Five Point Capital joins Evergreen Notification List

Greg Wells, President & CEO Five Point Capital, San Diego, California, in a follow-up communication, told Leasing News, "As I mentioned to you several weeks ago, we would be reviewing our end of term process.  One of the outcomes of this review is that we are now sending written notice of the impending maturity to all true leases in all states.

"In full disclosure – notices that are being sent out now will have first impact on deals maturing in December. The current FPC contract calls for notice 120 days prior to maturity and we’re going to aim to get notices to them 30 days prior to the contract date. We’ll still have a few months ahead of us where deals have matured or have passed the contractual 120 days that a lessee won’t have notice."

In the communication on the last complaints, Greg Wells did say from the beginning he was working on a review of the procedure.  It is also true that both he and Michael Losey, Director of Portfolio Management at Five Point Capital, have been very responsive, including both active in resolving the complaints; which were all resolved to the customer's satisification.

It was the non-notification issue that kept the complaints on the web site, but they now will all be removed, plus in LinkedIn group, Twitter, and Facebook sites.

Leasing News salutes Mr. Greg Wells for his leadership.

 

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Companies who notify lessee in advance of lease expiration
and require their discounter to also notify lessee in advance

Added to the List:

American Leasefund
Datasales
Capital Technology & Leasing
Five Point Capital
Forum Financial Services
Manufacturer's Lease Plans, Inc. (MLPI)
Mount Pleasant Capital
Standard Professional Services

Please Click on the company name for more information:

ABCO Leasing Advantage Funding Agility Ventures LLC Allegiant Partners American Leasefund, Inc. Bankers Capital Black Rock Capital BSB Leasing Calfund Capital Technology & Leasing, LLC Commerce National Bank Dakota Financial, LLC Direct Capital Five Point Capital, Inc.

Forum Financial Services, Inc. Gonor Funding GreatAmerica Leasing Madison Capital Manufacturer's Lease Plans, Inc Marquette Equipment Finance Mesa Leasing Maxim Commercial Capital Mount Pleasant Capital National Machine Tool Financial Corporation Northwest Leasing Company Pawnee Leasing Corporation Standard Professional Services, LLC

Full List:
http://leasingnews.org/Pages/lease_expiration.html

Classified Ads---Asset Management/Controller

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

Santa Barbara CA (will relocate) Experienced Asset Manager of various portfolio's for a bank, broker and leasing company. Utilized specialized remarketing companies to maximize collateral values. Worked remote two years. geoff.taylor@verizon.net | Resume | Reference 1 | Reference 2

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

Leasing hiring index falls in Q2 after six straight quarters of growth

After 18 months of steady and consistent growth, the ZRG Equipment Leasing and Finance hiring index retreated, ending the quarter at 410. Despite the drop in career opportunities from Q1 to Q2 of this year, the overall job opening numbers are still higher than they have been in the past 3 years, showing healthy levels of hiring occurring in the space.

Will this gradual decline in new jobs continue in the upcoming quarter or will summer and fall bring continued hiring and further job opportunities to close out year? This is certainly a big question for the industry looking forward.

From a sector standpoint, growth for this year has come out of the technology and healthcare sectors. Functionally, we see a continued emphasis on business development and sales related hiring in the quarter. At current hiring index levels, 2011 is still on pace to exceed last year’s hiring pace by 85%.

ZRG is launching a new global leasing and finance hiring index this coming quarter, so global hiring trends in leasing will bring new insights to the quarterly releases.

Full Report:
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/ZRGSecondQuarterReport_72511.pdf

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.

[headlines]
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Emily Fitzpatrick---Career Crossroad

Question:
I submitted my resume via online application and have not heard anything. What should I do?

Answer:
Understand that when you submit your application / resume online, it typically goes to HR -they are the “gate keepers”. HR representatives typically handle many more functions than just reviewing resumes. If you have not heard from the company within two weeks of your application, either electronically or telephonically, you may want to reach out telephonically and follow up on your application. If you still do not receive a response, you may want to move on.

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: emily@riirecruit.com

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

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

Leasing Industry Help Wanted

EQUIPMENT LEASING SALES Nationwide- Grand Island, Nebraska AXIS Capital, Inc. has immediate opportunities in Texas (Houston or Dallas based) for experienced customer direct leasing sales executives with established current end user relationships preferred. AXIS Capital Inc. is a National Independent Leasing company. Our ideal candidate will have the opportunity to utilize their industry expertise with the opportunity to grow their existing equipment lessee customer base. Position Requirements: • Candidates will possess exceptional verbal, written and    customer service skills. • Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint. • Self-motivating and organizational skills. • Travel required Competitive salary, health insurance, 401K, life Insurance, paid vacations and holidays. If you possess the required experience and feel you have what it takes to succeed, please email your resume to hr@axiscapitalinc.com or send your resume to PO Box 2555, Grand Island, NE 68801. www.axiscapitalinc.com

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]
--------------------------------------------------------------

More on Brendan Messenheimer Sentencing

Leasing News has printed four “Alerts” on Brendan Messenheimer of AMC Funding, Charlotte, North Carolina, from both vendors and brokers. He owned another company that had sources through leasing companies as a vendor and was putting deals through here, reportedly more liberal as coming from a supposed vendor. When he was caught doing this, he was cut off and what happened were over a dozen brokers getting bounced checks or no checks, as well as vendors not being paid. Kendal Nuclear Medicine was one of them who nine months ago took the matter to court for a worthless check.

It was the vendor who was informing Leasing News about the trial, and confirmed that he had received reimbursement on his check for $10,587.88.

The vendor had said because it was a first time offense, the sentencing was "light." Leasing News has learned the sentencing was not just the return of the money, but he was ordered to pay $21,425.76, dissolve AMC Funding Group, take his website down and not own or operate a "similarly situated business."

“The total amount owed was $21,425.76. I was given (2) bad checks. One was for the amount discussed previously and the second was for the difference. The first check bounced for "NSF" and that was the one he was charged with Felony Worthless Check and the second was a "Stop Payment". As part of the plea deal, he was required to pay both in addition to removing his web site and one year supervised probation. In North Carolina, this will remain on his record forever.”

(name with held)

Fourth Alert (includes first three alerts)
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2011/2_22.htm#fourth_amc

[headlines]
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Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP

Annual Operational Audits

I function as another set of eyes for the leasing industry doing reviews of lease portfolios to determine the soundness of lease operations. It is always a surprise to me that I find sloppy back offices and untrained personnel in companies that have been around for many years. The organization of a lease back office is a complicated affair and it does not take much to make mistakes that slip through the cracks. After a lease transaction is called complete, and before it is filed away, there should always be a review by someone trained to look at documentation and paperwork. I would also recommend this not be someone involved in day to day operations. Exceptions should be noted and repairs completed before time makes them impossible to correct.

The most common mistakes I find are unsigned documents (lacking signatures), blanks not filed in and documents misfiled. I could go on, but perhaps the most startling of all is the comments I receive prior to starting the audit when I am assured by management that their back office is the “best” there is and everything is reviewed and double checked and I should find no problems except a “few” human errors! So you can imagine their surprise when I show them a large verity of mistakes. It simply is because someone with knowledge out of the immediate department reviewed all the material and then the file is considered “reviewed.” “Complete” is next noted on the file when the items discovered are corrected.

In this current economy with downsizing and consolidation and longer work hours, I note more mistakes than normal are creeping in. In fact, I have found many more mistakes than senior management expected, and they were aware there would be errors, but not so many of them.

The fact that it is not expected is what is surprising. There are a million reasons for the mistakes, but apathy is usually the biggest problem. With personnel changes, policy changes, every day pressures and a lack of accepting that back office problems are usual, not unusual.

I believe very strongly in having a procedures manual for each position not just an overall policy and procedures manual. To create one you should have each employee create what they think is a list of their duties and responsibilities. Then the employee’s manager should first review it to determine how it corresponds to what they believe it should be and then review it every six months to make sure it has not changed or see it needs modifications.

Senior management needs to compare the correct duties and responsibilities for all employees to make sure all tasks have been assigned. Sounds like a lot of work, but once completed a more efficient work environment with less mistakes is the result. In Addition the duties and responsibilities list is an excellent outline for performance reviews.

Many of the mistakes occur due to a requirement for speed and excess work load. The more that is expected of the staff, the more mistakes are going to occur ---so more review is a real necessity.

A lease back office does not manage itself. Many of the mistakes occur due to the lack of supervision. Just because someone is a hard worker does not mean they will not make mistakes. We are all prone to make mistakes on occasion, but if the system is there to have someone with a fresh set of eyes review the work load ---perhaps they can be found and corrected prior to any consequences.

An annual review by someone trained to look at documents and who questions each action may help adjust your procedure manual so it supports the work flow instead of interfering with it.

I also suggest that the back office be organized according to the paper flow. Occasionally I find that over time and sometimes for political reasons personnel are stationed far apart requiring many additional hours for a transaction to make its way through the organization. It would be wise to establish a work flow chart and then compare it to your office set up to see how it moves and where it moves on its path to completion.

If you draw a line from task to task, it may surprise you how inefficient your work flow really is. That is why I said the back office of a leasing operation is a complicated affair.

If you are well organized and you need none of this pat yourself on the back and understand that you are in the minority.

Mr. Terry Winders, CLP, has been a teacher, consultant, expert witness for the leasing industry for thirty-five years and can be reached at leaseconsulting@msn.com or 502-649-0448

He invites your questions and queries.

Previous #102 Columns:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Leasing_102/Index.htm

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

Bank Beat---Directors lose three banks: two Florida, Colorado
by Christopher Menkin

In covering the failure of banks in detail for almost three years, most were over extended in construction and land development loans, followed up by commercial loans, and 1-4 family home loans. The banks that failed started their decline either in 2006 or 2007, with obvious growing charge offs, and the time consuming and burden of growth in non-conforming loans, coupled with the result of not being able to raise additional capital, meaning the inability to bring in new investors. The numbers being posted are basically a minimum of 90 days behind, and more than likely close to a year. So what happened in 2008 was really the reporting reaching the point in 2009. All those who failed needed new capital, but their friends and relatives had already been approached in the formation of the bank. To raise capital for an entity losing money, charge offs, non-conforming loans, and god forbid, a cease and desist order from the FDIC, made it quite difficult, and in these cases, impossible. And they all started too late, six months to a year after the numbers were reported to the FDIC.

The larger banks have access to a more “public marketplace,” as well as many products to produce additional revenue, such as leasing, where the write offs were not happening with these banks. The smaller banks are trapped in their community and reflect it in the local down economy without the ability to reach further into communities in other states with the products available to larger banks with more staff and abilities.

Couple this with mismanagement by a board of directors who really had no business directing a bank, thinking they knew what they were doing, who in reality were usually a bunch of well-to-do friends and community leaders who raised enough money so they could have the local prestige of being on the board of a bank. I don’t know if that is as true today as it was five years ago when a bank director was looked upon as not only a celebrity in the community, but a financial successful person. If the bank is successful, it most likely is true today…but if not…

To top it off, the construction and business loans were mainly to their friends and relatives. In the end, the bank directors lost their initial investment as well as the respect of those they talked into investing in their bank.

These directors should have seen it coming. Leasing News Contributor Steve Chriest, a former leasing company president, and active then in training sales personnel for large corporations, saw it, and wrote about it in the February 3, 2006 edition (1)

The 17 branches of Bank of Choice, Greeley, Colorado were closed with Bank Midwest, National Association, Kansas City, Missouri, to assume all of the deposits. This is a long time bank that made it through the depression, founded January 1, 1896 and had 284 full time employees in 2008, the last years they opened a new office to 214 full time employees March 31, 2011 at two offices each in Arvada, Fort Collins, Greely, and Parker, one each in Auora, Denver, Elizabeth, Englewood, Evans, Kiowa, Platteville, Windsor. 12 of these offices opened from 2000 to 2008.

Charge offs of Construction and Land Development loans did them in with $7.8 million in 2009 and $$20.2 in 2010, along with nonfarm loans in the same years $2.3 and $7.5, farmland $2 million and $3.2 million. In fact, the first quarter of 2011 found $2.5 million in farmland charge offs as non-current loans had also climbed to $106 million, compared to $3.3 million in 2006 and $8.8 million in 2007.

Bank of Choice had lost $51 million in 2009 and $59.9 million in 2010.

A blog on the failure of this bank brought comments from a person who posted what he had learned in a four year Bank Strategies LLC as to "...why some of the banks got into the troubled condition they found themselves in regardless of what the economy or real estate values did. Below are a handful of actual examples of the dozens of practices that we have found in our studies that are inappropriate and significantly contributed to the risk profile of the bank. We are putting this forward now because Board members in all banks are nervous and we think will provide some perspective for you to share with your Board.

"Examples:

*-- "The bank distributes loan packages at loan committee, not before, and makes on decisions on each loan usually within 10 minutes,

*-- A lender tells us the approach of the bank is to book the loan and worry about the details later. When asked what the details are, the lender responds financial statements, tax returns, and written appraisals,
*-- A bank grows from a $100 million bank to a billion plus bank without ever putting a Chief Credit Officer position in place,

*-- Officers turned down in loan committee go directly to the President/CEO who possesses the full lending authority of the bank and the President overrides the loan committee decision,

*-- A bank President structured an acquisition and development credit on a three-year term with interest carry for the entire three years,

*-- A rural bank enters a metropolitan market and starts making CRE loans and the only person approving the credit is the President who has no CRE experience and who had not updated the loan policy to deal with CRE loans.

"The examples above are some of the more blatant situations we have seen during our management study engagements. While each study has been unique, we have also observed many common flaws in various fundamental aspects of risk management and general oversight amongst the banks we have worked with.

"One common flaw is that banks' board of directors often knew what was going on but deferred to the judgment of the President/Executive team, whom they believed knew more about banking and therefore, concluded the practices must be okay. Clearly, Boards need to be better informed, better trained, and, in some cases, have the benefit of an independent management study before their primary regulator dictates it. This will help protect them from liability by insuring the practices and approaches of the bank are appropriate."
http://hoocoodanode.org/node/13384

The numbers of Bank of Choice:

(in millions, unless otherwise)

Net equity
2006:	$73.5
2007:	$80.6
2008:	$128.9
2009:	$91.3
2010:	$26.9
3/31:	$22.0

Profit:
2006:	$4.4
2007:	$4.0
2008:	$1.1
2009:	-$51.0
2010:	-$59.5
3/31:	-$8.3

Non-Current Loans:
2006:	$3.3
2007:	$8.8
2008:	$33.7
2009:	$63.7
2010:	$97.9
3/31:	$106.0

Charge Offs
2006 $507,000 ($328,000 commercial, $179,000 nonfarm,
2007 $564,000 ($231,000 Commercial, $175,000 L&C, $129,000 1-4 family, $29,000 individuals)
2008 $8.2 ($3.2 commercial), $2.3 L&C, $1.8 nonfarm, $512,000 1-4 family, $171,000 indiv.)
2009 $19.0 ($7.8 L&C, $3.7 1-4 family, $2.8 commercial, $2.3 nonfarm, $2 farmland, $247,000 ind.)
2010 $37.8 ($20.2 L&C, $7.5 nonfarm, $4.7 1-4 family, $3.2 farmland, $2.0 commercial)
3/31 $2.5 ($1.6 farmland, $1 L&C, -237,000 commercial)

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

As of March 31, 2011, Bank of Choice had approximately $1.07 billion in total assets and $924.9 million in total deposits. In addition to assuming all of the deposits, Bank Midwest, N.A. agreed to purchase approximately $853.0 million of the failed bank's assets.

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 3.47%

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $213.6 million.

(1) Bad Moon on the Rise
http://www.leasingnews.org/Selling_Up/Bad_Moon.htm
http://www.leasingnews.org/Selling_Up/index.htm

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2011/pr11124.html

Ninth Bank to fail in Florida this year

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 0.32%

Note the drop in equity, profit, charge offs, and non-current loans. Most had very low Tier 1 Risk Capital, and as alarming, a trend you giving you little confidence to invest in, but as well as even extend credit. Note the following bank had a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 0.32%.

The six branches of LandMark Bank of Florida, Sarasota were closed with American Momentum Bank, Tampa Florida, acquiring the banking operations, including all the deposits. Founded February 4, 2000 the bank had gone from 66 full time employees in 2006 to 53 full time employers March 31, 2011 at the six offices located in Sarasota.

(in millions, unless otherwise)

Net Equity
2006	$23
2007	$24.4
2008	$25.6
2009	$15.3
2010	$8.5
3/31	$677,000

Profit
2006	$2.3
2007	$1.3
2008	-$728,000
2009	-$10.1
2010	-$6.6
3/31	-$7.8

Non-current loans
2006	0
2007	$1.6
2008	$6.4
2009	$18.6
2010	$38.8
3/31	$36.3

Charge Offs
2006 $366,000 ($208,000 commercial loans, $52 consumer loans)
2007 $260,000 ($208,000 commercial loans, $52 consumer loans)
2008 $2.5 ($1.4 1-4 family, $1 L&C, $60,000 commercial loans, $52 nonfarm)
2009 $8.6 ($3.2 L&C,$2 nonfarm , $2 loans to individuals,$1 1-4 family, $466,000 commercial
2010 $3.0 ($1.3 L&C, $1.3 commercial, $287 non-farm, $94,000 1-4 family
3/31 $5.0 ($2.9 L&C, $1.2 1-4 family, $472,000 commercial, $420,000 non-farm

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

As of March 31, 2011, LandMark Bank of Florida had total assets of $275.0 million and total deposits of $246.7 million.

 

Reportedly American Momentum was opened in 2006 with $100 million in capital, $90 million of it allegedly from Don Adams, the lead investor. He is considered “a Texas tycoon with business interest in Florida, including an agriculture and livestock operation near Ocala. Adams ran privately held First American Bank of Texas that he sold to Citigroup for $750 million in 2005, getting out at the right time. American Momentum has a strong board of directors: http://www.americanmomentumbankfl.com/a_directors.htm
http://www.americanmomentumbankfl.com/loc_locations.htm

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) LandMark Bank of Florida, $34.4 million

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2011/pr11123.html

 

The two branches of Southshore Community Bank, Apollo Beach, Florida were closed with American Momentum Bank, Tampa Florida, acquiring the banking operations, including all the deposits. This is another young, small bank, founded September 12, 2005, with 10 full time employees as of March 31, 2011 with offices in Apollo Beach and Sun City Center.

Apollo Beach

The collapse of real estate was the culprit to this bank, where Wikipedia describes the area with "...a beautiful waterfront community. It is a year-round haven for boating and fishing enthusiasts, with its many miles of canals and inlets.

"Perhaps the fifty-five miles of navigable canals are the best known characteristic of Apollo Beach. The canals average a depth of seven feet in the center and all are connected, eventually merging into Tampa Bay. The canals themselves are lined with magnificent homes, with lush tropical foliage. The majority of home sites have docking facilities with sail boats and motor boats lining both sides of each canal."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Beach,_Florida

Sun City Center is more of a retirement community, age restricted: "2000 Census...The median age was 75 years. For every 100 females there were 74.4 males...It is legal to drive golf cars on the wide palm lined streets during daylight hours and most shopping has special parking slots for same. There are several golf courses, about 20 various hobby shops, an outdoor and two indoor pools in the main clubhouse area. There are clubs for almost any interest or hobby including ham radio, computers, sewing, cards, investments, and dancing."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Sun_Center,_Florida

(in millions, unless otherwise)

Net equity
2006:	$7.9
2007:	$7.6
2008:	$6.6
2009:	$2.9
2010:	$1.7
3/31:	$856,000

Profit:
2006:	-$322,000
2007:	-$326,000
2008:	-$1.1
2009:	-$3.8
2010:	-$937,000
3/31:	-$878,000

Non-Current Loans:
2006:	0
2007:	0
2008:	$1.3
2009:	$3.3
2010:	$1.0
3/31:	$23.8

Charge Offs
2006 0
2007 $14,000 (commercial and industrial loans)
2008 $66,000 ($47,000 nonfarm, $19,000 1-4 family)
2009 $1.8 ( $1.3 L&C, $351,000 nonfarm, $110,000 commercial, $20,000 1-4 family)
2010 $1.6 ($711,000 nonfarm, $292,000 commercial, $248,000 C&L, $208,000 individuals)
3/31 -0- (note large non-current loans rise above)

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

As of March 31, 2011, Southshore Community Bank had approximately $46.3 million in total assets and $45.3 million in total deposits.

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 2.61%

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) for Southshore Community Bank will be $8.3 million.

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2011/pr11123.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

 

San Diego, California-- Adopt-a-Dog

Lisa
Pet ID: 78500
Poodle Mix
Primary Color: White
Weight: 14
Age: 3yrs 0mths 2wks
Animal has been spayed

Why I'd make a great companion: I'm a lovable companion seeking a special home where I'll be a cherished member of the family. With bright eyes and a precious face, I have a beautiful personality to match. I can be a bit shy at first, but I warm up as I become more familiar with my environment and get to know you better. I appreciate a close, trusting relationships. During the adoption process a San Diego Humane Society trainer will be present to answer any questions and share how to best care for me and tips for continued training in the future.

Type of home I'm looking for: I will do best in a home with calm adults. I get along well with other small friendly dogs.

Other things you should know about me: My adoption fee is $105 and includes my spay, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, and a license if residing in Oceanside or Vista!

San Diego Humane Society and SPCA North Campus
2905 San Luis Rey Road
Oceanside, CA
(760) 757-4357
info@sdhumane.org

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/

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

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	Remarketing: Nassau Asset Management Specializing in: Repossession, remarketing, plant and fleet liquidation, skip tracing and collections. All types of equipment. Over 160 locations nationwide. We will tailor any remarketing program to your specific requirements.  www.nasset.com   Contact: ECast@nasset.com ELA,NAB T ,EAEL,NAELB,UAEL
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: 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

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

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

News Briefs----

Subway boss pares sales force; IPO possible
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/trimming_the_menu_I0kx5rNwpq8eAx9qZtTV9O

Caterpillar profit misses, hit by costs; stock off
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-catepillar-2qearnins-up-44-20110722,0,4456344.story

Antigua opposition scolds gov't in bank takeover
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9OM97RO1.htm

Price of dinner foods up almost 5% in one year
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2011-07-23-cnbc-dinner-table-inflation_n.htm

U2 gave an 'out of this world' performance at the TCF Bank Stadium
http://www.examiner.com/arts-in-minneapolis/u2-gave-an-out-of-this-world-performance-at-the-tcf-bank-statement-1

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Great Dane, largest in world, afraid of Chihuahuas
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2017884/Biggest-dog-world-Meet-George-7ft-long-Great-Dane--whos-terrified-chihuahuas.html

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)

 

California Nuts Briefs---

California lowers taxes, raises fees
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/24/3790500/california-lowers-taxes-raises.html

The largest high-tech heist in Bay Area history was an inside job
http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_18537890?nclick_check=1

 

 

“Gimme that Wine”

Winery Folk: Heat Bad for Workers, Good for Grapes
http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getNewsLink&dataId=90491

AU: Whoops! $1 million worth of wine spilled
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/22/whoops-1-million-worth-of-wine-spilled

Fire Destroys Château de France's Cellar
http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/45440

San Francisco Wine School Approved by Society of Wine Educators
http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataid=90493

2011 California State Fair Wine Winners
http://www.sacwineregion.com/2011/06/14/1931/2011-california-state-fair-wine.html

 

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

     1651- African slaves in America arrived for the first time at the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, FL. They belonged to King Phillip II of Spain. The first slaves in the English colonies in America were introduced in Jamestown, VA, in August, 1619 by a Dutch man-of-war that sold 20 kidnapped Africans to the planter colonists. They were treated as indentured servants, since slavery was not legalized in Virginia for several decades. Forms of slavery were also practiced among Native American peoples from ancient times.
    1729- North Carolina becomes royal colony. As Jews were being banished in Europe from many cities for practicing their religion, they began migrating to the New World along with many other Christian faiths who no longer wanted to follow either the Church of England or the Vatican. Although few in number, Jewish immigrants were strong contributors to the religious life of America, according to historians. The first permanent Hebrew congregation to the colonies was formed in 1729 in New York City; the next year the members constructed a synagogue on Mill Street that was described as a “solid, neat, stone Temple. “ The congregation later added the first school for Jewish children. Around this time Jewish communities were also developing Charleston, S.C., Newport, R.I.., and Philadelphia, PA, and by the time of the American Revolution, there were between 2000 and 3000 Jews in the colonies, mostly merchants and traders. An act of Parliament in 1740 allowed Jews to be naturalized, and in the colonies they found more political and religious freedom than anywhere else in the world.
    1805 - Aaron Burr reportedly visited New Orleans with plans to establish a new country, with New Orleans as the capital city.
    1814- Battle of Niagara Falls (Lundy's Lane); Americans defeat British
http://www.lundyslanemuseum.com/battle.html
    1850 - Gold is discovered in the Rogue River in Oregon, extending the quest for gold up the Pacific coast. 
    1851-New Mission Toll Road opened. First toll station at Third and Stevenson. The planked roadway ran from Clay and Kearny, out Third to Mission, and then along Mission to Corbett Road. It bridged the marsh between Sixth and Eighth St. Tolls were 25 cents for riders on horseback, 75 cents for two-horse wagons an one dollar for a four-horse team.
    1861 - The Crittenden Resolution, calling for the American Civil War to be fought to preserve the Union and not for slavery, is passed by Congress. The measure was important in keeping the pivotal states of Missouri, Kentucky, and Maryland in the Union.Although the measure was passed in Congress, it meant little when, just two weeks later, President Lincoln signed a confiscation act, allowing for the seizure of property—including slaves—from rebellious citizens. Still, for the first year and a half of the Civil War, reunification of the United States was the official goal of the North. It was not until Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of September 1862 that slavery became a goal. 
    1863-The first Monument to commemorate the Civil War was a plain brownstone shaft designed by Nelson Augustus Moore and dedicated this day, two years before the end of the war, at a cost of $4350. It was “erected to commemorate the death of those who perished in suppressing the Southern Rebellion” and eventually carried the names of 16 men. It is still standing.
http://www.chs.org/ransom/images/004.jpg
http://www.chs.org/ransom/004.htm
    1866-- David G Farragut became 1st rear admiral in US Navy
http://www.abraham-lincoln.org/admiralfarragut.org/
    1868- Territory of Wyoming created.
http://www.wyomingnews.com/
http://www.wyomingtourism.org/tourism/internal.cfm
    1874- "The Maple Leaf Forever," one of Canada's most famous patriotic songs, was said to have been performed for the first time during the laying of the foundation stone for the Christian Baptist Church in Newmarket, Ontario. The song's composer, Alexander Muir, conducted a choir of schoolchildren. But "The Maple Leaf Forever" likely had its first public performance years earlier. An early sheet music edition of the song in 1871 said it had been "sung with great applause by J.F. Hardy, Esquire, in his popular entertainments." (sounds very much like “My Country ‘Tis of Thee “)
http://www.geocities.com/loyal1ca/queen.mid
http://www.canadafirst.net/maple_leaf_forever/ 
http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/clamen/misc/Canadiana/
MapleLeafForever.html
   1890- In his last minor league appearance, 23-year old Cy Young strikes out 18 batters en route to a tossing no-hitter in a Tri-State contest against McKeesport (PA). The right-hander will amass a record 511 victories during his 22-year Hall of Fame career.
    1891-Heat wave at Los Angeles with 103 on the 24th and 100 on the 25th. Peak during heat wave was 109
    1897-birthday of guitarist Sylvester Weaver, Louisville, KY
http://www.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,508077,00.html?artist=Sylvester+Weaver
    1898-Puerto Rico was invaded by U.S. Forces led by Major General Nelson A. Miles. The landing was made at Guanica, on the southern coast. Resistance was minimal.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/namiles.htm
http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/i_r/miles.htm
    1899-birthday of coronet player Johnny Wiggs, New Orleans, LA
http://www.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,509639,00.html?artist=Johnny+Wiggs
    1903- Castle on top of Telegraph Hill, San Francisco, burns down.
    1906—Alto sax player Johnny “Rabbit” Hodges birthday
http://www.downbeat.com/artists/window.asp?action=new&aid=339&aname=Johnny+Hodges
http://thrill.to/Hodges
    1907-Birthday of guitarist Slim Green, Bryant, TX
    1908-birthday of Pianist Henry Brown, Troy, NT
    1916-African-American Garrett T. Morgan, inventor of the gas mask, rescues six from gas-filled tunnel in Cleveland, Ohio Garrett T. Morgan
http://www.kytales.com/gmorgan/gmorgan.html
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/page/m/morgan.shtml
    1918- Annette Abbot Adams became the first woman District Attorney, serving as U.S. district attorney in the Northern California District from July 25, 1918 to June 26, 1920.
http://www.stanford.edu/group/WLHP/papers/aaahtml.html
    1918 -Race riot in Chester Pennsylvania (3 blacks and 2 whites killed)
    1925 - Station 2XAG in Schenectady, NY became the first radio station in the U.S. to broadcast with a 50,000-watt transmitter. The station, soon known as WGY Radio, could broadcast with 50,000 watts, since it was owned by the General Electric Company. Today, WGY still broadcasts with its original call letters and is still using 50,000 watts of power. http://www.wgy.com/main.html
    1930-Birthday of Maureen Forrester, one of the world's leading contraltos, was born in Montreal, Canada. She has appeared with top orchestras and choirs in Europe and North America under such renowned conductors as Sir Thomas Beecham, Leonard Bernstein and Herbert von Karajan. In 1971, Forrester was awarded the Molson Prize by the Canada Council for outstanding cultural achievement.
http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Bio/Forrester-Maureen.htm
    1930-Birthday of singer Annie Ross, Mitcham,UK
http://www.ddg.com/LIS/InfoDesignF96/Ismael/jazz/1960/Ross.html
http://www.hopper-management.com/ar_bio_e.htm
    1934-Birthday of trumpeter Don Ellis, Los Angeles, CA. Died December 17, 1978
http://www.handofgord.com/donellis/
    1934-The first president to visit Hawaii while in office was Franklin Delanor Roosevelt; at Hilo, HI. He was officially welcomed by Governor Joseph Poindexter on board the cruiser U.S.S. Houston. Hawaii was then a territory of the United States.
    1936-Today in History salutes Federal Theatre Project (FTP) of the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/jul25.html
    1936- 115 acre Orchard Beach opens in the Bronx, part of Penham Bay Park
http://www.newyorkled.com/pelhambay.htm
http://www.newyorkled.com/moreNYseasonal_Beaches.htm
    1936-Birthday of American composer Edward Gold, Brooklyn, NY.In recent years, Mr. Gold has composed entirely on the computer and has sequenced his own music as well as the music of others, including Elgar, Schumann, Liszt, and Brahms.
    1942 - Capitol Records first number one hit made it to the top this day. It was one of their first six records released on July 1. The new company’s hit was "Cow Cow Boogie", by Ella Mae Morse and Freddy Slack. http://www.redhotjazz.com/cowcow.html
http://www.prescottlink.com/morse/ella.html
    1943-The SS Leonard Roy Harmon was launched in Quincy, MA, the first warship named for a Black person.
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/pers-us/uspers-h/l-harmon.htm
    1943-Jim McCarty, drummer for the Yarbirds, was born.
    1944 –The first jet fighter used in combat (Messerschmitt 262) Toward the end of the war Germany was not only producing rockets to bomb England, but building them to bomb the US, larger and stronger tanks, working on an atomic bomb, to be put on the rockets, and were now in production of jet air craft.
http://www.fighter-planes.com/info/me262.htm
http://www.users.bigpond.com/markltuc/me262a-1a.htm
    1946- The first bikini is shown at a Paris fashion show.
http://www.bikiniatoll.com/Bikiniwaxing.html#anchor456238
http://www.247dreams.com/
    1946 - Singer Dean Martin and comedian Jerry Lewis staged their first show as a team at Club 500 in Atlantic City, NJ. Actually, the two had met while performing -- separately -- at the Glass Hat in New York City and decided to try an ad-lib act -- together. Reportedly it was their wives he did not get along, who eventually broke up the partnership. 
http://www.deanmartinfancenter.com/index/rightframe/07mandl/07mandl.html
    1947-The National Security Act of 1947 was passed by Congress. The act unified the armed forces, including the newly formed US Air Force, the Navy and War Department to form US Department of Defense, creating the cabinet position
of Secretary of Defense. It also established the National Security Council and the Central Intelligence Agency. The act was signed on July 26 by President Truman, who nominated Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal as the first secretary of Defense. Forrestal was confirmed by Congress on July 27.
    1948-Birthday of guitarist/songwriter Steve Goodman, Chicago, IL Died, 1984.
http://www.hepcat.com/goodman/good.html
http://www.hepcat.com/goodman/fcs.html
    1950---Top Hits
Bewitched - The Bill Snyder Orchestra
Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole
I Wanna Be Loved - The Andrews Sisters
I’m Moving On - Hank Snow
    1952- Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth of the United States, ratified this day. Residents of Puerto Rico possess all the rights of U.S. citizens except that of voting in federal elections.
http://welcome.topuertorico.org/government.shtml
http://americanhistory.si.edu/vidal/
http://www.puertorico.com/
http://escape.topuertorico.com/
    1953- GUILLEN, AMBROSIO Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Near Songuch-on, Korea, 25 July 1953. Entered service at: El Paso, Tex. Born: 7 December 1929, La Junta, Colo. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon sergeant of Company F in action against enemy aggressor forces. Participating in the defense of an outpost forward of the main line of resistance, S/Sgt. Guillen maneuvered his platoon over unfamiliar terrain in the face of hostile fire and placed his men in fighting positions. With his unit pinned down when the outpost was attacked under cover of darkness by an estimated force of 2 enemy battalions supported by mortar and artillery fire, he deliberately exposed himself to the heavy barrage and attacks to direct his men in defending their positions and personally supervise the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. Inspired by his leadership, the platoon quickly rallied and engaged the enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Although critically wounded during the course of the battle, S/Sgt. Guillen refused medical aid and continued to direct his men throughout the remainder of the engagement until the enemy was defeated and thrown into disorderly retreat. Succumbing to his wounds within a few hours, S/Sgt. Guillen, by his outstanding courage and indomitable fighting spirit, was directly responsible for the success of his platoon in repelling a numerically superior enemy force. His personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
    1954-The "Andrea Doria" and the "Stockholm" collide off the coast of New England in dense fog. 52 people were killed
    1954 – Birthday of Walter Payton (Pro Football Hall of Famer: Chicago Bears RB: Super Bowl XX; NFL individual record-holder: rushing yards gained in one game [275], in career [16,726]; career [1975-87] touchdowns scored [110]; born Columbia, MS; died Nov 1, 1999)
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/1999/11/01/payton_obit/
http://payton34.org/
    1958---Top Hits
Hard Headed Woman - Elvis Presley
Poor Little Fool - Ricky Nelson
Little Star - The Elegants
Alone with You - Faron Young
    1960-The Ventures "Walk Don't Run" enters the US Pop chart and introduces the instrumental Surf sound to Rock 'n' Roll. The song will peak at #2 a month later.
    1960-Elvis Presley's "It's Now or Never" debuted on Billboard's Pop music chart. The song was adapted from the Italian tune "O Sole Mio", written in 1899.
    1961-Roger Maris hits home runs 37, 38, 39 and 40 in a double header.
    1962 - The Elvis Presley film ``Kid Galahad'' premieres.
    1964- Beatles' "Hard Day's Night, A," album goes #1 & stays #1 for 14 weeks 
    1964- Race riot in Rochester NY
    1964-Billboard reports England has a hot new band. The Animals debut single "House of the Rising Sun" entered the U.K. chart at #16. The next week, it's at #3 and seven days later it's number one. To promote the group in the U.S., disc jockeys were sent boxes of animal crackers wrapped with special promotional material.
    1965- Bob Dylan, backed by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, horrified the audience at the Newport Folk Festival with his new electric sound. He was booed off stage after three tunes but returned with his acoustic guitar to play two songs -- "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue” and "Mr. Tambourine Man." 
    1966-In San Francisco, the Rolling Stones perform their last U.S. concert with Brian Jones.
    1966---Top Hits
Hanky Panky - Tommy James & The Shondells
Wild Thing - The Troggs
Lil’ Red Riding Hood - Sam the Sham & The Pharoahs
Think of Me - Buck Owens
    1966- Trivia for followers of Al Davis, named commissioner of the American Football League just three a half months earlier, he resigned this day and returned to his previous position, president of the general partner of the Oakland Raiders. Davis resigned two weeks after NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle announced a merger between the two leaguers. He has never been happy since. 1966 –Supremes with Diana Ross release "You Can't Hurry Love"
http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0109117.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/12590/davisal.htm?tqskip1=1&tqtime=0723
    1966-New York Yankee manager Casey Stengel elected to Hall of Fame.
    1966-- Red Sox great Ted Williams is inducted into the Hall of Fame. In his induction speech the 'Spendid Splinter' makes a strong appeal for the inclusion of Negro League stars at Cooperstown.
    1966 - Eric Clapton plays lead guitar for George Harrison's ``While My Guitar Gently Weeps'' on the album ``The Beatles'' (also known as ``The White Album'').
    1967- Construction begins on San Francisco Muni Metro(Market Street subway
http://www.sfmuni.com/rider/visitors.htm
    1969- Toronto native Neil Young joined Crosby, Stills and Nash for the first time at a concert at the Fillmore East in New York. Young and Stephen Stills had worked together previously in Buffalo Springfield. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's second appearance was at the Woodstock Festival a month later. The quartet broke up in 1971.
http://www.neilyoung.com/
    1970-Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4" is released.
    1970-The Carpenters "Close To You" topped the Billboard Pop chart and became the first of many US hits for the brother and sister team. The song itself had been written in 1963 by Hal David and Burt Bacharach and was first offered to Herb Alpert, who said he didn't feel comfortable singing 'so they sprinkled moon dust in your hair'
    1971-The Beach Boys make a return with the release of their album "Surf's Up." It hits #29 which is their highest charting L
    1972-The US admits that Blacks were used for 40 years as “guinea pigs” in the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment.
http://www.thetalkingdrum.com/tus.html 
http://www.africana.com/Articles/tt_423.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0029166764/inktomi-bkasin-20/
103-4403830-8968645 
    1974---Top Hits
Rock Your Baby - George McCrae
Annie’s Song - John Denver
Rock and Roll Heaven - The Righteous Brothers
Maria Laveau - Bobby Bare
    1975- the musical "A Chorus Line" opened at the Shubert Theatre in New York after a two-month run at a small theatre in the New York Shakespeare Festival complex in the East Village. "A Chorus Line" became Broadway's longest-running show, finally closing on April 28th, 1990, after 6,137 performances. More than six-and-a-half million people paid 150 million dollars to see the show during its Broadway run. Productions of "A Chorus Line” were also mounted in more than 20 countries.
http://www.imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/albm56.html
    1979-Tropical Storm Claudette produced phenomenal rainfall totals in southeast Texas. 30-40 inches fell in 24 hours around Alvin. Freeport reported a total of 30 inches. Total damage from flooding was over $400 million
    1980- AC\DC releases "Back In Black," their first album with Brian Johnson as lead singer.
    1980-Kiss introduces their new drummer, Eric Carr, at a concert at the Palladium in New York City. Carr, who wears fox make-up, replaces Peter Criss, who was made up as a cat.
   1981-Air Supply becomes the first Australian band to top the Billboard Pop chart when "The One That You Love" reaches number one. They would go on to place seven consecutive singles in the top five.
    1981 - Walter Payton signed a contract to play with the Chicago Bears of the NFL on this, his 27th birthday. The famed running back earned almost $2 million over three years. “Sweetness,” as he was nicknamed (because of his disposition), became the highest-paid player in the National Football League. 
    1982---Top Hits
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
Rosanna - Toto
Hurts So Good - John Cougar
Take Me Down - Alabama
    1985 -Spokeswoman for movie star Rock Hudson confirmed he had AIDS.
    1987-Beckley, WV equals all-time high of 91, established the previous day. It marked the fourth straight day with 90 readings after it was reached just 2 times in the previous 25 years
    1987 - Sixteen cities in the eastern U.S. reported record high temperatures for the date. Beckley, WV, equaled their all-time record high of 91 degrees, established just the previous day. It marked their fourth day in a row of 90 degree heat, after hitting 90 degrees just twice in the previous 25 years of records. The water temperature of Lake Erie at Buffalo, NY, reached 79 degrees, the warmest reading in 52 years of records.
    1990- At the time, very popular actress-comedienne Roseanne Barr, star of the TV series “Roseanne,” sings the National Anthem at San Diego Padres game . Sports fans go nuts. Boo her out of the stadium. Her popularity wanes from this event.
http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/R/htmlR/roseanne/roseanne.htm
    1990-US Ambassador tells Iraq, US won't take sides in Iraq-Kuwait dispute.
http://www.roseanneworld.com/home/index.php
    1990 - Comic Roseanne Barr is booed off the field after she screeches a crotch-grabbing rendition of the national anthem at a Padres baseball game in San Diego. President Bush calls the performance ``disgusting.''
    1990---Top Hits
She ain’t Worth It - Glenn Medeiros featuring Bobby Brown
Hold On - En Vogue
Cradle of Love - Billy Idol
The Dance - Garth Brooks
    1997 - "Air Force One", with Harrison Ford. Rebel Russian highjackers capture the plane. It earned $37.13 million the first weekend. 
    1997- Dr. John D. Gearhart and a team of researchers at the John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, announced they had cultured human stem cells in a laboratory, using tissue taken from aborted human embryos. Stem cells are the basic, unspecialized cells from which all other cells in the body develop during the growth of a baby in the womb.
    1999 - Lance Armstrong rode to victory in the Tour de France, capping an amazing comeback from cancer. He was only the second American to win cycling’s showcase race. 
http://www.laf.org
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2005/07/24/sports/lance.section.2.jpg
Lance Armstrong and the Discovery Channel team after the 21st and final stage of Armstrong's last Tour de France.
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/sports/sportsspecial/index.html
    1999-- Nolan Ryan, Robin Yount, George Brett, Nestor Chylak, Orlando Cepeda, Frank Selee and 'Smokey' Joe Williams are enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
    2000---Top Hits
It s Gonna Be Me- N Sync 
Bent- matchbox twenty 
Everything You Want- Vertical Horizon 
Try Again- Aaliyah 
    2001- E. Stanley O’Neil to become Merrill Lynch & Co chief executive, first African American to lead a major Wall Street securities firm.
    2004-- Paul Molitor, a member 3000 hit club, and Dennis Eckersley, who appeared in the most games of any Hall of Fame pitcher (1,071 games) are inducted into the Hall of Fame. Long time Bay Area (A's and Giants ) broadcaster Lon Simmons wins the Ford C. Frick Award and the J.G. Taylor Spink Award is won by New York Times' Murray Chass enabling both to become members of the Hall for their outstanding reporting of the national pastime.
    2005---Top Hits
We Belong Together- Mariah Carey 
Pon de Replay- Rihanna 
SRP/Def Jam | 004809* | IDJMG
Hollaback Girl- Gwen Stefani 
Don't Cha- The Pussycat Dolls Featuring Busta Rhymes
    2010 - The Hall of Fame honors John Fogerty, for his classic song “Centerfield”. At the induction ceremonies, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer performs his 1985 hit, and then donates his baseball bat shaped-guitar to the Cooperstown museum.