Puget Sound Leasing/First Sound Bank--It's a Go!
by Christopher Menkin

In an exclusive interview with First Sound Bank Patrick M. Fahey, new chairman, president and chief executive officer, of First Sound Bank, he said Puget Sound Leasing is now aggressive in seeking new business from bank customers, business, and vendors, but at this time is not opening up its indirect broker operation.

What makes all this possible is a compromise regarding a post trial settlement on December 19, 2011 that was finalized December 30, 2011. The settlement centered on several million dollars in attorney fees reportedly due Louis Secord, Jr., and his brother Louis Secord by First Sound Bank who basically lost their case in Seattle, Washington. Technically the bank won $1,244,751 on the claim regarding "Asset Purchase Agreement,” but they lost in the "employment agreement," awarding $2,077,767, and the same with Richard Secord, awarding $1,484,767. According to the verdict, First Sound Bank owed the Secords $2,317,783 and the dispute was also over attorney fees.

The settlement: "FSB shall cause the Court to pay $1.5 million as directed by the Secord Parties or the Bankruptcy Court (both Secords are in bankruptcy. editor) from the funds deposited by FSB with the Court in the Lawsuit. The $1.5 million shall constitute payment for all amounts due to Secord Parties on the Judgment and settlement of the claims by the Secord Parties for wrongful attachment and attorneys' fees." (1)

The settlement reduces the charge taken by the Bank in the third quarter of 2011 by over $800 thousand, improving all of First Sound Bank's capital ratios.

Fahley told Leasing News the bank had been "hunkered down" due to the law suit, he had been called in a year before as a "consultant" and now that it was settled, they would get aggressive.

Fahey, who has a 40-year career in local community banking, is best known as the founder and CEO of Pacific Northwest Bank, which ultimately became the largest chartered commercial bank in the Northwest with 58 branches before it was acquired by Wells Fargo Bank after several offers, the last one the shareholders could not refuse, he told Leasing News. Reportedly he has more recently been retained to assist banks that have been negatively impacted by the current economic downturn. It may also have been a deciding factor why the FDIC had not taken action with the Tier Risk Capital ratio went so low.

Upon accepting his appointment, Fahey said, "I believe First Sound Bank has the staff and resources to continue recovering from its past difficulties." He then added, "Since the majority of my career has been in local community banking, I am strongly committed to supporting the Bank's focus on serving the needs of small- to medium-sized businesses—and their owners and employees—with superb service and responsiveness."

He certainly has the experience and energy to both turn First Sound Bank around as well as Puget Sound Leasing.

 

(1) Compromise:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/FirstSoundBankCompromise.pdf

Previous Stories:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/puget.html

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Classified Ads---Controller

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

Chicago, IL experienced in lease accounting, operations, management, and Sarbanes-Oxley. Seeking position with equipment lessor. Would consider contract assignments or relocating.  Email: leasecontroller@comcast.net

Southeastern, MI Controller & Management experience w/ equip lessors &broker. MBA, CPA w/ extensive accounting, management, securitization experience with public and private companies. Willing to relocate.  Email: Leasebusiness@aol.com

Southern CA 20 years exp. as hands-on leasing CFO, managing accounting, treasury, FP&A, including securitizations, Great Plains/FRx, budgets, risk management.  MBA.  Also available as interim Controller/CFO, consultant.  Email: leasecfo@gmail.com

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

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Q4 Equipment Leasing/Finance Employment Drops

(ZRG Chart)

ZRG Partners, global authority on talent management issues within the equipment finance and leasing markets, reports the hiring index dropped to the lowest level in five quarters, ending the year at 331.

(ZRG Chart)

The decline in demand accelerated at year end, with steady decreases posted each month.

Kenneth Vancini, Managing Partner, out of the Boston, Massachusetts office, asks "Where will January go for the industry?

The report notes:

"Q1 has traditionally been a bounce back period for hiring in this sector. The bigger question is around the reason for the decrease. Is the decline in Q4 due to the global economic questions that seem to be stunting optimism for headcount growth? Did companies fill open roles posted in Q3 and are now pausing before restarting the hiring engines this calendar year?

"According to CareerBuilder's annual job forecast, in the general markets, employers expect to add new jobs in the New Year, but are waiting to see how the economy shapes up before turning up the volume on hiring. Nearly one in four hiring managers plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in 2012, similar to 2011 according to the CareerBuilder Survey. The wait and see attitude about this year could play out in the leasing and finance markets as well."

Total Number of Employees (Year Over Year Comparison)
click to make larger
(ELFA Chart)

The above comes from the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association MLFI Monthly Leasing for November. Business was up in November, according to the survey (see below).

(Chart: Leasing News)

What might be happening is the new trend, as noted in the story of First American Equipment Finance, where its CEO William "Bill" Verhelle, began consolidating his offices to his Fairport, New York office; however, at the same time planned to add more employees in 2012 with his company’s approach that has been bringing them success.

William “Bill” Verhelle, CEO

"It is a model centralized effort," he told Leasing News. "We have direct access to a virtual marketplace with Cisco's Digital Signage system in all our offices, as well as Cisco's Show and Share video training system (to complement and expand the capabilities of our existing Tandberg HD videoconferencing systems)

"In the past, most have followed branch banking, opening an office, expensing representatives to expand business to the office. This then moved to representatives working out of their homes, as if it were a branch office.

“We have taken a different approach, selecting who we want to do business with, profiling, specifically working with them, using state-of-the-art equipment and software, thus lowering our costs and passing this on to our customers. This creates more business for us, increasing not only our performance, but our portfolio quality."

First American Equipment Finance has completed its move to a 33,000 square foot facility, which Verhelle calls a "state-of-the-art" office. He is expected to hire at least twenty more employees this year to fulfill the company’s goal.

Full ZRG Report:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/ZRG_Fourth_Quarter.pdf

Comprehensive personal property tax outsourcing services We accept file exports and integrate personal property tax information with all lease management or accounting software. No other firm offers the combination of individual attention, software capabilities expertise, "full disclosure" and web port accessibility to information more than we do. Click here to learn what our clients say about our service Gary DiLillo, President 440.871.0555 or gary@avptc.com

Senior Accountant, New York City, New York

Join a NYC based Commercial Finance Subsidiary of a publicly-held Bank as Senior Accountant. The Company is growing rapidly, is successful and has a dynamic, exciting culture. As a member of the finance team you will be report to the Vice President – Finance. We require a candidate to have a minimum of five years accounting experience, preferably in the accounting department of a bank or a finance company. CPA certification preferred. We offer a competitive salary, bonus and benefit package. Send all resumes in confidence to: financecompanyhr@gmail.com

Full Job Description:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Hwanted/SeniorAccountantEF.doc

 

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

 

New Hires---Promotions

 

Robert Davies hired at Fifth Third Bank, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; assumes responsibilities for equipment leasing and equipment finance activities for corporate banking clients in western Pennsylvania.

Mike Kelly joins Univest Capital, Greater Philadelphia area, as Business Development Manager. Prior he was an independent lease broker, First Choice Finance (December, 2009-June, 2011), Senior Business Development Officer, Popular Equipment Finance (November, 2004-January, 2010), Business Development Officer, Summit Funding Group, Senior Business Development Officer, Summit Vendor Finance, Vice-President, CitiCapital (1993-2004). University of Pennsylvania - Wharton School of Business Bachelors Degree, Business Administration (1982-1983). Peirce Junior College AS, Business Management (1979 – 1982) Pierce Junior College Associates Degree, Business Management (1982) http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mike-kelly/10/aaa/6ab

Scott Kuhn has joined Green Campus Partners, Edison, New Jersey, as vice-president of business development. Previously he was principal with R2E Partners, LLC (November, 21008-December, 2011), Principal/Director of Business Development, Energy Capital Investments (January, 2008-October, 2008), National Sales Director, National City Energy Capital (January, 2004-December, 2007), Western Regional Sales Director, Information Leasing corporation (January, 1997-December, 2003), Western Regional Sales, Winthrop Resources (April, 1992-November, 1996), Territory Sales Representative, Oliver-Allen Corporation (October, 1987-April, 1992).University of Minnesota-Twin Cities BA (1979 – 1984). DSRHS
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jscottkuhn

Robert Levitsky promoted to Senior Vice President of Credit and Risk Management, CoActiv Capital Partners, Horsham, Pennsylvania. He joined the firm September, 2009. Prior he was vice-president risk management, and prior Vice President of Workouts and Restructures with CoActiv. Prior he was vice president risk management, Siemens Financial Services (November, 2002-June, 2009), Vice President at Fleet Capital Leasing and The CIT Group/Equipment Financing, Inc. Temple University.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bob-levitsky/13/b43/994

http://leasingnews.org/photos/Marchese_Federico.jpg

Federico Marchese, Italy County Manager, “...opening an office in Milan, Italy, CSI Lifecycle Services Italia Srl. CSI) for CSI Leasing, St. Louis, Missouri). CSI now has a global network of 24 subsidiaries leasing in more than 36 countries. Federico Marchese has been appointed country manager and brings 11 years of leasing experience to CSI." Previously he was business partner manager, ECONOCOM International Italia SpA (2007--October, 2011), IT Market business manager Siemens Finanziaria Spa (February, 2006-October, 2007), Sales, CIT Group, Italy (May, 2000-February, 2006). Università degli Studi di Milano Laurea in legge, indirizzo forense, GIURISPRUDENZA (1990 – 1999) Activities and Societies: At the beginning, Adviser of A.S.G. ( Associazione Studenti Giurisprudenza - Law’s Students Association) then vice-president ad interim during 1995. Called by a barrister (Avvocato Toffoloni ), from 1997, to the meetings of the Council of A.L.GIUS. (Associazione Laureati Giurisprudenza – Law’s Graduated Association) directed by Prof. Jaeger Istituto Leone XIII diploma di maturità classica (1986 – 1990).
http://it.linkedin.com/pub/federico-maria-marchese/7/b35/b94

Mike Power appointed General Counsel at United Capital Business Lending, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland area. Previously he was president, Michael J. Powers, PC/Baseball Agent (January, 1989-Present), General Counsel, SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing (1997-December, 2011).University of Baltimore School of Law Juris Doctor, Law (1984 – 1988) Loyola College in Maryland Bachelor of Arts, Political Science (1978 – 1980)
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mike-powers/b/9ba/535

Jennifer Schlosser promoted to Officer / Documentation Specialist / Commercial-Fleet Leasing at SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing Corp, Baltimore, Maryland area. Previously she was Documentation Specialist / Small Ticket Leasing SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing Corp (January, 2006-December, 2011), SAP Coordinator-Regulatory Services, McCormick (February, 2005-Janueary, 2006), Sales and Marketing/Communications Assistant, Future Health Corp. (July, 2004-January, 2005), store manger, Electronics Boutique (October, 2998-June, 2004) Administrative Assistant, Volunteer Services, St. Joseph Medical Center of Towson (July, 2000-Marhc, 2001), Help Desk Coordinator, Associated: Jewish Community Federal of Baltimore (April, 2000-Januayr, 2001), Accounts Receive clerk, Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore (October, 1999-April, 2000)Community College of Baltimore County, Towson University.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jennifer-schlosser/15/227/329

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

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

 

Leasing Industry Help Wanted

Carlsbad, California Vendor Account Manager - Strong background w/emphasis application-only marketplace - Commission Only and Results Oriented Sales Professional - Relationships in place to provide immediate opportunities - Vendor marketing and program development experience Documentation/Funding Coordinator Coordination of all documents with the Lessee and Vendor, Insurance, Vendors Invoices, Title Processing, and Equipment Deliveries. Experience with Vision and Salesforce.com -- big plus email- resumes@ilslease.com

 

Interviewing Leasing Professionals With Proven Track Record and Established Book of Business. Envision Provides: 1) Monthly Base Salary 2) Established Funding Sources 3) Fun Working Environment 4) Full Benefits (Health Insurance, 401k) 5) Aggressive Commission Structure. Resumes To: careers@envisioncapitalgroup.com Contact: Stephanie Cruz (949) 225-1740 Envision Capital Group is dedicated to providing the best in class products and service to our employees, customers, vendors and partners in the small and middle ticket commercial finance industry. With over 50 years of combined experience we have the knowledge, skills, abilities and relationships to help you reach your goals.

 

National Business Development Manager with minimum seven years experience and current book of business. Strategically located throughout US in various targeted industries. Click Here for more info. Western Equipment Finance, a subsidiary of Western State Bank established in 1901, solicits originations throughout the US and provides funding solutions for a wide range of industries

Senior Accountant NYC 5 Year accounting, prefer bank or finance experience. CPA preferred. Full description, please click here. Please send resume to: financecompanyhr@gmail.com www.easternfunding.com A Commercial Finance Subsidiary of a publicly held bank, growing rapidly, is successful and has a dynamic, exciting culture.

 

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.

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

BBB: Rating Leasing Companies

In the last three months, these are the changes to the list.
In order to make updates, this list will also be posted
with the other lists at: http://www.leasingnews.org/All_Lists.htm

Changes from September, 2011:

Lease Corporation of America from "A" to "A+"
Pawnee Leasing from "A-" to "A"
iFinancial Group from "B" to "A-"
LEAF Financial from "B-1" to "B"
Balboa Capital from "C+" to "B-"

Business Leasing NorthWest from "F" to "not rated"
(reports owner of company working elsewhere from
several creditors, not confirmed).

Definition of “Accredited,” according to Better Business Bureau.

“Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.

“To be accredited by BBB, a business must apply for accreditation and BBB must determine that the business meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses must pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.”

If you would like your company on the next list, updated every third month, please send email to: kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

A+

--Accredited—
21st Century Leasing, San Diego, California
http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/business-reviews/leasing-service/21st-century-leasing-in-san-diego-ca-10011418/

--Accredited---
Advantage Leasing Corporation
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
http://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/business-reviews/leasing-service/advantage-leasing-corporation-in-milwaukee-wi-1004216/

--Accredited--
Allegiant Partners, San Rafael, California
http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/leasing-service/allegiant-partners-incorporated-in-san-rafael-ca-46794

--Accredited--
Arvest Bank Leasing, Fayetteville, Arkansas
http://www.bbb.org/arkansas/business-reviews/banks/arvest-bank-in-sherwood-ar-5001142

--Accredited--
Axis Capital, Grand Island, Nebraska
http://www.bbb.org/nebraska/business-reviews/office-furniture-and-equipment-rental-and-leasing/axis-capital-in-grand-island-ne-104008575

Bankers Capital, Northborough, Massachusetts
http://www.bbb.org/central-western-massachusetts/business-reviews/financing/bankers-capital-in-northborough-ma-262264

BSB Leasing, Englewood, Colorado
http://www.bbb.org/denver/business-reviews/financial-services/b-s-b-leasinginc-in-englewood-co-26029

--Accredited--
Charter Capital, Scottsdale, Arizona
http://www.bbb.org/central-northern-western-arizona/business-reviews/leasing-service/charter-capital-in-scottsdale-az-89000861/

Chase Industries, Grand Rapids, Michigan
http://www.bbb.org/western-michigan/business-reviews/leasing-service/chase-industries-in-grand-rapids-mi-38115448

CSI Leasing, St. Louis, Missouri
http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/computers-dealers/cs-i-leasing-in-saint-louis-mo-110207320

De Lage Landen Financial Services, Incorporated, Wayne, Pennsylvania
http://www.bbb.org/washington-dc-eastern-pa/business-reviews/financing/de-lage-landen-financial-services-incorporated-in-wayne-pa-80012304/

Direct Capital, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
http://www.bbb.org/concord/business-reviews/financial-services/direct-capital-corporation-in-portsmouth-nh-3004519#

--Accredited--
Financial Pacific, Federal Way, Washington
http://www.bbb.org/western-washington/business-reviews/consumer-finance-and-loan/financial-pacific-leasing-in-federal-way-wa-22025327

--Accredited---
Five Point Capital, San Diego, California
http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/business-reviews/financing/five-point-capital-inc-in-san-diego-ca-20001011/

--Accredited---
Great America Leasing, Cedar Rapid, Iowa
http://www.bbb.org/iowa/business-reviews/financing/great-america-leasing-in-cedar-rapids-ia-20000104

Innovative Leasing Services, Inc Carlsbad, California
http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/business-reviews/leasing-service/innovative-lease-services-inc-in carlsbad-ca-10008827/

--Accredited---
Jules & Associates, Los Angeles, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Jules-and-Associates-Inc-92003291

---Accredited---
Key Equipment Finance aka KeyBank Headquarters Location
http://www.bbb.org/cleveland/business-reviews/banks/keybank-in-cleveland-oh-6747/

--Accredited---
Lease Corporation of America, Troy, Michigan
http://www.bbb.org/eastern-michigan/business-reviews/computers-software-and-services/lease-corporation-of-america-in-troy-mi-45000151/

---Accredited---
Mar Vista, Villa Park, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Mar-Vista-Financial-13158488

Orion First Financial, Gig Harbor, Washington
http://www.bbb.org/western-washington/business-reviews/consumer-finance-and-loan-companies/orion-first-financial-in-gig-harbor-wa-37003864

---Accredited---
Providence Capital Funding, Brea, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Providence-Capital-Funding-Inc-100085193

Radiance Capital, Tacoma, Washington
http://www.bbb.org/western-washington/business-reviews/office-furniture-and-equipment-rental-and-leasing/radiance-capital-in-tacoma-wa-22227403

Southern California Leasing Inc., Tustin, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Southern-California-Leasing-Incorporated-13135867

---Accredited---
Steelcase Financial Services, Grand Rapids, Michigan
http://www.bbb.org/western-michigan/business-reviews/office-furniture-and-equipment-wholesale-and-mfg/steelcase-in-grand-rapids-mi-14000824

---Accredited---
Strada Capital Corporation, Laguna Hills, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Strada-Capital-Corporation-100005606

Studebaker-Worthington Leasing Corp., Jericho, New York
http://www.bbb.org/NYC/business-reviews/financing/studebaker-worthington-leasing-corp-in-jericho-ny-21198/

---Accredited---
Summit Funding Group, Cincinnati, Ohio
http://www.bbb.org/cincinnati/business-reviews/financing/summit-funding-group-inc-in-cincinnati-oh-1206757/

TCF Equipment Finance, Minnetonka, Minnesota
http://www.bbb.org/minnesota/business-reviews/consumer-finance-and-loan-companies/tcf-equipment-finance-in-minnetonka-mn-96072521

TimePayment Corporation
http://www.bbb.org/boston/business-reviews/not-elsewhere-classified/timepayment-corporation-in-woburn-ma-117288/

United Leasing, Evansville, Indiana
http://www.bbb.org/evansville/business-reviews/auto-leasing-and-rental-companies/united-leasing-in-evansville-in-99475

 

A

---Accredited---
Ability Capital Solutions, Long Beach, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Ability-Capital-Solutions-100046803

---Accredited---
Alliance Funding Group, Orange, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Alliance-Funding-Group-Inc-13096486

---Accredited---
American Capital Group, Inc., Irvine, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/American-Capital-Group-13035961

--Accredited---
Cornerstone Medical & Technology Finance, Lees Summit, Missouri
http://www.bbb.org/kansas-city/business-reviews/financial-services/cornerstone-medical-and-technology-finance-in-lees-summit-mo-99153606

Mazuma Capital Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah
http://www.bbb.org/utah/business-reviews/contractor-equipment-and-supply-rental-and-leasing-companies/mazuma-capital-in-draper-ut-22214565

Pawnee Leasing, Fort Collins, Colorado
http://www.bbb.org/wyoming-and-northern-colorado/business-reviews/leasing-companies/pawnee-leasing-corporation-in-fort-collins-co-46006417

A-

Celtic Leasing, Irvine, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Celtic-Leasing-Corp-78000620

Enterprise Capital Partners dba Enterprise Leasing, Spokane, Washington
http://www.bbb.org/eastern-washington/business-reviews/investment-advisory-service/enterprising-capital-partners-in-spokane-wa-64002656/

--Accredited—
iFinancial Group, San Clemente, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/iFinancial-Group-13077753

---Accredited---
Marlin Leasing, Mount Laurel, New Jersey
http://www.bbb.org/new-jersey/business-reviews/business-consultants/marlin-leasing-in-mt-laurel-nj-80012102

---Accredited---
Navitas Lease Finance Corp., Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
http://www.bbb.org/north-east-florida/business-reviews/financial-services/navitas-lease-finance-corp-in-ponte-vedra-beach-fl-125716478/

Tristar Capital, Santa Ana, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Tri-Star-Capital-LLC- 13137212

B

LEAF Financial Corporation, Philadelphia, PA
http://www.bbb.org/washington-dc-eastern-pa/business-reviews/financial-services/leaf-financial-corporation-in-philadelphia-pa-55049028/

B-

Balboa Capital, Irvine, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Balboa-Capital-Corporation-13126386

Main Street Bank, Kingwood, Texas
http://www.bbb.org/houston/business-reviews/banks/main-street-bank-in-kingwood-tx-22011705/

Varilease Finance, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah
http://www.bbb.org/utah/business-reviews/credit-services/varilease-finance-in-salt-lake-city-ut-22165465

F

Barklay Capital, Inc., Costa Mesa, CA
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Barklay-Capital-Inc-100016455

Benchmark Financial Group, Aliso Viejo, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Benchmark-Financial-Groups-LLC-100045720

Business Leasing NorthWest, Seattle, California
http://www.bbb.org/western-washington/business-reviews/leasing-service/business-leasing-northwest-in-seattle-wa-22035387

Equilease Financial Service, Norwalk, Connecticut
http://www.bbb.org/connecticut/business-reviews/financial-services/equilease-financial-service-in-norwalk-ct-1003628

Susquehanna Commercial Finance, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
http://www.bbb.org/washington-dc-eastern-pa/business-reviews/financial-services/susquehanna-commercial-finance-in-pottstown-pa-140042240/

NOT Rated Any More:

ACC Capital, Midvale, Utah
http://www.bbb.org/utah/business-reviews/financial-services/acc-capital-in-midvale-ut-5002457

Closed, lenders running off portfolio residuals, according to Loni Lowder, president.

Atel Capital
http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/equipment-rentals-and-sales/atel-in-san-francisco-ca-76975

Business Leasing NorthWest, Seattle, California
http://www.bbb.org/western-washington/business-reviews/leasing-service/business-leasing-northwest-in-seattle-wa-22035387

Icon Capital Group, Harrison, New York
http://www.bbb.org/NYC/business-reviews/financing-consultants/icon-capital-corp-in-harrison-ny-27583/

Somerset Capital Group, Milford, Connecticut
http://www.bbb.org/connecticut/business-reviews/leasing-service/somerset-capital-group-in-bridgeport-ct-1001573
(This company was an A- in 2010. The site lists no complaints in the last 12 months or last three years. No explanation is given as to why it is “not rated.”)

Many banks and financial Institutions with leasing entities evidently do not have their leasing divisions separated from bank and financial institutions ratings. No rating was found on the leasing divisions.

Find your company's BBB listing by going to www.bbb.org and using your zip code first for the right division.

 

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

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

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

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

Consumers Remain Committed to Using Credit Cards

Washington, DC – According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) December online poll, consumers remain very connected to their credit cards. When asked to rank their 2012 financial resolutions, only six percent of more than 2,300 respondents indicated that decreasing dependence on credit cards was their number one goal.

“At first glance, that statistic could appear to be a warning sign of future trouble. However, credit is not the problem. Instead, it is the misuse of credit that leads people into financial distress,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the NFCC.

Balancing the continuing reliance upon credit, an encouraging statistic from the poll is that the overwhelming majority, 62 percent, selected decreasing debt as their focus for 2012. “If consumers are able to decrease their debt load, continuing to use credit responsibly will help them meet the goal selected by 24 percent of respondents, that of increasing their credit score,” continued Cunningham.

While decreasing debt is always a positive, consumers should not neglect savings, yet that is exactly what respondents appear to be doing. Only eight percent of those weighing in ranked saving as their most important resolution. Without the security of a well-funded emergency savings account, consumers are living without a financial safety net, as unplanned expenses will occur, usually at the worst possible time.

The poll also revealed some interesting trending from 2010 when the identical question was posed. Showing the largest percentage difference between the years, the 2010 poll noted 69 percent of respondents were most interested in decreasing debt, compared to 62 percent in 2011.

The second largest year-over-year difference involved improving the credit score, with that category posting a six percent increase. In 2010, 18 percent of consumers chose increasing their credit score as their main goal, while in 2011, 24 percent selected that category as most important in the New Year. This increase indicates that consumers understand the relationship between the credit score and obtaining credit, confirming their interest in continuing to have access to credit.

“The poll suggests that consumers have recognized the importance of achieving financial stability, and intend to action. Nonetheless, even though paying down debt and improving the credit score are positive steps, the low priority placed on savings is disturbing,” said Cunningham.

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

 

Bellevue, Washington -- Adopt-a-Dog

Name: Luigi
Breed: Terrier / Mix
Gender: Male
Size: Small
Age: 1 year, 3 months
ID #: 14006801

“Meet Luigi! Luigi is an energetic Terrier mix that can't wait to play with you. He's a bit shy at first, but once he gets to know you, he won't leave your side. Luigi is currently in a foster home getting the love and attention he needs. His foster parents tell us that Luigi does great with their resident cat and with the whole family. He's a very sweet boy looking for an adopter to boost his confidence and give him the love he deserves.

“For more information about how to meet Luigi please contact our adoption staff at (425) 649-7563.

“As with all our dogs, Luigi has been neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and behavior tested. He 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.

“Introduce to children over the age of 16. Introduce to dog-savvy cats.”

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.

VISIT Our Pets in Person
Seattle Humane Society
13212 SE Eastgate Way
Bellevue, Washington 98005-4408
425.641.0080

Adoption Hours
Sun - Mon - Tues - Wed: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thur - Fri - Sat: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

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/

Fernando's View
By Fernando F. Croc

Steven Spielberg serves up a remarkable double-bill at the box-office (“War Horse” and “The Adventures of Tintin”), while crowd-pleasing drama (“The Help”), robust sci-fi (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”) and rollicking animation (“Kung Fu Panda 2”) hit DVD releases.

In Theaters:

War Horse (Walt Disney Pictures): Steven Spielberg goes for Oscar gold with this sweeping, beautifully shot and highly emotional drama, which follows a noble steed as it passes from owner to owner during the 1910s. Joey, the thoroughbred horse of the title, forges a deep bond with a young English farm lad (Jeremy Irvine), but they're separated as World War I emerges on the horizon and a sensitive cavalry officer (Tom Hiddleston) buys the horse. From then on, the brutality of war and humanity's highs and lows are witnessed by Joey as German soldiers and French farmers take care of it, leading to a powerful reunion amid the explosions and barbed wire of the trenches. Spielberg fans will be reminded of his 1987 masterpiece "Empire of the Sun" by this stately epic, which embodies the director's faith in human emotion and the expressiveness of cinema.

The Adventures of Tintin (Paramount Pictures): The beloved French comic-book character comes to life in this magical family adventure, which completes Steven Spielberg's double-whammy of 2011 releases. Using cutting-edge, motion-capture animation technique to both recreate the textures from the classic panels and give them an uncanny, lifelike sense of 3D motion, the plot follows the inquisitive reporter Tintin (played by Jamie Bell) and his faithful pooch Snowy as they join grizzly sea captain Haddock (Andy Serkis) on a dangerous, globe-spanning journey to search for a priceless treasure left on the bottom of the ocean. Filled with narrow escapes and full-throttled chases that make most other live-action movies pale in comparison, this is a ripping yarn that showcases Spielberg's gift for of kinetic movement and heartfelt awe.

Netflix Tip: Though still fairly new, the motion-capture technique brilliantly displayed in "The Adventures of Tintin" has been put to memorable use in the recent past. So in preparation for the inventiveness of Steven Spielberg's film, check out these earlier experiments with Netflix: "The Polar Express" (2004), "Monster House" (2006), "Beowulf" (2007) and "Avatar" (2009).

On DVD:

The Help (Walt Disney Pictures): Already gathering talk of Oscar nominations, this adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s best-selling novel takes a look back at the human struggle during the Civil Rights movement. Set in Mississippi in the early 1960s, it centers on Skeeter (Emma Stone), a young society girl who, in hopes of becoming a writer, decides to compile interviews with the black women who work as maids for rich white families. The first to open up is Aibileen (Viola Davis), who, in the process of talking about her grueling past and painful present, gradually sets out to discard the chains of oppression. Exploring relevant topics of racism with humor and an exceptional cast that includes Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard and Sissy Spacek, director Tate Taylor creates a crowd-pleasing message movie.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (20th-Century Fox): One of the most unique science-fiction franchises gets an action-packed makeover in this rollicking reboot. Rather than remaking the 1968 original starring Charlton Heston, however, director Rupert Wyatt goes back to the story’s beginnings to envision the original battle between the species. The story kicks off as San Francisco scientist Will (James Franco) brings home a chimp named Caesar, who's been injected with an experimental, intelligence-enhancing drug. As Caesar grows smarter, it also grows angrier at the treatment witnessed at a research center for apes, and in no time plans are being hatched for a full simian rebellion. Can Will come between them, or are humans and apes headed for war? A brisk and punchy remake that manages to retain much of the original's sting.

Kung Fu Panda 2 (Paramount Pictures): An underrated mix of animated humor and martial-arts action, the original 2008 “Kung Fu Panda” is revisited in Jennifer Yuh Nelson’s lively sequel, shot in extra-bouncy 3D. Having made his dreams of becoming a mighty warrior come true in the first adventure, Po the Panda (voiced, once more, by Jack Black) finds his peace challenged by evil peacock Lord Shen (Gary Oldman), a new villain bent on taking over China with a secret weapon. It’s up to Po to dust off his kung-fu skills and, with a little help from his friends, race to the rescue. A feast of dazzling visuals and rollicking performances (other voices include Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu and Jackie Chan), the film is another animated triumph from DreamWorks.

 

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Classified ads— Operations/Remarketing/Repossessions

 

Leasing Industry Outsourcing
(Providing Services and Products)

Operations: Houston, TX Silverlake Inspections LLC is an independent contracting company for real estate and equipment verification with pictures.  Email: jimh05@sbcglobal.net	Operations: Portland , OR Portfolio Financial Servicing Company provides state of the art portfolio servicing for portfolios of all sizes. 800-547-4905 sales@pfsc.com
Operations: Roseburg, OR  Tired of paying a full time documentation person? Try outsourcing. Ideal for anywhere in the USA. E-mail or Call Trina Drury 541-673-4116 or 541-784-7973. email: doc_prep@yahoo.com	Repossessions: Southern California (except San Diego). Full service repossession agency. All vehicles, big rigs, boats, heavy equipment and machinery. Licensed and insured 818-786-7376. www.simonsrecovery.com. adam@simonsrecovery.com
Repossessions: Canada  Cease Bailiff Services Incorporated: Asset Investigation/Tracing; Asset Recoveries; Asset Protection/Security Asset Liquidations/Sales; Ottawa, Canada;www.ceasebailiff.ca dave@ceasebailiff.ca; Phone 613 898 7376 ; Fax 613 225 2452	Remarketing: Los Angeles, CA Video, Audio, Film, Computer, IT, Test, Presentation Equipment We pay cash / 3 million in buying power /Quick Quotes UBG 800-570-5224  jon@usedvideo.org
Repossession/Remarketing: Portsmouth, NH Six Sigma Processes. Unique Approach. Pride. Professionalism. Skip tracing, legal, storage, logistics. lowest cost, industry leading recovery rates/amounts. 855.EENGINE http://lendersolutions.equipmentengine.com
Repossession: South East US- AllState Asset Management  Recovery, remarketing, inspections. 25 years experience, dedicated to deliver, prompt, professional services.  Call Brian @ 704-671-2376 brian.buchanan@allstateassetmgmt.com	Repossessions: All kinds of vehicles, equipment and machinery. Anywhere in the United States. Anything, Anywhere, Professionally  800-755-1968  Rayc@american-locators.com
Repossessions/Remarketing Bulldog Asset Management provides recovery and remarketing services with a difference. Contingent repos, free storage and industry experts to remarket. Email:Jamie@bulldogasset.com www.bulldogasset.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

(Leasing News provides this ad “gratis” as a means
to help support the growth of Lease Police)

News Briefs----

Mortgage rates fall to another record low
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/news/mortgage-rates-fall-to-another-record-low.aspx?ic_id=Top_Financial News Center_link_1

Private companies added 325K jobs in Dec.
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2012/01/05/Private-companies-added-325K-jobs-in-Dec/UPI-59401325787518/

Judge culls Madoff feeder-fund investors
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2012/01/05/Judge-culls-Madoff-feeder-fund-investors/UPI-64261325800825

Pepsi CEO mulls layoffs, no 401(k) match to woo Street
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/pepsi_profit_play_FQl1SX5B6rZkwPdeudMCIP

Asian markets fall, Europe fears outweigh US data
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/Asian-markets-fall-Europe-fears-outweigh-US-data/articleshow/11384838.cms

Dead's Phil Lesh to open music venue at Seafood Peddler site in San Rafael, CA
http://www.marinij.com/rosskentfieldgreenbrae/ci_19673926

Tiger Woods Ex-Wife bulldozes $12 Million Florida Mansion
http://msn.foxsports.com/golf/story/tiger-woods-ex-wife-elin-nordegren-demolishes-mansion-010512/

----------------------------------------

 

SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

 

Forum: Staying Motivated
http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/messageboard_topics.asp?imboard=31

 

------------------------------------------

 

Sports Briefs----

Penn State Said to Hire Patriots Assistant
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/06/sports/ncaafootball/penn-state-interviews-patriots-assistant-bill-obrien.html?_r=1&ref=sports

Stanford reportedly lands Barry Sanders' son
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/05/SPUM1ML3U4.DTL

-----------------------------------------

 

Football Poems

“What the hell’s goin’ on out there?”…Vince Lombardi

“You are what your record says you are”…Bill Parcells

----------------------------------------

 

 

California Nuts Briefs---

Jerry Brown budget cuts $1 billion from California welfare
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/01/brown-budget-cuts-1-billion-from-welfare.html

Jerry Brown's budget eliminates 3,000 state jobs, axes agencies
http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/01/jerry-browns-budget-eliminates-15000-state-jobs.html

------------------------------------

“Gimme that Wine”

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

Eric Asimov: How the View from the Critic’s Perch Has Changed
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/dining/eric-asimov-reflects-on-his-brief-stint-as-interim-restaurant-critic.html?_r=1&ref=dining

Chicago Losing a Chef Who Refined Its Stockyards Palate
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/02/dining/charlie-trotter-is-closing-chicago-restaurant-in-august.html?ref=dining

Oregon Wine: Beyond Willamette
http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=news&content=95923
&htitle=Oregon%20Wine%3A%20Beyond%20Willamette&

Top wines of 2011
http://napavalleyregister.com/star/business/top-wines-of/article_067c4fc4-3731-11e1-ac02-001871e3ce6c.html

Wine country in the US expands with designated 'terroir' areas; Vineyards in Washington and Calif. want status
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/eats/wine-country-expands-designated-terroir-areas-vineyards-washington-calif-status-article-1.1001235?localLinksEnabled=false

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

        1782- The first commercial bank in the US, the Bank of North America, was opened at Philadelphia, PA. The bank was the brainchild of Robert Morris. Despite the bank's success, Philadelphia's run as America's leading home of private financial institutions was short-lived. Soon after the Bank of North America opened, the Pennsylvania legislature moved to outlaw private banks in the state, a decision that led scores of prospective bankers to set up shop in the nation's eventual financial center, New York City.
    1784-David Landreth established the first organized seed business in Philadelphia, PA. Previously, seeds had been imported from Europe or saved from each crop by individual farmers. The firm incorporate din 1904 as the D. Landreth Seed Company, later became a subsidiary of the Robert Buist company, founded in Philadelphia, in 1828.
    1789 - The first national presidential election in the United States was held.
George Washington Virginia No Party 69 85.2%
John Adams Massachusetts No Party 34 42.0%
John Jay New York No Party 9 11.1%
Robert Harrison Maryland No Party 6 7.4%
John Rutledge South Carolina No Party 6 7.4%
Other - - 14 17.3%
Electoral votes not cast - 24 29.6%
Note that prior to the ratification of Amendment XII to the Constitution in 1804, each Elector cast two votes for President (instead of one vote for President and one vote for Vice President). The candidate receiving the most votes became President and the candidate receiving the second most votes became Vice President. George Washington received one vote from each elector (that cast a ballot). The New York legislature failed to appoint its allotted 8 Electors in time. Two Electors from Maryland did not vote. One Elector from Virginia did not vote and one Elector was not chosen because an election district failed to submit returns.
    1800- Millard Fillmore birthday, 13th president of the US (July 10, 1850—Mar 3,1853). Fillmore succeeded to the presidency upon the death of Zachary Taylor, but he did not get the hoped-for nomination from his party in 1852. He ran for president in 1856 as candidate of the “Know-Nothing Party,” whose platform demanded, among other things, that every government employee (federal, state and local) should be a native-born citizen. Fillmore was born at Summerhill, NY, and died at Buffalo, NY, Mar 8,1874. Now his birthday is often used as an occasion for parties for which there is no other reason.
    1806 -- The Cherokee nation cede 7,000 square miles of land in Tennessee and Alabama.
    1824- the first boxing arena in America had its first fight between Tom Springs and Jack Langan, the Irish champion. The arena was specifically built for this site and had about 4,000 seats, plus room for 22,000 people to stand. Admission was 10 shillings ( $2.50), half o which went to the fighters. This was a lot of money in its day as average monthly earnings were $8 to $10 a month.
    1830- the first passenger board the first commercial transportation of passengers and freight, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. Tickets were 9 cents each, or three for 25 cents, for a ride from Pratt Street in Baltimore to the Carrolton Viaduct. At first, passengers rode primarily for the novel experience.1891, birthday of Zora Neal Hurston, born in Eatonville, Florida, the first incorporated black town in the United States. The dialects, customs, and folklore of the people of Eatonville and of rural Florida would continue to inform Hurston's work for the rest of her career. http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?amtoday:1:./temp/~ammem_dZif ::
    1861- Florida troops takeover Fort Marion at St Augustine. The Confederates take over many forts, until Union Troops invade Florida, taking back some of the forts, securing ports, to cut off trade with European. http://www.nps.gov/casa/ 
    1862- An advance guard of Confederates was defeated by about 2,000 Federals under Col. Dunning at Blue's Gap in Romney, West Virginia.
http://www.historichampshire.org/rom-cw.htm
http://members.aol.com/DWMellott/7wv.htm
http://www.romneywv.com/
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/096282187X/
inktomi-bkasin-20/104-3547695-1517507
    1864 -- Mary Kenney O'Sullivan (1864-1943), first American Federation of Labor (AFL) woman organizer, born, Hannibal, Missouri. A skilled bookbinder, she organized the Woman's Bookbinder Union in 1880 & a founder of the National Women's Trade Union League (WTUL) in 1903. 
http://womenshistory.about.com/library/bio/
blbio_osullivan_mary_kenney.htm 
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAWkenney.htm 
    1865 -- Near present-day San Angleo, 370 Texas militiamen attacked what was assumed to be an encampment of 1400 Comanche's (they were actually peaceful Kickapoo). This engagement, called the Battle of Dove Creek, was one of the last battles in Texas between Anglos & Native Americans. The militia lost 36 men, with 60 wounded; the Indians lost 11, with 61 wounded.
http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/DD/btd1.html
    1867 -- Emily Balch birthday. Co-founder of Women's International League for Peace & Freedom.
http://www.nobel.se/peace/laureates/1946/balch-bio.html 
http://college.antioch.edu/~iabrams/emilygreenebalch.html
    1873 - A blizzard raged across the Great Plains. Many pioneers, unprepared for the cold and snow, perished in southwest Minnesota and northwestern Iowa.
    1884 - The temperature dipped to one degree below zero at Atlanta, GA. It marked the final day of a severe arctic outbreak in the South and Midwest.
    1887 - In April 1884, Thomas Stevens started what would be the first completed worldwide bicycle trip. Stevens and his bike traveled 13,500 miles, to arrive back in San Francisco, California nearly three years later.
    1891-Birthday of Novelist, folklorist, dramatist, and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston , in Eatonville, Florida, the first incorporated black town in the United States.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/jan07.html
    1890-Birthday of African-American W. B. Purvis, inventor, patent holder of the fountain pen.
http://www.blackinventor.com/pages/wbpurvis.html
    1886 - a severe cold wave in the southern section of the country brought the worst freeze since 1835 in Florida.
    1894 - W.K. L. Dickson was given a patent for motion picture film. The 2 second demonstration was a 47-frame film showing a man sneezing.
http://www.biographcompany.com/dickson/ 
    1896 -- Fannie Farmer publishes her first cookbook
http://womenshistory.about.com/library/bio/blbiofarmerf.htm
    1901-Birthday of African-American writer Zora Neale Hurston, born Eatonville, Fla., was an all-black town. Although at the time of her death in 1960, Hurston had published more books than any other black woman in America, she was unable to capture a mainstream audience in her lifetime, and she died poor and alone in a welfare hotel. Today, she is seen as one of the most important black writers in American history. Unfortunately, near the end of her life she worked as a maid and died in poverty. In the 1970s, her work, almost forgotten, was revived by feminist and black-studies scholars, and an anthology, I Love Myself When I Am Laughing...And Then Again When I Am Looking Mean and Impressive, was published in 1979.
http://www-hsc.usc.edu/~gallaher/hurston/hurston.html
http://i.am/zora
http://www.nku.edu/~diesmanj/hurston.html
http://www.csustan.edu/english/reuben/pal/chap9/hurston.html
http://www.hurston-wright.org/
    1908—Birthday of trumpet player Henry “Red” Allen
http://www.libertyhall.com/red.html
http://www.redhotjazz.com/red.html
http://www.duke.edu/~ab2/index.html
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0826447449/
inktomi-bkasin-20/107-1403707-5271711
    1913- Tucson, AZ set its all time record low temperature with a frigid 0 degrees.
    1913- William M. Burton of Chicago, Il., received a patent for the “manufacture of gasoline.” He developed the thermal-cracking technique for refining oil. His method of treating the residue of the paraffin group of petroleum by distillation and condensation of the vapors was used by the Standard Oil Company of Indiana, to whom the patent was assigned. Died 1958.
http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/24.html
    1921-Birthday of Charles Loloma, a major influence on modern Native American art and was famous for changing the look of American Indian Jewelry. A painter, sculptor and potter, he was best known for his jewelry, which broke tradition with previous Indian styles using materials such as coral, fossilized ivory, pearls and diamonds. Loloma was born at Hotevilla on the Hoopi Indian Reservation and died June 9, 1991, at Scottsdale, AZ
http://www.faustgallery.com/loloma.htm
http://www.nativepubs.com/nativepubs/Apps/bios/
0430LolomaCharles.asp?pic=none
    1924 - George Gershwin completed the score for his classic Rhapsody in Blue. He was only 26 years old. Gershwin did not have an interest in music until his family bought him a piano when he was twelve. Nine years later he had his first hit, at age 21,"Swanee", with lyrics written by Irving Caesar
    1925-Drummer Sam Woodyard born, Elizabeth, NJ.
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers2/Sam_Woodyard.html
    1926 - George Burns and Gracie Allen were married by a Justice of the Peace in Cleveland, Ohio. They had been a comedy team for 4 years prior to getting married, and worked successfully for decades together in radio, film, and television until Allen's fatal heart attack in 1964. 1950 - In Nashville, Tennessee, Ernest Tubb made his first appearance at "The Grand Ole Opry". Ernest also did a daily 15-minute radio program that was very popular in West Texas. In fact, the show was so popular, Tubb bought the radio station that aired the program for years, KGKL in San Angelo, Texas.
    1927- the inauguration of the transatlantic commercial telephone service began when Walter Sherman Gifford, president of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, who was in New York, talked to sir George Evelyn Pemberton Murray, secretary of the British Post Office, who was in London. Thirty-one commercial calls were made the first day. The charge was $75 for a three minute conversation. The first private conversation was made by Adolph Simon Ochs, publisher of the New York Times, to Geoffrey Dawson, editor of the Times of London. The messages were transmitted from Rocky Point, NY.
    1927 -- Harlem Globetrotters, basketball team, make their debut.http://www.africana.com/Articles/tt_059.htm
http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/ 
    1935-Birthday of clarinet player Kenny Davern, Huntington, NY 
http://www.riverwalk.org/profiles/davern.htm
http://indigo.ie/~jazzirl/archives/davern.htm
http://users.bestweb.net/~msnyder/clarinet/davern.htm
    1931- The nation was mired in the depths of the Great Depression. On January 7, the Committee for Unemployment Relief, formed at President Hoover's command in October 1930, released a report that detailed the depths of the nation's woes. According to the committee, some 4 to 5 million Americans were unemployed. However, the Depression only continued to grow worse, which further swelled the unemployment rolls; by 1932, some 13 million Americans were without jobs. 1934 -Converted major league baseball player Billy Sunday, at age 72, began a two-week revival at Calvary Baptist Church in NY City. (Sunday was an evangelist from 1893 until his death in 1935. 
    1935 -- Emma Goldman talks to Jewish audiences -- the Temple Emanu-El adult school today, the second meeting arranged by Rabbi Harry Stern, & the women's branch of the Arbeiter Ring on Jan. 12 -- which are well received. anarchist feminist
    1938-Birthday of singer, pianist Paul Revere, born Harvard, NE.
    1939- The United States Trotting Association, the governing body for the sport of harness horse racing, was founded in Indianapolis, IN, at a meeting called by horseman Roland Harriman. The founding was actually a joining of several regional organizations resulting in uniform rules and regulations This unification spurred the growth of harness racing, now followed by nearly 25 millions fans in North America each year.
    1939 -- Tom Mooney, a labor activist wrongly convicted of murder in the San Francisco Preparedness Day bombing in July 1916, is freed after 22 1/2 years in jail on false charges, granted an unconditional pardon by Governor Culbert Olson.
See: Frame-up by Curt Gentry, © 1967, WW Norton, New York; Life of an Anarchist: The Alexander Berkman Reader , ed. Gene Fellner, Four Walls Eight Windows, New York: 1992. 
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~library/Library_Bulletin/
Nov1989/LB-N89-VClose2.html
    1940- Gene Autry's musical variety show premieres on CBS radio, where it will run for the next 16 years. Autry was born in Tioga, Texas, in 1907, the son of a livestock and horse trader who was also a Baptist minister. The family later moved to Oklahoma. In high school, Autry worked as a railway telegrapher at the local railroad depot, where he spent slow moments strumming his $8 guitar and singing. Passing through the depot one day, a stranger-who turned out to be Will Rogers-suggested that Autry try singing on the radio. Inspired, Autry traveled to New York City to look for a singing job but had no luck. Back home, he began working for a local radio station and found success as "Oklahoma's Yodeling Cowboy.” Eventually, Autry and railroad dispatcher Jim Long wrote several country songs, including the world's first gold record, "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine." Autry became a regular on Sears Roebuck's National Barn Dance, the forerunner of the Grand Ole Opry. In 1934, producer Nat Levine was looking for a guy who could sing, ride a horse, and act in western movies. Autry wasn't an actor but had already established a loyal radio audience, so Levine put him in numerous B-grade westerns. Playing the lead role in a long-running series of Saturday matinee films, Autry became "America's favorite cowboy." In 1940, his musical variety radio show, Gene Autry's Melody Ranch, debuted and took only one hiatus, when Autry joined the Army Air Corps after taking his oath on the air in 1942 (Roy Rogers took his place on the television show while he was gone). He became America's favorite TV cowboy in 1950 when he debuted The Gene Autry Show,which ran through 1956. In each episode, he and his sidekick, Pat Buttram, rode from town to town, maintaining law and order. From "Back in the Saddle Again" to yuletide mainstays such as "Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman," Autry's music has etched itself into Americana. The cowboy was also an entrepreneur; he owned hotels, gas stations, and the California Angels baseball team, among other ventures. He also owned a television production company and was proud of discovering "Annie Oakley" star Gail Davis, whom he had featured in dozens of his movies and television program episodes and who had performed in his traveling rodeo. Her appearances spun off into her own series, which Autry's company produced. Autry was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1969.
    1942- Paul Revere of Paul Revere and the Raiders birthday, born Harvard, Nebraska.
http://www.paulrevereraiders.com/history.html
http://www.history-of-rock.com/paul_revere_and_the_raiders.htm
    1944--SPECKER, JOE C. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 48th Engineer Combat Battalion. Place and date: At Mount Porchia, Italy, 7 January 1944. Entered service at: Odessa, Mo. Birth: Odessa, Mo. G.O. No.. 56, 12 July 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action involving actual conflict. On the night of 7 January 1944, Sgt. Specker, with his company, was advancing up the slope of Mount Porchia, Italy. He was sent forward on reconnaissance and on his return he reported to his company commander the fact that there was an enemy machinegun nest and several well-placed snipers directly in the path and awaiting the company. Sgt. Specker requested and was granted permission to place 1 of his machineguns in a position near the enemy machinegun. Voluntarily and alone he made his way up the mountain with a machinegun and a box of ammunition. He was observed by the enemy as he walked along and was severely wounded by the deadly fire directed at him. Though so seriously wounded that he was unable to walk, he continued to drag himself over the jagged edges of rock and rough terrain until he reached the position at which he desired to set up his machinegun. He set up the gun so well and fired so accurately that the enemy machine-gun nest was silenced and the remainder of the snipers forced to retire, enabling his platoon to obtain their objective. Sgt. Specker was found dead at his gun. His personal bravery, self-sacrifice, and determination were an inspiration to his officers and fellow soldiers.
    1945- Anthony Richard ( Tony) Conigliaro, Baseball player born at Revere, MA. Cnigiliaro led the American League in home runs in 1965 and was one of the most beloved Boston Red Sox players of his generation. He was beaned by jack Hamilton on August 18,1967, and after missing all of 1968, made a comeback. Died at Boston, Feb 24, 1990.
    1945---SHOUP, CURTIS F Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company I, 346th Infantry, 87th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Tillet, Belgium, 7 January 1945. Entered service at: Buffalo, N.Y. Birth: Napenoch, N.Y. G.0. No.: 60, 25 July 1945. Citation: On 7 January 1945, near Tillet, Belgium, his company attacked German troops on rising ground. Intense hostile machinegun fire pinned down and threatened to annihilate the American unit in an exposed position where frozen ground made it impossible to dig in for protection. Heavy mortar and artillery fire from enemy batteries was added to the storm of destruction falling on the Americans. Realizing that the machinegun must be silenced at all costs, S/Sgt. Shoup, armed with an automatic rifle, crawled to within 75 yards of the enemy emplacement. He found that his fire was ineffective from this position, and completely disregarding his own safety, stood up and grimly strode ahead into the murderous stream of bullets, firing his low-held weapon as he went. He was hit several times and finally was knocked to the ground. But he struggled to his feet and staggered forward until close enough to hurl a grenade, wiping out the enemy machinegun nest with his dying action. By his heroism, fearless determination, and supreme sacrifice, S/Sgt. Shoup eliminated a hostile weapon which threatened to destroy his company and turned a desperate situation into victory.
    1946- Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner birthday, born NY, NY.
http://207.171.166.140/name/nm0921048/bio
http://207.171.166.140/name/nm0921048/
    1948-Birthday of singer Kenny Loggins, born in Everett, Washington. He wrote the "House at Pooh Corner," a hit for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, before teaming with Jim Messina for several albums and the top-10 single "Your Mama Don't Dance" in the 1970's. The duo split in 1976, and Loggins did well on his own with such hit singles as "Footloose," the theme from the 1984 movie, and "Danger Zone" in 1986. 1949-Birthday of singer Tom Waits, Ponoma, CA
http://www.tomwaits.com/
http://www.officialtomwaits.com/
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/7587/start.html
    1950-- Nova Scotia native Hank Snow made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Later that year, his recording of "I'm Movin' On" stayed on the Billboard country chart for 44 weeks, selling more than a million copies.
    1950-- Gene Autry's "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" hits #1
    1951—Top Hits 
Tennessee Waltz - Patti Page 
The Thing - Phil Harris 
Nevertheless - Jack Denny 
I Love You a Thousand Ways - Lefty Frizzell 
    1952 -- Actor Phillip Loeb, blacklisted in 1950 as a possible Communist sympathizer, is fired from highly successful TV comedy "The Goldbergs" because no one would sponsor it otherwise. 
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/entertainment/july-dec97/
blacklist_10-24.html 
http://www.tvparty.com/vaultgold.html
http://www.woolmancentral.com/famcou.html
http://www.sag.com/blacklist.html
    1953-Birthday of Malcolm Young, rhythm guitarist with AC/DC. 
    1954 - The Duoscopic television receiver debuted, it allowed the viewer to watch two different shows at the same time. It was a very early, very primitive, picture-in-picture, split-screen, tested in New York City and Chicago, Illinois. DuMont Laboratories, owner of the DuMont Television Network produced the set.
    1954-- Muddy Waters records "Hoochie Coochie Man"
    1955- Metropolitan Opera House, New York City, Marian Anderson, contralto, became the first African-American opera singer when she sang the role of the fortune teller Ulrica in Giuseepe Verdi's “Un Ballo in Maschera.”
( lower half of: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/jan07.html )
    1956-- Dean Martin's "Memories Are Made of This" hits #1
    1957-Birthday of Katie Couric, born Arlington, Virginia. She was co-anchor of "The Today Show" starting in 1991 and in 2007 became CBS News Anchor.
http://members.aol.com/flopez1542/page5.html
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0183698/
    1958 - The Gibson Guitar Company patented the Flying V guitar, favorite instrument of many rock musicians
    1958-Danny and the Juniors' Rock 'n' Roll classic "At The Hop" was the number one song in the US. Originally written as "Do the Bop", American Bandstand host Dick Clark advised the group to re-write the lyrics because the dance known as The Bop was on its way out. Clark was right and the Philadelphia quartet's record stayed in the top spot for a month. 
    1959—Top Hits 
The Chipmunk Song - The Chipmunks 
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes - The Platters 
Problems - The Everly Brothers 
City Lights - Ray Price1959- "GE College Bowl" quiz show premieres on NBC TV
http://www.jumptheshark.com/c/collegebowl.htmhttp://www.classicthemes.com/50sTVThemes/themePages/collegeBowl2.html
    1962 -- The Western Division defeats the Eastern Division 47-27 in the first AFL All-Star Game played before 20,973 in San Diego.
http://images.nfl.com/history/images/0107.jpg
    1962-- Chubby Checker's "The Twist" hits #1 -- again
    1967—Top Hits 
I'm a Believer - The Monkees 
Snoopy Vs. the Red Baron - The Royal Guardsmen 
Tell It Like It Is - Aaron Neville 
There Goes My Everything - Jack Greene
    1967--The Doors, Sopwith Camel, young Rascal play at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. This was the first time the L.A. band "The Doors" played at the Fillmore.

Artist of the poster: Wes Wilson.
    1968 - Postage rates in the United States went up by a penny; making the cost to send an ounce of mail six cents.
    1971- the temperature at Hawley Lake, AZ dipped to 40 degrees below zero, setting a new record low temperature for the state.
    1972- The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 134-90, to win their 33rd game in a row, an NBA record.
    1972-The NCAA announced that freshmen would be eligible to play varsity football and basketball starting in the fall of 1973.
    1973-Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" leads the US hit parade, stirring speculation about exactly who she was singing about. Although suggestions run from actor Warren Beatty to Mick Jagger to James Taylor to Kris Kristofferson, Simon has steadfastly refused to divulge her secret. 
    1973-The first vote for a woman in the history of the U.S. Electoral College is cast for Theodora Nathan of Oregon, the vice- presidential candidate for the Libertarian party. 
    1975---Top Hits 
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds - Elton John 
You're the First, the Last, My Everything - Barry White 
Kung Fu Fighting - Carl Douglas 
The Door - George Jones
    1978-The soundtrack album of the hit disco movie "Saturday Night Fever," featuring the Bee Gees, the Trammps, Tavares, K.C. & the Sunshine Band, Kool & the Gang, MFSB and others enter the soul album chart. It will peak at Number One for six weeks starting February 18 in its 39 weeks on the chart.
    1978--The Bar-Kays' "Let's Have Some Fun" enters the soul charts
    1979 - Vietnamese forces, aided by Cambodian insurgents, captured Phnom Penh after a two-week invasion and overthrew the Khmer Rouge regime of Pol Pot.
    1979 - In the AFC title game, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Houston Oilers 34-5 for a Super Bowl trip and their third AFC championship title. They played in a steady rain at Three Rivers Stadium. In the NFC championship game, the Dallas Cowboys shut out the Los Angeles Rams 28-0. (The Steelers beat the Cowboys 35-31 in Super Bowl XIII Jan 21.)
    1980--Led Zeppelin's "In Through the Out Door" is awarded a platinum disc. It's the last album issued before the September 25th death of drummer John Bonham. 
    1981-The "Eagles Live" album goes platinum. The two-record set will turn out to be the final Eagles album until 1994's comeback LP, "Hell Freezes Over".
    1982 - The Islanders' Bryan Trottier had his 10th career hat trick.
    1982-"Hooked on Classics," using the extended medley format made popular by "Stars on 45," sets popular classical music to a disco beat. The result: It goes platinum on this date.
    1983---Top Hits 
Maneater - Daryl Hall & John Oates 
The Girl is Mine - Michael Jackson /Paul McCartney 
Dirty Laundry - Don Henley 
Wild and Blue - John Anderson
    1984-The Seattle Seahawks reached the AFC Title game for the first time in their history but were defeated by the Los Angeles Raiders, 30-14.
    1988 - It was a bad day for chickens. Heavy snow in Arkansas, with totals ranging up to 16 inches at Heber Springs, claimed the lives of 3.5 million chickens, and snow and ice up to three inches thick claimed the lives of another 1.75 million chickens in north central Texas. Up to 18 inches of snow blanketed Oklahoma, with Oklahoma City reporting a record 12 inches of snow in 24 hours. 
    1989 - A tornado in southern Illinois obliterated half the community of Allendale, injuring fifty persons and causing more than five million dollars damage, while thunderstorm winds gusting higher than 100 mph caused ten million dollars damage at Franklin KY. Twenty-five cities, from the Gulf coast to Michigan, reported record high temperatures for the date.
    1990 - Rain and gale force winds prevailed along the Northern Pacific Coast. Winds at Astoria OR gusted to 65 mph. Unseasonably warm weather prevailed over Florida. Five cities reported record high temperatures for the date, including Miami with a reading of 86 degrees. The hot spot in the nation was West Palm Beach with a high of 87 degrees. 
    1990 - A rapidly intensifying low pressure system and a vigorous cold front brought heavy rain and high winds to the Pacific Northwest. Two to five inches rains soaked western Washington and western Oregon, and winds gusting above 70 mph caused extensive damage. Wind gusts on Rattlesnake Ridge in Washington State reached 130 mph 
    1991---Top Hits 
Justify My Love - Madonna 
High Enough - Damn Yankees 
Love Will Never Do (Without You) - Janet Jackson 
I've Come to Expect It From You - George Strait
    1992 -a rare January thunderstorm rumbled over Sioux Falls, SD. This was the first January thunderstorm recorded in the city since 1939. Meanwhile, thunderstorms produced 6 tornadoes (one F2 and five F1) near Grand Island, NE -- the first tornadoes ever recorded in Nebraska during January.
    1993-Michael Jordan scored 35 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 130-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The points gave Jordan exactly 20,000 in the 620 th game of his career and made him the second fastest NBA player to reach the mark behind Wilt chamberlain, who did it in 499 games.
    1995 - a severe thunderstorm produced a downburst wind gust to 146 mph at Seymour-Johnson AFB in Goldsboro, NC.
    1996 - A blizzard paralyzed the Eastern U.S. The storm moved slowly, taking five days to reach New England from the Gulf of Mexico. The National Weather Service called it a storm of “historic proportions” with more than two feet of snow in the Baltimore and Washington, DC area. The mountains of Virginia and West Virginia got up to three feet. More than 100 deaths were blamed on the storm -- the majority from heart attacks. This event was the second in an unrelenting, paralyzing "siege of snowstorms" along the east coast during a ten day period.
    1997 - In Los Angeles, California, Heidi Fleiss, known as the "Hollywood Madam", was sentenced to 37 months in prison for cheating on her taxes, laundering call-girl profits, and conspiring to hide her wrongdoing. According to news sources, Fleiss choked back tears, saying, "I'm sorry. I'm a different person now".