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Leasing News is a web site that posts information, news, and
entertainment for the commercial bank, finance and leasing industry

kitmenkin@leasingnews.org
   


Senior Credit Analyst

Choose Location
Anaheim, CA, Tigard, OR, Federal Way, WA


Middle Market Credits $500,000 to $5MM
including Equipment Leases and Financings
and Recourse and Non-recourse Lines of Credit
-Five or More Years Credit Underwriting Exp.
Some Relocation Provided
click here for more information

Financial Pacific Leasing - Commercial
A subsidiary of Umpqua Bank


Friday, August 14, 2015



Today's Equipment Leasing Headlines

Does Thomas Anderson Believe Latest Press Release?
 Balboa Capital Receives High Marks in Customer Service
Dale Kluga Sees Alternate Finance Bubble Ahead
   Concerned History is Repeating Itself
Aggregate Funding Sources
 (On Line: connects lessees, lessors, and vendors)
New Hires---Promotions in the Leasing Business
   and Related Industries
Leasing Industry Ads---Help Wanted
  Opportunities Available
Looking for Nominations for Most Influential
Lawyers in Equipment Finance and Leasing
Leasing Software Companies
Top eLeasing software companies, as ranked by employees
Census Bureau Releases Latest Driving to Work Statistics
 Commuting by Age, Race, Where You Live, and More
Ricki and the Flash/Shaun the Sheep
Far from the Madding Crowd/Dressed to Kill
The French Lieutenant's Woman--Reviews by Fernando Croce
Labrador Retriever Mix
Newport Beach, California   Adopt-a-Dog
Leasing Conferences
   Updated
News Briefs---
Element Financial 3-Month Ending June 30th Show
  Net Financial Income $149.6 Million versus $133.7 Million
Mortgage rates drop after China devalues its currency
  30 Year fixed: 4.04%   15 year fixed: 3.26%
Goldman Expands Retail Banking
  by Taking On GE Capital’s $16 Billion in Deposits
Banks to pay $2B to settle currency rigging suits
  Chump Change?
Colorado bank executive pleads guilty to embezzlement 
  Faces Up to 30 Years in Jail
Silicon Valley Bank Plays Matchmaker
  Between Tech and Wine
8-year prison term for former winery bookkeeper
  charged with theft in Napa County
'Vineyard terrorist' gets year in jail
  Stole a Lot of Grapes

Broker/Funder/Industry Lists | Features (writer's columns)
Top Ten Stories Chosen by Readers | Top Stories last six months

www.leasingcomplaints.com (Be Careful of Doing Business)
www.evergreenleasingnews.org
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######## surrounding the article denotes it is a “press release” and was not written by Leasing News nor information verified, but from the source noted. When an article is signed by the writer, it is considered a “by line.” It reflects the opinion and research of the writer.




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[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------


Does Thomas Anderson Believe Latest Press Release?
Balboa Capital Receives High Marks in Customer Service

By Christopher Menkin

““In our industry, the importance of good customer service cannot be overestimated,” said Robert Rasmussen, COO of Balboa Capital. “Our high customer satisfaction scores are the result of adding exceptional talent at each of our four offices, and at remote locations across the country. We have the personnel needed to provide our customers and prospects with immediate support for all of their finance-related inquiries.”
  Balboa Capital Press Release
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/BalboaReceivesHighMarks2015.pdf


---

Bulletin Board Complaint
Balboa Capital, Irvine, California

Tom Anderson, A-One Auto Specialists, Inc., dba D J's Auto Specialist, Laurel, Maryland has been attempting for over a month to understand the Balboa Payoff Quote. Leasing News tried to reach Rob Rasmussen, Chief Operating Officer/Chief Risk Officer, Balboa on March 26, then again on March 27 with emails and letters, and followed up with also trying to reach Patrick Byrne, CEO, and Phil Silva, President; several days. Evidently, they don't want to speak with Leasing News.

The questions concern this payoff quote:

 

1. - The payment balance. Does the dollar amount match the check record of D J's, which as of March, 2014 is $4,510.41? (A)
Balboa Payment Balance: $7,017.45 plus sales tax

2. Residual is higher than what a certified, well-known appraiser/adjuster determined, as conducted for Leasing News:

Forced Liquidation Value: $4,000
Orderly Liquidation Value: $5,000
Fair Market Value: $6,000

Pickup Range:
$1,000 to $1,200

Comment: “Aligners, such as the subject equipment, is loaded with technology which continues to improve every year. Today's alignment equipment is faster and easier to use than ever, and alignment inspection can be obtained for free for a person who came in to change oil. The key is the computer makes all recommendations, not the mechanic, plus prior inspections took a mechanic’s time and the client was charged for the inspection.”

Balboa Residual:  $8,650.00 plus sales tax

3. Property Tax from actual records
(Below is their 2014 tax bill.  Please note, the bill year indicates its for 2015, but this is for 2014 bill. With their MD ID F06468821, anyone can pull the records.)

Balboa Property Tax: $651.15 plus sales tax


4. Sales Tax on Property Tax
Balboa Sales Tax on Property Tax: $39.07

County said no sales tax.  From the ELFA Website
for Maryland:

“MD Sales Tax on Personal Property Tax:

“Personal property taxes imposed on the lessor and passed on to the lessee are not subject to sales tax, if separately stated.” 

(A) Check record from lessee.


 

Balboa Capital has a long list of Bulletin Board Complaints, plus appears on list of companies who take advantage of the Evergreen Clause.

 

From Leasing News Bulletin Board Complaint file:
easingnews.org/archives/Dec2014/12_01.htm#balboa
leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2014/3_26.htm#balboa
leasingnews.org/archives/Nov2013/11_26.htm#balboa
leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2013/10_29.htm#balboa
leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2013/7_19.htm#bbc
leasingnews.org/Pages/balboa_stealing.html
leasingnews.org/May2013/5_13.htm#balboa_capital_complaint
leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_25.htm#balboa_capital_complaint
leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2012/12_10.htm#bbc
leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2010/4_23.htm#bbc_balboa
leasingnews.org/archives/September%202008/09-10-08.htm#bbc
leasingnews.org/archives/August%202008/08-25-08.htm#bbc
leasingnews.org/archives/August%202008/08-13-08.htm#balb
leasingnews.org/archives/January%202007/01-29-07.htm#bbc
leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/BBC_Balboa.htm

 

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

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


Dale Kluga Sees Alternate Finance Bubble Ahead
Concerned History is Repeating Itself

(Respected lessor, writer, who appears on radio
and television business interviews, is concerned about the
direction of the finance and leasing industries)

Similar to today’s alternate finance lenders, the industry before bet the ranch on computer assisted models. I don't think it’s a coincidence that today, we have all just completely forgotten that the birth of the brilliant creation of the data analytics’ "too good to be true" online credit models have also has occurred within the nearly identical 15 year cycle from our prior leasing sub-prime disaster in 2000. Using Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, and so-called new analytics, appears to be driving the business loan, working capital, equipment financing view of credit.

As I wrote back in 1998, “Too bad our memories and computer models aren’t as reliable as good old-fashioned history”. How could we be so naïve to believe the passing of time would generate any different result from the same culprit. Coincidentally, I think that’s also the definition of insanity - repeating the same behavior and expecting a different outcome.

Identical to the current data analytics’ online credit models, back in 2000, our industry also argued that their high credit losses would be covered by their egregiously high rates and terms they charge, (before these operators all went down in flames).

Here’s what I have learned over the last 34 years about their high rate theory - if it’s too good to be true than it's simply not true. These dangerous models all assume that most of the high risk credits in their portfolios will continue paying on time irrespective of a financial downturn or a disruption in the credit or capital markets, (like how CIT imploded with the securitization lock down and relied on the government to allow them to stay in business).
 
Once the margins start compressing in the online high risk business model, (and we soon will be approaching that point), these online high risk lenders will predictably operate outside their original credit parameter models and start reaching for even riskier credits, just like our leasing sub-prime meltdown in 2000. Similar to any kiting or treadmill scheme, the underlying credits can only continue paying if the online high risk lenders remain liquid and solvent and keep feeding the animal. These online high risk lenders are all extremely susceptible to liquidity funding shortages in the market. Once the regulators of the bank sponsor finance groups, (who lend to the online portfolio company's owned by the last resort BDC’s, PEF’s and Hedge Fund wholesale funding sources), figure it out, then the banks will predictably call in their loans to the online lenders (just like in our 2000 sub-prime crisis and again in 2008 during the Great Recession), these data analytic lenders will become dead in the water.

Dale R. Kluga
President
Cobra Capital LLC
2831 W. 83rd Street
Darien, Illinois 60561
630-985-3500 Office
Email: dale@cobrallc.com
Web: www.cobrallc.com


 

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

Leasing Industry Ads---Help Wanted
Ascentium Capital/NEC Equipment Finance/Umpqua Bank


Senior Credit Analyst

Choose Location
Anaheim, CA, Tigard, OR, Federal Way, WA


Middle Market Credits $500,000 to $5MM
including Equipment Leases and Financings
and Recourse and Non-recourse Lines of Credit
-Five or More Years Credit Underwriting Exp.
Some Relocation Provided
click here for more information

Financial Pacific Leasing - Commercial
A subsidiary of Umpqua Bank

  


Experienced Sales Manager
Central Region


Develop/maintain relationships with NEC Dealers and Resellers. Meet with potential large customers to
structure new lease and financial service opportunities.
Full job description and application here

www.necam.com

A leading provider of innovative IT, biometrics, network, and
communications products and solutions for service carriers and
Fortune 1000 and SMB businesses across multiple vertical industries,
including healthcare, government, education, and hospitality.

 

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]
--------------------------------------------------------------

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

Only one left now, from an original over 30 at the turn of the century. CapitalRelay claims a current network of 724 brokers.
A current network of 118 lenders.

http://www.capitalrelay.com/

 




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


New Hires---Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries




Kit Antinozzi was hired as Business Development Specialist for North Star Leasing, Burlington, Vermont. "Kit graduated from Cornell where she earned her MBA. She previously worked for Blue Map for 6 six years, as well as the Vermont Agency for 3 three years."
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/kit-antinozzi/2/440/7a7


Kathy Collatos was hired by North Star Leasing, Burlington, Vermont,
as Business Development Specialist based in Florida. Previously, she was Business Development Manager, Engs Commercial Finance Co. (November 2014–March 2015); Office Manager, Red Oak Farm (May 2012–November 2014); Regional V.P. Business Development. Cherry Creek Financial Solutions (2010–2010); Vice President, Business Development, GE Commercial Finance (October 2003–January 2009); Vice President, AmSource Capital (September, 2002–September 2003); Vice President Marketing Manager, Southern Pacific Bancapital (January 2000–January 2002); Assistant Vice President, Syndications, Capital Associates International, Inc. (January 1998–January 2000); Manager, Lease Plan USA, Inc.  (January 1994–January 1998); Contract Manager, First Fleet Corporation (1989 – 1993 ); Title Coordinator, Chancellor Corporation (1984–1987); Intern, White House (September 1979–January 1980). Education: Skidmore College, BA; of, Political Science; Paralegal studies (1977 – 1981). Kimball Union Academy.
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-collatos/12/396/67a


Alex Dean has been promoted to underwriter for North Star Leasing, Burlington, Vermont. He has been working for North Star for over a year and is pleased by his expanded role in the company. He has begun using his experience gained at UNH studying Business Administration, helping him improve to make his own credit decisions on deals under $10k. He continues to be an integral part of the North Star team."


Richard Derbonne was promoted to Vice President and Brand Originator for GE Capital, based in Greater Atlanta Area. He joined the company August, 2006 as Vice President, Relationship Manager. Prior, he was Business Development Officer, First Horizon National Corporation (August, 2005 – August, 2006); National Account Executive, Bombardier Capital (October, 2000 – August, 2005); Territory Account Manager, Transamerica Commercial Finance (September, 1988 – October, 2000). Education: University of Houston, Clear Lake, B.S., Finance (1988). The University of Texas at Austin
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/richard-derbonne/5/8b1/12b


Mike Fosmark was hired as President, Celtic Leasing and Equipment Finance, Celtic Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah. Previously, he was President, Continental Bank, USA (October, 2003 – August, 2015); Executive Vice President, Bank of Utah (March, 1983 – July, 2003); Education: Pacific Coast Banking School, Masters, Banking (1995 – 1997). Utah State University, BS, Organizational Communications (1976 – 1981). Activities and Societies: Scholarship Football player (1976-1980). Team Captain 1980. Roy High
 https://www.linkedin.com/pub/mike-fosmark/9/605/654


Mitch Golub, former President and Founder of Cars.com, has joined the board of directors at DRIVIN, a recently launched online solution that aims to help dealers secure pre-owned cars at wholesale prices. Golub, also an investor in DRIVIN, was president of Cars.com for 17 years before retiring from the company last fall. What began as a small start-up with 21 employees, 50,000 vehicle listings and fewer than 1,000 dealer customers in its first year, has grown to a 1,300+ employee company with more than 4 million vehicle listings serving 20,000 dealers across the country and every U.S. automaker. During his tenure at Tribune's South Florida Sun-Sentinel, he created and managed new businesses in print, online and broadcast. In 1995, he became General Manager for interactive services for the Sun-Sentinel. He was responsible for putting the newspaper online and launching content-rich classified advertising-based products. Later, he developed Digital City South Florida, one of electronic publishing's first broad-based community products, which have become part of America Online's local service network. He began his career as a Reporter and Editor in Chicago, Ill. In 1978, he became Assistant City Editor of the Fort Lauderdale News and Sun-Sentinel. He served in a variety of Editorial Management positions before his appointment in 1984 as Senior Executive for the Palm Beach County operation of the Sun-Sentinel. In 1987, he returned to the Newsroom as a Senior News Executive through 1991, when he committed full-time to new business initiatives. Mr. Golub served as a Director at Interactive Advertising Bureau Inc. He has served on the Board of Directors of five new media businesses and organizations. He served on the board of MarketDrive Interactive, an Internet company Classified Ventures recently acquired. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Tribune Co.'s first Values Award.
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/mitch-golub/0/3b2/a79


Steven Goodale was promoted to Vice President of Daimler Truck Financial, a business unit of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. He joined Daimler Finance Services Americas, August, 2007, serving as Vice President, Credit & National Accounts - Americas; promoted to Director Global Credit-Berlin, Germany, October, 2009; promoted July 2013 as Managing Director/CEO, Mercedes Benz Financial Australia & New Zealand. Education: Wichita State University, Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Business Administration and Management, General (1981 – 1986). Battle Creek Central.
https://au.linkedin.com/pub/steven-goodale/78/a83/818


Richard Henderson was hired at Marlin Business Services, Mount Laurel, New Jersey; he is based out of New Hampshire. Previously, he was at Direct Capital, where he started April, 2002, as Vice President of Administration & Personnel; promoted, March, 2006, VP, General Manager - Commercial Real Estate Financing; promoted, July, 2008, SVP, Product Development; promoted, March, 2010, President, EquipmentEngine.com™; promoted February, 2013, Vice President of Franchise Financing. Prior, Management Consulting & Recruiting, Engineering & Technology Industries (1995-2002). Certifications: Certified Six Sigma Blackbelt (Link), Starting 2013. Organizations: American Society for Quality, Member, Six Sigma Forum. Equipment Leasing & Finance Association, Member. National Equipment Leasing Association, Member. International Franchise Association, Member. Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), Member. Education: Saint Anselm College, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Business Administration. Honors: Activities and Societies: Thesis: Organization Development Principals & The Workplace: Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society; Research Assistant to Chair of the Department of Social Sciences; One of Two Selected Department Statistics, Mathematics Peer Tutors for 1994.Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Management , Economics. Professional Development: Lean Six Sigma Methods, OCW Program. Activities and Societies.
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardhendersonjr


Michael Losey has been serving as Operations Consultant for SOLVE Capital Group since June, 2015. Previously he was Chief Operations Officer, Strada Capital Corporation (October 2012–April 2015); Director of Portfolio Management, Five Point Capital (December 2009–January 2012); Director, Portfolio Management, Balboa Capital (July 1996–December 2009); Collector, Amplicon Financial (1994–1996); Legal Manager, Orix Credit Alliance (1992–1994); Collector, Circle Business Credit (1988–1992); Sr. Assistant Manager, Household Finance (1986–1988); Tank Commander, United States Marine Corps (1982–1986).
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/michael-losey/12/229/824


Trish Marks was promoted to Regional Vice President of Business Development, Element Fleet Management; based out of Baltimore, Maryland.  She joined the firm May, 2012, as Account Executive.  Previously, she was at PHH Arval, August, 2000, as Regional Director, Business Development; promoted November, 2005, Vice President, Business Development. Awards: Regional Director of the Year - 2013, 2005, 2004, 2002 and 2001. Education: Loyola University, Maryland, Bachelors, Business Management. Darden University of Virginia, Leadership for Extraordinary Performance. Villa Julie College, Associates, Business
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishmarks


Colin Rugg was hired as Business Development Specialist for North Star Leasing, Burlington, Vermont. "Colin graduated from Champlain College with a degree in Business. He previously worked as an Assistant Car Sales Manager at Enterprise Rent a Car in Boston. He recently moved back home to the Burlington area with his wife and new baby girl. Colin has been quick out of the training gate having already generated several new applications and fundings in July."


Tammy Sofford was promoted to National Sales Director for America's Auto Auction, Dallas, Texas, for its 12 auctions. She joined the firm April, 2013 and prior position was as National Business Development Manager. Previously, she was Regional Sales Manager, Alliance Auto Auction (September, 2012 – April, 2013); Dealer Sales Manager, ADESA (2009 – 2012). Education: Oral Roberts University
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tammy-swofford/59/250/751


Chris Thomas was promoted by GE Capital as Vice President and Brand Originator, Franchise Finance, based in Greater Atlanta Area. He joined the firm July, 2008, Experienced Commercial Leadership Program (ECLP); promoted June, 2010, Strategic Marketing Initiatives Manager; August, 2011, promoted to Global Recruiting Director, ECLP; May, 2013, Global ECLP Program Manager; April, 2015, promoted to Vice President, Brand Sales/Origination. Prior, he was Marketing Associate, GE Money (June 2007–August 2007); Senior Sales & Marketing Representative, NVR, Inc. (July 2003–July 2006). Summer Associate, MBNA (May, 2002 – August, 2002). Corporate Finance & Real Estate Finance Intern, PNC Financial Services Group (May 2000–August 2001); Merchandising Buying Office Intern, Macy's (1999 – 1999). He has published many articles. Honors & Awards: Diversity Alumni Award, Penn State Alumni Association (April, 2009). 30 Young Leaders of the Future, Ebony Magazine (June, 2006). Top 40 Under Forty, The Network Journal (TNJ) (June, 2011). Alumni Achievement Award, Penn State Alumni Association/ Smeal College of Business (April, 2012). Education: Penn State University, MBA, Product & Market Development (2006 – 2008). Penn State University, BS, Business Management. International Business, Regent's Business School, London. International Business, Universidad de Costa Rica,
International Business.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christhomas1906


Michael VanGrunsven was promoted to Vice President and Brand Originator, GE Capital; based in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the company January, 2006, as Field Auditor; promoted to Account Manager, May, 2007; February, 2009, Account Executive, Remarketing; January, 2011, Analyst, Credit. Education:
Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance (2012–2013). Activities and Societies: Cross Continent MBA. Marquette University, Business, Marketing, Finance, International Business (2001–2005).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvangrunsven

 

 

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


Looking for Nominations for Most Influential
Lawyers in Equipment Finance and Leasing

Here is the list to date:

Most Influential Lawyers
in Equipment Finance and Leasing
 

Stewart Abramson
Andrew Alper

Thomas V. Askounis

Julie Babcock
Joe Bonanno, CLFP
Bill Carey
James Coston, CLFP
Jonathan Fleisher
Kenneth Charles Greene, Esq.
Michael A. Leichtling
Malcolm C. Lindquist 
Barry Marks, Esq., CLFP
David G. Mayer
Frank Peretore
John G. Sinodis 
Ellen Michelle Stern
Mark Stout
Kevin Trabaris
Michael J. Witt
Irwin Wittlin

If you have a nomination that has the credentials and influential abilities of those nominated so far, please send information to kitmenkin@leasingnews.org.

Biographies of those Nominated:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Pages/top_lawyers.html

 


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

 

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

Leasing Software Companies
Top eLeasing software companies, as ranked by employees

  Experian - scorex SAP
Better Programs 
(Turbo-Lease)
Constellation Financing Systems Inc. Seritus Solutions
Capital Stream Financial Computer Systems, Inc. Shaw Systems
Cassiopae Integron Corporation Systems for Financial Accntng
CHP Consulting International Decision Systems Tax Compliance, Inc.
Cornerstone Software Ivory Consulting Thoughtworks
CT Lien Solutions Lease Team Vision Commerce
Cyence International NetSol Technologies, Inc. White Clarke North American
Dominion Leasing Software Odessa Technologies, Inc.  
eCredit Preferred Business Solutions  

Full List:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Ag_leasing/software.htm

 

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)

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

Census Bureau Releases Latest Driving to Work Statistics
 Commuting by Age, Race, Where You Live, and More


John Lennon's Ferrari

Highlights from the Report

  • About 86 percent of U.S. workers commuted to work by automobile in 2013; three out of four commuters drove alone.
  • Driving alone to work peaked in 2010 at 76.6 percent but changed little between 2010 and 2013.
  • Urban workers age 25 to 29 showed about a 4 percentage point decline in automobile commuting between 2006 and 2013.
  • Workers age 25 to 29 showed the highest increase in public transportation commuting between 2006 and 2013, from 5.5 percent to 7.1 percent.
  • The rate of carpooling has declined during each decade since 1980. About 9.0 percent of workers carpooled in 2013, down from 19.7 percent in 1980.
  • At 78 percent, workers living in principal cities within metro areas had a lower rate of automobile commuting in 2013 than their suburban or nonmetropolitan counterparts (89 and 91 percent, respectively).
  • Hispanic workers showed the highest rate of carpooling in 2013 and the largest declines in carpooling between 2006 and 2013, from 18.6 percent to 14.7 percent.

 

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

Fernando's View
By Fernando F. Croce

Offbeat drama ("Ricki and the Flash") and gentle animation ("Shaun of the Sheep") come to the box-office, while DVD releases offer a robust literary adaptation ("Far from the Madding Crowd"), an exhilarating thriller ("Dressed to Kill"), and a moody period piece ("The French Lieutenant's Woman").

In Theaters:


Ricki and the Flash (TriStar Pictures): Known for his funky humanism, Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme returns to "Rachel Getting Married" territory with this spiky suburban comedy-drama. Meryl Streep stars as Ricki, who as a young woman left her family in order o pursue her dream of heading a rock 'n' roll band. Now mostly living off sporadic gigs with her smitten fellow musician Greg (Rick Springfield), Ricki gets a chance to make amends following a call from her ex-husband Pete (Kevin Kline). But can the prospect of a family reunion survive the thorny emotions of her troubled daughter Julie (Streep's real-life daughter Mamie Gummer)? Working from an offbeat screenplay by Diablo Cody ("Juno"), Demme and his talented cast paint an emotionally rich portrait of human joys and foibles, giving this bittersweet tale a genuinely musical soul.


Shaun the Sheep (Relativity Media ): A refreshing change of pace for audiences weary of noisy animation, this stop-motion feature from the British studio Aardman offers mischievous but essentially gentle humor. The story centers on the eponymous sheep (voiced by Justin Fletcher), who, yearning for a bit of excitement away from Mossy Bottom Farm, hopes for a trip in the big city. When an accident causes the Farmer (John Sparkes) to lose his memory, however, Shaun and sheep dog Blitzer must find a way to restore his identity and take everybody back home, all while dodging a keen animal-control worker. Directed by Aardman veterans Richard Starzak and Mark Burton, the movie is a fleet and funny ride with plenty of the detailed visuals, elaborate gags and understated wisdom that made "Wallace & Gromit" such a favorite with animation buffs.

Netflix Tip: A glow of light in the shadowy world of film noir, Coleen Gray (1922-2015) was an underrated star who graced several tough crime dramas. So check out her best roles in such hard-eged gems as "Kiss of Death" (1947), "Nightmare Alley" (1947), "Red River" (1948), and "The Killing" (1956).

On DVD:

Far from the Madding Crowd (Fox): Thomas Hardy's famous novel gets a fresh big-screen treatment in this impressive new adaptation, directed by Thomas Vinterberg. Set in Victorian England, the story is a love triangle centered on Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), a headstrong young beauty juggling a trio of very different suitors. There's Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), who herds sheep in a nearby farm and is enchanted by the strength of the independent lass; William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a more mature and successful but somewhat dull man; and Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), an Army Sergeant whose dash is matched by his arrogance. Overlapping passions build up to the heroine's decision, which proves to be more suspenseful than the climax of any superhero blockbuster. Capturing Hardy's rich and bold romanticism, the film brings a classic to exciting, tender life.


Dressed to Kill (Criterion): A baroque showman with a wicked sense of humor, Brian De Palma was on a roll in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a string of exhilarating thrillers. This 1980 classic is no different, showing the often controversial director in peak form with a tale of pure visceral shocks. The twisty story begins with Kate Miller (Angie Dickinson), a frustrated married woman who gets more than what she bargained for following an impulsive affair with a stranger. As the mystery grows, a call girl named Liz (Nancy Allen) begins to investigate, leading to Dr. Elliott (Michael Caine), a high-class psychiatrist with secrets of his own. Displaying plenty of his trademark darkly teasing pyrotechnics, De Palma delivers a master lesson in luscious camerawork and heightened emotions. Not for the squeamish, but definitely for any passionate lover of cinema.


The French Lieutenant's Woman (Criterion): Meryl Streep delivers one of her finest early performances in this intricate, moody 1981 drama that unfolds as a story within a story. Based on a John Fowles novel, it charts the making of a film set in 19th-century England, where young Sarah (Streep) has her reputation tainted by an affair with a French lieutenant. As she embarks on a new romance with a biologist named Charles (Jeremy Irons), can she find a balance between her passions with society's strictures? This period narrative is nested inside a modern story about the making of the movie, in which actors contrast with the characters they're playing. Directed by Karel Reisz from a screenplay by acclaimed dramatist Harold Pinter, this is an atmospheric and multilayered meditation on the art of storytelling.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Labrador Retriever Mix
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You may meet and apply to adopt Mindy at our ADOPTION EVENT on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th from 12 Noon - 3:00 at PETCO in IRVINE. (Our event is held INSIDE of the PETCO store.) adoptpetmatch@gmail.com

*Our event is held INSIDE of the PETCO store from 12:00 - 3:00*

Mindy is a female Labrador Retriever mix puppy only 11 months old. She is a big girl, weighing in at a hefty 80 pounds. Mindy is a beautiful jet black pup with a splash of white on her chest and a tiny dot of white on the back of her neck. She is easy to identify because of this unique marking. Mindy is super friendly, social, and easy going. She is obedient and easily goes with the flow. She is housebroken and learns new things with ease. Mindy knows how to sit, stay, lay, etc. She is excellent with other dogs of all sizes and loves playtime. Her play is always appropriate and kind. Mindy is absolutely excellent with children, safe and sweet. She is a strong girl and will need mom or dad or an energetic teenager to walk her. She walks on leash well without hesitation and has a wonderful amount of energy for hikes, jogs, beach fun, or dog park outings. Mindy rides quietly in the car and is quiet inside the house. We have yet to hear her bark. She really wants to please her people and has a heart of gold. Mindy takes treats very gently from your hand and has a respectful personality. We really are impressed with this young dog and know that she has a very bright future as an amazing family pet. Mindy was brought in to a very high-volume/high-kill shelter where we rescued her. She is super healthy and ready for her new forever home today!

"Mindy’s adoption donation is $450 (*TAX DEDUCTABLE). She has been SPAYED, MICROCHIPPED, Up-to-date on VACCINATIONS, DEWORMED, DEFLEAED and PROFESSIONALLY GROOMED. Also included is her collar with ID, harness, leash, folder with all of her records, a great PETCO coupon book, and a fun goodie bag with toys, etc.

"Mindy is being fostered by Pet Match Rescue Foster Volunteers, Tami & Gregg and is ready for her forever home.

"You may meet and apply to adopt Mindy at our ADOPTION EVENT on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th from 12 Noon - 3:00 at PETCO in IRVINE located at 15333 Culver Dr., Irvine, CA 92604. (Our event is held INSIDE of the PETCO store.) adoptpetmatch@gmail.com

"WE REQUIRE BRINGING ALL CURRENT DOGS AND MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD IN EFFORT TO DETERMINE COMPATIBILITY. THANK YOU FOR WANTING TO SAVE A LIFE AND ADOPT A RESCUE.

"* Pet Match Rescue, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Adoption donations are tax deductible under the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service and State of California."

Pet Match Rescue, Inc.
E-mail: adoptpetmatch@gmail.com
Website: http://www.petmatchrescue.org/
Address:
P.O. Box 12613
Newport Beach, CA 92658

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

 

[headlines]
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Updated

Leasing Conferences 2015
Save the Date 



 


 

2015 Eastern Regional Meeting
September 11-12, 2015
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Atlanta, GA

"Registration is now open to join your fellow leasing professionals for the NAELB 2015 Eastern Regional Meeting to be held September 11th and 12th in Atlanta, Georgia. With one and a half days of educational sessions, exhibits and networking, the Eastern Regional Meeting is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your peers and learn new and innovative ways to grow your business."

The 2015 Eastern Regional Meeting will 
include sessions
 on the following topics:
1. Building a Stronger Broker Community
2. Marketing Tactics
3. Alternative Revenue Solutions
4. Packaging Deals
5. Analyzing Financial Statements

Registration/Agenda/Showcase/Exhibits

Partial Agenda:

THE NAELB VALUE PROPOSITION
      Sheri Bancroft, Mike Parker and Pete Sawyer, NAELB Board Members
 
  
BUILDING A STRONGER BROKER COMMUNITY
Scott Wheeler, Wheeler Business Consulting
Author of “Call to Action”
His new book will be available to purchase

MARKETING TACTICS
Jacklynn Manning, Fora Financial

EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOLUTIONS
Panel will include: Chuck Brazier, TradeRiver USA (Supply Chain Finance), Beth Malin, Pinnacle Specialty Capital (Factoring and Purchase Order Finance), Jeff Schubert, RapidAdvance (Working Capital Loans) and TBD (Asset Based Lending)

 


 

Canadian Finance and Leasing Association
 Annual Conference 2015
September 16 - 18, 2015
Gatineau - Ottawa

Early Bird Registration Extend August 14, 2015
https://www.cfla-acfl.ca/2015/06/22/registration-for-cfla-2015-national-conference/

Program
https://www.cfla-acfl.ca/files/public/CFLA_Conference_2015-Program.pdf

Hilton Hotel Registration
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/Y/YOWOVHF-CRB-20150914/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG

 


 

 

 





2015 Funding Symposium
10/7/2015 to 10/9/2015
Wed through Friday
J W Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel
3300 Lenox Road Northeast
Atlanta, Georgia  30326
United States
Contact: Kim King 
KKing@NEFAssociation.org
Phone: 847-380-5053

Early Bird Pricing through August 31st

Full Information including pricing, schedule, and reservation:
http://nefassociation.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=594672&group=#

 


 


2015 54th Annual Convention
10/25/2015 - 10/27/2015
JW Marriott Hill Country
San Antonio, TX

Brochure with Schedule of Events
http://www.elfaonline.org/cvweb_elfa/cgi-bin/documentdll.dll/view?DOCUMENTNUM=1147

Keynote Speakers
http://www.elfaonline.org/events/2015/AC/spkrs.cfm

ELFA President and CEO Woody Sutton invites you 
to connect, engage and grow in San Antonio! (1:43)




 



The 2015 Fall Conference will be held at the Loews Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete Beach, FL on November 4 through November 6, 2015. 

 


 

2015 Western Regional Meeting
November 13-14, 2015
Doubletree by Hilton Anaheim - Orange County
Anaheim, CA

 


 


CFA
71st Annual Convention
November 11 - 13, 2015
JW Marriott Austin
Austin, TX

More Information
http://cfa.connectedcommunity.org/convention/home




 

 



EXPO NJ Super Regional
11/15/2015 to 11/16/2015
Sunday/Monday

Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe
100 Frank Burr Blvd
Teaneck, New Jersey  07666
United States  

Contact:
 Kim King, NEFA Sr. Association Coordinator 
KKing@NEFAssociation.org 
 Phone: (847) 380-5053


 

[headlines]
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News Briefs----

Element Financial 3-Month Ending June 30th Show
  Net Financial Income $149.6 Million versus $133.7 Million
http://www.elementcorp.com/images/uploads/Q2-2015_News_Release_%28Final%29.pdf

Mortgage rates drop after China devalues its currency
  30 Year fixed: 4.04%   15 year fixed: 3.26%
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-analysis-081315.aspx?ic_id=Top_Financial%20News%20Center_link_1

Goldman Expands Retail Banking
  by Taking On GE Capital’s $16 Billion in Deposits
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/14/business/dealbook/goldman-expands-retail-banking-by-taking-on-ge-capitals-deposits.html?ref=business&_r=0

Banks to pay $2B to settle currency rigging suits
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/13/banks-to-pay-2b-to-settle-currency-rigging-suits-reuters.html

Colorado bank executive pleads guilty to embezzlement
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_28634364/colorado-bank-executive-pleads-guilty-embezzlement

Silicon Valley Bank Plays Matchmaker Between Tech and Wine
http://www.thestreet.com/story/13250608/1/silicon-valley-bank-plays-matchmaker-between-tech-and-wine.html

8-year prison term for former winery bookkeeper
http://kron4.com/2015/08/12/8-year-prison-term-for-former-winery-bookkeeper-charged-with-theft-in-napa-county/

'Vineyard terrorist' gets year in jail
www.napavalleyregister.com/news/local/vineyard-terrorist-gets-year-in-jail/article_389e6328-c0d5-59f5-8e21-613a04655b70.html

 



[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------



--You May Have Missed It

The Hotel Industry: Life Is Suite
Hotel chains are thriving, for now, thanks to innovation and a bit of luck
http://ww2.cfo.com/growth-strategies/2015/08/hotel-industry-life-suite/


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

SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer



Why Potatoes Are Good for You
The Underrated Benefits of Spuds
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1782


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

Baseball Poem

For Junior Gilliam (1928-1978)

by B.H. Fairchild ©

Published: The Little Magazine (1978)

In the bleak, bleacherless corner
of my rightfield American youth,
I killed time with bubble gum
and baseball cards and read the stats
and saw a sign: your birthday was mine.

And so I dreamed: to rise far
from Kansas skies and fenceless outfields
where flies vanished in the summer sun.
To wake up black in Brooklyn,
to be a Bum and have folks call me Junior
and almost errorless hit .280 every year
and on the field, like you, dance double plays,
make flawless moves, amaze the baseball masses.

You would turn, take the toss from Reese,
lean back and, leaping past the runner's cleats,
wing the ball along a line reeled out
from home and suddenly drawn taut
with a soft pop in Hodges' crablike glove.
And we went wild in Kansas living rooms.

The inning's over. You're in the shadows now.
But summers past you taught us how to play
the pivot (or how to dream of it).
And when one day they put me in at second,
I dropped four easy ones behind your ghost,
who plays a perfect game.

For Junior Gilliam (1928-1978) by B.H. Fairchild ©




[headlines]

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Sports Briefs----

Judge puts NFL on hot seat as he belittles 'Deflategate'
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Deflategate-brings-Tom-Brady-and-Roger-Goodell-6439126.php

14 days away: Texas continues to lead nation in high school athletic participation, but football numbers are decreasing
http://highschoolsportsblog.dallasnews.com/2015/08/texas-continues-to-lead-nation-in-high-school-athletic-participation-but-football-numbers-are-flagging.html/

Marcus Mariota's Tennessee Titans preseason debut:
  Game time, TV channel, how to watch live stream online
http://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/index.ssf/2015/08/
marcus_mariotas_tennessee_tita_1.html#incart_2box_

Raiders Gone? John Madden’s Not Ready For That
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/08/12/raiders-gone-john-maddens-not-ready-for-that/

Sacramento closes deal for Kings arena financing
http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/city-arena/article31000458.html


[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

Black-balled: LA tries spherical scheme to block evaporation amid drought
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/08/12/black-balled-la-tries-spherical-scheme-to-block-evaporation-amid-drought/  

Forecasters ‘unanimously’ expect strong El Niño, giving hope to parched California, but maybe floods
http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article31002855.html


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


“Gimme that Wine”

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

When Did Rosé, Like, Become a Thing?
http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2015/08/when-did-rose-wine-become-a-thing

Indianapolis winery takes top prize in international contest
http://www.farmersadvance.com/story/news/2015/08/12/indianapolis-winery-takes-top-prize-in-international-contest/31410639/

Malbec a delicious red for Pacific Northwest
http://www.greatnorthwestwine.com/2015/08/09/malbec-pacific-northwest/ac2c4f.jpg

Monterey Wine Industry Moves Forward: Labeling Law Signed By Governor
http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataid=155998


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

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

This Day in American History

  1559 - Spanish explorer de Luna entered Pensacola Bay, Florida.
    1607 - The Popham expedition reached the Sagadahoc River in the northeastern North America (Maine), and settled there.
    1746 - Fort Oswego in north central New York was captured by the French under General Joseph de Montcalm de Saint-Veran. General Montcalm declared the fort useless for military purposes and returned to Montreal.
    1765 - The people of Boston awakened to discover two effigies suspended from an elm tree in protest of the hated Stamp Act. From that day forward, that elm became known as the "Liberty Tree". For the next ten years, it stood in silent witness to countless meetings, speeches and celebrations, and often served as the rallying place for the Sons of Liberty. In August of 1775, as a last act of violence prior to their evacuation of Boston, British Soldiers cut it down because it bore the name "Liberty". The American Liberty elm was named after "The Liberty Tree", Our Country's First Symbol of Freedom.
http://www.elmpost.org/
    1776 - Land grant to deserters from the British Army during the Revolutionary War was authorized by the act of the Continental Congress. The act offered American citizenship to British and Hessian deserters from the British Army and gave each deserter or his heirs 50 acres of un-appropriated land in certain states. On August 27, 1776, a similar act was passed to encourage officers in the British forces to desert.
    1846 - Henry David Thoreau is jailed for tax resistance.
    1846 - Mormon Elder Sam Brannan preached a sermon in front of Richardson's Casa Grande, San Francisco.
    1848 - Congress created the Oregon Territory (Idaho, western Montana, Oregon and Washington).
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/aug14.html
    1849 - Thomas Tennent began San Francisco Bay Area weather observations from roof of the building at the northeast corner of Union and DuPont. He also recorded earthquakes.
    1851 - John Henry "Doc" Holliday (1851-87) was born in Griffin, GA.  Wiki describes him as “an American dentist”!   He was also a gunfighter, gambler, a good friend of Wyatt Earp, and a Deputy US Marshal during and after the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.  While in Texas, he saved Wyatt Earp's life and they became friends. In 1880, he joined the Earps in Prescott, Arizona, and then in Tombstone. On October 26, 1881, after many months of threats and attacks on his character, Holliday was deputized. The lawmen attempted to disarm five Cowboys which turned into the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
    1862 - Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith begins an invasion of Kentucky as part of a Confederate plan to draw the Yankee army of General Don Carlos Buell away from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and to raise support for the Southern cause in Kentucky. Smith led 10,000 troops out of Knoxville, Tennessee, on August 14 and moved toward the Cumberland Gap—the first step in the Confederate invasion of Kentucky. After a Federal force evacuated the pass in the face of the invasion, Smith continued north. On August 30, he encountered a more significant force at Richmond, Kentucky. In a decisive battle, the Confederates routed the Yankees and captured most of the 6,000-man army. The Confederates occupied Lexington a few days later.
http://www.civilwarhome.com/ksmithbio.htm
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USACWkirby.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0807118001/fast-bkasin-20/
103-5362656-4423850

http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/nsh/smith.htm
http://18.1911encyclopedia.org/S/SM/SMITH_EDMUND_KIRBY.htm
    1863 - Birthday of Ernest Lawrence Thayer (1863-1940), poet and journalist, at Lawrence, MA. He wrote a series of comic ballads for the San Francisco Examiner, of which “Casey at the Bat” was the last. It was published and he received $5 in payment for it. Recitations of the ballad by the actor William DeWolf Hopper greatly increased its popularity. It is said that by 1900 there were few Americans who had not heard of “Casey at the Bat.”
    1883 - Birthday of African-American Ernest E. Just (1883-1941), American marine biologist, pioneer of cell division, at Charleston, SC. He was the first recipient of the NAACP's Spingarn Medal and was a professor at Howard University from 1907 to 1941, where he was head of physiology at the medical school (1912-20) and head of zoology (1912-41).
    1900 - After a siege of nearly two months, troops from the US (Marines), Great Britain, France, Russia, Germany and Japan reached Peking and put down the Boxer Rebellion. Bitter antagonism against all foreigners in China broke into open warfare when a nationalist group, the Boxers, occupied Peking on June 20 and besieged members of the diplomatic corps, their families, and others in the British legation. The Boxers wanted to rid China of all foreigners. Under pressure from the U.S., the other powers agreed not to partition China further. On September 7, 1901, China and eleven other nations signed the Boxer Protocol, by which China agreed to pay 433,000,000 in indemnity. The U.S. Received $24,500,000, but in 1908, this amount was reduced and the money was used to educate Chinese students in the U.S.
    1909 - Jazz Violinist Stuff Smith (1909-67) was born Hezekiah Leroy Gordon Smith in Portsmouth, OH.  He was one of jazz music's preeminent violinists of the swing era.
http://www.harlem.org/people/smith.html
http://www.musicweb-international.com/encyclopaedia/s/S138.HTM
    1915 - In the first pitching match-up of Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson, the 20-year old Babe was the winner, 4-3. He also went 2 for 3 at the plate and scored a run in the come-from-behind victory. Ruth was hitting .370, 2nd in the AL behind Ty Cobb.
    1916 – Wellington Mara (1916-2005) was born in Rochester, NY.  He was the co-owner of the New York Football Giants from 1959 until his death, and one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of the National Football League. He was the younger son of Tim Mara, who founded the Giants in 1925. The Wilson football used in NFL games prior to the AFL merger (1941–69) was nicknamed "THE DUKE" after Mara.
    1922 – Lizzie Murphy (1894-1964) of the Providence All-Stars played 1B for an American League all-star team in an exhibition against the Boston Red Sox, making her the first female to play for a major-league team. The proceeds benefit the family of former Sox player, manager, and future Hall of Famer tommy McCarthy who passed away August 5th.
    1926 - Birthday of pianist/singer Armando “Buddy” Greco, Philadelphia, PA.
http://www.candidrecords.com/buddygreco.html
    1926 - Birthday of Alice Adams (1926-99) in Fredericksburg, VA.  U.S. writer and novelist. Her major work consisted of the novels “Careless Love”” (1968), “Families and Survivors” (1975), “Listening to Billie” (1978), and her best read book “Superior Women” (1984). She published 25 short stories in the New Yorker magazine.
    1929 - Birthday of singer Lorez Alexandria (1929-2001), born Dolorez Alexandria Turner in Chicago, IL
    1930 - Birthday of vibraphonist Eddie Costa (1930-62), Atlas, PA.
    1930 – “The Earl of Baltimore”, Earl Weaver (1930-2003), was born in St. Louis.  Weaver managed in MLB for 17 years with the Baltimore Orioles (1968–82; 1985–86). Weaver's style of managing was summed up in the quote: "pitching, defense, and the three-run homer." He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.  His career record was 1480-1060 for a .565 winning percentage, winning five AL pennants and the 1970 World Series.
    1935 - Congress approved the Social Security Act, which contained provisions for the establishment of a Social Security Board to administer federal old-age and survivors' insurance in the US. By signing the bill into law, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was fulfilling a 1932 campaign promise.
As a side note, US Senators/Congressmen do not pay into Social Security, and, therefore they do not collect from it. They felt they should have a special plan. When they retire no matter how long they have been in office, they continue to draw their same pay until they die, except it may be increased from time to time by the cost-of-living.
    1936 - Kansas City, MO has its hottest ever temperature with 113.  Temperatures across much of eastern Kansas soared above 110 degrees. It was one of sixteen consecutive days of 100 degree heat for Kansas City. During that summer, there were a record 53 days of 100 degree heat, and during the three summer months, Kansas City received just 1.12 inches of rain
    1936 – Rainey Bethea was hanged in Owensboro, KY in the last public hanging in the US.  Bethea confessed to the rape and murder of a 70-year-old woman, and after being convicted, he was publicly hanged. Mistakes in performing the hanging and the surrounding media circus contributed to the end of public hangings in the United States.
    1940 – Darrell “Dash” Crofts of Seals & Crofts is born in Cisco, Texas. The group has three top 10 hits, all of which reach No. 6: “Summer Breeze” in 1972, “Diamond Girl” in 1973 and “Get Closer” in 1976.
    1941 – David Crosby is born David Van Courtland in Los Angeles. He was a member of the Byrds, then teamed up with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash to form Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1968. The group won the best new artist Grammy in 1969. CSN’s two top 10 songs are “Just a Song Before I Go” and “Wasted on the Way.”
    1941 – Congress appropriated $83 million for the construction of the Pentagon, new home of the War Department.   
    1941 – President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill signed the Atlantic Charter of war stating postwar aims.  The Charter stated the ideal goals of the war: no territorial aggrandizement; no territorial changes made against the wishes of the people; self-determination; restoration of self-government to those deprived of it; reduction of trade restrictions; global cooperation to secure better economic and social conditions for all; freedom from fear and want; freedom of the seas; and abandonment of the use of force, as well as disarmament of aggressor nations. In the “Declaration by United Nations” of 1 January 1942, the Allies pledged adherence to this charter's principles.  The Atlantic Charter also inspired many of the international agreements that shaped the world thereafter. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the post-war independence of European colonies, and much more are derived from the Atlantic Charter.
    1945 – President Truman’s announcement in 1945 that Japan had surrendered to the Allies set off celebrations across the nation. The Emperor of Japan recorded the Imperial Rescript of Surrender.  Official ratification of surrender occurred aboard the USS Missouri at Tokyo Bay, September 2 (Japan Standard Time).
    1945 – Comedian Steve Martin was born in Waco, TX.
    1946 – Birthday of Susan St. James, born Susan Jane Miller in LA.  U.S. actor who perfected the airhead characterization who had innate common sense in a number of TV series including the hits “MacMillan & Wife” and “Kate & Allie”.
    1947 – Miles Davis (1926-91) recorded his first session under his own name, New York City (“Half Nelson”, “Milestones”, “Little Willie Leaps”).
    1947 – Birthday of Danielle Steel, born Danielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Steel in NYC.  U.S. novelist currently the best-selling author alive and the fourth bestselling author of all time, with over 800 million copies sold in print in 42 countries. 
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/steel/
    1949 - Top Hits
“Some Enchanted Evening” - Perry Como
“Bali Ha'I” - Perry Como
“Again” - Doris Day
“I'm Throwing Rice (At the Girl that I Love)” - Eddy Arnold
    1950 - Birthday of American cartoonist/humorist Gary Larson in Tacoma, WA.  He is the creator of “The Far Side”, a single-panel cartoon series that was syndicated internationally to over 1,900 newspapers for fifteen years. The series ended with Larson's retirement on January 1, 1995. His twenty-three books of collected cartoons have combined sales of more than forty-five million copies.
    1953 - David N. Mullany and his 13-year-old son, David A. Mullany, while trying to come up with a ball that would curve every time it was thrown, wound up inventing the Wiffle Ball. The ball had oblong holes on the top half, and a solid bottom. The original Wiffle bat was wood, but for many years it has been a skinny glowing yellow shaped plastic bat.
    1953 - June Christy records “Something Cool,” Los Angeles.
    1953 - HAMMOND, LESTER, JR., Medal of Honor.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company A, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. Place and date: Near Kumwha, Korea, 14 August 1952. Entered service at: Quincy, Ill. Born: 25 March 1931, Wayland, Mo. G.O. No.: 63, 17 August 1953. Citation: Cpl. Hammond, a radio operator with Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Cpl. Hammond was a member of a 6 man reconnaissance patrol which had penetrated approximately 3,500 yards into enemy-held territory. Ambushed and partially surrounded by a large hostile force, the small group opened fire, and then quickly withdrew up a narrow ravine in search of protective cover. Despite a wound sustained in the initial exchange of fire and imminent danger of being overrun by the numerically superior foe, he refused to seek shelter and, remaining in an exposed place, called for artillery fire to support a defensive action. Constantly vulnerable to enemy observation and action, he coordinated and directed crippling fire on the assailants, inflicting heavy casualties and repulsing several attempts to overrun friendly positions. Although wounded a second time, he remained steadfast and maintained his stand until mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit set an inspiring example of valor to his comrades and, through his actions, the onslaught was stemmed, enabling a friendly platoon to reach the beleaguered patrol, evacuate the wounded, and affect a safe withdrawal to friendly lines. Cpl. Hammond's unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.
    1957 - Top Hits
“(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” - Elvis Presley
“Love Letters in the Sand” - Pat Boone
“Tammy” - Debbie Reynolds
“Bye Bye Love” - The Everly Brothers
    1959 - The formation of the American Football League was announced at a press conference in Chicago. Play began in 1960 with eight franchises.  The AFL's original lineup saw an Eastern division of the New York Titans, now Jets; Boston, now New England Patriots; Buffalo Bills and the Houston Oilers, now Tennessee Titans.  The Western division was the Los Angeles, now San Diego, Chargers; Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, and Dallas Texans, now Kansas City Chiefs.
    1959 - Birthday of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jr., former basketball player and coach, at Lansing, MI.  Johnson's career achievements include five NBA Championships with the LA Lakers, three MVP Awards, nine NBA Finals appearances, twelve All-Star Games, and ten All-NBA First and Second Team nominations. He led the league in regular-season assists four times, and is the NBA's all-time leader in average assists per game, at 11.2. Johnson was a member of the 1992 US Men’s Olympic basketball team known as The Dream Team, which won the Olympic gold medal in 1992. Johnson was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.
    1961 - Wanda Jackson's biggest hit, "Right Or Wrong" enters the Billboard Pop chart on its way to #29.
    1962 - Robbers got away with more than $1.5 million dollars from a mail truck hold up in Plymouth, MA.
    1965 - Frank Mitchell, age 15, of Springfield, IL, was appointed by Representative Paul Findley, Republican of Illinois, to become a Congressional page, the first African-American to hold this position in the history of the United States.
    1965 - The McCoys' "Hang On Sloopy" is released.
    1965 - Top Hits
“I Got You Babe” - Sonny & Cher
“Save Your Heart for Me” - Gary Lewis & The Playboys
“Unchained Melody” - The Righteous Brothers
“The First Thing Ev'ry Morning (And the Last Thing Ev'ry Night)” - Jimmy Dean
    1965 - After several minor hits, Sonny and Cher had the number one song in the US when "I Got You Babe" reached the top.
    1967 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "All You Need Is Love," The Beatles. The group's manager, Brian Epstein, dies of an accidental drug overdose while the song is No. 1.
    1969 - The New York Mets were 9-1/2 games behind the league-leading Chicago Cubs. The Amazin’ Mets began a comeback that launched the phrase, “You Gotta Believe,” as they began a drive that took them to the National League pennant and the World Series Championship (over the Baltimore Orioles). It was the first championship for the Mets franchise which began in 1962.
    1969 - The Woodstock Music and Art Fair opens for three days on Max Yugur’s farm in Bethel, Sullivan County, New York.
    1971 - Rod Stewart released "Maggie May."
    1973 - Top Hits
“The Morning After” - Maureen McGovern
“Live and Let Die” - Wings
“Brother Louie” - Stories
“Trip to Heaven” - Freddie Hart & The Heartbeats
    1974 - Paul Anka's "You're Having My Baby," is gold despite its denouncement by feminists. The objection is the use of the word 'my' as in "my baby", not "our baby." It is Number One by the end of the summer.
    1975 – “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, the longest-running release in film history, opened at the USA Theatre in Westwood, near LA.
    1976 - The longest softball game began at 10am and continued until Saturday, 4pm, when it was called because of rain and fog. The game was played at Summerville Field, Monticello, NY between the Gager's Diner and the Bend ‘n Elbow Tavern. About 70 players, including 20 women participated. Some $4,000 was raised for the construction of a new softball field and for the Community General Hospital. The Gagers made 832 hits and scored 491 runs; the Elbows made 738 hits, scoring 467 runs. There were 31 home runs. To date, this remains the longest softball game on record.
    1976 - Nick Lowe's debut solo single, "So It Goes," is released.
    1976 - The Steve Miller Band's "Rock 'N Me" is released.
    1977 - 77,691 fans, the largest crowd to that date to watch a soccer match in the US, saw the New York Cosmos, led by Pele, defeat the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, 8-3, in a National American Soccer League quarterfinal playoff game at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ.
    1980 – PETA, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals was incorporated.
    1981 - Top Hits
“Jessie's Girl” - Rick Springfield
“Endless Love” - Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
“Theme from "Greatest American Hero" (Believe It or Not)” - Joey Scarbury
“Too Many Lovers” - Crystal Gayle
    1982 - The first National Navajo Code Talkers Day. Coded military radio transmissions using a Native American language began in 1942, when the Allied and Axis powers were competing to devise communications codes that could not be deciphered by the enemy. Philip Johnston, a missionary's son who had grown-up on the Navajo reservation, proposed the idea of using the Navajo language, a complicated system in which the meaning of a word is often determined by expression and pronunciation. Marine Major General Clayton B. Vogel approved the plan and recruited 420 Navajo “code talkers” to handle coded radio communications in the Pacific theater.  The codes combined everyday Navajo words with about 400 special terms made up by the code talkers. Members of other tribes were employed as well. The Japanese were aware of the Navajo codes, but never broke them. They were kept top secret until 1968.
    1982 - With his 12,365th career AB, the Phillies’ Pete Rose passed Hank Aaron to become the all-time leader.
    1984 - IBM released PC-DOS v3.0 for PC/AT (with network support). A 286 processor, 20-30 megabyte hard drive and 256k/512k RAM for somewhere between $6000 and $9000.
    1985 - Michael Jackson outbids Paul McCartney for the entire ATV music publishing catalogue, which includes most of the Lennon / McCartney songbook. Jackson paid 47.5 million US dollars for the company, in an act that will permanently sour the friendship between the two stars.
    1987 - Mark McGwire set the record for home runs by a rookie as he connected for his 39th round-tripper of the season. He got the homer off of 317-game winner Don Sutton of the California Angels. McGwire led the Oakland Athletics to a 7-6 win in 12 innings.  McGwire wound up with 49 for the season.
    1987 - Slow moving thunderstorms deluged northern and western suburbs of Chicago IL with torrential rains. O'Hare Airport reported 9.35 inches in 18 hours, easily exceeding the previous 24 hour record of 6.24 inches. Flooding over a five day period resulted in 221 million dollars damage. It was Chicago's worst flash flood event, particularly for northern and western sections of the city. Kennedy Expressway became a footpath for thousands of travelers to O'Hare Airport as roads were closed. The heavy rains swelled the Des Plaines River above flood stage, and many persons had to be rescued from stalled vehicles on flooded roads.
    1988 - Eighteen cities in the northeastern U.S. reported record high temperatures for the date, and the water temperature at Lake Erie reached a record 80 degrees. Portland, ME reported a record fourteen straight days of 80 degree weather. Milwaukee, WI reported a record 34 days of 90 degree heat for the year. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms resulted in about fifty reports of severe weather in the northeastern U.S. One person was killed at Stockbridge, MI when a tornado knocked a tree onto their camper.
    1989 - Top Hits
“Right Here Waiting” - Richard Marx
“On Our Own” - Bobby Brown
“Once Bitten Twice Shy” - Great White
“Timber, I'm Falling in Love” - Patty Loveless
    1989 - Bon Jovi's "New Jersey" LP becomes the first U.S. album to be released legally in the Soviet Union. The Russian label Melodiya pays the group with a truckload of firewood since rubles can't leave Russia.
    1990 - Denver votes for a 1% sales tax to pay for a baseball franchise.
    1992 - Wayne Newton files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The singer, a former owner of the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, is one of the highest paid performers on the Vegas strip.
    1995 - Members of the Grateful Dead meet and decide to cancel their fall tour in the wake of Jerry Garcia's death.
    1995 – Shannon Faulkner became the first female cadet at The Citadel.  She quit the school less than a week later.
    1998 - The A's Rickey Henderson's stolen base in the first-inning against the Tigers makes the thirty-nine year old the oldest player to steal 50 bases in a season.
    1999 - With Pudge's 20th stolen base in Chicago, Texas backstop Ivan Rodriguez becomes the first catcher in major league history with 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in the same season.
    2003 - Largest power outage in US history hits the Northeast. By 11 p.m. in New Jersey, power had been restored to all but 250,000 of the nearly 1 million customers who had been in the dark since just after 4 p.m.
    2007 – Bobby Cox was ejected for arguing a strike call against Chipper Jones.   It was Cox's 132nd career major league ejection, breaking the record held for over 70 years by John McGraw.  
    2014 – Major League Baseball owners chose MLB Chief Operating Officer Rob Manfred to succeed Bud Selig as Commissioner. He took over on January 15, 2015.

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