Correction: LEAF Financial

It appears information regarding Merit Capital Advance and Prompt Payment that appeared in Wednesday, July 7, 2010 article is not correct. The information came from http://www.leaffinancial.com/, but is apparently not there today, and summed up from the web site:

"LEAF Financials attention seems to be leaning heavily on its credit card advance lending companies, Merit Capital Advance, LLC, as well as promoting a factoring company, Prompt Payment, where the buyer can take up to 60 days interest free to repay what was advanced to the seller."

Leasing News attempted to reach LEAF Financial for a comment, but none was received.

A well-informed reader, known to Leasing News, wrote:
"I heard that both Merit Advance and Prompt Payment were inactive. I called the Merit 866 number and it wasn't working. I heard Merit got its business up to $1MM in CC receivables and was losing money and Prompt Payment never really got off the ground. Everything that Leaf has tried, vendor biz, broker biz, direct biz, sales telemarketing, regional salespeople, pre-approved lease lines, credit card advances, healthcare working capital loans, portfolio acquisitions, portfolio management for others, invoice financing --- apparently has flopped. "

An insider told Leasing News:
"These 2 units are already closed down. President of Merit is now back at LEAF with investor services. But there are no funds to manage."

Leasing News confirmed the Merit telephone was not working. The web site was up: http://www.meritcapitaladvance.com/

Prompt Payment telephone was working and two messages left in voice mail; both not identified as Leasing News. No response was received. Web site was up: http://www.promptpayment.com/

LEAF Specialty to Shut Down in Two Weeks?
http://leasingnews.org/archives/July2010/7_07.htm#leaf

Classified Ads---Credit

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

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

Update: Looking for Broker Business

All lists are screened, meaning information is verified for the category and listing before
the company is put on this list.

These companies are funders or super brokers seeking independent leasing broker business. The list does not include "brokers," "lessors", or "packagers."

Funder/Superbroker Looking for New Broker Business

Send company name, contact/email or telephone number as well as a URL to attach or description to
kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

There is no advertising fee or charge for a listing. They are “free.”Leasing News makes no endorsement of any of the companies listed, except they have qualified to be on this specific list.

Leasing News reserves the right to not list a company who does not meet these qualifications.

We encourage companies who are listed to contact us for any change or addition they would like to make. Adding further information as an "attachment" or clarification of what they have to offer would be helpful to readers are very much encouraged.

Leasing Associations: All non-profit leasing associations are abbreviated. To see the full name and learn more about the association, please click here.

BBB - Better Business Report | CBB - Leasing News Complaint Bulletin Board
| CNI - Current News Information

A -Accepts Broker Business | B -Requires Broker be Licensed | C -Sub-Broker Program
| D -"Private label Program" | E - Also "in house" salesmen

N/R (not reported)
* (no response---these listing do not come from the company directly, but from our research from many sources. It is our policy not to put anything in this section without confirmation.)

Business Reports: Companies listed may make any netiquette comment about their company or reports or other information in the footnote section of their listing. Leasing News recommends readers also view the footnote as well as the section itself or searching reports on the business.

It also should be noted that if a BBB report listing is found by a reader, as there may not have been one when this was last up-dated, please send the link to maria@leasingnews.org so Leasing News may up-date this section.

Leasing Associations: All non-profit leasing associations are abbreviated. To see the full name and learn more about the association, please click here.

BBB - Better Business Report | CBB - Leasing News Complaint Bulletin Board
| CNI - Current News Information

A -Accepts Broker Business | B -Requires Broker be Licensed | C -Sub-Broker Program
| D -"Private label Program" | E - Also "in house" salesmen

N/R (not reported)
* (no response---these listing do not come from the company directly, but from our research from many sources. It is our policy not to put anything in this section without confirmation.)

Funder List

This list has been screened to include only funders, where their bank or investors were verified or are public companies. Many of them work with independent brokers, and if they are seeking additional third party business, are on the list above, and have qualified to be on the list.

This list also includes those who do work with brokers, but do not want invite others as they are quite select, and work primarily on their own experience or referral, and may specifically prefer vendor direct business.

It is Leasing News experience there are funders who state they do not work with brokers, but indeed accept referrals and have relationships with third parties who are quite well-known to them and have proven their reputation

Funder List "A"
Page 1 of 2

( for Funder list "B," please click here,
for Broker/Lessors List "A," please click here,
for Broker/Lessor list "B," please click here,
for Captive Lessor list, please click here,
for funders specializing in "Story Credits," please click here
for "Super Broker/Lessors," who primarily place leases, click here )

There is no advertising fee or charge for a listing. They are “free.”Leasing News makes no endorsement of any of the companies listed, except they have qualified to be on this specific list.

To qualify for this list, the company must be a "funder" and not a "Broker/Lessor" or "Super Broker/Lessor". . The company may sell off its portfolio from time to time, but the definition is for a company or financial institution where 50% or more of its business is from actually "funding" transactions themselves, where
they are on "recourse." Every non-public company' banker and/or investor(s) are contacted to verify this.

Leasing News reserves the right to not list a company who does not meet these qualifications.

We encourage companies who are listed to contact us for any change or addition they would like to make. Adding further information as an "attachment" or clarification of what they have to offer would be helpful to readers are very much encouraged.

( To apply to be listed, please fill in our Funder Form and fax to 408.374.3843 or you
may e-mail to: kitmenkin@leasingnews.org.)

Business Reports: Companies listed may make any netiquette comment about their company or reports or other information in the footnote section of their listing. Leasing News recommends readers also view the footnote as well as the section itself or searching reports on the business.

It also should be noted that if a BBB report listing is found by a reader, as there may not have been one when this was last up-dated, please send the link to maria@leasingnews.org so Leasing News may up-date this section.

Leasing Associations: All non-profit leasing associations are abbreviated. To see the full name and learn more about the association, please click here.

BBB - Better Business Report | CBB - Leasing News Complaint Bulletin Board
| CNI - Current News Information

A -Accepts Broker Business | B -Requires Broker be Licensed | C -Sub-Broker Program
| D -"Private label Program" | E - Also "in house" salesmen

N/R (not reported)
* (no response---these listing do not come from the company directly, but from our research from many sources. It is our policy not to put anything in this section without confirmation.)

Business Reports: Companies listed may make any netiquette comment about their company or reports or other information in the footnote section of their listing. Leasing News recommends readers also view the footnote as well as the section itself or searching reports on the business.

It also should be noted that if a BBB report listing is found by a reader, as there may not have been one when this was last up-dated, please send the link to maria@leasingnews.org so Leasing News may up-date this section.

Accept licensed brokers 2 years in business. We accept Story "Vendor Programs" for micro ticket programs.

BBB - Better Business Report | CBB - Leasing News Complaint Bulletin Board
| CNI - Current News Information

A -Accepts Broker Business | B -Requires Broker be Licensed | C -Sub-Broker Program
| D -"Private label Program" | E - Also "in house" salesmen

N/R (not reported)
* (no response---these listing do not come from the company directly, but from our research from many sources. It is our policy not to put anything in this section without confirmation.)

Funder List “B”

This list there was no response nor confirmation, but Leasing News believes they would qualify for the Funders List “A,” if there were a response. The list does need to be revised, but respondents have not returned requests, and therefore may not be accurate:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Funders_Only/Funders_B.htm

Advice on Firing a Sales Superstar

Summary: A Hobson’s choice is sometimes a good tactic to help employees make decisions that are good for them and good for the company.

We were recently invited by a client to offer advice on handling a delicate situation that involved two quarreling superstars in the sales organization.

It seemed that the top performers were arguing over ownership of an account that management had assigned to one of the sales professionals. Both had assembled buddies to support their respective positions, and the constant bickering and back-stabbing was a major distraction affecting the front-line managers and many of the team’s sales professionals.

When confronted with the reality that any decision regarding ownership of the account would make someone unhappy, and that firing one of the superstars was an unpleasant option, the managers called us in for our observations and advice.

In talking with several well-respected team members, it was obvious that a continuing feud between the sales superstars was untenable. As you can imagine, the constant tension was contributing to low morale amongst the troops. A number of sales professionals voiced concern about front-line leaders who allowed this situation to get out of hand. If ever there was a time for this management team to evidence strong leadership, this was that time.

What advice did we give to the front-line sales leaders? Don’t fire anyone. Let the antagonists themselves decide who will leave the company, and who will stay.

This strategy may at first appear to be an equivocal response to a difficult situation, and maybe even appear to be a cop-out by management. But, as you will see, it has teeth, and it was very effective in this case.

Following our advice, the front-line leaders called both antagonists into a private meeting room. The sales leaders explained management’s reasons for the account ownership decision, and they acknowledged that the decision would disappoint someone.

Then, without emotion or passion, and without blaming anyone, the leaders informed the sales superstars that their behavior was causing a distraction on the team that management was unwilling to tolerate for another minute.

The leaders then explained that as valuable members of the sales team, and as adults, the superstars would themselves have to resolve this issue within thirty minutes. The components of the Hobson’s choice were:

1) agree to accept management’s decision regarding account ownership, and immediately cease all disruptive behaviors

2) Decide which person will leave the company immediately

3) Decide that both will leave the company immediately

The sales leaders asked the superstars if the meeting instructions were clear. The leaders also informed the antagonists that while the company would be sorry to lose two valuable employees, it was willing to do so for the good of the sales organization. The leaders then exited the room, leaving the sales superstars to discuss their alternatives.

Fortunately, in this case, the meeting provided both sales professionals with an opportunity to reevaluate their positions, to accept management’s decision on the account ownership issue, and to agree to pursue an amicable working relationship.

In a not-too-surprising gesture of cooperation, the superstars jointly offered suggestions to the managers on a clearer policy for resolving conflicts when account ownership issues arose in the future.

The advice we offered may at first appear unconventional; but it allows for respect to be shown to all parties, acknowledgement of personal feelings and preferences, strong sales leadership and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the sales organization.

Copyright © 2010 Selling UpTM. All Rights Reserved

About the author: Steve Chriest is the founder of Selling UpTM (www.selling-up.com), a sales consulting firm specializing in sales revenue improvement for organizations of all types and sizes in a variety of industries. He is also the author of Selling The E-Suite, The Proven System For Reaching and Selling Senior Executives and Profits and Cash – The Game of Business. You can reach Steve at schriest@selling-up.com.

Previous columns: View from the Top:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/A_View.htm

Leasing Industry Help Wanted

Tax Manager Portland, Oregon Multi-state property/sales tax experience. Vertex & PTMS tax management software exp. preferred. Click here for more information Please Contact: B. Gail Proper gproper@pfsc.com or Johnathan Wease jwease@pfsc.com http://www.pfsc.com/ One of the nation’s largest and most trusted independent lease and loan servicing organizations.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS NATIONAL SALES MANAGERS Click on your area of expertise below for details Medical Market                Technology Market

Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees.

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

First Sound Bank Raises $3.2 Million of Capital in Private Placement

SEATTLE, WA. -- First Sound Bank (OTC Bulletin Board: FSWA) today announced that by June 30, 2010 it had raised, through a private placement, just over $3.2 million of capital at a price of $0.10 per share. The maximum offering of $6.0 million has been extended to July 30, 2010 or to an earlier date at the bank's sole discretion. The common stock is being sold by the bank's officers and directors to accredited investors only.

The foregoing description of the private offering is qualified in its entirety by reference to First Sound Bank's Notice to Shareholders dated July 6, 2010, a copy of which is included at the end of this news release.

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, nor is it the solicitation of an offer to buy, any shares of common stock. Shares may be purchased only by qualified investors at the bank's sole discretion, pursuant to the subscription agreement and related offering documents.

About First Sound Bank
Established in July 2004, First Sound Bank is a state-chartered commercial bank founded by a team of local business executives and headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The bank serves the Puget Sound Region from its full-service branch in downtown Seattle. In March 2008, First Sound Bank purchased Puget Sound Leasing, a locally owned company that specializes in providing and servicing commercial equipment lease financing for transactions from $5,000 to $250,000.

First Sound Bank Notice to Shareholders

July 6, 2010

Dear Shareholders,

We are pleased to report a number of positive developments that have recently occurred at First Sound Bank:

•At the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on June 24, 2010, the shareholders approved the re-election of the six (6) existing directors and an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation increasing the number of shares of Common Stock authorized from 11,586,250 to 91,586,250.

•On June 16, 2010 the bank commenced a private placement stock offering with the objective of raising a minimum of $3.3 to $3.5 million from accredited investors (minimum net worth of $1 million). By June 30, 2010, the bank had received subscriptions for over $3.0 million, which was deposited to the capital of the bank on that date, increasing the bank's Tier 1 capital to just over 3 percent. As of the date of this letter, the bank has raised approximately $3.2 million in shares priced at $0.10 per share. The offering has been extended through July 2010 but may be terminated at an earlier date.

•On June 1, 2010, the lawsuit filed by the bank against LARASCO, Inc. (formerly Puget Sound Leasing Company, Inc.) and Richard and Louis Secord (its owners) alleging, among other things, a breach of contract, was scheduled for trial. A few days before the trial was to begin, LARASCO filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington and the Secords filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington. On June 9, 2010, the bank filed a motion to transfer venue of the LARASCO bankruptcy to the Western District. On July 1, 2010, Judge Patricia C. Williams of the Eastern District granted the bank's motion. This will greatly shorten the time to bring the bank's lawsuit against LARASCO and the Secords to trial. It should be noted that the Court had granted the bank summary judgment (a ruling in favor of the bank as a matter of law) on a number of the matters in dispute, as well as a pre-judgment writ of attachment on certain assets – primarily real estate – to which the bank, if it prevails, believes it has a strong claim for priority over other creditors.

(It should be noted both Secord’s bankruptcy was not mentioned, nor the bank suits regarding prior settlement agreements based on the bank winning the case, and settlement agreements, if it did not. Editor #1)

•In the second quarter of 2010, the bank incurred – on an unaudited basis – a loss of $2.7 million. Most of this was due to an increase in the reserve for loan losses to cover possible future losses in its leasing and real estate portfolios. Fortunately, the losses suffered in the leasing portfolio are diminishing. Leases originated from the first quarter of 2009 – when underwriting standards were tightened and new Leasing Division management was put into place – continue to demonstrate minimal losses and reflect the quality of the portfolio since that time. Although there can be no assurance of this, we believe this trend will continue and the Leasing Division will become profitable in 2011. On the bank side, criticized loans – primarily in the real estate portfolio – are, one by one, being resolved.

We believe trends for the bank are favorable, with regard to both the bank's operations and resolving the pending litigation. We continue to have regulatory concerns and will need to increase capital, but we do feel that after a difficult time our prospects are improving.

We are encouraged by the loyal support of our shareholders and customers and feel privileged to be associated with and serve them.

If you have questions about anything in this letter, including the stock offering, please feel free to call either of us at the bank.

Sincerely,
Don L Hirtzel, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Steven M Shaughnessy, President & Chief Operating Officer

#1 Secord Bankruptcy for Real
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jun2010/6_28.htm#secord

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

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

Allegiant Partners Completes $13 Million Line

Allegiant Partners Incorporated announced a completed $13 million funding facility with Harris N.A. a part of BMO Financial Group (NYSE: BMO; TSX: BMO). The facility can be expanded to up to $20 million.

“The last couple of years have been extremely challenging in the small ticket business,” commented Chris Enbom, CEO of Allegiant Partners.

Chris Enbom, CEO

“Allegiant has weathered the storm and has a very strong balance sheet. We are pleased to have re-financed our existing $10 million with a larger line. Many of our competitors have exited the equipment finance market and as the smoke clears there are fewer players and more opportunities. We thank Bob Bomben and his great team at Harris Bank for their hard work and deep understanding of specialty finance businesses.”

San Rafael, CA-based Allegiant Partners (www.allegiant-partners.com) is an employee-owned commercial funding source started in 1998 that specializes in equipment finance for small businesses. Allegiant focuses on bank policy exceptions, hard asset transactions, story credits and well capitalized small business start-up financings. Allegiant Partners owns First Star Capital (www.FirstStarCapital.com), a direct source for commercial equipment financing and working capital. Allegiant also purchases small, structured portfolios through its affiliate Dunhill Leasing, LLC.

Chris Enbom, CEO
Allegiant Partners Inc.
900 4th Street
Suite 200
San Rafael, CA 94901
office: (415) 451-4041
cell: (415) 305-8850
www.allegiant-partners.com

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

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

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

Global Capital, Ltd. and Somerset Capital Group
announce the formation of a Strategic Alliance

Chicago, Illinois,– Global Capital, Ltd. (“Global”) , headquartered in Grayslake, Illinois and Somerset Capital Group, Ltd. (“Somerset”), based in Milford, Connecticut, two well established members of the equipment leasing community, have joined forces in developing a unique joint marketing alliance that leverages the strengths of both firms.

While Global and Somerset will continue to operate as separate companies, the newly formed alliance will provide customers’ access to a combination of Somerset’s financial strength, robust financing capabilities and comprehensive in house servicing platform along with Global’s marketing prowess. These combined efforts will afford prospective and existing customers of both organizations expanded access to equipment leasing solutions for a broad array of assets both domestically and internationally.

Terri McNally, President and CEO of Global will focus her marketing efforts on multi-national corporations with a global focus while Mark Jackman, Global’s VP of Marketing will focus on domestic business opportunities. Adam Simon, Somerset’s Executive VP of Sales, will lead the Somerset team in supporting and expanding this initiative.

“Somerset Capital Group was one of our original supporters 10 years ago when I founded Global, and they have consistently been there for us through our growth. Their superior funding capabilities, both domestically and internationally and attentiveness in providing quality customer service will provide tremendous additional value to our clients. Our global relationships will now be able to count on us throughout the lifecycle of each and every transaction we originate, including our adherence to the requirements of our ISO Certification. Our partnership with Somerset will allow us to expand our portfolio, handle a significantly increased volume of large, mid-sized and smaller transactions, maintain control over those transactions and our customer relationships and provide our clients and vendor partners with greater flexibility than we have ever been able to provide in our history. Somerset’s pristine reputation in the market and long track record creates a high level of trust for us and our customers.”

Evan Bokor, President and CEO of Somerset added “Change is one of the few constants in our industry. Companies such as Somerset and Global must continue to explore ways to find new and creative ways to address the challenges of today’s market and establish paths for future growth. I am excited to have this opportunity to work closely in developing a true partnership with a high quality and well respected organization such as Global Capital. We believe that by working together with Global, freely sharing ideas and approaches and jointly developing new products and structures we will benefit our mutual customers, and our respective organizations.”

About Global Capital, Ltd.
Founded in 1999, Global, a WBENC Certified Woman Owned Business Enterprise, has provided equipment financing and asset management services to a large group of multinational corporations on a wide range of products. Global Capital, Ltd. maintains both a TL9000 and ISO 9001 Certifications, providing their customers assurance of focus on quality and continuous improvement. Global’s approach of developing high level relationships within the organizations it services has allowed the company to effectively network with many of the largest companies in the world. Their client centric approach has allowed them to maintain strong relationships with their customer base despite the highly competitive nature of today’s markets.

About Somerset Capital Group, Ltd.
Somerset was established in 1984 and offers a broad range of equipment leasing and asset management solutions. Somerset’s depth of experience, flexibility and dedication to nurturing long-term relationships provides a value proposition to its clients and business partners well beyond competitively priced lease structures. Somerset’s financial strength provides the company with the capabilities to execute on global transactions ranging in size from $25,000 to $50 million covering a diverse array of asset types including information technology, material handling, medical, and manufacturing equipment with each transaction tailored to the specific and evolving requirements of its clients. Somerset maintains a staff of qualified professionals to handle, in house, all of its servicing functions. The company’s primary operations are in the US with additional operations in Canada, Singapore and Taiwan.

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

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

Two Plead Guilty to Tax Evasion

Santa Ana, California – In the United States District Court in Santa Ana, the owner of Tommy’s Family Restaurant in San Clemente pleaded guilty to federal tax charges.

Petro Konstantopoulos, of San Clemente, California, pleaded guilty before the Honorable United States District Court Judge James V. Selna to one count of willfully subscribing to a false 2004 United States Income Tax Return, Form 1040, which he filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

According to his plea agreement, Konstantopoulos admitted that during the years 2004 and 2005, that he knowingly under-reported at least $223,600 and $195,600 in taxable income, for the respective years, which resulted in taxes due to the IRS of at least $121,000.

As a part of his plea agreement, Konstantopoulos agreed to file amended tax returns for the tax years 2004 and 2005, correctly reporting unreported income and receipts and provide IRS with information regarding these years, or sign a closing agreements with IRS so that the IRS can assess and collect the total sum of additional taxes and civil fraud penalty due for tax years 2004 and 2005.

Previously, in a similar tax fraud matter, a Yorba Linda man who owned AMNAT Environmental & Geotechnical located in Anaheim pleaded guilty to federal tax charges.

On June 21, 2010, in the United States District Court in Los Angeles, Emmanuel Chukwueke, of Yorba Linda, California pleaded guilty to one count of subscribing to a false United States Income Tax Return, Form 1040, which he filed with the Internal Revenue Service for the 2005 tax year. Chukwueke entered his guilty plea before the Honorable United States District Judge George H. King.

According to his plea agreement, Chukwueke admitted that during the years 2004, 2005, and 2006, he knowingly under-reported business receipts of at least $1.7 million ($454,200, $770,100, and $488,500, for the respective years), which resulted in defendant failing to pay taxes due to the IRS of at least $390,000.

As a part of his plea agreement, Chukwueke agreed to file amended tax returns for the tax years 2003 through 2006, correctly reporting the unreported income and receipts, and will provide IRS with information regarding these tax years. Chukwueke also agreed to pay at least $400,000 to the IRS as a credit towards all additional taxes, penalties and interest assessed by IRS.

Konstantopoulos is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge James V. Selna on November 1, 2010, and Chukwueke is schedule to be sentenced before Judge George H. King on November 15, 2010. Both defendants each face a statutory maximum three years in federal prison and a fine of $100,000.

The investigations of Konstantopoulos and Chukwueke were conducted by IRS – Criminal Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office in Santa Ana.

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

Classified ads—Re-Seller / Sales

Leasing Industry Outsourcing (Providing Services and Products)

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

Fernando's View
By Fernando F. Croce

Special Summer Edition: Best Movies to Watch with Your Grandkids

Taking a break from the newest releases? Check out Netflix for some of these terrific older films, which can be enjoyed by grandparents and grandkids alike.

On Golden Pond (Mark Rydell, 1981): Screen legends meet in this famous heart-warmer and perennial family favorite. Ethel (Katharine Hepburn) and Norman Thayer (Henry Fonda) are an aged couple who every year come to spend some time at their cabin near Golden Pond in New Hampshire. This year, however, there’s the extra drama of a surprise visit by their estranged daughter Chelsea (Jane Fonda), who arrives with her fiancée’s smart-alecky son (Doug McKeon) as well as years of emotional baggage to resolve. The plot may sound melodramatic, but director Michael Rydell keeps the blend of drama and comedy light, offered mainly as a chance to watch the stars interacting in comical and touching ways. The scenes between Fonda (in his only Oscar-winning role) and Hepburn (who won her fourth Oscar) are a treat.

Parenthood (Ron Howard, 1989): Family has long been a central concern in the movies of Ron Howard (“Apollo 13,” “A Beautiful Mind”), and this sprawling tragicomedy is considered by many to be his best and most personal movie. Focusing on the three interlocking generation comprising the Buckman clan, it weaves an affecting mosaic of family joy and tension. There’s Gil (Steve Martin) and Karen (Mary Steenburgen), who are dealing with emotional children; Helen (Dianne Wiest), who’s facing multiple crises with her children (River Phoenix, Martha Plimpton); and Frank (Jason Robards), the grandfather with a trouble-bound son (Tom Hulce). With an exceptional cast that also includes Rick Moranis and Keanu Reeves, it’s a rich and heartening mix of laughs and heartbreak to watch with members of your family.

The Notebook (Nick Cassavetes, 2004): Can love survive the boundaries of time and space? That’s the question asked by this gentle-spirited romance set across generations, adapted from the popular novel by Nicholas Sparks. The story begins with an older man (James Garner) reading a story to a nursing-home resident (Gena Rowlands) about a young couple in love. In the story, set decades earlier, well-off Allie (Rachel McAdams) starts seeing poor but passionate Noah (Ryan Gosling) after they meet one night at the fairgrounds. Although they’re from different social classes, love develops between the two until subsequent events pull them apart. Gradually and movingly, the connection between the young couple in the story and the aged people reading it becomes clear. An affectingly old-fashioned romance that helped launch the careers of Gosling and McAdams.

The Turning Point (Herbert Ross, 1977): “The generations change, but the choices remain the same.” That’s the tagline for this largely overlooked drama about parental dedication and responsibilities, which tells the story of two different yet interconnected women dedicated to ballet. A former dancer, Deedee Rodgers (Shirley MacLaine) now runs a ballet academy in Oklahoma City with her husband (Tom Skerritt), where their daughter Emilia (Leslie Browne) performs with honors. However, the stability of their professional and emotional lives taken a sudden turn when Deedee meets Emma (Anne Bancroft), her dancing partner from years before, and old rivalries reemerge. A feast for lovers of dance and of classy melodrama, Herbert Ross’ polished movie also has the added bonus of legendary performer Mikhail Baryshnikov in the cast.

The Princess Bride (Rob Reiner, 1987): Rob Reiner’s fairy-tale starts conventionally, with a kindly grandfather (Peter Falk) getting ready to tell his grandson (Fred Savage) a bedtime story. In no time, however, we realize that this is no ordinary fantasy. As the magical kingdom of the story is laid out, we meet the usual suspects, from the feisty princess (Robin Wright) to the brave hero (Cary Elwes) to the villainous prince (Chris Sarandon). The difference is that the characters are all played with the kind of tongue-in-cheek humor that would later be popularized in the “Shrek” movies. With countless classic bits and memorable characters (played by the likes of Billy Crystal, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn and Andre the Giant), this is an adventure that’s both thrilling and giddy, and a perfect movie to be savored equally by old and young.

Richardson, Texas--Adopt-a-Dog

Hilda is a female, 50 pound Foxhound/Beagle Mix (Adult)

About Hilda:
http://vols.richardsonhumanesociety.org/report.php?tag=1012

Adoption Process:
http://www.richardsonhumanesociety.org/information/process.html
http://www.richardsonhumanesociety.org/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/

*****Announcement*************************************

Infrastructure Construction and the Equipment Finance Market Web Seminar
presented by the Equipment Finance and Leasing Foundation

The gaping U.S. infrastructure investment deficit suggests there remains upside potential for equipment suppliers, lessors of that equipment, and financial institutions.

Learn even more drivers for growth in the segment and discuss how lessors can engage the infrastructure construction equipment market space once again in the new web seminar "Infrastructure Construction and Equipment Finance Opportunities."

Panelists will also provide an analysis of future trends and conditions and the session includes a dedicated Q&A portion.

The web seminar will be held on July 13, 2010 at 1:00 PM EDT, for information call 202.238.3400.

You may also go here:
http://webinars.elfaonline.org/session.php?id=4642

******Announcement**************************************

News Briefs ---

Mortgage rates drop to new low of 4.57 pct.
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rates-keep-falling.aspx

Biggest Defaulters on Mortgages Are the Rich
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/business/economy/09rich.html?ref=business

'The Pacific,' 'Glee,' top Emmy Awards nominees
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2010/jul/08/the-pacific-glee-top-emmy-awards-nominees/

Sports Briefs----

LeBron James says he'll join Wade, Bosh with Miami Heat
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/heat/2010-07-08-lebron-james-decision_N.htm

Stanford Gets Ready for the Season
http://stanford.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1101274

California Nuts Briefs---

Dozens arrested in Oakland after looting in the wake of Mehserle verdict
http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_15469933

“Gimme that Wine”

When the First Sip Is the Sommelier’s, Not Yours
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/dining/07pour.html?ref=dining

AOL Founder Steve Case Online Wine Sales
http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/42992

Why I Created A Biodynamic Wine List
http://www.organicwinejournal.com/index.php/2010/07/why-i-created-a-biodynamic-wine-list/

A Visit with David Adelsheim, Oregon Wine Icon
http://sidedish.dmagazine.com/2010/07/07/a-visit-with-david-adelsheim/

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

Baseball Poem

Hot Stove
by Two Finger Carney

Before television
People talked
And when the snows came
People talked near the hot stove

Smell the bread baking
And wonder if the Babe
Really did call that homer

Pull off your wet boots
Prop up your feet so your soles
Are toasting
And wonder how Cobb would do

Against Carl Hubbell
Or how your favorite team
Of the past
Might fare next spring

If they could be resurrected
Or coaxed out of that Iowa cornfield
Sip some hot cocoa with marshmallows
Invite the kids to join in

Was it better when the gloves were small
Or is that just nostalgia?
For your own youth?
Could Canseco have started

For the '27 Yankees
And should games in which
The first hit is yielded in the 10th
Count as a no-hitter?

Steer clear of religion and politics
And players' salaries
And the afternoon can go on
Until sundown

Was the best-pitched game
The double no-no by Vaughn and Toney
Or Walsh's 1-0 loss to Joss' perfecto / Or the iron man duel between Burdette and Haddix?
And how come no one hits .400 any more?

The stoves are in junk yards or museums now, forever cool
But the questions live on
Talking baseball
Beats most things on TV
That is
When there's no game to watch