Archive--October 20, 2000

50 Leasing Companies Major Changes

American Business Leasing (gone)
Balboa Capital (Founder Byrne "...office available any time he wants to use it”).
The Bancorp Group, Inc. (Southfield, MI) (no longer in business)
BankVest (bankrupt)
Bombadier (reported having problems, not confirmed)
Charter Financial (purchased by Wells Fargo 9/5/2000)
Colonial Pacific (11/98) purchased by GE Capital Commerce Security (9/99 closed to leasing broker program) (11/99 last fundings)
Copelco (4/2000 sold to Citibank/10/2000 stock down rated/10/2000 ceases broker business, many complaints in manner turning off faucet)
Creative Capital" of Bloomfield Hills, MI. (shut-down 3/2000)
Dana (sold off, active as captive)
DVI Capital (out of broker business)
El Camino Leasing, Woodland Hills, California (10/2000 No longer taking broker business)
eLease (June/July/2000 senior management changes)
FMA Finance (reportedly closed to brokers, in trouble)
Fidelity (4/2000 acquired by EAB, a wholly owned subsidiary of ABN AMRO Bank N.V.,
headquartered in the Netherlands, raising funds)
Finova (out of market place) (10/11/2000 Dow Jones headlines "Finova Stock Falls as Buyout Hopes
Wane)
Franklin Bank (no more leases)
Golden Gate Funding (2/99 purchased by Westover Financial)
Heller Financial's Commercial Services Unit (10/99 purchased by CIT)
Imperial (sold portfolio)
Japan Leasing Credit claims (JLC --6/99 purchased by Orix)
Lease Acceptance Corp--- (ceases broker business 7/26/2000)
Leasing Solutions, San Jose, Ca. (bankrupt)
Liberty Leasing (closed, California company)
Linc Capital (out of vendor and broker business, NASDAQ halts stock sales, $13.4 loss last quarter,
10/2000 assets for sale)
Lyon Credit Corporation (9/99 purchased by Hudson United Bancorp)
Manifest Group--(9/1/2000 purchased by US Bancorp Leasing and Financial, "...a win for all the parties involved," Brian Bjella.
Matsco Financial (purchased by Greater Bay Bank)
Merit Leasing (gone)
Metwest Leasing, Spokane, Wa. (Advising brokers that they have run out of funds so they are
unable to fund a transaction we have there for funding.)
Metrolease--reports closing operation, John Blazek at Evergreen Leasing, Hathcock losing assets, will not confirm nor deny; many serious rumors of serious fraud floating around the marketplace and if they file bk, will publish them.)
NationsCredit, Business Leasing Group (1/29/99 sold to Textron**) *" The Business Leasing Group of Nations Credit was sold to Textron and we still do broker business," Jim Merrilees, very well respected individual in the leasing industry.
NIA National Leasing (3/2000 purchased by Lakeland Bancorp)
New England Capital (sold to Network Capital Alliance a division of Sovereign Bank. Sovereign did hire two people who will run a sales office in CT, doing basically the same deals with the same people as before. Little will change in that aspect.
Newcourt (sold off)
Onset Capital (Irwin buys 87% equity)
Orix 10/2000 "long-term Outlook has been revised from Stable to Negative" Credit Allianchat it has changed its name to ORIX Financial Services, 9/2000 Japanese Bank President Commits Suicide (Orix is a 14.7% shareholder in bank having problems), (8/2000 closes small ticket vendor division in Portland, Oregon, "Business as usual (in New Jersey and with brokers)," says Steve Geller)
Phoenix (both divisions)
Prime Capital (2/2000 purchased by Finatra Capital originally reported by elaonline.com, but have heard this did not happen, looking into clarification--editor)
Republic Leasing, South Carolina 9/27/2000 (“The expected result will be a sale of Republic Leasing"---Dwight Galloway)
Rockford (sold to American Express)
Scripp Financial (6/29/2000 (purchased by US Bancorp)
SDI (closed to broker programs)
SFC Capital (9/15/2000 purchased by Trinity Capital)
SierraCities (posted $7.7 million second quarter loss, rumors abound, including pending sale. Oct 16/lot of venom posted on Yahoo bulletin board 10/19 date has passed. Is there really anyone interested in purchasing SierraCities? There may be smoke, but there does not seem to be any fires. Are things being seen through mirrors and there is no reality? Is Tom Depping really Rod Sterling?
T&W (bankrupt, lost their listing)
Transamerica (sold)
UniCapital ( $11.4 million first quarter loss chairman, CEO,CFO resign, 38 employees cutback, 8/23 BSB to use other funders reported, rumor that BSB will be "spun off", not confirmed and appears to be in the rumor stage right now. Good news, 9/1 Bank of America extend revolving credit line to October 16, 2000. 9/29/2000 Many rumors floating around. 10/12 Prognosis is "challenging," at best.10/17 BofA gives them until Friday to complete "process." If announcement had been good, don't you think it would have been sent out with Champagne? Leasing News holding special report until after announcement, same as with Sierra Cities, second report---may change our minds and report on it next week. Stay tuned, Space rangers.)
USA Capital Leasing (gone-bk)

 

Classified Ads---Sales

Cherry Hill, NJ College grad seeking entry level sales position for equipment leasing and financing in small to mid-size ticket markets. Have 6 months experience in the industry and self-motivated. Contact Matt at 609-280-2178 or email at mkuzan@gmail.com

California Aggressive, competitive self-starter with vendor/direct equipment leasing and asset-based lending experience. Success in business banking sales and financial planning. Email: dsp559@hotmail.com | Resume

South Central, FL Years of exp in mid-ticket niched leasing. Not currently in leasing. Seek entry or other position with direct lender. David34983@att.net

Garfield, NJ 15 years experience small to large ticket sales exp. All types of equipment industries. Vendor & direct. Self motivated. Work with leasing company or broker. Tony Lio tonylio@optonline.net

Marlton, NJ Over 25 years successful experience, sales and sales management, equipment leasing.  Captive, vendor, bank-oriented.  Mainly mid-ticket.  Willing to travel. steve.gaul@signsbytomorrow.com phone: 856.985.6400

Minneapolis, MN 16 years leasing experience from micro to large ticket market, variety of equipment. Most recently calling on vendor telecom dealers in Upper Midwest.  golfadm@yahoo.com

Montgomery, AL Individual with 10 years advertising sales exp. & 7 years insurance sales exp. Wants independent contractor situation in Alabama. Work with leasing company or broker. 334-590-5133 E-mail: billmcneal2003@yahoo.com

Orange County, CA 20+ years in leasing sales & sales management. Have estab. existing remote office with Lessee /Vender following. Looking for a partnership w/funding source. shermbp@gmail.com

Philadelphia Metro Area - 30 Years experience Healthcare sales/ management- 3 years experience newly create "small-ticket" healthcare division. Good success - Mitch Utz 215-460-4483 Email: mitutz@msn.com

Philadelphia, Pa 16 years small to large ticket sales exp., variety equip. w/vendor & direct. Top performer, building new and existing territories. Email at phillylease@hotmail.com

Pittsburgh , PA Aggressive self starter looking for leasing position w/10 plus yrs sales exp., plus banking experience 814-227-4592 mwiser500@hotmail.com

Pittsburgh, PA Over 25 years of leasing experience including Captive, Dealer, Broker, and Third Party. Multiple equipment types. Seeking a Territory or National Sales position. vsiegel2@aol.com

San Francisco Bay Area: Business Development “Hunter” with transferable book of business in multiple segments: commercial construction, technology, fitness, etc. Years of managerial experience: can also be a “player/coach”. E-mail: VdrPgmBizDev@aol.com

Texas/Oklahoma 15 year lease vet looking for plact to take business.great references. all major equipment types. open to compensation. please contact if interested. E-mail: bankingdallas@yahoo.com

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

The Famous Leasing News “The List”---September

Commercial Equipment Lease, Eugene, Oregon (09/10) Part of Liberty Bank, Recently purchased by Home Federal Bancorp, Inc., Home Federal Bank, Nampa, to take on no new business. Most employees laid off, reports portfolio for sale.

First Trillion, Columbus, South Carolina (09/10) Reports will be open for business by end of year; Dwight Galloway not an employee, or employee of LEAF Financial, but staff of company is his former staff for many years.

MidWest leasing Group, Livonia, Minnesota (09/10) filed bankruptcy as does owner Curt McRea, in 2008, explaining in the Huffington Post: “Banks quit lending, and since we acted as a broker for our 3,000 customers, our business went down approximately 75 percent. Add to that the cost of operating a business building, health care for my employees and the increasing write-offs from my own customers and I was forced to close and lay off my four remaining employees. Personal guarantees on my business credit forced me into a personal bankruptcy and I started searching for work at age 58."

Main Street Bank, Kingwood, Texas (09/10) FDIC finds bank with Consent order: "...with the STIPULATION, the bank consented, without admitting or denying any charges of unsafe or unsound banking practices or violation of law or regulation, relating to management effectiveness, loan and lease review rating. Perhaps the strongest consent is the replacement of Thomas Depping as CEO, as the bank is given 90 days to find:

"A Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated ability in managing a bank of comparable size and with experience in upgrading a low quality loan and lease portfolio.
a. Implement the provisions of this order
b. Act to restore the Bank to a safe and sound condition; and
c. Act as the "principal executive officer" of the Bank under Texas Financial Code 33.103
and 33.106"
What the auditors saw that they didn't like could be:
"From 3/31/09 to 3/31/10 FDIC filings:
Volatile liabilities: $39.2 million to $75.3 million
(June 30, 2010: $72.8 million)
Insider Loans: $39.2 million to $41.8 million
(June 30, 2010: 0)
Restructured loans and leases: zero to $6 million
(June 30, 2010: $6.1 million)"

Full Listing: Chronological:
http://www.leasingnews.org/list_chron_new.htm

Full Listing: Alphabetical
http://www.leasingnews.org/list_alpha_new.htm

Leasing Industry Help Wanted

Vehicle Lenders Group, LLC is looking for dynamic sales associate. Either work out of one of our offices in Calif. , Dayton, or Oyster Bay, NY or your own office. Draw w/benefits after three month probation period. Must have excellent references, honest, self motivated, able to generate $500,000 a month by the end of 12 months of employment. Curt Webster, CVLE 516-922-7447 ext 104 http://www.trucklendersusa.com/

 

Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees.

Small Business Definition 2010
by Jeffrey Taylor
http://jeffreytaylorgroup.com/

Small businesses are getting a little bigger, thanks to new size standards from the Small Business Administration.

Effective Nov. 5, 2010, the change will make nearly 18,000 more businesses across 70 industries eligible for SBA programs which include loans and bidding on federal contracts.

SBA size standards vary by industry, and caps are typically set based on the number of employees or average annual receipts -- criteria that have been in place since 1984. The new size standards will increase the cap on average annual receipts, taking them from $7 million to as much as $35.5 million.

The change will benefit car dealers as they represent nearly one-third of the 18,000 newly deemed small businesses. Whereas the cap for car dealers used to be revenue-based, the new rule hinges on the number of employees: 200 is the limit. About 90 percent of all car dealerships will now be considered small businesses, some with revenues up to $120 million.

The new size guidelines are aligned with current economic and industry indicators and are meant to ensure that small businesses have the tools they need to grow and create jobs, since small businesses have created 65 percent of all the new jobs in the past 17 years and employ half of America's private-sector workforce.

((Please Click on Bulletin Board to learn more information))
(Leasing News provides this ad “gratis” as a means
to help support the growth of Lease Police)

NAELB Starts Part Two: Funder Task Force
by Roseanne Wilson, CLP

The National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers, in its continuing effort to assist the members with more funding opportunities has recently formed a new Funder Task Force.

This task force is the newest addition to the three part strategy created by Bud Callahan, President-Elect of the NAELB and adopted by the NAELB Board of Directors. The first was the Broker Exchange program two months ago(1), which has provided numerous brokers around the country with help getting deals funded and has already proved to be a huge success.

The task force held the first meeting this past week on Thursday, Oct. 14th. The meeting was focused on marketing to Leasing companies and community banks that exist outside of the NAELB, and invite them to join our association. With a strong emphasis on the $1.5 billion+ dollar opportunity the broker members of the NAELB can provide , the strong ethics of the NAELB, and the historical data showing the majority of the members have 10+ years in business, the task force is hoping to attract more funders.

A new brochure has been printed that captures the essence of the reasons it makes sense to do business with the professional brokers of the NAELB. A list of prospective funders has been drawn up and the task force will begin contacting them immediately. I am happy to say I am one of the Task Force members and look forward to talking to prospective funders.

Part two is the Funder Task Force as described above, and Part 3 will soon be launched. It is a classified advertisement section for Funder members who have repossessed equipment for sale. Our broker community can provide help with getting equipment items sold and establish new relationships with funders as a result.

Stay tuned for more exciting news from the NAELB.

Rosanne Wilson, CLP
1st Independent Leasing, Inc.
3800 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Suite 165
Beaverton, OR  97005
(800) 926-0851
Fax: (503) 626-1631

(1) Broker Exchange Program:
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2010/9_20.htm#exchange

NEFA Conference Best Ever
by Brad Harmon, CLP

The National Equipment Financial Association (NEFA) annual fall conference / Funding Symposium was held at the Ritz Carlton, Buckhead in Atlanta Oct 14th – 16th. The turnout was 113 attendees who represented funding sources, service providers and broker / lessors. The welcome reception was Thursday evening with dinner and drinks served. Industry peers were consistently more optimistic showing that the tone and sentiment in our industry continues to evolve in a positive way.

Overall I feel that this was one of the best industry events that I have ever attended. Although the turnout was lower than in years past, the caliber of people involved and in attendance was very impressive. Our industry is truly populated by the best and brightest and those in attendance in Atlanta exemplified this.

"The overarching goal for the 2010 NEFA Funding Symposium was to bring the industry together to strengthen existing bonds and discover new alliances," said Chris Walker, CLP, 2010 Fall Conference chair and vice president, business development with GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation.

"I think we were extremely successful in recognizing this goal with our strong session content, robust exhibit hall and social networking events. I believe conference attendees will return to their respective businesses armed with the tools and insights needed to embrace the changes and challenges we are all facing right now."

Friday consisted of four educational sessions which were broken up by a luncheon discussion of general NEFA business matters. The opening keynote address was presented by Joe Terfler, EVP & CFO of GreatAmerica Leasing Corp. The opening session was titled “A Funding Market Primer” and was well done, well attended, informative, and thought provoking. Joe discussed the capital markets from a lessor’s perspective and some of the challenges faced by funding sources in their efforts to raise capital in a challenging market.

Following the keynote address were two concurrent breakout sessions. The first session was on fraud and steps that can be taken to avoid hits to a portfolio or commissions. This session was moderated by Norm Malkowski of Dakota Financial and the panelists were Mike Smith of RTR Services, David Normandin of ENvision Capital Group, Bryan Inman of Great American Insurance and Michael Green of Dakota Financial. This session touched on several real world examples of fraud and specific items for which to be on the lookout.

The concurrent morning session was focused on legal best practices for communications among lessees, brokers, and funding sources including the burdens and dangers of electronic discovery. The panelists were Robert Cohen of Moritt Hock Hamroff & Horowitz, LLP and Frank Peretore of Peretore & Peretore, PC. The panel discussed e-mail in the context of the Courts establishing rules for preserving information stored electronically. More and more e-mails are drafted informally and have become a major source of problems in legal matters. The panelists focused on steps that can be taken to avoid the unintended consequences of e-mails and rules regarding preservation procedures that must be adhered to.

The luncheon was largely moderated by Randy Haug of Lease Team who was the outgoing President of NEFA. There were numerous awards to NEFA members including the first annual Member of the Year Award which was given to Tara Aasand of Great American Insurance. Chris Enbom of Allegiant Partners was introduced as the incoming President of NEFA and the group in attendance voted on and approved the incoming Board of Directors.

Friday afternoon’s general session was titled “Credit Decisions in Today’s Market”. This session was moderated by David Normandin of ENvision Capital Group and the panelists were Chris Enbom of Allegiant Partners, Terey Jennings of Financial Pacific, Mike Przekop of Bank of the West, and Gary Souverein of Pawnee Leasing. Mr. Normandin had several timely and relevant questions prepared for the panel in advance. Topics discussed included credit criteria, specific credit scoring tools, credit bureaus, turnaround time benchmarks, and changes in decision models that have been implemented over the last two years. There was quite a bit of audience participation including discussion amongst the broker / lessors in attendance about best practices for credit submissions and specifically what should be included in credit packages to expedite the decision process.

Saturday morning featured two concurrent breakout sessions. The first session was titled “How to Develop, Build & Fund Mutually Successful Vendor / Dealer Programs in Today’s Market”. This session was presented by Dan Harkin of Horizon Keystone Financial and Chris Walker of GreatAmerica Leasing Corp. The focus of this session was on establishing value propositions, becoming an expert, and contributing within the industry by speaking at events and writing articles for industry publications.

The concurrent morning session was titled “Building Your Balance Sheet” and the panelists were William Ford of Ford Financial Services, Nancy Geary of ECS Financial Services, and Bruce Winter of FSG Leasing. This session presented an overview of the transition from broker to broker/lessor. Discussion centered around how equity is built within a business along with ideas about negotiating credit lines, portfolio servicing options, and tax obligations.

The closing general session was presented by David Weiner of The Alta Group and was titled “Social Media for the Equipment Finance Professional”. Mr. Weiner’s presentation was high energy and incredibly informative. He reviewed the LinkedIn profile of everyone in attendance in his preparation for this session and offered numerous suggestions on how to strengthen our brands and leverage social media technology as an additional marketing channel.

"Based on the positive feedback we have received from attendees, this year's Funding Symposium was the right venue for NEFA members to embrace the 'forging relationships' theme of the conference," notes Randy Haug, 2010 NEFA president and senior vice president and partner with LeaseTeam, Inc.

"You have to continue to invest, discuss best practices and mix with your peers in order move forward in this economy and I believe our attendees wholeheartedly embraced these opportunities during the conference. We are also extremely grateful to our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees for supporting this high-quality event."

The NEFA is planning additional educational and networking opportunities in the coming months, including the annual Super Regional, Nov. 14-15, 2010, in Teaneck, N.J., and the National Equipment Finance Summit, March 17-19, 2011, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Additional details for these events can be found online at nefassociation.org.

Brad Harmon, CLP
First Star Capital - President
P: 800-604-4817 F: 925-262-8244
3050 Citrus Circle, Suite 222 | Walnut Creek, CA 94598
brad@firststarcapital.com | www.FirstStarCapital.com

Coda:

“Coming away from this meeting I have a good view and comfort level that the NEFA I know will be stronger than ever and will help me continue to grow my business by providing me with the network that build lasting trusted relationships with key people.

“There is not another association out there like NEFA.   The board is made up of strong minded people and it will be nice to watch them in action as the years go by!

“Thought you would enjoy some positive information.”

Barbara Griffith
President

Southern California Leasing, Inc
180 E. Main Street #204
Tustin, Ca  92780
Phone:  714-573-9804
Fax:      714-573-9806
Email: bgriffith@socalleasing.com

Leasing Conferences---2010 Up-Date

Shawn Halladay, the Alta Group, member of the Leasing News Advisory Board will be reporting on the Equipment Leasing and Financial Association for readers.

ELFA Convention registration is reportedly up 30% over 2009—a positive sign for the industry.

There are also two service projects to benefit the South Florida community that ELFA would like to attendees to participate in:

Sunday, Oct. 24:

“Build a Home, Build a Neighborhood: A Brush with Kindness,” an event with Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County, 504 NW 9th Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL 33435, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Currently 37 convention attendees are registered to work on one of two projects: construction of a home or home improvement services such as painting, caulking, landscaping, minor repairs and exterior clean-up. All work will be supervised by experienced volunteers.

“Build-A-Bike,” in partnership with The Boys and Girls Club of Broward County and the Leader’s Institute on the Grand Lawn of the Boca Raton Resort & Club from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Each team of convention attendees will build one bike. Each bicycle is inspected before a child takes it home. For most of the children involved, ages 8 - 12, this will be their first bicycle. Each child will receive a new bicycle built by our attendees and a new bike helmet. Kids will be on hand to receive their bikes."

Leasing Association 2010 Conferences

---

October 24-26
ELFA 49th Annual Convention
Boca Raton Resort & Club
Boca Raton, Florida

Click here for registration

To download brochure, click here (long download)

---

 

November 3-5
Association of Government Leasing & Finance
Loews Ventana Canyon
Tucson, Arizona

Conference Agenda at this date:
http://www.aglf.org/tell/august_07.html

General Information:
http://www.aglf.org/fall2010.html#reg

registration:
http://secure.aglf.org/core/events/events.aspx

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November 12-13, 2010
NAELB Western Regional Meeting
Hilton Orange County / Costa Mesa
3050 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, California

To make hotel reservations by phone - Contact (714) 540-7000 or (714) 438-4923
and please identify yourself as an NAELB Western Regional Meeting attendee

To view Leasing Association Events-Meetings Open to All, please click here.

 

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

Bank of the West Begins Servicing for Microsoft Financing

Portland OR ---- Bank of the West Managed Services said today the bank has begun to provide Microsoft Financing with complete portfolio management and servicing for its existing U.S. loan portfolio.

Eric Gross

Eric Gross, Bank of the West Managed Services Director, said, "Managed Services is very pleased to partner with Microsoft Financing in the U.S. We clearly share their commitment to their customers and to providing them with best in class products and services.

“We selected Bank of the West on the basis of their experience, systems, financial strength and reputation,” said Seth Eisner, General Manager of Microsoft Financing.

Seth Eisner
(source: Linkedin.com)

“The standards of service required by Microsoft and our customers dictate we partner with a highly experienced portfolio manager and servicer with sophisticated systems and the flexibility and detail in reporting that a large portfolio requires.”

About Bank of the West Managed Services
Providing third-party portfolio servicing since 1989, Bank of the West Managed Services (503. 225.1607) delivers a full scope of customized primary and backup private label portfolio services. Bank of the West is one of the largest and most experienced commercial lease and loan servicers in the U.S.

Based in San Francisco, $61 billion-asset Bank of the West (www.bankofthewest.com) offers a full range of business, corporate, personal, trust and international banking services. Bank of the West's holding company, BancWest Corporation, is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, among the six strongest banks in the world, according to Standard & Poor's.

About Microsoft Financing
Established in 2003, Microsoft Financing is a Microsoft program that offers customers a simple, convenient, and affordable way to acquire their IT solutions. Customers do not need to arrange an independent source of financing for their IT solutions when a financing provider in the Microsoft Financing program is used.

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

Allegiant Partners Incorporated Purchases Distressed Situation Portfolio

San Rafael, Ca. –– Allegiant Partners Incorporated (Allegiant) purchased a portfolio of leases and equipment finance agreements from a mid-western independent leasing company. Allegiant completed the due diligence and sale within a two week period, allowing the seller’s bank to reduce exposure prior to the close of the third quarter.

“Allegiant has proven once again its ability to price, structure and close a multi-party portfolio purchase within a very short time frame,” stated Ben Carlile, President of Allegiant.

“Allegiant was involved in a $13 million, 450 contract purchase with two week close in Q3 of 2009 and we have followed up this year with a smaller 20 contract purchase in 2010. The company has ample liquidity and we are interested in situations with distressed sellers and/or distressed portfolios.”

Allegiant Partners Incorporated was established in 1998 as an independent equipment finance company. Allegiant excels in purchasing equipment leases and loans of $30,000 to $275,000 from leasing syndication sources, purchasing portfolios and direct financing through its division First Star Capital. For more information, visit allegiant-partners.com or call Ben Carlile at 415.451.4042.

Chris Enbom, CEO
Allegiant Partners Incorporated
P: (415) 257-4200 ext. 204 F: (415) 257-4201
900 Fourth Street, Suite 200 | San Rafael, CA 94901

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

ELFA New Business Council Steering Committees

Washington, D.C. – The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association has announced the results of the association’s September 2010 Business Council Steering Committee elections. The Business Council Steering Committees are the association’s primary constituent bodies. The committees are an integral part of ELFA's operations, providing critical input on the direction of the association and serving as a bridge between the membership and the Board of Directors and staff. The committee members are elected by the Business Council membership for a term of two years on a staggered basis.

The Captive and Vendor Finance Business Council Steering Committee represents companies primarily involved in vendor and manufacturer support activities, either as a vendor or a captive finance company. The committee analyzes the needs of companies in this segment and recommends to the ELFA Board of Directors how to meet those needs. The newly-elected or newly re-elected committee members for 2011 are:

Eric Gross, Committee Chair, Bank of the West
Shawn Arnone, EverBank Commercial Finance
James Cress, Stryker Finance
Edward Foley, Caterpillar Financial Services
Matthew Gonser, Dell Financial Services
Richard Gumbrecht, EverBank Commercial Finance
William Houston, Canon Financial Services
Robert Neagle, First Data Global Leasing
John Okerson, Siemens Financial Services
Julia Pierce, Cisco Systems Capital
Larry Scherzer, SG Equipment Finance

The Financial Institutions Business Council Steering Committee represents financial services member companies (commercial banks, investment banks, and multi-line finance companies) engaged in the middle market and large ticket sectors. The committee analyzes the needs of companies in this segment and recommends to the Board how to meet those needs. The newly-elected or newly re-elected committee members for 2011 are:

Lori Frasier, Key Equipment Finance
Donald E. Furrer, SG Equipment Finance
John Handelsman, First Financial Bank
Brad Hansen, M&I Equipment Finance
Kirk Phillips, AIG Commercial Equipment Finance
J. Christopher Swanton, RBS Asset Finance

The Independent Middle Market Business Council Steering Committee represents independent finance and multi-line finance companies involved in transactions between $250,000 and $5 million, either individually or through lines. The committee analyzes the needs of companies in its segment and recommends to the Board how to meet those needs. The newly-elected or newly re-elected committee members for 2011 are:

Martha Ahlers, United Leasing
William (Bill) Bullock, Atel Capital Group
George Fox, Eplus Group
Deborah Monosson, Boston Financial and Equity
Quinn Scullion, Somerset Capital Group

The Service Providers Business Council Steering Committee represents companies that primarily provide legal, accounting, software and systems support, and other specialized professional services for the equipment finance industry. The committee analyzes the needs of companies in its segment and recommends to the Board how to meet those needs. The newly-elected or newly re-elected committee members for 2011 are:

Jeff Dicosola, Great American Insurance
Andrew Loria, Re. Source Partners Asset Management
Curt Lysne, Portfolio Financial Servicing Company
Joseph Moore, Ivory Consulting

The Small Ticket Business Council Steering Committee represents companies primarily involved in transactions under $250,000, either individually or through lines. The committee analyzes the needs of companies in its segment and recommends to the Board how to meet those needs. The newly-elected or newly re-elected committee members for 2011 are:

James Elwood, Bank of the West
Terey Jennings, Financial Pacific Leasing
Raymond Shilling, Marlin Leasing
David Verkinderen, US Bank Equipment Finance
Carl Zwilling, Summit Funding Group

About ELFA
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association is the trade association that represents companies in the $521 billion equipment finance sector, which includes financial services companies and manufacturers engaged in financing capital goods. ELFA members are the driving force behind the growth in the commercial equipment finance market and contribute to capital formation in the U.S. and abroad. Its over 600 members include independent and captive leasing and finance companies, banks, financial services corporations, broker/packagers and investment banks, as well as manufacturers and service providers. For more information, visit www.elfaonline.org.

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

Plano, Texas---Adopt a Dog

Petie
Dalmatian Mix
Large • Young • Male

“Petie is a cute and loveable dog who was lost and never found by his owner. He is about 9 months of age and so full of play and fun! He is good with other dogs. When inquiring about an animal, please be sure to use the animal identification number”.

Pet ID: A078181
• Spayed/Neutered
• Up-to-date with routine shots

Petie*'s Contact Info
Plano Animal Shelter, Plano, TX
•972-769-4360
debbien@plano.gov

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX01.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/\

Fernando's View
By Fernando F. Croce

The rousing “Secretariat” and the nerve-jangling “My Soul to Take” present moviegoers with a contrasting double-bill of wholesome and creepy entertainments, while art-house sleepers (“I Am Love”), nature documentaries (“Oceans”) and witty comedies (“Please Give”) make for an exceptional DVD week.

In theaters:

Secretariat (Walt Disney Pictures): The crowd-pleasing Disney touch is everywhere in this energetic sports drama, set in Virginia in 1973. The fact-based story follows the underdog saga of Penny Chenery (Diane Lane), a housewife and mother whose life takes an exciting turn when she takes over Meadow Stables from her ailing father (Scott Glenn). That’s where she meets a colt named Secretariat, a remarkable animal capable of becoming one of the area’s champion horses. With the help of an eccentric French-Canadian trainer (John Malkovich), Penny enters the business of horse-racing, in the process challenging the industry’s sexist standards. Director Randall Wallace crafts a nostalgic atmosphere and sturdy racing sequences, but the movie’s strongest aspect is Lane’s graceful performance as a woman who finds faith and bravery in herself.

My Soul to Take (Relativity Media): An experienced hand at scary flicks, director Wes Craven (“Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Scream”) returns here to the thriller genre with his first horror movie in years. Taking place in the kind of sleepy yet creepy small town favored by Stephen King, the plot follows a local legend that predicts that a killer will return to slain the seven children who were born the night he was killed. It’s been nearly 20 years since the legend started, and teenagers all of a sudden start to disappear left and right. Adam (Max Thieriot) begins his own investigation. Can he uncover the culprit before he falls prey himself? Both a nerve-jangler and a metaphor for the fears of growing up, this is a treat for viewers looking for an early Halloween fright.

Netflix tip: Horses have always made terrific camera subjects, and “Secretariat” is only the latest in a long line of rousing tales about these grand creatures. Make sure to put these choice equine yarns on your Netflix queue: “National Velvet” (1944) with Andy Rooney and Elizabeth Taylor, the magical “The Black Stallion” (1979), the Oscar-nominated “Seabiscuit” (2003), and “Dreamer” (2006), with Dakota Fanning and Kurt Russell.

New on DVD:

I Am Love (Magnolia): One of modern cinema’s most striking actresses, Tilda Swinton often has trouble finding a role that does justice to her unique gifts. She finds just such a role in this terrifically stylish melodrama about a woman’s self-discovery. Swinton plays Emma, the Russian wife of a wealthy Milanese industrialist (Flavio Parenti). Swathed with furs and jewels, she nevertheless feels unfulfilled by life, until she meets Antonio (Edoardo Gabbriellini), a talented young chef who ignites her dormant passion. Letting the story unfold as a dry and witty comedy of social manners, writer-director Luca Guadagnino displays a luscious sense of visual style, as well as a sensitive touch for the characters. Best of all, he allows enough room for Swinton to shine her one-of-a-kind brand of light. The dazzling results make for one of the year’s best.

Oceans (Walt Disney): Arriving on the heels of Earth Day, this inventive, visually breathtaking documentary definitely cements DisneyNature’s reputation as a studio specializing on giving audiences fresh new angles of Nature. Taking over where the legendary documentarian Jacques Cousteau left off, filmmakers Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud take their cameras deep below ocean waters, photographing a wide and colorful gallery of life forms. Underwater fauna and flora is not a new subject for documentaries, yet state-of-the-art technology now allows the film crew closer and clearer access to whales, jellyfish, hermit crabs, and giant marine insects than ever before. The result is a stunning collection of shape-shifting sights and sounds that can rival even the trippiest science-fiction adventures. A feast for the senses that’s both exhilarating and educational.

Please Give (Sony): After such gems as “Lovely & Amazing” and “Friends with Money,” writer-director Nicole Holofcener has crafted a unique niche as creator of witty and human variations of what some might call “chick flicks.” In her latest, she teams up once more with her favorite leading lady, Catherine Keener, for an amusing and often resonant comedy of manners. Keener plays Kate, a busy Manhattan woman who specializes in buying furniture on the cheap before reselling it. But business is just one of her worries; there’s also her husband (Oliver Platt), who has different ideas for how to deal with sales, plus her teenage daughter and the granddaughters of her elderly tenant. The results are a sharp, well-acted mix of humor and melancholy.

News Briefs----

Umpqua Bank Settles $30M Ponzi Scheme Lawsuit
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=11921664

 

 

You May have Missed---

Unemployment rate by county
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/nation/unemployment-by-county/

 

 

 

Sports Briefs----

San Francisco Giants beat Philadelphia Phillies, take NLCS lead
http://www.contracostatimes.com/giants/ci_16379500?nclick_check=1

Another blowout win has Rangers one win away from World Series
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/
misc/chat/stories/102010dnspochatgame4.18e0fb58d.html

 

 

 

California Nuts Briefs---

Brown, Whitman unleash edgy new ads portraying each other as puppets
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_16380717?nclick_check=1

 

 

 

 

“Gimme that Wine”

Latino winemakers rare but finding success
http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_16372059

Napa Chance of more rain worries grape growers
http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/article_8397ad8a-db40-11df-aa6c-001cc4c03286.html

Calif. Vintage 2010 most unusual in memory
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69I20720101019

A Cabernet, Ma'am? Will That Be Bottle, or Tap?
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130332070

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

    

     1803-The Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase Treaty by a vote of twenty-four to seven. Originally concerned that France would develop this territory, by the time the American delegation reached France, Napoleon was more concerned about England and to both stop England from gaining this territory, and to raise money, had offered $15 million for the property. The delegation accepted it without any authority as too good of an opportunity to turn down. The ratification was more a legal formality.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/oct20.html
    1818-A diplomatic convention signed between Britain and the U.S. gave fishing rights to American seamen off parts of Newfoundland and the coast of Labrador. The U.S. renounced such activity within three miles of any other British Territory. The boundary between Canada and the U.S. between Lake of the Woods and the crest of the Rocky Mts. was fixed at the 49 th parallel. No boundary was decided upon farther west, and Oregon was declared open territory for ten years.
    1820 - Spain sold a part of Florida to US for $5 million.
    1827- Emily Howland, received an honorary doctorate by the University of the State of New York at age 99 for her services to educating black students which included helping establish or aiding more than 30 institutions of learning in the youth, and schools in New York and Virginia.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1881539202/
102-3335791-6093721?v=glance
    1847- Elizabeth Blackwell's application to medical school is accepted. Though she was refused admittance to 29 medical schools and publicly ridiculed for her attempts, Elizabeth Blackwell persisted. She studied privately for three years before being admitted to the Medical Institute of Geneva, NY, after the director had passed her application on to the students for approval. Thinking it to be a joke, they agreed on October 20, 1847, that "...the application of Elizabeth Blackwell to become a member of our class meets our entire approval." Her arrival at the school was greeted with shock and hostility, however. She was cursed, spat upon, refused lodging at first, and barred from some classroom demonstrations.
    1854-Until 1929, more than 150.000 homeless children and poor families were transported out of New York City, Boston and Chi­cago aboard trains accompanied by “agents.” Agents for the New York Children's Aid Society arranged for Midwestern families to take the children under a contract agreement. Infants placed by the New York Foundling.
    1858-Birthday of James Robert Dewey, American lawyer and legislator, born near Bloomington, IL, Republican member of Congress from Illinois from 1896 until his death, Nov 30, 1922, at Washington, DC. Mann was the author and sponsor of the "White Slave Traffic Act," also known as the "Mann Act," passed by Congress on June 25, 1910. The act prohibited, under heavy penalties, the interstate transportation of women for immoral purposes.
    1859-Birthday of John Dewey, American psychologist, philosopher and educational reformer born at Burlington, VT. His philosophical views of education have been termed pragmatism, instrumentalism and experimentalism. Died at New York, NY, June 1, 1952
    1873 - Showman P.T. Barnum opened the Hippodrome in New York City to accommodate his "Greatest Show on Earth".
    1874 -- Modernist composer Charles Ives lives, Danbury, Ct.
http://www.charlesives.org/02bio.htm
    1898-John Merrick organizes North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. The nations oldest and largest black insurance company.
http://docsouth.unc.edu/nc/andrews/menu.html
    1901-Birthday of singer Adelaide Hall, Brooklyn, NY.
http://www.xtrememusician.com/info/artists/profiles/1753.html
    1910 - A cork centered baseball was used in a World Series game for the first time. The Philadelphia Athletics, managed by Connie Mack, and the Chicago Cubs, managed by P.K. Wrigley, were in competition for the championship.
    1913-Trumpter Johnny Best born Shelby, NC. With Glenn Miller 1939-42.
    1920-Trumpter Ray Linn born Chicago, Ill. With Herman, Shaw, Raeburn.
    1923 -- Beat poet Philip Whalen born Portland, Oregon.
http://jacketmagazine.com/11/whalen-writing.html
    1924-The first Negro World Series is played between the Kansas City Monarchs (Negro National League Champions) and the Hilldale Club (Eastern Colored League Champions).Kansas City wins the series championship 5 games to 4.
http://www.negroleaguebaseball.com/history101.html
    1931-Mickey Mantle birthday, Baseball Hall of Famer, born at Spavinaw, OK. Mantle replaced Joe DiMaggio in center field for the New York Yankees and grew to become the most beloved player of his era. His battle with liver cancer raised awareness for organ donation and alcoholism. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974. Died Aug 13, 1995, at Dallas, TX.
    1932 -- Michael McClure born Marysville, Kansas.
http://www.thing.net/~grist/l&d/mcclure/mcclure.htm
http://www.mcclure-manzarek.com/mcclurebio.html
http://www.metroactive.com/papers/sonoma/12.14.00/mcclure-0050.html
    1934-Birthday of tenor sax player Eddie Harris, Chicago, Il. Died November 8, 1966.
http://www.eddieharris.com/bio/bio_images/bio_r1_c3.jpg
http://www.cyberstars.com/jazz/les-mccann/eddie.html
http://centerstage.net/chicago/music/whoswho/EddieHarris.html
    1944---Top Hits
I'll Walk Alone - Dinah Shore
Is You is or is You Ain't - Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
It Had to Be You - Helen Forrest & Dick Haymes
Smoke on the Water - Red Foley
    1944- more than 100,000 American soldiers land on Leyte Island, in the Philippines, as preparation for the major invasion by Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The ensuing battles of Leyte Island proved among the bloodiest of the war in the Pacific and signaled the beginning of the end for the Japanese. The Japanese had held the Philippines since May 1942, when the awful defeat of American forces led to General MacArthur's departure and General Wainwright's capture. MacArthur was back, as he promised, but his invasion of Luzon required a softening up of the enemy. Thus, the amphibious landing of the American forces at Leyte and the concomitant goal of destroying the Japanese fleet in the gulf was undertaken. All told, the Japanese lost more than 55,000 soldiers during the two months of battle and approximately another 25,000 in mopping up operations in early 1945. The U.S. forces lost about 3,500-compared with the Japanese loss of 80,000 total. The sea battle of Leyte Gulf was the same story. The loss of ships and sailors was horrendous for both sides. The sinking of the American carrier Princeton resulted in the drowning deaths of 500 men. When the Japanese battleship Musashi was destroyed by a massive American aerial attack, more than 1,000 sailors died, including the captain who stood on his bridge and literally went down with his ship. Three days of sea battle saw the destruction of 36 Japanese warships-compared with America's three. It also saw the introduction of the Japanese kamikaze-"divine wind"--suicide bombers. The St. Lo, an American aircraft carrier, was one of the first casualties, when one kamikaze pilot drove his plane straight into its flight deck. More than 5,000 kamikaze pilots died in this gulf battle-taking down 34 ships. But when all was said and done, the Japanese had not been able to prevent the loss of their biggest and best warships, signaling the virtual end of the Japanese Imperial Fleet. The American victory on land and sea opened the door for General MacArthur's invasion and the recapture of the Philippines. The television series “Victory at Seas” captures much of this major battle.
    1944--*WAI, FRANCIS B. Medal of Honor
Captain Francis B. Wai distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action, on 20 October 1944, in Leyte , Philippine Islands. Captain Wai landed at Red Beach , Leyte , in the face of accurate, concentrated enemy fire from gun positions advantageously located in a palm grove bounded by submerged rice paddies. Finding the first four waves of American soldiers leaderless, disorganized, and pinned down on the open beach, he immediately assumed command. Issuing clear and concise orders, and disregarding heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire, he began to move inland through the rice paddies without cover. The men, inspired by his cool demeanor and heroic example, rose from their positions and followed him. During the advance, Captain Wai repeatedly determined the locations of enemy strong points by deliberately exposing himself to draw their fire. In leading an assault upon the last remaining Japanese pillbox in the area, he was killed by its occupants. Captain Wai's courageous, aggressive leadership inspired the men, even after his death, to advance and destroy the enemy. His intrepid and determined efforts were largely responsible for the rapidity with which the initial beachhead was secured. Captain Wai'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.
    1947 - The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) of the U.S. Congress opens its investigation into communist infiltration of the American movie industry on October 20, 1947. Chaired by Congressman Parnell Thomas, the subsequent hearings focused on identifying political subversives among Hollywood actors and actresses, writers, and directors. A number of witnesses, including studio owners Walt Disney and Jack Warner, and movie stars Robert Taylor and Gary Cooper, gave statements decrying the communist influence in the film industry; some specifically named colleagues whom they suspected of communist affiliations or sympathies. Another group of witnesses, including writers Dalton Trumbo and Ring Lardner Jr., were less forthcoming, and loudly complained that the hearings were illegal, and that questions about their political loyalties were inappropriate. Eventually, the "Hollywood Ten," as these protesting witnesses came to be known, were found in contempt of Congress and went on to serve jail terms.
    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 - Science fiction writer Ray Bradbury's chilling futuristic anti-book novel, “Fahrenheit 451,” was published on this date.
    1955 - On Broadway, "No Time for Sergeants" opened, starring Andy Griffith.
    1955 - One of Harry Belafonte's hits was recorded for RCA Victor. It took "Day-O" over a year to hit the pop charts in January of 1957, after its name was changed to "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)".
    1955--Elvis Presley, Bill Haley, The Four Lads and Pat Boone appear together in concert at the Brooklyn High School auditorium in Cleveland , Ohio .
    1956-Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender," is now the first song to the pop chart at #2. It also makes it to the Country & Western chart, the R&B chart and the top One Hundred.
    1957 - Tonight Walter Cronkite began hosting a weekly documentary. Called "The 20th Century", the show reported on major events that shaped modern history. In 1967, the show switched its focus and its title to "The 21st Century". Until its last show on January 4, 1970. Cronkite was the only narrator of the program.
    1960---Top Hits
Save the Last Dance for Me - The Drifters
My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own - Connie Francis
I Want to Be Wanted - Brenda Lee
Alabam - Cowboy Copas
    1961- The Supreme Court upholds a Florida law which exempts women from jury duty, unless they volunteer. In all, 18 states allow the jury duty exemption while three state, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina outright barred women from jury duty. However, on 02-07-1966, a federal court rules that such laws should end on June 1, 1967 because such laws "deny to women the equal protection of the laws in violation of the 14th amendment." In January of 1975 the Supreme Court says a Louisiana law forbidding women serving on juries is unconstitutional. The first woman juror served in the State of New York in 1936.
    1962-The Four Seasons' "Big Girls Don't Cry" is released.
    1964-"The Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett, reached the top of Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart. This novelty song, which was recorded in less than two hours, has become an annual favorite.
    1968---Top Hits
Hey Jude - The Beatles
Fire - The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
Little Green Apples - O.C. Smith
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye - Eddy Arnold
    1973-The White House announced at 8:24pm EDT, that President ‘Richard M. Nixon had discharged Archibald Cox (Special Watergate Prosecutor) and William B. Ruckelhaus ( Deputy Attorney General)(, and that the Attorney General Elliot L. Richardson, had resigned. Immediate and widespread demands for impeachment of the president ensued and were not settled until President Nixon resigned August 9, 1974.
    1973-The Rolling Stones have their first Number One ballad, "Angie," a song that sparks rumor that it's a love song from Jagger to David Bowie's wife, Angela.
    1973-“ The Six Million Dollar Man” first pilot appeared “ Wine, Women and War.”
This action-adventure series based on the novel “Cyborg” was a monthly feature on “The ABC Suspense Movie” before becoming a regular series in 1974. Lee Majors starred as astronaut Steve Austin, who after an accident, was “rebuilt” with bionic legs, arms and an eye. He worked for the Office of Strategic Information (S) carrying out sensitive missions. Also in the cast were Richard Anderson, Alan Oppenheimer and Martin E. Brooks. “The Bionic Woman, “ staring g Lindsay Wagner, was a spin-off from his show and the two main characters were paired for several made-for-TV sequels.
http://www.pazsaz.com/million.html
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-591/
The_Six_Million_Dollar_Man/
    1976---Top Hits
Disco Duck (Part 1) - Rick Dees & His Cast of Idiots
Lowdown - Boz Scaggs
If You Leave Me Now -Chicago
You and Me - Tammy Wynette
    1979 - The John F. Kennedy Library in Boston was dedicated.
    1984---Top Hits
I Just Called to Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder
Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run) - Billy Ocean
Hard Habit to Break - Chicago
I Don't Know a Thing About Love (The Moon Song) - Conway Twitty
    1988-Top Hits
Groovy Kind Of Love- Phil Collins
Kokomo (From The "Cocktail" Soundtrack)- The Beach Boys
Wild, Wild West- The Escape Club
Red Red Wine- UB40
    1989 - Forty-nine cities reported record low temperatures for the date as readings dipped into the 20s and 30s across much of the south central and southeastern U.S. Lows of 32 degrees at Lake Charles LA and 42 degrees at Lakeland FL were records for October, and Little Rock AR reported their earliest freeze of record. Snow blanketed the higher elevations of Georgia and the Carolinas. Melbourne FL dipped to 47 degrees shortly before midnight to surpass the record low established that morning. Showers and thunderstorms brought heavy rain to parts of the northeastern U.S. Autumn leaves on the ground clogged drains and ditches causing flooding. Up to 4.10 inches of rain soaked southern Vermont in three days. Flood waters washed 600 feet of railroad track, resulting in a train derailment.
    1991- Oakland Hills fire, California
http://geo.arc.nasa.gov/sge/jskiles/fliers/all_flier_prose/oaklandfires_brass/
oaklandfires_brass.html
    1993-Top Hits
Dreamlover- Mariah Carey
Just Kickin It- Xscape
I d Do Anything For Love (But I Won t Do That)- Meat Loaf
All That She Wants- Ace Of Base
    1995 - The clever black comedy, Get Shorty, starring John Travolta, Rene Russo, Gene Hackman, Danny DeVito, and Dennis Farina, opened across the country. The film did well at the box office, and once again affirmed Travolta's "come back" to films.
    2000 -Toronto signs Carlos Delgado to a record four-year $68 million contract. The Blue Jay first baseman's average salary of $17 million is the most in major league history.
    2001—Top Hits
Look of Love---Diana Krall
Silver Side Up-Nickeback
Pain is Love-Ja Rule
Songs in a Minor-Alicia Keys
    2001--An all-star lineup including David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Elton John and The Who appear at The Concert For New York City at Madison Square Garden in a five hour show to benefit the victims of the 9/11 attack.
    2002- Twenty-year old Venezuelan right-hander Francisco Rodriguez becomes the youngest pitcher ever to win a World Series game. With just 15 days of major league experience, K- Rod throws 37 pitches retiring 9 consecutive batters in three innings to pick up the victory as the Angels out slug the Giants in Game 2, 11-10.
    2004 -- After losing the first three games of the ALCS, the Red Sox become the first team in baseball history to win a best-of-seven series by beating the Yankees at stadium, 10-3. Johnny Damon's two home runs, including a grand slam in the fourth, and Derek Lowe's solid pitching performance helps Boston to join the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs and the 1975 New York Islanders as the only teams in the history professional sports to overcome a 3-0 series deficit to win a seven-game series.

World Series Champion This Date

    1982- St. Louis Cardinals
    1988- Los Angeles Dodgers
    1990- Cincinnati Reds
    2004- Boston Red Sox

Baseball Poem

Baseball Canto

Lawrence Ferlinghetti

Watching baseball, sitting in the sun, eating popcorn,
reading Ezra Pound,
and wishing that Juan Marichal would hit a hole right through the
Anglo-Saxon tradition in the first Canto
and demolish the barbarian invaders.
When the San Francisco Giants take the field
and everybody stands up for the National Anthem,
with some Irish tenor's voice piped over the loudspeakers,
with all the players struck dead in their places
and the white umpires like Irish cops in their black suits and little
black caps pressed over their hearts,
Standing straight and still like at some funeral of a blarney bartender,
and all facing east,
as if expecting some Great White Hope or the Founding Fathers to
appear on the horizon like 1066 or 1776.
But Willie Mays appears instead,
in the bottom of the first,
and a roar goes up as he clouts the first one into the sun and takes
off, like a footrunner from Thebes.
The ball is lost in the sun and maidens wail after him
as he keeps running through the Anglo-Saxon epic.
And Tito Fuentes comes up looking like a bullfighter
in his tight pants and small pointy shoes.
And the right field bleechers go made with Chicanos and blacks
and Brooklyn beer-drinkers,
"Tito! Sock it to him, sweet Tito!"
And sweet Tito puts his foot in the bucket
and smacks one that don't come back at all,
and flees around the bases
like he's escaping from the United Fruit Company.
As the gringo dollar beats out the pound.
And sweet Tito beats it out like he's beating out usury,
not to mention fascism and anti-semitism.
And Juan Marichal comes up,
and the Chicano bleechers go loco again,
as Juan belts the first ball out of sight,
and rounds first and keeps going
and rounds second and rounds third,
and keeps going and hits paydirt
to the roars of the grungy populace.
As some nut presses the backstage panic button
for the tape-recorded National Anthem again,
to save the situation.

But it don't stop nobody this time,
in their revolution round the loaded white bases,
in this last of the great Anglo-Saxon epics,
in the territorio libre of Baseball