CV Holdings Acquires Centra Leasing/4Hour Funding
$10 Million Investment/$30 Million Facility in the Works

Centra Leasing, Inc./4Hour Funding, Plano, Texas, is now a wholly owned subsidiary of CV Holdings, Inc. Centra was formed and owned by John Boettigheimer, who will continue as a significant owner and as President/General Manager, owning eventually up to 20%. CV Holdings has invested $10 million and there is an additional $30 million facility in the works. The company will continue its relationship with several other funding groups to maintain its ability not to have large number of specific equipment or geographic areas, as well as other requirements. The company works with vendors and "broker representations." It does seek new broker relationships.

The majority of transactions are "Equipment Finance Agreements," which enables them not to require all the paperwork of leasing, as well as even doing "verbal verification of equipment acceptance."

Boettigheimer says it is not uncommon for a transaction to come in on Friday at 3:30pm and be funded before the company closes. A lot of the credit and equipment verification comes from only accepting certain equipment and vendors, learned through his experience at Pioneer Leasing, which he was president, as well as from his father, Bernie Boettigheimer, co-owner of Pioneer and founder of Lease Police.

Going forward, Centra will operate as Centra Funding, LLC. and 4 Hour Funding, LLC.   

John Boettigheimer, Centra President said, “This large investment provides us with an extremely strong balance sheet and will give us the capital to expand our position in the marketplace. We expect to aggressively develop new programs and relationships with equipment financing brokers and vendors.”

CV Holdings Inc. (“CVH”) is a publicly traded finance company backed by a multi-billion dollar New York based equity asset management firm. CVH’s current businesses include: (i) LongVue Mortgage Capital, an investor in residential loan portfolios; (ii) Centra Funding LLC, an originator of vendor based small ticket equipment leasing transactions; (iii) Vensource Capital, LLC, an originator of equipment leases to the bio tech, hi tech and life sciences industry and (iv) CV Capital Funding, LLC, a real estate bridge lending company. CVH’s strategic goal is to build a pre-eminent specialty finance company through the growth and maturation of its various finance verticals. CVH has offices in Newport Beach, CA, New York, NY, Boston, MA, Westport, CT and Plano, TX. 

John Boettigheimer, President
john@centraleasing.com
 (888) 779-4629 Ext. 100

Broker Programs Alan Justman
 Broker Relations
alan@centraleasing.com
 (888) 779-4629  Ext. 110

 

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

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The List---October, 2016
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Balboa Capital, Costa Mesa, California (10/16) Actual BBB Complaints the Issue
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2016/10_31.htm#issue
(10/16) Balboa Capital Forced to Disclose List of Disgruntled Customers  http://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2016/10_26.htm#balboa

Hanmi Bank, Los Angeles, California (10/16) Purchases Financial Division of Banc of California, Normandin, CLFP remains Managing Director. http://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2016/10_31.htm#hanmi

Axis Capital, Grand Island, Nebraska (10/16) Announces $201 Million Term Securitization
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2016/10_28.htm#axis

Ascentium Capital, Kingwood, Texas (10/16) Announces 30% Increase/ Strong Third Quarter Originations. http://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2016/10_13.htm#asc

 

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Joins Aggregate Funders List
"Where Funders Compete!"

CapFundNow seeks clients who go direct as well as "third party Originators "YOUR COMMISSION IS THE SAME AS if you were Working DIRECT WITH any FUNDER. We are a FREE service..."

The site states, "Gain access to our expansive network of Large and Boutique funders to widen your scope. Forge relationships with Funders that specialize in your particular client needs."

"Real Time Results in our funding Portal. After applying, you can view multiple offers within minutes. We place all options in one place, helping you get the best deal."

Currency Capital states they "...approve within 3 minutes at point-of-sale and fund them immediately." Clients include Caterpillar, eBay, Iron Planet, Proxibid.

CapitalRelay states their current Broker Network is 743.  Current Lenders Network: 117 Lenders.

Aggregate Funding Sources
(Online: connects lessees, lessors, and vendors)

https://capfundnow.com

http://www.capitalrelay.com

http://www.currencycap.com

 

 

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Leasing/Finance/Working Capital/Real Estate Portal
(Business to Business Direct)

Perhaps the earliest such portals date to when Netscape came on line. Today Google, Yahoo, Opera, Bing, and others provide these searches for free. Portals led those seeking leasing and loans direct to sources. Only one appears active on the Internet today.

http://www.businessfinance.com/

The website states "Search over 4,000 sources of Business Finance and get your free matched list in seconds"
http://www.businessfinance.com/aboutus.asp#axzz3bqWFvQI2

The main page touts small business loans:

Small Business Loans    2,105 sources
Equipment Finance         317 sources
Working Capital             192 sources

Plus
Equity Investments      1,121 sources
Commercial Finance         178 sources
Commercial Mortgages     232 sources

 

(Leasing News provides this ad as a trade for appraisals
and equipment valuations provided by Ed Castagna)

 

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Sales Make it Happen
by Christopher Menkin

What can you learn from GreatAmerica Financial Services?

All departments, particularly sales, can learn from the success of GreatAmerica Financial Services as explained by its founder Tony Golobic, Leasing News 2012 Equipment Leasing Person of the Year.

The first and most important decisions are one of the keys to their success: Who is the customer? Who "owns" the customer?

Is it the lessee that is performing at the beginning, during, and at the end, with the collector of the payment keeping in communication, providing service, and caring about obtaining repeat business?

GreatAmerica Financial Services would agree with the concept of better communication with the party making the lease payment, but that is not their answer to either who the customer is or who “owns” the customer?

"We define our customer a little differently than most financing companies, “GreatAmerica Financial Services founder Tony Golobic explained. “We resolved that the equipment dealers/leasing brokers are our customers and that the lessee is the customer of the dealer/broker. The dealer/broker, our customer, puts food on our family tables.

"This foundation guides our prospecting and marketing efforts and has engendered great trust with our customers. Not all equipment dealers, just like not all leasing brokers, are the right customers for us. We want just the best ones; the ones who have long-term vision, who want to build strong and lasting relationships with their customers and with us..."

When the sale is over, the vendor is often the party remaining in contact with his customer, providing service, asking or referrals, and hearing appreciation or complaints about the leasing company the vendor referred. Most vendors want to make another sale or get a referral or keep a reputation in their industry circle.

It also may be the vendor has a captive funding source, but runs into situations that they will not accept or a client over the credit limit, and keeping them happy is more important than ignoring them.
GreatAmerica Financial Services also has a "Truth in Leasing" document:

"Our ethical focus has underscored our direction as a whole, ranging from the definition of our customer (above) to the creation of our Truth in Leasing Statement, which is a document we give our customers to give to their customers," he explains. "It’s an industry-first statement that is essentially a leasing bill of rights for the lessee and outlines what they can expect when they enter into a standard agreement with GreatAmerica Financial Services. It also draws a line in the sand by capping residual positions and stating there would be no hidden fee tactics common in many leases."

Except for the more formal "commitment letters," most often utilized on leases over $100,000, the average proposal is boiler plate from over 30 years ago designed with "non-legal" language, often designed to enable the "company" to keep an advance rental with stupid sentences. There are too many companies who know the credit and situation will not get approved, but want to keep the advance rental. Often it is treated as a "draw." Many companies will split or pay a percentage to salesmen when the transaction does not go ahead.

There has been a trend in this down economy to eliminate independent leasing brokers for a more loyal "employee" who is also trained in the company mission and ethical standards.

"We used to work with a large number of brokers, but 80% of our business was done with just a handful," GreatAmerica Financial Services Tony Golobic explains. "That didn’t work well and we pared the number down. We will continue to focus on this process with the goal of doing an increased amount of business with a smaller number of brokers. It’s a matter of finding the right brokers with the right vendor programs with whom we can develop strong and lasting relationships. It may sound strange but our goal is to have fewer brokers for whom we do a lot more."

The last sentence has been spoken by many companies over the last two years in not accepting new brokers, and cutting back on existing brokers who do not get many approvals, or worse get the approvals but the lease not signed.

In cutting back their own staff, and being able to provide less service, the funder wants to rely on those who get leases approved and signed, service them better, give them better service, and hopefully obtain leases that pay out.

The "Executive Bios" from the company web site also divides the company into sections where they maintain the majority of their business: Office Equipment Group, Distribution Group, Communications & Development, Direct Programs and Healthcare. There are also sales leader groups and business origination groups.

http://www.greatamerica.com/about-us/default.aspx#section6
"The mission of GreatAmerica, plain and simple, is to help our customers become more successful," Tony Golobic told Leasing News. "Each of our five business units specializes in their respective industries, immersing itself into the market it serves and tapping into the complex dynamics that go into making a business successful. Our expertise is gained through intense and continuous research into the industry served by that unit, business councils, industry events and internal training. The knowledge gained through these activities informs all levels of the company and creates a fertile environment that fosters innovative thinking and problem solving."

It all goes back to the theme, "Who is the customer?" GreatAmerica Financial Services is different.

"The relentless pursuit of our vision to reach the standards of excellence so high in everything we do that we have no competition has enabled us to grow to an asset size of over $1 Billion. We have never stopped growing, not even in the past two years. We now are looking forward to the day, not far away, when we will reach $2 Billion. We will do that by getting better every day and by truly helping our customers become more successful. Each time a customer hangs up the phone with one of our team members, we want them to think: 'Wow, it was a great day - the day I started doing business with GreatAmerica Financial Services!'

http://www.greatamerica.com/

 

How long will it take to repair your credit?
Aging of Bad Credit

If you find negative information in your credit reports that’s accurate it can be awhile before it “ages off” as you can see from the following list.

• Foreclosures– seven years
• Collection accounts – seven years and 180 days from the date you became   delinquent on the original debt
• Late payments – seven years from the date of your last payment
• Bankruptcy – ten years from the date you filed
• Repossessions – seven years
• Charged-off – seven years from the date it was charged-off
• Tax liens – seven years after you pay them
• Judgments – seven years it has been paid; if left unpaid probably longer.

https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/fixing-bad-credit-isnt-impossible-use-three-simple-tips/

 

 

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

Equipment Insurance Direct to Deliver Significant
Revenue to Originators, Affordable Insurance to Lessees

Sunderland, MA – American Lease Insurance Agency Corporation (ALI) is introducing Equipment Insurance Direct (EID), an online insurance resource for small-business equipment lessees throughout the United States. Through EID, lessees can easily obtain property and liability insurance required on their leased equipment at affordable monthly charges from A+ underwriter AGCS Marine Insurance Company.

Equipment lease originators and lessors who contract with ALI as EID associates receive fees for providing periodic customer data to ALI to use in marketing EID coverage directly via email and the EID website. For each provided customer who obtains EID coverage, the associate receives an advance fee and additional monthly fees for the term of that coverage, at no additional cost to customers. ALI handles all marketing, soliciting, billing, collections and claims.

Steve Dinkelaker
ALI President

 “It’s a formula that works for all involved,” notes ALI President Steve Dinkelaker, “associates enjoy significant new revenue, we are connected to lessees in need of insurance, and they benefit from easy access to comprehensive, affordable coverage.”

EID provides replacement cost coverage that is more comprehensive than the coverage available through most commercial insurance policies, underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company, an Allianz Group Company (Rated "A+" XV {Superior} by A.M. Best Company). With financing provided by FIRST Insurance Funding Corp., one of the largest premium finance companies in North America, the cost of EID coverage is usually lower than coverage arranged locally or through any other available lessee insurance program, billed monthly, and fixed for the term of the lease agreement. ALI is licensed to offer EID to lessees in all 51 U.S. jurisdictions; ACGS has filed the insurance offering in all jurisdictions as well.

Through its automated American Lease Insurance Program, ALI also provides comprehensive portfolio protection, including insurance on leased and financed equipment and tracking of alternate coverage, to major equipment leasing and financing companies. Founded in 2000 by licensed insurance producer Steve Dinkelaker, ALI is headquartered in Sunderland, Massachusetts, and is an active member of NEFA, NAELB and ELFA. For more information, go to www.equipmentinsurancedirect.com and www.aliac.net

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

 

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

Net Income Rises to $45.6 Billion FDIC-Insured Institutions
In Third Quarter 2016
Community Bank Net Income Rises to $5.6 Billion

• Banking Industry Net Income is $5.2 Billion Higher
         Than a Year Earlier

• Community Bank Revenue and Loan Growth
        Outpace Industry

• Total Loan Balances Rise 6.8 Percent During the Past Year

---

“The banking industry reported another positive quarter,
but faces continued challenges.”

-- FDIC Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg

---

Commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) reported aggregate net income of $45.6 billion in the third quarter of 2016, up $5.2 billion (12.9 percent) from a year earlier. The increase in earnings was mainly attributable to a $10 billion (9.2 percent) increase in net interest income and a $1.2 billion (1.9 percent) rise in noninterest income. One-time accounting and expense items at three institutions had an impact on the growth in income. Banks increased their loan-loss provisions by $2.9 billion (34 percent) from a year earlier. Financial results for the third quarter of 2016 are included in the FDIC’s latest Quarterly Banking Profile released today.

Of the 5,980 insured institutions reporting third quarter financial results, 60.8 percent reported year-over-year growth in quarterly earnings. The proportion of banks that were unprofitable in the third quarter fell to 4.6 percent from 5.2 percent a year earlier. That was the lowest percentage since the third quarter of 1997.

“Revenue and net income rose from a year ago, loan balances increased, asset quality improved, and the number of unprofitable banks and ‘problem banks’ continued to fall,” Gruenberg said. “Community banks also reported solid results for the quarter with strong income, revenue, and loan growth.

“Nevertheless, the banking industry continues to operate in a challenging environment,” he said. “Low interest rates for an extended period have led some institutions to reach for yield, which has increased their exposure to interest-rate risk, liquidity risk, and credit risk. Current oil and gas prices continue to affect borrowers that depend on the energy sector and have had an adverse effect on asset quality. These challenges will only intensify as interest rates normalize.

“Banks must manage risks prudently to ensure that growth is on a long-run, sustainable path.”

Highlights from the Third Quarter 2016 Quarterly Banking Profile
Banking Industry Net Income is $5.2 Billion Higher Than a Year Earlier: Quarterly earnings were 12.9 percent higher than in the third quarter of 2015, as the average return on assets rose to 1.10 percent from 1.03 percent a year earlier. Strong revenue growth helped propel quarterly earnings. Net operating revenue – the sum of net interest income and total noninterest income – was $183.3 billion, an increase of $11.2 billion (6.5 percent) from a year earlier.

Community Bank Revenue and Loan Growth Outpace Industry: The 5,521 insured institutions identified as community banks reported a $593 million (11.8 percent) increase in net income in the third quarter. Total loan and lease balances at community banks rose $31.1 billion during the third quarter. During the past 12 months, loans and leases at community banks rose $127.6 billion (9.4 percent). Net operating revenue of $23 billion at community banks was $1.8 billion (8.5 percent) higher than in the third quarter of 2015.

Total Loan Balances Rise 6.8 Percent During the Past Year: Total loan and lease balances increased $112 billion during the third quarter. For the 12 months ended September 30, loans and leases increased $590.8 billion (6.8 percent). Residential mortgages increased $28.6 billion (2.2 percent) during the quarter, while real estate loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential real estate properties rose $22.4 billion (1.5 percent), and credit card balances increased $15.7 billion (2.1 percent).

Net Charge-Offs Increased from a Year Earlier, While Noncurrent Loans Declined During the Quarter: Banks charged off $10.1 billion in the third quarter, an increase of $1.5 billion (16.9 percent) from a year earlier. This is the fourth consecutive quarter that net charge-offs (NCOs) have risen year-over-year. NCOs of loans to commercial and industrial (C&I) borrowers were up $946 million (82.7 percent), while credit card NCOs were up $658 million (13.4 percent) from the previous year. The average NCO rate in the third quarter was 0.44 percent, up from 0.40 percent a year earlier. The amount of loans and leases that were noncurrent – 90 days or more past due or in nonaccrual status – fell $2.5 billion (1.8 percent) during the three months ended September 30. Noncurrent credit card loans rose $1 billion (12.9 percent) and noncurrent C&I loans increased $154 million (0.6 percent), but noncurrent real estate loans fell $3.6 billion (3.8 percent). The overall noncurrent loan rate dropped to 1.45 percent from 1.50 percent at second quarter 2016.

“Problem List” Shows Further Improvement: The number of banks on the FDIC’s Problem List fell from 147 to 132 during the third quarter. This is the smallest number of problem banks in more than seven years and is down significantly from the peak of 888 in the first quarter of 2011. Total assets of problem banks fell from $29.0 billion to $24.9 billion during the third quarter.

Deposit Insurance Fund’s Reserve Ratio Rises to 1.18 Percent: The DIF increased $2.8 billion during the third quarter, from $77.9 billion at the end of June to $80.7 billion at the end of September, largely driven by $2.6 billion in assessment income. The DIF reserve ratio rose from 1.17 percent to 1.18 percent during the quarter. Because the reserve ratio surpassed 1.15 percent on June 30, lower regular FDIC assessment rates on all insured institutions went into effect in the third quarter. On average, regular quarterly assessments were about one-third lower than in the previous quarter, although temporary assessment surcharges on banks with assets greater than $10 billion led to an increase in total assessments at most large banks.

# # #
Quarterly Banking Profile Home Page (includes previous reports and press conference webcast videos)

Insured Institution Performance, Third Quarter 2016
Community Bank Performance, Third Quarter 2016
Deposit Insurance Fund Trends, Third Quarter 2016
Chairman Gruenberg's Press Statement

Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation’s banking system. The FDIC insures deposits at the nation’s banks and savings associations, 5,980 as of September 30, 2016. It promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars—insured financial institutions fund its operations.

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

Labrador Retriever
Plano, Texas  Adopt a Dog

King
A136478
Male
Eight Months Old
Neutered
Current on Vaccinations

"King is a great big boy with a great big personality! He is a playful youngster who is about 8 months of age. He knows all sorts of commands such as sit, stay, come and lie down. King is good with children and very sweet."

Plano Animal Shelter
972-769-4360
4028 Plano Parkway
Plano, TX 75093
debbien@plano.gov

Animal Shelter Hours
ANIMAL VISITS END
15 MINUTES
BEFORE CLOSING
Closed Monday
Tuesday - Friday
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Adopt a Pet
http://www.adoptapet.com/

 

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Attorneys Who Specialize in
Banking, Finance, and Leasing

Birmingham, Alabama The lawyers of Marks & Associates, P.C. have over 30 years experience in dealing with virtually every type of equipment financing and are recognized throughout the industry for prompt, practical solutions and exemplary service. They offer cost-conscious, effective lease enforcement and good counsel.  Email: Barry@leaselawyer.com Website: www.leaselawyers.com	California, National: city: Riverside  Ellen Stern - get results, reasonable pricing; numerous industry contacts, nearly 30 yrs exp.in SoCal, 20 yrs equip.: CFL license specialist, documentation, work-outs, litigated collections, recoveries; deal-maker.  Email: leaselaw@msn.com
Kenneth C. Greene California Leasing and Financial consultant, active in several leasing associations, as well as involved in music and film production inLA.  Mention "Leasing News" for a free consultation. 818.575.9095 Skype: 424.235.1658 ken@kengreenelaw.com	Connecticut, Southern New England:  EVANS, FELDMAN & BOYER, LLC Collections, litigation, documentation, portfolio sales and financing, bankruptcy. We represent many of the national and local leasing companies doing business in this state. Past chairman EAEL legal committee. Competitive rates.  email: rcfeldman@snet.net
Los Angeles/Santa Monica Hemar & Associates, Attorneys at Law Specialists in legal assistance, including debt collection, equipment recovery, litigation for 35 years. Fluent in Spanish.  Tel: 310-829-1948  email: phemar@hemar.com
Los Angeles, Southern CA  Seasoned attorney representing secured creditors in auto finance and truck/equipment lease industry.  Bankruptcy and State Court litigation.   Vincent V. Frounjian (818) 990-0605or email: vvf@pacbell.net.	Encino, California: Statewide “ELFA”  Hemar, Rousso & Heald, LLP 30 yr excellent reputation Lessor representation commercial litigation, debt collection, and bankruptcy. Call Stephen E. Jenkins Esq (818) 501-3800
Los Angeles, Statewide: CA.     "ELFA" Aggressive creditors rights law firm specializing in equipment leasing handling collection matters on a contingency, fixed fee or hourly cbasis. email:RGarwacki@prodigy.net	Los Angeles, Statewide: CA      "ELFA" Practice limited to collections, bankruptcy and problem accounts resolution. Decades of experience. 10-lawyer firm dedicated to serving you. Call Ronald Cohn, Esq. (818)591-2121 or email. Email: rrcohn@aol.com
Los Angeles- Statewide, CA Lawyer specializing in banking and leasing issues statewide. Documents and litigation.  Tom McCurnin, Barton, Klugman & Oetting. Voice: (213) 617-6129  Cell:(213) 268-8291 Email:  tmccurnin@bkolaw.com	California & National Paul Bent – More than 35 years experience in all forms of equipment leasing, secured lending, and asset based transactions. Financial analysis, deal structuring, contract negotiations, documentation, private dispute resolution, expert witness services.  (562) 426-1000 www.paulbentlaw.com pbent@paulbentlaw.com
Illinois   Kevin E. Trabaris: Concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial finance, corporate and business transactions. Extensive experience representing banks, financial companies, equipment lessors, insurers and other funding and intermediary entities and borrowers in connection with thousands of business financing matters. He has handled everything from small ticket transactions to billion dollar syndicated loans, real estate financing to asset-based facilities. Email: ktrabaris@llflegal.com Work: 312.667.1354 Cell: 847.840.4687 http://llflegal.com/attorneys/kevin-trabaris/	Law Firm - Service, Dallas, TX. "ELFA" Mayer regularly practices in leasing, secured financing, project development and finance and corporate finance.  email: dmayer@pattonboggs.com Website: www.pattonboggs.com
Massachusetts (collection/litigation coast to coast)  Modern Law Group focuses its practice on collections, lease enforcement and asset recovery. For the past five years, our attorneys have helped clients recover millions of dollars. We are able to cover your needs coast to coast. Email phone 617-855-9085www.modernlawgroup.com	Michael J. Witt, experienced bank, finance, and leasing attorney, also conducts Portfolio Audits. Previously he was Managing Counsel, Wells Fargo & Co. (May, 2003 – September, 2008); Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Advanta Business Services (May, 1988 – June, 1997) Tel: (515) 223-2352 Cell: (515) 868-1067  E-mail: MWitt@Witt-Legal.com Web: www.witt-legal.com
National:  The OMEGA Network Group-nationwide legal representation of small and mid ticket equipment lessors-flat fee bankruptcy & replevin, contingent collection,  billable litigation (704-969-3280) tong_92@yahoo.com	National: Coston & Rademacher: Business attorneys serving the lease-finance industry since 1980. Transactional, documentation, corporate/finance, workouts, litigation, bankruptcy, portfolio management. Chicago-based national practice. Jim Coston, CLP (Members: ELFA, NEFA).  email: Jcoston@costonlaw.com Website:www.costonlaw.com
St. Louis County , MO. - statewide:  Schultz & Associates LLP., collections, negotiation, and litigation. Also register and pursue recovery on foreign judgments. Contingency and reasonable hourly rates.  Ronald J. Eisenberg, Esq. (636) 537-4645 x108  reisenberg@sl-lawyers.com www.sl-lawyers.com	NJ, De, Pa: Specializing in leased equipment/secured transactions. Collections, replevins/workouts reasonable rates. Sergio Scuteri/Capehart & Scratchard, PAsscuteri@capehart.com / www.capehart.com
New York and New Jersey Frank Peretore Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi West Orange, New Jersey http://www.csglaw.com/ biographies/frank-peretore  Phone 973-530-2058 fperetore@csglaw.com  Documentation, portfolio purchase & sale, replevin, workouts, litigation, collection, bankruptcy. Aggressive. Over 30 years experience.	Thousand Oaks, California:  Statewide coverage Spiwak & Iezza, LLP 20+ years experience,Representing Lessors banks in both State/ Federal Courts/ all aspects of commercial leasing litigation. Nick Iezza 805-777-1175 niezza@spiwakandiezza.com

 

News Briefs----

Shakeup at CAN Capital by Sean Murray
– CEO and 2 other Execs Put on Leave of Absence
http://debanked.com/2016/11/shakeup-at-can-capital-ceo-and-2-other-execs-put-on-leave-of-absence/

US economy grew even more than expected this quarter
  Best Performance in Two Years
http://nypost.com/2016/11/29/us-economy-grew-even-more-than-expected-this-quarter/

 

 

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--You May Have Missed It

Could This Be The Next Big Burrito Franchise?
https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/could-be-next-big-burrito-franchise

 

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American Football Poem

S.F. 49ers

Jane Griffin

Gold helmets shine in the sunlight. 
The jerseys are loose and the pants are tight. 
Those were the only things shining this year. 
After so many losses, there's no reason to cheer. 
That's what all thought but one loyal fan 
Because not matter what, I believe that they can. 
I know we could have won the Superbowl 
If our kicker was able to make a field goal. 
Many times when we could have won the game, 
Because of special teams, we left the field in shame. 
We'll have to wait until next season 

 

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Sports Briefs----

Mark Helfrich fired by Oregon Ducks after 4 seasons as head football coach
http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2016/11/mark-helfrich-fired-oregon-ducks.html#incart_breaking#incart_big-photo

Dallas Cowboys have a chance to eliminate any doubt
http://thelandryhat.com/2016/11/29/dallas-cowboys-chance-eliminate-doubt/

Here's How the Cowboys Can Clinch a Playoff Berth This Weekend
http://www.12up.com/posts/4190847-here-s-how-the-cowboys-can-clinch-a-playoff-berth-this-weekend?a_aid=40824

No One Deserves MVP Award More Than Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2678534-simms-in-60-no-one-deserves-mvp-award-more-than-oakland-raiders-qb-derek-carr

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California Nuts Briefs---

Wettest start in 30 years to rainy season in Northern California,
    but don’t forget the drought
http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article117579188.html

Downtown project would bring Oakland 4,600 jobs
http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2016/11/29/big-project-would-bring-downtown-oakland-4600-jobs/

Leaning San Francisco Tower Seen Sinking From Space
http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/San-Francisco-s-sinking-tower-seen-from-space-10640875.php#photo-11875967

CarMax opens Santa Rosa location-Brings 30 New Employees
http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/northbay/sonomacounty/6371590-181/carmax-opens-santa-rosa-location?artslide=0

 

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“Gimme that Wine”

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

The Shakeup at Inglenook
http://www.winespectator.com/blogs/show/id/Inglenook-Rubicon-Coppola-Wine-Future

Steve and Jill Klein Matthiasson:
 Their unique viticulture/wine dream fulfilled in Napa
http://westernfarmpress.com/grapes/steve-and-jill-klein-matthiasson-their-unique-viticulturewine-dream-fulfilled-napa

Central Coast wine grape harvest considered good
http://www.keyt.com/news/central-coast-wine-grape-harvest-considered-good/188411989

Wineries move into old San Francisco military installations
http://www.seattletimes.com/life/travel/wineries-move-in-to-old-san-francisco-military-installations/

Walt Ranch conundrum
http://napavalleyregister.com/star/news/opinion/mailbag/walt-ranch-conundrum/article_717fa3f6-7412-5680-b424-99850ebb441e.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/

Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/wnensprts.htm

    1729 - Birth of Samuel Seabury (d. 1796), Groton, CT.  First bishop of the American Protestant Episcopal Church. Following the American Revolution, Seabury helped formulate the constitution which made the American Protestant Episcopal Church independent and autonomous from the Church of England.
    1782 - The Articles of Peace between Great Britain and the U.S., which were to end America's War of Independence, were signed at Paris, France. The refined and definitive treaty of peace between Great Britain and the U.S. was signed at Paris, on September 3, 1783. In it, "His Britannic Majesty acknowledges the United Sates...to be free, sovereign and independent states; that he treats them as such; and for himself, his heirs and successors, relinquishes all claims to the government, propriety and territorial rights of the same, and every part thereof..." The time delay was not only due to communication by sea, but time was needed for over 100,000 loyalists to leave the United States. Also known as Tories, the loyalists suffered various penalties for their loyalty to the Crown, including confiscation of property, removal from public office, and punitive taxation. Probably no more than 10% of the colonials were Tories, who were generally well-to-do, engaged in commerce, or the professions, or public officials. Many fled to Canada, where they were granted land if they fought in the British Army, some to England. Some returned after the war. Many, however, had remained behind, thinking Great Britain would win the war. After the conflict, those Tories that did remain were able to recover at least part some of their confiscated property, according to historians. In 1784, a major depression crippled the U.S. economy, prompting states to institute separate measures to aid recovery. The hardships suffered during this depression led to Shays' Rebellion on January 25,1787.
    1804 – The impeachment trial of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase began.  President George Washington appointed Chase as an associate justice of the Supreme Court in 1796.  President Thomas Jefferson, alarmed at the seizure of power by the judiciary through the claim of exclusive judicial review, led his party's efforts to remove the Federalists from the bench. His allies in Congress had, shortly after his inauguration, repealed the Judiciary Act of 1801, abolishing the lower courts created by the legislation and terminating their Federalist judges despite lifetime appointments.  Chase, two years after the repeal in May 1803, had denounced it in his charge to a Baltimore grand jury, saying that it would "take away all security for property and personal liberty, and our Republican constitution will sink into a ‘mobocracy.’  Earlier, in April 1800, Chase acting as a district judge, had made strong attacks upon a defendant who had been indicted under the Alien and Sedition Acts, behaving more like a prosecutor than a judge.  Jefferson saw the attack as indubitable bad behavior and an opportunity to reduce the Federalist influence on the judiciary by impeaching Chase, launching the process from the White House when he wrote a Congressman, asking: "Ought the seditious and official attack [by Chase] on the principles of our Constitution . . .to go unpunished?"  Virginia Congressman John Randolph took up the challenge and took charge of the impeachment. The House served Chase with eight articles of impeachment in late 1804.  One article covered Chase's conduct with the New Castle grand jury, charging that he "did descend from the dignity of a judge and stoop to the level of an informer by refusing to discharge the grand jury, although entreated by several of the said jury so to do." Three articles focused on procedural errors made during Chase's adjudication of various matters, and an eighth was directed at his “intemperate and inflammatory … peculiarly indecent and unbecoming … highly unwarrantable … highly indecent” remarks while "charging" or authorizing a Baltimore grand jury. The Senate began the impeachment trial of Chase in early 1805, with Vice President Aaron Burr presiding and Randolph leading the prosecution.  All the counts involved Chase's work as a trial judge in lower circuit courts. The heart of the allegations was that political bias had led Chase to treat defendants and their counsel in a blatantly unfair manner. Chase's defense lawyers called the prosecution a political effort by his Republican enemies. In answer to the articles of impeachment, Chase argued that all of his actions had been motivated by adherence to precedent, judicial duty to restrain advocates from improper statements of law, and considerations of judicial efficiency.  The Senate voted to acquit Chase of all charges on March 1, 1805. He is the only U.S. Supreme Court justice to have been impeached. 
    1810 - Birthday of rifle maker Oliver Fisher Winchester (d. 1880), Boston.  Rifle maker. His company acquired rights to manufacture pistols and rifles patented by Tyler Henry and others. The repeating rifle was in full production by 1860 and was in heavy demand during the Civil War, during which Winchester continued to improve the rifle's design by acquiring other patents. He renamed the company the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1866. A political and philanthropic figure, he was lieutenant governor of Connecticut (1866–67) and made large donations to Yale. 
    1812 - American forces invaded Canada at Queenston on October 13 and lost.  British forces under General Brock hurried down the road from Niagara-on-the-Lake to reinforce the troops at Queenston. When they arrived, the fight began to warm up and the main body of the American militia, on the U.S. side, refused to cross the river to back up the success of their comrades. Their cowardice in abandoning the brave men who had gone before, and the poor leadership of the American Forces changed victory to defeat and possibly changed the entire outcome of the war. General Brock led an attack against the forces on the hill and was killed by a sniper's bullet in the first charge. U.S. forces were back again on this date with an army of 5,000 troops assembled near Buffalo. A small force crossed the river and captured a British battery. General Smythe demanded the British surrender Fort Erie, when this was refused, he called off the invasion plan. His men broke their weapons in frustration and humiliation. Smythe was publicly called a coward and challenged to a duel by U.S. Col. Peter Proter. He resigned his command of the frontier, but was dismissed from the army in disgrace by the Senate. After two years of bloodshed, misguided and misdirected efforts, the armies were back where they started. There was no doubt that both sides of the river gave a heartfelt sigh of relief when the Treaty of Ghent ended the war in December, 1814.
http://www.goniagarafalls.com/history.html
    1835 - Birthday of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (d. 1910) at Florida, MO.  Known as Mark Twain, celebrated American author, whose books include: “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,’ “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “The Prince and the Pauper.” Twain is quoted as saying, “I came in with Halley's Comet in 1835. It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it.” He did, Apr 21, 1910 (just one day after Halley's Comet perihelion).
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/nov30.html
    1854 - "Fighting Mary" Eliza McDowell (d. 1936), was born in Cincinnati. A social worker, she helped organize the first women's local union of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters in 1902. Comprised mostly of women workers, the Local grew to more than 1,000 members.
http://www.chicagotribute.org/Markers/McDowell.htm
http://womenshistory.about.com/library/bio/blbio_mcdowell_mary.htm
    1866 - Construction begins on the first underwater highway tunnel, the Washington Street Tunnel, beneath the Chicago River, Chicago, IL. The total length of the tunnel and its approaches as 1,520 feet. It was lowered in 1907 to provide a clear draft of 27 feet in the Chicago River.
    1874 – Birthday of Lucy Maud Montgomery (d. 1942), Toronto, Canada.  Writer, famous for her juvenile books, especially “Anne of Green Gables” (rejected by several publishers) published in 1908, and followed by six sequels.
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/lmmontg.htm
    1875 - A severe early season cold wave set November records. Temperatures plunged to 5 degrees in New York City, NY, 2 below at Boston, MA and 13 below at Eastport, ME.
    1887 - The first softball game was played at the Farragut Boat Club, Chicago, IL. The game was invented by George W. Hancock, who devised a set of rules that gradually developed as the game progressed. A broomstick was used for the bat and a boxing glove for the ball. The game was known variously as Diamond Ball, Fast Ball, Kitten Ball, Playground Ball, and recreation Ball. It was named softball by Walter C. Hakanson.
    1907 - Disappearance of SF Police Chief William Biggy.  After the non-fatal shooting of special prosecutor Francis J. Heney by an excused juror named Morris Haas, Chief Biggy endured public criticism for negligence for the fact that Haas had a small derringer and committed suicide under police watch. Upon falling out with the men supporting the graft prosecution, Biggy was placed under surveillance by detectives employed by William J. Burns, a special agent to the prosecution.  Biggy went overboard from a police launch during a nighttime crossing of San Francisco Bay after discussing his resignation with police commissioner Hugo Keil. His body was found floating in the bay two weeks later. Because Biggy, a devout Catholic, was considered an unlikely suicide, the Coroner's Jury returned a verdict of accidental death although many people believed that he had committed suicide and the death remains unsolved.
http://www.sfmuseum.org/sfpd/sfpd1.html
http://www.thejukejoint.com/franksinatrajr.html
    1906 - Birthday of John Dickson Carr (d. 1977), Uniontown, PA.  Under pseudonyms Carr Dickson, Carter Dickson, Roger Fairbairn, he was a writer of detective fiction, whose specialty was "locked-room” puzzles, which he developed to its limits. Published about 80 mysteries. Fifty of them featured one of his three detectives - Henri Bencolin, Dr. Gideon Fell, & Sir Henry Merrivale.
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/jdcarr.htm
    1912 - Birthday of Gordon Parks (d. 2006), Ft. Scott, KS.  Film director/writer, “The Learning Tree.” Photographer for Life magazine, director of "The Learning Tree" and "Shaft," called a "Twentieth Century Renaissance man" by the NAACP, who awarded him its Spingarn Medal in 1972.
    1915 - "Brownie" McGee, born Walter Brown McGee (d. 1996), blues singer and guitarist, born Knoxville, Tennessee. Best known as part of the duet Brownie McGee and Sonny Terry. http://www.island.net/~blues/sonnyter.html
http://www.bluespower.com/a-bm01.htm
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0569185/
    1924 - Birthday of Shirley Chisholm (d. 2005), Brooklyn.  She was the first black woman to serve in U.S. Congress. Got legislation passed that guaranteed minimum wages for domestic workers. Angered the political powers by actively seeking the presidency, winning 154 delegates. After serving seven terms, Chisholm retired from Congress in 1982, becoming a professor at Mount Holyoke College.  In 2015, Chisholm was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
    1929 - Birthday of Dick Clark (d. 2012), Mount Vernon, NY.  Long-time host of “American Bandstand,” from 1957-87, entertainer, producer.  As host of Bandstand, Clark introduced rock ‘n’ roll to most Americans. The show gave many new music artists their first exposure to national audiences, including most of the members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Episodes he hosted were among the first in which blacks and whites performed on the same stage and among the first in which the live studio audience sat without racial segregation. The music establishment, and the adults in general, really hated rock ‘n’ roll. Politicians, ministers, older songwriters and musicians foamed at the mouth. According to Hollywood producer Michael Uslan, "he was able to use his unparalleled communication skills to present it in a way that was palatable to parents.”  Singer Paul Anka claimed that Bandstand was responsible for creating a "youth culture." Due to his perennial youthful appearance and his fame as the host of American Bandstand, Clark was often referred to as "America's oldest teenager" or "the world's oldest teenager."
    1929 - Birthday of Joan Gana Cooney, television producer, Phoenix, AZ. After winning an Emmy for an anti-poverty special in 1966, she raised the funds to found the Children's Television Workshop which developed and produced “Sesame Street,” “The Electric Company,” and provide home and hearth for the Muppets. 
    1931 - William Ernest “Bill” Walsh (d. 2007) birthday, Los Angeles, CA. Pro Football Hall of Fame coach, Walsh went 102–63–1 with the San Francisco 49ers, winning 10 of his 14 postseason games along with six division titles, three NFC Championships, and three Super Bowls. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1981 and 1984. In 1993, he was elected to the Hall of Fame.  Among his many accomplishments to the game, he is credited with introducing the West Coast offense of short, precise passes to complement a solid running game.  Hall of Famers who played for him include Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Charles Haley, Ronnie Lott, Steve Young and his coaching tree rivals those of Paul Brown, Sid Gilman and Vince Lombardi.
http://www.sportspublishinginc.com/Titles/Bill-Walsh-Finding.html
    1931 –Trumpet player Jack Sheldon birthday, Jacksonville, FL.
http://www.jacksheldon.com/
    1931 – “The Joy of Cooking” is published, perhaps the most popular all-purpose cookbook, self-published by Irma Rombauer (1877-1962—her son by the way started Rombauer Winery in Napa making outstanding wine.) Rombauer's book was a comforting voice for cooks during the Depression, and the book grew into an institution. The first commercial edition of the book appeared in 1936, and it offered a revolutionary “action format” (chronologically ordered ingredients followed by instructions) now commonplace in cookbooks. In reality, she was not a cook, and most of the recipes she collected from friends and others, and wrote in a style for people who were not cooks. The numerous editions overseen by Rombauer and later her daughter and grandson sold more than 14 million copies.
    1933 – Birthday of African-American artist Sam Gilliam, Tupelo, Mississippi. Artist known for unique manipulation of materials resulting in painted sculpture or suspended paintings. His work was in the exhibit African-American Artists 1880-1987.
http://www.ket.org/content/painting/gilliam.htm
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/gilliam_sam.html
http://www.crosstownarts.com/CrosstownArts/client_art/sam/sam.html
    1937 – Birthday of Noel Paul Stookey, Baltimore.  American folk singer. Stookey was "Paul" of the 1960s folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary. Converted in the late 1960s, Stookey is now a Christian recording artist and prefers using his "born again" name, “Noel.”
http://www.peterpaulmary.com/people/nps.htm
http://www.noelpaulstookey.com/index.html  
http://www.peterpaulmary.com/people/nps.htm
    1938 - Bunny Berigan records Bix Beiderbecke’s “Davenport Blues.”
    1939 - Dwight David Eisenhower was issued pilot's license No. 93,258 by the Civil Aeronautics Administration. He learned to fly when he was a lieutenant colonel on General Douglas Macarthur's staff in the Philippines. He is the only President of the United States to hold an airplane pilot's license.
    1940 - Charlie Parker cuts first date with Jay McShann Band, Radio KFBI, Wichita, KS, “I've Found a New Baby.”
    1941 - Japanese Emperor Hirohito consulted with admirals Shimada and Nagano. Hirohito was deeply concerned by the decision to place "war preparations first and diplomatic negotiations second" and announced his intention to break with centuries-old protocol.  At the Imperial Conference on the following day, he directly questioned the chiefs of the Army and Navy general staffs — a quite unprecedented action. Konoe quickly persuaded Hirohito to summon them for a private conference instead, at which the Emperor made it plain that a peaceful settlement was to be pursued "up to the last." Chief of Naval General Staff Admiral Osami Nagano, a former Navy Minister and vastly experienced, later told a trusted colleague "I have never seen the Emperor reprimand us in such a manner, his face turning red and raising his voice." The war preparations continued without the slightest change. 
    1943 - OHATA, ALLAN M., Medal of Honor
Sergeant Allan M. Ohata distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 and 30 November 1943, near Cerasuolo, Italy. Sergeant Ohata, his squad leader, and three men were ordered to protect his platoon’s left flank against an attacking enemy force of 40 men, armed with machine guns, machine pistols, and rifles. He posted one of his men, an automatic rifleman, on the extreme left, 15 yards from his own position. Taking his position, Sergeant Ohata delivered effective fire against the advancing enemy. The man to his left called for assistance when his automatic rifle was shot and damaged. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Ohata left his position and advanced 15 yards through heavy machine gun fire. Reaching his comrade’s position, he immediately fired upon the enemy, killing 10 enemy soldiers and successfully covering his comrade’s withdrawal to replace his damaged weapon. Sergeant Ohata and the automatic rifleman held their position and killed 37 enemy soldiers. Both men then charged the three remaining soldiers and captured them. Later, Sergeant Ohata and the automatic rifleman stopped another attacking force of 14, killing four and wounding three while the others fled. The following day he and the automatic rifleman held their flank with grim determination and staved off all attacks. Staff Sergeant Ohata’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army. 
    1943 - On Capitol Records, Nat ‘King' Cole and his trio recorded "Straighten Up and Fly Right," the first recording for the King Cole trio.
    1945 - Top Hits
It's Been a Long, Long Time - The Harry James Orchestra (vocal: Kitty Kallen)
That's for Me - Dick Haymes
I'll Buy that Dream - The Pied Pipers
Shame on You - The Lawrence Welk Orchestra (vocal: Red Foley)
    1948 - Baseball's Negro National League announced they are disbanding; the 1949 is their last season. The National Negro American League closed its doors in 1962, although its fans were less and less after the 1950's as blacks began to play in the Major Leagues.
http://www.negroleaguebaseball.com/history101.html
http://www.nlbpa.com/history.html
    1950 - Clover Dairy Company, Wilmington, DE, sold their first can of concentrated milk called Sealtest. Two parts of water were added to one part fluid milk. The Clover Dairy Company was a division of the National Dairy Products Corporation.  Originally it was only a “test,” thus the name on the can.
    1950 - BARBER, WILLIAM E., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Captain U.S. Marine Corps, commanding officer, Company F, 2d Battalion 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Chosin Reservoir area, Korea, 28 November to 2 December 1950. Entered service at: West Liberty, Ky. Born: 30 November 1919, Dehart, Ky. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Company F in action against enemy aggressor forces. Assigned to defend a 3-mile mountain pass along the division's main supply line and commanding the only route of approach in the march from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri, Capt. Barber took position with his battle-weary troops and, before nightfall, had dug in and set up a defense along the frozen, snow-covered hillside. When a force of estimated regimental strength savagely attacked during the night, inflicting heavy casualties and finally surrounding his position following a bitterly fought 7-hour conflict, Capt. Barber, after repulsing the enemy gave assurance that he could hold if supplied by airdrops and requested permission to stand fast when orders were received by radio to fight his way back to a relieving force after 2 reinforcing units had been driven back under fierce resistance in their attempts to reach the isolated troops. Aware that leaving the position would sever contact with the 8,000 marines trapped at Yudam-ni and jeopardize their chances of joining the 3,000 more awaiting their arrival in Hagaru-ri for the continued drive to the sea, he chose to risk loss of his command rather than sacrifice more men if the enemy seized control and forced a renewed battle to regain the position, or abandon his many wounded who were unable to walk. Although severely wounded in the leg in the early morning of the 29th, Capt. Barber continued to maintain personal control, often moving up and down the lines on a stretcher to direct the defense and consistently encouraging and inspiring his men to supreme efforts despite the staggering opposition. Waging desperate battle throughout 5 days and 6 nights of repeated onslaughts launched by the fanatical aggressors, he and his heroic command accounted for approximately 1,000 enemy dead in this epic stand in bitter subzero weather, and when the company was relieved only 82 of his original 220 men were able to walk away from the position so valiantly defended against insuperable odds. His profound faith and courage, great personal valor, and unwavering fortitude were decisive factors in the successful withdrawal of the division from the deathtrap in the Chosin Reservoir sector and reflect the highest credit upon Capt. Barber, his intrepid officers and men, and the U.S. Naval Service. 
    1950 - SITTER, CARL L., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, Company G, 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Hagaru-ri, Korea, 29 and 30 November 1950. Entered service at: Pueblo, Colo. Born: 2 December 1921, Syracuse, Mo. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Company G, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Ordered to break through enemy-infested territory to reinforce his battalion the morning of 29 November, Capt. Sitter continuously exposed himself to enemy fire as he led his company forward and, despite 25 percent casualties suffered m the furious action, succeeded in driving through to his objective. Assuming the responsibility of attempting to seize and occupy a strategic area occupied by a hostile force of regiment strength deeply entrenched on a snow-covered hill commanding the entire valley southeast of the town, as well as the line of march of friendly troops withdrawing to the south, he reorganized his depleted units the following morning and boldly led them up the steep, frozen hillside under blistering fire, encouraging and redeploying his troops as casualties occurred and directing forward platoons as they continued the drive to the top of the ridge. During the night when a vastly outnumbering enemy launched a sudden, vicious counterattack, setting the hill ablaze with mortar, machine gun, and automatic-weapons fire and taking a heavy toll in troops, Capt. Sitter visited each foxhole and gun position, coolly deploying and integrating reinforcing units consisting of service personnel unfamiliar with infantry tactics into a coordinated combat team and instilling in every man the will and determination to hold his position at all costs. With the enemy penetrating his lines in repeated counterattacks which often required hand-to-hand combat, and, on one occasion infiltrating to the command post with hand grenades, he fought gallantly with his men in repulsing and killing the fanatic attackers in each encounter. Painfully wounded in the face, arms, and chest by bursting grenades, he staunchly refused to be evacuated and continued to fight on until a successful defense of the area was assured with a loss to the enemy of more than 50 percent dead, wounded, and captured. His valiant leadership, superb tactics, and great personal valor throughout 36 hours of bitter combat reflect the highest credit upon Capt. Sitter and the U.S. Naval Service. 
    1952 - GEORGE, CHARLES, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Songnae-dong, Korea, 30 November 1952. Entered service at: Whittier, N.C. Born: 23 August 1932, Cherokee, N.C. G.O. NO.: 19, 18 March 1954. Citation: Pfc. George, a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy on the night of 30 November 1952. He was a member of a raiding party committed to engage the enemy and capture a prisoner for interrogation. Forging up the rugged slope of the key terrain feature, the group was subjected to intense mortar and machine gun fire and suffered several casualties. Throughout the advance, he fought valiantly and, upon reaching the crest of the hill, leaped into the trenches and closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. When friendly troops were ordered to move back upon completion of the assignment, he and 2 comrades remained to cover the withdrawal. While in the process of leaving the trenches a hostile soldier hurled a grenade into their midst. Pfc. George shouted a warning to 1 comrade, pushed the other soldier out of danger, and, with full knowledge of the consequences, unhesitatingly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing the full blast of the explosion. Although seriously wounded in this display of valor, he refrained from any outcry which would divulge the position of his companions. The 2 soldiers evacuated him to the forward aid station and shortly thereafter he succumbed to his wound. Pfc. George's indomitable courage, consummate devotion to duty, and willing self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service. 
    1952 - On a local New York television show, Jackie Robinson accuses the Yankee organization of being racist due to its failure to have a black player on the club.  They had signed Vic Power in 1951, who languished for several years in the minors until being traded.  The first black Yankee was Elston Howard who made the roster in 1955 and became a cog of the late 1950-early 1960s teams, winning the AL MVP in 1963…the first African-American so honored.
    1953 - Top Hits
“Rags to Riches” - Tony Bennett
“Many Times” - Eddie Fisher
“Ricochet” - Teresa Brewer
“There Stands the Glass” - Webb Pierce
    1954 - Nat "King" Cole begins a six-night run at Harlem's Apollo theater. 
    1954 - The first meteorite known to have struck a person crashed through the roof of a house at Sylacauga, AL, bounced off a radio, and struck Mrs. Elizabeth Hodges on the hip. she was not permanently injured. The space rock was a sulfide meteorite weighing 8.5 pounds and measuring seven inches long. It was put on display in the University of Alabama Museum of Natural History, Moundville, AL.
    1954 - Birthday of June Pointer (d. 2006), Pointer Sisters, born Oakland, California.
http://www.thepointersistersfans.com/june.html
    1955 - Billy Idol (William Michael Albert Broad), Guitarist, singer, songwriter, born Middlesex, England.
http://mr.mayhemchaos.tripod.com/mc00idol/id8.html
http://www.billyidol.com/v1/frame.html
    1956 - Floyd Patterson won the heavyweight title by knocking out Archie Moore in the fifth round of a fight in Chicago. Patterson claimed the title made vacant by the retirement of Rocky Marciano on April 27.
    1961 - Top Hits
“Runaround Sue” - Dion
“Please Mr. Postman” - The Marvelettes
“Goodbye Cruel World” - James Darren
“Big Bad John” - Jimmy Dean
    1964 - A cold wave brought temperatures to 17 below at Minneapolis and 3 below at Springfield, IL
    1965 - Following a visit to South Vietnam, Defense Secretary McNamara reports in a memorandum to President Lyndon B. Johnson that the South Vietnamese government of Nguyen Cao Ky "is surviving, but not acquiring wide support or generating actions." McNamara warned that there was no guarantee of U.S. military success and that there was a real possibility of a strategic stalemate, saying that "U.S. killed in action can be expected to reach 1,000 a month." In essence, McNamara cautioned Johnson that sending additional troops was not likely to prevent the stalemate. In the end, however, Johnson chose to seek a military solution. By 1969, there were more than 500,000 U.S. troops in Vietnam.
    1967 - Julie Nixon, daughter of Richard and Pat Nixon, and David Eisenhower, grandson of President and Mrs. Eisenhower, announced their engagement.  They have been married since December 22, 1968.
    1968 - Diana Ross and the Supremes hit t#1 on the music charts with "Love Child," a controversial song for the times. It stayed at #1 for two weeks.
    1969 - Top Hits
“Come Together/Something” - The Beatles
“And When I Die” - Blood, Sweat & Tears
“Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” - Steam
“Okie from Muskogee” - Merle Haggard
    1969 - Simon & Garfunkel's first TV special airs. Sponsor AT&T backs out when they learn that the duo plan to show footage of Bobby Kennedy's funeral march and clips of the Vietnam War.
    1969 - OWEN, HAMMETT L., JR. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 27 June 1969. Entered service at: Jacksonville, Fla. Born: 30 November 1947, Lagrange, Ga. Citation: S/Sgt. Bowen distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant during combat operations in Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam. S/Sgt. Bowen's platoon was advancing on a reconnaissance mission into enemy controlled terrain when it came under the withering crossfire of small arms and grenades from an enemy ambush force. S/Sgt. Bowen placed heavy suppressive fire on the enemy positions and ordered his men to fall back. As the platoon was moving back, an enemy grenade was thrown amid S/Sgt. Bowen and 3 of his men. Sensing the danger to his comrades, S/Sgt. Bowen shouted a warning to his men and hurled himself on the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his body while saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. S/Sgt. Bowen's extraordinary courage and concern for his men at the cost of his life served as an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the military service and the U.S. Army. 
    1971 - As the "ABC Movie of the Week," ABC-TV presented "Brian's Song." The story was about Chicago Bears Brian Piccolo and his friendship with Gayle Sayers, who watched him die a tragic death. The movie rated a 32.9 and a 48 share. "Brian's Song," performed by Michel Legrand, was the movie's theme.
    1974 - The Eagles released their hit, "Best of My Love," but it would take until March 1,1975 for it to hit #1 on the top 40 charts.
    1974 - Elton John's Greatest Hits album hits #1 
    1977 - Top Hits
“You Light Up My Life” - Debby Boone
“Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” - Crystal Gayle
“How Deep is Your Love” - Bee Gees
“The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don't Want to Get over You)” - Waylon Jennings
    1985 – “Separate Lives" by Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin topped the charts and stayed there for a week.
    1985 - Top Hits
“Separate Lives” - Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin
“Broken Wings” - Mr. Mister
“Never” - Heart
“Too Much on My Heart” - The Statler Brothers
    1987 - "Weird Al" Yankovic records first of his "Even Worse" LP: "Melanie" and "Stuck In A Closet With Vanna White" are among the songs therein.
    1987 - Los Angeles Raiders running back Bo Jackson rushes for 221 yards in just his fifth career NFL game as the Raiders beat Seattle 37-14. Jackson scores on runs of 91 and 2 yards, and adds a 14-yard touchdown catch
    1988 - LL Cool J performs the first rap concert held in Africa.
    1991 - 93 cars and 11 trucks were involved in a chain-reaction accident near Coalinga, California (Central California, north of the Grapevine) during a dust storm; 17 died and 150 were injured. The area is well-known for its “tule” fog and dust storms.
    1991 - "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" by P.M. Dawn topped the charts and stayed there for a week.
    1991 - Minneapolis ended the month with 46.9 inches of snow, the most ever for November and for any month. Although the official start of winter was still 3 weeks away, the city had already surpassed the normal seasonal snowfall record with 55.1 inches since October 1 (normal for the entire winter is 49.2 inches)
    1993 - Brady Gun Bill signed into law by President Clinton.
    2000 - Free agent Mike Mussina inks an $88.5 million, six-year contract with the Yankees. The ten-year veteran compiled a 147-81 record with a 3.53 ERA as an Oriole hurler.  Mussina spent his entire career in the competitive and high-scoring AL East, won at least 11 games in 17 consecutive seasons – an American League record – and recorded a career .638 winning percentage. Considered a marginal Hall of Fame candidate, among pitchers, he ranks 33rd in all-time wins (270), 33rd in games started (535), 66th in innings pitched (3,562.2), and 19th in strikeouts (2,813). A five-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner, Mussina's consistency resulted in six top-five finishes in the voting for his league's Cy Young Award.  He finally had a 20-win season in his final year.
    2011 - Washington State University researchers developed an artificial bone 'scaffold' which uses 3D printers to print replacement bone tissue for injured patients.