Archives---September 20, 2006
(PFSC President) Jerry Hudspeth takes a walk—

Leasing News source was correct: the acquirer of PFSC, a 150 employee “back office” operation in Portland, Oregon was Walled Lake, Michigan Varilease “owner” Bob VanHellemont, plus “four to five significant investors with a lot of board of director experience." Varilease was also one of the UniCapital companies. PFSC does the servicing for the Varilease small ticket operation.

According to Varilease CEO Robert VanHellemont that's how it all started.

Robert VanHellemont

"We were solid in the middle market leasing business, "he explains. ”For a year and a half, we studied getting into the small ticket market, but did not want to do the servicing, as it was too costly.

"PFSC was backed by Bank of America to handle the UniCapital portfolio, and they wanted to run it down, not invest any more. Jerry Hudspeth, as the portfolio ran down, brought in some new accounts, as he is excellent in marketing. He had an option from Bank of America to buy the assets, which we basically did and were running it for a few months.

"After learning more, watching the operation, it was clear to me and the other investors we could grow this ten- to- twenty fold and become the premier provider in the United States. Jerry basically wanted to keep the same size as he was coming in at 7am every morning and had his pace at full speed.

"We see a bigger marketplace, so temporarily I am the acting CEO, flying out to Portland once a week... also hoping that Jerry will stay on and help us market PFSC to become a much larger company."

To learn more about Varilease, please go here:
http://varilease.com/company/president.html
http://varilease.com/contact.html

Today, Jerry Hudspeth is CEO - Hilco Real Estate Managed Assets, Greater Atlanta area.
www.linkedin.com/pub/jerry-hudspeth/9/85a/2

 

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

Classified Ads---Legal

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

Orange County, CA 20+ years with record of success. Hands on manager that can show how its done to get great results in Legal/Collections. michaellosey@gmail.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/michael-losey/12/229/824

San Diego , CA  Experienced in-house corporate, equipment leasing and financial services attorney seeks position as managing or transactional counsel. Willing to relocate. Cell Phone: 760-533-4058; Email:marshallrosenberg@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

Gary DiLillo, President 440.871.0555 or gary@avptc.com Comprehensive personal property tax outsourcing services. Click here to see what our clients say about us.

 

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

Orion First Financial Awarded Dynamic Funding Portfolio Service

GIG HARBOR, WASH., - Orion First Financial, LLC announces that it has contracted with Dynamic Funding, Inc. to begin servicing equipment lease and loan contracts.

Orion continues its dynamic growth in the NorthWest finance and leasing portfolio servicing for community and regional banks as well as leasing companies. Contracts were transferred to Orion effective August 10th, 2012, reportedly after Dynamic Funding concluded that Orion offered the “most comprehensive servicing program at the optimum cost.”

Jim Tarbell

“Orion First Financial offered the best overall value compared to others and tackled our challenge with a genuinely collaborative attitude,” said Jim Tarbell, President of Dynamic Funding, Inc.

“The initial transfer was handled smoothly and professionally under a relatively tight time table. To date, servicing has been excellent and exceeded our expectations. Considering the stress on all credit markets created by recent economic conditions, and Orion’s performance results, we clearly made the right choice.”

Shannon Green

“Orion is proud of its role in supporting small business lending and reputation for service quality,” said Shannon Green, President of Orion First Financial. “We are very pleased with the vote of confidence from Dynamic considering their standards for service quality and rigorous competitive review of Orion and other prospective servicer's in the industry.”

Orion First Financial, located in Gig Harbor, WA, is an independent servicer for the equipment finance industry.

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

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

New Hires---Promotions

Brenda Avila-Martín hired as property and acquisitions manager for ATEL Capital Group, San Francisco. ”She is responsible for overseeing the operations of current real estate as well as identifying and targeting potential real estate acquisitions for current and future portfolios. While attending UCLA as a Bill Gates Millennium Scholar recipient, Avila-Martin co-founded Paramita Investments, a student run investment fund focused on principal investment through the value investing philosophy. Prior to joining ATEL, she worked as a real estate investment analyst for Topnet, where she was successful in researching commercial and residential real estate for acquisition.

‘I am confident that Brenda brings outstanding capabilities and a broad base of contacts within the real state sector that will enable her to do an outstanding job in this role and help take our property division to an even higher level,’ commented Dean Cash, president and CEO. “

Previously she was analyst & managing partner, Paramita Investments (November, 2007-August, 2010), investment banking intern (Gemini Partners (November, 2009-May, 2010), financial advisory intern (AXA Advisors (November, 2008-April, 2009), real estate investment researcher, TopNet (March, 2009-October, 2008). University of Barcelona, Spanish and International Economics (2010 –2011), University of California, Los Angeles B.A., Economics/International Area Studies, Minor in Spanish (2006 – 2011), Economics and Business Coursework: Intro, Intermediate & Advanced Accounting; Micro & Macro Economics; Financial Statement Analysis, Managerial Accounting, Econometrics, International Finance Activities and Societies: Investment Group at UCLA, Smart Partner
www.linkedin.com/pub/brenda-avila-martín/3a/a0b/5b4

Steven G. Clyne was appointed regional sales manager, Key Equipment Finance, Greater New York area. Previously he was regional sales manager, northeast, LEAF Commercial Capital (March, 2011-September, 2012), director, Patriot Funding Corporation (May, 2009-February, 2011), national sales manager, CIT Group (October, 2007-Feburary, 2009), account manager & sales rep (Copelco Capital (May, 1996-May, 2000) Rookie of the Year 1996. University of Delaware (1991 – 1995), Westfield High School (1988 – 1991).
www.linkedin.com/pub/steven-g-clyne/3/696/179

Greg Cousins joins Vantage Financial as Managing Director of Sales – Eastern Region. Previously he was vice president, equipment leasing (CCA Financial (February, 2008-August, 2012), district manager, Pfizer (May, 1992-February, 2008), institutional healthcare representative Pfizer Pharmaceuticals (1994-1995). University of Richmond, BS, Finance and Marketing (1988 – 1992). Activities and Societies: Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity - VP & Treasurer; Resident Assistant, Speakers' Board Chairman, Omicron Delta Kappa, Intramurals University of Richmond - Robins School of Business, BS, Business Admin. - Finance/Marketing (1988 – 1992), Activities and Societies: Business School Honor Council.
www.linkedin.com/in/gregcousins

Jana Glassman hired as Brand Solutions Sales, AdRoll.com. Previously she was an account manager at Google Offers (Jun, 2012-Present), local results account executive, CLEARLINK (March, 2011-June, 2012), relationship manager, Meridian Bank N.A.-Marquette Equipment Finance (July, 2009-March, 2011), account executive, Marlin Leasing (February, 2008-July, 2009) account manager Ingenix (United Health Group), January, 2004-December, 2006), Weber State University (1991–1993)
www.linkedin.com/in/jglasmann

Craig de Koning hired as regional vice president for Connext Financial, San Francisco Bay Area. He "...will now be responsible for expanding relationships with distributors of machine tools in the Pacific Northwest region, as well as for managing the continued development of print packaging and food processing business segments for Connext. Previously he was AVP National Program Manager, Bank of the West (June, 2006-Present), senior loan agent, Residential Pacific Mortgage (February, 2004-June, 2006), national account manager, Bank of the West (January, 2002-February, 2004) regional sales manager, CBS MarketWatch (September, 2000-December, 2001), director, business development (leaseExchange.com (April, 2000-July, 2000), regional sales manager, innovative Lease Services (August, 1996-March, 200). San Diego State University-California State University, BA, Asian Studies (1989 – 1995). Activities and Societies: Japan Studies Association Sigma Nu Fraternity
www.linkedin.com/in/craigdekoning

Kevin V. Lacey appointed director, major account development, LEAF Commercial Capital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Previously he was program manager, De Lage Landen Financial Services (2003-present), client manager, CitiCapital (March, 1997-December, 2003). Penn State University, B.S., Hotel, Restaurant Mgmt. (1985 – 1989)
www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-lacey/a/a49/426

Alan Leesmith appointed Governor, Leasing Foundation. He has been a director of IAA-Advisory since August 2010 as well as secretary of the Forum of Manufacturer's Sales Finance Companies since 2010. Prior he was chairman, IT insurance Services Pty Ltd (March, 201-June, 2012), director & principal, The Alta Group (march, 2003-August, 2010), managing director, Anglo Leasing plc (June, 1974-June, 1998), group treasurer, The Summit Group PLC (1990-1993), corporate finance director, Anglo Leasing plc (1974-1990).
uk.linkedin.com/pub/alan-leesmith/8/8b9/a8

Chuck Youngerman hired as marketing vice president of the Bank Client Group for SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing, based out of Orlando, Florida. Previously he was an associate at Alternative Capital Group (2001-Present), regional leasing specialist, De Lage Landen (2006-2009), district sales manager, Wieland (2004-2006), district sales manager, Wells Fargo (2001-2004), area sales manager, John Deere Credit (1994-2001).Temple University, BBA, Business Administration (1980-1985).

 

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

Leasing Industry Help Wanted

General Legal Counsel National Bank Holding Company in Southern California 10+ yrs exp. commercial finance/leasing industry. Background in employment law, contract origination,bankruptcy litigation/ must possess an immense veracity, extensive understanding on wide range of legal issues and business experience. Salary requirements + resume: rose.jones98@yahoo.com

 

Los Angeles, CA Taycor has developed and tested an innovative and unique marketing engine, and we are ready to grow!  We are looking for closers and relationship builders, not cold callers. (Full description) jobs@taycor.com or apply online at www.taycor.com

 

For information on placing a help wanted ad, please click here:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Hwanted/Hwanted-post.htm

Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees.

 

 

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

Banks Gets Expensive Revenge Against Debtor
Who Ginned Up Financials to Obtain Accounts Receivable Line
By Frank Peretore, Scott D. Chait, and Tom McCurnin

Despite Terrible Documentation as to Commercially Reasonable Sale,
Court Bails Out Credit in Non-Dischargeability Claim

General Lewis B. Hershey once said, “Between a fellow who is stupid and honest and one who is smart and crooked, I will take the first. I won’t get much out of him, but with that other guy I can’t keep what I’ve got”. A bank in Nebraska may not have heard that quote, and is probably kicking themselves now for betting on the wrong horse, suffering losses of over $380,000, and having to litigate with the fraudster for years to finally get even. But it didn’t have to be that way.

An accounts receivable line is the life blood of a manufacturer and it is for that reason that debtors sometimes fabricate financials to get such prized loans. Because of the sophistication of the underwriting, some banks are ill-equipped to spot the fraud, and once spotted, get sloppy with paperwork when they enforce their loan.

The case of In re Rose, 2012 Bankr. LEXIS 2640 (Bankr. D. Neb. June 11, 2012) demonstrates how a borrower can cheat a creditor with fabricated financials. More importantly the case shows us what a bank should do to protect its interests once a default occurs. The fact of the matter is but for a sympathetic Federal Judge, the Debtor almost got away with it.

In Rose, the Debtor sold doors, windows and accessories to builders and remodelers. The Bank of Nebraska made a series of loans to the debtor secured by accounts receivable and other collateral. After two years of broken promises, the Debtor defaulted and after the liquidation of the collateral, the bank was left with a $385,000 deficiency balance. During the liquidation process, the bank discovered that the Debtor had likely fabricated its financial statements.

The Debtor filed Bankruptcy and the bank filed an adversary proceeding to contest the discharge of its debt under Bankruptcy Code § 523, alleging that the Debtor had made materially false misrepresentations on its loan application as to the value of the business assets and other collateral. The debtor counterclaimed against the bank alleging, amongst other things, that the bank failed to dispose of the collateral in a commercially reasonable manner.

The Court had no problem holding that the debtor committed fraud by inflating the values of his assets, and by creating “mythical” accounts receivable. However, proving the fraud was a chore for the bank, as the case reflects over 400 docket entries and even expert witness testimony. The debtor claimed that a minimal investigation would have revealed the fraud. In rejecting that claim, the Court gave significant weight to the fact that the debtor made specific representations as to the existence of documentation evidencing a stated value, but never provided the promised documentation, including appraisals of a coin collection and accounts receivable aging reports to confirm the value of the receivables.

What surprised us, when we read the decision was the fact that the bank didn’t follow-up and insist on the documentation prior to loan origination and during the renewal process, a factor weighing against the bank. In addition, it appears that the bank kept poor records as to the disposition of its collateral. Nevertheless, the Court was sympathetic to the bank and held for bank on all counts.

There are several lessons for the secured creditor here:

First, accounts receivable lines are a specialty. It was apparent here that the bank didn’t know what it was doing. The secured creditor should retain qualified underwriters to document this type of loan, or get out this business. For example, most A/R lines are audited annually, with an independent auditor who values the collateral. We were surprised that the Debtor got away with the fraud for two years.

Second, having been raised in a small town, we understand the dynamics of small town banking and taking oral promises from a local borrower. But here, the promises went on for two years and the Bank should have pulled the default trigger sooner.

Third, and this is a common theme for us, document the value and disposition of the collateral with an appraisal and a paper trail. In addition, use a reputable dealer to sell the collateral, whose opinion as to value will not be so suspect. Here the bank liquidated collateral with less than a full record of its value, letting the debtor argue the important issue of a lack of a “commercially reasonable sale.”

The bottom line to today’s case is that while the bank bet on the wrong horse, could have protected itself by instituting better underwriting, valuation, and liquidation procedures. What comes to mind to us is the age old admonition of Ben Franklin that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Bank of Nebraska Case: http://leasingnews.org/PDF/BankofNebraskaCase.pdf

Frank Peretore is a founding partner of Peretore & Peretore, P.C. and Scott Chait is an associate with the firm. They can be reached at frank.peretore@peretore.com and scott.chait@peretore.com , or (973) 729-8991.

Tom McCurnin is a partner at Barton, Klugman & Oetting in Los Angeles, California and can be reached at tmccurnin@bkolaw.com

 

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

Treasury's returns on TARP cash cows
By Thomas Mason and Andrew Wolcott, SNL Financial

American International Group Inc. says it is now in the black on its obligations to the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Reserve Bank of New York — and then some — following the Treasury's latest stock sale.

With the sale of 636.9 million shares, which generated $20.7 billion in proceeds for the Treasury, AIG has produced a positive return of roughly $15.1 billion for the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the latter of which also provided funds to the insurer amid the financial crisis.

The Treasury still has about 234.2 million common stock shares left, and based on AIG's Sept. 13 closing price of $34.44 per share, that could provide an additional $8.1 billion. (For a visual breakdown of the Treasury and the New York Fed's investments in AIG, click here.)

While that could mean a decent payday for the Treasury, a look at other large TARP investments in the financial services space shows even better relative returns.

For instance, fellow insurer The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. booked an $836.1 million gain for the Treasury on an investment of about $4.24 billion, according to SNL data.

The return on The Hartford investment is even more impressive taking into account the time value of money, as The Hartford was under TARP for a shorter amount of time than several of the other large financial services institutions. A simple present-value equation — assuming the life-to-date dividends/interest were paid in equal, quarterly amounts and using the total proceeds as the future value — yields an annualized rate of return of about 34.6% for The Hartford investment, based on the number of days between the initial investment and the redemption date.

While this is an approximation, it nonetheless gives a rough sense of the time-weighted rate of return for the Treasury. Using the same analysis, American Express Co. was another high-return investment, at north of 30%, as were Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley, which each led to returns of about 25%. Goldman performed this exact calculation when it exited the TARP program, saying in a July 2009 news release that it created a 23% annualized return for U.S. taxpayers, based on the $1.42 billion it paid on the Treasury's $10 billion investment.

Then again, not all of the investments were profitable. CIT Group Inc., for instance, never repaid the $2.33 billion that the Treasury plowed into it, as the New York-based lender filed for bankruptcy Nov. 1, 2009.

In the context of the broader market, the total return on the S&P 500 from Oct. 28, 2008 — when TARP was granted to the majority of these large recipients — to Sept. 13 is a whopping 69.4%, far outpacing any of the returns from the investments examined in this analysis.

Click here to view in Excel the full list of companies that have redeemed TARP under the Capital Purchase Program

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

Why I became a CLP

Shannon Green, CLP
President, Orion First Financial, LLC

I began working in the commercial equipment leasing industry at Financial Pacific Leasing in 1986, however; my career began when I decided to become a CLP. At the time, as a young woman in the industry, I had the drive and desire to increase my knowledge of the business and found the Certified Lease Professional program as a means to accomplish this.

Encouraged and supported by the management at Financial Pacific, we had a group of employees who wanted to take the CLP exam. Dave Schaefer, CLP, and Jim McCommon, CLP arranged for onsite course instruction and a day for the exam at our office in Tacoma, Washington.

I fondly remember our instructor, Johnnie Johnson, CLP, and the handful of leasing professionals outside our company who joined the classes and sat for the exam with us. If memory serves me correctly our class had an exceptional pass rate. This accomplishment gave me a sense of pride and confidence that has remained with me. I would forever see the initials “CLP” after my name and I was proud!

Over the years I have found that the studying and discipline required to complete the CLP courses and pass the exam have been of great benefit in more ways than I ever imagined. It gave me a reason to learn and understand all aspects of our business for which I have no regrets…. In fact, I have been extremely thankful for.

As a CLP in good standing, Director serving on the CLP Board and President of a lease services company I’m a big supporter of ongoing education. The CLP program encourages higher learning and provides a beneficial education choice for those wanting to make leasing a career. I became a CLP because it was a challenge and it offered learning opportunities in areas of the business I wouldn’t otherwise have been involved in.

I support the CLP Foundation because I believe it increases the knowledge and value of those who have earned the designation.

(To learn more about the CLP Handbook)
http://www.clpfoundation.org/toolbox/clp_handbook.php

Why I Became CLP testimonials
http://www.leasingnews.org/CLP/Index.htm

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

** Announcement****************************************

Theresa Kabot, CLP, Awarded "Cindy Spurdle Award"
by CLP Foundation

Three CLP's: Theresa "Tree" Kabot, John Rosenlund, Reid Raykovich

The Board of Directors of the Certified Lease Professional (CLP) Foundation is proud to announce that Theresa Kabot, CLP is the recipient of the first annual Cindy Spurdle Award of Excellence. She was presented a plaque at the NEFA Funding Symposium in Washington, DC by John Rosenlund, CLP of Portfolio Financial Services President-Elect of the National Equipment Leasing Association and Treasurer of the CLP Foundation and by Reid Raykovich, CLP, Executive Director of the CLP Foundation.

Cindy Spurdle was the first and only Executive Director of the CLP Foundation since its inception in May of 2000 until June 2012. The award was created to acknowledge the CLP who has contributed the most to the industry and best represents the CLP ideals.

“The Board’s decision to present the first award to Theresa Kabot, CLP, was most definitely the right decision, “Cindy Spurdle said. “Theresa is that special individual and much more. She has given so much of her time and talents to not only promote and introduce the CLP Program to the Equipment Leasing Industry but through her business, K2 Funding, she has worked tirelessly to provide her lessees with the best transactions and funding opportunities she could find to meet their needs. During her two years serving as President of the CLP Foundation, Theresa faced many challenges. She took them head on and turned those challenges into completed projects to grow the Foundation and help to educate other leasing professionals through the CLP Program. She is a perfect example of what the designation Certified Lease Professional stands for. ”

The CLP designation identifies you as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customer, and peers in the leasing industry. There are currently 164 Certified Lease Professionals throughout the world. For more information, call (206) 535-6281 or visit www.clpfoundation.org

****Announcement***************************

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

Randy Haug Named NEFA Member of the Year

Sr. VP/Partner LeaseTeam

Raleigh, NC – Randy Haug, Senior Vice President and Co-Founder of LeaseTeam, Inc., received the Chris Walker Memorial Member of the Year Award from the National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) at their annual business meeting held in Washington, DC during their 2012 Funding Symposium.

The Member of the Year Award is bestowed by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of NEFA to individuals whose service to the Association exemplifies the volunteer driven spirit of the group. Past recipients of the award include Tara Aasand, of Great American Insurance, in 2010; and Chris Walker, of GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation, in 2011.

Executive Director, NEFA

“Randy Haug, like the recipients before him, has been a tireless driver and advocate for NEFA, both formally, through elected service on our Board of Directors, and through generous donations of his time and expertise to other members,” said Gerry Egan, Executive Director of NEFA. “The award was renamed this year to honor Chris Walker, who passed away in 2011” said Egan.

Hugh Swandel
Senior Managing Director - Canada
The Alta Group

“NEFA has always felt like a family to all members” said NEFA President, Hugh Swandel, of the Alta Group, “and it was a great pleasure to have Chris Walker’s wife and daughter join us as we presented the Chris Walker Memorial Member of the Year Award for the first time. Madeline and Jean will always be part of the NEFA family and we were all so glad they could attend.”

Randy Haug said, “It was humbling and great honor to be named by my peers as the 2012 Member of the Year for the National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA). It was especially significant to me personally to be presented this award by my friend Chris Enbom, of Allegiant Partners, while sharing the stage with my good friend and mentor, Chris Walker’s lovely wife Jean and daughter Maddie, who traveled to be with us in DC, and whom this award is named after. The legacy that Chris Walker left for all of us, that I try to follow, is to give back for the greater good of all NEFA members and our industry through volunteering your time and efforts toward education, governance and most of all through participation that benefits all member and their companies in the NEFA. I sincerely appreciate being nominated and receiving this year’s award as there are so many deserving NEFA members for an award such as this.

About National Equipment Finance Association
The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) is a national association serving small to mid-sized independent equipment finance companies, lessors and brokers. NEFA is a strong association offering enhanced educational programs and premium networking opportunities with broad geographic and industry segment diversity. The mission of NEFA is to provide a forum for members to pursue personal and professional growth and promote ethical business practices through advocacy, networking and industry involvement. For more information, visit: www.NEFAssociation.org or call: 847-380-5050.

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

Labrador/Rottweiler Mix
Boston, Massachusetts Adopt-a-Dog

Harley

“Harley is a handsome boy who loves, loves, loves people and other dogs. He is obviously a mix and we are pretty sure he is a Lab and Rottweiler cross. He has brown shading on his legs and a humongous head. This is a lamb of a dog and everyone who meets him falls immediately in love.

“Harley is about 3 years old and is in good health. He weighs about 80 lbs. and knows a few commands. He loves to sit for a treat and will even give paw when asked.

“Harley was a dog down on his luck when his family could no longer care for him. Happily he will find one of those fabulous AdoptALab.org families to adopt him and give him the kind of life he so deserves.

“Harley is neutered and up to date on vaccines. He is heartworm negative and ready for his new family. Please apply to adopt him today, you will fall in LOVE.”

Email with name of dog for more information
question@adoptalab.org

http://www.adoptapet.com/adoption_rescue/70737.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/

 

John Kenny Receivables Management • End of Lease Negotiations & Enforcement• Fraud Investigations • Credit Investigations • Asset Searches  • Skip-tracing • Third-party Commercial Collections john@jkrmdirect.com | ph 315-866-1167| www.jkrmdirect.com

Fernando's View
By Fernando F. Croc

A remarkable drama (“The Master”) and a family favorite (“Finding Nemo”) grace theaters screens, while DVD releases include a charming comedy (“Damsels in Distress”) and a pair of deeply rewarding French films (“Goodbye First Love,” “The Devil, Probably”).

In Theaters:

The Master (The Weinstein Company): Five years after “There Will Be Blood,” writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson returns with another devastating study of men on the edge of private worlds. Taking place in the years after World War II, the movie follows Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), a troubled sailor whose often psychotic behavior keeps him from re-entering society. That’s when he meets Lancaster Dodd (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), the charismatic leader of a growing faith movement known as “The Cause.” As Lancaster takes Freddie under his wing as a pupil, a fascinating relationship grows between the two. But with Lancaster’s star rising and Freddie’s behavior growing more volatile, can a violent clash of personalities be far off? With forceful style and mesmerizing performances, this is one of the season’s most astonishing releases.

Finding Nemo 3D (Disney/Pixar): One of Pixar’s most beloved animated classics is back on theater screens, with 3D bringing viewers closer than ever to its lovable characters. Set in the endless blue of the ocean, the story follows Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks), a timid clownfish who desperately looks for his missing son Nemo (Alexander Gould). Captured by a fishing boat and taken to Sydney, Australia, Nemo finds himself in a dentist office’s aquarium presided over by the eccentric Gill (Willem Dafoe). Meanwhile, Marlin ventures into the sea’s most colorful and dangerous corners with the help of the delightfully forgetful Dory (Ellen DeGeneres). With shimmering visuals, a roster of wonderful characters, and humanistic lessons about family and perseverance, the movie remains a lasting example of Pixar’s craft at its peak.

Netflix Tip: With “The Master” further cementing Paul Thomas Anderson’s status as one of the greatest American filmmakers now working, check out his provocative earlier movies on Netflix. Start with his acclaimed debut “Hard Eight” (1996), and continue on to “Boogie Nights” (1997), “Magnolia” (1999), “Punch-Drunk Love” (2002) and “There Will Be Blood” (2007).

On DVD:

Damsels in Distress (Sony): Following a nearly 15-year hiatus from the screen, writer-director Whit Stillman makes a welcome return with this typically elegant and witty comedy of social mores. Following the relationships of a group of young characters in an university, the story centers on a trio of lively coeds, Violet (Greta Gerwig), Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke), and Heather (Carrie MacLemore). As they welcome new student Lily (Analeigh Tipton) into their midst, the girls organize musical numbers, negotiate with their frat-house counterparts across campus, and basically enjoy their seclusion from the perils of the outside world. With a sure and delicate touch that pricks his characters' pretensions without cruelly ridiculing them, Stillman offers a charming and insightful portrait of youthful dreams, doubts and desires.

Goodbye First Love (MPI): The many ecstasies and agonies of romance are chronicled with freshness and poignancy in this delicate movie, directed by Mia Hansen-Love. The story is an emotional duet played between Camille (Lola Creton) and Sullivan (Sebastian Urzendowsky), who first meet while still teenagers in the late 1990s. While enjoying a sun-dappled idyll of beach houses and forest rendezvous, they plead eternal love to each other. This lyrical bond is tested, however, when they’re separated for ten years. Once they meet again, their now changed lives cast shadows on their previous adolescent ideals. Creating a palpable sense of privileged moments inevitably dissolving with the passage of time, Hansen-Love crafts a lush, charming portrait of intense feelings found and lost. One of the year’s best. With subtitles.

The Devil, Probably (Olive Films): Widely hailed as one of cinema’s all-time great masters, legendary French filmmaker Robert Bresson made films that were as challenging as they were profoundly moving. This 1977 drama, finally being released on DVD, finds the director contemplating the malaise of youth in modern times. Charles (Antoine Monnier) is a sensitive teenager who’s becoming increasingly aware of the human despair and natural devastation all around him. Though he dabbles in politics, environmentalism, religion and romance, nothing seems to soothe his inner pain. Can he find some meaning in society, or is he destined to a tragic end? As always with Bresson, generic cinematic comforts are denied in favor of a ruthlessly distilled camera that peers deeply into the characters. A difficult movie, but an astonishingly rewarding one. With subtitles.

News Briefs----

 

July 2012 severe enforcement actions; Capital One units pick up 3
http://www.snl.com/InteractiveX/Article.aspx?cdid=A-15829625-11054

Country's largest seller of auto service contracts gets 40 months
http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/09/19/50419.htm

Shocker! Small-Business Owners Favor Obama
http://www3.cfo.com/article/2012/9/growth-companies_small-business-sentiment-politics-obama-romney

McDonald's moguls stripped of three franchises in San Rafael, Novato
http://www.marinij.com/novato/ci_21575921/mcdonald-s-moguls-stripped-three-franchises-san-rafael

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

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

You May Have Missed---

Richest People in America
http://www.forbes.com/forbes-400/

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

SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

A Slimmer Slice: Fresh Tomato & Chicken Pizza
http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1763727

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

 

Sports Briefs----

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson shouldn't be measured by his (lack of) height
http://seattletimes.com/html/dannyoneil/2019193452_oneil19.html

Alex Smith nearly fined $15,000 by NFL for wearing SF Giants cap
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/09/19/alex-smith-nearly-fined-15000-by-nfl-for-wearing-sf-giants-cap/

Randy Moss on playing time: ‘When called upon, I just go out there and try to make plays’
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/09/19/randy-moss-on-playing-time-when-called-upon-i-just-go-there-and-make-plays/

Arkansas coach owes $25 million, court filings show
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/ncaaf/story/2012/09/19/arkansas-coach-john-l-smith-owes-creditors-more-than-25-million-court-filings-show/57808960/1

 

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

 

Baseball Poem

He comes at the pitch
Like a lion with red mane,
On a line
You could diagram,
With his back foot
The stationary leg of a compass,
He sweeps through
With the full power
Of the perfect circle,
Sending the spheres
Into an orbit of flashes.
They line up
Just to see him practice,
Lines of articles
Intersect with reality
Sometime in September.
In another sixty years
The grass will go brown
On his grave.

Written by Tim Peeler,
"Touching all the Bases"
poems from Baseball

Published by McFarland & Company

 

 

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

 

California Nuts Briefs---

Feds approve California high-speed rail construction
http://www.contracostatimes.com/breaking-news/ci_21583534/feds-approve-california-high-speed-rail-construction

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

“Gimme that Wine”

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

'A Brief History of Merlot' Wins 2012 Wine Spectator Video Contest
http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/47333

The Fastest-Growing Wine Grape Varieties in California
http://norcalwine.com/blog/51-general-interest/733-the-fastest-growing-wine-grape-varieties-in-california

No substitute for skill at Lohr
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120919/LIFESTYLE/120919553?Title=BER

 

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

      1519 - Magellan started the first successful circumnavigation of the world.
    1565 -Spaniards capture Fort Caroline, Florida and massacre the French.
    1777- Paoli massacre; American troops surprised in midnight raid while they slept by overwhelming British troops.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A482410
http://www.sar.org/history/paoli.htm
http://buckconner.tripod.com/ 
http://www.ushistory.org/march/phila/paoli_1.htm
    1797- US frigate Constitution (Old Ironsides) launched in Boston 
    1830 -First National Black convention meets .Philadelphia, Pa.
    1845-the Adirondack Tornado traveled on a 275 mile long track starting as a waterspout over Lake Ontario and then traveling as a tornado through New York State to exit as a waterspout again on Lake Champlain. The tree fall in the forest is still discernible
    1850-Washington, DC—one of the provisions of the Compromise Act of 1850 abolished the slave trade in the country's capital.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/sep20.html
    1854-Otis opens his factory to produce freight elevators.
(Bottom half of: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/sep20.html )
    1845-The Adirondack Tornado traveled on a 275 mile long track starting as a waterspout over Lake Ontario and then traveling as a tornado through New York State to exit as a waterspout again on Lake Champlain. The tree fall in the forest is still discernible
    1863-After disastrous moves by Union General William Starke Rosecrans, a career officer, Confederate forces appeared to be carrying the third day at the Battle of Chickamauga in Tennessee. With Rosecrans in flight to Chattanooga, Union General Henry Thomas and his men held their position and repeatedly turned back a series of Southern attacks until being reinforced. Thomas's actions saved the Union forces from a complete rout and earned him the nickname, “ Rock of Chickamauga.” Rosecrans was relieved of his command.
http://ngeorgia.com/history/chicka.html
http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/civilwar/chickamauga/ 
http://www.southernbattlefieldtours.com/ 
http://www.jatruck.com/stonewall/chickamauga.html
http://www.wright.edu/~martin.maner/morton.html
    1873-To avoid Financial Panic, it was announced the Stock Market would close for ten days. For the first time in its history, the New York Stock Exchange was forced to close because of a banking crisis. Although the worst of the panic and crisis was over within a week, the psychological effect on businessmen, investors and the nation at large was more lasting during.
    1878- Birthday of Upton Sinclair, American novelist and politician born at Baltimore, MD. He worked for political and social reforms, and his best-known novel, “The Jungle,” prompted one of the nation's first pure food laws. Died at Bound Brook, NJ, Nov 25, 1968.
    1881 - Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the 21st president of the United States, succeeding James A. Garfield, who had been assassinated.
    1884- The Equal Rights Party was formed at San Francisco, CA. Its candidate for president, nominated in convention, was Mrs. Belva Lockwood. The vice presidential candidate was Marietta Stow.
    1885-Birthday of composer/singer/piano player Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton. He claimed to have “invented” jazz music. Many historians say he was not bragging when he made the claim.
“If you want my fricassee, you're going to have to chase me down, If you want my jelly roll, you're going to have to treat me better Here's a nickel, send the boy down for another bucket of beer.”
http://www.redhotjazz.com/jellyroll.html 
http://www.jazzradio.org/jelly.htm
http://lcweb.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/tri007.html
http://atj.8k.com/noartist/atjmorton.html 
http://www.duke.edu/~nbp/jellylife.html
http://www.redhotjazz.com/redhot.html
    1879- US President U.S. Grant comes to SF for elaborate extended visit.
    1909-A strong hurricane made landfall in southeastern Louisiana. A 15 foot storm surge flooded the Timbalier Bay area. 350 people perished
    1916- Anniversary of first meeting of National Research Council, at New York, NY. Formed at request of President Woodrow Wilson for”.., encouraging the investigation of natural phenomena. .. “for American business and national security.
    1920- Trumpeter Joe Guy born.
    1926 - A hurricane which hit Miami, FL, on the 18th, pounded Pensacola with wind gusts to 152 mph. Winds raged in excess of 100 mph for four hours, and above 75 mph for 20 hours.
    1934-Birthday of Sophia Loren, Italian-American actor of great earthy beauty and outstanding acting ability. She won Academy Award for her work in Women (1961) and was nominated for her work in Marriage Italian Style (1964). She got her start in Italian movies as a sex-kitten, developed into a strong actor, and aged into a role model. In 1991, she was awarded an honorary Oscar for her outstanding career. Her Italian comedies, especially Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (1963) show her great versatility.
    1940- Claude Thornhill Band cuts first records in Hollywood, 1940. Gil Evans joins him next year, and some plays in his band included Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Lee Konitz, Gerry Mulligan, and many other post bop modernists.
    1944--POPE, EVERETT PARKER Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Peleliu Island, Palau group, 19-20 September 1944. Entered service at: Massachusetts. Born: 16 July 1919, Milton, Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau group, on 19-20 September 1944. Subjected to pointblank cannon fire which caused heavy casualties and badly disorganized his company while assaulting a steep coral hill, Capt. Pope rallied his men and gallantly led them to the summit in the face of machinegun, mortar, and sniper fire. Forced by widespread hostile attack to deploy the remnants of his company thinly in order to hold the ground won, and with his machineguns out of order and insufficient water and ammunition, he remained on the exposed hill with 12 men and 1 wounded officer determined to hold through the night. Attacked continuously with grenades, machineguns, and rifles from 3 sides, he and his valiant men fiercely beat back or destroyed the enemy, resorting to hand-to-hand combat as the supply of ammunition dwindled, and still maintaining his lines with his 8 remaining riflemen when daylight brought more deadly fire and he was ordered to withdraw. His valiant leadership against devastating odds while protecting the units below from heavy Japanese attack reflects the highest credit upon Capt. Pope and the U.S. Naval Service. 
    1945 -- Rocket scientist Von Braun arrives in the U.S.A. under the auspices of "Operation Paperclip" — a program that was supposed to exclude Nazis, but in fact became a cover for "rehabilitating" them. His dossier was rewritten so he didn't appear to have been an ardent Nazi. See the NASA site for the sanitized Werner.
http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/academy/history/VonBraun/VonBraun.html 
Operation Paperclip case file 
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Paperclip 
http://members.austarmetro.com.au/~hubbca/operation_paperclip.htm
    1946---Top Hits
To Each His Own - Eddy Howard
Five Minutes More - Frank Sinatra
Surrender - Perry Como
Wine, Women and Song - Al Dexter
    1948 - The Four Freshmen, one of the most popular singing groups of the 1950s, got their first gig in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They went on to major success with Capitol Records. Hits included "It's a Blue World", "Charmaine" and "Love is Just Around the Corner".
    1950-COMMISKEY, HENRY A., SR. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant (then 2d Lt.), U.S. Marine Corps, Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Near Yongdungp'o, Korea, 20 September 1950. Entered service at: Hattiesburg, Miss. Birth: 10 January 1927, Hattiesburg, Miss. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon leader in Company C, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Directed to attack hostile forces well dug in on Hill 85, 1st Lt. Commiskey, spearheaded the assault, charging up the steep slopes on the run. Coolly disregarding the heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire, he plunged on well forward of the rest of his platoon and was the first man to reach the crest of the objective. Armed only with a pistol, he jumped into a hostile machine gun emplacement occupied by 5 enemy troops and quickly disposed of 4 of the soldiers with his automatic pistol. Grappling with the fifth, 1st Lt. Commiskey knocked him to the ground and held him until he could obtain a weapon from another member of his platoon and killed the last of the enemy gun crew. Continuing his bold assault, he moved to the next emplacement, killed 2 more of the enemy and then led his platoon toward the rear nose of the hill to rout the remainder of the hostile troops and destroy them as they fled from their positions. His valiant leadership and courageous fighting spirit served to inspire the men of his company to heroic endeavor in seizing the objective and reflect the highest credit upon 1st Lt. Commiskey and the U.S. Naval Service.
    1950-MONEGAN, WALTER C., JR. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Near Sosa-ri, Korea, 17 and 20 September 1950. Entered service at: Seattle, Wash. Born: 25 December 1930, Melrose, Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rocket gunner attached to Company F, and in action against enemy aggressor forces. Dug in on a hill overlooking the main Seoul highway when 6 enemy tanks threatened to break through the battalion position during a predawn attack on 17 September, Pfc. Monegan promptly moved forward with his bazooka, under heavy hostile automatic weapons fire and engaged the lead tank at a range of less than 50 yards. After scoring a direct hit and killing the sole surviving tank man with his carbine as he came through the escape hatch, he boldly fired 2 more rounds of ammunition at the oncoming tanks, disorganizing the attack and enabling our tank crews to continue blasting with their 90-mm guns. With his own and an adjacent company's position threatened by annihilation when an overwhelming enemy tank-infantry force bypassed the area and proceeded toward the battalion command post during the early morning of September 20, he seized his rocket launcher and, in total darkness, charged down the slope of the hill where the tanks had broken through. Quick to act when an illuminating shell lit the area, he scored a direct hit on one of the tanks as hostile rifle and automatic-weapons fire raked the area at close range. Again exposing himself, he fired another round to destroy a second tank and, as the rear tank turned to retreat, stood upright to fire and was fatally struck down by hostile machine gun fire when another illuminating shell silhouetted him against the sky. Pfc. Monegan's daring initiative, gallant fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty were contributing factors in the success of his company in repelling the enemy, and his self-sacrificing efforts throughout sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
    1953- “The Loretta Young Show, “NBC half-hour dramatic anthology series (initially titled “Letter to Loretta”) hosted by and frequently starring Oscar-winning actress Loretta Young. At the beginning of each episode Young would swirl through a door in a spectacular gown. Young garnered two Emmys during the show's eight-year run. In 1972 it was reported that Young had been awarded $559,000 in a suit against NBC for syndicating reruns of the show without her permission. Young did not want them shown because her clothes and hairstyles in the shows were long out of date by the 70s.
http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/L/htmlL/lorettayoung/lorettayoung.htm
    1954---Top Hits
Sh-Boom - The Crew Cuts
Skokiaan - The Four Lads
The High and the Mighty - Les Baxter
I Don't Hurt Anymore - Hank Snow
    1954- First FORTRAN computer program run.
    1955- “The Phil Silvers Show” premiered. This popular half-hour sitcom starred Phil Silvers as Sergeant Ernie Bilko, a scheming but good-natured con man whose schemes rarely worked out. Guest stars included Fred Gwynne, Margaret Hamilton, Dick Van Dyke and Alan Alda in his first major TV role. The character of Sergeant Bilko was featured in a movie of the same title in the mid-90s.
http://www.classictvhits.com/shows/philsilvers/
http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/P/htmlP/philsilvers/philsilvers.htm
http://www.timvp.com/bilko.html
    1957- “The Thin Man, “ the famous crime-solving duo of Nick and Nora was brought to TV after appearing in a novel by Dashiell Hammett ( whom my son was named after ) and a film series. This half-hour crime series featured Peter Lawford as Nick Charles, a former private eye who still engaged in it for fun, and Phyllis Kirk as his wife and partner Nora. Jack Albertson played Lieutenant Harry Evans, and their pet dog Asta was played by Asta.
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-4845 
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050067/
    1957-“ M Squad” premiere on television. My father Lawrence Menkin wrote many episodes. This half-hour crime series had a catchy theme song composed by Count Basie and Lee Marvin ( who lived down the street from us ) as Lieutenant Frank Ballinger, a Chicago cop assigned to a unit that investigates murders (the M Squad). Paul Newlan played his supervisor Captain Grey. In one episode, “The Teacher” (1959), Burt Reynolds played one of his first major roles.
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-10833/ 
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0050035/ 
http://www.classicthemes.com/50sTVThemes/themePages/mSquad.html 
http://www.robertsvideos.com/browse.php3?alpha=M&PHPSESSID=
903bb0eba588af838544f84de9843928
    1959-- Losing to the Dodgers, 8-2, the San Francisco Giants play their last game at Seals Stadium. The transplanted New York team, which compiled an 86-68 in their two-year stay in the former PCL park, will move to the newly constructed Candlestick Park next season. 
    1961 - In a 13-inning contest, Sandy Koufax goes the distance beating the Cubs, 3-2, in the last regular season game to be played at the LA Memorial Coliseum, which was originally built for the 1932 Olympics. The Dodgers are leaving the only home they have known since moving from Brooklyn four seasons ago to play in a brand new stadium in Chavez Ravine, located a few miles from downtown Los Angeles.
    1961- Roger Maris hits home run # 59 & barely misses # 60 in game 154 of the season. Yanks clinch pennant #26.
    1962---Top Hits
Sheila - Tommy Roe
Ramblin' Rose - Nat King Cole
Green Onions - Booker T. & The MG's
Devil Woman - Marty Robbins
    1965-PIERCE, LARRY S. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Place and date: Near Ben Cat, Republic of Vietnam, 20 September 1965. Entered service at: Fresno, Calif. Born: 6 July 1941, Wewoka, Okla. G.O. No.: 7, 24 February 1966. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Pierce was serving as squad leader in a reconnaissance platoon when his patrol was ambushed by hostile forces. Through his inspiring leadership and personal courage, the squad succeeded in eliminating an enemy machinegun and routing the opposing force. While pursuing the fleeing enemy, the squad came upon a dirt road and, as the main body of his men entered the road, Sgt. Pierce discovered an antipersonnel mine emplaced in the road bed. Realizing that the mine could destroy the majority of his squad, Sgt. Pierce saved the lives of his men at the sacrifice of his life by throwing himself directly onto the mine as it exploded. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, he averted loss of life and injury to the members of his squad. Sgt. Pierce's extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, is in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country. 
    1967-Hurricane Beulah struck south Texas with gusts to 136 mph near Brownsville. The storm was a slow mover and Pettus, TX had 27.38 inches. The hurricane also spawned 115 tornadoes in south Texas, the greatest ever for a hurricane. 13 people perished and damage was set at $200 million
   1967-- Rick (no longer Ricky) Nelson becomes the proud father of his first two sons, Matthew and Gunnar. 22 years later, the two would form the hair-metal band Nelson.
    1968-Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees hit the final home run of his career against Jim Longborg of the Boston Red Sox. Mantle finished with 536 homes.
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers_and_honorees/plaques/mantle_mickey.htm 
http://www.mickeymantle.org/index2.html
http://www.themick.com/
    1969 - "Sugar, Sugar", by the Archies, hit number one in "Billboard". The Archies sat at the top of the hit heap for four weeks.. The pop group never actually existed, as it was based on the popular comic strip. Two studio singers did all the vocals. Sugar, Sugar sold over 3 million copies, and according to Billboard, was the top-selling single for the year.
    1969 --- Frustrated by what he sees as a lack of artistic fulfillment, John Lennon announces privately to the rest of the Beatles that he will be leaving the band. The announcement, which comes at one of several grueling financial meetings designed to untangle the band's mismanaged assets, comes abruptly and takes everyone by surprise: when Paul announces that the band should go out on tour anonymously, playing small clubs to get back the feel of band unity, Lennon declares "I think you’re daft. I want a divorce." The band realizes they cannot go on without him, but agrees to delay the announcement until after the release of the Let It Be soundtrack -- an agreement Paul will break. On the same day, ATV (Associated Television) of Britain buys up controlling interest in the Beatles' songwriting catalog.
    1970---Top Hits
Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana Ross
Lookin' Out My Back Door/Long as I Can See the Light - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Patches - Clarence Carter
For the Good Times - Ray Price
    1973- Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the nationally televised “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match in three straight sets.
    1975-Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" single is released.
    1975-David Bowie's "Fame" hits #1 on the singles chart and stays there for two weeks, while Bad Company's "Feel Like Making Love" peaks at #10 on the chart.
    1975-- The main competitor for the new late-night NBC sketch show Saturday Night, an ABC program entitled Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell, debuts with a performance by England's newest rage, boy band The Bay City Rollers. Though their performance of "Saturday Night," the song, will eventually push the single to #1, the show itself fizzles out after six months, at which point NBC's Saturday Night renames itself Saturday Night Live.
    1976 -Playboy releases Jimmy Carter's interview that he lusts for women.
    1976 -- The Captain and Tennille musical variety and comedy show debuts on ABC-TV, but will be canceled in six months after the duo find the workload of producing a weekly show too heavy. 
    1977- “Lou Grant” premiered . This hour-long dramatic series was a spin-off of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Ed Asner reprised his role as newspaper editor Lou Grant, now a city editor for the Los Angeles Tribune. The show tackled many serious issues, including child abuse, gun control and the plight of Vietnamese refugees. The cast included Mason Adams, Nancy Marchand, Jack Bannon, Robert Walden, Daryl Anderson, Rebecca Balding, Linda Kelsey, Allen Williams and EmHio Delgado. This series was an unusual spin-off because it was the first time a character left a sitcom to headline a drama.
http://www.cinerhama.com/tvpage/seventies/lougrant1.html 
http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/L/htmlL/lougrant/lougrant.htm
    1978---Top Hits
Boogie Oogie Oogie - A Taste of Honey
Three Times a Lady - Commodores
Hot Blooded - Foreigner
I've Always Been Crazy - Waylon Jennings
    1978-The Who's "Who Are You" LP goes gold.
    1980-Billy Joel's "Don't Ask Me Why" peaks at #19 on the singles chart while Peter Gabriel's "Games Without Frontiers" peaks at #48, The Kinks' "Lola" re-enters the chart and peaks at #81; Bob Seger's "You'll Accomp'ny Me" peaks at #14 and Pete Townshend's "Let My Love Open The Door" peaks at #9
    1982-Joan Jett and the Blackhearts' "I Love Rock and Roll" is certified platinum. The hit is the title track from Jett's second album with the Blackhearts.
    1983 - The temperature at West Yellowstone MT plunged to six degrees below zero, while the temperature at San Francisco CA soared to 94 degrees.
    1984- Four days of heavy rains come to an end in extreme south Texas. Port Isabel recorded a total of 21.27 inches while Brownsville, TX had 15.19 inches. Brownsville International Airport was closed for 4 days due to extensive flooding. Total damage $30 million
    1984-“The Cosby Show” Premiers on Television. The Emmy Award-winning comedy set in New York City revolved around the members of the Huxtable family. Father Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable was played by Bill Cosby, his wife Clair, an attorney, was played by Phylicia Rashan. Their four daughters were played by Sabrina Le Beauf(Sondra), Lisa Bonet ( Denise) Tempest Bledsoe( Vanessa) and Keshia Knight Pulliam (Rudy)(. Malcolm-Jamar Warner played son Teheo. By the end of the series in 1992.The two oldest daughters had finished college and were married. “A Different World” was a spin-o0ff set at historical-black Hillman College where Denise was a student.
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0086687/ 
http://www.tvland.com/nickatnite/cosby_show/ 
http://www.museum.tv/ETV/C/htmlC/cosbyshowt/cosbyshowt.htm
    1985-Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker's "Southern Accents" LP is certified platinum.
    1986 - The number one pop hit in the U.S. was "Stuck With You", by Huey Lewis & The News. The song, from the multi-platinum album "Fore!", was stuck at #1 for three weeks.
    1986---Top Hits
Stuck with You - Huey Lewis & The News
Dancing on the Ceiling - Lionel Richie
Friends and Lovers - Gloria Loring & Carl Anderson
Got My Heart Set on You - John Conlee
    1988 -Red Sox Wade Boggs becomes first player in this century to get 200 hits in six consecutive years.
    1989 - Hugo jilted Iris. Hurricane Hugo churned toward the South Atlantic Coast, gradually regaining strength along the way. Tropical Storm Iris got too close to Hugo, and began to weaken. A cold front brought strong and gusty winds to the Great Basin and the Southern Plateau Region, with wind gusts to 44 mph reported at Kingman AZ.
    1994---Top Hits
I ll Make Love To You- Boyz II Men
Stay (I Missed You) (From "Reality Bites")- Lisa Loeb
Endless Love- Luther Vandross
When Can I See You-Babyface
    1995 - AT&T announced that it would be splitting into three companies: today's AT&T (communication services); Lucent Technologies (systems and technology communications products); and NCR Corp. (computer business).
    1996 - The hit comedy film, The First Wives Club, starring Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, Dame Maggie Smith, and Sarah Jessica Parker, opened in United States theaters.
    1997 -- Elton John's rewritten version of "Candle in the Wind," performed at Princess Diana's funeral as "Goodbye England's Rose," is released on record as "Candle in the Wind '97" and goes straight to #1 in the UK, quickly becoming the biggest selling single in world history.
    1998- Cal Ripken's streak ends at 2,632 consecutive games as he does not appear in the lineup for the first time since May 29,1982.
    1999---Top Hits
Unpretty- TLC
She s All I Ever Had- Ricky Martin
Bailamos- Enrique Iglesias
Genie In A Bottle- Christina Aguilera
    2001 - President Bush addresses joint session of Congress in response to 9/11 attacks, proposing a new Office of Homeland Security. 
    2003- When Marcus Giles sends Brad Penny's 3-2 pitch into the stands, the Braves tie the National League record by having six players to hit at least 20 home runs in season. Along with the Atlana's second baseman , Javy Lopez, Gary Sheffield, Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones and Vinny Castilla equals the mark established by Eddie Mathews (32), Hank Aaron (32), Joe Torre (27), Felipe Alou (23) Mack Jones (31) and Gene Oliver (21) of the 1965 Milwaukee Braves.
    2003---Top Hits
Shake Ya Tailfeather- Nelly, P. Diddy & Murphy Lee
Baby Boy- Beyonce Featuring Sean Paul
Right Thurr- Chingy
Disturbing Tha Peace | 77995 | Capitol
Get Low- Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz Featuring Ying Yang Twins 
    2005 - Hurricane Rita tracked through the Florida Straits and just south of the Florida Keys. Winds were sustained at tropical storm force at Key West, where peak winds gusted to 76 mph.
    2008- After a moving ceremony celebrating the history of the 85-year old ballpark, New York beat the Orioles in the last game ever to be played at Yankee Stadium, 7-3. Julia Ruth Stevens, the Babe's daughter, throws out the ceremonial first pitch with Bronx Bomber's backstop Jose Molina hitting the last home run in the 'House Ruth Built'.
    2010- George Steinbrenner is honored with a 7-by-5-foot, 760-pound monument of bronze atop a granite base in Monument Park. The unveiling of the tribute to the recently deceased Yankee owner is attended by estranged former manager Joe Torre, who is making his first visit to the new Yankee Stadium.