Position Wanted – Operations
Work Remotely or Relocate for Right Opportunity

Each Week Leasing News is pleased, as a service to its readership, to offer completely free ads placed by candidates for jobs in the industry.  These ads also can be accessed directly on the website at:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm
Each ad is limited to (100) words and ads repeat for up to 6 months unless the candidate tells us to stop. Your submissions should be received here by the end of each week.

Operations

Dallas/Fort Worth or Will Work Remotely Leasing Superstar! Unmatched work ethic and positive energy - strong attention to detail - have taken transactions from application through funding.  Have worked as both a broker and a funder. Problem solver - strong sales and customer service personality. I keep the deals moving and alive!  Will relocate for the right opportunity. Let's Talk! laura.noblin@gmail.com Resume: Laura Noblin Resume Operations

 

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Top Stories: August 28 - September 2
(Opened Most by Readers)

(1) Broker/Lessor Receives Early Payoff from Lessee
          But Doesn't Pay Funder for Three Months
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2016/08_31.htm#bl

(2) Sales Make it Happen by Steve Chriest
  “How to Overcome Vendor Working with Another Company”
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2016/08_31.htm#how

(3) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
            and Related Industries
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2016/09_02.htm#hires

(4) July, 2016 --The List
  "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2016/08_31.htm#list_jully

(5) Insurance Certificates Are Often Virtually Worthless
      by Michael J. Witt, Esq.
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2016/08_29.htm#insurance

(6) CEO Lessor of Medical, Telecommunication, Info Tech,
  Banned for Company Expenses Spent at Walt Disney World
http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2016/08/29/disney-vacation-leads-to-industry-ban-for.html

(7) PayNet Reports Soft July Business
   Echoing the ELFA MFLI-25 July Report
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2016/09_02.htm#paynet

(8) Largest Company by Revenue in Each State—Chart
  (Click on map or state to make larger)
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2016/08_29.htm#chart

(9) Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLFP
   Why Non-Cancelable Leases
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2016/08_29.htm#why

(10) Myth of Being #1 on the Google Search Page
             FinTech #102 by Brittney Holcomb
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2016/09_02.htm#myth

 

Receivables Management LLC John Kenny • End of Lease Negotiations & Enforcement  • Third-Party Commercial Collections john@jkrmdirect.com | ph 315-866-1167 www.jkrmdirect.com

(Leasing News provides this ad as a trade for investigative
reporting provided by John Kenny)

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Balboa Capital Gets Win in Bait and Switch
Purchase Option Case
By Tom McCurnin
Leasing News Legal Editor

Federal Court Rejects The “Now You See It, Now You Don’t” Purchase Option.  Court Uses Lease’s Integration Clause to Defeat Lessee’s Claims of Fraud

Vital Pharmaceuticals v Balboa Capital Corporation  CV-62469 (SD Fla. 2016)

“The trouble with me is that every match I play against five opponents: umpire, crowd, ball boys, court, and myself.”  –  Goran Ivanisevic, tennis player, who at the Samsung 2000 open was defeated because he ran out of rackets, having smashed them all. 

I love tennis and sometimes tennis is a lot like law—you ultimately play against yourself. Today’s case involves two parties who both made mistakes, but ultimately it was the lessee, which failed to read the lease, that made the bigger mistake. It’s a nasty case with a happy ending for the equipment lessor. 

The lessee signed a series of leases, was promised a $1 buyout in the quote and through emails, but when the rubber met the road, the purchase option was missing from the actual lease. The lessee sued. The lessor claimed the integration clause in the lease trumped any misrepresentations. The court agreed, and entered judgment for the lessor and against the lessee. 

Yes, it really was that simple for the court. 

The lessee brought up all the damning emails, the quotes, and phone conversations with the salesperson, who surprisingly was not deposed, to determine the truth of what he said. None of that mattered to this judge. The judge analyzed the issue strictly on the basis of the contract provisions and the accompanying integration clause. 

“Plaintiffs appear to be asking this Court to consider extraneous evidence (the quotes and emails) to read a meaning into the lease that does not exist.”    “Read together …the parties agreed …that Plaintiffs must continue paying to lease the equipment or else return the equipment.  The lease does not itself purport to offer Plaintiffs a purchase option.”  “To read the lease as Plaintiff’s suggest would violate a fundamental rule of contract interpretation.” 

In short, the lease did not provide a purchase option, and the lessee’s attempt to graft one on to the lease through the extraneous quotes and emails failed. 

What are the takeaways here? 

•  First, I found the salesman’s quotes and emails which differed from the actual lease document to be disturbing. If the lessor never intended to offer a purchase option in the lease, why is a salesman quoting the deal with one? The obvious answer for me was a “bait and switch” tactic. 

•  Second, I was disappointed in the lessee not interviewing, nor deposing the salesman. I was dying to know what he said, why he said it, and how he would explain the bait and switch. 

•  Third, From a legal standpoint, the Court was correct in its analysis. The lease says what it says. The Court should not get involved re-making a contract based on extraneous evidence. So we can all take some solace in the fact that courts may ignore potential fraud where there is an integration clause. 

•  Fourth, the Lessee apparently did not read the lease. I could understand this mistake with a small business, but the Lessee here was a large corporation with multiple locations. Honestly, I don’t get it why counsel was not engaged to review the various leases. 

The bottom line to this case is that a Florida Federal Court bailed out the Lessor in this case, and its misdeeds and sharp practices, which were well documented, did not matter in a commercial context when the Lessee did not bother to read the lease. Game, Set, Match. 

Actually, I’ll leave you with my favorite tennis quote which has nothing to do with this case:

“The depressing thing about tennis is that no matter how good I get, I'll never be as good as a wall.  –  Mitch Hedberg, comedian. 

Vital Pharmaceuticals vs. Balboa Capital (15 pages)
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/VitalPharmaceuticalsvsBalboaCapital2016.pdf

This case was originally covered by Tom McCurnin in Leasing News’
edition December 1, 2014 when the original complaint was filed (Editor):

Balboa Capital Sued in Federal Court for
 Bait and Switch Sales Tactics
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2014/12_01.htm#balboa

Tom McCurnin is a partner at Barton, Klugman & Oetting in Los Angeles, California.

Tom McCurnin
Barton, Klugman & Oetting
350 South Grand Ave.
Suite 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Direct Phone: (213) 617-6129
Cell (213) 268-8291
Email: tmccurnin@bkolaw.com
Visit our web site at www.bkolaw.com
Previous Tom McCurnin Articles:
http://www.leasingnews.org

Previous Tom McCurnin Articles:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/leasing_cases.html

 

 

 

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Balboa Capital Bulletin Board Complaints
11 Regarding the Purchase Option

by Christopher Menkin, editor

Leasing News has received many complaints regarding Balboa Capital throughout the years; several have been resolved, more so under previous management, to the point that they have stopped communicating. Several had received original documents with a $1.00 purchase option, but the signed copy was missing from the one signed back from Balboa. The first one Balboa said, was the lessee, who was a machinist, generated the purchase option form. They didn’t explain how he got a copy of the document form they were using to create the document.

Most of the contracts have a provision for “Fair Market Value,” but a separate document is provided for the $1.00. The lessee is told that is for “tax purposes” and the $1.00 cannot be in the original contract to have it as a lease for tax purposes.

There are other complaints regarding interim rent on 90 day payment leases, but here are the residual complaints that were not resolved:

Fair Market Value Residual Dispute
   (alleged different from what salesman quoted)
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/August%202008/08-13-08.htm#balb
Original Papers Signed had Different Purchase Option,
which Balboa claimed the machinist created the Balboa unsigned purchase option document
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/August%202008/08-25-08.htm#bbc
Lost right of purchase option as was late
    in dispute over ACH/monthly payments by mail
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2010/4_23.htm#bbc_balboa
"Fair Market Value" to $1.00 Salesman Told Lease Was
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2012/12_10.htm#bbc
Evergreen Clause plus Purchase Option Dispute
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2013/3_22.htm#bbc
Fair Market Value vs. $1.00 Purchase Option
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/
4_29x.htm#balboa_capital_complaint
Side Letter $1.00 but Lease Contract Fair Market Value
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2013
/5_13.htm#balboa_capital_complaint
Termination fee on Residual/Sales Tax issues
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2013/
5_13.htm#balboa_capital_complaint
Purchase Option Dispute and number of payments made
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2014/3_26.htm#balboa
Residual/Payment Dispute
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2015/4_07.htm#bbc
Payoff/Residual Dispute
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2016/03_28.htm#balboa

 

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

Leasing Industry Ads---Help Wanted
Ascentium Capital

 

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“Making the Right Decision in Changing Companies”
Career Crossroad---By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII

Q: I am thinking of accepting a position with another company. How do I know I am making the right decision?

A: I assume a major factor in making a career move is the stability of the company. Number one, do your research.  There are never any guarantees, but there a few key factors to assist you in making your decision:

• Employee turnover rate:  if it is a high rate, why have employees left the company. You may want to discuss this in a 2nd interview
• Research the company’s history in doing business in an ethical and moral fashion (internally AND externally): this is easily obtained by searching out complaints, bulletins and many of the watch dog lists on line (don’t forget: http://www.leasingnews.org/bulletin_board.htm
• You can even research if lawsuits have been filed against the company. Do a Google search with company name and add lawsuits or pay an intern for a legal search at: www.pacer.gov.
• History of paying their bills:  if a company struggles to pay their bills, you might have issues collecting commissions and other compensation. You will have to conduct your own “undercover” investigation on this – speak to people in the industry
• Find out, in an interview, what the company’s volume was, is and will be; you may even feel comfortable requesting financials. Most companies over the last few years have suffered; determine if their numbers fall in line with other similar businesses – if not, find out why.
• Also make sure, if in a sales role, that production expectations are realistic and fall within the parameters you will be able to meet or better yet, exceed – if not, you may be let go for not meeting these goals

In conduct your research in a “covert” manner, you don’t want there to be a leak that you are considering a move while you are still employed.  Additionally, make sure your new employer will be able to meet your personal and career objectives now and in the future.

 

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

 

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Now is the Time to Plan for 2017

Don’t wait for Thanksgiving to be thinking about 2017. Also don’t wait until after the November election, either. Take the wheel of your ship and steer it into the wind with a plan to succeed. Now is the time to plan the trip.
A business plan is a guide post for your expectations and what direction you or your leasing company will take next year. I have written many times on business plans and yearly budgets so that the firm can judge its path as it moves through the year.

What I would like to recommend is not only the basic plan, but having a policy to direct daily activities. A business plan is a wish list of direction for the company ---but a policy is what keeps the firm on a firm path.

No matter the size of the company, a policy sets the standards for proper performance by each employee and comforts management that things should be in order. However it is of no good if it is not understood or made available to each employee. It also needs to be simple and direct and not in book form or written just to show you have a policy. Policies can get too deep, too boring, and wind up destroying what they are trying to accomplish.

I suggest a semi-annual meeting to explain the contents of the policy and discuss its purpose to everyone. Some policies need to have the purpose explained along with the statement. A better informed employee staff reduces problems and issues.

The business plan and parts of the budget could be included in a semi-annual meeting but do not fall into the trap of making this meeting a large presentation and lose the involvement of the staff who may want to insert good observations and ask questions. You may want them to submit written questions prior to the meeting and allow for lots of time for additional issues.

I would suggest an offsite location on a weekend so standard business needs do not get in the way. Corporate boards do this. Why not have key staff take one or two days on a weekend every six months? It is not too much to ask and allows a little steam to be vented.

The more you involve the staff, the better your firm will operate and business should flow better. In addition, sometimes suggestions from the staff on how to organize the workflow could help improve business flow and reduce costs.

The more people who contribute to the plan, the more likely they are to see implementation through to completion. Within reason, they don’t feel dictated to. You are also grooming them for higher executive positions, hopefully at your company, as they feel (and realize) part of the success is from their involvement.

Organization and direction support success. Confusion and doubt slow a company’s progress and sometimes spell disaster.

Next year, we move closer to a change for equipment leasing in GAAP Financial Reporting. We should be ready. We should also be considering the new lease accounting rules which are scheduled to take effect for financial periods starting after December 15, 2018 for public companies, and after December 15, 2019, for private companies. For companies with calendar year ends, that means 2019 for public companies and 2020 for private companies. 

We need to understand where we are going. Most important, we need to get all the staff on the same page of directions of where we are headed.

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

 

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

Alexa Report U.S. Leasing/Finance Media
September 2, 2016

Rankings in the United States

Sites Visitors United States
Sites Visitors World Wide
Daily Time on Site
Visits to Sites from Search Engine
Sites Linking In

*When there is no United States number, it means Alexa did not find enough connections to be rated.

Regarding time on site, should be noted that ELFA Online has education videos as well as blogs, infograms, meeting signups, webinars; NAELB has blogs and forums where members communicate. These features increase visitors time on the site, as to get to the blog, forum, video, etc., you are on the web site. Equipmentfa has YouTube interviews. It does not relate to how many visit the website.

Using the browser to search and find the website indicates not only the percentage who have used the browser to connect, but as well, indicates the usage of those who find the site by going direct either by bookmarking, using an ap, or by email connection.

Sites linking in is important as it shows the other sites that link directly, almost as a recommendation. The ELFA membership companies and the magazine followers of Monitor Daily add greatly to their web presence.

It should also be noted that Leasing News editions are generally three times a week versus competitors at five times a week.

 

 

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

ELFA Announces Ivory Senior Consultant Ray James
Will Receive 2016 Distinguished Service Award

Ray James
Senior Consultant
Ivory Consulting Corporation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) has selected Ray James, Senior Consultant for Ivory Consulting Corporation, to receive its 2016 Michael J. Fleming Distinguished Service Award. The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the association and the equipment finance industry. James will be formally recognized during a ceremony at ELFA’s 55th Annual Convention in Palm Desert, California, in October.

James has been a major contributor to ELFA’s research and data collection efforts for 25 years. He has served as an active member of the ELFA Research Committee since 1991 and has led the Committee as Chair since the fall of 2012.

During his tenure on the Research Committee, James has played a critical role in helping the association collect and report industry trend data and performance metrics, particularly through the Monthly Leasing & Finance Index and the annual Survey of Equipment Finance Activity (SEFA). As a pioneering member of the Research Committee, James has helped the SEFA report grow into ELFA’s signature benchmarking and research tool. Today the 300+ page report is the most important source of statistical information available on the $1 trillion equipment finance industry. James has also provided an industry perspective on quantitative analysis conducted by the association.

James has served as Senior Consultant for Ivory Consulting Corporation since 2006. He began his career in finance in 1967 as an Assistant Manager, Commercial Loans, at National Bank of Detroit. He then served as Manager, Corporate Finance, at Chrysler Corporation, from 1969 to 1975; as a Financial Consultant at Computer Sciences Corporation from 1975 to 1978; as Managing Vice President at the Charge Card Association from 1978 to 1981; and as Manager, Corporate Investment, at Upjohn Company from 1980 to 1989. While working for the Upjohn Company, in 1983 James founded a company called DSI, which assembled and sold IBM Clone computers.  He sold the company in 1989.

From 1989 to 1999, James served as Vice President at Senstar Capital Corporation, a private leasing firm, where he oversaw Finance, Accounting, IT, Syndication, Pricing and Strategic Planning. The company was sold to John Deere Financial in 1999 and for the next six years James worked at John Deere Financial as a Director of various areas, including Strategic Planning, Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Development, Corporate Pricing and Syndication. He retired from John Deere Financial in 2005.

James graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BS in Mathematics and Economics and from Wayne State University with a MA in Econometrics. 

Ralph Petta
ELFA President and CEO

“We are delighted to recognize Ray James in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to ELFA and the equipment finance industry,” said ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta. “Over the past quarter century, Ray has played a leadership role in helping ELFA to develop world-class research offerings that deliver essential insights and highlight the value of our $1 trillion industry to the U.S. economy. I personally have had the pleasure to get to know Ray over the years.  A gentleman and committed volunteer, there is no finer ambassador to the industry and ELFA.”

“It is truly an honor to receive this award,” said James. “ELFA has been my constant source of industry knowledge through their broad offerings of training, subject specific conferences, analysis—like the Survey of Equipment Finance Activity—and a great chance to interact with the best folks in the industry.”

About ELFA

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) is the trade association that represents companies in the $1 trillion 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 580 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, please visit www.elfaonline.org.

 

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

Alta Speakers to Discuss Critical Equipment Finance Issues
at Several US Conferences

GLENBROOK, NV, - Consultants with The Alta Group will explore challenges and solutions for equipment leasing technology, accounting, appraisals, managed solutions and financial technology (FinTech) at upcoming industry-related conferences.

• Shawn D. Halladay, an Alta managing director who is recognized for his expertise in the accounting and tax complexities of equipment leasing and finance, and Key Equipment Finance CFO Deborah Brady will lead discussions 10 a.m. Monday Sept. 12 at the CFO Roundtable preceding the ELFA Lease and Finance Accountants Conference in Baltimore. Halladay also will be a presenter during the conference’s “Residual Impairments” session at 3:45 p.m. that day, and during the “Treasury Impacts, Considerations and Debt Covenants” session 1:15 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 13 with Charlie Shannon, a partner with Moss Adams LLP.

• Carl C. Chrappa, ASA, the senior managing director who leads Alta’s asset management practice in North America, will examine “The Collapse of Commodity Prices and the Impact on Equipment Values” 11:05 a.m. Monday Sept. 12 at the International Appraisers Conference in Boca Raton, Florida. The conference is sponsored by the American Society of Appraisers.

• David S. Wiener, managing director of client relations for Alta, will discuss the importance of “Preparing your Business Processes for Automation” – and the perils of automating bad processes – as part of a panel 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the ELFA Operations & Technology Conference in Baltimore. Jennifer Martin, vice president of program development and operational controls at Key Equipment Finance, will lead the panel. Tawnya Stone, vice president of strategic partner technology at GreatAmerica Financial Services, and Lucy Marsh, vice president at TCF Equipment Finance, will also serve on the panel.

• CEO John C. Deane will moderate a panel session on “Managed Solutions: Not Your Grandfather’s Leasing Industry” 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24 at the ELFA Annual Convention. The panel will include Dianne Croessmann, executive director of Lenovo Financial Services, Mike Infante, chief credit & risk officer for Cisco Systems, Pier LaFarge, CEO of SparkFund, John Rees, global head of industry & vendor management for Societe Generale, and Ken Turner, director of worldwide credit & risk for Microsoft Financing.

• Director Patricia M. Voorhees will join Currency Capital CEO Charles Anderson 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 in a session on “FinTech: A Paradigm Shift in Technology Enabled Origination, Operations and Funding” at the ELFA Annual Convention.

Alta speakers will be available to discuss industry issues individually before, during or after the conferences.

Those interested can contact Suzanne Chapell, executive administrative assistant, at 585-548-5043, schapell@thealtagroup.com.

About The Alta Group
The Alta Group is the leading global consultancy dedicated exclusively to the business of equipment leasing and asset finance. Since 1992, Alta has represented equipment leasing and finance companies, financial institutions, manufacturers and service providers, offering management consulting and expertise in global market entry, vendor and captive finance, professional development, legal services, asset management, mergers and acquisitions, and digital business advisory services. For information on the group’s services in the United States and Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific, visit http://www.thealtagroup.com.

 

Australian Cattle Dog
San Francisco, California  Adopt-a-Dog

LL Drool J  (doesn't drool)
(name given by SPCA)
ID: 33356471
Male
Age: 2 years
Weight: 39lbs. 11 oz.

"We think LL Drool J is just his chosen rapper name...we haven't seen him really drool yet. LL came from Stanislaus County. He is sweet as can be and ready to go home with active, caring adopters that can offer plenty of affection, daily exercise, training, and care. He will benefit from frequent chances to mingle with other dogs his size so he can expend energy playing while maintaining a healthy sociability with fellow canines."

San Francisco SPCA
250 Florida Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-522-3500
adoptions@sfspca.org

Hours: Mon-Fri: 1 - 6pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 5pm
Closed on major holidays
(free parking)

http://www.adoptapet.com/

News Briefs---

Alternative Financing Group Founder Arrested
  Five Counts Wire Fraud for $619,089
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/crime/article99114322.html

Sources – China Avolon nearing purchase of CIT's
       aircraft leasing unit
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cit-m-a-hna-group-idUSKCN11C0Y4

Kyle Gilliam Joins BancorpSouth as President
   of the Bank's Equipment Finance and Leasing Division
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gilliam-joins-bancorpsouth-as-president-of-the-banks-equipment-finance-and-leasing-division-300323234.html

McDonald’s is Pushing Out the Small Fries
Trend is Bigger Operator for New Technology Costs
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-01/mcdonald-s-is-pushing-out-the-small-fries

 

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--You May Have Missed It

What to do if you bought Samsung's exploding Galaxy Note 7
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tn-samsung-exploding-galaxy--20160906-snap-story.html

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Baseball Poem

WHY BASEBALL WALTZES WITH LETTERS
by Tim Peeler
A Faulkner sentence is an extra inning game,
Simply and finally playing through its Will and exhaustion.
Third Base Coach signals are ee cummings poems-
Gimmicky, sure, but meaningful in their color
When you break the code.
The prisons play contests of Bukowski prose,
Where a stolen base may be a literal image
And everybody gambles nothing.
Weird killers load the bases at a
Stephen King Little League field, the sequel,
A grand slam promise at the bank.
Although Poe would never sit through nine,
His words are a dark season in the cellar,
A team leaving town and the death of a Beautiful groupie.
Finally, Wolfe who wrote slugfest
Double-headers played to million-footed
Throngs, then flickered like so many other
Stars never meant for extra innings.

-------------------
--- with the permission of the author, from his
book of baseball poetry:
“Waiting for Godot's First Pitch”
More Poems from Baseball
available from Amazon
or direct
from the publisher at: www.mcfarlandpub.com

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Sports Briefs----

 

Updated 49ers Scapegoat List:
Hey, Trent Baalke, you’re the new No. 1 and–contrary to many previous top seeds–you really, really deserve it
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2016/09/06/new-49ers-scapegoat-list/

Bold predictions for all 32 teams
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/32for32xboldpredictions160906/nfl-bold-predictions-preview-2016-regular-season

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California Nuts Briefs---

Incredible color postcards show San Francisco's
  most beautiful spots before the 1906 earthquake
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/color-postcards-San-Francisco-tourist-attractions-9195682.php#photo-10855142

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“Gimme that Wine”

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

Margrit Mondavi recounts Napa Valley wine culture’s rise
Video
http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/northbay/napacounty/6045627-181/margrit-mondavi-napa-wine-history-video

Sonoma Wine County Weekend breaks record
http://www.sonomanews.com/home/6054083-181/sonoma-wine-county-weekend-breaks

Cooperage packs technology into the timeless wooden barrel
http://www.seattletimes.com/business/cooperage-packs-technology-into-the-timeless-wooden-barrel/

Thirteen New Masters of Wine
http://www.mastersofwine.org/en/news/index.cfm/id/A140002F-92E2-411F-92C5037DF24EE425

Free Mobile Wine Program
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2010/2_26.htm#mobile

Wine Prices by vintage
http://www.winezap.com
http://www.wine-searcher.com/

US/International Wine Events
http://www.localwineevents.com/

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

     1630 - The Massachusetts town of Trimontaine (Shawmut), was renamed Boston, and became the state capital. It was named after a town of the same name in Lincolnshire, England.    
    1776 - According to American colonial reports, Ezra Lee made the world's first submarine attack in the Turtle, attempting to attach a time bomb to the hull of HMS Eagle in New York Harbor (no British records of this attack exist).
    1778 – During the Revolutionary War, France invaded Dominca in the British West Indies, before Britain became aware of France's involvement in the war.
    1816 - Teabout and Chapman launched the Frontenac, the first steamboat “to sail” on the Great Lakes, revolutionizing shipping.
    1825 - The Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution, bade farewell to President John Quincy Adams at the White House.
    1857 - The Mountain Meadows massacre was a series of attacks on the Baker-Fancher emigrant wagon train, at Mountain Meadows in southern Utah. The attacks began on September 7 and culminated on September 11, 1857, resulting in the mass slaughter of the party by members of the Utah Territorial Militia with some Paiute Native Americans. The militia, officially called the Nauvoo Legion, was composed of southern Utah's Mormon settlers. Intending to leave no witnesses and thus prevent reprisals, the perpetrators killed all the adults and older children—about 120 men, women, and children in total. Seventeen children, all younger than seven, were spared.
    1860 – Grandma Moses (d. 1961) was born Anna Mary Robertson Moses in Greenwich, NY.  A renowned American folk artist, having begun painting in earnest at the age of 78, she is often cited as an example of an individual successfully beginning a career in the arts at an advanced age. Her works have been shown and sold in the United States and abroad and have been marketed on greeting cards and other merchandise. Moses' paintings are among the collections of many museums.
    1864 - In preparation for his march to the sea, Union General William T. Sherman orders residents of Atlanta, Georgia, to evacuate the city. Even though Sherman had just successfully captured Atlanta with minimal losses, he was worried about his supply lines, which stretched all the way to Louisville, Kentucky. With Confederate cavalry leader Nathan Bedford Forrest on the loose, Sherman expected to have a difficult time maintaining an open line of communication and reasoned that he could not stay in Atlanta for long. The number of troops committed to guarding the railroad and telegraph lines was almost as many as he had with him in Atlanta. For Sherman, the defeated residents of Atlanta could only hinder him in his preparations since they represented mouths to feed in addition to his own army. Furthermore, he did not want to bear responsibility for women and children in the midst of his army. Eviction of the residents was Sherman's most logical solution.  Sherman's order surely didn't win him any fans among the Southerners, but he was only starting to build his infamous reputation with the Confederates. In November, he embarked on his march to the sea, during which his army destroyed nearly everything that lay in its path.
    1875 – Edward F. Hutton (d. 1962) was born in Manhattan.  In 1904, Hutton, his brother, Franklyn, and Gerald M. Loeb founded the American stock brokerage firm E.F. Hutton.  Under their leadership, it became one of the most respected financial firms in the United States and for several decades was the second largest brokerage firm in the United States. E.F. Hutton merged in 1988 with Shearson Lehman/American Express.
    1876 - In Northfield, MN, Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang attempted to rob the town's bank but were driven off by armed citizens.
    1881 - The temperature soared to 101 degrees at New York City, 102 degrees at Boston, and 104 degrees at Washington, D.C.
    1892 - At the Olympic Club in New Orleans, James Corbett won the World Heavyweight Championship by knocking out John L. Sullivan in the 21st round. Corbett's new scientific boxing technique enabled him to dodge Sullivan's rushing attacks and wear him down with jabs.
    1903 – Taylor Caldwell (d. 1985) was born in Greenwich, CT.  Novelist and prolific author of popular fiction, also known by the pen names Marcus Holland and Max Reiner, and by her married name of J. Miriam Reback.  In her fiction, she often used real historical events or persons. Best-known works include “Dynasty of Death,” “Dear and Glorious Physician” (about Saint Luke), “Ceremony of the Innocent,” “Pillar of Iron,” “The Earth is the Lord's” (about Genghis Khan) and “Captains and Kings.”  Her last major novel, “Answer As a Man,” appeared in 1980.
    1903 - The Federation of American Motorcyclists was organized at Manhattan Beach, NY. The first president was R.G. Betts of the New York Motor Cycle Club. About 200 delegates attended the first meeting, considered the first rumble of motorcyclists in the U.S.
    1907 – Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators beat the Red Sox for the first of 38 career 1-0 shutouts.  Johnson threw 130 shutouts during his career, 23 more than runner-up Grover Cleveland Alexander.   
    1908 - Trumpeter Max Kamisnky (d. 1994) birthday, Brockton, MA.
    1908 – Dr. Michael DeBakey (d. 2008) was born in Lake Charles, LA.  World-renowned American cardiac surgeon, innovator, scientist, medical educator, and international medical statesman.  DeBakey is known for his work on the treatment of heart patients and for his role in the development of the mobile army surgical hospital (MASH).
    1909 – Elia Kazan (d. 2003) was born Elias Kazantzoglou in Constantinople, now Turkey.  Director, producer, writer and actor, described by The New York Times as "one of the most honored and influential directors in Broadway and Hollywood history."  Noted for drawing out the best dramatic performances from his actors, he directed 21 actors to Oscar nominations, resulting in nine wins. He directed a string of successful films, including “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951), “On the Waterfront” (1954), and “East of Eden” (1955). During his career, he won two Oscars as Best Director and received an Honorary Oscar, won three Tony Awards, and four Golden Globes.  A turning point in Kazan's career came with his testimony as a witness before the House Committee on Un-American Activities in 1952 at the time of the blacklist, which brought him strong negative reactions from many liberal friends and colleagues. His testimony helped end the careers of former acting colleagues, along with ending the work of playwright Clifford Odets.  Nearly a half-century later, his anti-Communist testimony continued to cause controversy. When Kazan was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1999, dozens of actors chose not to applaud as 250 demonstrators picketed the event. 
    1912 – David Packard (d. 1996) was born Pueblo, CO.  An electrical engineer and co-founder, with William Hewlett, of Hewlett-Packard (1939), serving as president (1947–64), CEO (1964–68), and Chairman of the Board (1964–68, 1972–93). He served as US Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1969 to 1971 during the Nixon Administration. Packard was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988 and is noted for many technological innovations and philanthropic endeavors.    
    1922 - Joe Newman (d. 1992) birthday (Great Count Basie trumpet player-13 years), New Orleans.
    1924 – Daniel Inouye (d. 2012) was born in Honolulu.  US Senator from Hawaii from 1963 to 2012. He was President pro tempore (3d line the presidential line of succession) of the Senate from 2010 until his death in 2012, making him the highest-ranking Asian American politician in U.S. history. Inouye fought in World War II and lost his right arm to a grenade wound.   He was a Medal of Honor recipient, received several military decorations and was a posthumous recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
    1929 - Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins was born Walter Theodore Rollins, Sugar Hill in Harlem. 
    1936 - Singer Buddy Holly (d. 1959) was born Charles Hardin Holley in Lubbock, TX.   Musician and singer-songwriter who was a central figure of mid-1950s rock and roll.  In 1955, after opening for Elvis, Holly decided to pursue a career in music. He opened for Presley three times that year; his band's style shifted from country and western to entirely rock and roll. In October that year, when he opened for Bill Haley & The Comets, Holly was spotted by Nashville scout Eddie Crandall, who helped him get a contract with Decca Records.  Unhappy with their control in the studio and with the sound he achieved there, Holly went to producer Norman Petty in New Mexico and recorded a demo of "That’ll Be the Day” among other songs. In September 1957, as the band now known as Buddy Holly and The Crickets, toured, "That'll Be the Day" topped the US and UK charts. Its success was followed in October by another major hit, "Peggy Sue."  In early 1959, Holly assembled a new band, including future country music star Waylon Jennings and embarked on a tour of the midwestern U.S. After a show in Clear lake, IA, Holly chartered an airplane to travel to his next show. Soon after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and the pilot, in a tragedy later elegized by Don McLean as "American Pie."  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Holly
    1944 - MAXWELL, ROBERT D., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, 7th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Besancon, France, 7 September 1944. Entered service at: Larimer County, Colo. Birth: Boise, Idaho. G.O. No.: 24, 6 April 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 7 September 1944, near Besancon, France. Technician 5th Grade Maxwell and 3 other soldiers, armed only with .45 caliber automatic pistols, defended the battalion observation post against an overwhelming onslaught by enemy infantrymen in approximately platoon strength, supported by 20mm. flak and machinegun fire, who had infiltrated through the battalion's forward companies and were attacking the observation post with machinegun, machine pistol, and grenade fire at ranges as close as 10 yards. Despite a hail of fire from automatic weapons and grenade launchers, Technician 5th Grade Maxwell aggressively fought off advancing enemy elements and, by his calmness, tenacity, and fortitude, inspired his fellows to continue the unequal struggle. When an enemy hand grenade was thrown in the midst of his squad, Technician 5th Grade Maxwell unhesitatingly hurled himself squarely upon it, using his blanket and his unprotected body to absorb the full force of the explosion. This act of instantaneous heroism permanently maimed Technician 5th Grade Maxwell, but saved the lives of his comrades in arms and facilitated maintenance of vital military communications during the temporary withdrawal of the battalion's forward headquarters.
    1950 - “Truth or Consequences” premiered on television. The half-hour show was based on a parlor game: contestants who failed to answer a question before the buzzer (nickname Beulah) went off had to perform stunts (i.e., pay the consequences.) Ralph Edwards created and hosted the show until 1954, then it became a prime-time show hosted by Jack Bailey. My father's very close friend, Morris Burman, was the lead writer. Bob Barker succeeded Bailey in 1966 and hosted it through syndication through 1974. In 1977, the show was revived as “The New Truth of Consequences” with Bob Hilton as host, ending in 1988.
    1951 - CRUMP, JERRY K., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company L, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Chorwon, Korea, 6 and 7 September 1951. Entered service at: Forest City, N.C. Born: 18 February 1933, Charlotte, N.C. G.O. No.: 68, 11 July 1952. Citation. Cpl. Crump, a member of Company L, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. During the night a numerically superior hostile force launched an assault against his platoon on Hill 284, overrunning friendly positions and swarming into the sector. Cpl. Crump repeatedly exposed himself to deliver effective fire into the ranks of the assailants, inflicting numerous casualties. Observing 2 enemy soldiers endeavoring to capture a friendly machine gun, he charged and killed both with his bayonet, regaining control of the weapon. Returning to his position, now occupied by 4 of his wounded comrades, he continued his accurate fire into enemy troops surrounding his emplacement. When a hostile soldier hurled a grenade into the position, Cpl. Crump immediately flung himself over the missile, absorbing the blast with his body and saving his comrades from death or serious injury. His aggressive actions had so inspired his comrades that a spirited counterattack drove the enemy from the perimeter. Cpl. Crump's heroic devotion to duty, indomitable fighting spirit, and willingness to sacrifice himself to save his comrades reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry and the U.S. Army.
    1951 - KANELL, BILLIE G., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company I, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Pyongyang, Korea, 7 September 1951. Entered service at: Poplar Bluff, Mo. Born: 26 June 1931, Poplar Bluff, Mo. G.O. No.: 57, 13 June 1952. Citation: Pvt. Kanell, a member of Company I, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. A numerically superior hostile force had launched a fanatical assault against friendly positions, supported by mortar and artillery fire, when Pvt. Kanell stood in his emplacement exposed to enemy observation and action and delivered accurate fire into the ranks of the assailants. An enemy grenade was hurled into his emplacement and Pvt. Kanell threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing the blast with his body to protect 2 of his comrades from serious injury and possible death. A few seconds later another grenade was thrown into the emplacement and, although seriously wounded by the first missile, he summoned his waning strength to roll toward the second grenade and used his body as a shield to again protect his comrades. He was mortally wounded as a result of his heroic actions. His indomitable courage, sustained fortitude against overwhelming odds, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.
    1952 - PORTER, DONN F., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company G, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Mundung-ni Korea, 7 September 1952. Entered service at: Baltimore, Md. Born: 1 March 1931, Sewickley, Pa. G.O. No.: 64, 18 August 1953. Citation: Sgt. Porter, a member of Company G, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Advancing under cover of intense mortar and artillery fire, 2 hostile platoons attacked a combat outpost commanded by Sgt. Porter, destroyed communications, and killed 2 of his 3-man crew. Gallantly maintaining his position, he poured deadly accurate fire into the ranks of the enemy, killing 15 and dispersing the remainder. After falling back under a hail of fire, the determined foe reorganized and stormed forward in an attempt to overrun the outpost. Without hesitation, Sgt. Porter jumped from his position with bayonet fixed and, meeting the onslaught and in close combat, killed 6 hostile soldiers and routed the attack. While returning to the outpost, he was killed by an artillery burst, but his courageous actions forced the enemy to break off the engagement and thwarted a surprise attack on the main line of resistance. Sgt. Porter's incredible display of valor, gallant self-sacrifice, and consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.
    1953 - American tennis great Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly became the first woman to win the Grand Slam, the four major tournaments in the same year. She began with the Australian Open, then the French Open and then Wimbledon. At the US championships at Forest Hills, NY, she defeated Doris Hart in the final, 6-2, 5-4. Connolly was so dominating that the match lasted only 43 minutes.
    1956 - “The Adventures of Jim Bowie” premiered. My father, Lawrence Menkin, wrote some of the episodes. This half-hour western about the inventor of the Bowie knife starred Scott Forbes as the title character. There was much criticism about the early violence, and as a results action was greatly decreased on this original television series (Bowie rarely used his knife and even fist fights were removed from air.)
    1957 - Elvis enters a recording studio to cut "Treat Me Nice," "Don't" and the tracks for his upcoming Christmas album
    1958 - Georgia Gibbs performs "The Hula-Hoop Song" on The Ed Sullivan Show, boosting the craze that is sweeping North America. The song would be the last of nine Top-40 hits for Gibbs.
    1963 - Three weeks after its release, The Beatles' "She Loves You" hits #1 in England. It remained on the charts for thirty-one consecutive weeks, eighteen of those in the top three.
    1963 - The Pro Football Hall of Fame opened in Canton, OH with 17 charter members.
    1966 - Roy Orbison begins filming his one and only starring role, in the unlikely Western comedy “The Fastest Guitar Alive,” with a cameo by Sam "The Sham" Samudio of "Wooly Bully" fame.
    1967 - At Candlestick Park, the Giants tie a National League mark using a record 25 players to beat the Astros in 15 innings, 3-2. Manager Herman Franks uses all his starters and five relief pitchers, sends six pinch hitters to the plate; three players enter the contest as pinch runners along with two defensive substitutions.
    1967 - “The Flying Nun” premiered on television, about a nun at a convent in Puerto Rico who discovers that she can fly, starring Sally Fields.
    1968 - The Doors' LP “Waiting for the Sun” hits #1
    1970 - A lightning bolt struck a group of football players at Gibbs High School in Saint Petersburg FL, killing two persons and injuring 22 others. All the thirty-eight players and four coaches were knocked off their feet
    1970 - ENGLISH, GLENN H., JR., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company E, 3d Battalion, ~03 Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Place and date: Phu My District, Republic of Vietnam, 7 September 1970. Entered service at: Philadelphia, Pa. Born: 23 April 1940, Altoona, Pa. Citation: S/Sgt. English was riding in the lead armored personnel carrier in a 4-vehicle column when an enemy mine exploded in front of his vehicle. As the vehicle swerved from the road, a concealed enemy force waiting in ambush opened fire with automatic weapons and anti-tank grenades, striking the vehicle several times and setting it on fire. S/Sgt. English escaped from the disabled vehicle and, without pausing to extinguish the flames on his clothing, rallied his stunned unit. He then led it in a vigorous assault, in the face of heavy enemy automatic weapons fire, on the entrenched enemy position. This prompt and courageous action routed the enemy and saved his unit from destruction. Following the assault, S/Sgt. English heard the cries of 3 men still trapped inside the vehicle. Paying no heed to warnings that the ammunition and fuel in the burning personnel carrier might explode at any moment, S/Sgt. English raced to the vehicle and climbed inside to rescue his wounded comrades. As he was lifting 1 of the men to safety, the vehicle exploded, mortally wounding him and the man he was attempting to save. By his extraordinary devotion to duty, indomitable courage, and utter disregard for his own safety, S/Sgt. English saved his unit from destruction and selflessly sacrificed his life in a brave attempt to save 3 comrades. S/Sgt. English's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the cost of his life were an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
    1974 - Elton John is awarded a Gold record for "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me." The single was #2 on the Hot 100 for four straight weeks, but was kept out of the top spot by John Denver's "Annie's Song," Roberta Flack's "Feel Like Makin' Love" and Paper Lace's "The Night Chicago Died."
    1977 - In Washington, President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian dictator Omar Torrijos sign a treaty agreeing to transfer control of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama at the end of the 20th century. The Panama Canal Treaty also authorized the immediate abolishment of the Canal Zone, a 10-mile-wide, 40-mile-long U.S.-controlled area that bisected the Republic of Panama. Many in Congress opposed giving up control of the Panama Canal--an enduring symbol of U.S. power and technological prowess--but America's colonial-type administration of the strategic waterway had long irritated Panamanians and other Latin Americans. The rush of settlers to California and Oregon in the mid-19th century was the initial impetus of the U.S. desire to build an artificial waterway across Central America. In 1855, the United States completed a railroad across the Isthmus of Panama (then part of Colombia), prompting various parties to propose canal-building plans. Ultimately, Colombia awarded the rights to build the canal to Ferdinand de Lesseps, the French entrepreneur who had completed the Suez Canal in 1869. Construction on a sea-level canal began in 1881, but inadequate planning, disease among the workers, and financial problems drove Lesseps' company into bankruptcy in 1889.
    1979 - The Chrysler Corporation asked the United States government for $1.5 billion to avoid bankruptcy.
    1986 - Off the coast of Florida, an F-106 “Delta Dart” of the 125th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron encounters a Soviet Air Force Tu-95 “Bear” bomber flying parallel to the twelve-mile limit of U.S. airspace as it makes its way from Russia to Cuba. These are routine flights which are just as routinely met by Air Guard fighters who act as ‘escorts’ to be sure the bombers pose no threat to the U.S. homeland. Since 1953, Air Guard fighter-interceptor units took on an air defense mission, challenging unidentified aircraft flying into American airspace. Air Guard pilots and aircraft stood alert 24 hours a day, every day. This mission grew each year and by 1965, the 22 interceptor squadrons flew 30,000 hours and completed 38,000 alert sorties. By 1988, the Air Guard provided 86% of the Air Force units assigned to national airspace security. In the post 9/11 environment, the Air Guard has continued and expanded its role in homeland defense by flying overhead cover for major cities in times of heightened alert as well as investigating all suspicious air traffic heading toward or across the country.
    1988 - Fifty cities across the eastern U.S. reported record low temperatures. The low of 56 degrees at Mobile, AL was their coolest reading of record for so early in the season. The mercury dipped to 31 degrees at Athens, OH, and to 30 degrees at Thomas, WV.
    1993 - Dr. Joycelyn Elders, born in 1933 in Schaal, AR, became the first African-American Surgeon General. Elders, the former health director of the state of Arkansas, was confirmed by a Senate vote of 65 to 34.
    1996 - In a pre-game ceremony in front of sellout crowd at the Metrodome, the Twins bid farewell to Kirby Puckett, one of team's popular players in recent years. After a remarkable 12-year Hall of Fame career, the talented and personable outfielder was forced to retire in July because of blindness in his right eye caused by glaucoma.
    2001 - During his 30th Anniversary celebration at Madison Square Garden, Michael Jackson is reunited onstage with the Jackson 5 for the first time since 1984.
    2008 – On the heels of The Great Recession that was precipitated by a subprime mortgage collapse, the US Government took control of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.  Following their mission to meet HUD housing goals, GSEs such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) had striven to improve home ownership of low and middle income families, underserved areas, and generally through special affordable methods such as "the ability to obtain a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a low down payment... and the continuous availability of mortgage credit under a wide range of economic conditions."  Then in 2003–2004, the subprime mortgage crisis began.  The market shifted away from regulated GSE's and radically toward Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) issued by unregulated private-label securitization conduits, typically operated by investment banks.  Fannie Mae and smaller Freddie Mac owned or guaranteed a massive proportion of all home loans in the United States and so were especially hard hit by the slump. The government officials also stated that the government had also considered calling for explicit government guarantee through legislation of $5 trillion on debt owned or guaranteed by the two companies.  On Oct 21, 2010 FHFA estimates revealed that the bailout of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will likely cost taxpayers $224–360 billion in total, with over $150 billion already provided
    2010 - Trevor Hoffman earns his 600th save, the first Major Leaguer to do so, when he induces pinch-hitter Aaron Miles to hit a grounder for the final out in the Brewers' 4-2 victory over St. Louis at Miller Park. The 42-year-old reliever, baseball's career saves leader, has converted 600 of his 676 save opportunities (89%) during his 18-year career with Florida, San Diego and Milwaukee. Hoffman remains second behind the all-time saves leader, Mariano Rivera, who retired with 652.
    2014 - Serena Williams beat Caroline Wozniacki in the U.S. Open final, joining Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert in having won 18 Grand Slam singles victories.