Jeff Taylor Passes Away

"The Future of Equipment Leasing" is paperback, 94 pages with a double space between paragraphs. It sells for $25. Discounts are available for multiple copies or with the purchase his last best seller, "Selling Leasing in a Tough Economy."

My telephone records show my last conversation with Jeff was June 17. I was calling him about once a week in the hospital, but the last call was he was very weak, and I spoke to his wife after the telephone call, I believe at her home they had just built in Scottsdale. It was not like him to not have a lap top or be on the computer, and he also told me he wasn't watching TV or reading a book. He was just contemplating" all day, he told me. He was waiting for this medicine from Washington, and while this was reality or not, getting permission for a miracle cure, for all that he was through from his esophagus cancer, to lung cancer, three heart operations, all originally told by a doctor that his cough was an allergy and nothing else was wrong with him.

I thought about him, about Chris Walker going through chemo treatments, and about Rosanne Wilson, and I knew a lot about cancer as my mother died from cervical cancer, my first wife from lung cancer, my best friend’s wife from breast cancer, and had many friends who left the Earth too soon.

I didn't call Jeff again, although was planning to do so on the July 4th weekend, but never did. He sounded like he was waiting to die and there was not much that I could do.

He is another person I will miss on my life here on Earth.

Kit Menkin

 

From his wife Toby:

Dear Friend:

I write to you today to share some very sad news. On Father's Day, June 19, 2011, my beloved husband, Jeffrey passed away very suddenly. He was my heart, my love, and my best friend. I would give anything to have him back. I know that Jeffrey meant a lot to each of you, too. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations, in his name to, North Scottsdale Fellowship Club, 7119 E Shea BLVD, #273 Scottsdale, Arizona 85253

Thank you for your prayers and support during this time.

Yours truly,
Toby

Jeff Taylor in the Hospital
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_18.htm#taylor_hospital

Jeff Taylor photos
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jeffreytaylor2/photos

 

 

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Classified Ads---Credit

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

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

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

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

Bank Beat---Real Estate Development Loans Plagues Banks

Three more bank failures bring the total of the year to 51 as real estate development loans continue to plague both small and regional banks.

The seven branches of First Chicago Bank & Trust, Chicago, Illinois, were closed with Northbrook Bank & Trust Company, Northbrook, Illinois, to assume all of the deposits. Founded January 1, 1905, the bank had 125 full time employees March 31, 2011 with three offices in Chicago, one in Bloomingdale, Itasca, Norridge, and Park Ridge; seven.

The parent company of the acquiring bank, Northbank Bank & Trust, is Wintrust Financial Corporation which has $14 billion in assets. Wintrust had borrowed $250 million under the TARP program, repaying it in full in December, 2010. Wintrust had previously acquired four other failed banks with almost $2 billion in assets in 2010 and 2011. In conjunction with the acquisition of First Chicago, Wintrust provided the FDIC with a Value Appreciation Instrument ("VAI") whereby 250,000 units were awarded to the FDIC at an exercise price of $32.00 per unit. The units are exercisable at any time for 180 days after July 8, 2011. If the FDIC exercises the units, Wintrust will be required to pay the FDIC an amount in cash equal to the volume weighted average price of Wintrust common stock over the two trading days immediately prior to the exercise date minus the exercise price, but in no case greater than $8.00 per unit.

As of March 31, 2011, First Chicago Bank & Trust had approximately $959.3 million in total assets and $887.5 million in total deposits. Northbrook Bank & Trust Company will pay the FDIC a premium of 0.50 percent to assume all of the deposits of First Chicago Bank & Trust.

In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the failed bank, Northbrook Bank & Trust Company agreed to purchase approximately $880.7 million of the failed bank's assets.

First Chicago's troubles began in 2008 and by 2009 the bank was in serious condition, needing additional capital very badly; the trend never reversed:

(in millions, unless otherwise)

Net Equity
2007	$179.7
2008	$151.9
2009	$89.8
2010	$21.9
3/31	$12.0

Profit
2007	$9.3
2008	-$41.7
2009	-$107.5
2010	-$92.2
3/31	-$10.1

Non-Current Loans
2007	$9.7
2008	$67.8
2009	$124.9
2010	$111.6
3/31	$98.9

Charge Offs
2007	-$44,000 (recaptured charge offs)
2008	$3.2 ($1.3 L&C, $1.8 commercial & industrial)
2009	$62.9 ($24.4 L&C, $3.5 family multi, $17.4 multi family, $13.7 commercial & industrial)
2010	$66.2 ($19 L&C, $7.6 family multi, $18.3 multiple family, $17.2 commercial & industrial)
3/31	$10.9 ($7.3 L&C, $807,000 multi family, $1.6 commercial and industrial)

Land and Construction, 1-4 family multiple residential, Multiple Family Residential, Non-Farm Non-Residential loans.

Tier 1 Capital Risk 1.01%

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $284.3 million.

Wintrust controls nine Illinois-chartered banks:

•Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company
•Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company
•Libertyville Bank & Trust Company
•Northbrook Bank & Trust Company
•North Shore Community Bank & Trust Company
•St. Charles Bank & Trust
•State Bank of The Lakes
•Village Bank & Trust
•Wheaton Bank & Trust

One Wisconsin-chartered bank:

•Town Bank

And five nationally-chartered banks:

•Advantage National Bank Group
•Barrington Bank & Trust Company, N.A.
•Beverly Bank & Trust Company, N.A.
•Crystal Lake Bank & Trust Company, N.A.
•Old Plank Trail Community Bank, N.A.

For more information on Wintrust, please go here:
http://www.wintrust.com/about-wintrust-financial/corp-profile.html

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2011/pr11117.html

 

The seven branches of Colorado Capital Bank, Castle Rock, Colorado were closed with First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Raleigh, North Carolina, to assume all of the deposits.

Formed April 28, 1998 the bank had 125 full time employees at offices in Boulder, Castler Rock, Colorado Springs, Denver, Edward, and Greenwood Village. In 2007 they had 176 full time employees.

"Colorado Capital grew rapidly earlier this decade by lending for such things as second homes in the mountains, golf course developments and raw land for development," Denver banking analyst Larry Martin told the Denver Post.
http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_18444010?source=rss_viewed

"The reckless expansion of lending came to a crashing halt and bad end as real estate markets collapsed and borrowers defaulted en masse," wrote www.problembanklist.com. "Losses to the FDIC for closing Colorado Capital amount to a stunning 40% of total assets indicating a very poor quality of loan underwriting standards."

(in millions, unless otherwise)

Net Equity
2007	$54
2008	$80
2009	$68.2
2010	$21.4
3/31	$15.8

Profit
2007	$2.7
2008	$3.4
2009	-$15.1
2010	-$48.0
3/31	-$5.8

Non-Current Loans
2007	$65,000
2008	$6.3
2009	$10.9
2010	$103.2
3/31	$176.4

Charge Offs
2007	$418,000 ($104,000 nonfarm non residential, $317,000 commercial and residential)
2008	$423,000 ($370,000 C&L, $97,000 1-4 family)
2009	$11.4 ($7.6 C&L, $649,000 1-4 family multiple $2.8 commercial & industrial)
2010	$17.0 ($13.5 C&L, $908,000 1-4 family multiple, $1.7 commercial & industrial)
3/31	$25.1 ($18.4 C&L, $6 commercial & industrial,$691,000 multi family

Land and Construction, 1-4 family multiple residential, Multiple Family Residential, Non-Farm Non-Residential loans.

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 2.71%

As of March 31, 2011, Colorado Capital Bank had approximately $717.5 million in total assets and $672.8 million in total deposits. In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the failed bank, First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company agreed to purchase essentially all of the assets.

The FDIC and First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company entered into a loss-share transaction on $580.0 million of Colorado Capital Bank's assets. First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company will share in the losses on the asset pools covered under the loss-share agreement.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $283.8 million.

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2011/pr11118.html

The three branches of Signature Bank, Windsor, Colorado were closed with Points West Community Bank, Julesburg, Colorado, to assume all of the deposits. Formed December 1, 2004 there were 15 full time employees at two offices in Windsor and one in Greely. The organizers of the bank included Robert Hinderaker, who became CEO, Martin Lind, Russ Sanford, Mike Ketterling and Brian Niess. The investment group was comprised of 52 investors, most of whom had an active interest in the Windsor community. They lost their full original investment.

"During the boom years leading up to the real estate meltdown, Signature Bank rapidly expanded its lending in an overheated market," reported www.problembanklist.com." Assets peaked at $80 million in 2008, coinciding with the top in real estate. The subsequent financial crisis which popped the real estate bubble also sealed the fate of Signature Bank."

(in millions, unless otherwise)

Net Equity
2007	$7.6
2008	$7.6
2009	$3.9
2010	$3.3
3/31	$1.5

Profit
2007	$299,000
2008	$16,000
2009	-$3.75
2010	-$771,000
3/31	$1.8

Non-Current Loans
2007	$1.27
2008	$401,000
2009	$7.4
2010	$2.6
3/31	$5.1

Charge Offs
2007	-$42,000 (recovered)
2008	$166,000
2009	$569,000 ($303,000 C&L, $157,000 1-4 multi, $211,000 commercial, $55,000 credit cards, $55,000 consumer)
2010	$2.6 ($936,000 C&L, $714,000 1-4 multi, $829,000 commercial)
3/31	$598,000 ($464,000 C&L, $135,000 commercial)

Land and Construction,1-4 family multiple residential, Multiple Family Residential, Non-Farm Non-Residential loans.

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 5.79%

As of March 31, 2011, Signature Bank had approximately $66.7 million in total assets and $64.5 million in total deposits.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $22.3 million.

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2011/pr11119.html

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

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

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

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Emily Fitzpatrick---Career Crossroad

Question: Is a Cover Letter necessary when applying for a position?

Answer: The Resume is the key, the Cover Letter is secondary, but yes, a necessary. If well written, your Cover Letter will lead the reader to the Resume. If poorly written, however, the employer may not even take the time to review your Resume, and your submittal may wind up at the bottom of the pile.

In developing your Cover Letter, think from the perspective of a Hiring Manager … what attributes would the ideal Candidate possess? You would want the Candidate to be able to contribute his / her energy and skills to the success of your company. Your Cover Letter provides you the opportunity to present yourself as the perfect Candidate … use it as your marketing tool.

Please let Emily know in submitting your questions or inquiry, if you would not like to be named as asking the question. She invites all questions or inquiries be addressed to: riiemily@comcast.net

Emily Fitzpatrick
Sr. Recruiter
Recruiters International, Inc.
Phone: 954-885-9241
Cell: 954-612-0567
www.recruitersinternationalinc.org

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

Commitment Forms

The dollar size of the lease proposal often dictates the details and length of the commitment letter.

In small ticket lease, the actual lease payment is often given and calls for the first and last as well as the documentation fee. Often a clause contains a "documentation" fee for $495.00, which is non-refundable if the lease is not approved. The wording is different and seems to be buried and whether written originally by an attorney or taken from the use of another leasing companies form is not known.

According to ex-employees as well as complaints that have appeared in Leasing News, many companies get such proposals signed in advance knowing they will be unable to proceed with the lease due to the nature of the equipment or the proposed lessee telling them of their credit difficulties in the presentation or from running a consumer credit report.

In larger ticket size leases, often a form such as this is used, which specifically charges a fee to process the application:

http://two.leasingnews.org/loose_files/Lease_app_agreement.rtf

Loans or “Working Capital” commitment letters are explicit and require the broker to often be licensed. This form is for use in California:

http://two.leasingnews.org/loose_files/Authorization_to_find_lender.rtf

This form is one of the most widely used in the leasing industry for leases $50,000 and above and covers most of the bases. Note: Last sentences about the signatures makes this more a “proposal,” than commitment. If required, these sentences may be removed.

http://two.leasingnews.org/loose_files/Generic%20commit%20Letter.DOC

It is a good idea to have the form you use reviewed by an attorney with equipment leasing experience. This does not mean your college friend who became a lawyer. You wouldn't take your children to an Endodontist to get braces on their teeth, although the practitioner is a "dentist." The same with going to an attorney. You don't go to a divorce attorney to go over a lease commitment contract.

Some things to consider in your form.

#1: ACH---If you are going to require it or may require it, you should have this spelled out in the agreement. If not in the contract and becomes a requirement of the lease, the proposal is invalid.

#2 Date---It is a good idea to have a time period involved, and perhaps if not approved, from completion of all the documents and/or lease contracts. A prospect can back out after 30 days and bring this up in small claims court, unless spelled out the time begins after all documentation is complete ( attorneys will have different opinions on this and its wording, but the complaint may make it into Leasing News when it takes months before anything happens.)

#3 Personal guarantee--of all officers who own 10% or more of a privately held corporation. (This will protect if the final approval comes in with terms and conditions, but requires other guarantors who are not named on the application or in the proposal.)

This form was developed by Ken Greene now at partner at Hamrick & Evans, LLP, Universal City, California, with offices also in Northern California.

http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Greene_Lease_agreement.htm

To Contact Ken Greene:

Kenneth C. Greene, Partner
Hamrick & Evans, LLP
10 Universal City Plaza, Suite 2200
Universal City California 91608
818-763-5292
Fax: 818-763-763-2309
kgreene@hamricklaw.com

Northern Office:
P.O. Box 751
Kentfield, CA 9 4914-0751
Tel: 415.806.2254
Fax: 415.924.0971
Email: kenlaw100@aol.com

The form makes it a contract between both parties, and is not one sided as appeared in this Leasing News Bulletin Board Complaint:

(click to make larger)

from this Leasing News Bulletin Board Complaint:
http://leasingnews.org/archives/December%202009/12-14-09.htm#benchmark

Top Stories July 6--July 8

Here are the top ten stories opened by readers:

(1) Up-Date—Loni Lowder of ACC Capital
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2011/7_08.htm#update_lowder

(2) Leasing CFO Pleads Guilty $1.2 million embezzlement
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2011/7_06.htm#cfo

(3) Where in the World is Loni Lowder of ACC Capital?
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2011/7_06.htm#lowder

(4) BBB: Rating Leasing Companies
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2011/7_08.htm#bbb

(5) Hugh Swandel Joins Leasing News Advisory Board
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2011/7_06.htm#swandel

(6) Companies who notify lessee in advance of lease expiration
and require their discounter to also notify lessee in advance
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2011/7_06.htm#notify_list

(7) Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
“Real Margin or Mark Up”
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2011/7_06.htm#margin

(8) John Torbenson Celebrates 43rd Year in Leasing business
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2011/7_06.htm#torbenson

(9) Univest CAPITAL opens New Hq. AND Satellite location
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2011/7_06.htm#univest

(10) GreatAmerica Purchases Cedar Rapids Office Building
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2011/7_06.htm#greatamerica

John Kenny Receivables Management www.jrkrmdirect.com • End of Lease Negotiations & Enforcement • Fraud Investigation • Credit Investigations • Asset Searches • Skip-tracing • Third-party Commercial Collections The Solution to Your Credit & Accounts Receivable Needs John Kenny 315-866-1167 |  John@jkrmdirect.com

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

Northbrook, Illinois-- Adopt-a-Dog

Louise

“Louise is an absolute sweetheart and love-bug! She is a 3-1/2 year old Chihuahua mix who came to Heartland from Chicago Animal control. Louise loves being held or lying in the grass getting pets! She can't wait to find her forever person or people who can cuddle with her and love her every day! Watch her Youtube video to see how cute she is! Please come to meet Louise soon!”

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH2Ug3cF8AE&feature=youtu.be

Adoption fee: $225

Adoption fees cover: Up to date shots/vaccinations, deworming, Heartworm test (dogs over 6 months), FIV/FeLeuk test (cats), microchip, spay/neuter and includes a free vet exam within 2 weeks after adoption.

All animals are spayed or neutered before adoption.

Dog Application:
http://www.heartlandanimalshelter.net/How2Adopt.html
http://www.heartlandanimalshelter.net/Dog__Applications2010excel.pdf

Please fax application to 847-296-4198.

http://www.heartlandanimalshelter.net/index.html

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/

 

You May Have Missed---

Credit unions growing commercial lending business
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/banking/2011-07-11-credit-unions-small-business_n.htm

“Gimme that Wine”

Napa Valley Winegrape Market is open
http://napavalleyregister.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/wine/winegrape-market-is-open/article_8fe7ccd8-a90c-11e0-8f7a-001cc4c002e0.html

Millions of California Wine Bottles Now Certified with the SIP™ Seal
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/07/07/prweb8537709.DTL

North Coast Cal. Wine prices continue to strengthen
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110707/BUSINESS/110709597?Title=Wine-prices-continue-to-strengthen

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

   1656- Ann Austin and Mary Fisher, two Englishwomen, become the first Quakers to enter the American colonies when the ship carrying them lands at Boston in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The pair had come from Barbados, where Quakers had established a center for missionary work. The Religious Society of Friends, whose members are commonly known as Quakers, was a Christian movement founded by George Fox in England during the early 1650s. Quakers opposed central church authority, preferring to seek spiritual insight and consensus through egalitarian Quaker meetings. They also advocated sexual equality, and became some of the most outspoken opponents of slavery in early America. Shortly after arriving to Massachusetts, Austin and Fisher, whose liberal teachings enraged the Puritan colonial government, were arrested and jailed. After five years in prison, they were deported back to Barbados. In October of 1656, the Massachusetts colonial government enacted their first ban on Quakers, and on 20 October 1658, ordered Quakers banished from the colony "under penalty of death." On 27 October 1659, William Robinson and Marmaduke Stevenson became the first Quakers to be executed in America when they were hanged from an elm tree on Boston Common. Mary Dyer was sentenced with them but reprieved and warned not to return to Boston. She did, and was hanged on 01 June 1860. In the mid-eighteenth century, John Woolman, an anti-slavery Quaker, traveled the American colonies, preaching and advancing the abolitionist cause. He also organized boycotts of products made by slave labor, and was responsible for convincing many Quaker communities to publicly denounce slavery. Another of many important abolitionist Quakers was Lucretia Mott, who worked on the Underground Railroad in the nineteenth century, helping lead fugitive slaves to freedom in the Northern states and Canada. In addition to her anti-slavery crusade, Mott later became a leader in the movement for women's rights
    1767-birth of John Quincy Adams, the first U.S. president whose father had also been president of the United States. He was the sixth president and the son of the second president. He also has the uniqueness for serving 17 years as a member of Congress from Plymouth, Massachusetts, after serving one single term as president. He died February 23, 1848, at the House of Representatives (in the same room in which he had taken the presidential oath of Office March 4, 1825).
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/ja6.html
    1804- Alexander Hamilton was fatally wounded in a pistol duel with Aaron Burr. Hamilton had fought Burr’s run for the presidency in 1800, and for the governorship of New York in 1804, when Hamilton and others suspected that Burr intended to attach New York to the disgruntled New England states in a plan to disunite from the Union and form a northern confederacy. Jefferson and Burr had equal electoral votes, throwing the election to the House where each state would have one vote. There were 35 ballots in a row, deadlocked, until the 36th, and Burr became vice-president (they were separate election for the office at that time). Burr challenged Hamilton, who deliberately misfired before Burr fired with the intent to kill. Burr was later tried for treason in an attempt to have Southern states secede from the union and join Mexico. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/jul11.html
    1719-James Smith, signer of the Declaration of Independence, born at Ireland, date unknown, died 1806 this day.
http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/smith.htm
    1786 - Morocco agreed to stop attacking American ships in the Mediterranean for a payment of $10,000.
    1798 - President John Adams signed the bill that re-established the Marine Corps. The Continental Congress had disbanded the service in April of 1783 at the end of the American Revolution. The Marine Corps, however, recognizes its "official" birthday to be the date that the Second Continental Congress first authorized the establishment of the "Corps of Marines" on 10 November 1775. To add to the confusion of the Corps' actual "historical" birthday, on 1 July 1797 Congress authorized the Revenue cutters to carry, in addition to their regular crew, up to "30 marines." Congress directed the cutters to interdict French privateers operating off the coast during the Quasi-War with France and thought the additional firepower of 30 marines would be needed by the under-manned and under-gunned cutters. It is unknown if any "marines" were enlisted for service with the Revenue cutters during this time.
    1804 - A duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton leaves Hamilton dead. Since New Jersey did not have a law against dueling at the time, Burr and Hamilton, both New Yorkers, crossed the Hudson to Weehawken, New Jersey. New York had banned the practice earlier, partly due to Hamilton's own campaign efforts after his son was killed in a duel.
    1819--Birthday of Susan Bogert Warner - remarkably prolific and popular author said to be the first U.S. author to sell a million copies of a book. SBW collaborated on several with her sister Anna Bartlett Warner (08-31-1827) also a successful writer. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Warner
    1846-The American flag replaced the California Republic flag at Sutter's Fort today. As soon as he received word that the U.S. and Mexico were at war, he quickly enrolled local Anglo settlers, mostly recent immigrants from Missouri and Iowa, into a militia force. Numbering about 500 men, Fremont moved the battalion south toward Los Angeles. He soon took the city without a fight. In fact, except for one small engagement of Mexican cavalry against a force of Army Regulars lead by General Stephen Kearny, coming into California from New Mexico, the rest of the colony willingly accepted American control.
    1848-Governor of California, Gen. Richard Barnes Mason, visited gold fields to gather information for a report to the U.S. Government. He was accompanied by his aide, Capt. William T. Sherman. 
    1855-Word arrived here that Los Angeles yesterday suffered the heaviest earthquake ever felt there. Hardly a building escaped damage. Residents said the quake lifted the ground and then twisted it. Bells of the San Gabriel Mission Church were thrown down by the tremor.
    1864-General Jubal A. Early, commanding Confederate troops attempting to draw Union forces away from Richmond, broke through inadequate Union forces southeast of Frederick, MD., and entered the District of Columbia. His goal was to attack the White House, as was General Lee’s original goal when his troops were caught at Gettysburg. At this time, the Union was aware of the original thrust by Lee and his forces and had been re-enforcing the capital. Noting that hastily ordered federal reserves were arriving in significant numbers, Early withdrew the next night. He continued to harass Union forces from Shenandoah Valley until the Battle of Cedar Creek in October. He was elevated by Lee to Lt. General. He was very loyal to Lee and an ardent critic of General Longstreet. 
http://www.jubalearly.org/jubal.html
http://www.civilwarhome.com/earlybio.htm
    1870- Snowden School of Alexandria, VA, was the first African-American School established by a state. The Snowden and Hallowell schools were the first black public schools in the City of Alexandria. In 1915, the Snowden School for Boys was destroyed in a fire, but the students were allowed to attend St. Mary’s Catholic Church School which was located at the time on Wolfe and Royal Streets. In 1920, the Snowden and Hallowell schools were consolidated, and the resulting school was named the Parker-Gray School. Parker-Gray School is named for John Parker, principal of the Snowden School for Boys, and Sarah Gray, principal of the Hallowell School for Girls. 
    1884-the first fountain pen that was practical was invented by ewis Edson Waterman and was manufactured by the L.E. Waterman Company in New York City. The first year about 200 fountain pens were manufactured. They were originally manufactured by hand. Waterman also invented the machinery to produce fountain pens in commercial quantities.
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blwaterman.htm 
    1897 - Blind Lemon Jefferson Birthday 
http://www.78records.com.au/stat-txt/bljstory.html
    1899-birthday of E.B. White, versatile author of books for adults and children “Charlotte’s Web” and editor of the New Yorker Magazine and co-author of the classic” “Elements of Style.” . Died at North Brooklyn, ME, October 1, 1985.
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/tingum/ebwhite.html
http://www.ablongman.com/professional/catalog/academic/product/
1,4096,020530902X,00.html
    1905- A group of African American intellectuals and activists, led by W.E.B. Dubois, founded the Niagara Movement in Niagara Falls, Canada. A forerunner of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the movement was formed to fight racial discrimination in the US. Image of the founding members of the Niagara Movement:
http://www.nypl.org/research/sc/scg/photo.html
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Classroom/9912/naacp.html
http://www.cyberlearning-world.com/nhhs/project/1998/blkgroup.htm
    1914 -Babe Ruth made his debut in major league baseball when he took the mound in Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox against the Cleveland Indians. Ruth was relieved for the last two innings, but was the winning pitcher in a 4-3 game. During his rookie season, Ruth made $2,900. Six years later Ruth would pocket a $125,000 paycheck as a member of the New York Yankees.
    1916-US President Woodrow Wilson signs the Federal Aid Road Act, the first grant-in-aid enacted by Congress to help states build roads. In 1916, roads throughout America were generally poor and most were susceptible to weather. The advent of the Ford Model T brought on new interests in higher standards for roads, and by the early 1900s, motorist clubs like the American Automobile Association (AAA) had rallied around the call for federally funded long-distance highways. Farmers balked at the idea, arguing that paying taxes so city people could go on car tours was unfair. As the car became more important to farmers, however, the ground became fertile for legislation to raise the quality or roads across the country.
    1919-The first golfer to play 180 holes in one day was Edward Styles, who started the marathon contest at 5:53am at the Old York Road Country Club, Philadelphia, PA, played 180 hones, 10 rounds of golf, in 796 strokes, and finished playing at 8:32pm. The average time per round was one hour and nineteen minutes. He walked nearly 40 miles and took time out three times for a change of shoes and for refreshments. His average score was 79.6 strokes per round.
    1932-birthday of guitarist/gospel singer Rev. Charlie Jackson, Summit-McCoom, MS.
    1939-Birthday of Clara Adams-Ender - U.S. nurse who became the first black woman to be made Chief, Department of Nursing, Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
http://www.dom.com/about/education/strong/1993/claraadamsender.jsp
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9152636
    1943--*CRAIG, ROBERT Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Favoratta, Sicily, 11 July 1943. Entered service at: Toledo, Ohio. Birth: Scotland. G.O. No.: 41, 26 May 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, on 11 July 1943 at Favoratta, Sicily. 2d Lt. Craig voluntarily undertook the perilous task of locating and destroying a hidden enemy machinegun which had halted the advance of his company. Attempts by 3 other officers to locate the weapon had resulted in failure, with each officer receiving wounds. 2d Lt. Craig located the gun and snaked his way to a point within 35 yards of the hostile position before being discovered. Charging headlong into the furious automatic fire, he reached the gun, stood over it, and killed the 3 crew members with his carbine. With this obstacle removed, his company continued its advance. Shortly thereafter while advancing down the forward slope of a ridge, 2d
    1944--*ENDL, GERALD L. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U S. Army, 32d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Anamo, New Guinea, 11 July 1944. Entered service at: Janesville, Wis. Birth: Ft. Atkinson, Wis. G.O. No.: 17, 13 March 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Anamo, New Guinea, on 11 July 1944. S/Sgt. Endl was at the head of the leading platoon of his company advancing along a jungle trail when enemy troops were encountered and a fire fight developed. The enemy attacked in force under heavy rifle, machinegun, and grenade fire. His platoon leader wounded, S/Sgt. Endl immediately assumed command and deployed his platoon on a firing line at the fork in the trail toward which the enemy attack was directed. The dense jungle terrain greatly restricted vision and movement, and he endeavored to penetrate down the trail toward an open clearing of Kunai grass. As he advanced, he detected the enemy, supported by at least 6 light and 2 heavy machineguns, attempting an enveloping movement around both flanks. His commanding officer sent a second platoon to move up on the left flank of the position, but the enemy closed in rapidly, placing our force in imminent danger of being isolated and annihilated. Twelve members of his platoon were wounded, 7 being cut off by the enemy. Realizing that if his platoon were forced farther back, these 7 men would be hopelessly trapped and at the mercy of a vicious enemy, he resolved to advance at all cost, knowing it meant almost certain death, in an effort to rescue his comrades. In the face of extremely heavy fire he went forward alone and for a period of approximately 10 minutes engaged the enemy in a heroic close-range fight, holding them off while his men crawled forward under cover to evacuate the wounded and to withdraw. Courageously refusing to abandon 4 more wounded men who were Iying along the trail, 1 by 1 he brought them back to safety. As he was carrying the last man in his arms he was struck by a heavy burst of automatic fire and was killed. By his persistent and daring self-sacrifice and on behalf of his comrades, S/Sgt. Endl made possible the successful evacuation of all but 1 man, and enabled the 2 platoons to withdraw with their wounded and to reorganize with the rest of the company.
Lt. Craig and his platoon, in a position devoid of cover and concealment, encountered the fire of approximately 100 enemy soldiers. Electing to sacrifice himself so that his platoon might carry on the battle, he ordered his men to withdraw to the cover of the crest while he drew the enemy fire to himself. With no hope of survival, he charged toward the enemy until he was within 25 yards of them. Assuming a kneeling position, he killed 5 and wounded 3 enemy soldiers. While the hostile force concentrated fire on him, his platoon reached the cover of the crest. 2d Lt. Craig was killed by enemy fire, but his intrepid action so inspired his men that they drove the enemy from the area, inflicting heavy casualties on the hostile force.
    1944-*ENDL, GERALD L.—Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U S. Army, 32d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Anamo, New Guinea, 11 July 1944. Entered service at: Janesville, Wis. Birth: Ft. Atkinson, Wis. G.O. No.: 17, 13 March 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Anamo, New Guinea, on 11 July 1944. S/Sgt. Endl was at the head of the leading platoon of his company advancing along a jungle trail when enemy troops were encountered and a fire fight developed. The enemy attacked in force under heavy rifle, machinegun, and grenade fire. His platoon leader wounded, S/Sgt. Endl immediately assumed command and deployed his platoon on a firing line at the fork in the trail toward which the enemy attack was directed. The dense jungle terrain greatly restricted vision and movement, and he endeavored to penetrate down the trail toward an open clearing of Kunai grass. As he advanced, he detected the enemy, supported by at least 6 light and 2 heavy machineguns, attempting an enveloping movement around both flanks. His commanding officer sent a second platoon to move up on the left flank of the position, but the enemy closed in rapidly, placing our force in imminent danger of being isolated and annihilated. Twelve members of his platoon were wounded, 7 being cut off by the enemy. Realizing that if his platoon were forced farther back, these 7 men would be hopelessly trapped and at the mercy of a vicious enemy, he resolved to advance at all cost, knowing it meant almost certain death, in an effort to rescue his comrades. In the face of extremely heavy fire he went forward alone and for a period of approximately 10 minutes engaged the enemy in a heroic close-range fight, holding them off while his men crawled forward under cover to evacuate the wounded and to withdraw. Courageously refusing to abandon 4 more wounded men who were lying along the trail, 1 by 1 he brought them back to safety. As he was carrying the last man in his arms he was struck by a heavy burst of automatic fire and was killed. By his persistent and daring self-sacrifice and on behalf of his comrades, S/Sgt. Endl made possible the successful evacuation of all but 1 man, and enabled the 2 platoons to withdraw with their wounded and to reorganize with the rest of the company.
    1944---Top Hits
I’ll Be Seeing You - The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (vocal: Frank Sinatra)
Long Ago and Far Away - Helen Forrest & Dick Haymes
I’ll Get By - The Harry James Orchestra (vocal: Dick Haymes)
Straighten Up and Fly Right - King Cole Trio
   1946-Dean Martin begins his recording career mere weeks before teaming up with nightclub comic Jerry Lewis.
    1951-birthday of Bonnie Pointer ( Pointer Sisters), Oakland, CAhttp://www.thepointersistersfans.com/bonnie.html 
    1952---Top Hits
Kiss of Fire - Georgia Gibbs
I’m Yours - Eddie Fisher
Delicado - The Percy Faith Orchestra
That Heart Belongs to Me - Webb Pierce
    1956-John Coltrane Quintet cuts eight titles for Prestige records.
http://www.saintjohncoltrane.org/
    1959 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``Lonely Boy,'' Paul Anka.
    1960---Top Hits
Alley-Oop - Hollywood Argyles
I’m Sorry - Brenda Lee
Mule Skinner Blues - The Fendermen
Please Help Me, I’m Falling - Hank Locklin
    1960-Birthday of Richie Sambora, guitarist with Bon Jovi.
http://www.richiesambora.com/
http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/bio.asp?oid=3965&cf=3965
    1962-The Telstar communications satellite picked up broadcast signals from France and bounced them down to an antenna in Maine on 11 July 1962, thus delivering the first live television picture from Europe to America. Telstar was launched from Cape Canaveral as an experiment in TV transmission, and was also used to send radio and telephone signals. Americans watched a seven-minute program, featuring a song by Yves Montand. Historians believe this changed the world more than any other invention in the 20th century.
    1964-Although the music world was being dominated by Rock and Roll, crooner Dean Martin's "Everybody Loves Somebody" cracked the US charts on its way to the Top Ten.
    1964-The Supremes' "Where Did Our Love Go?" is released and enters the Hot 100. It stays on the chart for 14 weeks and would become the group's first number one hit next August.
    1964-Stevie Wonder released his first single without the title "Little" in front of his name. "Hey Harmonica Man" reached number 29 on the singles chart, his third Top 40 hit.
    1964 - With the song "My Boy Lollipop," 18-year old Millie Small found success on the pop music charts. The harmonica tracks were provided by Rod Stewart. In her native Jamaica, Millie Small was known as the "Blue Beat Girl."
    1967 - One day after he and fellow members Thelma Camacho, Mike Settle and Terry Williams left The New Christy Minstrels, Kenny Rogers formed The First Edition. In 1972, The First Edition hosted a syndicated variety show on television. Songs made popular by the group include: "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)," "But You Know I Love You," "Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town," "Ruben James," and "Something’s Burning."
    1968---Top Hits
This Guy’s in Love with You - Herb Alpert
The Horse - Cliff Nobles & Co.
Jumpin’ Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones
D-I-V-O-R-C-E - Tammy Wynette
    1969--ROBERTS, GORDON R. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant (then Sp4c.), U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Place and date: Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam, 11 July 1969. Entered service at: Cincinnati, Ohio. Born: 14 June 1950, Middletown, Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Roberts distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company B, during combat operations. Sgt. Roberts' platoon was maneuvering along a ridge to attack heavily fortified enemy bunker positions which had pinned down an adjoining friendly company. As the platoon approached the enemy positions, it was suddenly pinned down by heavy automatic weapons and grenade fire from camouflaged enemy fortifications atop the overlooking hill. Seeing his platoon immobilized and in danger of failing in its mission, Sgt. Roberts crawled rapidly toward the closest enemy bunker. With complete disregard for his safety, he leaped to his feet and charged the bunker, firing as he ran. Despite the intense enemy fire directed at him, Sgt. Roberts silenced the 2-man bunker. Without hesitation, Sgt. Roberts continued his l-man assault on a second bunker. As he neared the second bunker, a burst of enemy fire knocked his rifle from his hands. Sgt. Roberts picked up a rifle dropped by a comrade and continued his assault, silencing the bunker. He continued his charge against a third bunker and destroyed it with well-thrown hand grenades. Although Sgt. Roberts was now cut off from his platoon, he continued his assault against a fourth enemy emplacement. He fought through a heavy hail of fire to join elements of the adjoining company which had been pinned down by the enemy fire. Although continually exposed to hostile fire, he assisted in moving wounded personnel from exposed positions on the hilltop to an evacuation area before returning to his unit. By his gallant and selfless actions, Sgt. Roberts contributed directly to saving the lives of his comrades and served as an inspiration to his fellow soldiers in the defeat of the enemy force. Sgt. Roberts' extraordinary heroism in action at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1969-David Bowie's single, "Space Oddity", is released to coincide with the first lunar landing. David Bowie's single, "Space Oddity", is released to coincide with the first lunar landing.
    1969 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``In the Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus),'' Zager & Evans. Evans wrote the song in the year 1964. It is their only song to make the Hot 100.
    1969-The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women" is released. The band started recording the tune as a Country song based on Hank Williams' "Honky Tonk Blues", but found that it made a better Rocker.
    1970-The soundtrack to the 1969 Woodstock concert becomes the first triple-disc album to top the Billboard chart.
    1970-The Who's "Summertime Blues" is released.
    1974-The Grateful Dead receive two gold records for albums they released in 1970, "Workingman's Dead" and "American Beauty."
    1976---Top Hits
Afternoon Delight - Starland Vocal Band
Kiss and Say Goodbye - Manhattans
I’ll Be Good to You - The Brothers Johnson
The Door is Always Open - Dave & Sugar 
    1979 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``Bad Girls,'' Donna Summer.
    1985-Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros became the first pitcher in baseball history to reach the 4,000 marker in a career strikeouts when he made Danny Heep of the New York Mets his victim in the sixth inning. Ryan finished his career in 1993 with 5,714 strikeouts.
http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/special/ryan/
    1984---Top Hits
When Doves Cry - Prince
Jump (For My Love) - Pointer Sisters
Eyes Without a Face - Billy Idol
Somebody’s Needin’ Somebody - Conway Twitty
    1985-- Coca-Cola returns as Classic Coke : the company unveiled plans to return the beloved version of Coca Cola--now christened "Classic Coke"--to the market. In the wake of this groundbreaking, company officials quietly conceded that they had erred in halting distribution of the "classic" version of the drink. However, they refused to admit that releasing New Coke was a mistake. Indeed, even though American consumers reviled it, the company kept New Coke in circulation, albeit in cans and bottles that identified the drink simply as "Coke.
    1987-Heart's "Alone" hits #1 for the first of three weeks.
    1987- an eight-pound baby boy Matej Gaspar, born at 1:35AM, EST, at Zagreb, Yugoslavia, was proclaimed the five billionth inhabitant of Earth. The United Nations Fund for Population Activities, hoping to draw attention to population growth, proclaimed July 11 as “Day of the Five Billion,” noting that 150 babies are born each minute. It later became known as “World Population Day.”
http://www.unfpa.org/
( I could not find out any current information about Matej Gaspar,
whether alive or not or employed or unemployed ). 
    1988 - Thunderstorms produced heavy rain in southern Texas, with totals ranging up to 13 inches near Medina. Two men drowned when their pick-up truck was swept into the Guadalupe River, west of the town of Hunt. Ten cities in the eastern U.S. reported record high temperatures for the date. Baltimore, MD, reported a record high reading of 102 degrees for the second day in a row.
    1989 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``If You Don't Know Me by Now,'' Simply Red.
    1992- Jerry Garcia introduces a series of neckties he's designed, bearing his name. President Bill Clinton immediately buys the set of eight.
    1994-Michael Dell, chairman of Dell Computers, announces that the company will pull out of retail and concentrate entirely on its mail-order business. Although the company had predicted just four months earlier that it would expand its retail efforts, the company decided its build-to-order strategy would be more profitable as a strictly mail-order operation. By 1998, the company had become the country's No. 3 seller of computers, after Compaq and IBM.
    2008-The hand-painted drum skin that appeared on the cover of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" sold for $1.1 million at a Christie's memorabilia sale in London. John Lennon's handwritten lyrics for "Give Peace a Chance" fetched $834,000, well above pre-sale expectations of around $500,000.