Transition to NMLS
By Kenneth C. Greene, Leasing News Legal Editor

(This originally appeared this week in the member only “Community Bulletin Board” of the American Association of Commercial Finance Broker, where Ken is the AACFB General Counsel. He reports receiving many telephone calls. Permission was granted by AACFB to reproduce here)

I would hope that by now everyone is aware that the California Department of Protection and Innovation (DFPI), formerly the Department of Business Oversight (DBO), has mandated that all new applications for CFL licenses be processed though the National Multistate Mortgage License System (NMLS). More importantly, all existing licensees must transition their license to the NMLS on or before December 31, 2021.

I have heard from many clients that they are having an incredibly tough time navigating the system and getting their licenses transitioned. I myself have run into a number of seemingly insurmountable roadblocks. I’ve been asked to put together some guidelines to assist those of you that need to do this. Due to the number of steps and variables involved in each filing, I have yet to find a way to marshal all of the information into a step-by-step primer. What I intend to do with this article is provide general advice for completing the transition process, as well as some links to information generated by the DFPI and the NMLS, some of which are easier to follow than others.

In the general advice category, my first, and perhaps most important admonition is to get started now. This does not seem like it should take that long, and, in my opinion, it shouldn’t, but, in fact, it does. It could take you a week or longer to get this done. So don’t delay any longer.

My second bit of advice is to utilize the NMLS help hotline at 855.665.7123. You may have to listen to some horrible Muzak while you hold for 15 minutes, but it’s worth the wait. The NMLS folk appear to be well aware of the infirmities of their system and are very patient and willing to help you navigate the maze.

Here’s something of a checklist. Links to the complete instruction guides will follow:

Company (MU1) Form

1. The first thing you have to do is obtain an NMLS company account through the use of a Company Account Request Form.
2. Unless you already have an NMLS account (as a mortgage broker or from another state). Select “No” to the question
   “Does your company currently have a record in NMLS” (assuming you do not).
3. Enter the CAPTCHA code and click “NEXT.”
4. Select the “State: Non-Depository” checkbox.
5. Complete the Company Information and Location sections
6. Complete the Contact Employee Information section.
7. Complete the Formation Information section.
8. Complete the contact information of Account Administrators.
9. Complete the Submitter section and click “Accept.”
10. Review the COMPLETED Company Account Request and   
11. click “Submit.”
12. Upload a copy of IRS documentation identifying your EIN.
    
    IMPORTANT: They will only accept the original SS-4 letter from the IRS, or, if you don’t have that, a 147C letter. If you need the 147C letter, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800.829.4933. They usually get that to you within a few days.
    
    Upload the Secretary of State documentation that identifies the state where you are registered as a business. It is alternately referred to as a Certificate of Good Standing, Certificate of Existence, or Certificate of Status.
13. When you upload the documents, do it as one pdf or it will be rejected.
14. Next section, select “State: Non-Depository.”
15. Fill in the Contact Employee Information form.
16. Skip the Federal Agency box unless applicable.
17. Complete the forms for the account administrators.
18. Complete the submitter section.
19. Review and submit.

Individual  (MU2) Form

      This is critical because this is where the attestation before you can submit the MU1.

1. Log in to your NMLS account
2. Click the “Filing” tab
3. Click Company (MU1) or Branch (MU3)
4. Click the  “Create New Filing” button
5. Click MU2 Forms on the left navigation panel.
6. All individuals to be added must have an individual account.
7. If the company user is going to complete portions of the Individual MU2 form, click the edit icon to the left of your name, then select Attest and Submit, the last link on the  
   left navigation panel.
8. If the individual is going to complete the form, click “Request Attestation.
9. Once the attestation is made by the individual, you can  Submit the Company or Branch form.

Submitting the Company (MU1) or Branch (MU3) Form

1. Log in to your NMLS account.
2. Click the filing tab.
3. Click Company (MU1) or Branch (MU3).
4. Click the edit icon
5. Select “Attest and Submit,” the last link on the left navigational panel.
6. Select the checkbox next to “I verify that I am the named person above…”
7. Click the “Attest and Submit” button.

         Congratulations, you’re done.

Links to NMLS resources:

Link 1
Link 2
Link 3

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

Ken Greene Leasing & Finance Observations
https://leasingnews.org/Pages/greene_observations.html
 

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Ever since the CDC officially recommended an additional dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine six months after the second dose for high-risk groups on September 24, the uptake of booster shots has outpaced new vaccinations in the United States at a rate of almost 2 to 1. That’s according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), showing that more than 43 million Americans received a booster shot since September 24, compared to just 22 million who received their first dose of any COVID vaccine.

While the CDC expanded its booster recommendation to include all adults on November 19 and recently strengthened its recommendation in light of the emergence of the Omicron variant, getting more people vaccinated in the first place remains crucial in the effort to end the pandemic.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. “I strongly encourage the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to vaccinate the children and teens in their families as well.”

With just under 60 percent of the population fully vaccinated as of December 5, the United States trails other nations by a significant margin and remains far below the rate experts consider necessary to keep.

Felix Richter, Statista

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Help Wanted Ads

A Continuous Learning Experience

Sales Makes it Happen by Scott Wheeler, CLFP

One of the greatest attributes of the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry is its ability to offer new learning experiences to all participants on a daily basis. I often tell newcomers to the industry that it only takes 90 days to learn 85% of what you need to know to be successful in the industry. However, it takes a career to learn the remaining 15%.

• The remaining 15% is how professionals maximize their incomes.
• The remaining 15% consists of constant changes, innovation, and creativity.
• The remaining 15% requires professionals who are willing to learn something new every day and willing to educate others about their products, services, and passion.
• The remaining15% is what keeps professionals in the industry for an entire career.
• The remaining 15% defines success.

As a top originator, what are you doing to gain the remaining 15% of knowledge which will distinguish you as an industry leader?

• Are you proficient in every aspect of the process?
• Are your proficient in assessing risks and rewards?
• Are you engaged with other industry leaders?
• Are you a valuable financial resource for your clients?
• Are you learning every day?

The remaining 15% is where all the opportunities exist. It is where participants have fun and grow as professionals. The commercial equipment finance and leasing industry offers unlimited potential for those who are willing to constantly pursue that remaining 15% of knowledge.

Please Participate in the Annual Originator's Production & Compensation Survey
By Clicking Here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RZRVYTZ

Scott A. Wheeler, CLFP
Wheeler Business Consulting
1314 Marquis Ct.
Fallston, Maryland 21047
Phone: 410 877 0428
Fax: 410 877 8161
Email: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com
Web: www.wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

Sales Makes it Happen articles:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Legacy/index.htm

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A Holiday Gift
Readers Are Invited to Make Recommendations

Kindle Paperwhite 2021 review

All-new Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) – Now with a 6.8" display and adjustable warm light – Ad-Supported

First off, let me say that I like books — a lot. I have enjoyed reading books my entire life. While old-school printed books are my preferred choice, I am a big fan of e-books. So, when the new 11th generation Kindle Paperwhite 2021 was announced, I purchased one right away. After using it for a few days, I can say that it is an excellent e-reader. It has a 300ppi 6.8-inch display more advanced lighting (sliding brightness and warmth settings, plus a dark reading mode), USB-C charging for ultra-fast charge times (just over 2.4 hours for a full charge), 8 GB of storage (you can also buy one with 32GB of storage), the amazing E-ink technology that makes the pages look as close to a real book as possible, and an upgraded processor that turns pages fast.

The battery life is also improved. The new Kindle Paperwhite 2021 is rated up to 10 weeks if you read 30 minutes daily. I read “The Great Gatsby” for about 90 minutes and the charge went from 100% to 97% - quite impressive. The new Kindle Paperwhite 2021 doesn’t have the same nostalgia or classic feel of an actual book, but it is jam-packed with features that make reading fun, relaxing, and convenient. If you like reading, I highly recommend it.

I purchased the 8 GB version because it can easily hold 3,000 text-only books. The 8 GB versions are available on Amazon for $139.99 (with ads) or $159.99 (without ads). The 32 GB version does not have ads and costs $189.99.

Kevan R. Wilkinson | Digital Content Manager | BALBOA CAPITAL |
kevanrw@balboacapital.com

Holiday Gift Recommendations: kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

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How Microsoft’s dealt with the NFL
turned into a marketing boon for its tablet

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett reviews a play on a Microsoft Surface tablet. (GeekWire Photo / Kevin Lisota)

In hindsight, Microsoft’s decision to ink a six-figure sponsorship deal with the National Football League in 2013 was a shrewd marketing move. Tune into a NFL game today and you’ll likely spot coaches and players using a Surface tablet to review past plays. Millions of people watching football in the fall are exposed to Microsoft’s devices, which have become a permanent part of the 102-year-old league.

When the deal was signed, it was a big risk because Xbox, more than Surface, was the focal point.

Yet the partnership ended up changing football forever and perhaps saved Microsoft’s tablet brand in the process. It now serves as a marketing case study for a successful sports tech partnership.

“It’s a feel good story,” said Brian Hall, a former Microsoft exec who helped lead the Surface business when the NFL deal kicked off. “It’s been a great outcome.”

Earlier this NFL season Hall shared behind-the-scenes insights about the deal. “This thing had EVERY opportunity to fail along the way!” he tweeted.

Former Seattle Seahawks coordinator Tom Cable shows a previous play to a lineman during a game. (GeekWire File Photo / Kevin Lisota)

The deal, worth a reported $400 million over five years — and later extended in 2020 —  was originally set up to be all about Xbox, according to Hall. Microsoft wanted to use the partnership to showcase how people could use their Xbox to watch live games and access fantasy football stats.

“For fans, the NFL on Xbox will provide the most complete way to enjoy live football by bringing the first fully-integrated fantasy football experience to the TV, exclusively through Xbox,” Don Mattrick, then-president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, said in a press release at the time.

That vision — using an Xbox to watch live football — never caught on. The latest Xbox Series X|S consoles aren’t even able to connect to a cable or satellite receiver.

The Surface, meanwhile, was a much different story — but the first few years on the field didn’t exactly go smoothly.

‘iPad-like tool’

After the deal was announced, it took a year before the tablets were ready for in-game use. Microsoft had to develop a custom, ruggedized, weatherproof version of its “tablet PC,” which had just debuted to the public in 2012. The NFL’s competition committee also had to approve the use of such technology.

It was a rocky start, to say the least. In 2014, commentators referred to the Surface as an “iPad-like tool.” One month later, quarterback Jay Cutler called the devices “knockoff iPads.” Bill Belichick and Aaron Rodgers made headlines for throwing the tablets (the devices can withstand such force, by the way).

Then, in 2016, the New England Patriots weren’t able to access their tablets during a game against the Denver Broncos.

A column headline from the Chicago Tribune, from that year: Microsoft Surface, NFL marketing flop. At a cost of only $400 million.

The deal was turning into a marketing disaster. But those fumbles may have been a blessing in disguise for Microsoft.

People were talking about the Surface. It gave the company a chance to educate the public about its new hardware.

Source: greekwire.com

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Channel Closes $105MM Securitization
Formerly Known as Channel Partners

Minnetonka, MN – Channel announced that it has completed its first securitization, a $105 million issuance of asset-backed notes collateralized by small business loans and advances across a diverse set of industries.

The notes consist of three classes, rated A (sf), BBB (sf), and BB (sf) by Kroll Bond Rating Agency with a blended fixed
annual coupon of 3.80%. The transaction also features a three-year revolving period and may be increased to $500 million. Guggenheim Securities served as sole structuring advisor and book-running manager.

Eli Sethre, Chief Financial Officer at Channel, declared, “We are excited to have successfully executed on our first securitization which represents an important milestone for our team and platform.

 “KBRA’s ratings and Channel’s track record of historically low cumulative net loss rates across economic environments demonstrate the value of our business model and ability to underwrite and manage risk. This ABS financing structure significantly improves Channel’s cost of capital, liquidity, and financing diversity, all of which are crucial to our growth and continued success.”

Brad Peterson, President and Chief Executive Officer at Channel said, “We are pleased with the acceptance of Channel’s first offering in the marketplace by institutional investors. The interest shown is a significant reflection of our strong partnerships and the quality of business we originate together. Moreover, it substantiates the direction we are headed as a company, the value in our credit modeling, business analytics and technology enabled approach,
and the single source benefit we uniquely bring to market through multiple products and solutions.”

Established in 2009, Channel is the only full-service independent lender offering a single source solution for equipment finance and working capital exclusively through equipment finance companies for their small and mid-size business customers. To date, Channel has provided over $900 million in financing to over 10,000 businesses nationwide. The company is headquartered in Minnetonka, MN, with additional offices in Atlanta, GA, Des Moines, IA, and Marshall, MN

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First Financial to acquire Summit Funding Group
Summit leadership and all associates continuing
in their positions, led by Founder and CEO Rick Ross

CINCINNATI, OH — First Financial Bancorp. announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Cincinnati-based Summit Funding Group, Inc., the fourth largest independent equipment financing platform in the United States.

(First Financial Bancorp and MainSource Financial Group, Inc. announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement under which MainSource will merge into First Financial in a stock-for-stock transaction. MainSource Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of MainSource, will merge into First Financial Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Financial. - Northern Kentucky Tribune).

(The merger will result in a combined company with approximately $13.3 billion in assets, $8.9 billion in loans, $10.0 billion in deposits and $4.0 billion in assets under management, utilizing financial information as of June 30, 2017. The transaction will allow the combined company to better meet the needs of its communities in a rapidly changing banking environment, while providing the efficiencies and scale required to comply with regulatory requirements and costs associated with crossing the $10 billion asset threshold. - Northern Kentucky Tribune.)

Archie Brown, MainSource (merging into First Finance) Chairman, Prescient and Chief Executive, said, “We are very excited to join forces with one of the most widely respected companies in the equipment finance sector.

“In combining the scale and product breadth of First Financial with Summit’s leading nationwide position in the equipment finance sector, we are ideally situated to capitalize on a significant growth opportunity. As an existing banking partner of Summit, our intimate understanding of the business and management team gives us a high degree of confidence that our combined value proposition will resonate in the market.”

Upon completion of the transaction, Summit will become a subsidiary of First Financial Bank, with current Summit leadership and all associates continuing in their positions, led by Founder and CEO Rick Ross. As a subsidiary, Summit will continue to operate under the name Summit Funding Group, taking advantage of the company’s exceptional brand recognition within the equipment finance industry, particularly with small-to-medium-sized businesses. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Senior Vice President of Summit Funding Group, Richard “Rick” D. Ross, commented, “We are joining a like-minded partner who is well-positioned to assist Summit in unlocking significant growth, while enhancing profitability through immediate funding synergies and sharing a commitment to credit performance excellence,” Ross said.

The transaction is expected to be mid-single-digit accretive to First Financial’s earnings per share in the first-year post-integration (2023), and low-double-digit accretive on a run-rate basis thereafter. The acquisition is consistent with First Financial’s exceptional track record of strategically deploying excess capital to acquire and grow additive specialty lines of business in a disciplined manner, contributing to the overall growth and delivering strong financial returns to shareholders.

Lazard served as First Financial’s financial advisor on the transaction, and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP served as legal counsel. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a Stifel Company, served as financial advisor to Summit, and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP served as legal counsel.

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Former CFO of Boston Grand Prix (and Leasing Broker)
Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Tax Schemes

John Casey

Defendant used fraudulently obtained pandemic grant funds to pay for three-carat diamond ring, online dating membership, private school tuition and luxury hotel stays

(Casey also operated Laser Leasing, out of Denver, Massachusetts.  His LinkedIn page for his latest company is below which is pretty funny being “No Credit Score Equipment Leasing.”  I wonder how many bad deals in brokered? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/credit-score-equipment-leasing-john-casey/

He also was the Lease Manager of Maximus Capital (January, 2015 - January, 2020), Lease Consultant, Sterling National Bank (June, 1994 - January, 200), Lease Officer, US Trust (1996 - 1999), according to his LinkedIn biography https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-casey-3238761a/) - Editor).

BOSTON – The former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Boston Grand Prix pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with multiple schemes to defraud equipment and small business financing companies as well as the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Internal Revenue Service.

John F. Casey, 57, formerly of Ipswich, pleaded guilty to 23 counts of wire fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft, four counts of money laundering and three counts of filing false tax returns. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Feb. 15, 2022. Casey was indicted in September 2020.

Casey became the CFO of the Boston Grand Prix in January 2015. The Boston Grand Prix organization made payments to or on behalf of Casey totaling approximately $308,292 in 2015 and $601,073 in 2016 which Casey failed to include in the gross income he claimed on his personal tax returns for those years.

Casey owned an ice rink in Peabody from October 2013 until he sold it in June 2016. Between October 2014 and October 2016, Casey obtained over $743,000 in funds from equipment financing companies, purportedly for the purchase of equipment for the ice rink, when in fact he no longer owned the rink for four months during this period. In addition, in August 2016, more than two months after he sold the Peabody rink, Casey obtained over $145,000 in small business loans for the rink business. In order to secure the financing, Casey submitted false documents and information including fake invoices for the equipment, bank records purporting to show deposits into Casey’s accounts related to the Peabody rink, inflated personal and corporate tax returns and personal financial statements falsely claiming ownership and value of various assets. Casey also submitted a fake Deed of Sale containing a forged signature in support of one of his loan applications. Relying on Casey’s false statements, the financing companies provided funding to Casey in amounts and on terms they otherwise would not have made. Most of the funds provided by the victim companies were never repaid.

In addition, between March 2020 and at least May 2021, Casey orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Paycheck Protection Program loans from the SBA and a Massachusetts Sector-Specific Relief Grant – available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – by submitting false applications for companies he created and controlled and improperly using the fraudulently obtained loan and grant funds for personal expenses. Specifically, Casey submitted at least 14 loan applications to the SBA and intermediary lenders which contained false information concerning, among other things, the gross revenues of the companies during the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the average monthly payroll of the companies and the existence of some of the companies.

In January 2021, while awaiting trial for the financing fraud scheme, Casey submitted an application for a $70,000 pandemic-related relief grant to the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation containing false information about the operating expenses of a company that was not in business in 2019 or 2020. Between April 2020 and April 2021, approximately $676,552 in COVID-19 relief funds was deposited into bank accounts controlled by Casey, and he used the vast majority of the funds for personal expenses, including a three-carat diamond ring, a six-month membership to Match.com, private school tuition, residential rent payments, living expenses, payments on personal credit card accounts, restaurant meals, car payments and luxury hotel stays.  

Casey also pleaded guilty to laundering the proceeds of his fraud schemes and to failing to include the income from the Peabody rink fraud scheme on his 2014, 2015 and 2016 personal federal tax returns. 

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a consecutive sentence of two years in prison, one year supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.

The charge of unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the value of the criminally derived property, whichever is greater. The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of Mendell’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.

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ELFA Reveals Compensation Trends for
Cross-Section of Equipment Finance Industry

Survey results draw on 75 independent, bank
and captive companies of all sizes

Standard Price: $4999.00
Member Price: $3999.00

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Compensation in the equipment finance industry was relatively flat in 2020, according to the 2021 Equipment Leasing and Finance Compensation Survey released today by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA). Although industry new business volume decreased in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic—following 10 consecutive years of growth—compensation was stable in 2020 from the previous year.

The 2021 Equipment Leasing and Finance Compensation Survey measures compensation rates for the 2020 fiscal year as reported by more than 75 equipment finance companies representing a cross section of the equipment finance sector, including independent, bank and captive equipment finance companies. Firms provided data for more than 90 executive, front-office and support positions and 10 levels of seniority, including a breakdown of salary (for 2020 and 2021), incentives (including cash bonuses and commissions), long-term awards and total compensation by company type. The survey is a collaborative initiative between ELFA and McLagan, a performance/reward consulting and benchmarking firm for the financial services industry.

Highlights from the 2021 Equipment Leasing and Finance Compensation Survey include:

• Total Compensation: Total compensation was flat on a year-over-year basis for most functions and levels. On a “same store” basis (constant incumbents in multiple survey years), total compensation was up approximately 1-2% at median for key revenue-generating functions from 2019 to 2020.
• Salary: On a “same store” basis, salaries for origination roles were modest (~2%) at the median from Entry through Experienced levels.
• Differences by Level: Total comp increases were flat (~1-2% increases) across all levels from the Entry through Managing Expert levels at the median.
• Leadership: At the Executive level, cash bonuses for the 2020 performance year accounted for 38% of Executive compensation while long-term awards accounted for 18%. Total incentives, both cash bonus and long-term awards, as a percent of salary were 125% at the median.

Learn More

For a complete copy of the 2021 Equipment Leasing and Finance Compensation Survey report, please visit https://bit.ly/2021ELFAComp or contact Bill Choi at bchoi@elfaonline.org. Note: Survey results are only available for purchase by firms who commit to participation in the 2022 survey. All participating firms are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement with McLagan for data privacy purposes.

 
About ELFA
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) is the trade association that represents companies in the nearly $1 trillion equipment finance sector, which includes financial services companies and manufacturers engaged in financing capital goods. ELFA members are the driving force behind the growth in the commercial equipment finance market and contribute to capital formation in the U.S. and abroad. Its 575 members include independent and captive leasing and finance companies, banks, financial services corporations, broker/packagers and investment banks, as well as manufacturers and service providers. For more information, please visit www.elfaonline.org.

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Boxer Mix
Cincinnati, Ohio  Adopt-a-Dog

Leighla Lou

ID #48013697
Female
6 years/5 months
Size Medium
Color: Brindle/Brown
Spayed
Declawed: no
Housetrained: Yes
ARN 3697
Adoption $75.00

Get your ear plugs out because Miss Leighla Lou is a snorer! We think it is adorable how she gets so relaxed when she is sleeping :) Leighla Lou is that friend that likes to crash on your couch for days. This girl loves to sleep and loves to cuddle up and just do nothing. Leighla Lou is like a personal trainer for helping people relax and slow down- let's be honest, we all need a Leighla Lou in our lives. If you are looking for a pup to help you slow down and just go with the flow Leighla is happy to help you find your Zen. However she will surprise you with some quick bursts of energy where she wants to play- she likes to keep her humans on their toes! If you are just as obsessed with Leighla Lou as we are, come meet her today!

Cincinnati Animal CARE
Hamilton Animal Shelter
2949 Colerain Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45223
(513 541-7387
https://cincinnatianimalcare.org/-

To keep people safe and to follow Ohio recommendations, we have adjusted our adoption process during the pandemic.
.

1. Call the shelter to schedule an appointment to meet the animal.
2. Complete an adoption application at the shelter.
3. Upon approval, pay the adoption fee. If you’re a Hamilton County resident, you’ll also be required to purchase a state of Ohio dog license at the shelter.
4. Take your new furry friend home! Collars and leashes are available for sale at the shelter for your new dog. A crate can be rented for a $25 deposit. A cardboard carrier can be purchased for $5 for your new cat.
5. Follow these suggestions for introducing your new cat or dog.
   

News Briefs---

Pandemic boosts super-rich share
     of global wealth
https://www.reuters.com/business/pandemic-boosts-super-rich-share-global-wealth-2021-12-07/

Amazon Web Services Outage
    Takes Businesses, Services Offline
https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-web-services-appears-to-be-down-for-many-users-11638898270?st=3s2fuzel3x7aj2w&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Companies Plan Big Raises for Workers in 2022
https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-plan-big-raises-for-workers-in-2022-11638889200?st=4epylsnagcttju7&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Amazon Emerges as the Wage-and-Benefits Setter for Low-Skilled Workers
https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-emerges-as-the-wage-and-benefits-setter-for-low-skilled-workers-across-industries-11638910694?st=37gr28zrfy5gng4&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Omicron may be spreading fast, but there are signs it's not actually worse than Delta
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/omicron-may-be-spreading-fast-but-there-are-signs-it-s-not-actually-worse-than-delta/ar-AARA9Xi

 

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You May Have Missed---

As Omicron Threat Looms, Inflation Limits
    Fed’s Room to Maneuver
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/07/business/economy/federal-reserve-inflation-omicron.html


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Sports Briefs---

In Buffalo, Bill Belichick proved that he is still
    adept at adapting the Patriots
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/07/sports/buffalo-bill-belichick-proved-that-he-is-still-adept-adapting-patriots/

Packers among 3 NFC teams with playoff-clinching
scenarios in Week 14
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/07/packers-among-3-nfc-teams-with-playoff-clinching-scenarios-in-week-14/

Kayvon Thibodeaux enters 2022 NFL Draft:
Where could the Oregon Ducks star land?
https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2021/12/kayvon-thibodeaux-enters-2022-nfl-draft-where-could-the-oregon-ducks-star-land.html

Australia will join US in diplomatic boycott of Beijing Games
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/12/07/australia-will-join-us-in-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-games/#

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California Nuts Briefs---

California prepares for winter COVID-19 surge;
     if not from Omicron, then from Delta
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-12-07/california-prepares-for-winter-covid-19-surge

Why have no other states joined California in
issuing a schoolchildren COVID vaccine mandate?
https://www.sfgate.com/california-politics/article/California-vaccine-mandate-schools-Newsom-COVID-19-16672248.php

S.F. made parklets permanent — but added so many rules
that many restaurants plan to tear them down
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/S-F-restaurants-are-tearing-down-their-parklets-16680270.php

L.A. approves its redistricting map, setting
political boundaries for the next decade
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-12-07/los-angeles-city-council-redistricting-vote


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

"Gimme that wine"

Wine of the week: Louis M. Martini,
     2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/wine-of-the-week-louis-m-martini-2018-napa-valley-cabernet-sauvignon/

California North Coast wineries adjust
to shortage of aluminum cans
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/industrynews/california-north-coast-wineries-adjust-to-shortage-of-aluminum-cans/

Redwood Empire Whiskey wins 2021 Esquire Spirit Award
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/article/redwood-empire-whiskey-wins-2021-esquire-spirit-award/?ref=mosthome

Cabernet's New Home: How Some Winemakers Are Opting
to Ferment and Age Cabernet in Concrete, Not Oak
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/253887

Napa County ponders a new question
- how small can a winery be?
https://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/napa-county-ponders-a-new-question---how-small-can-a-winery-be/article_2bc9b6a1-196b-563e-a8a6-245c608e2299.html

A Triumphant Return for Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour
https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/arts-culture/584573-why-lebron-james-drinks-wine-every-day

Why LeBron James drinks wine every day
https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/arts-culture/584573-why-lebron-james-drinks-wine-every-day

“Gimme that Wine”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJnQoi8DSE8

Free Wine App
https://www.nataliemaclean.com/mobileapp/

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

This Day in History

     1765 – Eli Whitney (d. 1825) was born in Westborough, Massachusetts Bay Colony.  American inventor best known for inventing the cotton gin. This was one of the key inventions of the Industrial Revolution and shaped the economy of the Antebellum South.  Whitney's invention made upland short cotton into a profitable crop, which strengthened the economic foundation of slavery in the US. Reportedly one of his slaves invented the device, but Blacks could not file for a patent.  Despite the social and economic impact of his invention, Whitney lost many profits in legal battles over patent infringement for the cotton gin. Thereafter, he turned his attention into securing contracts with the government in the manufacture of muskets for the newly formed United States Army. He continued making arms and inventing until his death in 1825. 
    1776 - George Washington's retreating Continental Army crossed the Delaware River from New Jersey to Pennsylvania.
    1850 - The first female African-American college graduate was Lucy Ann Stanton of Cleveland, OH, who graduated from Oberlin College, Oberlin OH, receiving the Bachelor of Literature degree. 
http://www.oberlin.edu/archive/holdings/finding/RG5/SG4/S3/graduates.html
    1861 - William “Billy” Durant (d. 1947) birthday, Boston, MA.  Almost forgotten by US history. He was a leading producer of carriages at Flint, Michigan; promoter of the Buick car; co-founder of Chevrolet and founder, in 1908, of General Motors. He lost, regained and again lost control of GM, after which he founded Durant Motors, went bankrupt in the Great Depression, and operated a Flint bowling alley in his last working years. He died a penniless man.
http://www.classiccar.com/articles/william_durant.asp
    1863 - President Abraham Lincoln issued a" proclamation of amnesty and reconstruction," offering full pardon to all southerners who voluntarily took a "prescribed oath." When the Civil War was over, there was great political strife toward forgiving the South and various plans that Abraham Lincoln had in place were ignored, except for this proclamation, which also halted the hanging of Jefferson Davis as hatred was more popular at the time than coming together as one nation. Historians believe that if Abraham Lincoln were not assassinated, he would have changed the history of Southern reconstruction and would have united the nation with this action. President Lincoln issued another proclamation on March 26,1864. President Andrew Johnson issued supplemental proclamations on May 29, 1865, September 7, 1867, July 4, 1868 and December 25, 1868.
    1879 - Louisiana ratifies a new state constitution, also moving the state capital from New Orleans to Baton Rouge
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec08.html
1880 - At the annual National League meeting, the league rejected the Washington Nationals’ bid for admission, in favor of Detroit, chosen for geographic reasons, to replace Cincinnati.
1881 – The National League adopted new playing rules: the three-foot corridor along the first base line is adopted for the first time; runners can no longer be put out returning to their bases after a foul ball not caught; the fine for pitchers hitting batters with pitches is repealed; the "block ball" rule allowing runners to take as many bases as possible on balls going into the crowd, the fielding team being able to put them out only after returning the ball to the pitcher in his box, is also repealed.
1886 - Birthday of Diego Rivera (d. 1957), at Guanajuato, Mexico. Mexican painter whose murals became center of political controversy.
http://www.diegorivera.com/
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/rivera_diego.html
    1894 - James Grover Thurber (d. 1961) was born at Columbus, OH.  American humorist and artist, long-time contributor to the New Yorker.
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/thurber.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~ritter/thurber/index.html
    1894 - Popeye creator Elzie Crisler Segar (d. 1938) was born at Chester, IL. Originally called Thimble Theater, the comic strip that came to be known as Popeye had the unusual format of a one-act play in cartoon form. Centered on the Oyl family, especially daughter Olive, the strip introduced a new central character in 1929. A one-eyed sailor with bulging muscles, Popeye became the strip's star attraction almost immediately. Popeye made it to the silver screen in animated form and, in 1980, became a movie with Robin Williams playing the lead.
http://home.earthlink.net/~thimbletheatre/ecsegar.html
    1912 - Clarinetist Irving Fazola was born Irving H. Prestopnik (d. 1949), New Orleans, La. 
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/fazola_irving/bio.jhtml
http://www.centrohd.com/biogra/f2/irving_fazola_b.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/artist/glance/-/
195844/104-3191958-8595946
    1913 - Trumpeter-violinist Ray Nance (d. 1976) born Chicago, Ill, with Duke Ellington from 1940 to 1963.
http://www.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,472065,00.html?artist=Ray+Nance
http://trumpetjazz.netfirms.com/Artists/Ray_Nance.html
http://www.theiceberg.com/artist/24957/ray_nance.html
    1917 - A severe winter storm struck the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes. Buffalo, NY was buried under 25 inches of snow with wind gusts to 78 mph. 26 inches fell at Vevay, IN with drifts to 14 feet
    1923 - Norman Rockwell’s “Christmas,” one of his earliest covers for the Saturday Evening Post when they were still in black and red, depicted a trio performing Christmas carols. In Rockwell's biography, he reveals that not one of his three models had an iota of musical talent.
http://posters.barnesandnoble.com/search/Product.asp?userid=
4Z1KKRMDX1&WRK=3346590
http://www.satevepost.org/
http://www.nrm.org/norman/
    1925 - Birthday of Sammy Davis, Jr. (d. 1990), born at New York, NY. The son of vaudevillians, he first appeared on the stage at the age of four. He made his first film appearance in “Rufus Jones for President” in 1931. He then joined the Will Mastin Trio. The popular song-and-dance team was popular on the night club circuit and, as Davis matured, his singing, dancing and impersonations became the center of the act. Davis began performing on his own in the 1950s, headlining club engagements, appearing on television variety shows and making numerous records. His Broadway debut came in 1956 in the hit musical “Mr. Wonderful,” and in the late '50s and early '60s he starred in a number of films, including a series with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.
http://www.sammydavisjunior.com/ http://www.celebritystorm.com/bluesandjazzandfolk/pics/SammyDavisJr/
    1933 – Comedian Flip Wilson (d. 1998) was born in Jersey City.  Best known for his television appearances during the late 1960s and 1970s. In the early 1970s, Wilson hosted his own weekly variety series, “The Flip Wilson Show.”  The series earned Wilson a Golden Globe and two Emmys, and at one point was the second highest rated show on network television.  At this time, there was no one hotter in TV than Wilson.  Wilson also won a Grammy Award in 1970 for his comedy album “The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress.”
    1937 - Birthday of James MacArthur (d. 2010), Los Angeles, California.  Played Danny "Danno" Williams, the reliable second-in-command of the fictional Hawaiian State Police squad in the long-running television series “Hawaii Five-O”... “Book ‘em Danno, murder one.”  Son of actress Helen Hayes.
http://www.jamesmacarthurfanclub.com/biography.shtml
http://www.jmdigitalscrapbook.com/javaindex.html
    1938 - The temperature at La Mesa, CA, soared to 108 degrees to set a U.S. record for the month of December.
    1938 – The birthday of The Iceman, Jerry Butler, Sunflower, MS.  The original lead singer of the Impressions and a 1991 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Butler co-wrote “For Your Precious Love” (which is ranked No. 327 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All-Time).  The Impressions auditioned for Chess and Vee-Jay, eventually signing with the latter where they released "For Your Precious Love" in 1958. It became The Impressions' first hit and gold record.  He co-wrote, with Otis Redding, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” in 1965. Butler's solo career had a string of hits, including the Top 10 successes "He Will Break Your Heart," "Find Another Girl," "I'm A-Telling You" (all written by fellow Impression Curtis Mayfield and featuring Mayfield as harmony vocal), the million selling "Only the Strong Survive," "Moon River," "Need To Belong" (recorded with the Impressions after he went solo), "Make It Easy on Yourself," "Let It Be Me" (with Betty Everett), He serves as a Commissioner for Cook County, IL, having first been elected in 1985. As a member of this 17-member county board, he chairs the Health and Hospitals Committee, and serves as Vice Chair of the Construction Committee.
    1940 - Birthday of David Carradine, born John Arthur Carradine (d. 2009), Hollywood, California. He was known for his leading role as a Shaolin monk in the 1970s television series “King Fu.”  The oldest child of actor John Carradine and his wife, Ardanelle Abigail (McCool).  He was a half-brother of Bruce, Keith, Christopher, and Robert, and an uncle of Ever Carradine and Martha Plimpton.  http://www.ieway.com/~ckbales/david.html
http://www.davidcarradine.org/
    1940 - The Chicago Bears won the NFL championship by defeating the Washington Redskins, 73-0, the most one-sided victory in the league’s title game. Played at Griffith Stadium, Washington, DC, the Bears won the Ed Thorp Memorial Trophy. This game was also the first professional football championship game broadcast on radio. The Mutual Broadcasting System paid $25,000 for the rights to the game, which was broadcast by Red Barber. 
    1941 - Jimmy Dorsey band records, “Tangerine,” Decca 4123
    1941 - Trumpet/flugelhorn player Franco Ambrosetti born Lugano Switzerland
http://www.weinmanntours.ch/current/artists/franco_ambrosetti/franco_ambrosetti.html
http://www.enjarecords.com/FRANCO_AMBROSETTI.htm
http://www.inderbinen.com/franco.htm
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/ambrosetti_franco/bio.jhtml
    1941 - America's Pacific fleet lay in ruins at Pearl 
Harbor following the dawn sneak attack by Japanese forces on December 7.  President Franklin Roosevelt requests, and receives, a declaration of war against Japan. Leaning heavily on the arm of his son James, a Marine captain, FDR walked haltingly into the House of Representatives at noon to request the declaration from the House and address the nation via radio. "Yesterday," the president proclaimed, "December 7, 1941-a date which will live in infamy-the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory." Roosevelt's 10-minute speech, ending with an oath-"So help us God"-was greeted in the House by thunderous applause and stamping of feet. Within one hour, the president had his declaration of war, with only one dissenting vote, from a pacifist in the House. FDR signed the declaration at 4:10 p.m., wearing a black armband to symbolize mourning for those lost at Pearl Harbor. On both coasts, civilian defense groups were mobilized. In New York, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia ordered the rounding up of Japanese nationals, who were transported to Ellis Island and held in custody indefinitely. In California, antiaircraft batteries were set up on Long Beach and the Hollywood Hills. Reports on supposed spy activity on the part of Japanese Americans began pouring into Washington, even as Japanese Americans paid for space in newspapers to declare unreservedly their loyalty to the United States. War is also declared upon Japan by British, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the Free French, several South American countries. China declares war upon Germany, Italy and Japan. The latter is a formal declaration only as a de facto state of war has existed between China and Japan for 7 years. Montanan Jeanette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress and a dedicated lifelong pacifist, casts the sole Congressional vote against the U.S. declaration of war on Japan.
    1941 - Japanese troops occupy the city of Shanghai and capture a small US garrison in the foreign section.
    1941 - A US tanker was shelled by a Japanese submarine off Cape Mendocino.
    1941 - USS Wake (PR-3), a river gunboat moored at Shanghai, is only U.S. vessel to surrender during World War II.
    1941 - The Japanese attack begins with the capture of Bataan Island and the creation of an airstrip for plane refueling. Japanese invasion troops leave Paulau for the Philippines. The main attack begins with massive air bombardment which reduces the American defenses to 17 B-17's and less than 40 fighters. Most of the planes are destroyed on the ground. American General Douglas MacArthur has under his command 130,000 troops (20,000 Americans). His plan to defend the island becomes nonviable after the destruction of the main portion of his air force and the losses at Pearl Harbor.
    1941- Fears of offending American public opinion by violating Thailand's neutrality have prevented the British from preparing defenses in Thailand and difficulties with Thai border guards prevent a quick response to the Japanese landings further north.
    1941 - Japanese aircraft attacked Wake Island within hours of the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor. Marines of the 1st Defense Battalion and Marine Fighting Squadron 211 resisted Japanese invasion attempts for over two weeks before finally succumbing to an overwhelming force. A small Japanese landing force leaves Kwajalein escorted by a cruiser and two destroyers.
    1941 - Japanese General Yamashita began his attack against the British army at Singapore. General Tomoyuki Yamashita earned the name “Tiger of Malaya” for his masterful capture of Singapore and the whole Malay Peninsula from the British, who had a superior number of troops. Yamashita’s forces landed on the northern Malay Peninsula and southern Thailand on December 8, 1941, and moved rapidly southward toward Singapore, which surrendered on February 15, 1942. The peninsula and Singapore remained under Japanese control throughout the war. Later in the war, while defending the Philippines from Gen. MacArthur‘s return, Yamashita's troops wantonly slaughtered more than 100,000 Filipinos in Manila. He was later tried and executed for war crimes.
    1942 - Eight PT boats (PT 36, PT 37, PT 40, PT 43, PT 44, PT 48, PT 59, and PT 109) turn back 8 Japanese destroyers attempting to reinforce Japanese forces on Guadalcanal.
    1943 - U.S. carriers sank two cruisers and down 72 planes in the Marshall Islands.
    1943 - Birthday of James Morrison (d. 1973), Melbourne, FL.  Singer, songwriter, known as "The Lizard King," lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison is considered to be one of the fathers of contemporary rock. 
http://www.americanlegends.com/morrison/
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/morrison.htm
http://www.thedoors.com/band/jim/?fa=home
    1944 - An American naval force, commanded by Admiral Smith and consisting of 3 heavy cruisers and a destroyer escort, bombarded Iwo Jima.
    1944 - On Leyte, the US 77th Division advances from its beachhead to within 1 mile of Ormoc. Attacks by the Japanese 26th Division, near Buri, are repulsed by other US forces.
    1944 - FRYAR, ELMER E., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company E, 511th Parachute Infantry, 11th Airborne Division. Place and date: Leyte, Philippine Islands, 8 December 1944. Entered service at: Denver, Colo. Birth: Denver, Colo. G.O. No.: 35, 9 May 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pvt. Fryar's battalion encountered the enemy strongly entrenched in a position supported by mortars and automatic weapons. The battalion attacked, but in spite of repeated efforts was unable to take the position. Pvt. Fryar's company was ordered to cover the battalion's withdrawal to a more suitable point from which to attack, but the enemy launched a strong counterattack which threatened to cut off the company. Seeing an enemy platoon moving to outflank his company, he moved to higher ground and opened heavy and accurate fire. He was hit, and wounded, but continuing his attack he drove the enemy back with a loss of 27 killed. While withdrawing to overtake his squad, he found a seriously wounded comrade, helped him to the rear, and soon overtook his platoon leader, who was assisting another wounded. While these 4 were moving to rejoin their platoon, an enemy sniper appeared and aimed his weapon at the platoon leader. Pvt. Fryar instantly sprang forward, received the full burst of automatic fire in his own body and fell mortally wounded. With his remaining strength, he threw a hand grenade and killed the sniper. Pvt. Fryar's indomitable fighting spirit and extraordinary gallantry above and beyond the call of duty contributed outstandingly to the success of the battalion's withdrawal and its subsequent attack and defeat of the enemy. His heroic action in unhesitatingly giving his own life for his comrade in arms exemplifies the highest tradition of the U.S. Armed Forces.
    1945 - The Toyota Motor Company received permission from the occupation government to start production of buses and trucks--vehicles necessary to keep Japan running. After World War II ended with Japan's surrender on September 3, 1945, Japan remained under Allied occupation ruled by an occupation government. Its war industries were shut down completely. This was the first rumble of the postwar auto industry in Japan.
    1945 - Top Hits
“It’s Been a Long, Long Time” - The Harry James Orchestra (vocal: Kitty Kallen)
“That’s for Me” - Dick Haymes
“It Might as Well Be Spring” - The Sammy Kaye Orchestra (vocal: Billy Williams)
“It’s Been So Long Darling” - Ernest Tubb
    1946 - The first snow-melting apparatus using pipes embedded in the sidewalk was tested by Best and Company, a department store in New York City, which installed a system of 15 coils comprising 4,530 feet of pipe. A solution of about 67 percent water and 33 percent antifreeze by volume was circulated as protection against freezing temperatures as low as five degrees below zero. The system was put into full operation during a blizzard on December 26.
    1949 - As they steadily lose ground to the communist forces of Mao Zedong, Chinese Nationalist leaders depart for the island of Taiwan, where they establish their new capital. Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek left for the island the following day. This action marked the beginning of the "two Chinas" scenario that left mainland China under communist control and vexed U.S. diplomacy since.
    1950 - Ralph J Bunche becomes the first Black person awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.
http://www.michmarkers.com/startup.asp?startpage=S0363.htm
http://www.nobelprizes.com/nobel/peace/1950a.html
http://www.ralphbunche.com/
http://www.pbs.org/ralphbunche/
    1953 - President Eisenhower delivers his "Atoms for Peace" speech, which leads to an American program to supply equipment and information on nuclear power to schools, hospitals, and research institutions around the world.
    1953 - Top Hits
“Rags to Riches” - Tony Bennett
“Many Times” - Eddie Fisher
“Vaya Con Dios” - Les Paul & Mary Ford
“There Stands the Glass” - Webb Pierce
    1953 - Los Angeles, California became the third largest city in the United States, edging out Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the distinction in a special census. Today, Los Angeles is the second largest United States city and the 16th most populated city in the world.
    1953 – Actress Kim Basinger was born in Athens, GA.  She won the Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award, all for Best Supporting Actress, for her performance as Lynn Bracken in the 1997 film “L.A. Confidential.”  Basinger came to prominence playing Bond girl Domino in the 1983 film, “Never Say Never Again,” and went on to receive a Golden Globe nomination for her role as Memo Paris in “The Natural” (1984). She also starred in the controversial erotic romantic drama “91/2 Weeks” (1986) and as Vicki Vale in “Batman” (1989), which remains the highest-grossing film of her career.
    1956 - "Singing the Blues" by Guy Mitchell tops the Billboard chart for the first of an eleven week stay. Marty Robbins' version of the same song was released simultaneously and peaked at number 17.
    1958 - "The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville and the Chipmunks entered the Billboard Top 40 chart on its way to a four-week stint at #1.
    1959 - The first movie with scent was “Behind the Great Wall,” a travelogue of modern China, presented at the De Mille Theatre, New York City. The film depicted a tiger hunt, fishing with cormorants, a May Day parade in Beijing and other scenes. The scent was forced through ceiling vents by the Aromarama process. 
http://www.tvguide.com/movies/database/showmovie.asp?MI=19386
    1959 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Heartaches by the Number," Guy Mitchell.
    1961 - The Supremes begin recording their third single, the Smokey Robinson penned "Your Heart Belongs To Me," which will become the group's first Billboard charting record, peaking at #95.
    1961 - The Beach Boys first recording, "Surfin'," is released on Candis Records, a small LA-based company, becoming a local hit in Los Angeles, California, but only making it to #75 nationally. The song was written by Brian Wilson and his cousin Mike Love and recorded with Brian's brothers, Carl and Dennis and their friend Alan Jardine. Carl played acoustic guitar, Al played double bass and Brian kept time on a garbage can.  The surfing music craze wouldn't sweep across America for another year. By the time "Surfin’ Safari" hit Top 40, in September 1962, the Beach Boys were riding a wave of popularity. 
    1961 - Top Hits
“Please Mr. Postman” - The Marvelettes
“Goodbye Cruel World” - James Darren
“The Twist” - Chubby Checker
“Big Bad John” - Jimmy Dean
    1962 - International Typographical Union's striking workers closed nine New York City newspapers. The strike lasted 114 days, before it ended on April 1, 1963, affecting a total of 5,700,000 readers. The loss of coverage made people turn on radio and television. The San Francisco Chronicle basically just closed this department as they announced all typeset is now digital, not with film or negatives that made print. Hot lead typesetting, linotype, went out in the early 1960’s.
    1963 – 19-year-old Frank Sinatra, Jr. was abducted at gunpoint from his hotel room at Harrah's Casino in Lake Tahoe, California. Two days later, he was released unharmed after his father paid the kidnappers' $240,000 ransom demand. Three amateur criminals were rounded up within a week and later tried, convicted and sent to prison.
    1963 - Lightning caused the crash of a jet airliner, killing 81 persons at Elkton, MD
    1964 - Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://www.almaz.com/nobel/peace/MLK-nobel.html 
    1965 - On Broadway, Humphrey Bogart’s wife, Lauren Bacall, opened in "Cactus Flower," also starring Barry Nelson. The production ran for 1,234 performances and was awarded Best Play honors.
    1967 - Traffic's "Mr. Fantasty" LP is released.
    1968 - TAYLOR, KARL G., SR., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company 1, 3d Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 8 December 1968. Entered service at: Baltimore, Md. Born: 14 July 1939, Laurel, Md. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving at night as a company gunnery sergeant during Operation MEADE RIVER. Informed that the commander of the lead platoon had been mortally wounded when his unit was pinned down by a heavy volume of enemy fire, S/Sgt. Taylor along with another marine, crawled forward to the beleaguered unit through a hail of hostile fire, shouted encouragement and instructions to the men, and deployed them to covered positions. With his companion, he then repeatedly maneuvered across an open area to rescue those marines who were too seriously wounded to move by themselves. Upon learning that there were still other seriously wounded men Lying in another open area, in proximity to an enemy machinegun position, S/Sgt. Taylor, accompanied by 4 comrades, led his men forward across the fire-swept terrain in an attempt to rescue the marines. When his group was halted by devastating fire, he directed his companions to return to the company command post; whereupon he took his grenade launcher and in full view of the enemy, charged across the open rice paddy toward the machinegun position, firing his weapon as he ran. Although wounded several times, he succeeded in reaching the machinegun bunker and silencing the fire from that sector, moments before he was mortally wounded. Directly instrumental in saving the lives of several of his fellow marines, S/Sgt. Taylor, by his indomitable courage, inspiring leadership, and selfless dedication, upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service.
    1969 - Top Hits
“Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” - Steam
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” - Peter, Paul & Mary
“Down on the Corner/Fortunate Son” - Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Okie from Muskogee” - Merle Haggard
    1972 – The first crash of a Boeing 737 occurred after aborting its landing attempt at Chicago Midway Airport, killing 45.
    1977 - Top Hits
“You Light Up My Life” - Debby Boone
“Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” - Crystal Gayle
“How Deep is Your Love” - Bee Gees
“Here You Come Again” - Dolly Parton
    1980 - Former Beatle John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, arrived at New York's Dakota, the apartment house in which they lived, after an early-evening recording session. As they walked through the apartment gates, a lone gunman stopped and fired five bullets into Lennon, killing him almost instantly. The gunman, a crazed fan named Mark David Chapman, did not attempt to escape and was immediately apprehended. Lennon's untimely death set off a week of worldwide mourning, and the murder was considered to be the most shocking in the history of rock music.
    1980 - Pat Benatar receives a platinum record for her debut album, "In the Heat of the Night." The former waitress and bank teller was discovered late one night at the Catch a Rising Star club in New York. Her album made it to the Top Ten and the follow up, "Crimes of Passion," will go to #2.
    1984 - "Out Of Touch" becomes Hall and Oates' sixth US number one single, confirming their status as the most successful duo in Rock history
    1985 - Top Hits
“Broken Wings” - Mr. Mister
“Never” - Heart
“Say You, Say Me” - Lionel Richie
“I Don’t Mind the Thorns (If You’re the Rose)” - Lee Greenwood
    1987 - Ron Hextall of the Philadelphia Flyers became the first goalie in NHL history to shoot the puck into the opposing team’s net in a 5-2 victory over the Boston Bruins.
    1987 - A cold front crossing the northwestern U.S. continued to produce high winds along the coast, and heavy snow blanketed parts of the western U.S. Snowfall totals in the mountains of western Nevada ranged up to 18 inches at Heavenly Valley, and near the Boreal Ski Resort, and winds at Reno gusted to 56 mph. Thunderstorms over southern Florida deluged the Florida Keys with up to five inches of rain. Strong winds, gusting to 48 mph at Gage, OK, ushered wintry weather into the Central High Plains. Goodland KS, which one day earlier was 63 degrees, was blanketed with two inches of snow.
    1988 - Santa Ana winds buffeted southern California, with gusts to 92 mph reported at Laguna Peak. The high winds unroofed buildings, and downed trees and power lines, igniting five major fires, and numerous smaller ones. Damage was estimated at 15 to 20 million dollars
    1990 - Stevie B's "Because I Love You (The Postman Song)" reaches No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100, a position it holds for four weeks. Billboard ranks it the top song of 1990.
    1991 - The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ceased to exist, as the republics of Russia, Byelorussia and Ukraine signed an agreement at Minsk, Byelorussia, creating the Commonwealth of Independent States. The remaining republics, with the exception of Georgia, joined in the new Commonwealth as it began the slow and arduous process of removing the yoke of Communism and dealing with strong separatist and nationalistic movements within the various republics. Khrushchev was long buried as were many communist leaders who had threatened to “bury the U.S.”
    1991 - Kimberly Bergalis, the first patient believed to have contracted the AIDS virus from a health care professional, died at Fort Pierce, FL. It is theorized she was infected from her dentist while receiving dental care. Her case sparked controversy over how the disease is transmitted and incited calls to ban infected health care professionals form the workplace.
http://www.aegis.com/news/mh/1991/MH911212.html
    1992 - Barry Bonds signs the richest contract in Major League history. Bobby's son will make $43 million over the next six years with the Giants.
    1993 - President Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement which cut tariffs and eliminated other trade barriers among the US, Canada and Mexico. The Agreement went into effect Jan 1, 1994.
    1994 - Top Hits
“On Bended Knee” - Boyz II Men
“Here Comes The Hotstepper” (From "Ready To Wear") - Ini Kamoze
“Another Night” - Real McCoy 
“Always” - Bon Jovi 
    1995 - The Grateful Dead announced they were breaking up, four months after the death of lead guitarist Jerry Garcia.
    1999 - Top Hits
“Smooth” - Santana Featuring Rob Thomas 
“Back At One” - Brian McKnight
“I Wanna Love You Forever” - Jessica Simpson 
“My Love Is Your Love” - Whitney Houston
    2008 - Khalid Sheikh Mohammed told the Guantanamo war crimes tribunal he would confess to masterminding the Sept. 11 attacks; four other men also abandoned their defenses. He was a member of bin Laden’s organization, leading al-Qaeda's propaganda operations from around 1999 until late 2001. Mohammed was captured on March 1, 2003, in Pakistan by a combined operation of the CIA and Pakistan's intelligence. Immediately after his capture, Mohammad was sent to secret CIA prison sites in Afghanistan, then Poland, where he was interrogated by U.S. operatives.  By December 2006, he had been transferred to Guantanamo. In March 2007, after significant interrogations, Mohammed confessed to masterminding the September 11 attacks; the Richard Reid shoe bombing attempt to blow up an airliner; the Bali nightclub bombing in Indonesia; the 1993 World Trade Center bombing; the murder of Daniel Pearl; and various foiled attacks as well as numerous other crimes.  He was charged in February 2008 with war crimes and murder by a US military commission at Guantanamo Bay detention camp, which could carry the death penalty if convicted. In 2012, a former military prosecutor criticized the proceedings as insupportable due to confessions gained under torture. The Supreme Court had also drawn into question the legality of the methods used to gain such admissions and the admissibility of such admissions as evidence in a criminal proceeding. On August 30, 2019, a military judge set a trial date of January 11, 2021, for Mohammed's death penalty trial. His trial was further postponed on December 18, 2020, due to the pandemic. Mohammed's trial restarted on September 7, 2021.  Mohammed, in a letter submitted to the court on July 26, 2019, communicated the willingness to help the 9/11 attack victims and their families in their lawsuit against Saudi Arabia. The mastermind is said to have demanded the elimination of his death sentence in the exchange for his cooperation.  Experts say at the rate the case is proceeding, there could be another decade of procedural hearings.
    2010 - With the second launch of the Falcon 9 and the first launch of the SpaceX Dragon, Space X becomes the first private company to successfully launch, orbit and recover a spacecraft.
    2011 – Jon Corzine, former governor of New Jersey and former CEO of MG Global and Goldman Sachs, testifies before a committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, stating he doesn't know where $1.2 billion of his customers' money has gone.  On January 5, 2017, Corzine and the CFTC agreed to a settlement order requiring Corzine to pay a $5 million penalty for his role in MF Global's collapse. Corzine also agreed to be permanently barred from working for a futures commission merchant or registering with the CFTC in any capacity.