Leasing News

######## 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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Founder of Chase Industries Files Bankruptcy
by Christopher Menkin

August 15, 2011 Leasing News reported holding off on the alleged $900,000 embezzlement. The information originally came from vendors calling about not being paid by Chase Industries, Inc., Grand Rapids, Michigan, repeating the reason why they were not being paid; could Leasing News help them out?

Gary L. Saulter had requested: Leasing News hold off on the story as he has been trying to find jobs for his employees that he has to let go, including his sales staff and was trying to figure out how to pay the vendors involved, as well as his main bank.

Accordingly, his right hand person for 11 years did not pay back his line of credit, which he utilizes for warehousing leases; he often pays 50% in advance before the actual acceptance and funding. The line is also secured by his house, he added. There was over $900,000 owing, he found out in going over the books himself.

“Chase’s vendors, banks, sales personnel, all employees have been effected,” he told Leasing News, authorizing this statement to be issued:

"Chase Industries has announced that it is closing. It has discovered irregularities in its accounting. It appears those irregularities will cause them to close the company. An 11 year accounting employee has been terminated. A forensic audit team is investigating."

According to Gary, he was going to file a police report, but did not, and instead took the action before the Michigan Department of unemployment, as the person filed for unemployment insurance. No records were made public. Leasing News attempted to contact the person named by Gary by email as well as several telephone calls to the persons home (the voice mail announcement confirmed it was the party’s correct telephone number). Since the accusation was never substantiated nor the party has not made any comments, the name will not be made public here.

Gary did declare in September, 2011 "... he, and his sales crew, are now working for Ascentium Capital, Tom Depping’s new company, who evidently is gearing up to go after the healthcare industry, among others."

His personal bankruptcy form shows the amount of money he made in 2011, and 2012, from Ascentium, as well as all his personal assets and liabilities. It is not Leasing News policy to print this information, although from "public documents."

In September, 2011, he told Leasing News he does not see the value in his corporation, now closed, in suing the party involved. He reported the party has little net worth, and whatever would be collected, would be owed to a corporation no longer in business. He did not see any value in filing bankruptcy.

April 26, 2012, Gary L. Saulter filed bankruptcy. In his "Summary of Schedules and Statement of Financial Affairs," filed May 7, 2012 he states "Chase Industries, Inc. EIN #38-3124785; 100% ownership inactive/closed 2011" and current value is $1.00.

This is similar to the Joseph Woodley closing down Westover Financial and the same notices on his personal bankruptcy statement (Woodley has announced he is retired.)

In the 45 page documents there are notices for Chase Industries in the "Creditors Holding Unsecured Nonpriority Claims:"

$497,357.16		The Huntington National Bank (guaranty Chase Industries. Business Line of Credit)
$335,414.98		US Bancorp Equipment Finance (guaranty private label program)
$92,510.97		GBS
$85,490.00		NeoGraft
$79,376.85		ERBE
$57,000.00		Hologic, Inc.
$53,000 .00		Hologic
$52,069.00		EHR Solutions
$51,8840.03		Stryker
$47,131.15		MERGE Healthware dba Stryker Imaging (there are several noted but no dollar amount)
$19,592.00		Stryker Imaging
$29,167.00		Oasis Physician Services
$24,614.00		Fifth Third (personal guaranty)
$24,614.00		Fifth Third
$24,344.00		US Bank Credit Card (last used 7/20/2011)
$24,123.00		Chase
$22,462.00		American Express (last used 6/2011)
$15,000.00		World Medical Equipment
$13,895.00		Van Belkum
$17,773.80		Rocky Mountain Radiographics
$6,898.00		US Bank credit card (last used 9/16/2011)
$5.218.75		Doug Zandstra, CPA (Chase audit-disputed)
$4,300.41		Independent Bank (default judgment-Chase)
$3,477.79		UPS
$1,277.19		Experian
$1,407.76		PAETEC
$1,092.75		Snelling
$1,023.00		Staples
$400.00		Telenet
$360.00		Collateral Specialist
$305.35		One Communications
$155.60		Federal Express

Gary Saulter BK Creditors Unsecured Claims:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/GarySaulterBK.pdf

Previous Chase Industries Stories:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/chase_embezzle.html

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Yes, Virginia, Leasing is Regulated!
by Christopher Menkin

JP Morgan President and CEO James Dimon of J.P. Morgan Chase, who identified himself as a Democrat (barely, he added) on Sunday's "Meet the Press," said his bank’s $2 billion loss will most likely affect the move to lessen banking regulation, particularly regarding hedge funds in the Dodd-Frank bill. He was quite forthcoming in the admission of the bank’s "terrible, egregious mistake" and faced the facts head on, noting the bank will show a profit and survive, but calling the loss “stupid and sloppy.”

He admitted on “Meet the Press” as well did the round table of guests, the banking lobbyists have lost major ammunition to lessen any financial or Wall Street regulations now being proposed.

As many in the leasing business look at this, they most likely are against regulation (period). Many in the leasing business believe they like being non-regulated; however, that is not a fact. Yes, Evergreen clauses without notification are in 46 states (look for this to change in many of the states due to the abuse in the small ticket marketplace), but there are other laws that requiring licensing, refer to advance payments and security deposits, refer to usury, and illegal acts in counties, states, and nationwide are seeking more prosecution and those involved sent to jail, where they become a felon, are prohibited from engaging in the industry again, and are blemished in the financial community. In addition, to "owners of equipment," personal property is reported, sales/use tax permits are required, insurance agent or broker license, and corporations must also register in each state they do business.

There are state and federal records keeping for "owners" of equipment as well as those who are "independent sales agents" or in business for themselves.

There also is the issue of holding a city business license (states where licenses are required may not have to register). There have been issues of cities requiring a license if the "owner" is collected rent from equipment in the city.

It also may be brought up by an opposing counsel who is aware of the law that is being violated and how that may affect the claims in court.

It really gets down to a position of law enforcement, meaning enough dollars involved to get the local, county, state, or federal agencies involved. In additions, companies who overstep the laws and business practices, file bankruptcy or get caught by the long arm of the law.

It should also be realized that any lease that is considered a "capital lease" is now being treated as a "loan." Mr. Terry Winders, CLP, has been writing about this to bring to reader's attention for several years, as well as the recent court rulings and court cases lost as the transactions are not considered "true leases" or "operating leases."

These finance licenses and regulations apply to those involved in “capital lease” transactions.

This list was done the end of last year, and perhaps should be up-dated, meaning there are more requirements, not less (other laws such as Evergreen, usury are not included as this is intended to show collection of advance payments as well as being licensed by each state:

Arizona: All “advance fee loan brokers” must register annually with the state. Arizona Revised Statutes, sec. 06-1303-1310 (1996)
Registration process: http://azdfi.gov/Licensing/AppPack/ALB_App.htm

Alabama: A simple business, vocational, occupation license is required.

Alaska: Alaska Small Loan act does not distinguish between consumer and commercial loans, one of the reasons many leasing companies do not do business in this state. Requires a license on transactions under $25,000.

Arkansas: All brokers of “a loan of money, a credit card or a line of credit” may not assess or collect an advance fee. In addition, all brokers must register with the Securities Commissioner, post a surety bond of $25.000 and have a net worth of $25,000.
Arkansas Code Annotate sec. 23-39-401 (1995)

California: No person shall engage in the business of a finance lender or broker without obtaining a license from the Commissioner, unless a bank or conducting true “operating” leases.
California Financial Code, Division 9, Chapters 1 and 3

Connecticut: Brokers of “unsecured loans” may not assess or collect an advance fee. Connecticut General Statues, sec. 369-616 (1997) A license to make small loans of under $15,000 is required. This is aimed at “retail buyers” and whether a capital lease or commercial entity is defined is not known at this time.

Delaware: License required for commercial lessors for “finance or small loan agencies.”

Florida: Brokers of a “loan of money, a credit card, line of credit or related guarantee, enhancement or collateral of any nature” may not assess or collect an advance fee.
Florida Statues, Chapter 687.14 (1992)

Georgia: A broker of “loans of money, a credit card, a line of credit or related guarantee, enhancement or collateral of any kind or nature” may not assess or collect an advance fee unless such fee is for “actual services necessary to apply for the loan.”
Official Code of Georgia Annotated, sec. 7- 7-1 (1992)

Idaho: No fee may be collected unless a loan is actually made.
Idaho Code, sec. 26-2501 (1992)

Illinois: Code , 815 ILCS 175/15-5.03 Under the Act, a ”loan broker” means any person who, in return for a fee from any person, promises to procure a loan for any person or assist any person in procuring a loan from any third party, or who promises to consider whether or not to make a loan to any person. 815ILCS 175/15-5- 15(a)

Specifically excluded from the application of the Act, however, are (1) any bank …regulated by any service loans for the Federal National Mortgage Association… (3) any insurance producer or company authorized to do business in [Illinois], (4) any person arranging financing for the sale of the person's product, (note that this exception does not apply to any person selling someone else's product and only applies to “the” person's product, implying the exception is for the owner of the product arranging for financing), (5) any person authorized to conduct business under the Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987 and (6) any person authorized to do business in [Illinois] and regulated by the Department of Financial Institutions or the Office of Banks and Real Estate.

“In the event that the Act is violated by the broker, the Secretary of State is empowered by the statute to make investigations and examinations, suspend or evoke the broker's approval, subpoena witnesses, compel the production of books and records, order depositions and obtain temporary restraining orders and injunctions against the broker. In the vent that a violate is found, the Secretary of State may impose a fine in the amount of $10,000 for each violation and the broker shall be liable to any person damaged in the amount of tactual damages plus attorneys fees.

This appears as standard language on most states.

Iowa: A broker of loans of “money or property” may not assess or collect an advance fee except for a “bona fide third-party fee” and a broker must obtain a bond or establish a trust account and file required documents with the Commissioner or Insurance.
Iowa Code, sec. 535C (1992)

Kentucky: Brokers of “a loan of money, a credit card, a line of credit or related guarantee, enhancement or collateral of any kind or nature” may not assess or collect an advance fee.
Kentucky Revised Statutes Annotated, sec. 367.380 (1992)

Louisiana: A broker of loans of “money or property…whether such agreement is styled as a loan, a lease or otherwise” must obtain a surety bond or establish a trust account in the amount of $25,000. A broker may not collect an advance fee but may collect an “advance expense deposit for commercial loans” only for actual expenses incurred in obtaining the loan.
Louisiana Revised Statutes Annotated, sec. 9:3574 (1993);
Louisiana Revised Statutes Annotated, Sec. 51:1910 (1992)
Personal Property Lessor License required.

Minnesota: Regulated Loans License. No person “shall engage in the business” of making loans not exceeding $100,000 without first obtaining license from Commerce Division. Violation is a misdemeanor and loan is void. This will apply to “capital leases.”

Mississippi: A broker or loans of money may not assess or collect an advance fee and can be fined up to $5,000 for each violation.
Mississippi Code Annotated, sec. 81-19-17 (1997)
A license is required for conditional sales contracts.

Missouri: A broker of loans of “money or property” may not assess or collect an advance fee.
Missouri Revised Statues, sec. 367 300 (1992)

Montana: A person who knowingly engages in the business of a sales finance company in Montana without a license can be punished by a fine of not more than $500 and/or imprisonment of not more than six months.

Nebraska: A broker of loans of money may not assess or collect an advance fee. Nebraska Revised Statutes, sec. 45-189 (1993) Installment sales license required except for state banks and trust and loan companies regulated by Nebraska or any other state or chartered by the United States.

Nevada: Requires license for each office or other place of business, considers capital lease as loan and “lending.”

New Hampshire: Requires small loan license, whether applies to Capital Leases not known.

New Jersey: Brokers of “loans of money” may not assess or collect an advance fee.
New Jersey Rev. Statutes, sec. 17:10B (1992)

New Mexico: Currently requires Brokers/Lessors to register for Licensing under the New Mexico Mortgage Loan Company or Loan Broker Act with the Financial Institutions Division of the State of New Mexico. Banks with Brick and Mortar within the State of New Mexico are exempt. Prior to licensing applicants must submit the Following:
Articles of Incorporation Listing of all principals (including management) A full financial Package (to meet their minimum requirements of liquidity) Personal financial statements on all principals Disclosure of all current or past suits (civil or criminal)
Attach a corporate surety bond
Include a $400.00 registration fee renewable yearly

New York: Any advance payment or deposit must go into an escrow account until a transaction proceeds. License is required to make business and commercial loans less than $50,000.

North Carolina: A broker of “loans of money or property…whether such agreement is styled as a loan, a lease or otherwise” must obtain a surety bond or establish a trust account in the amount of $25,000 and obtain a license.
North Carolina General Statutes, sec. 66-106 (1992)
Lenders who advance more than $1 million annually, in aggregate, in NC are exempt.

North Dakota: Brokers may not accept an advance fee unless the broker is licensed.
North Dakota Century Code, 13-04. 1-09.1 (1993)

Ohio: Department of Commerce, Division of Financial Institutions (Certificate to engage in the business of a credit services organization in accordance with the provisions of Sections 4712.01 to 4712.14 of the revised code of Ohio, subject to all the provisions thereof and to the regulations of the division.) Ohio Department of Taxation requires a "Vendor's License" under provision 5739.17 of the Revised Code (...is hereby authorized to sell tangible personal property and selected services at the retail location specified below.) This also makes the lessor responsible for all taxes with penalties for not doing so.

Ohio: No person shall engage in the business of lending amounts of $5,000 or less without a license.

South Carolina: A broker of “a loan of money, a credit card, a line of credit or related guarantee, enhancement or collateral of any kind or nature” may not assess or collect an advance fee.
(South Carolina Code Annotated, sec. 34-36-10 91992)
A license is required for the “business of lending in the amounts of $7,500 or less” regarding consumers. Has won cases against finance for business involving individual guarantees.

Texas: Consult an attorney familiar with Texas finance and lending laws. Complex laws regarding finance and especially leasing.

Vermont: Commercial lenders and sales finance companies must obtain a license. Does not apply to true leases and leases for security (finance leases.) Does apply to Equipment Finance Agreements.

(Members of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association may have more information, as well as more current information, which is available only to members.)

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Career Crossroad—“Can I promote a colleague?”

Question: Emily, I have a question – I heard a rumor that one of my colleagues is looking for a new opportunity. I would be a great fit for her position as it would be a step up in my career. Can I contact the hiring manager for that Department and express my interest?

Answer: A: NO!! It is always important to treat colleagues the way you would like to be treated. If you were in this person’s shoes, wouldn’t you appreciate a colleague approaching you first?

I would approach your friend in a private setting, such as go to lunch and ask directly about the “rumor”. Approach carefully and in a non-threatening manner. Don’t be shy; let the person know that if they decide to leave the company, that you are interested in their current position which is why you approached them directly. Discuss your background with them and why you would be a good fit to replace her; see if they would recommend you for the role if/when they are in the exit interview process. As you continue to build a relationship with this colleague, it may happen they will more likely recommend you for the role and you will build trust. Assure this person that you will keep this information strictly confidential and that down the road you will return the favor.

Keep this conversation strictly confidential, do not discuss with other colleagues, managers, etc… Again, reputation is important and you don’t want to be known as someone who cultivates rumors and/or undermines other’s intentions. It is a small industry, and what goes around – comes around.

In the meantime, you can covertly start researching the job description, preparing your resume and by taking this approach, your colleague may give you some pointers on securing the potential new role!

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

Career Crossroads Previous Columns
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/crossroad.html

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Help Wanted Web Ad New Programs

Classified Ad Section
(rotates chronological above headlines and
also appears in Classified Ad section.) *

21 days in a row:
$595 four lines (a space is a line)
($40 each additional line or space)

Design work is free. Logo is free as well as company description not to exceed the number of lines of the ad.
Also free: click to a click to a web site or a full description of the position.

Ads are placed in the "Help Wanted' section by category, alphabetical, with the ad with the most lines first in the group. They appear on the web site and in each news edition at the top in a rotation basis per issue.

* Help Wanted” ads appear in each issue on a chronological basis above the top headline as a courtesy. This position is not available as a paid position, but is generally on a rotation basis. At the same time, the ad continues in the classified help wanted section in the news edition and web site, so in effect appears twice.

Leasing News reserves the right to refuse advertising, particularly to a company that has appeared in the complaint bulletin board

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Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP

The Case for “Non-Cancelable”

The question “Does the lessee understand the non-cancelable clause” is a serious issue. The non-cancelable clause is a fixture of true tax leases and true legal leases under Article 2A, but not required or necessary for “leases intended as security” or leases governed by Article 9 of the UCC. However, we see the clause in almost every lease. Its purpose was necessary when we had volatility in interest rate markets or lowering interest rates. But now we see it as a way to prevent early payoffs or as a way to retain lessees.

The real question is not whether it is a valid clause in the lease because a “contract is a contract,” but just how much of the contract requirements are understood by the lessee. We have heard of the ignorance defense usually brought on by a lessee who failed to grasp the contents of the lease. Currently the courts are beginning to grant credence to a lessee that’s takes this defense because so many of the provisions in the lease are difficult to understand and the size of transaction does not lend itself to attorney representation.

If you are going to include a non-cancelable clause you cannot bury it on the back page of the lease in the small print, it must be in full view on the front page and should be in bold print. In addition it is one of the items that should be presented and explained at closing. Failure to do this will bring heat by the state legislators just like the legislation working its way west on giving notice to the lessee in advance of the 90 day notice period in order to legally impose it.

Some lessors are very firm on not allowing the lessee to early terminate and in many cases the non-cancelable clause makes them a fair amount of money. But it does back fire on occasion and the lessee, after the term, moves on to another leasing company or just fails to use leasing in the future.

With the stable interest rates and in a bargain option or an Article 9 lease we may need to think about dropping the non-cancelable clause because it will become a marketing point for those lessors who chose to remove it from there documents.

Mr. Terry Winders, CLP, has been a teacher, consultant, expert witness for the leasing industry for thirty years and can be reached at leaseconsulting@msn.com or 502-327-8666.

He invites your questions and queries.

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

Mr. Terry Winders available as Expert Witness. 35 years as a professional instructor to the top equipment leasing and finance companies in the United States, author of several books, including DVD's, as well as weekly columnist to Leasing News. He also performs audits of leasing companies as an expert on documentation, and has acted as an expert witness on leasing for litigation in legal and tax disputes, including before the IRS. He also has taught the senior bank examiners, how to review a bank leasing department, for the Federal Reserve in Washington D.C. and has trained the examiners for the FDIC on how to prepare a lease portfolio for sale.

Mr. Winders received his Master of Business Administration and his Bachelor of Science degrees from the College of Notre Dame.

502.649.0488/Leaseconsulting@msn.com

(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 7--May 11

Here are the top ten sorties opened by readers:

(1) Resource America/LEAF Moving in Different Directions
by Christopher Menkin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_07.htm#moving

(2) Looking for Information
Lease Police
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_09.htm#information

(3) Leasing News Complaint Bulletin Board
Newport Financial Partners, Newport Beach, California
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_09.htm#bbc

(4) Funders Looking for New Broker Business--Updated
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_11.htm#funders

(5) May 11, 2009 Archives
Heritage Pacific Leasing, Fresno, California
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_11.htm#archives

(6) New Hires---Promotions
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_11.htm#hires

(7) Its Evergreen Again with Marlin's Profits
by Christopher Menkin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_07.htm#marlin

(8) More Behind City National’s purchase
of First American Equipment Finance
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_07.htm#purchase

(9) Six Cities Where Rents are Skyrocketing
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_07.htm#rents

(10) Ritchie Bros’ roadmap for lessors
Written by Brian Rogerson
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_09.htm#roadmap

Comprehensive personal property tax outsourcing services
We accept file exports and integrate personal property tax information with all lease management or accounting software. No other firm offers the combination of individual attention, software capabilities expertise, "full disclosure" and web port accessibility to information more than we do.

Click here to learn what our clients say about our service
Gary DiLillo, President 440.871.0555 or gary@avptc.com

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Eight Once Great Techs Losing Money

Rated by their former earnings and earnings compared to today.

8. ACER
Once this Taiwanese company was major player in the low-end laptop, the low cost tablet computer market has become their number one competitor. They had a $202 million loss in 2011.

7. Barnes & Noble
(NYSE:BKS) In addition to closing many off its physical stores, thee company is facing intense competition for its table and e-reader from Amazon and Apple, it hopes to get out of the cellar with itsnew alliance with Microsoft. Company lost $11 million in 39 week period ending January 28, 2012.

6. Nokia
(NYSE:NOK) This Finnish company, once the number one handset manufacturer, has fallen out of the current marketplace due to Samsung and Apple digital market growth. April, 2012, $1.2 billion loss.

5. Nintendo
April, 2012 $461.2 million loss for 2011 fiscal year. As with Sony and
Electronic Arts, the smartphone-based gaming has been too much competition.

4. Sony
Expected to have its largess loss in 65-year history, potential $6.4 billion. Competitors Apple and Samsung are its main competitors.

3. EA
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ-EA), loss $205 million third fiscal quarter. Two of the company’s major titles — FIFA 12 and Battlefield 3 — have each sold more than 10 million copies, a particularly large quantity for games. Madden 12 has sold nearly 5 million. The company had a net loss of $322 million in the same quarter the year before.

2. Sharp
Lost $4.67 billion in April. Once a leader, losing out primarily to
South Korean manufacturers of LCD Televisions.

1. RIM
Research in Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM), Canada. Once a leader in the smartphone marketplace, its BlackBerry Phones helping to pioneer the industry, their fourth quarter had a $125 million loss.

Full Story:
http://247wallst.com/2012/05/11/eight-great-tech-brands-losing-money/

Send Leasing News to a colleague.
Ask them to subscribe. We are Free!!

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Poodle Miniature

San Jacinto, California -- Adopt-a-Dog

Poodle Male X

Listed March 21, 2012
Age: 5 yrs.
Gender: Male
Weight: Not Specified
Adult Size: Less than 10 lbs.
Fixed: No
Shots: Yes
Breed:Poodle (Miniature)
Poodle (Miniature) / Mixed (medium coat)

“What a dear little boy! He stole MY heart, that’s for sure! He came to us as a stray so we estimate his age to be Adult. He weighs 14 lbs. He is quite the character and has a ball when out in our exercise yard! He plays very well w/his doggie buddies. He walks well on the leash or harness and loves to go for walks! He’s a happy little boy who would really love a 2nd chance! He was just treated to a professional grooming so he is now all ready to start his new life!

“He is up to date on shots, seems to get along well w/his kennel mate and he will be neutered prior to his adoption. You can find him in inside Kennel #15.”

AFV2846

Please contact Denise (ramonahumanesociety@yahoo.com) for more information about this pet.

Some animals may be taken to Hemet Petsmart on Fri., Sat., Sun. for adoption clinic. Call the front office to ask about a particular animal - 951-654-8002 dial 0 for operator.

Kennel Hours:
Kennels open at 10 am each day.
Close: 4:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Close: 3:00 PM Saturday & Sunday

Ramona Humane Society
690 Humane Way
San Jacinto, CA 92583
(951) 654-8002 (Phone)
(951) 654-2830 (Fax)
http://www.ramonahumanesociety.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/

News Briefs----

Chase firing squad/Drew is first to go
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/chase_firing_squad_NMdP2Olpev7WorF9OxKbLP

Yahoo CEO resigns over resume discrepancy
http://business-news.thestreet.com/mercury-news/story/yahoo-announcement-ceo-scott-thompsons-resignation-victory-third-point/1

Facebook cofounder living large in Singapore as he stiffs US for a possible $600M in taxes
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/international/no_of_ours_kXUZEVUC0RKjfdoOJ0PDNN

Bass player Donald 'Duck' Dunn dies in Tokyo
http://music-mix.ew.com/2012/05/13/donald-duck-dunn-dies/

Johnny Carson Profiled on PBS’s ‘American Masters’
http://tv.nytimes.com/2012/05/14/arts/television/johnny-carson-profiled-on-pbss-american-masters.html

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You May Have Missed---

Why We Regulate
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/14/opinion/krugman-why-we-regulate.html?ref=business

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SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

Food Showdown: Which Veggie Packs More Nutrients?
http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=food_showdown_broccoli_vs_cauliflower

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Sports Briefs----

Heat overcome Chris Bosh injury, beat Pacers in Game 1
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/story/2012-05-13/Heat-overcome-Chris-Bosh-injury-beat-Pacers-in-Game-1/54945256/1?loc=interstitialskip

Tens of thousands cheer on Amgen racers
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120513/ARTICLES/120519809/1350?Title=Tens-of-thousands-cheer-on-Amgen-racers

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Baseball Poem

The Catchers Learns the Motion

by Tim Peeler

and is often the hub of the movements,
he reads the morse code of the pitcher
and returns the speech of the dumb,

he loves the sphere and its ridges,
rips it from the tight mitt
with or against the seams
whistles it from a frog squat.

the catcher learns
he is the hat of the hat dance,
the pitcher may think himself
the center of gravity,
but the catcher
waits at the apex of the great angles,

slaps the leather trap
on the errant razor
as it spits up from the dust.

the catcher imprints the motions of the hitters,
checks the rhythm of their passages,
knows he must slip an extra measure
at the end of their cha-cha-cha,

the catcher is the great disturber,
can cock twice on his return throw,
spit on the plate, call for the "buzzer"
block the ump's clear visage,

bilingual kamikaze
chattering like a wired chimp,
muttering with silent busted digits,
sacrificing legs
to the varicose crouch and
the ruinous crunch
of the few that get through
to thin armor .

Touching All Bases
Poems from Baseball
Tim Peeler
www.mcfarlandpub.com

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

Brown: California budget deficit rises to $16 billion
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/13/4486112/brown-california-budget-deficit.html

Daniel Loeb: Southern California Native a Hedge Fund Manager Who Takes on Corporate Executives
http://business-news.thestreet.com/mercury-news/story/daniel-loeb-southern-california-native-hedge-fund-manager-who-takes-corporate-executives/1

[headlines]
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“Gimme that Wine”

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

Feds Say They Nabbed Vintage Wine Fraudster
http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/05/11/46436.htm

Fast-growing Healdsburg wine company snags new investor
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120510/BUSINESS/120519992/1036/news?Title=Healdsburg-wine-company-snags-new-investor

Duckhorn signs deal for Three Palms Vineyard grapes
http://napavalleyregister.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/wine/duckhorn-signs-deal-for-three-palms-vineyard-grapes/article_faa4c552-9b10-11e1-8e35-001a4bcf887a.html

Oldest bottle of Krug found
http://napavalleyregister.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/wine/oldest-bottle-of-krug-found/article_d5098394-9aea-11e1-8dfd-001a4bcf887a.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

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

This Day in History

     1607 - Just over 100 men and boys filed ashore from the small sailing ships Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, onto what English adventurers came to call Jamestown Island in Virginia. 104 Englishmen arrived. In the early days of the English colonies, trade was a one-way street. The colonists badly needed supplies from the homeland. Historians note that unfortunately, some of the earliest pioneers, as at Jamestown, were adventurers interested more in making a quick fortune from the alleged riches of the New World than in engaging in agriculture or forestry. In late years, through a great diversity of settles arrived and brought with them a variety of skills. They ranged from wealthy Englishmen, who wanted to carve out large estates, to servants. Merchants saw the opportunity for trade as populations grew. Groups seeking religious freedom were also prominent, bringing with them a tradition of hard work and a willingness to start life anew. As a side comment to this, a measure of social position among the male settlers of Jamestown was the fact that of some 105 men, 35 were considered gentlemen, persons whose means freed them from the need to work or engage in trade. The second expedition to Jamestown contained 33 gentlemen out of 120. In the early days, a gentleman was a “high rank” in society and to be one greatly admired and respected.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may14.html
    1787 - Delegates began gathering in Philadelphia for a convention to draw up the U.S. Constitution.
    1771-Robert Owen, English progressive owner of spinning works, philanthropist, Utopian socialist, founder of New Harmony, IN, born at Newtown, Wales. Died there Nov 17,1858.
http://robert-owen.midwales.com/
    1796-In the 18th century, smallpox was a widespread and often fatal disease. Edward Jenner, a physician in rural England, heard reports of dairy farmers who apparently became immune to smallpox as a result of exposure to cowpox, a related but milder disease. After two decades of studying the phenomenon, Jenner injected cowpox into a healthy eight-year-old boy, who subsequently developed cowpox. Six weeks later, Jenner inoculated the boy with smallpox. He remained healthy. Jenner called this new procedure vaccination, from vaccinia, another term for cowpox. Within 18 months, 12,000 people in England had been vaccinated and the number of smallpox deaths dropped by two-thirds. . Inoculations were begun in the United States where the spread of smallpox had wiped out entire communities, particularly Indian tribes.
    1801 - Tripoli declares war against the United States
    1804-Charged by President Thomas Jefferson with finding a route to the Pacific, Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark left St. Louis. They arrived a the Pacific coast of Oregon in November, 1805 and returned to St. Louis, September 23, 1806.
http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/
    1834 - The greatest snowstorm ever to occur in may hit the Northern Atlantic coastal states. The hills around Newbury, Vermont were covered with up to 24 inches of snow and the higher elevations around Haverhill, New Hampshire received up to three feet.
    1845 - First U.S. warship visits Vietnam. While anchored in Danang for reprovisioning, CAPT John Percival commanding USS Constitution, conducts a show of force against Vietnamese authorities in an effort to obtain the release of a French priest held prisoner by Emperor of Annam at Hue.
    1851--Birthday of Anna Caroline Maxwell , U.S. nurse who established numerous nurse training schools, worked with Red Cross that adopted many of her innovations, and campaigned to get military rank for nurses of the Army Nurse Corps. She authored the standard text, Practical Nursing.
    1856-Liutenant David Dixon Porter of Chester, PA, arrived at Indianola, Texas with camels imported for military purposes form Ismir, Turkey on the ship “Supply,” a Navy store ship. The shipment consisted of 34 camels---one more than left Smyma. ON March 3, 1855, Congress had appropriated $30,000 to the War Department for the purchase and importation of camels and dromedaries to be employed for military purposes.
http://www.tulane.edu/~latner/Porter.html
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/ddporter.htm
http://www.civilwar.si.edu/navies_porter.html
    1856-The editor of the San Francisco Daily Evening Bulletin was assassinated by a rival newspaper owner. A vigilante group seized the assassin from the sheriff, then tried, convicted, and executed him.
    1863- Setting aside their own cry for equality, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton called a meeting of the Women's National Loyal League that would gather hundreds of thousands of petitions calling for a Constitutional amendment to abolish slavery.
    1874-this one event created a lot of “firsts”, starting with the first football goalpost when McGill University and Harvard University squared off at Jarvis Field, Cambridge, MA. The teams played rugby football under Harvard’s rules, which stated that every goal constituted a game. McGill arrived with 11 men and Harvard with 15, four of whom were dropped to equalize the teams. Harvard won three games, the first two lasting about five minutes and the third about 12 minutes. As McGill is located in Montreal, Canada, this was also the first international rugby football contest to be played, as well as the first instance in which an admission fee was charged at a collegiate sporting event. The proceeds were used for “lavishly” entertaining the McGill team. A second match was played the following day, and a third match was played in the fall in Montreal.
    1887-Massachuetts required under the Employers Liability Act, passed this day, for all accidents be reported by employers concerning personal injuries suffered by employees in their services.
    1893—birthday of guitarist Pop Stoneman, Galaxy, VA
    1896 - The mercury plunged to 10 degrees below zero at Climax, CO. It was the lowest reading of record for the U.S. during the month of May.
     1897 Sidney Bechet, jazz clarinetist and soprano saxophone player of renown
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney_Bechet
    1897- the unveiling of a statue of George Washington at Philadelphia, PA, and President William McKinley was present. John Phillip Sousa wrote a march for the event, which is perhaps his most widely known,” The Stars and Stripes Forever.” He was in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois     1897 - Sidney Bechet Birthday http://www.sidneybechet.org/
    1898-drummer Zutty Singleton born Bunkie, LA.
http://www.dws.org/sousa/
    1902- (Helen) Flanders Dunbar birthday - U.S. psychiatrist. 4'11". She earned four advanced degrees in seven years including a Ph.D. in philosophy, a B.D, and then added a medical degrees in 1930. Dunbar integrated religion, science, medicine and psychiatry to head the Council for the Clinical Training of Theological Students. Her chief legacy regards psychosomatic approach to illnesses - a study that showed distinctive personality profiles for each disease. She also uncovered the emotional disturbance of accident prone people. Her “Mind and Body “(1947) is a summation of her findings and considered a classic in modern psychiatry.
    1904-The first Olympic Games held in the United States was the Third Olympiad, held in St. Louis, MO, from this day to August 1, 1904. The games were first awarded to Chicago, IL., but were later given to St. Louis to be staged in connection with the World’s Fair. There were few entrants other than Americans in the 14 events. In the field competitions, the American athletes made a clean sweep of all the events with the exception of lifting the bar and throwing the 56-ound weight.
    1905--The Asiatic Exclusion League is formed in San Francisco, marking the official beginning of the anti-Japanese movement. Among those attending the first meeting are labor leaders (& European immigrants) Patrick Henry McCarthy & Olaf Tveitmoe of the Building Trades Council of San Francisco & Andrew Fufuseth & Walter McCarthy of the Sailor's Union. Tveitmoe is named the first president of the organization. Source www.sfmuseum.org/war/evactxt.html
    1913 - John D. Rockefeller made the largest gift of money (to that time) by establishing the Rockefeller Foundation for $100,000,000. The foundation promotes “the well-being of mankind throughout the world.”
    1917-Birthdayof American Composer Lou Harrison, Portland, Oregon. Died Feb. 2,2003 Lafayette, IN. Lou Harrison was in a way in the family of Cowell, Cage and McPhee. He Favoured Balines Music like Mcphee but used more of Cage & Cowell’s Inspiration. He is very interested in percussion instruments especially from the far east. He wrote several concerts for percussion instruments so as the concerts for flute and percussion. His Piano Concerto was Premiered by JazzMan Keith Jarret.
http://www.classical-composers.org/comp/harrison
    1920-Pitcher Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators considered by some to be the greatest pitcher of all time and the faster, won the 300th game of his career, beating the Detroit Tigers, 9-8. Johnson played in the major leagues from 1907 through 1927. He compiled a record of 417 wins against t279 losses with an earned run average of 2.17..
    1930-Located in southwester New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns was proclaimed a national monument. October 25, 1923, and later established as national park and preserve.
http://www.carlsbad.caverns.national-park.com/
    1936-Singer Bobby Darin, whose real name was Walden Robert Cassotto, was born in the Bronx, New York City. Darin's big break came in 1958 when he wrote and recorded "Splish Splash," which reached number three on the US charts and sold a million copies. His other hits included "Queen of the Hop" and "Mack the Knife." At the beginning of the '60s, he made the transition from teen idol to a more mature star who performed in Vegas nightclubs. Bobby Darin died on December 20th, 1973 after heart surgery.
http://www.bobbydarin.net/
    1937 - Duke Ellington and his band recorded the classic, "Caravan", for Brunswick Records.
    1943-- Jack Bruce, one of the most influential bass guitarists in rock, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Bruce's bass playing and tenor vocals with the group Cream in the 1960's were a great influence on the heavy metal groups that followed. He began developing his style with the British rhythm-and-blues pioneers Graham Bond and Alexis Korner. Bruce later played with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and Manfred Mann before forming Cream with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker in 1966. The three virtually invented the hard-rock trio style, before breaking up in 1968. Bruce later played in a variety of styles, including hard rock and fusion, with several groups, such as West, Bruce and Laing, Jack Bruce and Friends, and BLT.
    1944--*WAUGH, ROBERT T. Mdeal of Honor
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 339th Infantry, 85th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Tremensucli, Italy, 11-14 May 1944. Entered service at: Augusta, Maine. Birth: Ashton, R.I. G.O. No.: 79, 4 October 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. In the course of an attack upon an enemy-held hill on 11 May, 1st Lt. Waugh personally reconnoitered a heavily mined area before entering it with his platoon. Directing his men to deliver fire on 6 bunkers guarding this hill, 1st Lt. Waugh advanced alone against them, reached the first bunker, threw phosphorus grenades into it and as the defenders emerged, killed them with a burst from his tommygun. He repeated this process on the 5 remaining bunkers, killing or capturing the occupants. On the morning of 14 May, 1st Lt. Waugh ordered his platoon to lay a base of fire on 2 enemy pillboxes located on a knoll which commanded the only trail up the hill. He then ran to the first pillbox, threw several grenades into it, drove the defenders into the open, and killed them. The second pillbox was next taken by this intrepid officer by similar methods. The fearless actions of 1st Lt. Waugh broke the Gustav Line at that point, neutralizing 6 bunkers and 2 pillboxes and he was personally responsible for the death of 30 of the enemy and the capture of 25 others. He was later killed in action in Itri, Italy, while leading his platoon in an attack.
    1944 --Birthday of George Lucas, film director and producer (Star Wars, Indiana Jones). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lucas
    1945--DIAMOND, JAMES H. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 21st Infantry, 24th Infantry Division. Place and date: Mintal, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, 8-14 May 1945. Entered service at: Gulfport, Miss. Birth: New Orleans, La. G.O. No.: 23, 6 March 1946. Citation: As a member of the machinegun section, he displayed extreme gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. When a Japanese sniper rose from his foxhole to throw a grenade into their midst, this valiant soldier charged and killed the enemy with a burst from his submachine gun; then, by delivering sustained fire from his personal arm and simultaneously directing the fire of 105mm. and .50 caliber weapons upon the enemy pillboxes immobilizing this and another machinegun section, he enabled them to put their guns into action. When 2 infantry companies established a bridgehead, he voluntarily assisted in evacuating the wounded under heavy fire; and then, securing an abandoned vehicle, transported casualties to the rear through mortar and artillery fire so intense as to render the vehicle inoperative and despite the fact he was suffering from a painful wound. The following day he again volunteered, this time for the hazardous job of repairing a bridge under heavy enemy fire. On 14 May 1945, when leading a patrol to evacuate casualties from his battalion, which was cut off, he ran through a virtual hail of Japanese fire to secure an abandoned machine gun. Though mortally wounded as he reached the gun, he succeeded in drawing sufficient fire upon himself so that the remaining members of the patrol could reach safety. Pfc. Diamond's indomitable spirit, constant disregard of danger, and eagerness to assist his comrades, will ever remain a symbol of selflessness and heroic sacrifice to those for whom he gave his life.
    1945-Gene Cornish, guitarist with the blue-eyed soul group, the Rascals, was born in Ottawa. The group began - as the Young Rascals - by playing dance clubs in Long Island, New York in the mid-1960's. Their hits included "Good Lovin' " and "Groovin'." After changing their name to the Rascals, the group mellowed, going for more jazz-influenced, stretched-out arrangements. The Rascals broke up in the early '70s.
    1950----Top Hits
My Foolish Heart - The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra (vocal: Eileen Wilson)
It Isn’t Fair - The Sammy Kaye Orchestra (vocal: Don Cornell)
The Third Man Theme - Alton Karas
Long Gone Lonesome Blues - Hank Williams
    1951—Comedian Ernie Kovacs first hosted "It's a Time for Ernie", a 15-minute afternoon program on NBC in May of 1951 before replacing the "Kukla, Fran and Ollie Show" with "Ernie in Kovacsland." Kovacs also appeared on a variety of daytime and prime-time series and was a fill-in for Steve Allen on the "Tonight!" Show. One of his most famous skits was The Nairobi Trio! He early shows featured his wife, Edie Adams, who smoked a cigar later in commercials, in a seductive manner, saying she liked men who smoked cigars. I will never forget Ernie Kovacs reduced very small and superimposed over his wife, looking down who low cut dress. He died in a freakish accident in Beverly Hills, not driving fast, but on a rainy road ramming into a telephone poll where the climbing rung was left and it pierced the driver's door, killing the great comedian.
    1951- saxophonist Jay Beckenstein born Brooklyn, NY, leader of the jazz-pop band Spyro Gyra.
    1955-Bo Diddley's "Bo Diddley" backed with "I'm a Man" debuts on the R&B chart. It will go to #2 making it his most successful record. The A side introduces what will be known as the Bo Diddley beat.
    1955--- Les Baxter's "Unchained Melody" hits #1
    1955--- Bill Haley and his Comets' "Rock Around The Clock" enters the charts
    1956- Mercury records releases "The Platters," the million-selling group's first album. Although in the next several years it will sell over 50,000 copies, it contains none of their recent hits.
    1956- Mercury Records released the first LP by the Platters. They had just scored on the charts with "Only You" and "The Great Pretender." I bought it, and still have it to this day.
http://www.rockhall.com/hof/inductee.asp?id=169
http://www.celebritydirect.org/platters/disco.htm
    1957 - The musical, "New Girl in Town", opened at the 46th Street Theatre in New York City. Thelma Ritter and Gwen Verdon starred in the Broadway adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s "Anna Christie". "New Girl in Town" had a run of 431 performances.
    1958----Top Hits
All I Have to Do is Dream - The Everly Brothers
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - Elvis Presley
Return to Me - Dean Martin
Oh Lonesome Me - Don Gibson
    1959-In a melding of classical ballet and modern dance, George Balanchine’s and Martha Graham’s “Episodes” premiered. A new experience for ballet enthusiast, half of the program was choreographed by Balanchine and the other half by Graham.
    1961 -- On Mother's Day, a Greyhound bus carrying black and white civil rights activists is bombed and burned in Alabama. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/The-Freedom-Riders.html
    1963 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "If You Wanna Be Happy," Jimmy Soul.
    1965- "Boss of the Bay," KYA presents the Rolling Stones, the Byrds, Beau Brummels, Paul Revere & the Raiders, & the Vejtables, at Civic Auditorium, in Frisco.
http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist1/rock.html
    1966 - Top Hits
Monday Monday - The Mamas & The Papas
Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 - Bob Dylan
Kicks - Paul Revere & The Raiders
I Want to Go with You - Eddy Arnold
    1966-- The Kingsmen's "Louie Louie" on pop charts since '63, enters the Hot 100 for the ninth & last time with a re-released version. Incites controversy over its unintelligible, but assumed obscene lyrics: "Smash your left hand down about right here three times, then twice up in this area, then three times right about here . . . that's "Louie Louie."
http://www.louielouie.org/
http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mccoykj/louie/
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/louie/louiereal1.shtml
    1968--FOUS, JAMES W. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, 14 May 1968. Entered service at: Omaha, Nebr. Born: 14 October 1946, Omaha, Nebr. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Fous distinguished himself at the risk of his life while serving as a rifleman with Company E. Pfc. Fous was participating in a reconnaissance-in-force mission when his unit formed its perimeter defense for the night. Pfc. Fous, together with 3 other American soldiers, occupied a position in a thickly vegetated area facing a wood line. Pfc. Fous detected 3 Viet Cong maneuvering toward his position and, after alerting the other men, directed accurate fire upon the enemy soldiers, silencing 2 of them. The third Viet Cong soldier managed to escape in the thick vegetation after throwing a hand grenade into Pfc. Fous' position. Without hesitation, Pfc. Fous shouted a warning to his comrades and leaped upon the lethal explosive, absorbing the blast with his body to save the lives of the 3 men in the area at the sacrifice of his life. Pfc. Fous' extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1968--McCLEERY, FINNIS D. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: platoon Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th U.S. Infantry. place and date: Quang Tin province, Republic of Vietnam, 14 May 1968. Entered service at: San Angelo, Tex. Born: 25 December 1927, Stephenville, Tex. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. P/Sgt. McCleery, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as platoon leader of the 1st platoon of Company A. A combined force was assigned the mission of assaulting a reinforced company of North Vietnamese Army regulars, well entrenched on Hill 352, 17 miles west of Tam Ky. As P/Sgt. McCleery led his men up the hill and across an open area to close with the enemy, his platoon and other friendly elements were pinned down by tremendously heavy fire coming from the fortified enemy positions. Realizing the severe damage that the enemy could inflict on the combined force in the event that their attack was completely halted, P/Sgt. McCleery rose from his sheltered position and began a 1-man assault on the bunker complex. With extraordinary courage, he moved across 60 meters of open ground as bullets struck all around him and rockets and grenades literally exploded at his feet. As he came within 30 meters of the key enemy bunker, P/Sgt. McCleery began firing furiously from the hip and throwing hand grenades. At this point in his assault, he was painfully wounded by shrapnel, but, with complete disregard for his wound, he continued his advance on the key bunker and killed all of its occupants. Having successfully and single-handedly breached the enemy perimeter, he climbed to the top of the bunker he had just captured and, in full view of the enemy, shouted encouragement to his men to follow his assault. As the friendly forces moved forward, P/Sgt. McCleery began a lateral assault on the enemy bunker line. He continued to expose himself to the intense enemy fire as he moved from bunker to bunker, destroying each in turn. He was wounded a second time by shrapnel as he destroyed and routed the enemy from the hill. P/Sgt. McCleery is personally credited with eliminating several key enemy positions and inspiring the assault that resulted in gaining control of Hill 352. His extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, was in keeping with the highest standards of the military service, and reflects great credit on him, the Americal Division, and the U.S. Army.
    1968--- Elvis Presley meets with NBC-TV producer Bob Finkel, helming his upcoming Christmas special with Singer, and tells him he wants to use this event to reintroduce and prove himself once again to the rock audience.
    1969--*SHEA, DANIEL JOHN Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 14 May 1969. Entered service at: New Haven, Conn. Born: 29 January 1947, Norwalk, Conn. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Shea, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman with Company C, 3d Battalion, during a combat patrol mission. As the lead platoon of the company was crossing a rice paddy, a large enemy force in ambush positions opened fire with mortars, grenades and automatic weapons. Under heavy crossfire from 3 sides, the platoon withdrew to a small island in the paddy to establish a defensive perimeter. Pfc. Shea, seeing that a number of his comrades had fallen in the initial hail of fire, dashed from the defensive position to assist the wounded. With complete disregard for his safety and braving the intense hostile fire sweeping the open rice paddy, Pfc. Shea made 4 trips to tend wounded soldiers and to carry them to the safety of the platoon position. Seeing a fifth wounded comrade directly in front of one of the enemy strong points, Pfc. Shea ran to his assistance. As he reached the wounded man, Pfc. Shea was grievously wounded. Disregarding his welfare, Pfc. Shea tended his wounded comrade and began to move him back to the safety of the defensive perimeter. As he neared the platoon position, Pfc. Shea was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. By his heroic actions Pfc. Shea saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers. Pfc. Shea's gallantry in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1970- Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young announced their breakup before a performance in Chicago. The band - minus Neil Young - would regroup several times during the next dozen years. And all four would get together again in 1988 for the hit single and album "American Dream."
    1972-- After 21 seasons with Giants in New York and San Francisco, 41-year old Willie Mays makes a dramatic debut for his new team as he hits a game winning home run off his former team giving the Mets a 5-4 victory. The 'Say Hey Kid's' 647th career homer in the fifth breaks a 4-4 deadlock.
    1973-The House of Representatives received formal approval of the appointment of female pages in 1972. Today the 934d Congress, appointed Felda Looper as the successor to Gene Cox, who, for three hours, had served as the first female page 34 years earlier.
    1973 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," Stevie Wonder. It is his third chart-topping hit.
    1973-Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina's first LP, "Sittin' In," goes gold. The two actually got together by accident. Messina was going to produce a solo effort for Loggins, but the two had such a rapport that Messina was persuaded to perform.
    1974-Three Dog Night's "The Show Must Go On" turns out to be group's last gold record. The song reaches #4 on the pop chart is also the band's last Top Twenty single. The group had eleven gold records, three of which -- "Joy to the World," "Mama Told Me Not to Come" and "Black and White"-- hit Number One.
    1974----Top Hits
The Loco-Motion - Grand Funk
The Streak - Ray Stevens
Dancing Machine - The Jackson 5
Is It Wrong (For Loving You) - Sonny James
    1977-- Leo Sayer's "When I Need You" hits #1
    1981-Birthday of American composer Aaron Alon, Florida
    1981 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Bette Davis Eyes," Kim Carnes. Bette Davis responds by sending roses to Carnes when the song wins a Grammy. The song is first recorded by Jackie DeShannon.
    1982----Top Hits
Chariots of Fire - Titles - Vangelis
Ebony and Ivory - Paul McCartney with Stevie Wonder
Don’t Talk to Strangers - Rick Springfield
Always on My Mind - Willie Nelson
    1985 - The first McDonald’s restaurant -- in Des Plaines, IL -- became the first museum of the fast-food business. McMannequins, McPosters and loads of McPhotos display years of hamburger McProgress
http://www.mcdonalds.com/corp/about/museum_info.html
    1987 - The temperature at Sacramento, California soared To 103 Degrees To Establish A May Record Of 7 Days With High Temperatures Of 100 Degrees Or Above. It Also Marked The 9th Record High Of The Month.
    1988--- Atlantic Records celebrated its 40th anniversary with an 11-hour concert at Madison Square Garden in New York. Many of the acts that recorded for the label since its founding in 1947 appeared - among them, a reunited Led Zeppelin, Wilson Pickett, the Bee Gees, Booker T. and the MG's, Phil Collins and Ruth Brown, one of Atlantic's first big stars. The only sour note was the failure of David Crosby to show up for a reunion with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash.
    1990----Top Hits
Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O’Connor
Vogue - Madonna
All I Wanna Do is Make Love to You - Heart
Help Me Hold On - Travis Tritt
    1990 - Thunderstorms developing ahead of a cold front produced severe weather from northwest Texas to western Missouri. Severe thunderstorms spawned seventeen tornadoes, including nine in Texas. Four tornadoes in Texas injured a total of nine persons. Thunderstorms in Texas also produced hail four inches in diameter at Shamrock, and hail four and a half inches in diameter near Guthrie. Thunderstorms over northeastern Kansas produced more than seven inches of rain in Chautauqua County between 9 PM and midnight.
    1991-- President Bush announced his selection of Robert M. Gates to head the Central Intelligence Agency.
    1993- Softkey Software and WordStar International announced a merger on this day in 1993: The companies hoped that joining forces would help them hold their ground against larger software companies. The WordStar word processor, released in 1979, was one of the first word processors available for the personal computer, and the product became an immediate hit, selling nearly a million copies within five years. Unfortunately, WordStar was slow to convert to the PC-DOS operating system, introduced by IBM in 1981. As a result, the product lost its dominant position in the word processor market. In 1994, WordStar and Softkey merged with Spinnaker Software.
    1996-Basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson announced his retirement for the second time form the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson had first retired before the start of the 1991-92 NBA season when he learned he was HIV-positive. Other players rebuffed his attempts to come back for the 1992-93 season, but he did play 32 games in 1995-96.
    1998- While we “celebrate “birthdays, today is an exception, Frank Sinatra, 82, dies in Los Angeles, 1998. The Chairman of the Board has left the room.
    2000---Tom Jones' album "Reload" was at the top of the UK album chart, making him the oldest artist (60) to ever score a UK #1 album with new material

NBA Finals Champions This Date

1981 Boston Celtics

[headlines]

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SuDoku

The object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. What could be simpler?

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