Tom McCurnin, Former Leasing News Legal Editor:
His Impressions on Visit to Ukraine with Wife Jodi

"I will share one story from Ukraine which convinced me that they will win, albeit with some help from NATO countries.

“So in March, 2022, about a dozen Ukrainian soldiers occupied Snake Island, off the coast of Crimea. At the outset of the invasion, the Russian missile cruiser Moskova approached the island and demanded that the soldiers surrender.  The Ukrainian soldiers refused. 

"One of the Ukrainian soldiers grabbed a bullhorn and said to Russian Warship, 'Russian Warship:  Go Fuck Yourself!"

"They were injured and taken prisoner.

"The event, an act of defiance, was portrayed in a postage stamp, an image of which follows:"

"I will note that the stamp went viral, they printed out millions, but there were lines around the block and only one stamp per customer.  Two happy endings. 

“First, the soldiers were repatriated in a POW exchange later in the year.  They received medals for their bravery and defiance. 

“Second, the Russian warship, Moskova, was sunk by two Ukrainian naval drones. 

“There are now reprints of the above image on posters, T Shirts and bags.  The image demonstrates Ukrainian defiance and courage.”

Late News from Tom: "We're back.  Need to pick up dogs and buy groceries and sleep."

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

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

Missouri Joins Other States Legislative
Debates Concerning Commercial Finance Disclosure
By Ken Greene, Esq., Leasing News Advisor Emeritus

One would need to have their head buried in the sand to be unaware of the trend in this country towards enacting commercial finance transaction disclosures. By my last count, there were 15, perhaps 16, states which have passed such laws or are considering it. There is also a bipartisan (imagine that!) movement afloat to create a federal commercial disclosure law.

Missouri is on the legislative doorstep of such disclosure laws but, seemingly true to their motto, they are waiting for someone to “show me” before they take the giant step forward.

The “Show-Me” state has been bandying about the notion of commercial disclosures for a few years. As recently as January 5, 2023, less than a year after the bill was declared DOA, the legislature introduced yet another bill that would require non-depository institutions to provide disclosures akin (but not identical) to those in California and New York. The scope of the proposed law seems quite broad, including loans, accounts receivable purchase transactions, open ended credit plans, and, just maybe, merchant cash advances.

The actual disclosures will look similar to those of other states:

• Total funds provided
• Total funds disbursed to recipient
• Total amount to be repaid to provider
• Total cost of financial product
• Total amount to be repaid to provider
*Note there is no requirement that the APR be disclosed.

The Show-Me state wants brokers to show them their broker registration. This is also a movement we are seeing in other states, including California, which may require brokers to obtain CFL licenses. But, unlike New York, a California “provider” is not a broker.

Banks are exempt. So are true leases and certain motor vehicle dealers. No word on bank subs.

Why hasn’t this passed? I can think of a few reasons, one of which I am duty bound to not mention. One, there is no cap on the size of regulated transactions, which is a huge deal (no pun intended). A $100 million transaction presumably requires disclosures, despite the obvious fact that a transaction of that magnitude would clearly involve counsel.

My dear colleague, Sloane Schickler, has reported to Leasing News that this disclosure bill is dead, again, for now (“the zombie bill”). I have found consummation that the bill was “dead” in 2022, but given its reintroduction in January of 2023, it is unclear, to me at least. We will keep you posted on the status of these developments.

Ken Greene
Law Office of Kenneth Charles Greene
5743 Corsa Avenue Suite 208
Westlake Village, California 91362
Tel: 818.575.9095
Fax: 805.435.7464
ken@kengreenelaw.com
Alternate: kengreenelaw@outlook.com
www.kengreenelaw.com

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

New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Sara Peters was hired as HR Business Partner, Canadian Western Bank. She is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She joined the bank October, 2021, Senior HR Operational Support Coordinator, promoted November, 2022, HR Business Partnerships. Previously, she was at CWB National Leasing, starting July, 2012, Customer Service Representative, promoted November, 2012, Senior Customer Representative, promoted April, 2017, Human Resource Administrator, promoted September, 2018, Human Resources Coordinator; Escalation Specialist, FineLine Solutions (2010 - 2012).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-p-58a06b139/

Anthony Ruggiere was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Credit, Wintrust Commercial Finance, at their Frisco, Texas Office .He is located in Plano, Texas. He joined the company July, 2016, Financial Analyst, promoted July, 2018, Senior Financial Analyst, promoted August, 2021, Banking Officer. Previously, he was at the City of Plano, starting June, 2010, Lifeguard, promoted June, 2012, Head Lifeguard; Customer Marketing Intern, Tyson Foods
(May, 2014 - May, 2015).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-ruggiere-2231869b/

Kevin Watkins was hired as Executive Sales Officer/Vice President, Flagstar Financial and Leasing, Hicksville, New York. He is located in Greater Cleveland. Previously, he was Vice President, CIT (April, 2019 - August, 2023); Vice President, Territory Manager, Wells Fargo (May, 2008 - March, 2019); Funding Manager, The CIT Group (2002 - 2007). https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-watkins-263658a/

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

Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted
  We Are Growing Our Senior Sales Team Now!
www.topmarkfunding.com/careers

Sales Makes it Happen by Steve Chriest
Don't Shoot the Dog

Valuable insights for managers can sometimes be found in the most unlikely places. For example, Karen Pryor has wrote a book, “Don't Shoot the Dog.” It was revised December 3, 2019. Although the book is loaded with information about training animals, with the latest using a clicker, it's really about training anyone, whether human or animal, to do anything that can and should be done. This little book contains some of the most valuable information and insights I've ever read about managing people.

Ms. Pryor talks a great deal about the principles of reinforcement training. Here is the pearl for managers: Using positive and negative reinforcers is the best way to change behavior. What managers may find most surprising is her contention that positive reinforcers are better at changing behavior than are rewards.

A reinforcer is something that, when occurring in conjunction with an act tends to increase the probability that the act will occur again. There are positive and negative reinforcers. Sincere praise is a positive reinforcer and is something most humans seek. A disapproving look from a manager is a negative reinforcer and most employees will seek ways to change whatever behavior caused the disapproving glance from the manager.

When managers aren't getting the results they want, they often resort to punishment as their favorite behavior modification tool. Many may not have learned firsthand that spanking the dog, yelling at an employee, levying a fine or docking a paycheck as punishment is not only a clumsy way of modifying behavior, but that it doesn't often work!

The author tells us that the major problem with punishment is the fact that when it doesn't work, we tend to escalate the punishment in hopes of better results. For example, let's say that your sales team members aren't making enough cold calls. As a manager, you could demand that they report to the office every Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. and write on the whiteboard five hundred times, “I promise to make more cold calls.” If that doesn't work, you could escalate the punishment by lowering their commission payouts. Still no results? You could again escalate the punishment by suspending them for a week, without pay. When none of this works, the question managers should ask is, “where will the escalation of punishment end?”

If you want an introduction to the most up-to-date principles underlying all training, and tips on how to apply these principles in your business, I highly recommend “Don't Shoot the Dog.” It may forever change your views on modifying behavior in the workplace.

Amazon listing: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Shoot-Dog-Teaching-Training/dp/1982106468

Steve Chriest is the CEO of Open Advance and author of “Selling to the E-Suite, The Proven System for Reaching and Selling Senior Executives and Business Acumen 101.”  He is the former president of several leasing companies. Today, he produces video and radio blogs, as well as continuing as a columnist for Leasing News since 2005.
800-570-7145
schriest@sbcglobal.net
http://www.openadvance.com

Sales Makes It Happen
https://leasingnews.org/Legacy/index.html

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

Top Ten Leasing News Read by Readers
August 7 to August 11

(1) Tom McCurnin, Former Leasing News Legal Editor
in Ukraine with Wife Jodi
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_11.htm#tom

(2) Providence Equipment Finance, A Division
  Of Providence Bank & Trust, Villa Park, Illinois
No Longer in Business
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_07.htm#prov

(3) Facing a Risk Versus Reward Transition Economy
  Changes within the Credit Underwriting Processes
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP, Wheeler Business Consulting
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_11.htm#facing

(4) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_11.htm#hires

(5) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_09.htm#hires

(6) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_07.htm#hires

(7) Review of a Top Producer Database Management
By Scott Wheeler, Sales Makes it Happen
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_09.htm#review

(8) Moody’s downgrades 10 regional banks
as crisis pressures persist
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/08/08/moodys-banks-downgrade/

(9) All the King’s Horses and Men Couldn’t Do It
Cartoon
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_09.htm#all

(10) Maui fires: Latest updates on resorts,
Businesses and landmarks in Lahaina and Ka’anapali
https://www.sfchronicle.com/travel/article/hawaii-fire-maui-lahaina-18289213.php

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

Commercial Disclosure Laws May Open
Transaction to Usury, One of the Oldest Sins
By Kevin Traberis, Esq.

The foundations of our modern financial systems have roots in the ancient World, from classical civilizations such as Greece and Rome, through the birth of trade finance in medieval and renaissance Northern Italy. The foundations of usury, however, stem from religion. Usury originally meant the charging of any interest on a loan and was a sin forbidden by many major religions for centuries, particularly by those religions that follow the Old Testament. Usury was a sin but ultimately resulted in grinding down economic prosperity. 

Today it is considered in western societies the immoral practice of charging too much interest on a loan under civil law, taking advantage of poorer, less sophisticated, and more desperate borrowers. It is still a sin but by another name. This definition of usury makes more sense to modern sensibilities.

It is important to understand the antecedents of modern practices to appreciate their uses. Usury will not go away in our lifetime; in fact, it is being re-examined by many state legislatures with an eye to broadening its use particularly with commercial transactions.

Originators need to understand usury and, unfortunately, the various usury laws in the jurisdictions where you conduct business. You may be located in a state that has minimal restrictions on the amount of interest applied to commercial transactions but if you end up in a court in a restrictive state, you may have trouble. 

Your client may be located in a lender or lessee friendly state but if there are other parties to the transaction, such as a sub-broker, funding source, appraiser, auction house, to name a few, and you are dragged into a court in an unexpected jurisdiction because of issues originally having nothing to do with usury, you can bet that usury will become an issue if the remedies for violating usury in the jurisdiction benefits one of the other parties to the lawsuit. 

Keep firm on the venue and state law specified in your documents when in negotiations. Presumably you know the relevant laws of the county and state listed on your form. You may not know the usury and related laws in any other jurisdiction. 

Kevin Trabaris
Partner
Ktrabaris@em3law.com
P: (847) 840-4687
77 W. Wacker Drive
Suite 4500
Chicago, IL 60601

German Shepherd Dog, Mixed
Minneapolis, Minnesota   Adopt-a-Dog

Nez

Female
Six Months Old
Spayed
Housebroken
Coat Length: short
Vaccinations Up-to-date
Good in a Home with other dogs
Adoption Fee: $500

"Hey there, I’m Nez! You know what they say, the best way to enjoy a good movie is with a furry friend by your side. And let me tell you, I am a pro at snuggling and a movie superfan! Speaking of movies, 101 Dalmatians is my absolute fave. Spot-on choice, right?

"As a self-proclaimed nap expert, I know how to find all of the best nap spots. Top spots? My cozy crate or the comfiest couch cushion. Oh, and belly rubs. They're like my secret power source, fueling my zest for life. As for plush toys, well, let's just say they're in for a whirlwind adventure once I get my paws on them. Fluffy mayhem, anyone?

"Now, let's talk playtime. While I might start with a slow and steady approach, I'm like a social butterfly in the making. Other dogs? We'll be swapping wagging tails and playful pounces in no time.

"Daily walks? Sign me up! I'm all about that outdoor adventure. But you know what would make my tail wag even more? A fenced yard! Imagine all the sniff-tastic explorations and squirrel-chasing dreams that could come true.

"So, what do you say? Ready to embark on a snuggle-filled, movie-marathon, tail-wagging adventure with yours truly? Adopt me, Nez, and let's make some pawsitive memories together!

If you are interested in this dog, fill out an application at this link to get the ball rolling - https://pethavenmn.org/adopt/adoptable-dogs/dog-adoption-application/

Adoption fee includes spay/neuter, heartworm/Lyme test, all age-appropriate vaccinations (distemper, rabies, and Bordetella), heartworm and flea/tick preventatives, and microchip implant (including registration). Adoption fees INCLUDE a mandatory sales tax of 7.525%.

Pet Haven Inc., of Minnesota
dogs@pethavenmn.org
952-831-3825
http://www.PetHavenMN.org

 

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

Interview Preparation 101: Your Comprehensive Guide
to Mastering Job Interviews
The Ultimate Hire by Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners

 

(Please save this in your computer or laptop, to practice again)

Securing a job interview is a significant milestone, but the real challenge lies in acing the interview itself. The interview process is a critical opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and personality to potential employers. Proper preparation can significantly boost your confidence and increase your chances of success. Let's walk through the essential steps of interview preparation, from researching the company to mastering your body language.

Researching the Company: Before you step into the interview room, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of the company and its culture. Thorough research demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you tailor your responses. Here's how to do it effectively:

Visit the company's website: Explore the company's mission, values, products/services, and recent news. Familiarize yourself with their history and achievements.

Check social media: Follow the company on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to gain insights into their company culture, recent updates, and employee experiences.

Read reviews and news articles: Look for reviews from current or former employees to understand work environment and management style. Stay informed about recent developments in the industry.

Perfecting Your Resume and Portfolio: Your resume and portfolio are your first impression, so ensure they reflect your skills and accomplishments accurately:

Tailor your resume: Customize your resume for the specific job by highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description.

Showcase your achievements: Quantify your accomplishments with specific numbers, percentages, or metrics to demonstrate the impact you've made.

Prepare a portfolio: If applicable, bring samples of your work that showcase your skills and expertise. This could be projects, presentations, or creative works.

Practicing Common Interview Questions

Prepare for the most common interview questions to confidently articulate your thoughts and experiences:

Behavioral questions: Prepare anecdotes that showcase your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.

Strengths and weaknesses: Be honest about your strengths, and discuss how you're working on your weaknesses.

Why you want the job: Highlight what attracted you to the position and how your skills align with the role.

Mastering Your Body Language

Your nonverbal cues can communicate as much as your words. Here's how to present yourself effectively:

Eye contact: Maintain consistent, friendly eye contact to show confidence and engagement.

Handshake: Offer a firm, but not overpowering, handshake to convey professionalism.

Posture: Sit up straight to demonstrate attentiveness and interest.

Facial expressions: Smile genuinely and use appropriate facial expressions to show enthusiasm.

Conducting Mock Interviews

Practice makes perfect. Enlist the help of a friend or mentor to conduct mock interviews:

Practice common questions: Simulate real interview scenarios to refine your responses and reduce nervousness.

Receive feedback: Listen to constructive criticism and work on areas that need improvement, such as clarity, conciseness, and confidence.

Mastering the art of interview preparation takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By thoroughly researching the company, perfecting your resume and portfolio, practicing common interview questions, and mastering your body language, you'll be well-equipped to shine during your job interview. Remember, confidence comes with practice, so invest the time to prepare and present your best self. Good luck!

Ken Lubin
Managing Director
ZRG Partners, LLC
Americas I EMEA I Asia Pacific
C: 508-733-4789
https://www.linkedin.com/in/klubin/

"What is the Ultimate Hire? The Ultimate Hire is the professional that every business, team or leader needs in their organization. This is the high performance individual that always rises to the top, brings the team to the next level and can significantly add to the bottom line. The Ultimate Hire is the person that you can't afford to be without. Finding, Attracting, Hiring and Retaining these professionals is critical to the success of your business. We have identified these traits and can help you find these top professionals."

The Ultimate Hire Collection:
http://leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/ultimate.html

 

News Briefs---

The Clean Energy Future Is Arriving
       Faster Than You Think
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/08/12/climate/clean-energy-us-fossil-fuels.html

Musk isn’t serious about fighting, Zuckerberg says.
Here’s the latest.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/08/13/zuckerberg-musk-fight/

Were you planning to travel to Maui in coming months?
     Here’s what to know
https://www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/hawaii-maui-travel-hotels-18289921.php

Can San Francisco Save Itself From the Doom Loop?
    Downtown struggling with homelessness, crime
https://www.wsj.com/articles/san-francisco-crime-downtown-doom-loop-e5fcd7ba?st=acb0v7dmfou9v2a&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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

How the Pac-12 achieved its own destruction
through media rights and hubris
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/college/article/pac-12-achieved-destruction-media-rights-failures-18283416.php

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

Sports Briefs---

He Inherited ‘Multiple Dumpster Fires’ at the Pac-12. Then It Went Up in Smoke.
https://www.wsj.com/sports/football/pac-12-collapse-commissioner-george-kliavkoff-c3df1d9f?st=ekyhf8wpcdyzaqw&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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

California News Briefs---

Massive expansion of driverless robotaxis approved
    for San Francisco despite public safety concerns
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2023-08-10/cpuc-vote-on-robotaxi

Cruise, Waymo reveal how many driverless cars
    they have in S.F. and how often they stall on city streets
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/cruise-waymo-driverless-cars-in-s-f-18282902.php

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

Gimme that Wine

 

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

Slow start to wine grape harvest
   in California
https://www.farmprogress.com/grapes/slow-start-to-wine-grape-harvest

Gnarly Head Wines & the Grateful Dead Announce Year
Two Collaboration With Special Labels
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/275191

Getting on the Shelf: Retailers' Insider Stories
"advice to producers on what works in real life"
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/275181

This Day in History

    1760 - The first Methodist preacher, Philip Embury, arrived in New York City on the Perry, which carried 70 passengers, half of whom were Methodists. With the assistance of Barbara Heck, he organized the first Methodist Society in America in 1776.
    1806 – While hunting for elk along the Missouri River, Meriwether Lewis is shot in the hip, probably by one of his own men. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark had embarked on their epic journey to the Pacific two years earlier. The near-sighted Cruzatte probably mistook the leather-clad Lewis for an elk, though it is unlikely the private’s guilt will ever be proven with absolute certainty. His wound was not serious, but Lewis spent the next several days lying face down in the bottom of a canoe as the party proceeded down river. The following day, they caught up with Clark. By the time they reached St. Louis on September 23, Lewis’ wound had healed and the excitement of homecoming overshadowed the event.
    1841 - Having escaped from slavery only three years earlier, Frederick Douglass was legally a fugitive when he first spoke before an audience on this day. At an antislavery convention on Nantucket Island, Douglass spoke simply but eloquently about his life as a slave. His words were so moving that he was asked to become a full-time lecturer for the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. Douglass became a brilliant orator, writer and abolitionist who championed the rights of blacks as well as the rights of all humankind.  http://www.history.rochester.edu/class/douglass/home.html
    1842 -  Second Seminole War ends, with the Seminoles forced from Florida to Oklahoma.
    1848 – Oregon Territory was organized by an Act of Congress.  The region was divided between the UK and US in 1846. When established, the territory encompassed an area that included the current states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho, and parts of Wyoming and Montana.
    1860 - Nevada is known as the “Silver State” as the first silver mill to treat sliver ore successfully and the first reducing mill to treat ore-bearing quartz was established by the Washoe Gold and Silver Mining Company, No. 1, near Virginia City, Nevada. The mill operated by waterpower, was built by Almarin B. Paul, who began construction work on May 25, 1860, and completed it on August 9, 1860. It consisted of 24 stamps that began to crush on August 11, 1860.
    1861 - The first US Senator to address the Senate in military uniform was Edward Dickinson Baker, Republican of Oregon. He was drilling his regiment at Meridian Hill when he was summoned to refute Senator John Breckinridge, Democrat of Kentucky, who was speaking against a proposal to send troops against the South. Baker did not have time to change into civilian attire but removed his sword prior to delivering his speech. Baker City and County were named for London-born Edward Dickinson Baker, a Disciple minister. E.D. Baker had been converted to Christ at the Carrolton Church in Greene County, Illinois. Baker held many roles. He defeated Abraham Lincoln in a primary election in 1842. Baker and Lincoln were friends and the Lincolns named their second son Edward Baker Lincoln in honor of E. D. Baker. He came to Oregon in 1860 and campaigned for Lincoln. Later, becoming United States senator from Oregon, Baker introduced Lincoln at his first inaugural.  He was killed at the battle of Balls Fluff, VA, on October 21, 1861.
http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=B000059
http://www.ehistory.com/uscw/features/regimental/
pennsylvania/union/71stPennsylvania/eb.cfm    
    1864 – Among the earliest recorded games in organized baseball, the  Brooklyn Atlantics finished a 4-game series in Philadelphia‚ beating the Athletics‚ 43-16. The visitors whipped Camden‚ 64-10, on the 8th‚ beat the Keystone Club‚ 65-10, on the 9th‚ and won, 58-11, over the 30-year-old Olympic Club yesterday. 
    1874 - Harry S. Parmelee of New Haven, Connecticut got a patent for the sprinkler head.    
    1885 - $100,000 raised in U.S. for pedestal for Statue of Liberty 
    1896 - The pull-chain electric-light socket was patented by Harvey Hubbell of Bridgeport, Connecticut.    
    1907 - St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Ed Karger pitches a 7 inning perfect game vs the Boston Braves, 4-0. 
     1909 - The first United States ship to use the "SOS" radio distress call was made by Theodore D. Hauber on the Clyde liner "Arapahoe," a single-screw freight and passenger steamer of some 3,000 tons, bound for Charleston, SC, and Jacksonville, FL, from New York City. The first distress signal used was the “CQ” for “stop sending and listen.” Its engines were disabled 21 miles southeast of Diamond Shoals, off Cape Hatteras at 3:45pm. The SOS was first heard and acknowledged by R.J. Vosburg, wireless operator at station HA in Cape Hatteras, NC.
    1912 - In an 8-3 win over the New York Highlanders, Cleveland’s Shoeless Joe Jackson became the second American Leaguer to steal home twice in a game. He stole home in the 1st inning‚ and then in the 7th‚ he stole second base‚ third‚ and home.    
    1924 - First newsreel pictures of presidential candidates were taken. 
    1929 - Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees became the first player to hit 500 career home runs when he connected off Willis Hudlin as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Yankees, 6-5. The home was also the 30th of the year for the Bambino.  The next highest total at the time was 237 by Cy Williams.
    1933 - Loggers caused a forest fire in the Coast Range of Oregon, later known as the first forest fire of the Tillamook Burn; it is not fully extinguished until September 5, after destroying 240,000 acres.
    1934 - The first prisoners arrive at Alcatraz, in San Francisco Bay, a prison for the “most dangerous.”  
(lower half of: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/aug11.html )
    1935 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, creating a government pension system for the aged and unemployment insurance.  By the 1930s, the United States was the lone modern industrial country without any national system of social security. In the midst of the Great Depression, physician Francis Townsend galvanized support behind a proposal to issue direct payments to the elderly. Responding to this movement, Roosevelt organized a committee led by Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins to develop a major social welfare program proposal. Roosevelt presented the plan in early 1935, and he signed the Social Security Act into law. The act was upheld by the Supreme Court in two major cases decided in 1937. 
    1940 - A major hurricane struck Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC, causing the worst inland flooding since 1607.
    1940 – Pitcher Stan Musial of the Daytona Beach Islanders landed on his left shoulder while making a shoestring catch in the outfield.  The injury ended his pitching career. 
    1940 – Ernest Thayer, author of “Casey at the Bat,” died in Santa Barbara.
    1941 – President Franklin Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill sign the Atlantic charter..
    1942 - Movie star Hedy Lamarr, born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler in Vienna about 1914, received a patent while under contract with the MGM studio in Hollywood for the development of the concept of “frequency hopping” as a mean of controlling torpedoes by radio.  This later became the basis for modern technologies in wireless telephones and Wi-Fi.    
    1943 – German forces begin a six-day evacuation of the Italian island of Sicily, having been beaten back by the Allies, who invaded the island in July. The Germans had maintained a presence in Sicily since the earliest days of the war. But with the arrival of Gen. George S. Patton and his 7th Army and Gen. Bernard Montgomery and his 8th Army, the Germans could no longer hold their position. The race began for the Strait of Messina, the 2-mile wide body of water that separated Sicily from the Italian mainland. The Germans needed to get out of Sicily and onto the Italian peninsula. While Patton had already reached his goal, Palermo, the Sicilian capital, on July 22 (to a hero’s welcome, as the Sicilian people were more than happy to see an end to fascist rule), Montgomery, determined to head off the Germans at Messina, didn’t make his goal in time. The German 29th Panzergrenadier Division and the 14th Panzer Corps were brought over from Africa for the sole purpose of slowing the Allies’ progress and allowing the bulk of the German forces to get off the island. The delaying tactic succeeded. Despite the heavy bombing of railways leading to Messina, the Germans made it to the strait on August 11. Over six days and seven nights, the Germans led 39,569 soldiers, 47 tanks, 94 heavy guns, 9,605 vehicles, and more than 2,000 tons of ammunition onto the Italian mainland. (Not to mention the 60,000 Italian soldiers who were also evacuated, in order to elude capture by the Allies.) Although the United States and Britain had succeeded in conquering Sicily, the Germans were now reinforced and heavily supplied, making the race for Rome more problematic.
    1944 - Burlington, VT reaches a scorching 101 for all-time maximum record.
    1945 – Japan accepted the Allied unconditional terms of surrender in World War II and the Emperor recorded the Imperial Rescript on Surrender.     
    1946 - Top Hits
“They Say It’s Wonderful” - Frank Sinatra
“The Gypsy” - The Ink Spots
“Surrender” - Perry Como
“New Spanish Two Step” - Bob Wills    
    1947 - WHEAT, ROY M.,  Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 11 August 1967. Entered service a*: Jackson, Miss. Born: 24 July 1947, Moselle, Miss. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. L/Cpl. Wheat and 2 other marines were assigned the mission of providing security for a Navy construction battalion crane and crew operating along Liberty Road in the vicinity of the Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province. After the marines had set up security positions in a tree line adjacent to the work site, L/Cpl. Wheat reconnoitered the area to the rear of their location for the possible presence of guerrillas. He then returned to within 10 feet of the friendly position, and here unintentionally triggered a well concealed, bounding type, antipersonnel mine. Immediately, a hissing sound was heard which was identified by the 3 marines as that of a burning time fuse. Shouting a warning to his comrades, L/Cpl. Wheat in a valiant act of heroism hurled himself upon the mine, absorbing the tremendous impact of the explosion with his body. The inspirational personal heroism and extraordinary valor of his unselfish action saved his fellow marines from certain injury and possible death, reflected great credit upon himself, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
    1950 – Hitting .279, Yankees CF Joe DiMaggio is benched for the first time in his career by Mgr. Casey Stengel..
    1951 – Losing again, the New York Giants fall 13 ½ games behind the Brooklyn Dodgers.  From here on, the Giants go 44-7, tie the Dodgers on the last day of the season, then win in a three-game playoff on Bobby Thomson’s game-winning “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” HR in the bottom of the 9th off Ralph Branca.
    1954 - Top Hits
“Sh-Boom” - The Crewcuts
“The Little Shoemaker” - The Gaylords
“In the Chapel in the Moonlight” - Kitty Kallen
“One by One” - Kitty Wells & Red Foley
    1956 - Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel" is released. It will become his second Billboard chart topper.
    1958 - "Hard Headed Woman," the feature song of the movie "King Cole," earned Elvis Presley a gold record.    1962 - Neil Sedaka's "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" hits #1
    1962 - Top Hits
“Breaking Up is Hard to Do” - Neil Sedaka
“The Loco-Motion” - Little Eva
“Ahab, the Arab” - Ray Stevens
“Wolverton Mountain” - Claude King
    1962 - A flood of new releases hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart, that will go on to be hit records. Mary Wells' "You Beat Me to the Punch," Ray Stevens' "Ahab the Arab," Johnny Tillotson's "Send Me the Pillow That You Dream On," The Marvelettes' "Beechwood 4-5789," The Contours' "Do You Love Me," The Beach Boys' "Surfin' Safari," Booker T and the MGs' "Green Onions" and Tony Bennett's "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."   
    1963 - The Kingston Trio appear as the celebrity "mystery guests" on CBS-TV's What's My Line?
    1964 - The Beatles' first film, “A Hard Day's Night,” has its US premiere in New York City.
    1964 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Everybody Loves Somebody," Dean Martin. The song becomes the theme song to NBC's "The Dean Martin Show" the following year.
    1964 – Mickey Mantle set a Major League record when hit a home run from both sides of the plate for the 10th time in his career. Mantle hit a left-handed homer off Ray Herbert over the 461-foot marker in centerfield at Yankee Stadium that lands 15 rows into the bleachers, 502 feet from the plate.    1967 - WHEAT, ROY M., Medal of Honor.
Rank and organization: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 11 August 1967. Entered service: Jackson, Miss. Born: 24 July 1947, Moselle, Miss. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. L/Cpl. Wheat and 2 other marines were assigned the mission of providing security for a Navy construction battalion crane and crew operating along Liberty Road in the vicinity of the Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province. After the marines had set up security positions in a tree line adjacent to the work site, L/Cpl. Wheat reconnoitered the area to the rear of their location for the possible presence of guerrillas. He then returned to within 10 feet of the friendly position, and here unintentionally triggered a well concealed, bounding type, antipersonnel mine. Immediately, a hissing sound was heard which was identified by the 3 marines as that of a burning time fuse. Shouting a warning to his comrades, L/Cpl. Wheat in a valiant act of heroism hurled himself upon the mine, absorbing the tremendous impact of the explosion with his body. The inspirational personal heroism and extraordinary valor of his unselfish action saved his fellow marines from certain injury and possible death, reflected great credit upon himself, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
    1968 – Satchel Paige, in his 60s and needing 158 days to qualify for a Major League pension, signs a contract with the Atlanta Braves.
    1969 - Diana Ross holds a party for 350 at Beverly Hills' Daisy Club to announce her discovery of the singing group the Jackson 5 -- even though Gladys Knight actually recommended them to Motown head Berry Gordy. That night, the group gains even more exposure by performing at the first Miss Black America pageant
    1969 – The last Dodger to have played in Brooklyn, Don Drysdale, announced his retirement due to lingering shoulder ailments.
    1970 - Top Hits
“(They Long to Be) Close to You” - Carpenters
“Make It with You” - Bread
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” - Stevie Wonder
“Don’t Keep Me Hangin’ On” - Sonny James
    1970 - Jim Bunning of the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Houston Astros, 6-5, to become the first pitcher to win 100 games in each major league. Bunning, who started his career with the Detroit Tigers, became a Congressman from Kentucky after retiring from baseball and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.
    1970 - Judge Irving Ben Cooper ruled against outfielder Curt Flood in his antitrust suit against Major League Baseball. Cooper says "Decisions of the Supreme Court are not lightly overruled... We find no general or widespread disregard of the extremely important position the player occupies... Clearly the preponderance of credible proof does not favor elimination of the reserve clause." However, the judge says changes in the reserve clause should be made through negotiation but denies Flood damages. Flood will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, but in vain.  Flood challenged baseball’s reserve clause objecting to his trade to the Phillies by the St. Louis Cardinals.  This was a first step in a long journey that eventually ushered in free agency to MLB.
    1972 - The last United States ground combat unit leaves South Vietnam. 
    1974 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "The Night Chicago Died," Paper Lace. The song is written by Mitch Murray and Peter Callander.
    1974 – Nolan Ryan struck out 19, breaking the American League record of 18, set by Bob Feller in 1938, and tying the Major League record set by Steve Carlton and Tom Seaver. He also tied the Major League record with 32 Ks in his last two games.  Ryan is the Majors’ all-time career strikeout leader with 5,714 and is the only pitcher to reach 5000 Ks.
    1975 - Aerosmith's "Toys in the Attic" LP goes gold.
    1978 - Top Hits
“Miss You” - The Rolling Stones
“Three Times a Lady” - Commodores
“Grease” - Frankie Valli
“Love or Something Like It” - Kenny Rogers
    1981 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Endless Love," Diana Ross & Lionel Richie. The song holds onto the top spot for nine weeks, making it the most successful duo, most successful Motown single and most successful soundtrack single of all time.
    1982 - The debut of Anglo-American pop-rock band, the Pretenders is certified platinum about three years after it's released. The L.P. contained two hits, "Brass in Pocket" and "Kid."
    1984 - President Ronald Reagan's voice-test joke: in preparation for a radio broadcast, during a thought-to-be-off-the-record voice level test, instead of counting "one, two, three . . ." the President said: "My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes." The statement was picked up by live television cameras and was heard by millions worldwide. The incident provoked national and international reactions, including a news network proposal of new ground rules concerning the use of "off-the-record" remarks.
    1984 - Ray Parker, Jr.'s single, “Ghostbusters,” hit the Number 1 spot on the Billboard's record charts on this date, and stayed there for 3 weeks. Parker also wrote and produced the song, which was the title theme song for one of the highest-grossing comedy films in movie history. He later received an Academy Award nomination for it.
    1984 – Cincinnati Reds retire catcher Johnny Bench’s #5.  Bench is regarded by many as baseball’s greatest catcher and he is in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
    1986 - Top Hits
“Glory of Love” - Peter Cetera
“Papa Don’t Preach” - Madonna
“Mad About You” - Belinda Carlisle
“Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain” - The Judds
    1987 - The Beatles' album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was named 'the best album made during the last 20 years' by Rolling Stone magazine. 
    1988 - Moisture from what remained of Tropical Storm Beryl resulted in torrential rains across eastern Texas. Twelve and a half inches of rain deluged Enterprise, TX, which was more than the amount received there during the previous eight months. Philadelphia, PA reported a record forty-four days of 90-degree weather for the year. Baltimore, MD and Newark, NJ reported a record fourteen straight days of 90-degree heat
    1989 - One of the most severe convective outbreaks of record came to a climax in southern California after four days. Thunderstorms deluged Benton, CA with six inches of rain two days in a row, and the flooding which resulted caused more than a million dollars damage to homes and highways. Thunderstorms around Yellowstone Park, WY produced four inches of rain in twenty minutes resulting in fifteen mudslides. Thunderstorms over Long Island, NY drenched Suffolk County with 8 to 10 inches of rain. Twenty-three cities in the southeastern U.S. reported record low temperatures for the date. It was, for some cities, the fourth straight morning of record cold temperatures.
    1989 - Bruce Springsteen joins Ringo Starr onstage at a concert in Holmdel, NJ, to sing four songs: "Get Back," "Long Tall Sally," "Photograph," and "With A Little Help From My Friends."
    1991 - In only his second big league start, 21-year old White Sox southpaw Wilson Alvarez no-hits the Orioles, 7-0. Only Browns' hurler Bobo Holloman, who threw a no-hitter in his first Major League start in 1953 accomplished the feat in fewer starts.
    1993 - First foreign-born officer appointed chair of joint chiefs: President Bill Clinton appointed Army General John Shalikashvili to succeed Colin Powell as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Shalikashvili was born at Poland, but his family fled to Germany in 1944 to escape advancing Soviet troops. After moving to the US, his family lived at Peoria, IL. "General Shali" has a distinguished military record and is a Vietnam War veteran.
    1993 - A severe thunderstorm spawned a high elevation F3 tornado in the Ashley National Forest, 20 miles north of Roosevelt, UT. The tornado touched down 3 times along a 17 mile path and was up to 1/2 miles wide. 1000 acres of trees were snapped or uprooted. The highest elevation damage was at 10,800 feet.
    1994 - Randy Johnson’s pitch to strike out A's Ernie Young will become the last ball thrown in the Majors for seven and half months as the longest work stoppage in baseball history begins.  Among the casualties was the 1994 World Series, the first to be cancelled in MLB history.
    1994 - Top Hits
“Stay (I Missed You)” (From "Reality Bites") - Lisa Loeb 
“I Swear” - All-4-One 
“Fantastic Voyage” - Coolio 
“Wild Night” - John Mellencamp With Me Shell Ndegeocello
“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” (From "The Lion King") - Elton John
    1994 - Record high set at Miami with 96 then heavy thunderstorms drop the temperature to 70, a record low for the same date.
    1997 - Sonny West, Red West, Lamar Fike and Marty Lacker, four of the biggest members of Elvis' "Memphis Mafia," recall the King in a one-time-only webchat. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Mafia
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyRecordings/photos/a.410741997995
.182278.157335342995/10151749009902996/?type=1
    1997 - Congress passed the line-item veto for the President in 1996, but on this day in 1997, William Jefferson Clinton was the first to use it, 
eliminating three provisions from legislation that had been passed by Congress. The line-item veto, a power sought by presidents since Ulysses S. Grant, enables presidents to strike particular items from newly enacted federal laws without having to veto the entire bill.
    1998 - Lawrence Ferlinghetti was named the first poet laureate of San Francisco.
    1999 - Top Hits
“Genie in a Bottle” - Christina Aguilera
“Tell Me It’s Real” - K-Ci
“Bills, Bills, Bills” – Destiny’s Child 
“All Star” - Smash Mouth
    2001 - Using fewest number of games anyone has ever needed to hit 50 homers in a season, Giant outfielder Barry Bonds reaches the milestone in 117 contests. In 1999, Sammy Sosa reached the mark in 121 contests.
    2002 - Sammy Sosa's grand slam and run-scoring double against the Rockies gives the Cubs' slugger 14 RBIs over two games establishing a new a National League record. The previous mark was 13 shared by Nate Colbert (Padres-1972) and Mark Whiten (Cardinals -1993).
    2003 - By fanning Jeff Kent in the seventh inning at Wrigley Field, Kerry Wood became the fastest Major Leaguer to record his 1,000th career strikeout, needing only 134 games to reach the milestone. It took 143 games for Roger Clemens to accomplish the feat.
    2003 – Top Hits
“Crazy In Love”- Beyoncé Featuring Jay-Z
“Right Thurr”- Chingy
“Never Leave You - Uh Ooh
“Lumidee P.I.M.P” - 50 Cent 
    2012 – The Republicans’ presumptive nominee for President, Mitt Romney, selects Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan as his running mate.
    2012 – The Yankees’ all-time hit leader, Derek Jeter, collected his league-leading 150th hit of the season, joining Hank Aaron as the only two players to have 17 seasons of 150 or more hits.  Jeter finished his career in 2014 with 3,654 hits, sixth-most all-time and most ever by a Yankee.
    2013 - At the Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford, New York, American golfer Jason Duffner wins the 2013 PGA Championship.
    2014 - Sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to Microsoft ex-CEO Steve Ballmer was approved by the NBA, despite attempts by former owner Donald Sterling to stop the transaction. Sterling was forced to sell after being banned from the NBA for his racist remarks.