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Leasing News is a web site that posts information, news, and entertainment for the commercial leasing and finance industry. The News Edition is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
   


Sr. Contract Adminstrator
Los Angeles, California


5+ years leasing & contract admin. required
7+ years lending/leasing exper. required
Click here for more information

--- About CityNationalBank---


Monday, May 23, 2011


Today's Equipment Leasing Headlines

 Correction--- Another Misrepresentation from LEAF?
  Classified Ads---Syndicator
 Telephone call to Jeffrey Taylor in Hospital
  Bank Beat----Georgia Bank Failures Lead the Nation
   Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
   “What good is Lease Education for the back office?”
     Charlie Chan saying….
 Top Stories---May 16--May 20
  Classified Ads---Help Wanted
   NFA Networking Luncheon May 26, Atlanta, GA
    Charlie Chan Saying "Contest"
     Macon, Georgia Adopt-a-Dog
News Briefs---
 Death toll rises in Midwest after tornadoes
  Banks' glut of foreclosures threatens housing market

Broker/Funder/Industry Lists | Features (collection)
Top Ten Stories Chosen by Readers | Top Stories last six months
 

  Ted Nuggett: Current State of Mortgage Lending
   Sports Briefs
    California Nuts Briefs
     "Gimme that Wine"
       This Day in American History
        SuDoku
         Daily Puzzle
           GasBuddy
            Weather, USA or specific area
             Traffic Live----

######## surrounding the article denotes it is a “press release” and was not written by Leasing News nor information verified, but from the source noted. When an article is signed by the writer, it is considered a “by line.” It reflects the opinion and research of the writer. It is considered “bias” as it is the writer’s viewpoint.

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Correction--- Another Misrepresentation from LEAF?



This was corrected on line, and is a minor part of the story, but for the sake of accuracy the number at the Santa Ana, California Call Center was up-dated on line, and for those who missed it, here is the up-date:

“From following SEC filings where employee count is included; the numbers didn't jive. In the press release the 90 employees in Moberly, Missouri for the copier division were mentioned (SEC says less, but not worth quibbling as new hires may have been added) and according to a highly reliable source, there are seven sales personnel in the direct call center in Santa Ana, California, as well as other LEAF sales personnel tell us they work out of their residence in Southern California. But the 106 Philadelphia employees is another subject and the main theme of this article. The Leasing News count is 62.”

Friday’s Story Up-dated:
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_20.htm#leaf


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Classified Ads---Syndicator

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

Orange County, CA
10 yrs. exp. middle market credit underwriting/syndication/collections. All collateral. Seeking full-time position with equipment broker/lessor. Resume available
uspostalservice@verizon.net

Overland Park, KS
Top Syndicator from single deal to portfolios. 20+ yrs exp. Available for contract work or full time position. Nationwide contacts.
E-mail: FFLLeasing@aol.com

View all classified help wanted ads
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

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Telephone call to Jeffrey Taylor in Hospital

(Long time leasing trainer, author, and former publisher of
16,000 reader news edition on leasing, wearing Hawaiian shirt, wife Toby to his right)

Although I spoke to Jeffrey in ICU, it is not recommended that many call him at this time. He has had two heart operations and is having a third today, Monday, as they are working now on his arteries. He has had esophagus problems with the most serious being stage 4 lung cancer, which they can't work on until his heart is strong enough, and he is strong enough.

He told me he had sold his house, was just about to move into his new house, when he "fainted" and thought it was the cancer. It was not. It was his heart. He is in good shape, and mind is clear. Upon hearing the awful news about the cancer and other problems, he did not turn to drink, and has kept his sobriety and is very strong in keeping sober.

He keeps going back to ICU and then the heart care part of the hospital. He says it is kind of funny in the hospital, and he thinks he has a book about it, particularly with all the experts and seeming that no one is in charge. He says he has "excess coverage" on his health plan and considers himself very lucky as the bill he believes will be tremendous, especially with more to come.

His wife and children are very supportive. He considers himself a lucky man to be alive. He appreciates his friends support and is sorry he can't communicate with them on his laptop or talk to many on the telephone.

Kit Menkin

Scottsdale Healthcare
Shea Medical Center
9003 E. Shea Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-323-3000

Previous Article: Jeffrey Taylor in Hospital
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_18.htm#taylor_hospital


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Bank Beat----Georgia Bank Failures Lead the Nation


Georgia leads the nation with 63 bank failures since August, 2008. The state accounts for almost 30% of all banking failures so far in 2011. The latest has lost $94.3 million in the last two years and bank equity had dropped to $9.58 million with a 1.21% tier 1 capital risk. Almost half their loans continued in the problem area. The cost to the FDIC Insurance fund: $273.5 million. The second Georgia bank failure of $156.5 million brings the total cost up to $430 million.


The 16 branches of Atlantic Southern Bank, Macon, Georgia were closed with CertusBank, National Association, Easley, South Carolina, acquired the banking operations, including all the deposits. Founded December 10, 2001, the full time employee count had gone from the previous year from 162 to 149 with four offices in Macon, two in Brunswick and one in Bonaire, Byron, Darien, Jacksonville, Lizella, Rincon, Roberta, Savannah, Valdosta, and Warner Robins.

Bank equity had dropped from $38.9 million year-end 2009 to $20.5 million year-end 2010 with non-current loans at $96.6 million, and as of March 31, 2011, net equity of $9.58 million. The bank had lost $58.5 million in 2009 after net charge offs of $33.3 million ($21.7 million in construction and land development, $3.99 million commercial and industrial loans, $2.2 million secured by multifamily residential properties, 2.28 million secured by multifamily residential properties, $2.2 million secured by nonfarm residential properties and had lost $17.7 million year-end 2010 with $13.7 million in charge offs ($9.2 million construction and land development, $1.6 million nonfarm residential, $1.3 million in 1-4 family residential properties, $930,000 in commercial and industrial loans, plus a number of other categories.)

March 31, 2011 the bank showed a $2.5 million loss (net equity was $9.58 million). Tier 1 risk -based capital ratio was 1.21%.

Atlantic Southern Bank had total assets of $741.9 million and total deposits of $707.6 million. The loss-share transaction for Atlantic Southern Bank was $585.1 million.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) for Atlantic Southern Bank will be $273.5 million.
http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2011/pr11089.html


First Georgia Banking Company, Franklin, Georgia was closed with CertusBank, National Association, Easley, South Carolina, acquired the banking operations, including all the deposits. Founded November 3, 2003, they had 158 employees at 15 branches, with two each in Carrolton, Columbus, Cornelia, Dalton and one in Bogart, Bremen, Franklin, Greensboro, Jefferson, and Villa Rica. As a result of these transactions, CertusBank(SM) expands its existing footprint outside of South Carolina, adding 25 locations in Georgia and one in Florida. Its assets now comprise $1.8 billion.

In January 2011, CertusBank(SM) acquired the assets of CommunitySouth Bank & Trust of Easley, SC through a similar transaction with the FDIC. Today CertusBank(SM) continues to operate all six former CommunitySouth branches under the CertusBank(SM) name in the Upstate of South Carolina.


Milton H. Jones, Jr. CertusBank Chairman, CEO, President

"We're truly excited for CertusBank(SM) to extend its presence into Georgia and northeast Florida," said CertusBank(SM) Chairman, CEO and President Milton H. Jones, Jr., whose 30-plus-year banking career includes serving as Georgia market president for Bank of America. "The State of Georgia is strategic to our growth. Our footprint covers some of the most economically diverse and promising cities in the country, and we look forward to being an integral part of the communities we serve."

First Georgia Banking Company had total assets of $731.0 million and total deposits of $702.2 million. The loss-share transaction for First Georgia Banking Company was $452.1 million.

Bank equity had gone from $33.76 million in year-end 2009 to $17.6 million year-end 2010 Non-current loans were $48.6 million.

First Georgia Banking lost $36.6 million year-end 2009 and $15.47 million year-end 2011 with charge offs of $30.3 million year-end 2009 ($13.4 million construction and land development, $6.8 million 1-4 family residential ptoperty, $4.9 million nonfarm non residential property, $2.6 million commercial and industrial loans, $1.2 million multifamily residential and $14.7 million year-end 2010 ( $5.1 construction and land development, $.6 million 1-4 family residential property, $2.5 million secured by nonfarm nonresidential property, $516,000 multifamily residential property, $275,000 commercial and industrial, $369,000 loans to individuals, and $250,000 in "other loans."

March 31, 2011 the bank had lost $2.38 million and equity capital was at $5.78 million. Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 1.37%.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) for First Georgia Banking Company, $156.5 million
http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2011/pr11089.html


The three branches of Summit Bank, Burlington, Washington, were closed Friday by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver. To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Columbia State Bank, Tacoma, Washington, to assume all of the deposits of Summit Bank.

Prior to the acquisition of Summit Bank, Columbia Banking System had 85 banking offices, including 60 branches in Washington State and 25 branches in Oregon. Columbia Bank does business under the Bank of Astoria name in Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita and Tillamook in Oregon

As of March 31, 2011, Summit Bank had approximately $142.7 million in total assets and $131.6 million in total deposits. Columbia State Bank will pay the FDIC a premium of 0.75 percent to assume all of the deposits of Summit Bank. In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the failed bank, Columbia State Bank agreed to purchase essentially all of the assets.

Founded January 1, 1914 as the Bank of Concrete, Summit had 36 full time employees located in Burlington, Concrete and Mount Vernon. Equity had gone from $13.2 million year-end 2009 to $6.2 million year-end 2010 to $2.7 million March 31, 2011. Non-current loans at year-end 2010 were $9.7million.

Summit lost $314,000 year-end 2009 with $1.5 million charge offs ($1 million construction and land development, $442 secured by 1-4 family residential properties and $8.68 million year-end 2010 with $6.1 million in charge offs ($2.5 million construction and land development, $1.67 million in 1-4 family residential properties and $1.5 million in commercial and industrial loans.)

March 31, 2011 the bank reported a loss of $3.49 million. Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 2%. The FDIC and Columbia State Bank entered into a loss-share transaction on $113.4 million of Summit Bank's assets. The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $15.7 million.
http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2011/pr11090.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

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.



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Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP


“What good is Lease Education for the back office?”

The back office is clearly a large expense, and to minimize it have each person good at there job and do what they are told to, to hold down costs. How many times have I heard that comment!!! Efficiently comes from people that are not only trained in their job but trained in what leasing is all about so they can detect errors and omissions. Robots can perform many tasks but you do not expect them to think. I believe that too many lessor’s think the same about their staff.

On many occasions I have had to thank my lucky stars that a member of my staff questioned what was occurring and therefore saved my bacon. This would not have occurred if I had not understood how valuable education on all aspects of leasing was to my staff. They need not be lawyers but they need to understand documentation and the purpose of doing it correctly. They do not need to be accountants but they can find a problem with structuring and pricing faster than you can. A completely trained staff is the best back up in the world. If you train and respect them they become part of the team and not part of the furniture.

Regardless on how many years someone has been in leasing, changes occur every day. New ways to offer and handle the business need constant attention and management is not always on top of every change. Sending staff to training to refine their tasks and review current changes can support your need to control costs and be on top of your market. Just staying abreast of changes in documentation can save you time and money and protect the viability of your company.

One of the cheapest ways to offer training is to have one of the many lease educators come in and do a review of your procedures by having all of the staff explain their function and where they fit in the chain of events. When everyone sees the correct work flow and its purpose, it gives meaning to their jobs, and once in a while suggestions surface that will improve the duplication of effort and establish a more efficient method. Current changes in the companies business plan can also be presented that makes everyone aware of the company goals and makes sure they are all pulling the same way.

Usually an outside trainer is best because the teacher is not handicapped by the restrictions of the company’s outlook and current and new approaches can be presented.

If everyone is trained to understand leasing and its benefits then they can be your ambassadors away from the office. A happy employee encourages customers to do business each day because the customers get answers instead of being past off to others. The more professional your staff looks the better it is for your company reputation.

Another suggestion I have is to prepare a test for your staff on the rules and regulations plus questions on your company policy and simple questions on types of leases you offer and the markets you prefer and then prepare yourself for the results. If you are not surprised at some of the answers you will be in the minority. If you need help preparing these tests contact me because I have a lot of such tests.

One thing is for certain “all the rules and all the competitors change everyday” and staying on top of the changes is a full time job. It is difficult when you have a strong understanding of commercial leasing and an impossible job if you do not. Plus your organization, when poorly trained can destroy you. Education and training is a must to a properly run leasing company.

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)

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Top Stories---May 16--May 20



Here are the top ten stories opened by readers:

(1) Jeffrey Taylor in Hospital
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_18.htm#taylor_hospital

(2) Another Misrepresentation from LEAF?
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_20.htm#leaf

(3) Archives May 16, 2000--Resource America Announces
It is Getting out of the Small Ticket Leasing business---
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_16.htm#archives_ra

(4) Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
FASB Leasing Changes will be good for Leasing
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_16.htm#fasb_changes

(5) The Real Strange Case of Sheldon Player!!!
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_20.htm#real_strange

(6) The Main Reason to Lease
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_16.htm#reason

(7) Top Ten Cities with the Highest Credit Scores
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_18.htm#high_credit

(8) Five Worst Housing Markets
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_16.htm#worse_housing

(9) Archives, May 18, 2007
Balboa Capital Hires Phil Silva as Executive Vice President
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2011/5_18.htm#archives_balboa

(10) Playboy puts entire 57 years of magazines online
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chibrkbus-playboy-puts-entire-57-years-of-magazines-online-20110519,0,4480650.story


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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

Sr. Contract Adminstrator
Los Angeles, California


5+ years leasing & contract admin. required
7+ years lending/leasing exper. required
Click here for more information

--- About CityNationalBank---




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.

 

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NFA Networking Luncheon May 26, Atlanta, GA



National Funding Association luncheon open to members and non-members this Thursday, May 26, 2011 from 11:30am---1:00pm, The City Club of Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia

~ How Businesses Get Into Financial Trouble ~

~ And... How They Get Out ~

Featuring Guest Speakers:


George Bergmark (CFO)

George Bergmark - is a seasoned, highly educated, Part Time CFO for companies in the Atlanta area. George brings a wealth of knowledge and experience both turning around troubled companies, and moving marginal companies to become great.


Jeff Lovejoy (Action Coach)

Jeff Lovejoy is a seasoned former bank executive, Jeff now coaches businesses in the Atlanta area on all aspects of improvement, mastering excellence, and attaining their goals.

Member: $37.92
Non-Member: $49.02

Contact the Host:
http://www.eventbrite.com/contact-organizer?eid=1424521783

City Club of Buckhead
3343 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30326

http://www.nationalfunding.org/


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Charlie Chan Saying "Contest"



There are some very good entrees in this contest started last Friday.

Readers may submit either their favorite saying or one they make up that fits a current leasing story. The top ten will be chosen, with each winner receiving a prize, with number one a very good bottle of wine.

If you also do not want your name used in the announcement of being in the top ten, we will oblige and still send a prize. So you can submit "off the record."

It's easy. Send an email to me with subject: Contest
kitmenkin@leasingnews.org




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Macon, Georgia-- Adopt-a-Dog


Cary

Breed: Beagle/Husky Mix
Color: Brown/Chocolate - With White
Age: Young
Size: Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Sex: Female
Spayed, up to date with shots
Good with kids
Good with Dogs

Cary is a 2 year old Husky mix. She has a Great Personality! She is a well behaved, unusual but pretty dog. Cary would be a wonderful family pet!

Rescue Group: Heart of Georgia Humane Society

Contact: Christian R
Phone: (478) 477-9713
Let 'em know you saw "Cary" on Adopt-a-Pet.com!
E-mail: christian@heartofgahs.org
Website: http://www.heartofgahs.org/
Address: P.O. Box 7554
Macon, GA
31209

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/


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




--- News Briefs

Death Toll Rises to 89 From Missouri Tornado

 

Banks' glut of foreclosures threatens housing market
http://www.stltoday.com/business/article_9217683e-84d0-11e0-a6a9-001a4bcf6878.html




Ted Nuggett: Current State of Mortgage Lending

Ted Nugget, news anchor at American Network Television (ANT), clarifies the current state of mortgage lending in America.



 

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




Sports Briefs----

Heat turn up stifling defense, beat Bulls
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-spt-0523-bulls-heat-chicago--20110522,0,2761458.story

'Fugees' Jason Kidd, 'Over the Hill Gang' give Mavs ugly win
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/headlines/20110522-sturm-fugees_jason-kidd-over-the-hill-gang_give-mavs-ugly-win.ece

Two terrible minutes doom San Jose Sharks in Game 4
http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_18117485?nclick_check=1

Ex-49er Coffee expresses strong opinions about NFL, money
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/05/22/3644633/ex-49er-coffee-expresses-strong.html





California Nuts Briefs---

LA Man, 31, Arrested in SF Giants fan beating
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/05/22/3645385/search-warrants-served-in-beating.html

San Jose Mayor Declares State of ‘Fiscal Emergency’
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/22/us/22bcstevens.html?src=rechp


[headlines]
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Please send to a colleague---Leasing News is Free

This Day in American History

    1785- Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia, PA, writes his friend, George Whately, “ I have only to move my eyes up and down as I want to see distinctly far or near” as he describes his invention that day of a bifocal eyeglass. He was annoyed at having to carry two pairs of glasses. He took a frame and equipped it with lenses that consisted of two parts with a different focusing powers. Inasmuch as ordinary spectacles in the colonies cost as much as $100 each, a huge sum of money in those days, his invention did not receive ready popular response, as only the wealthy could afford glasses.
    1788- By a vote of 149 to 73, South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the Constitution. The colony originally named in honor of Charles I of England, became one of the United States on this day. The eighth state also has the dubious honor of being the first state to secede at the start of the Civil War in 1861. Its capital city is Columbia. The state bird is Carolina wren. The yellow jessamine (jasmine) is the state flower. It is also called the Palmetto State, after the palm tree that decorates the land.
    1803-In the Tripolitan War (1801-1805), Commodore Edward Preble was commissioned as commander of a U.S. Navy squadron to be sent against Tripoli.
Today my son Dash is a seaman on the U.S.S. Preble, an Arleigh Burke –guided missile destroyer.
http://www.usspreble.org/commodor.html
http://www.preble.navy.mil/
http://www.navysite.de/dd/ddg88.htm
    1810-Birthday of Margaret Fuller, journalist and author born at Cambridgeport, MA, began reading Virgil at age six. Her conversational powers won her the admiration of students at Harvard University and she was befriended by Ralph Waldo Emerson. She shared editorial duties with Emerson on the Transcendentalist quarterly “The Dial,” and was hired by Horace Greely as literary critic for the New York Tribune. Her book “Women in the Nineteenth Century,” the first feminist statement by an American writer brought her international acclaim. In 1846, as a foreign correspondent for the Tribune, she became caught up in the Italian revolutionary movement and secretly married a young Roman nobleman, the Marquee Giovanni Angelo Ossoli. En Route to the US, Fuller and her husband and died July 19, 1950, when their ship was wrecked off Fire Island near New York, NY.
    1832-"I would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in slavery". Samuel Sharpe, Jamaican hero, hanged. 1832 -- Jamaican national hero Samuel Sharpe hung. Instigator of the 1831 Slave Rebellion which began on the Kensington Estate in Saint James and was largely instrumental in bringing about the abolition of slavery.
http://www.jamaicaway.com/Heroes/SharpePage.html
    1846-Arabella Mansfield, born Belle Auerlia Babb near Burlington, IA, was the first woman admitted to the legal profession in the US. In 1869 while teaching at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mansfield was certified as an attorney and admitted to the Iowa bar. According to the examiners, “she gave the very best rebuke possible to the imputation that ladies cannot qualify for the practice of law. “ Mansfield never did practice law, however, continuing her career as an educator. She joined the faculty of DePauw University, at Greencastle, IN, where she became dean of the schools of art and music. One of the first woman college professors and administrators in the US, Mansfield was also instrumental in the founding of the Iowa Woman Suffrage Society in 1870. She died Aug 2, 1911, at Aurora, IL
    1864-The campaign between Union commander Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, the commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, continues southward to the North Anna River around Hanover Junction. In early May, Grant crossed the Rapidan River with the Army of the Potomac and then clashed with Lee's forces in the Wilderness on May 5 and 6 before racing to Spotsylvania Court House for an epic 12-day battle. Grant's continuous pressure on Lee would ultimately win the war, but he was racking up casualties at a rate that was difficult for the Northern public to stomach. Grant believed that Lee could not maintain his position at Spotsylvania because two other Union armies under the command of Franz Sigel and Benjamin Butler were attempting to cut off the Confederate supply line in the Shenandoah Valley and the Rebel stronghold south of Richmond. But both were failing miserably. By 19 May, Grant had had enough of Spotsylvania. He pulled his troops to try another run around Lee to Richmond. Correctly predicting Grant's move, just as he had done two weeks before when Grant left the Wilderness for Spotsylvania, Lee raced the Yankees 30 km south and beat Grant's troops to the North Anna River. The rail center here was crucial to his supplies. At the North Anna, Grant found Lee's position to be even stronger than at Spotsylvania. The river had high banks, and Lee's side was higher than the Union side in several places. Still, Grant made an attempt to dislodge the Rebels. He made two assaults, but neither came close to breaking the Confederate lines. He would try again the next day before moving south to Cold Harbor.
    1865-Celebration of the end of the Civil War.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may23.html
    1895-New York’s then-governor Samuel J. Tilden was the driving force that resulted in the combining for the private Astor and Lenox libraries with a $2 million endowment and 15,000 volumes from the Tilden Trust to become the New York Public Library. The main branch of the library opened to the public this day
(lower half of: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may23.html)
    1900-Sergeant William H. Carney of the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry became the first black to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was cited for his efforts, although wounded twice, during the Battle of Fort Wagner, South Carolina, June 18, 1863. His commendation is very worth while reading: http://www.newbedford.k12.ma.us/elementary/whc.htm
    1903- Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson of Burlington, VT, a physician, with Sewell K. Crocker of Seattle, WAS, as his mechanic, began the first non-professional transcontinental car trip. The same driver also drove the mileage in a 20 horsepower $2,500 Winton, manufactured by the Winton Motor Carriage Company of Cleveland, OH. Jackson and Crocker left San Francisco on May 23 and arrived in New York City on July 26. The average daily run was 25 miles. The trip lasted 63 days, of which 44 were spent traveling and 19 awaiting supplies, as there were very few gasoline stations, Howard Johnson’s or even Seven-11’s along the way. 1910-birthday of singer/guitarist/drummer Scatman Crothers, Terre Haute, IN
    1908-John Bardeen born Madison, Wisconsin; along with William Shockley and Walter Bratton, invented the transistor, which set the stage for all modern microelectronics. Bardeen was also the only person ever to win the Nobel Prize for Physics twice. Bardeen worked as a physicist for the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he joined Bell Telephone Laboratories, where he worked on the electronic conducting properties of semiconductors. In 1947, his team invented the transistor, which won the group a Nobel Prize in 1956. Semiconductors replaced vacuum tubes in electronic equipment, making electronics progressively smaller, faster, and more durable. Bardeen became a professor of physics at the University of Illinois in Urbana. In 1972, he won a second Nobel Prize, with Leon Cooper and John Schrieffer, for their work on the theory of superconductivity. He died in 1991.
http://www.nobel.se/physics/laureates/1972/bardeen-bio.html
    1910-bandleader and clarinetist Artie Shaw birthday, whose real name is Arthur Arshawsky, was born in New York. Shaw formed his first orchestra in 1936, and two years later had a double-sided million-seller with "Begin the Beguine" and "Indian Love Call." One of the most popular artists of the swing era, Shaw is estimated to have sold more than 43-million copies of such records as "Frenesi," "Summit Ridge Drive" and "Dancing in the Dark." Artie Shaw was married eight times - two of his wives were Lana Turner and Ava Gardner. Shaw later became an author and a theatrical producer, and in the 1980's again began fronting a big band.
Birthday http://www.parabrisas.com/d_shawa.html
http://www.artieshaw.com/
    1920- Helen O'Connell birthday, vocalist with Jimmy Dorsey's band from 1939 to 1943, was born. Her duets with Bob Eberly, backed by the Dorsey band, on such songs as "Amapola," "Tangerine" and "Green Eyes" sold millions of records. O'Connell and Eberly also appeared on a 1953 TV show with bandleader Ray Anthony, and for a while during the 1960's, O'Connell was the hostess on NBC's "Today" show. She died September 9, 1993, San Diego, CA
http://www.parabrisas.com/d_oconnellh.html
    1922 - "Abie’s Irish Rose", opened at the Fulton Theatre in New York City. The play continued for 2,327 performances and numerous revivals as well. It is estimated that some 50,000,000 people have seen the play performed somewhere in the world.
    1928--Singer Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky.
When Clooney was in her junior year in high school, she and her younger sister Betty began performing on Cincinnati radio station WLW. Bandleader Tony Pastor heard them, and soon the sisters were singing, in person and on record, with the Pastor orchestra. Betty tired of the road, and soon after Rosemary began a solo career. She signed with Columbia Records, and in 1951 had her first number-one hit, "Come On-A My House," a song chosen for her by producer Mitch Miller. Her other hits included "Hey There," "Tenderly" and "This Ole House." Clooney married actor Jose Ferrer in 1953. The marriage was a stormy one that eventually ended in divorce. Her domestic problems and a resulting weight problem took her out of circulation for some years. But she returned to singing in the 1970's and
also had a very popular television show. She died on June 29, 2002.
http://www.rosemaryclooney.com/
    1932-birthday of guitarist/flutist Les Spann, Pine Bluff, AR
    1934- Robert Moog birthday, inventor of the music synthesizer which bears his name, born New York City.
http://www.obsolete.com/120_years/machines/moog/
http://remixmag.com/ar/remix_robert_moog/
    1934-Clyde Champion Barrow and Bonnie Parker were shot to death by Texas and Louisiana state police officers as they attempted to escape apprehension in a stolen 1934 Ford V-8 near Bienville Parish, Louisiana. Bonnie and Clyde met in Texas in 1930 when the nineteen-year-old Bonnie was tending bar. At the time, Bonnie was married to an imprisoned murderer. Soon after the two met, Clyde was arrested for burglary and sent to prison. Bonnie smuggled a pistol into the prison, and Clyde broke out. Over the course of their crime spree together, Bonnie and Clyde were believed to have committed thirteen murders and several robberies and burglaries. For over two years, the couple evaded local police officers in rural counties of Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Not until the FBI, then called the Bureau of Investigation, became involved in the case did law-enforcement officials gain ground on Bonnie and Clyde.. In the spring of 1934, following tireless investigations, federal agents traced the gang to a remote county in Southwest Louisiana. A certain Methvin family was said to have been aiding and abetting the Bonnie and Clyde gang for over a year. It was learned that Bonnie and Clyde, along with some of the Methvins, had staged a party at Black Lake, Louisiana, on the night of May 21. Two days later, just before dawn, a posse of police officers from Texas and Louisiana, including Texas Ranger Frank Hamer, laid an ambush for Bonnie and Clyde along the highway near Sailes, Louisiana. In the early morning, Bonnie and Clyde appeared in their automobile. The officers reported that the coupe attempted to flee, but more likely, owing to the fact that Bonnie and Clyde had killed five policemen, the posse opened fire without warning. For two minutes, deputies showered the car with bullets. Both Bonnie and Clyde were killed in the barrage. Their bullet-riddled 1934 Ford later became a valuable collectible. Bonnie and Clyde gained a place in popular mythology as dustbowl Robin Hoods. The 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde, starring Warren Beatty as Clyde and Faye Dunaway as Bonnie, portrayed a charming and irreverent pair who took their game too far. Examination of the couple's past, as well as an examination of their victims, shows that Bonnie and Clyde were more likely carefree killers. Their popularity owed to the mistrust of the authorities of the Dustbowl during the Depression era, and to the couple's uncanny ability to elude the police for over two years.
    1940-Frank Sinatra, singing with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, records "I'll Never Smile Again," the first of several No. 1 hits he recorded while performing with Dorsey. The singer had joined the orchestra earlier that year.
    1941 - Buddy Baer was disqualified at the beginning of the seventh round as Joe Louis defended his heavyweight boxing title for the 17th time. Baer’s manager refused to leave the ring when the round was ready to begin. He later became a well-known actor along with his brother, Max.
http://french.imdb.com/Name?Baer,+Buddy
http://www.antekprizering.com/baerbuddysig.html
    1944 - Chicago University called it quits to sports when it announced plans to withdraw from the Big 10 Conference of the NCAA and all other athletic competition.
    1944--*DUTKO, JOHN W. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Ponte Rotto, Italy, 23 May 1944. Entered service at: Riverside, N.J. Birth: Dilltown, Pa. G.O. No.: 80, 5 October 1944. citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, on 23 May 1944, near Ponte Rotto, Italy. Pfc. Dutko left the cover of an abandoned enemy trench at the height of an artillery concentration in a single-handed attack upon 3 machineguns and an 88mm. mobile gun. Despite the intense fire of these 4 weapons which were aimed directly at him, Pfc. Dutko ran 10.0 yards through the impact area, paused momentarily in a shell crater, and then continued his l-man assault. Although machinegun bullets kicked up the dirt at his heels, and 88mm. shells exploded within 30 yards of him, Pfc. Dutko nevertheless made his way to a point within 30 yards of the first enemy machinegun and killed both gunners with a hand grenade. Although the second machinegun wounded him, knocking him to the ground, Pfc. Dutko regained his feet and advanced on the 88mm. gun, firing his Browning automatic rifle from the hip. When he came within 10 yards of this weapon he killed its 5-man crew with 1 long burst of fire. Wheeling on the machinegun which had wounded him, Pfc. Dutko killed the gunner and his assistant. The third German machinegun fired on Pfc. Dutko from a position 20 yards distant wounding him a second time as he proceeded toward the enemy weapon in a half run. He killed both members of its crew with a single burst from his Browning automatic rifle, continued toward the gun and died, his body falling across the dead German crew.
    1945--SJOGREN, JOHN C. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company I, 160th Infantry, 40th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near San Jose Hacienda, Negros, Philippine Islands, 23 May 1945. Entered service at: Rockford, Mich. Birth: Rockford, Mich. G.O. No.: 97, 1 November 1945. Citation: He led an attack against a high precipitous ridge defended by a company of enemy riflemen, who were entrenched in spider holes and supported by well-sealed pillboxes housing automatic weapons with interlocking bands of fire. The terrain was such that only 1 squad could advance at one time; and from a knoll atop a ridge a pillbox covered the only approach with automatic fire. Against this enemy stronghold, S/Sgt. Sjogren led the first squad to open the assault. Deploying his men, he moved forward and was hurling grenades when he saw that his next in command, at the opposite flank, was gravely wounded. Without hesitation he crossed 20 yards of exposed terrain in the face of enemy fire and exploding dynamite charges, moved the man to cover and administered first aid. He then worked his way forward and, advancing directly into the enemy fire, killed 8 Japanese in spider holes guarding the approach to the pillbox. Crawling to within a few feet of the pillbox while his men concentrated their bullets on the fire port, he began dropping grenades through the narrow firing slit. The enemy immediately threw 2 or 3 of these unexploded grenades out, and fragments from one wounded him in the hand and back. However, by hurling grenades through the embrasure faster then the enemy could return them, he succeeded in destroying the occupants. Despite his wounds, he directed his squad to follow him in a systematic attack on the remaining positions, which he eliminated in like manner, taking tremendous risks, overcoming bitter resistance, and never hesitating in his relentless advance. To silence one of the pillboxes, he wrenched a light machinegun out through the embrasure as it was firing before blowing up the occupants with handgrenades. During this action, S/Sgt. Sjogren, by his heroic bravery, aggressiveness, and skill as a soldier, single-handedly killed 43 enemy soldiers and destroyed 9 pillboxes, thereby paving the way for his company's successful advance.
    1945 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``Sentimental Journey,'' Les Brown Orchestra/Doris Day.
    1951---Top Hits
Mockingbird Hill -Patti Page
On Top of Old Smokey - The Weavers (vocal: Terry Gilkyson)
Too Young - Nat King Cole
Kentucky Waltz - Eddy Arnold
    1951- Jill E. Barad birthday. She became president of chief operating officer of Mattel, Inc., in 1992. She joined Mattel in 1981 as a product manager and became marketing director of the Barbie line in 1982. Under her guidance Barbie sales moved from $485 million in 1988 to more than $1 BILLION in 1994. Her marketing strategy included Hot Wheels as well as tie-ins with Disney, McDonald's, etc. She's made Mattel the largest toy manufacturing company in the world. She also bore two children while making her way to the top, not letting pregnancy slow her down. In fact, one of her major promotions came when she was five months pregnant. Today, there are more Barbie dolls in existence than there are people in the U.S.
http://www.surferess.com/CEO/html/jill_barad.html
http://aol.businessweek.com/1998/21/b3579001.htm
    1953--Bill Haley and His Comets saw their first release for Essex Records, "Crazy Man, Crazy" enter the Cashbox Best Sellers chart at #19. The success will be short lived however, as the record would fall out of the Top 50 two weeks later.
    1959---Top Hits
The Happy Organ - Dave ‘Baby’ Cortez
A Teenager in Love - Dion & The Belmonts
Dream Lover - Bobby Darin
The Battle of New Orleans - Johnny Horton
    1960-The Everly Brothers' "Cathy's Clown" hit number one in the US for the first of a five week stay. The duo had also accomplished this feat 1958 when "All I Have to do is Dream" spent over a month at the top position.
    1962 - The National Basketball Association agreed to plans to transfer the Philadelphia Warriors to San Francisco, CA. The team became the San Francisco Warriors (now the Golden State Warriors).
    1962 - Joe Pepitone of the New York Yankees set a major-league baseball record by hitting two home runs in one inning. The rare feat lifted the Yankees past the Kansas City Athletics by a score of 13-7.
    1963-Paul Revere and the Raiders sign with Columbia Records where they will have 14 Billboard Top 40 singles between 1965 and 1971.
    1964- Capitol releases The Beach Boys' "I Get Around" b/w "Don't Worry Baby." "I Get Around" goes on to become the group's first #1 hit, topping the chart for 2 weeks.
    1964-Millie Small's "My Boy Lollipop," already a hit in the U.K., enters the Hot 100 in the U.S. It stays on the charts for 12 weeks climbing up to Number Two.
    1965 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``Help Me Rhonda,'' The Beach Boys.
    1966-The Beatles' "Paperback Writer" b/w "Rain" single is released. The A-side was a tune written by Paul McCartney and featured John and George on backing vocals. The B-side was a Lennon song.
    1967---Top Hits
Groovin’ - The Young Rascals
Respect - Aretha Franklin
I Got Rhythm - The Happenings
Sam’s Place - Buck Owens
    1972 - Heavy U.S. air attacks that began with an order by President Richard Nixon on May 8 are widened to include more industrial and non-military sites. In 190 strikes, the United States lost one plane but shot down four. The new strikes were part of the ongoing Operation Linebacker, an effort launched in response to the massive North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam on March 30. The purpose of the raids were to interdict supplies from outside sources and the movement of equipment and supplies to the North Vietnamese troops in South Vietnam. The strikes concentrated on rail lines around Hanoi and Haiphong, bridges, pipelines, power plants, troops and troop training facilities, and rail lines to China.
    1973- Clive Davis, president of Columbia Records, was fired by boss Arthur Taylor. Davis wrote a book about his experiences, and later formed Arista Records.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0688028721/fast-bkasin-20/
002-0667839-4443242

    1975---Top Hits
Shining Star - Earth, Wind & Fire
Before the Next Teardrop Falls - Freddy Fender
Jackie Blue - Ozark Mountain Daredevils
I’m Not Lisa - Jessi Colter
    1977- San Francisco bans electric instruments from all free outdoor concerts, leaving Jefferson Starship to cancel their planned free concert in Golden Gate Park. Years later, Bernie Taupin would write "We Built This City" for the band about this event.
    1979-The New England Whalers of the National Hockey League changed their name to the Hartford Whalers. The team was an original member of the World Hockey Association and won the first WHA championship, the Avco World Cup, in the 1972-73 season. When the WHA folded following the 1978-79 season, the Whalers were one of four WHA teams taken into the National Hockey League.
    1979-Sister Sledge's "We Are Family" goes platinum. The album's title track, a #2 hit last month, is the rallying call for baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates, who will go on to win the 1979 World Series in October. Perhaps best remembered in the US version of “The Bird
Cage.”
    1983---Top Hits
Let’s Dance - David Bowie
Flashdance...What a Feeling - Irene Cara
Little Red Corvette - Prince
Common Man - John Conlee
    1991---Top Hits
I Like the Way (The Kissing Game) - Hi-Five
Touch Me (All Night Long) - Cathy Dennis
Here We Go - C + C Music Factory Presents Freedom Williams and Zelma Davis
If I Know Me - George Strait
    1994- Prodigy Services announces a deal with Media General Cable to provide Prodigy access via cable television wires to 200'000 subscribers in Fairfax County, Virginia. Prodigy expected the cable hookup to provide faster speed and enable flashier graphics. At the time, most Prodigy users logged on to the system via 9600-baud modems. Over the next four years, modem speed would increase dramatically, but interest in cable modems would grow as companies like AtHome worked with local cable providers to offer higher-speed bandwidth.
    1994 ---Four men convicted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center are each sentenced to 240 years in prison.
    2000 ---Joining Babe Ruth and Ted Williams, Seattle's Rickey Henderson draws his 2,000th career walk becoming only the third player in baseball history to reach the milestone.
    2002 - Buddy Guy is among the multiple winners at the W.C. Handy Awards, mounted by the Blues Foundation in Memphis. Guy wins for contemporary male artist of the year and blues instrumentalist of the year (guitar); his "Sweet Tea" is named contemporary blues album of the year.
    2006 - -Brad Paisley wins three of the evening's top awards at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. His "Time Well Wasted" (Arista Nashville) is named album of the year, and he also wins the video and vocal event prizes for "When I Get Where I'm Going," a hit collaboration with Dolly Parton.
    2007-- The US Library of Congress hands out the first Gershwin Award to Paul Simon for being a "performer whose lifetime contributions exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins."

 

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