Certified Leasing & Finance Foundation Adds
17 New CLFPs (with Photos)

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation is pleased to announce that 17 individuals who recently sat through the 8-hour online proctored CLFP exam, have passed.  They are:

Valerie Carwell, CLFP
Business Development Representative
Navitas Credit Corp.

Bradley Catherwood, CLFP
Implementation Consultant
Leasepath

Greg Cox, CLFP
Vice President
Equipment Finance
Cadence Bank

Matthew Cullity, CLFP
Senior Analyst Team Lead,
First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance

Adam Denny, CLFP
Business Development Supervisor,
Stearns Bank

Shannon Gibbs, CLFP
Asset Management Specialist II
Pathward

Thomas Grady, CLFP
Senior Vice President Equipment Finance
Old National Equipment Finance

Darrell Johnson, CLFP
Credit Manager,
Quality Equipment Finance

Heather Miller, CLFP
Fleet Leasing Operations Manager,
Transport Enterprise Leasing LLC

Sherri Milliron, CLFP
SVP Chief Operating Officer,
First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance

Mackenzie Nehring, CLFP
Sales & Marketing Associate,
Vision Financial Group, Inc.

Michael Shipman, CLFP
Senior Vice President,
First Horizon Bank

Justin Skoog, CLFP
Asset Management Supervisor
Stearns Bank

Robin Slaven, CLFP
Implementation Consultant,
Leasepath

Morgan Stanford, CLFP
Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager
First Horizon Bank

Carleen Tschida, CLFP
Senior AR Documentation Specialist
Stearns Bank

Gyles Uhlenhopp, CLFP Associate
Marketing & Program Development Manager
KLC Financial, Inc.

Matthew Cullity of First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance. said, “This designation is an amazingly unique opportunity to become a part of dignified group of professionals. There is a small number who have the honor to be able to say that. This designation will be the key for me to continue to climb in my career.”

Cullity shares a bit more about his CLFP Journey after participating in an Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals (ALFP) and then taking the Exam, stating,

“There are certain moments in life that come only once, and if you do not act on it, it is lost to time. I am so thankful I was able to grab onto this when it was presented to me. I will carry this for my life. On a personal level, I would like to say thank you to the CLFP Foundation. Everyone has been the kindest and most willing to assist. I haven’t taken a course or test in many years; I was able to build myself up with the great notes and support provided. It means the absolute world to me.”

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the commercial equipment finance industry. There are Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates located throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, India, Pakistan, Africa, and Australia. For more information, visit http://www.CLFPFoundation.org
.

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Academy for Certified Lease & Finance Professionals
 September to November – Mentor Programs Available

The Academy for Lease and Finance Professionals (ALFP) is a three-day event designed to fully prepare an individual to sit for the CLFP exam assuming the attendee has already self-studied. A trend has begun in having virtual online sessions.

During the first two days, all of the required sections of the CLFP exam are covered in-depth. On the third day, the exam is offered but is not mandatory and may be taken on another day.

Students are strongly advised to have read and studied The Certified Lease & Finance Professionals' Handbook prior to attending the class in order to ensure success.

Stearns Public, In-Person ALFP
September 19 – 29

Great America Private, In-Person ALFP
October 10 – 17

DLL Private, Virtual ALFP
October 18 – 18

Oakmont Public, Virtual ALFP
November 8 – 10

Arvest Public, In-Person
November 16 – 18, 2023

Professional Handbook for Taking the Test in 2023
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TZM6SJ9?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

About Academy
https://clfpfoundation.org/academy-for-lease-and-finance-professionals

Professional Handbook for Taking the Test in 2023
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TZM6SJ9?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

LFP Mentor Program

After you have read and studied The Certified Lease & Finance Professionals’ Handbook, you will probably have some very specific questions. To answer those questions, we ask you to complete a short survey rating yourself on your strengths and weaknesses on the subjects to be covered in the exam. We will then match you with a Mentor whose strengths complement your weaknesses. We ask only that you have made the commitment to take the CLFP exam by scheduling a specific date to sit for the exam. This gives your Mentor the assurance that the time he or she spends with you will be time well spent.

Handbook:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TZM6SJ9?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

About Academy
https://clfpfoundation.org/academy-for-lease-and-finance-professionals

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Changes in Leasing and Finance Since 2013
Our Effort to Update
By Tom McCurnin, former Legal Editor and Kit Menkin, Editor

Before Tom McCurnin and his wife's trip to Ukraine, we were updating "The History of Leasing (1), which we co-wrote. The concept was the change in small and medium size commercial finance in the last ten years since we wrote Part 4.

It seemed to me the thrust today was to equipment loans, business loans, and it was easier and faster for all those involved. My key was the name of most companies and even associations changed to either use Finance or so note they did MCA, SBA, and all types of financial products. When it started leasing of small and medium size equipment was 10% or 20% down with a short time period,
usually two to three years (plus really little tax advantage).

I sent emails to top executives of back office companies, financial and leasing companies, recruiters, site inspection companies, even software companies to get their opinion and experience.

"We would like to know the changes your company has experienced. Perhaps it started with changes in depreciation, but with FinTech approving, documenting, paying vendors and brokers within four hours (internet sales, signed documents online, invoices, no insurance or site requirements due to equipment finance agreements or business loans and other advantages)."

The only comment we received was from Ed Castanga, Inplace Auction:

"My company repossesses and remarkets assets for all types of lenders. I can report that we haven’t observed any significant changes in leasing. Its important to note that Fintech “loan” type transactions have been in existence for several decades. As far back as the early 1990s Sierra Cities introduced automation to underwriting, making it one of the pioneers in the field. Over the past two decades this model is more widely adopted.  

"In my opinion, FinTech lending can be considered a loan product that relies on financial and credit information. Following the 2008 financial crisis, a few traditional lessors transitioned to a "loan product" to minimize repossession volumes. However, most have since returned to traditional leasing practices. It's worth noting that the increased speed of financing has no impact on the depreciation of assets."

Tom and I would like to get others viewpoint. Prefer name and position, but if you do not want your name and company published, we will so note only the position and type of company the response comes from.

kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

(1) The History of Leasing--abridged
By Tom McCurnin and Christopher Menkin
https://leasingnews.org/Pages/history_leasing2013.html

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

Top Ten Leasing News Read by Readers
August 14 to August 18

(1) Tom McCurnin, Former Leasing News Legal Editor
in Ukraine with Wife Jodi
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_14.htm#mccurnin

(2) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_14.htm#hires

(3) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_16.htm#hires

(4) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_16.htm#hires

(5) "No, I Don't Have Time to See a Leasing Salesman!"
Cartoon
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_16.htm#time

(6) Missouri Joins Other States Legislative
   Debates Concerning Commercial Finance Disclosure
By Ken Greene, Esq., Leasing News Advisor Emeritus
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_14.htm#mo

(7) Disney to take hit of $2.5M per room at
failed Galactic Starcruiser hotel
https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/disney-to-take-hit-failed-star-wars-hotel-18294985.php?IPID=SFGate-HP-Editors-Picks

(8) Commercial Disclosure Laws May Open
  Transaction to Usury, One of the Oldest Sins
By Kevin Traberis, Esq.
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_14.htm#commercial

(9) 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

(10) Disclosure Laws Update for Brokers
AACFB Webinar - Monday, August 14 4:00 pm (ET)
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2023/08_14.htm#aacfb

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U.S. Visitors Outnumber Hawaiians 5 to 1
    Countries with most visitors to Hawaii

As our chart illustrates, the number of U.S. travelers visiting islands like Hawai'i, O'ahu or Maui has been rising continuously since 2014, crossing the 7-million mark for the first time in 2022. Even in the first year of the corona virus pandemic, roughly two million U.S. Americans flocked to the island state, which was annexed by the United States in 1898 against staunch resistance by the native population.

In 2019, the overall number of visitors to Hawaii stood above the 10-million threshold, a development cut short by Covid-19. Between January and June 2023, around five million people visited the islands for an average duration of nine nights, spending $10.7 billion in the process. Roughly $8.5 billion of the total amount was spent by the 3.9 million visitors from the United States.

Florian Zandt, Statista

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Modern Rail Capital (MRC) Completes
Updated Transformation with LTi’s ASPIRE

LTi Technology Solutions (LTi), proudly announces their ongoing technology partnership and collaboration with Modern Rail Capital, providing a technology transformation, moving from LTi’s LeasePlus to their cloud lease and loan technology platform.

Modern Rail Capital, LLC, is a leading railcar leasing company, and a fleet management and maintenance services provider to the North American transport market. With a diverse fleet of around 9,000 railcars, MRC offers flexible leasing options and a broad suite of railcar operations, mechanical and contractual management services, and rail logistics solutions to meet the increasing demands of the rail shipping community.

George Abraham, Vice President of Finance, Treasurer of MRC, said “LTi understands our business and we were pleased to elevate our fixed asset system to their best in class platform. This project was successfully managed from start to finish with key resources from both the LTi and MRC teams. The completion of this project was a major milestone for my Department and will enable meaningful efficiencies.”

This ongoing collaboration is considered a major achievement at MRC and their commitment to innovation and process improvement through technology.

Jeff Van Slyke, Chief Executive Officer of LTi, said, “Modern Rail Capital has been a long-time client and they have been utilizing our flagship product, LeasePlus for many years. Once it was determined that there was a significant requirement to move to our cloud platform, ASPIRE, our implementation team set to make quick work of making that transition happen.

"Knowing business innovation is at the core of what MRC stands for, the ASPIRE platform will have them ready for the future and the significant growth they are experiencing. We are very happy to have made their transition a relatively easy one and we look forward to our continued partnership as they grow.”

By leveraging the combined strengths of LTi’s ASPIRE platform and MRC’s commitment to innovation for a sustainable future in harmony with the environment, the technology transformation that ASPIRE brings will deliver unparalleled value to their business operations. ASPIRE provides the power necessary for their digital transformation as they grow, while improving efficiencies and optimizing complex business and financial processes.

Oakmont Capital Named  Winner of
2023 Operations and Technology Excellence Award

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) named  Oakmont Capital Services the recipient of the 2023 Operations and Technology Award. The award-winning project will be showcased during ELFA’s Operations and Technology Conference, Sept. 11-13 in New Orleans.

ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta, said, “Congratulations to Oakmont Capital Services for this outstanding achievement,” said ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta. “Their award-winning project showcases how technology is transforming the equipment finance industry and creating new opportunities to serve customers. This spirit of innovation is what the Operations & Technology Excellence Award is all about.”

Candace Reinhart, CLFP, COO/CXO at CoreTech and Subcommittee Chair for the award, said, “Oakmont’s project is one that successfully brought together multiple partners with a shared goal of upgrading technology while still running a fast-growing business. We’re excited to delve into their story and, in doing so, offer ELFA members the inspiration to transform their own operations.”

Daryn Lecy, CLFP, Chief Operating Officer at Oakmont Capital Services, commented, “We knew that we could move faster, improve profitability and better serve customers if we had a more comprehensive, integrated and flexible technology stack,

“The challenge was upgrading our technology while running a fast-growing business—it’s like changing the tires on a race car while going 180 mph. The new solution provides our team with best-in-class operational software and business intelligence. In addition, our new platform gives us access to granular, real-time data that allows us to see trends and insights immediately.”

Oakmont Capital Services (OCS) is recognized for updating three of its most critical operational platforms. First, they leveraged their existing investment in the Microsoft platforms and implemented an embedded Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Loan Origination System (LOS) via Leasepath. Then, they rolled out comprehensive business intelligence with AI automation capabilities system via Tamarack Technologies.

About the Award
The Operations and Technology Excellence Award recognizes equipment finance companies that have demonstrated best practices in developing and implementing innovative uses of technology or creative business processes to improve operations, enhance customer interactions, enter new markets or build overall ROI. The program brings the backroom to the foreground, spotlighting the best in the industry as an example for others. More information about the award and a list of previous winners are available at www.elfaonline.org/about/awards/OTE.  

Information about ELFA’s Operations and Technology Conference, where the award-winning project will be showcased, is available at www.elfaonline.org/events/2023/OT.

The award-winning project also will be spotlighted at the 62nd ELFA Annual Convention, Oct. 22-24 in Phoenix, Arizona, www.elfaonline.org/ac.

Samoyed
West Chester, Pennsylvania  Adopt-a-Dog

Alan

Male
Four Months Old
Location: Foster Home
Adoption Fee: $600

Angels Retreat
361 Corinne Road
West Chester, PA 19382
adoptions@angelsretreat.org
(302) 598 - 9023
https://www.angelsretreat.org/

By Appointment Only

News Briefs---

Why your new electric car won’t have a spare tire.
    And why you probably don’t need one
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2023-08-18/your-new-electric-car-probably-wont-have-a-spare-tire-heres-why

Amazon Restarts Shipping Unit That Competes
With UPS and FedEx
https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/amazon-restarts-shipping-unit-that-competes-with-ups-and-fedex-dbdeb3aa?mod=business_feat1_logistics_pos1

China Is on Edge as Fallout From Its
Real Estate Crisis Spreads
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/20/business/china-property-crisis-country-garden.html

Stock market rebound put more workers
into 401(k) millionaires club
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/08/18/fidelity-401k-millionaire-q2-2023/

Cracks Deepen for America’s Biggest Hospital Landlord
    Struggling Tenants, a Bailout on Hold
https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/cracks-deepen-for-americas-biggest-hospital-landlord-struggling-tenants-a-bailout-on-hold-21e3294c?st=vc46lmifhqmkl58&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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How the Maui wildfires devastated Lahaina
    hour by hour. A visual story
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/08/13/maui-wildfire-started-spread

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Sports Briefs---

Spain's winning goalscorer Carmona learns of dad's death after WWC final
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38229486/spain-winning-goalscorer-carmona-learns-father-death-women-world-cup-final

If a player wanted to wear a Guardian Cap during a game, the league would prohibit it
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/if-a-player-wanted-to-wear-a-guardian-cap-during-a-game-the-league-would-prohibit-it

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California News Briefs---

GM’s Cruise robotaxi collides with San Francisco
     firetruck, injuring passenger
https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/08/18/gms-cruise-robotaxi-collides-with-firetruck-injuring-passenger/

DMV demands Cruise cut driverless fleet
    in half following crashes
https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/08/19/dmv-demands-cruise-cut-driverless-fleet-in-half-following-crashes/

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

New Wine Country tasting room is devoted
  to Champagne...Healdsburg, California
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/healdsburg-bubble-bar-champagne-18283850.php

Chinese fans buy 10,000 bottles of
NBA star’s wine in seconds
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2023/08/chinese-fans-buy-10000-bottles-of-nba-star-james-harden-wine-in-seconds/

L'Ecole Nº 41 Named Top 100 Winery of the Year
by Wine & Spirits Magazine for the 17th Time
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/275518

This Day in History

    1680 - Pueblo Indians took possession of Santa Fe, N.M., after driving out the Spanish. They destroyed almost all of the Spanish churches in Taos and Santa Fe.
    1781-The jury in Great Barrington, MA granted Elizabeth Freeman, known as Mum (or Marm” ) Bett, her freedom, thus becoming the first slave to be emancipated in the so called free world. The wife of her owner, Colonel John Ashely of Sheffield, MA, tried to hit her own sister with a hot iron and Elizabeth Freeman interfered and received the blow on her arm, where she was scared for life. She ran away to the home of lawyer Theodore Sedwick, whom she had seen at the Ashley house discussing the rights of man with a group of Sheffiled notables, and obtained his help in suing for her freedom. She died December 28,1829, and was buried in the Sedgwick family plot
    1831- You probably read about this in history as there were many such rebellions but one of the first on this large scale took place in Southampton County, VA. It was led by Nat Turner, an African-American slave and religious visionary who believed that he was divinely chose to lead his fellow slaves to freedom. With seven accomplices, Turner killed his owner Joseph Travis, and the Travis family in their sleep, then led more than 70 followers in a two-day revolt in which 55 to 60 whites were killed. State militiamen and armed whites confronted the rebels near Jerusalem, VA, and killed as many as 100 slaves, a number of whom had not taken part in the rebellion. Turner escaped, but was caught six weeks later and hanged on November 11.
    1863-Confederate raider William Clarke Quantrill launched a predawn terrorist raid on Lawrence, Kansas, leaving 150 civilians dead and much of the town ruined. Quantrill had been denied a commission in the Southern army for his barbaric approach to war. Many say he was a “bandit,” and was in the war for what he and his men could steal and pilferage.
http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/QQ/fqu3.html
http://jessejamesvirtualmuseum.com/quantrill.htm
    1863-Paper money fractional currency was issued from this date to May 27, 1863, in denominations of 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, and 50 cents. They are collection items today. The bills were originally issued with perforated edges, but later were cut plan. They were also known as “postage currency,” as they depicted postage stamps. They were receivable in payment for all dues to the United States less than $5 and were exchangeable for United States notes by any assistant treasurer or designed U.S. Depository in sums not less than $5.
    1866-Birth of Civilla D. Martin, teacher and songwriter, in Nova Scotia. A pastor's wife, she penned in     1904 the hymn, "Be Not Dismayed, Whate'er Betide" (a.k.a. "God Will Take Care of You").
    1874- Popular 19th century preacher Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was accused by Theodore Tilton of committing adultery with his wife. The resulting trial ended in a 9-3 hung jury decision, in Beecher's favor.
    1878- The American Bar Association was founded in Saratoga, New York to store all the attorney jokes. They ran out of room a few years later, giving birth to other state and local bar associations to store their records; now available on CD Rom. Also available at
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/att_jokes.htm
(These are mostly from attorneys, including the great, late stand-up comic, leasing law expert Jeff Wong, Esq.)
    1879- The first telephone exchange opened for business, Galveston, Texas.
http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/print/TT/egt2.html
    1883-Rochester, MN was hit with an F5 tornado killing 31, injuring 200, and wrecking 1351 dwellings.
    1896 -- Author Roark Bradford born Lauderdale County, Tennessee. He wrote fiction & folklore based on childhood contacts with African-American preachers, musicians, & storytellers on the plantations.
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/rbradf.htm
    1904- William (Count) Basie, who led one of the top big bands in the world for more than 45 years, was born in Red Bank, New Jersey. Basie became stranded in Kansas City while touring with a vaudeville show in 1927. He was originally a drummer. When the pianist was sick, he sat in. He was known for playing short riffs, called in the trade, “composer piano,” and brought his drum, rhythm skills to the piano. He the joined the Blue Devils led by bassist Walter Page. (Page became part of the Basie famed rhythm section: Freddie Green on guitar and Jo Jones on drums. While the drummer changed during the years, Green and Page were with the band until they died. ) Kansas City was where jazz was “hot”. He then joined the best band at the time led by the famed Bennie Moten, a “riff band” of renown. When Moten died in 1935, Basie took over. By 1937, when the Count Basie Orchestra made its New York debut, its personnel included such jazz stars as tenor saxophonists Lester Young and Herschel Evans, trumpeter Buck Clayton, Basie's former employer Walter Page on bass, drummer Joe Jones and singer Jimmy Rushing. Originally there was no music written and the “riffs” were improvised per sections, very similar to Dixieland music, but in saxophone, trombone, trumpet sections. Most of it was “ad lib.” In the late 1940's, when big band jazz was over, Basie scaled down to seven men. In the early 1950's, with the help of new composers such as Quincy Jones, Frank Wes, and singer Joe Williams, the big band started up again. He was perhaps Frank Sinatra's favorite band and the new generation of musicians was the finest in the land. Lambert-Hendricks-Ross had many hit records with Basie tunes put to words. The Count from Red Bank, New Jersey led his band almost continuously until a few months before his death of cancer on April 26th, 1984. Please see: “postscript..” )
http://www.harlem.org/people/basie.html
http://www.pbs.org/jazz/biography/artist_id_basie_count.htm
http://www.countbasietheatre.org/
    1912- Arthur Rose Eldred of the Oceanside, NY, troop became the first American Eagle Scout.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/aug21.html
    1918 - A tornado struck Tyler, MN, killing 36 persons and destroying most of the business section of the town resulting in a million dollars damage.
    1928 – Birthday of Art Farmer (musician: trumpet, flugelhorn: worked w/Horace Henderson, Johnny Otis, Lionel Hampton Band; recorded be-bop classic Farmer's Market; developed musical instrument called ‘flumpet'; died Oct 4, 1999)
http://members.tripod.com/~hardbop/farmer.html
    1928-Birthday of bassist Addison Farmer, Council Bluffs, IA.
    1931- Babe Ruth hits his 600th HR (Yanks beat Browns 11-7)
    1935- Benny Goodman opens at Palomar Ballroom, Los Angeles: regarded as the birth of the Swing Era!!! The Goodman Orchestra played an ecstatically received concert at the Palomar Ballroom in Los Angeles. Until then, the band had been playing the commercial sweet music of the day. But for the Palomar date, Goodman decided to go for broke, playing hot numbers like "Just You, Just Me" and "Air Mail Special." The concert is generally regarded as being the start of the Swing Era, and by the end of the 1930's, Goodman was known as the "King of Swing."
    1936-Birthday of Wilt Chamberlain, Basketball Hall of Fame center, born at Philadelphia, PA. NBA MVP Award: Philadelphia Warriors [1960], Philadelphia 76ers [1966, 1967, 1968 Died October 12, 1999 at Los Angeles, CA.
    1938-Birthday of singer Kenny Rogers, Houston, TX, considered one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world in his “hey day.” A 1980's tour with Dolly Parton netted him more than $200,000 a night and two of his palatial homes were once valued at nearly $15 million. After singing folk with the New Christy Minstrels and rock with the First Edition, Rogers began his solo career in 1975. His breakthrough came two years later with "Lucille," which sold millions to both pop and country music fans. Rogers has continued to score million-sellers with his middle-of-the-road country style. Grammy and CMA Award-winning singer: She Believes in Me, Lady, Lucille, Islands in the Stream [w/Dolly Parton], What are We Doin' in Love [w/Dottie West], Through the Years, We've Got Tonight [w/Sheena Easton], You Decorated My Life, Coward of the County, The Gambler; groups: The Kirby Stone Four, The New Christy Minstrels, The First Edition; actor: The Gambler series).
http://www.delafont.com/music_acts/Kenny-Rogers.htm
    1942--SMITH, JOHN LUCIAN Medal of Honor Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Fighter Squadron 223, Place and date: In the Solomon Islands area, August-September 1942. Entered service at: Oklahoma. Born: 26 December 1914, Lexington, Okla. Other Navy award: Legion of Merit. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and heroic achievement in aerial combat above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 223 during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area, August-September 1942. Repeatedly risking his life in aggressive and daring attacks, Maj. Smith led his squadron against a determined force, greatly superior in numbers, personally shooting down 16 Japanese planes between 21 August and 15 September 1942. In spite of the limited combat experience of many of the pilots of this squadron, they achieved the notable record of a total of 83 enemy aircraft destroyed in this period, mainly attributable to the thorough training under Maj. Smith and to his intrepid and inspiring leadership. His bold tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, and the valiant and zealous fortitude of the men of his command not only rendered the enemy's attacks ineffective and costly to Japan, but contributed to the security of our advance base. His loyal and courageous devotion to duty sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
    1944—Birthday of Jackie DeShannon, singer, songwriter, born Hazel, KY. Her 1965 recording of Burt Bacharach's "What the World Needs Now Is Love" earned four Grammy nominations. And in 1969, "Put a Little Love in Your Heart," a song which DeShannon co-wrote, sold two-million copies. “What the World Needs Now is Love” was another of her big hits. Although her recording career was not successful after the early '70s, DeShannon continued to score as a songwriter. She is co-author of Kim Carnes's 1981 hit, "Bette Davis Eyes."
http://www.swinginchicks.com/jackie_deshannon.htm
    1947-- The first Little League World Series tourney is held at Williamsport, Pennsylvania. With a .625 team batting average, the hometown Maynard Midgets easily win the tournament, 16-7.
    1956---Top Hits
My Prayer - The Platters
Hound Dog/Don't Be Cruel - Elvis Presley
Canadian Sunset - Hugo Winterhalter & Eddie Haywood
I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash
    1956--Comics Bill Buchanan and Dickie Goodman have the number three song in America with a novelty tune called "Flying Saucer". The premise of the record was two radio news reporters who ask questions which are then humorously answered with snippets from mid-'50s hits. Buchanan and Goodman were sued by 17 different record companies for copyright infringement, but all were dismissed by a ruling that said the parodies did not infringe on the sales of the original hits.
    1956-Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" and The Lovin' Spoonful's "Do You Believe in Magic" are released.
    1957-In 1953 Congress adopted a proposal to terminate assistance to non-recognized Indian tribes. Seminole leaders and tribal members began to fight the proposal by drafting a constitution and charter for the Seminole Tribe. These were later approved by the Secretary of the Interior. On this date, a majority of tribal members voted to establish the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Today, 2,200 Seminoles live on five reservations in Florida.
    1959-President Dwight Eisenhower signed a proclamation admitting Hawaii to the United. States. The statehood bill had passed the previous March with a stipulation that statehood should be approved by a vote of Hawaiian residents. The referendum passed by a huge margin in June and Eisenhower proclaimed Hawaii the 50 state today in 1959. The president also issued the order for a new flag of 50 stars arranged in staggered rows: five 6-star rows and four 5-star rows, the flag to become as it is today. In March of 1959, the statehood bill had been passed; but it contained a stipulation that the residents of the Hawaiian Islands would have to give their vote of approval. Three months later, they did so -- and by a huge margin. Hawaii, the Aloha State, finally became the 50th state of the United States of America. Although the Aloha State is made up of a chain of 122 volcanic islands spread out over 1,600 miles, only seven, at the southeastern end of the chain, are inhabited: Hawaii (the Big Island), Maui (the Valley Isle), Lanai (the Pineapple Isle), Molokai (the Friendly Isle), Kauai (the Garden Isle), Niihau (the Forbidden Island), and Oahu (the Gathering Place). Oahu is the home of the state capital, Honolulu, and about 75% of the state's population ... a population that is truly a melting pot of all races and religions. The yellow hibiscus is the Hawaii state flower. The nene or Hawaiian goose is the state bird and the humuhumunukunukuapua'a is the state fish. The state motto of Hawaii is: Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono. = The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
    1964---Top Hits
Everybody Loves Somebody - Dean Martin
Where Did Our Love Go - The Supremes
Rag Doll - The 4 Seasons
Dang Me - Roger Miller
    1965-The Rolling Stones album, "Out of Our Heads," is number one on the U.S. album chart. Songs off the LP include, "Satisfaction," "Play With Fire" and "The Last Time."
    1965- A “trick answer:” Lieutenant Colonel Leroy Gordon Cooper, who's first trip was on Faith 7, made his second flight on August 21-29, when he and Lt. Commander Charles Conrad, Jr. made the two man space flight of 120 orbits in 190 hours 55 minutes 14 seconds in Gemini 5. The first to do this. It was not John Glenn. Cooper was the first astronaut to make two trips into outer space.
    1968--YOUNG, MARVIN R. Medal of Honor Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Ben Cui, Republic of Vietnam, 21 August 1968. Entered service at: Odessa, Tex. Born: 11 May 1947, Alpine, Tex. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Young distinguished himself at the cost of his life while serving as a squad leader with Company C. While conducting a reconnaissance mission in the vicinity of Ben Cui, Company C was suddenly engaged by an estimated regimental-size force of the North Vietnamese Army. During the initial volley of fire the point element of the 1st Platoon was pinned down, sustaining several casualties, and the acting platoon leader was killed. S/Sgt. Young unhesitatingly assumed command of the platoon and immediately began to organize and deploy his men into a defensive position in order to repel the attacking force. As a human wave attack advanced on S/Sgt. Young's platoon, he moved from position to position, encouraging and directing fire on the hostile insurgents while exposing himself to the hail of enemy bullets. After receiving orders to withdraw to a better defensive position, he remained behind to provide covering fire for the withdrawal. Observing that a small element of the point squad was unable to extract itself from its position, and completely disregarding his personal safety, S/Sgt. Young began moving toward their position, firing as he maneuvered. When halfway to their position he sustained a critical head injury, yet he continued his mission and ordered the element to withdraw. Remaining with the squad as it fought its way to the rear, he was twice seriously wounded in the arm and leg. Although his leg was badly shattered, S/Sgt. Young refused assistance that would have slowed the retreat of his comrades, and he ordered them to continue their withdrawal while he provided protective covering fire. With indomitable courage and heroic self-sacrifice, he continued his self-assigned mission until the enemy force engulfed his position. By his gallantry at the cost of his life are in the highest traditions of the military service, S/Sgt. Young has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1969 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Honky Tonk Women," The Rolling Stones.
    1972---Top Hits
Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O'Sullivan
Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass
Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress) - The Hollies
Bless Your Heart - Freddie Hart & The Heartbeats
    1973-Although it attracted 41% of the time share, the re-run of the episode which had 47-year-old Maude (in the TV sit-com *Maud*) opting for an abortion did not have one single commercial sponsor. Several organized religious groups protested the episode and convinced almost 40 TV stations not to carry the show.
    1979 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "My Sharona," The Knack. Billboard ranks the song the No. 1 single of the year.
    1980---Top Hits
Magic - Olivia Newton-John
Sailing - Christopher Cross
Take Your Time (Do It Right) - The S.O.S. Band
Tennessee River – Alabama
    1980-Linda Ronstadt debuted on Broadway in the production of Gilbert and Sullivan's, The Pirates of Penzance.
    1980-"The Pirates of Penzance" co-starring Linda Ronstadt, moves to Broadway.
    1982- Relief pitcher Rollie Fingers of the Milwaukee Brewers became the first pitcher to record 200 saves in his career as the Brewers beat the Seattle Mariners, 3-2.
    1982-Relief pitcher Rollie Fingers of the Milwaukee Brewers became the first pitcher to record 300 saves in his career as the Brewers beat the Seattle Mariners, 3-2.
    1983-record high for the state of North Carolina was set when temperatures reached 110 at Fayetteville.
    1984 - Clint Eastwood contributed a hand print and the words, “You made my day,” to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of Mann's Chinese Theatre.
    1986 - The Boston Red Sox made history against the Cleveland Indians. The Red Sox whipped the Indians 24-5 in the worst loss in the Tribe's 85-year history. Greg Swindell made his major-league debut on the mound for the Indians. Dennis ‘Oil Can' Boyd got a 17-run lead for Boston and, luckily, held on for the win.
    1987 - Early morning thunderstorms produced severe weather in eastern Iowa and west central Illinois. Thunderstorms produced wind gusts to 82 mph at Moline IL, and tennis ball size hail at Independence IA. Rock Island IL was drenched with 3.70 inches of rain. Total damage for the seven county areas of west central Illinois was estimated at twelve million dollars.
    1988---Top Hits
Roll with It - Steve Winwood
Monkey - George Michael
1-2-3 - Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine
Bluest Eyes in Texas - Restless Heart
    1989 - Afternoon and evening thunderstorms produced severe weather from Kansas to Minnesota and North Dakota. Thunderstorms in Minnesota produced baseball size hail from Correll to north of Appleton. Thunderstorms in north central Kansas produced wind gusts higher than 100 mph at Wilson Dam. Thunderstorms around Lincoln NE produced baseball size hail and up to five inches of rain, and Boone NE was deluged with five inches of rain in an hour and a half.
    1992-Sacramento, CA hits 90 for the 40th straight days, a record for that city.
    1993 - The soundtrack from "Sleepless in Seattle" hit number one on the "Billboard" LP chart. Other hit albums: #2 "Black Sunday" (Cypress Hill), #3 "Janet." (Janet Jackson), #4 "Zooropa" (U2), #5 "Core" (Stone Temple Pilots).
    1994- Bruce Springsteen was a surprise participant in a jam session at a 400 seat club in Long Branch, New Jersey. Dion showed up later in the evening to sing his hit "The Wanderer." Springsteen got his start in the early '70s by playing in bars along the Jersey shore. Thus began a new tradition of Springsteen appearing at his old haunts, and today with much citizenship, trying to revive commerce in Ashbury Park, New Jersey.
    1995 - Seal's single "Kiss From A Rose" tops the Billboards Hot 100. The "Batman Forever" tune is the second Batman movie single to top the charts. Prince went all the way with "Batdance" from the film "Batman" in 1989.
    1999 - Hua Mei, the giant panda cub, was born at the San Diego Zoo weighing a not-so-giant 4-5 ounces. Her parents are Bai Yun and Shi Shi (they arrived at the zoo on Sep 10, 1996 on a 12-year conservation study). Hua Mei was the first panda born in the U.S. in ten years.
    2002-- In longest game ever played in Little League World Series history, Louisville, Kentucky beats Fort Worth, Texas in the US semifinal in 11 innings, 2-1. A record-setting with 49 strikeouts is recorded as Fort Worth's Walker Kelly strikes out 21 in nine two-hit innings and Louisville's Aaron Alvey fans 19 batter over nine no-hit inning.

* Post Script : the Count Basie Band was my favorite since discovering jazz in 1955 with "Joe Williams Sings, Count Basie Swings." I took my kids to all his concerts, and when younger, waited outside restaurant kitchens to hear him play. Often they would like us "white boys" in and we got to know some of the players. My kids and I shook his hand at his last performance here at the Circle Star, San Carlos, California. I will never forget it. My son, who was the oldest, talks about it to this day. He became a rock ‘n' roll drummer, had great hands and rhythm, although he has all Buddy Rich's CD's and also listened to big band music, such as Basie. My oldest daughter is a big jazz fan with pictures of Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, and others in her living room. My youngest daughter, who was too young to go to the concerts, lives in Nevada and is a big country and western fan. Sue's oldest and middle daughter likes Billy Joel, Paul Simon, and others we played the most, and the youngest “rap,” although she likes “Barry Malinow” and “Harry Connick,” that we play all the time. I think kids later enjoy the music they heard when young, one of the reasons to expose them early to classical music ( in fact, they have records to play for babies they say the harmonies not only relax them, but later in life, they appreciate Bach and Brahms ). Kit Menkin