist Ray Nance born Chicago, Ill ( with Duke Ellington from 1940 to 1963). http://www.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,472065,00.html?artist=Ray+Nance http://trumpetjazz.netfirms.com/Artists/Ray_Nance.html http://www.theiceberg.com/artist/24957/ray_nance.html 1917 -a severe winter storm struck the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes. Buffalo, NY was buried under 25 inches of snow with wind gusts to 78 mph. 26 inches fell at Vevay, IN with drifts to 14 feet 1923-Norman Rockwell’s “Christmas,” one of his earliest covers for the Post when they were still in black and red, Norman Rockwell's 1923 Christmas cover for the magazine depicted a trio performing Christmas carols. In Rockwell's biography he reveals that not one of his three models had an iota of musical talent. http://posters.barnesandnoble.com/search/Product.asp?userid= 4Z1KKRMDX1&WRK=3346590 http://www.satevepost.org/ http://www.nrm.org/norman/ 1925-Birthday of Sammy Davis, Jr., born at New York, NY, Sammy Davis, Jr, was the son of vaudevillians and first appeared on the stage at the age of four. He made his first film appearance in Rufus Jones for President in 1931. He then joined the Will Mastin Trio. The popular song-and-dance team was popular on the night club circuit; as Davis matured, his singing, dancing and impersonations became the center of the act. Davis began performing on his own in the 1950s, headlining club engagements, appearing on television variety shows and making numerous records. His Broadway debut came in 1956 in the hit musical Mr. Wonderful, and in the late '50s and early '60s he starred in a number of films, including a series with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Davis died at Los Angeles, CA, May 16, 1990. Sammy Davis, Jr http://www.sammydavisjunior.com/ http://www.celebritystorm.com/bluesandjazzandfolk/pics/SammyDavisJr/ 1926-Guitarist Slim ( Eddie Lee Jones) born Greenwood, MS 1927-bassist George Tucker born Palatka ,FL http://www.mosaicrecords.com/DisplaySelectionDetail.asp?SelectionID=1002 http://www.bostonphoenix.com/archive/music/00/09/14/horace_parlan.html http://www.fantasyjazz.com/catalog/woods_j_cat.html 1932-bassist Bob Cranshaw born Evanston IL http://www.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,418363,00.html?artist=Bob+Cranshaw http://www.centrohd.com/biogra/c1/bob_cranshaw_b.htm 1937-composer Don Sebesky born Amboy, NJ http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/sebesky_don/bio.jhtml 1937-Birthday of James MacArthur ( “Book ‘em Danno.”) Los Angeles, California. http://www.jamesmacarthurfanclub.com/biography.shtml http://www.jmdigitalscrapbook.com/javaindex.html 1938 - The temperature at La Mesa, CA, soared to 108 degrees to set a U.S. record for the month of December. 1940—Birthday of David Carradine, “grasshopper,” born Hollywood, California. http://www.ieway.com/~ckbales/david.html http://www.davidcarradine.org/ 1940-The most lopsided victory: The Chicago Bears won the NFL championship by defeating the Washington Redskins, 73-0, the most one-sided victory in the league’s title game. Played at Griffith Stadium, Washington, DC, the Bears won the Ed Thorp Memorial Trophy. This game was also the first professional football championship game broadcast on radio. The Mutual Broadcasting System paid $25,000 for the rights to the game, which was broadcast by Walter Lanier “Red” Barber. 1941-Jimmy Dorsey band records, “Tangerine,” Decca 4123 1941-trumpet/flugelhorn player Franco Ambrosetti born Lugano Switzerland http://www.weinmanntours.ch/current/artists/franco_ambrosetti/franco_ambrosetti.html http://www.enjarecords.com/FRANCO_AMBROSETTI.htm http://www.inderbinen.com/franco.htm http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/ambrosetti_franco/bio.jhtml 1941- America's Pacific fleet lay in ruins at Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt requests, and receives, a declaration of war against Japan. Leaning heavily on the arm of his son James, a Marine captain, FDR walked haltingly into the House of Representatives at noon to request a declaration of war from the House and address the nation via radio. "Yesterday," the president proclaimed, "December 7, 1941-a date which will live in infamy-the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory." Roosevelt's 10-minute speech, ending with an oath-"So help us God"-was greeted in the House by thunderous applause and stamping of feet. Within one hour, the president had his declaration of war, with only one dissenting vote, from a pacifist in the House. FDR signed the declaration at 4:10 p.m., wearing a black armband to symbolize mourning for those lost at Pearl Harbor. On both coasts, civilian defense groups were mobilized. In New York, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia ordered the rounding up of Japanese nationals, who were transported to Ellis Island and held in custody indefinitely. In California, antiaircraft batteries were set up on Long Beach and the Hollywood Hills. Reports on supposed spy activity on the part of Japanese Americans began pouring into Washington, even as Japanese Americans paid for space in newspapers to declare unreservedly their loyalty to the United States. War is also declared upon Japan by British, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the Free French, several South American countries. China declares war upon Germany, Italy and Japan. The latter is a formal declaration only as a de facto state of war has existed between China and Japan for 7 years. Montanan Jeanette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress and a dedicated lifelong pacifist, casts the sole Congressional vote against the U.S. declaration of war on Japan. 1941 - Japanese troops occupy the city of Shanghai and capture a small US garrison in the foreign section. 1941- A US tanker was shelled by a Japanese submarine off Cape Mendocino. During this time period oil fields were fired on as well as small submarines landing, balloon bombs in Oregon, more likely more a "fear" tactic, but it worked as it worked, resulting in many defense projects for landings by Japanese, as well as the inturnment of American citizens of Japanese descent. 1941 - USS Wake (PR-3), a river gunboat moored at Shanghai, is only U.S. vessel to surrender during World War II. 1941- The Japanese attack begins with the capture of Bataan Island and the creation of an airstrip for plane refueling. Japanese invasion troops leave Paulau for the Philippines. The main attack begins with massive air bombardment which reduces the American defenses to 17 B-17's and less than 40 fighters. Most of the planes are destroyed on the ground. American General Douglas MacArthur has under his command 130,000 troops (20,000 Americans). His plan to defend the island becomes nonviable after the destruction of the main portion of the his air force and the losses at Pearl Harbor.1941- Fears of offending American public opinion by violating Thailand's neutrality have prevented the British from preparing defenses in Thailand and difficulties with Thai border guards prevent a quick response to the Japanese landings further north. 1941 - Japanese aircraft attacked Wake Island within hours of the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor. Marines of the 1st Defense Battalion and Marine Fighting Squadron 211 resisted Japanese invasion attempts for over two weeks before finally succumbing to an overwhelming force. A small Japanese landing force leaves Kwajalein escorted by a cruiser and two destroyers. 1941- Japanese General Yamashita began his attack against the British army at Singapore. General Tomoyuki Yamashita earned the name “Tiger of Malaya” for his masterful capture of Singapore and the whole Malay Peninsula from the British, who had a superior number of troops. Yamashita’s forces landed on the northern Malay Peninsula and southern Thailand on December 8, 1941, and moved rapidly southward toward Singapore, which surrendered on February 15, 1942. The peninsula and Singapore remained under Japanese control throughout the war. Later in the war, while defending the Philippines from Gen. MacArthur‘s return, Yamashita's troops wantonly slaughtered more than 100,000 Filipinos in Manila. He was later tried and executed for war crimes. 1942 - Eight PT boats (PT 36, PT 37, PT 40, PT 43, PT 44, PT 48, PT 59, and PT 109) turn back 8 Japanese destroyers attempting to reinforce Japanese forces on Guadalcanal.1943- U.S. carriers sank two cruisers and down 72 planes in the Marshall Islands. 1943-Birthday of James Morrison, Singer, songwriter, known as "The Lizard King," lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison is considered to be one of the fathers of contemporary rock. Born at Melbourne, FL, and died at Paris, France, July 3, 1971. http://www.americanlegends.com/morrison/ http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/morrison.htm http://www.thedoors.com/band/jim/?fa=home 1944- An American naval force, commanded by Admiral Smith and consisting of 3 heavy cruisers and a destroyer escort, bombarded Iwo Jima. 1944 - On Leyte, the US 77th Division advances from its beachhead to within 1 mile of Ormoc. Attacks by the Japanese 26th Division, near Buri, are repulsed by other US forces. 1945 - The Toyota Motor Company received permission from the occupation government to start production of buses and trucks--vehicles necessary to keep Japan running. After World War II ended with Japan's surrender on September 3, 1945, Japan remained under Allied occupation ruled by an occupation government. Its war industries were shut down completely. This was the first rumble of the postwar auto industry in Japan. 1945---Top Hits It’s Been a Long, Long Time - The Harry James Orchestra (vocal: Kitty Kallen) That’s for Me - Dick Haymes It Might as Well Be Spring - The Sammy Kaye Orchestra (vocal: Billy Williams) It’s Been So Long Darling - Ernest Tubb 1946-The first snow-melting apparatus using pipes embedded in the sidewalk was test by Best and Company, a department store in New York City, which installed a system of 15 coils comprising 4,530 feet of pipe. A solution of about 67 percent water and 33 percent antifreeze by volume was circulated as protection against freezing temperatures as low as five degrees below zero. The system was put into full operation during a blizzard on December 26. 1949- As they steadily lose ground to the communist forces of Mao Zedong, Chinese Nationalist leaders depart for the island of Taiwan, where they establish their new capital. Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek left for the island the following day. This action marked the beginning of the "two Chinas" scenario that left mainland China under communist control and vexed U.S. diplomacy for the next 30 years. 1950-Ralph J Bunche becomes the first Black person awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. http://www.michmarkers.com/startup.asp?startpage=S0363.htm http://www.nobelprizes.com/nobel/peace/1950a.html http://www.ralphbunche.com/ http://www.pbs.org/ralphbunche/ 1953---Top Hits Rags to Riches - Tony Bennett Many Times - Eddie Fisher Vaya Con Dios - Les Paul & Mary Ford There Stands the Glass - Webb Pierce 1953 - Los Angeles, California became the third largest city in the United States, edging out Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the distinction in a special census. Today Los Angeles is the second largest United States' city, and the 16th most populated city in the world. 1953-Singer Diane Schuur born Seattle, WA http://www.arizonamusicscene.com/bios/bio_dianeschuur.htm http://www.dianeschuurfanclub.com/bio.html http://www.delafont.com/music_acts/Diane-Schuur.htm http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id= 831749&sourceid=1500000000000000294900 1956-"Singing The Blues" by Guy Mitchell tops the Billboard chart for the first of an eleven week stay. Marty Robbins' version of the same song was released simultaneously and peaked at number 17. 1958-"The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville and the Chipmunks entered the Billboard Top 40 chart on its way to a four week stint at #1. 1959-The first movie with scent was “Behind the Great Wall, “ a travelogue of modern China, presented at the De Mille Theatre, New York City. The film depicted a tiger hunt, fishing with cormorants, a May Day parade in Beijing and other scenes. The scent was forced through ceiling vents by the Aromarama process. http://www.tvguide.com/movies/database/showmovie.asp?MI=19386 1959 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Heartaches by the Number," Guy Mitchell. 1961-The Supremes begin recording their third single, the Smokey Robinson penned "Your Heart Belongs To Me", which will become the group's first Billboard charting record, peaking at #95. 1961-The Beach Boys first recording, "Surfin'", is released on Candis Records, a small L-A based company. The song was written by Brian Wilson and his cousin Mike Love and recorded with Brian's brothers, Carl and Dennis and their friend Alan Jardine. Carl played acoustic guitar, Al played double bass and Brian kept time on a garbage can. 1961---Top Hits Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes Goodbye Cruel World - James Darren The Twist - Chubby Checker Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean 1961 - "Surfin’", the Beach Boys' first record, was released on Candix Records, becoming a local hit in Los Angeles, California, but only making it to #75 nationally in the Untied States. The surfing music craze wouldn't sweep across America for another year. By the time "Surfin’ Safari" hit Top 40, in September 1962, the Beach Boys were riding a wave of popularity. 1962 - International Typographical Union's striking workers closed nine New York City newspapers. The strike lasted 114 days, before it ended on April 1, 1963, affecting a total of 5,700,000 readers. The loss of coverage made people turn on radio and television. The San Francisco Chronicle basically just closed this department as they announced all typeset is now digital, not with film or negatives that made print. Hot lead typesetting, linotype, went out in the early 1960’s. 1963 - Frank Sinatra, Jr., 19-year-old son of singer Frank Sinatra, was kidnapped on from a hotel in Lake Tahoe, California. Three days later he was released, unharmed, after his father paid a $240,000 ransom. Most of the money was later recovered and the three kidnappers were arrested and given long prison terms. http://www.alibi.com/alibi/1999-12-09/skeleton.html http://www.geocities.com/surfinagain/arch08-1.html 1963 - Lightning caused the crash of a jet airliner killing 81 persons at Elkton, MD 1964-Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Dr Martin Luther King Jr, http://www.almaz.com/nobel/peace/MLK-nobel.html 1965 - On Broadway, Humphrey Bogart’s wife, Lauren Bacall, opened in "Cactus Flower", also starring Barry Nelson. The production ran for 1,234 performances, and was awarded Best Play honors. 1967-Traffic's "Mr. Fantasty" LP is released. 1968---TAYLOR, KARL G., SR. Medal of Honor Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company 1, 3d Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 8 December 1968. Entered service at: Baltimore, Md. Born: 14 July 1939, Laurel, Md. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving at night as a company gunnery sergeant during Operation MEADE RIVER. Informed that the commander of the lead platoon had been mortally wounded when his unit was pinned down by a heavy volume of enemy fire, S/Sgt. Taylor along with another marine, crawled forward to the beleaguered unit through a hail of hostile fire, shouted encouragement and instructions to the men, and deployed them to covered positions. With his companion, he then repeatedly maneuvered across an open area to rescue those marines who were too seriously wounded to move by themselves. Upon learning that there were still other seriously wounded men Lying in another open area, in proximity to an enemy machinegun position, S/Sgt. Taylor, accompanied by 4 comrades, led his men forward across the fire-swept terrain in an attempt to rescue the marines. When his group was halted by devastating fire, he directed his companions to return to the company command post; whereupon he took his grenade launcher and in full view of the enemy, charged across the open rice paddy toward the machinegun position, firing his weapon as he ran. Although wounded several times, he succeeded in reaching the machinegun bunker and silencing the fire from that sector, moments before he was mortally wounded. Directly instrumental in saving the lives of several of his fellow marines, S/Sgt. Taylor, by his indomitable courage, inspiring leadership, and selfless dedication, upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service. 1969---Top Hits Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye - Steam Leaving on a Jet Plane - Peter, Paul & Mary Down on the Corner/Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival Okie from Muskogee - Merle Haggard 1977---Top Hits You Light Up My Life - Debby Boone Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue - Crystal Gayle How Deep is Your Love - Bee Gees Here You Come Again - Dolly Parton 1980 - Former Beatle John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, arrived at New York's Dakota, the apartment house in which they lived, after an early-evening recording session. As they walked through the apartment gates, a lone gunman stopped and fired five bullets into Lennon, killing him almost instantly. The gunman, a crazed fan named Mark David Chapman, did not attempt to escape and was immediately apprehended. Lennon's untimely death set off a week of worldwide mourning, and the murder was considered to be the most shocking in the history of rock music. 1980-Pat Benatar receives a platinum record for her debut album, "In the Heat of the Night." The former waitress and bank teller was discovered late one night at the Catch a Rising Star club in New York. Her album made it to the Top Ten and the follow up, "Crimes of Passion," will go to #2. 1985---Top Hits Broken Wings - Mr. Mister Never - Heart Say You, Say Me - Lionel Richie I Don’t Mind the Thorns (If You’re the Rose) - Lee Greenwood 1987-Ron Hextall of the Philadelphia Flyers became the first goalie in NHL history to shoot the puck into the opposing team’s net in a 5-2 victory over the Boston Bruins. 1987 - A cold front crossing the northwestern U.S. continued to produce high winds along the coast, and heavy snow blanketed parts of the western U.S. Snowfall totals in the mountains of western Nevada ranged up to 18 inches at Heavenly Valley, and near the Boreal Ski Resort, and winds at Reno NV gusted to 56 mph. Thunderstorms over southern Florida deluged the Florida Keys with up to five inches of rain. Strong winds, gusting to 48 mph at Gage OK, ushered wintry weather into the Central High Plains. Goodland KS, which one day earlier was 63 degrees, was blanketed with two inches of snow. 1988 - Santa Ana winds buffeted southern California, with gusts to 92 mph reported at Laguna Peak. The high winds unroofed buildings, and downed trees and power lines, igniting five major fires, and numerous smaller ones. Damage was estimated at 15 to 20 million dollars 1990 - Stevie B's "Because I Love You (The Postman Song)" reaches No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100, a position it holds for four weeks. Billboard ranks it the top song of 1990. 1991-The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ceased to exist, as the republics of Russia, Byelorussia and Ukraine signed an agreement at Minsk, Byelorussia, creating the Commonwealth of Independent States. The remaining republics, with the exception of Georgia, joined in the new Commonwealth as it began the slow and arduous process of removing the yoke of Communism and dealing with strong separatist and nationalistic movements within the various republics. Khrushchev was long buried as were many communist leaders who had threatened to “bury the U.S.” 1991-Kimberly Bergalis, the first patient believed to have contracted the AIDS virus from a health care professional, died at Fort Pierce, FL. It is theorized she was infected from her dentist while receiving dental care Her case sparked controversy over how the disease is transmitted and incited calls to ban infected health care professionals form the workplace. http://www.aegis.com/news/mh/1991/MH911212.html 1992-- Barry Bonds signs the richest contract in major league history. Bobby's son will make $43-million over the next six years with the Giants. 1993-President Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement which cut tariffs and eliminated other trade barriers between the US, Canada and Mexico. The Agreement went into effect Jan 1, 1994. 1994---Top Hits On Bended Knee- Boyz II Men Here Comes The Hotstepper (From "Ready To Wear")- Ini Kamoze Another Night- Real McCoy Always- Bon Jovi 1999---Top Hits Smooth- Santana Featuring Rob Thomas Back At One- Brian McKnight I Wanna Love You Forever- Jessica Simpson My Love Is Your Love- Whitney Houston |
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