Archives--October 4, 2000
US Bancorp Merges with Firstar

“Good morning Kit!

“I am hoping to be the first to tell you about an exciting announcement concerning our new parent corporation, US Bancorp Leasing and Financial. I am sending you the following link showing an announced merger of US Bancorp with Firstar Corporation, a merger which will close in the first quarter of the year 2001.

“I am sending this to you to let you know that nothing will change concerning the Operations and Direction of The Manifest Group. As we merged with US Bank, one of the premises that was a positive for us was the fact that US Bancorp did not have a solid small ticket platform to process small ticket leasing transactions. Lyon Financial and The Manifest Group filled that void for USBL&F. The same is true with the merger to Firstar Corporation--they also do not have a small ticket platform and will be looking to us to continue our success in the small ticket market. We will continue to support the broker marketplace and follow the same policies and procedures which have made us who we are today.

“The management team will stay in place, and we will continue to operate from our Marshall, MN facilities. With this change comes nothing but exciting opportunities for our internal and external customers alike!

“If you have any further questions, feel free to give me a call.”

Thanks!
Tom

http://www.firstar.com/about/ii-news-fr.html
Tom Landmark
tom.landmark@themanifestgroup.com

Classified Ads---Credit/Operations

East Coast 30 yrs. exp UK, mainly middle ticket last 11 yrs credit officer, seeking position in NY, CT, NJ, Available immediately for interviews carrsculling@gmail.com

N. Phoenix, Arizona Kathleen Gibbons-Erler. Eleven years experience in all office operations, including but not limited to lease processing. Excellent follow up skills. References on Linkedin.com. kgibbons-erler@cox.net Resume

SF Bay Area Contract Administrator. Formerly Documentation /Compliance , Pentech; American National Leasing, VP-Operations. 30 years Experience. Available now. Resume gbflinn@gmail.com

Acton, MA Strong experience in lease accounting, operations, & systems.   Implemented lease plus, Great Plains, networks. Excellent financial reporting and analysis skills. Looking for new opportunity. LinkedIn alexanderzlenz@gmail.com| Resume

Free Posting for those seeking employment in Leasing:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm

All “free” categories “job wanted” ads:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

ELFA Continues Support Evergreen without mandatory notice
Sutton Speaks Out in Monitor Magazine
by Christopher Menkin

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association continues its support of the Evergreen clause against mandatory notice to the lessee.

An "Evergreen Clause," legal in 47 states, requires a 90 day notice from the lessee to exercise the residual and if they do not send in such a notice, the “evergreen clause goes into effect,” meaning the lessee makes extra payments. While Leasing News has been writing about this for years, ELFA continues to lobby its influence as states hear more and more complaints from business owners and officers about the extra payments because they did not give a 90 day notice. In fact, some leasing companies extend for 12 and 24 months, even on $1.00 purchase options.

Leasing News has been writing about requiring the lessor to give a mandatory notice to the lessee regarding the expiration of their lease contract and exercise of the residual for several years, noting that Leasing News readers support this, even thought ELFA continues its lobbying efforts against it, as expressed to state legislators as well as brought up in the September Monitor printed and digital magazines, where William Sutton, President is quoted in the story, as well as quotes highlighted:

“In the short time I’ve been here, I‘ve learned that in this year along, we’ve had 25 different bills in 15 states that have something to do with automatic renewals. As a result, our office of state government affairs in looking into all of those bills and where they are headed to ensure uniformity and that our products are properly treated and defined.”

“So, we have a lot of exciting things slated for the future here…but our members can count on the fact that we will be constantly focusing on those services and benefits that give our members what they want.”

It is apparent that ELFA does not represent the industry as expressed in Leasing News by its readers, but its membership, particularly companies like Marlin Business Services, Mount Laurel, New Jersey (NASDQ-MRLN) who reported a $1.6 million net profit second quarter, 2010 due to the Evergreen Clause (1), which also resulted in an "D-" rating from the Better Business Bureau(2).

Many lessees in the small ticket marketplace are not aware as they often don't count payments or realize the original term is up. Even large corporations are fooled and have found themselves paying two extra years in lease payments.

This problem is also compounded when leases are sold or assigned and the new party is unaware of any residual and continues to bill for payments.

The industry is losing customers due to the trickery involved.

(1) "Evergreen" calendar makes Marlin Leasing Profitable
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2010/8_11.htm#evergreen

(2) Marlin Leasing BBB Report (D-):
http://www.bbb.org/new-jersey/business-reviews/business-consultants/marlin-leasing-in-mt-laurel-nj-80012102

ELFA and Evergreen/Winter Green Clauses
by Christopher Menkin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2010/1_08.htm#elfa

BBB: Rating Leasing Companies

These are leasing companies who have appeared recently in Leasing News:

A+

21st Century Leasing, San Diego, California
http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/business-reviews/leasing-service/21st-century-leasing-in-san-diego-ca-10011418/

Allegiant Partners, San Rafael, California
http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/leasing-service/allegiant-partners-incorporated-in-san-rafael-ca-46794

Arvest Bank Leasing, Fayetteville, Arkansas
http://www.bbb.org/arkansas/business-reviews/banks/arvest-bank-in-sherwood-ar-5001142

Axis Capital, Grand Island, Nebraska
http://www.bbb.org/nebraska/business-reviews/office-furniture-and-equipment-rental-and-leasing/axis-capital-in-grand-island-ne-104008575

Charter Capital, Scottsdale, Arizona
http://www.bbb.org/central-northern-western-arizona/business-reviews/leasing-service/charter-capital-in-scottsdale-az-89000861/

Five Point Capital, San Diego, California
http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/business-reviews/financing/five-point-capital-inc-in-san-diego-ca-20001011/

Key Equipment Finance aka KeyBank
Headquarters Location
http://www.bbb.org/cleveland/business-reviews/banks/keybank-in-cleveland-oh-6747/

Lease Corporation of America, Troy, Michigan
http://www.bbb.org/eastern-michigan/business-reviews/computers-software-and-services/lease-corporation-of-america-in-troy-mi-45000151/

Mar Vista, Villa Park, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Mar-Vista-Financial-13158488

Steelcase Financial Services, Grand Rapids, Michigan
http://www.bbb.org/western-michigan/business-reviews/office-furniture-and-equipment-wholesale-and-mfg/steelcase-in-grand-rapids-mi-14000824

Summit Funding Group, Cincinnati, Ohio
http://www.bbb.org/cincinnati/business-reviews/financing/summit-funding-group-inc-in-cincinnati-oh-1206757/

US Bancorp Manifest Funding Services aka Lyon Financial Services, Inc.
http://www.bbb.org/minnesota/business-reviews/banks/us-bank-in-minneapolis-mn-407

A

American Capital Group, Inc., Irvine, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/American-Capital-Group-13035961

Bankers Capital, Northborough, Massachusetts
http://www.bbb.org/central-western-massachusetts/business-reviews/financing/bankers-capital-in-northborough-ma-262264

CSI Leasing, St. Louis, Missouri
http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/computers-dealers/cs-i-leasing-in-saint-louis-mo-110207320

De Lage Landen Financial Services, Incorporated, Wayne, Pennsylvania
http://dc-easternpa.bbb.org/codbrep.html?wlcl=y&id=80012304

Financial Pacific, Federal Way, Washington
http://www.bbb.org/western-washington/business-reviews/consumer-finance-and-loan/financial-pacific-leasing-in-federal-way-wa-22025327

Great America Leasing, Cedar Rapid, Iowa
http://www.bbb.org/iowa/business-reviews/financing/great-america-leasing-in-cedar-rapids-ia-20000104

Leasing Corporation of America
http://www.bbb.org/eastern-michigan/business-reviews/computers-software-and-services/lease-corporation-of-america-in-troy-mi-45000151/

United Leasing, Evansville, Indiana
http://www.bbb.org/evansville/business-reviews/auto-leasing-and-rental-companies/united-leasing-in-evansville-in-99475

A-

Alliance Funding Group, Orange, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Alliance-Funding-Group-Inc-13096486

Jules & Associates, Los Angeles, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Jules-and-Associates-Inc-92003291

Matrix Business Capital, Long Beach, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Matrix-Business-Capital-100041782

Matsco Financial, Emeryville, California
http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/financing/matsco-financial-in-emeryville-ca-15573

Orion First Financial, Gig Harbor, Washington
http://www.bbb.org/western-washington/business-reviews/consumer-finance-and-loan-companies/orion-first-financial-in-gig-harbor-wa-37003864

Pawnee Leasing, Fort Collins, Colorado
http://www.bbb.org/wyoming-and-northern-colorado/business-reviews/leasing-companies/pawnee-leasing-corporation-in-fort-collins-co-46006417

Providence Capital Funding, Brea, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Providence-Capital-Funding-Inc-100085193

Southern California Leasing Inc., Tustin, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Southern-California-Leasing-Incorporated-13135867

TCF Equipment Finance, Minnetonka, Minnesota
http://www.bbb.org/minnesota/business-reviews/consumer-finance-and-loan-companies/tcf-equipment-finance-in-minnetonka-mn-9607252

TimePayment Corporation
http://www.bbb.org/boston/business-reviews/not-elsewhere-classified/timepayment-corporation-in-woburn-ma-117288/

Tristar Capital, Santa Ana, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Tri-Star-Capital-LLC-13137212

B+

Ability Capital Solutions, Long Beach, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Ability-Capital-Solutions-100046803

Somerset Capital Group, Milford, Connecticut
http://www.bbb.org/connecticut/business-reviews/leasing-service/somerset-capital-group-in-bridgeport-ct-1001573

B

Enterprise Capital Partners dba Enterprise Leasing, Spokane, Washington
http://www.bbb.org/eastern-washington/business-reviews/investment-advisory-service/enterprising-capital-partners-in-spokane-wa-64002656/

B-

Celtic Leasing, Irvine, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Celtic-Leasing-Corp-78000620

C+

Balboa Capital, Irvine, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Balboa-Capital-Corporation-13126386

C

Direct Capital, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
http://www.bbb.org/concord/business-reviews/financial-services/direct-capital-corporation-in-portsmouth-nh-3004519#

LEAF Financial Corporation, Philadelphia, PA
http://dc-easternpa.bbb.org/codbrep.html?wlcl=y&id=055049028

Main Street Bank
http://www.bbb.org/houston/business-reviews/banks/main-street-bank-in-kingwood-tx-22011705/

D –

Marlin Leasing, Mount Laurel, New Jersey
http://www.bbb.org/new-jersey/business-reviews/business-consultants/marlin-leasing-in-mt-laurel-nj-80012102

F

Barklay Capital, Inc., Costa Mesa, CA
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Barklay-Capital-Inc-100016455

Benchmark Financial Group, Aliso Viejo, California
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Benchmark-Financial-Groups-LLC-100045720

Find your company's BBB listing by going to www.bbb.org and using your zip code first for the right division.

Leasing Industry Help Wanted

3 years leasing exp., commission only first year or until quota met. You should earn $75,000 first year, work from home office. Sandra Tieh, HR 512.458.1300 or stieh@onesourcefinancial.com OneSourceFinancial.com a OneWorld Business Finance Co-Op Member

Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees.

Bank Beat--Another in Florida and State of Washington

The three branches of Shoreline Bank, Shoreline, Washington, were closed with GBC International Bank, Los Angeles, California, to assume all of the deposits. The bank became the 129th FDIC-insured institution to fail in the nation this year, and the tenth in Washington.

Shoreline opened September 15, 1999 to service the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area. All three branches were in King County, located in Shoreline.

Washington Department of Financial Institutions told the newstribune.com "...“there might be another couple more (bank failures) this year, but I don’t think we’ll see quite this volume next year.”

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/10/03/1366682/shoreline-bank-closed-deposits.html

Shoreline had 31 full time employees as of June 30, 2010. Equity had dropped from June 30, 2009 to June 30, 2010: $9.995 million to $1.79 million with $16 million in non-current loans, mostly real estate, centered on land development and construction lending. Shoreline lost $5 million the year before period to $3.36 million. There was $973,000 charge off to commercial and industrial loans, $551,000 to nonfarm nonresidential property loans, and $313,000 to construction and land development. Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 2.11%.

As of June 30, 2010, Shoreline Bank had approximately $104.2 million in total assets and $100.2 million in total deposits. GBC International Bank will pay the FDIC a premium of 0.25 percent to assume all of the deposits of Shoreline Bank. In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the failed bank, GBC International Bank agreed to purchase approximately $65.7 million of the failed bank's assets. The FDIC will retain the balance of the assets for later disposition.

GBC International, who changed their name from Guaranty Bank of California in August, 2007, operates six branches in California – two in San Francisco, and one each in Los Angeles, Monterey Park, Walnut and Westminster. The press release from GBC on the acquisition stated GBE was "...one of the top five lenders utilizing the U.S. and a preferred lender of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Export Express and Export Working Capital Program."

"Based on a recent ranking by an industry consulting service, GBCIB is currently ranked number 16 based on the return on equity and ranked number 17 for overall performances as of June 30, 2010 among 278 banks in California.

"The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is the official export credit agency of the United States. Ex-Im Bank’s mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets. Ex-Im Bank provides working capital guarantees, export credit insurance, loan guarantees and direct loans. GBCIB has been granted authority to approve Ex-Im Bank’s loan guarantees up to $5 million per borrower. Also, with the recent passing of a $30 billion Small Business Job Act, it allows GBCIB to approve SBA Export Working Capital loans up to $5 million per borrower."

“We are expanding our operations to Washington state, bringing greater access for small businesses who export products and services to the global markets," GBC President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Lam said.

"Our multi-lingual staff can assist you in English, Spanish, Indonesian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Burmese, Korean, and Russian."

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $41.4 million.
http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2010/pr10221.html

The 12 branches of Wakulla Bank, Crawfordville, Florida were closed with Centennial Bank, Conway, Arkansas, to assume all of the deposits. It was the 25th bank to fail in Florida this year. Their target area was Tallahassee with five branches, two in Bloutstown, two in Crawfordville, and one each in Bristol, Panacea, and St. Marks. Ironically the bank opened October 1, 1974 and was closed on the same date in 2010. It appears to be a conservative area, anti-government, who like other community banks tried to cash in on the Florida land boom.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $113.4 million.

Wakulla Blog

"This has been in the works for some time. Wakulla Bank has been under audit by the FDIC for about 2 years now. It suffered because of two large loans that defaulted, one a little over a million dollars and the other about 3.5 million, not to mention all the personal and home mortgage loans that are in default. Bob - remember a recent article about the Wildwood County Club loan going into foreclosure?"

---

"Sounds like things are getting worse. Not good.

"I am pretty sure FDIC is ran by the government? If that is true, I wouldn't put too much faith into the government."
http://www.flahorse.com/forums/showthread.php?p=312432

Wakulla Bank had gone from 142 full time employees to 135 full time employees June 30, 2010, showing $46.5 million in non-current loans, a loss of net equity from $38.4 million June 30, 2009 to $12.8 million June 30, 2010. The bank had lost $4.3 million the previous time period and this June 30, 2010 period $15.34 million, after $3 million in real estate in foreign offices, $1.77 million in construction and land development, $932,000 secured by 1-4 family residential property, $836,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $386,000 in loans to individuals. Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio: 1.31%.

To get an idea of Crawfordville, here are homes for sale:
http://www.homes.com/For-Sale/FL/CRAWFORDVILLE/3/

Crawfordville Foreclosures:
http://www.foreclosurelistings.com/list/FL/WAKULLA/CRAWFORDVILLE/

Population: 29,542
http://www.crawfordvillecommunity.com/#population

As of June 30, 2010, Wakulla Bank had approximately $424.1 million in total assets and $386.3 million in total deposits.

The FDIC and Centennial Bank entered into a loss-share transaction on $212.7 million of Wakulla Bank's assets.
http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2010/pr10220.html

List of Bank Failures:
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html

Bank Beat:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Bank_Beat.htm

Top Stories---September 27-Oct. 1

Here are the top ten stories opened by readers:

(1) New Leadership at ELFA accepts Trebels as Member
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2010/9_27.htm#trebels_elfa

(2) Out of Broker Business or Business Altogether
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2010/9_29.htm#out_buss

(3) Merrilees Joins RTR Services
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2010/9_29.htm#rtr

(Tie) (4) Tax and Credit Act of 2010 will increase Tax Leasing
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2010/9_29.htm#credit_act

(Tie) (4) First Trillion to Open in November!
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2010/9_29.htm#trillion

(5) Commercial Equipment Lease, Eugene, Oregon for Sale?
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2010/9_29.htm#cel

(6) Involuntary Chapter 7 BK filed against Schwartz
by Christopher Menkin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2010/9_27.htm#schwartz_bk

(7) Allied BK Creditors Subpoena Donner & His Records
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2010/10_01.htm#donner_subpoena

(8) America's Most Expensive Zip Codes
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2010/10_01.htm#expensive

(9) Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
Leasing Document Closing Procedure
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2010/9_27.htm#closing

(10) 2010 NAELB Eastern Regional Meeting Atlanta, Georgia
by Bud Callahan, CLP
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2010/9_27.htm#naelb

Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP

Personal Guarantees

One of the hardest requirements for lease salespersons to deal with is requesting personal guarantees. Usually, but not always it is because you need to add additional strength to the credit decision. On some occasions it is because the language it a lease agreement does not allow for additional collateral, down payments, or loan covenants and you need additional protection. This is especially true in companies with a limited or small group of owners. If ownership is vested in a small group they have the ability to make all kinds of decisions that may leave you holding the bag if business begins to go south.

One of the most effective ways a lease has to compete with loans, that have the ability to require down payments or other credit enhancements, is to request a personal guarantee.

This guarantee allows you to litigate the individual in addition to the business. This puts all the guarantors’ personal assets at risk to cover any short fall after the equipment has been repossessed and sold. However, understanding the requirements of each State is important because some States require you to complete litigation against the company prior to requiring the guarantor to step up to the plate. In these States the use of “Co- Lessee” is preferable, over a guarantor, so you can request past due payments and shortfalls immediately.

Requesting a guarantee usually sounds like you do not believe the business can live up to the agreement and some lessees take offence to the request so the approach is very critical. One way is to explain that you want them to have complete freedom to manage their business assets without interference so if they give you a guarantee they can move assets and cash in any manner they wish.

Most loans require loan covenants or indentures in companies with tight cash or limited ownership. This puts a lot of stress on the company that you can relieve with a personal guarantee and this approach makes you look like you are doing them a favor instead of making it sound like their credit is no good. Many small ticket lessors rely more on the consumer report than bank and trade references. It is also important in larger leases, where most banks and even major suppliers will demand a personal guarantee.

The best way to present it is to make it "standard" and not a major obstacle to overcome. Once the home address and social security are on the application, this is an indication that the applicant is aware you will be relying on the approval with his or her personal guarantee.

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 502-649-0448

He invites your questions and queries.

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

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

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

Kirchner joins BancLease Acceptance

BancLease Acceptance Corporation announced the addition of Dana Kirchner as Vice President of sales and marketing.

Dana has over 15 years of experience serving the broker community, with 20 years experience in leasing. He has held various positions in his leasing career including account executive, regional sales representative, and Vice President for companies such as Pioneer Capital Corporation (1999 – 2009,) Commerce Security Bank (1998 – 1999), Vice-President, AT&T Capital Leasing Services(1993 – 1996); Regional Operations Manager, AT&T Capital Leasing Services (1989 – 1993), Vice-President, Credit, Comstock Leasing (1984-1989). He has a BS Finance degree from California State University-Chico

Ron Mitchell

“We are excited to have Dana join us at BancLease Acceptance” said Ron Mitchell, SVP. “His experience with the broker community and his overall experience in the leasing field will be a great asset and will contribute to the continued growth of BancLease Acceptance.”

BancLease Acceptance buys business from brokers on a national basis for A and B+ quality credits. Products include application only to $75,000, application only medical to $135,000 and full financial disclosure transactions up to $5,000,000 (sometimes higher). Most equipment types are accepted, including software only and specialty vehicles.

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dana-kirchner/11/b2a/22

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

Cummins Joins American Lease Insurance

SUNDERLAND, MA – David Cummins has been named senior sales executive by American Lease Insurance Agency Corporation (ALI). He was most recently executive sales manager for Great American Insurance’s Specialty Equipment Services, Equipment Finance Solutions Group, managing major account relationships and developing new business.

David Cummins

“I’m looking forward to delivering high-quality insurance programs to equipment finance companies,” states Cummins and adds, “I’m very familiar with their needs. ALI has a terrific business model and exceptional processes that facilitate providing ‘best-in-class,’ comprehensive insurance programs – and I am pleased by the opportunity to work with Steve (Dinkelaker), who has been a leader in the industry for 20 years.”

Cummins’ 10 years of direct experience selling insurance to the equipment finance industry is complemented by a broad background in leasing and finance. Prior to his stint at Great American Insurance, Cummins worked for the Chase Manhattan Corporation, ultimately as vice president, manager of securitization of Chase Automotive Finance. A resident of New York City, Cummins holds an MBA in finance from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University. He is a licensed insurance producer in 14 states.

Steve Dinkelaker

ALI President Steve Dinkelaker remarks, “Having worked for a competitor, Dave possesses a unique and objective perspective on the ALI Program, which makes him ideally equipped to understand its strengths and present its advantages. His background in finance and his experience managing client relationships will help us to continue to grow in a challenging economic environment.”

The ALI Program provides equipment finance companies complete portfolio protection on eligible equipment and comprehensive tracking of alternate insurance. It provides lessee customers with “group-like” coverage superior to standard commercial policies, with no deductible, and requires no premium advances or investment on the part of the equipment finance company. Fully automated, the program is integrated with all major lease accounting software programs.

Founded in 2000 by licensed insurance agent and broker Steve Dinkelaker, American Lease Insurance provides a comprehensive insurance program to 30 equipment leasing and finance companies across the United States today. ALI is headquartered in Sunderland, Massachusetts, and is an active member of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) and the insurance industry’s Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development (ACORD). For more information, go to www.aliac.net.

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/david-cummins/12/176/3b7

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

Leasing News: The 2010 Toronto International Film Festival
By Fernando F. Croce

The Toronto International Film Festival is one of the most respected fests not just because of the quality and variety of entries from all the corners of the world, but also because it allows audiences an early glimpse at many of the movies that will make news in the upcoming few months. Here are some titles to keep an eye on as releases get serious and awards seasons approaches.

127 Hours: After winning the Oscar for “Slumdog Millionaire,” director Danny Boyle tackles the challenging task of filming the true-life ordeal of Aaron Ralston (James Franco), a carefree rock-climber who finds himself stuck for days at the bottom of a canyon with his arm pinned underneath a boulder. It’s surprisingly exhilarating stuff considering the claustrophobic material, and with a superb performance by the underrated Franco.

Black Swan: Darren Aronofsky moves from the wrestling ring (“The Wrestler”) to the ballet stage in this fairy-tale about the pitfalls of ambition and the search for beauty. In a performance sure to be remembered come Oscar time, Natalie Portman stars as a driven ballerina who undergoes bizarre psychological ordeals while preparing for the main role in a production of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.” Fans of the director’s brand of dark grace will not be disappointed.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams: A tireless explorer, legendary German filmmaker Werner Herzog takes us on another entrancing journey here. Gaining exclusive access into the Chauvet caves in the south of France, Herzog takes his cameras into rocky formations and wall drawings which have somehow remained in outstanding condition for thousands of years. The result is an eye-filling tour of humanity’s earliest remains, with the extra bonus of a 3-D presentation.

The King’s Speech: There’s already Oscar talk going around for this pleasing period piece, which won the Audience Award at this year’s festival. Colin Firth stars as King George VI, who must get rid of a terrible stutter before he can take his place on the British throne. The movie tells the gently comic friendship that develops between the monarch-to-be and the unorthodox therapist (Geoffrey Rush) hired to help him literally find a stronger voice.

Meek’s Cutoff: Kelly Reichardt (“Old Joy,” “Wendy and Lucy”) continues her streak of extraordinary pictures with this one-of-a-kind road movie, set in the Oregon plains in the 19th-century. It tells the story of a wagon train that’s lost its way in the desert thanks to Meek (Bruce Greenwood), their misguided trail leader. They meet a mysterious Native American along the way, but will he lead them to safety or into further peril? A Western like no other.

Potiche: Fans of Catherine Deneuve will be delighted by Francois Ozon’s light and colorful comedy, which gives the grand dame of French cinema her most elegantly funny role in years. As the trophy-wife of a ruthless, openly philandering industrialist who takes control of her husband’s factory, Deneuve has an infectious blast. Also look for her poignant scenes with Gerard Depardieu, as a former lover who becomes her political rival.

Tabloid: A documentarian with an endless fascination for the strange, Errol Morris may have found his wildest subject yet in Joyce McKinney, a former Southern beauty queen who in the late 1970s went on an adventure too wacky not to be true. Telling her own story of kidnapped Mormons and cloned puppies, McKinney paints a breathlessly entertaining portrait of the madness of tabloid-made celebrities, which Morris records with a mix of delight and horror.

The Trip: A remarkably prolific and versatile director, Michael Winterbottom follows this year’s dark drama “The Killer Inside Me” with this chummy, very funny road-trip comedy. Playing themselves (or, rather, a jokey version of themselves), Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon go on a culinary holiday around England, trying out expensive dishes at fancy restaurants when not matching celebrity impersonations. Slight but hilarious, it’s like a British version of “Sideways.”

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives: The title is just the first unique thing about this marvelous Thai fantasy, the surprise winner of this year’s coveted Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Following the various yarns spun by Uncle Boonmee on his deathbed, Apichatpong Weerasethakul weaves a beguiling mosaic of reincarnation and ghosts that’s at the same time remarkably sophisticated and light as air, challenging and immediately accessible.

 

Fayetteville, Arkansas ---Adopt a Dog

Conan
Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler Mix
Baby: Male
Color: white/tan
Markings: raccoon eyes 2 tan spots on back
Pet ID: 596338

animal_services@ci.fayetteville.ar.us

Fayetteville Animal Services
1640 Armstrong Avenue
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
Phone: 479-444-3456
Fax: 479-444 -3459
Email: jhatfield@ci.fayetteville.ar.us

Other animals at Fayetteville:
http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?animal_type=Dog&shelter_id=AR47

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/fayettevilleanimals.html

Adopt-a-Pet by Leasing Co. State/City
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Adopt_Pet.htm

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

 

News Briefs ---

Business Highlight: Lease $mart

Gary Greene, CLP
http://tucsoncitizen.com/bbbconsumeralert/2010/10/01/business-spotlight-lease-mart/

Huntington prepares for growth
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2010/10/03/having-survived-huntington-prepares-for-growth.html?sid=101

Asia Stocks at 2 - Year High as Dollar Gains vs. Yen
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2010/10/04/business/business-us-markets-global.html?hp

China Internet Co. Biggest US IPO rally in 3 Years
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-10-02/chinacache-jumps-95-for-biggest-u-s-ipo-rally-in-three-years.html

New Era Begins at FASB
http://www.webcpa.com/debits_credits/New-Era-Begins-FASB-55818-1.html

Macy's puts Haitian art in stores
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2010/10/02/Macys-puts-Haitian-art-in-stores/UPI-65351286051917/

You May have Missed---

Casinos Now See Online Gambling as a Better Bet
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/business/04gambling.html?ref=business

 

Sports Briefs---

Giants clinch playoff spot
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/03/SP6S1FNQL7.DTL&tsp=1

Braves clinch wild card, first postseason berth since 2005
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-clinch-wild-card-656788.html

Redskins beat Eagles, 17-12, in Donovan McNabb's return to Philadelphia; Michael Vick injured
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/03/AR2010100303835.html?artslot

Falcons need last-minute heroics to beat 49ers 16-14
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/falcons-need-last-minute-656822.html

Offense lets Cutler down
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-1004-bears-haugh-chicago--20101003-n,0,6808545.column
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/sports/football/04giants.html?hp

Oakland Raiders dominated on ground by Houston Texans, back in last place
http://www.contracostatimes.com/sports/ci_16245364

Seahawks fall 20-3 to St. Louis Rams
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2013063850_hawk04.html

Yes, there’s life after football
http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/football/articles/2010/10/03/yes_theres_life_after_football/

 

California Nut Briefs----

In Marin: Unions want to organize Marijuana Workers
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/10/03/3075262/unions-reach-out-to-weed-workers.html

 

 

“Gimme that Wine”

U.S. Wineries Increase Their Use of Cork Closures
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/US-Wineries-Increase-Their-bw-3482207280.html?x=0&.v=1

Drizzle chills Sonoma County grape growers
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20101003/NEWS/101009831/1350?Title=Drizzle-chills-Sonoma-County-grape-growers

Harvest in full swing in Carneros
http://napavalleyregister.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/wine/article_4e826664-cd0b-11df-a67b-001cc4c002e0.html

Santa Cruz County grape harvest begins
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_16220036?nclick_check=1

Pinot Gris' popularity soars
http://www.examiner.com/drinks-in-san-francisco/pinot-gris-popularity-soars

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

1582- Pope Gregory XIII issued a bulletin that decreed that the day following Thursday, Oct 4, 1582, should be Friday, Oct 15, 1582, thus correcting the Julian Calendar, then 10 days out of date relative to the seasons. All dates before this that we celebrate are not actually the “correct” days. Don't worry, the calendar was again changed by the British Calendar Act of 1751, Britain(and the American colonies)made the “Gregorian Correction” in 1752. The Act proclaimed that the day following Wednesday, September 2, should become Thursday, September 14, 1752. There was rioting in the streets by those who felt cheated and who demanded the eleven days back. The Act also provided that New Year's Day ( and the change of year number ) should fall January 1 ( instead of March 25) in 1752 and very year thereafter. As a result, 1751 only had 282 days.     1636-The General Court of the Plymouth Colony instituted a legal code, the first composed in North America, guaranteed citizens a trial by jury and stipulated that all laws were to be made with the consent of the freemen of the colony. ( lower half of: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/oct04.html )     1648- Peter Stuyvesant establishes America's first volunteer firemen in New Amsterdam (New York City).     1777- Battle of Germantown. Washington planned a surprise attack against the redcoats at sunrise. He broke the army into four separate columns for battle. The American soldiers marched to Germantown by two roads, with General Sullivan to the right and General Greene to the left. Washington, along with General "Mad Anthony" Wayne, joined Sullivan and caused the British to fall back. The complicated plan had failed with the British losses at 70 killed, 450 wounded, and 14 missing. The Americans lost 152 killed, 521 wounded, and almost 400 missing. American morale was largely unaffected by the loss in that they mistakenly believed that more British were lost than American forces. Howe was impressed that the skill of the Americans had increased so much since the defeat at Brandywine. So, rather than risk a pursuit, Howe retreated to Philadelphia and fortified the city. The Battle of Germantown was fought in a morning fog that grew more dense with the smoke of battle, causing great confusion. Americans firing at each other contributed to the loss of the battle. http://www.ilssar.org/germantown.html http://library.thinkquest.org/10966/data/germ.shtml?tqskip1=1andtqtime=0929 http://www.virtualology.com/virtualwarmuseum.com/revolutionarywarhall /battleofgermantown.com/ http://www.justinalee.com/Germantown.html http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/ppet/germantown/page1.asp?secid=31 http://www.multied.com/revolt/germantown2.html http://www.cliveden.org/Pages/battle.htm http://patriot.net/~tpost/germantown.html http://www.publicbookshelf.com/public_html/The_Great_Republic_By_the_ Master_Historians_Vol_II/battleof_gh.html     1810-Birthday of Eliza McCardle Johnson. She taught her husband, Andrew Johnson how to read when he was already an adult. He went on to become the 17th president of the U.S. Historically, she is not given any credit for his rise to political prominence. http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/firstladies/ej17.html http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1065.html     1821 - LT Robert F. Stockton sails from Boston for Africa to carry out his orders to help stop the international slave trade. Stockton will be instrumental in the founding of Liberia.     1822-Birthday of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, 19th pres­ident of the US (Mar 4, 1877—Mar 3, 1881), was born at Delaware, OH. In his inaugural address, Hayes said: “He serves his party best who serves the country best.” He lost the popular vote and in a hotly contested electoral congressional vote, a promise to the “Dixie Democrats” made him president, it is said, and turned back the reconstruction of the South. He died at Fremont, OH, Jan 17, 1893. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/oct04.html     1830 -- A power printing press is patented by Isaac Adams, Boston.     1851-In San Francisco, the third Jenny Lind Theatre to occupy the same site on Kearny was opened. The other two theaters burned during fires this year.     1862- Battle at Corinth, Mississippi ends with a draw. Van Dorn, commanding Confederate forces, has Price attack Union positions under Rosecrans' command in front of Corinth in a two-day battle in attempt to push the Federals back into Tennessee and secure the vital railroad crossing at Corinth; Fierce fighting in town and at Batteries Williams and Robinett; Attack fails, and on second day Van Dorn withdraws to Chewalia. By this time many Southerners were disenchanted with him, and he was placed in charge of the mounted troops under Pemberton. Moving his division into middle Tennessee, he was killed on May 7, 1863, by Dr. George B. Peters for attentions paid by the general upon the physician's wife in Spring Hill. http://www.civilwarhome.com/vandornbio.htm     1864- New Orleans Tribune, first black daily newspaper, forms. It is published in both French and English.     1869 - A great storm struck New England. The storm reportedly was predicted twelve months in advance by a British officer named Saxby. Heavy rains and high floods plagued all of New England, with strong winds and high tides over New Hampshire and Maine. Canton CT was deluged with 12.35 inches of rain. http://www.theneworleanstribune.com/aboutus.html     1895- Horace Rawlins won the first US Open Golf Championship, contested at the Newport Golf Club in Newport, RI. Rawlins shot 173 over 36 holes to defeat Willie Dunn by 2 strokes.     1877 -- Chief Joseph surrenders with starving remnant of Nez Perce people. At Eagle Creek in Bear Paw Mountains, Montana, Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph (In-mut-too-yah-lat-lat [Thunder coming up over the land from the water]), surrenders his rifle after months in which his starving band eluded pursuing federal troops.” From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever." Chief Joseph was best known for his resistance to the US Government's attempts to force his tribe onto reservations. The Nez Perce were a peaceful nation spread from Idaho to Northern Washington. Earlier in the year, the U.S. government broke a land treaty with the Nez Perce Indians, forcing the group out of their homeland in Wallowa Valley in the Northwest for relocation in Idaho. In the midst of their journey, Chief Joseph learned three young Nez Perce warriors, enraged at the loss of their homeland, had massacred a band of white settlers. Fearing retaliation by the Army, he began one of the greatest retreats in American military history. For over three months, Chief Joseph led less than 300 Nez Perce Indians toward the Canadian border, covering a distance of over 1,000 miles as the Nez Perce outmaneuvered and battled over 2,000 pursuing U.S. soldiers. Finally, only 40 miles short of his Canadian goal, they were cornered, and forcibly relocated.     1887- Louisiana sugar workers strike, 37 peaceful strikers murdered. Louisiana Militia, aided by bands of "prominent citizens," shot unarmed black sugar workers striking to gain a dollar-per-day wage, and lynched two strike leaders.     1903-Birthday of John Atanasoff, inventor of the computer. Atanasoff, working with Clifford Berry, developed the Atanasoff Berry Computer (ABC), which used binary math to solve differential equations. The computer employed vacuum tubes and other key components of later electronic computers, although it did not have a central processing unit. In 1941, Atanasoff invited John Mauchly, a University of Pennsylvania physicist with an interest in automatic calculators, to see the ABC machine in Iowa. The visit and their subsequent correspondence about computers sparked controversy many years later over who had really invented the computer. In 1973, a judge overturned Mauchly's (and his associate, Presper Eckert's) patent claims to the computer in favor of Atanasoff. Atanasoff, who later headed up two engineering firms, received the Computer Pioneer Medal in 1981 and the National Medal of Technology in 1990.     1907- Harriot Stanton Blatch, the first woman elected to the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1906 was barred from dining at the Hoffman House Hotel in New York City because she had no male escort. http://www.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/harriotstantonblatch.html     1918--ROBERTS, HAROLD W. Medal of Honor Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army Company A, 344th Battalion, Tank Corps. Place and date: In the Montrebeau Woods France 4 October 1918. Entered service at: San Francisco, Calif. Birth: San Francisco, Calif. G.O. No.: 16, W.D., 1919. Citation: Cpl. Roberts, a tank driver, was moving his tank into a clump of bushes to afford protection to another tank which had become disabled. The tank slid into a shell hole, 10 feet deep, filled with water, and was immediately submerged. Knowing that only 1 of the 2 men in the tank could escape, Cpl. Roberts said to the gunner, "Well, only one of us can get out, and out you go," whereupon he pushed his companion through the back door of the tank and was himself drowned.     1927- Walter F. Bishop, Jr. Birthday (Bop Pianist)     1928 -- Author Alvin Toffler birthday. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/columnists/toffler/toff05.htm     1933 - "Esquire" magazine was published for the first time. Considered racy for its time, it pales in comparison to today's choices of reading material. "Esquire" can now be described as sophisticated.     1939 - A barber from Canonsburg (near Pittsburgh), PA, who had quite a singing voice, recorded "That Old Gang of Mine" with the Ted Weems Orchestra. That singer was the feature of the Weems band for many years before going solo as a radio, TV and stage star. You know him as ‘The Incomparable Mr. C.', Perry Como. His string of hits for RCA Victor spans four decades. He was an NBC TV mainstay for more than a decade..     1943 - "Is You is or is You Ain't My Baby?" was the musical question by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five on this day -- on Decca Records.     1943 - Aircraft from USS Ranger sink 5 German ships and damage 3 in Operation Leader, the only U.S. Navy carrier operation in northern European waters during World War II.     1944- singer Billie Holiday records, “Lover Man.”     1944-Top Hits I'll Walk Alone - Dinah Shore Is You is or is You Ain't - Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters It Had to Be You - Helen Forrest and Dick Haymes Smoke on the Water - Red Foley     1944-Birthday of singer Patti Labelle, Philadelphia, PA     1948 - Gordon MacRae hosted the premiere of a radio classic. "The Railroad Hour" debuted on ABC radio. The theme song was "I've Been Working on the Railroad" and the show was sponsored by -- get ready -- America's Railroads.     1952- “Ozzie and Harriet” was TV's longest-run­ning sitcom. The successful radio-turned-TV show about the Nelson family starred the real-life Nelsons—Ozzie, his wife Har­riet and their sons David and Ricky. Officially titled “The Adven­tures of Ozzie and Harriet,” this show was set in the family's home. The boys were one reason the show was successful, and Ricky used the advantage to become a pop star. David and Rick's real-life wives—June Blair and Kris Nelson—also joined the cast. The show was cancelled at the end of the 1965-66 season after 435 episodes, 409 of which were in black and white and 26 in color. The last episode aired Sept 3,1966.     1952-Top Hits You Belong to Me - Jo Stafford Wish You Were Here - Eddie Fisher I Went to Your Wedding - Patti Page Jambalaya (On the Bayou) - Hank Williams     1953 - "I Led Three Lives" was first seen in syndication (it was never on a TV network) this day. Richard Carlson starring as Herbert A. Philbrick. 'The fantastically true story of Herbert A. Philbrick, who for nine frightening years did lead three lives - average citizen, member of the Communist Party and counterspy for the F.B.I.' Richard Carlson stars as Philbrick in this 1953-56 syndicated series based on the national best-seller. It was one of the most popular TV shows in the McCarthy era. http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Stage/2950/epg/ILedThreeLives.htm http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Stage/2950/Spy/ILedThreeLives.htm     1954- “December Bride.” This sitcom was filmed before a live audi­ence at Desilu Studios and took place mainly in a living room. It starred Spring Byington as widow Lily Ruskin, Frances Rafferty as her daughter Ruth Henshaw, Dean Miller as Ruth's husband, Matt, Harry Morgan as wisecracking next-door neighbor, one of my closest friends in high school was his oldest son, Chris. He played third trumpet in my band, doing most of the solo's. Pete Porter (his wife Gladys was talked about but never seen), Verna Felton as Lily's friend Hilda Crocker and Arnold Stang as Private Marvin Fisher, Pete's brother-in-law. This series spun off “Pete and Gladys” in 1960. http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Stage/2950/SitCom/DecemberBride.htm     1955- FINALLY. I was there as a thirteen year old kid when left-hander Johnny Podres pitched a 2-0 shutout against the New York Yankees to give the Brooklyn Dodgers their only World Series championship. Before this seven-game triumph, the Dodgers had lost the series in 1920, 1941, 147, 149, 1952, and 1953. The Dodgers left Brooklyn for Los Angeles after the 1957 seasons and have never been the same; that's when I became a Chicago Cubs fan. http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/P/Podres_Johnny.stm     1955-Rev Sun Young Moon leaves prison in Seoul http://www.unification.net/1984/840101.html http://www.tparents.org/Lib-Moon-Book.htm http://www.newcovpub.com/unification/wfwp3.html http://www.americanatheist.org/spr00/T2/fitrakis.html     1957- “Leave It to Beaver” premieres on TV. This family sitcom was a stereotypical por­trayal of American family life. It focused on Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver (Jerry Mathers) and his family: his patient, understand-ing and all-knowing father, Ward (Hugh Beaumont), impeccably dressed housewife and mother June (Barbara Billingsley) and Wally (Tony Dow), Beaver's good-natured, all-American brother. The “perfectness” of the Cleaver family was balanced by other, less-than-perfect characters played by Ken Osmond, Frank Bank, Richard Deacon, Diane Brewster, Sue Randall, Rusty Stevens and Madge Blake. The last episode aired Sept 12, 1963. “Leave It to Beaver” remained popular in reruns. http://www.leaveittobeaver.org/     1958 - Barbara MacDonald of Timbuk 3 is born.     1959 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Mack the Knife," Bobby Darin. The song - Darin's biggest hit - earns the singer Grammy Awards as best new artist and best vocal performance by a male.     1960-Top Hits My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own - Connie Francis Chain Gang - Sam Cooke Mr. Custer - Larry Verne Alabam - Cowboy Copas     1961- Bob Dylan makes his concert hall debut at New York's Carnegie Hall. About 50 people attended, mostly friends, and he earned 20 bucks.     1963-Eric Clapton is asked to replace Anthony "Top" Topham in the Yardbirds.     1964 Patriots' Gino Cappelletti kicks 6-of-6 field goals against Broncos     1965 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Yesterday," The Beatles. The song, which Paul McCartney originally called "Scrambled Eggs," has been played on the radio and TV more than any other Beatles song and is the most covered song in history.     1966---- Paul VI arrived in New York City. While speaking at the UN, Paul published a document exonerating the Jews of all blame in the death of Christ. It was a whirlwind visit. Pope Paul VI arrived at Kennedy International Airport, New York City, 9:27am. He went to Saint Patrick's Cathedral, and Cardinal Spellman's residence, 11:44am, conferred with President Lyndon Baines Johnson at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel at 1:40pm, addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations in French at 3:30pm, attended a public Mass at Yankee Stadium at 8:30pm, visited the Vatican Pavilion at the New York World's Fair at 10:25pm, and returned to Rome the same day at 111pm on an Alitalia jet liner. He was seen by about 1 million persons and by 100 million on television.     1966-Bobby Hebb received a Gold record for his US #2 hit, "Sunny".     1968-Top Hits Hey Jude - The Beatles Hush - Deep Purple Fire - The Crazy World of Arthur Brown Harper Valley P.T.A. - Jeannie C. Riley     1969 - Denver, CO, received 9.6 inches of snow. October of that year proved to be the coldest and snowiest of record for Denver, with a total snowfall for the month of 31.2 inches.     1969-Crosby, Stills & Nash's "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" is released.     1969-CCR's "Green River" tops the LP chart.     1969 - Denver, CO, received 9.6 inches of snow. October of that year proved to be the coldest and snowiest of record for Denver, with a total snowfall for the month of 31.2 inches.     1976- Agriculture Secretary Earl Butz resigns due to telling a racial joke.He later was sentenced to five years in prison for evading taxes, but was pardoned by the president. http://www.kpcnews.net/special-sections/reflections3/reflections17.html http://www.tompaine.com/feature.cfm/ID/2480     1975-Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" LP hits #1 on the chart. (1975)     1976 - TV audiences watched as Barbara Walters joined Harry Reasoner at the anchor desk of the "ABC Evening News" for the first time. Walters made the switch with a million-dollar paycheck, becoming the first woman to anchor a network evening newscast     1976-Top Hits Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry I'd Really Love to See You Tonight - England Dan and John Ford Coley A Fifth of Beethoven - Walter Murphy and The Big Apple Band Here's Some Love - Tanya Tucker     1977- Pier 39 opens in San Francisco. Warren Simmons, owner and founder of PIER MARKET RESTAURANT, was the founder and builder of PIER 39.In the early 70's, Warren was looking for a waterfront location for his Tia Maria Restaurants.  He came upon Pier 39, which was full of refrigerators and junked cars.  Looking past the debris, Warren envisioned a world-class development and it is just that today-PIER 39.In spite of opposition from politicians, civic groups, and competitors, government regulations, red tape and skeptics,  Pier 39 opened on October 4, 1978.  The only major waterfront construction in San Francisco in the last 100 years was built in spite of everything.  With vision and hard work, Warren was successful in creating this unique addition to Fisherman's Wharf.Warren and his son Scooter opened Pier Market in 1983.  It has become quite a tourist attraction.     1980 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Another One Bites the Dust," Queen. The song, which stays at No. 1 for three weeks, sells more copies than any other single by the group. ELO's "All Over The World" peaks at #13 and Genesis' "Turn It On Again" peaks at #58.     1981-CBS Records releases the children's holiday album, "In Harmony," which includes Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.     1984 - “There it goes! It could be, it might be, it's...” A sad day for long-suffering Chicago Cubs fans. Chicago lost to the Padres 7-1 in the National League Championship Series.     1985- Shite Muslims claim to have killed hostage William Buckley     1986 - Dan Rather, of "The CBS Evening News", was mugged by two men in New York City.     1986-Van Halen's "Love Walks In" peaks at #22 on the singles chart.     1987 - A storm brought record snows to the northeastern U.S. Snowfall totals ranged up to 21 inches at North Springfield VT. It was the earliest snow of record for some locations. The storm claimed 17 lives in central New York State, injured 332 persons, and in Vermont caused seventeen million dollars damage. The six inch snow at Albany NY was their earliest measurable snow in 117 years of records.     1987 - Southern California continued to "shake and bake". An earthquake was reported during the morning, the second in a matter of days, and during the afternoon temperatures soared well above 100 degrees. Highs of 100 degrees at San Francisco, and 108 degrees at Los Angeles and Santa Maria, were October records. San Luis Obispo was the hot spot in the nation with an afternoon high of 111 degrees.     1988-Televangelist Jim Bakker is indicted on federal charges of mail and wire fraud and of conspiring to defraud the public. The case against the founder of Praise the Lord (PTL) Ministries and three of his aides exploded in the press when it was revealed that Bakker had sex with former church secretary Jessica Hahn.     1989 - Unseasonably cold weather continued in the north central U.S., with freezing temperatures reported across much of the area from eastern North Dakota to Michigan and northwest Ohio. Thirteen cities reported record low temperatures for the date, including Saint Cloud MN, which was the cold spot in the nation with a morning low of 19 degrees.     1991-NHL NY Rangers trade Bernie Nichols to Edmonton for Mark Messier     1992 - Miami Dolphins' safety Louis Oliver grabbed three interceptions from the Buffalo Bills and returned one for a 103-yard touchdown. That return tied for the NFL's all-time longest interception return with a 103-yard return by San Diego's Vencie Glenn against Denver on November 29, 1987.     1996-Van Halen announces that former Extreme lead singer Gary Cherone was chosen as the new lead singer of the group, replacing Sammy Hagar.     1997 - "4 Seasons of Loneliness", by Boyz II Men, was the #1 single in the U.S. The song, from their "Evolution" album, was number one for one week. 2003- The Cubs win their first postseason series victory since the 1908 when the franchise won the World Series. In front of a standing-room crowd of 54,357 at Turner Field, Chicago beat the Braves in the deciding Game 5 of NLDS, 5-1. World Series Champions this Date     1955 Brooklyn Dodgers.

Baseball Poem

  Stubs

What is it
About ticket stubs
That prevents me
From throwing them away

Not just the precious few

From a World Series
But lately
I can't throw any away

They do not bring to mind

Vivid memories
Of good times
Or remembrances
Of hits and runs past

Yet they stand for something For times I traveled
Outside of time
Like stamped passports
They are all the proof remaining
Of my trips

Written by Gene Carney, published in
“Romancing the Horsehide: Baseball Poems
on Players the Game”
Published by McFarland and Company