Pictures from the Past
1993 Article: Balboa Capital/Griffin-Byrne

Balboa Capital Corporation, VP Finance Shawn Giffin, CLP (left) congratulates President Patrick E. Byrne, CLP. The Western Association of Equipment Leasing member firm was recently ranked #67 overall on the Inc. 500 list.

Firms: Balboa Capital Corp.
Specialization: High-tech
Lease Range: $10K-$2 million
Number of Employees: 35

Irvine-based Balboa Capital Corporation is the 67th fastest-growing private company in the U.S. according to Inc. Magazine.  In its annual “Inc.500 Survey,“ published in the October, 1993 edition, Balboa ranked 67 overall and second in southern California, based on their five-year grown pattern.

The secret to their success? According to President Patrick E. Byrne, CLP, “We pride ourselves on creative thinking and promoting from within. Being a member of WAEL has helped us grow with its many opportunities to interact and network. Through WAEL, we’ve developed important partnerships and relationships with funders and suppliers.”

Byrne founded the fledging company six years ago and joined WAEL a year later. The company, which started in a small office with only three employees, has increased now to three offices with thirty employees. Byrne said he predicts a 50 percent growth next year.

Vice President of Finance Shawn Giffin, CLP, adds, “Our sales force doesn’t have the frame of reference of the ‘easy years’ of the 80s.  They simply don’t acknowledge the existence of a recession. They think that this is the way it’s supposed to be and just go out and write lots of business.”

Fall, 1993, WAEL Newsline

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Mark Brandt was hired as CFO, Imperial Enterprises, LLC, Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex. Previously, he was Equipment Finance Officer BancorpSouth (January, 2020 – December, 2021); SVP, Equipment Finance Officer, Commerce Bank (September, 2018 - January, 2020); VP, Key Equipment Finance (June 2013 - September 2018); SVP, GE Capital (February, 2005 - May, 2013); District Manager, Citigroup (November, 2020 - February, 2005); District Manager. Associates Commercial Corporation (February, 1999 - November, 2000); Director, Credit Administration, Associates Leasing, Inc. (1999 - November, 2000); Director, Credit Administration, Associates Leasing (1990 - 1999); Credit Analyst, Heller Financial Factoring (1988 - 1990). Education: The University of Texas at Austin, BBA, Finance (1981 - 1986). https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbrandtmb/

Theresa Eichten was hired as Senior Consultant, Tamarack Technology. Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota. She is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Previously, she was Senior Solution. Architect Northteq (February, 2021 - August, 2021); Senior Manager, Capgemini (April, 2016 - February, 2021); Senior Business Systems Consultant Solution 7 (July, 2014 - April 2016); Senior Business Systems Analyst, CIT (April, 2012 - June 2014). She joined International Decision Systems July, 1999, as Client Support Team Lead US, promoted September, 2001, Senior Business Consultant, EMEA, prompted November, 2008, Senior Business Consultant, APAC IS/Recruiting Coordinator, Express Employment Professionals (June 1998 - May, 1999).. Licenses and Certifications: Project Management Professional, Project Management Institute, Issued February, 2016. Scrum Master, Scrum Alliance, Issued March, 2017.  Education: University of Minnesota Duluth. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Business Administration and Management, General (1994 -1998). https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-eichten-6723125/

Bryan Goodwin was promoted to Vice President, CSI Leasing, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri.  He is located in Stafford, Texas. He joined the firm April, 2011, as Account Executive.  Previously, he was DPS Specialist, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (June, 2008 - April, 2011). Volunteer: Committeeman, Houston Livestock Show and Roadio (March, 2010 - Present. Education: Purdue University, Bachelor's degree (2003 - 2007). Activities and Societies: Delta Sigma Phi, Purdue Grand Prix.  Mirabeau B. Lamar High School, Houston, Texas. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryangoodwin/

Steve Green was promoted to Senior Vice President of Soles, Navitas Credit Corporation, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey office. He joined the firm June, 2020.  Previously, he was Vice President, Direct Sales, CAN Capital (February, 2020 - June, 2020). Prior, he was at Marlin Capital Solutions, starting November, 2003, National Sales Manager, promoted January, 2015, National Sales Director, appointed January, 2016, Assistant Vice President, appointed May, 2018, Vice President of Vendor Finance. Sales Rep, Heartland Home Finance (2002 - 2003). Education: Rider University, BA, History and Education (1995 - 2000). Activities and Societies: Rider University Men's Swimming Team (NCAA Division 1). https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-green-90187210/

Noah Homan was hired as Account Executive, Blue Street Capital, Huntington Beach, California.  He is located in Laguna Niguel, California.  Previously, he was Public Relations, Elite Aerospace Group (August, 2017 - November, 2021). Education: Saddleback College, Bachelor of Business Administration, BBA, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-homan-192190155/

Robert Lindh was promoted to Senior Vice President, CSI Leasing, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri. He is located in Newport Beach California. He joined the firm 2011 as Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager. Previously, he was Senior Director, Business Development, AEL Financial, LLC  (2005 -2011); Regional Vice President, Churchill Technology Finance, LLC  (2002 - 2005); Regional Vice President, West Coast, Citi (1996 - 2002); Business Banking Officer, Wells Fargo (1999 - 1996); Eisenhower Internship, Research Analyst, Republican National Committee (1989 – 1990). Volunteer: Community Volunteer, Corazon de Vida Foundation (October, 2007 - Present). Volunteer on Mt Baldy with Wounded Warriors, The Heroes Project (April, 2013 - Present). Board of Directors, Newport Harbor High School, Board of Directors, Tennis (June, 2015 - Present). Education: University of Arizona, bachelor's Degree, Political Science and Government (1984 - 1988). Activities and Societies: 1984 Freshman Government Representative, Sigma chi, Beta Phi Chapter.  Loyola High School of Los Angeles (1980 - 1984).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-lindh/

Bill McMillin was promoted to Vice President, Sales at CSI Leasing, Inc., St. Louis Missouri.  He is located in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the firm November, 2011, as Account Executive. Previously, he was Account Executive, Insight Investments, LLC (June, 2007 - September, 2011; Storage Architect, Datalink Corporation (September, 2004 - 2007); Senior Architect, AON Corporation (March, 2000 - September, 2004); Supervisor and Engineer of PC/LAN, AON Corporation (April, 1996 - January, 2000); Engineer, Ace Hardware Corporation (April, 1994 - March, 2006).  Education: Governors State University, Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Sciences (1993 - 1995).  Northern Illinois University, Communications, Psychology (1995 -1988).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/billmcmillin/

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Help Wanted Ads

The Subject of Sex in the Recruiting Interview
Recruiter Hal T. Horowitz Speaks Out

(Hal is now retired after a long career in recruiting as well as the finance and leasing business. This was published November 29, 2017 but remains perhaps more valid today with current news revelations). 

Sometime ago, I sent a candidate on an interview at a $3 billion bank. He was intelligent, personable and, most importantly, well qualified. Not unexpectedly, he got the job but not without having had to do some serious damage control following his second-round interview which included two more, previously unscheduled interviews: a second with HR and the fourth with peers and the Chief Credit Officer again.

Fortunately, his first interview, with HR and then with the hiring manager, the Chief Credit Officer, went very well. Both he and the CCO told me after the interview that it had gone very well on all accounts and they already wanted to schedule a meeting with the bank president. That interview took place the following week but my candidate came away feeling something had been unsaid or unasked; he wasn’t as sure of himself as he had been following the earlier meeting. He was right.   

My candidate was ushered into the interview that morning by the president’s administrative assistant who asked if he would like some coffee or water before she left. He thanked her but declined. As she walked out of the office, however, he let his eyes linger on her for a moment (as the president told me) and then commented, “She’s a very attractive lady.” That was a red flag. “We have some concerns about his character,” I was told.  “…just not sure he’d be a fit here. We can’t afford to have any problems.”

That was a little over ten years ago and although he got the job, there was considerable convincing of the Chief Credit Officer that it was intended only as a compliment, an innocent comment, not even a flirtation, and, his background check verified that he was a friendly person, easy to get along with, and had never previously been accused of any sexual innuendo or harassment.

Fast forward to 2017. I’m not so sure he would still pass that test. If employers were gun-shy then, they’d have to think they would be facing a firing squad if that kind of flag went up today.
Employees today, women and men, are coming forward and are speaking out about having been previously harassed. They are identifying companies that were thought to be good working environments but harbor, hide and even cover-up the inappropriate actions of many of their top executives, costing them millions in undisclosed settlements.

Recent headlines scream accusations, resulting in terminations or suspensions or the opportunities to resign. I’m inclined to believe we’ll see more and that doesn’t include politicians who cannot be fired quite so easily.

There is no room in the workplace for sexual misbehavior or innuendo. Company executives are finally getting that, not only because it’s the right thing to do for employees in the work environment, but it is now financially prudent to avoid the litigation and damages that have and will result. And, though it may not be as visible as high-profile cases, it is no less prudent and proper for smaller and midsized firms as well.

Apart from asking a coworker out for a drink or ending up in a fully consensual relationship, the issue is the abuse of power. Sexual harassment and predatory behavior is wrong and any hint of it during the hiring process, even an offhand, innocent remark will most likely result in having to continue your job search. Harassment is not victimless. Like bullying or any other kind of abuse, inappropriate sexual conduct leaves scars, feelings of guilt, inadequacy and shame. It negatively impacts work-life balance and job performance. Ultimately, it can destroy people’s careers.   

There is no acceptable response or explanation. Consider being on the hiring side of the interview when this issue arises. Will you risk your career by hiring someone involved in such an incident(s), knowing you will never get the truth but the sanitized version that was drafted to minimize it. Now consider what you would do if you are the interviewee and you are trying to explain what occurred. 
Abusing power and disrespecting employees are no longer explained away as seeking forgiveness instead of asking permission. The scars don’t magically disappear when you say, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” 

Keep that in mind when you interview.

Hal T. Horowitz

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Confidence Drops Slightly in ELFF
December, 2021 Monthly Confidence Index

(ELFF Chart)

While many companies city continue new business, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation releases its December, 2021 report showing the slight drop of 63.9 from the November, 2021 index of 64.6.

Aylin Cankardes, President, Rockwell Financial Group
“There is still significant liquidity in the markets and productivity continues to thrive. The impact of inflation and upcoming rate hikes could provide pause, but we continue to see strong demand on capital equipment expenditures. The biggest hurdle is prolonged supply chain disruptions, but it’s encouraging to see organizations transforming to address them innovatively going into 2022.

Daniel J. Krajewski, President and CEO, Sertant Capital, LLC
“The near-term future of the equipment finance industry shows promise for continued expansion. As infrastructure bills are passed and implemented there will be a demand for many asset classes from construction through IT platforms. This, of course, will need to be supported by increased manufacturing capacity to build all the required capital goods. I do have concerns about the political atmosphere that currently exists in the U.S. that may slow down or even kill the entire infrastructure bill, and secondly, the supply chain issues that have bottlenecked the product delivery system.”

Michael Romanowski, President, Farm Credit Leasing
“Demand for capital expenditures remains robust. Customers are looking to mitigate labor shortage challenges with automation. We believe this trend will continue through 2022 and into 2023. Supply chain headwinds continue to frustrate automation plans.”

Alan Sikora, CLFP, CEO, First American, an RBC / City National Company
“Demand for equipment loans and leases remains strong in nearly all sectors. Large U.S. businesses are looking to fixed-rate financing as a strategy to mitigate the impact of inflation.”

Adam Warner, President, Key Equipment Finance
“Our clients remain resilient, powering though the pandemic, supply chain issues and inflation to meet their objectives. Key remains vigilant that the continued battle against COVID will eventually lessen the risks to our customers and our economy.”

Full December, 2021 Report:
https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/monthly-confidence-index/

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Chipotle’s Next Digital Kitchen to Tout 'Chipotlane'
By Karl Hamanaka, Orange County Business Journal

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE: CMG) said Thursday it plans to open this month a new design prototype that would blend its digital kitchen concept with the Chipotlane.

The restaurant location in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio will feature the digital kitchen design, which has a smaller real estate footprint than regular Chipotles. The digital kitchens are designed to accommodate Chipotle app and other digital orders, with no indoor seating. Orders are picked up through the Chipotlane drive-thru lane or a window customer can walk up to.

The company said it has about 300 restaurants touting a Chipotlane and 12 existing locations were remodeled to accommodate digital orders.

Chipotle now totals about 3,000 restaurants with plans to eventually double that count in North America.

Shares of Chipotle were trading down 1.1% in midday trading Thursday to $1,683.21. The company had a recent market cap of $47.4 billion.

 

Visualizing the Race for EV Dominance
Telsa Reigning over the EV Market 2020 - 2025

Tesla has reigned supreme among electric car companies, ever since it first released the Roadster back in 2008.

Auto Majors Playing Catch-up

According to Wood Mackenzie, Volkswagen will become the largest manufacturer of EVs before 2030. In order to achieve this, the world’s second-biggest carmaker is in talks with suppliers to secure direct access to the raw materials for batteries.

It also plans to build six battery factories in Europe by 2030 and to invest globally in charging stations. Still, according to EV Volumes projections, by 2025 the German company is forecasted to have only 12% of the market versus Tesla’s 21%.

Other auto giants are following the same track towards EV adoption.

GM, the largest U.S. automaker, wants to stop selling fuel-burning cars by 2035. The company is making a big push into pure electric vehicles, with more than 30 new models expected by 2025.

Meanwhile, Ford expects 40% of its vehicles sold to be electric by the year 2030. The American carmaker has laid out plans to invest tens of billions of dollars in electric and autonomous vehicle efforts in the coming years.

Tesla’s Brand: A Secret Weapon

When it comes to electric car company brand awareness in the marketplace, Tesla still surpasses all others. In fact, more than one-fourth of shoppers who are considering an EV said Tesla is their top choice.

The Dominance of Electric Car Companies by 2040

BloombergNEF expects annual passenger EV sales to reach 13 million in 2025, 28 million in 2030, and 48 million by 2040, outselling gasoline and diesel models (42 million).

As the EV market continues to grow globally, competitors hope to take a run at Tesla’s lead—or at least stay in the race.

Source: https://elements.visualcapitalist.com/electric-car-companies-visualizing-the-race-for-ev-dominance/

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

2022 Economic Outlook Forecasts 4.6% Expansion
Equipment and Software Investment and 3.5% GDP Growth

Washington, DC– Low financial stress, an expanding housing sector, and increased federal spending on infrastructure are expected to propel equipment and software investment growth of 4.6 percent for 2022. Annual U.S. GDP growth for 2022 is forecast at 3.5 percent, according to the “2022 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook” released by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. The Foundation’s report, which is focused on the nearly $1 trillion equipment leasing and finance industry, highlights key trends in equipment investment and places them in the context of the broader U.S. economic climate.

Nancy Pistorio, Foundation Chair and President of Madison Capital LLC, said, “This report provides a thorough examination of the wide range of conditions that will impact the U.S. economy and business investment next year. Despite uncertainty around new COVID variants, ongoing supply chain issues, and inflation, positive factors should outweigh the headwinds. Robust consumer demand, a strong labor market, and increased equipment and software investment—the lifeblood of the equipment finance industry--look promising. We can look forward to ‘getting back to business’ in 2022, provided supply chain issues ease significantly and the pandemic is effectively curbed.”

Highlights from the 2022 Outlook include:
•   While equipment and software investment is forecast to grow 4.6 percent (annualized) in 2022, supply chain constraints, high inflation, and tighter monetary policy are key headwinds to growth.

•   The U.S. economy slowed in fall 2021 as the pandemic worsened and supply chain constraints snarled global trade and drove inflation to multi-decade highs. However, growth in Q4 has likely rebounded, and the economy appears poised for an above-average year in 2022.

•   The U.S. manufacturing sector should continue to expand at a healthy rate in 2022, although supply chain issues, hiring difficulties, and high inflation could dampen industrial sector output, particularly during the first half of the year.

•   On Main Street, the outlook has grown increasingly cloudy. Small firms are more susceptible to surging input costs and labor scarcity than large firms, which may weigh on small businesses as the new year gets underway. On the positive side, consumer demand remains robust, and the winter months should be smoother this year than last.

•   The Federal Reserve officials recently shifted their positions in response to new data and now acknowledge that inflationary pressures are likely here to stay. The Fed is now expected to end quantitative easing earlier than planned and raise interest rates at least once by mid-2022. Multiple rate hikes are possible in 2022, particularly if job growth stays on track.

The Foundation-Keybridge U.S. Equipment & Software Investment Momentum Monitor,
Eleven verticals are peaking/slowing, and one is accelerating. Over the next three to six months, year over year:
•   Agriculture machinery investment growth will continue to decelerate.
•   Construction machinery investment growth will decelerate, though likely remain in positive territory.
•   Materials handling equipment investment growth should remain positive.
•   All other industrial equipment investment growth should slow.
•   Medical equipment investment growth should remain in positive territory, but will likely decelerate.
•   Mining and oilfield machinery investment growth should stay strong.
•   Aircraft investment growth will continue to decelerate, though remain positive.
•   Ships and boats investment growth is expected to remain in healthy territory.
•   Railroad equipment investment growth is expected to remain strong.
•   Trucks investment growth should remain healthy.
•   Computers investment growth should remain positive, but is unlikely to accelerate.
•   Software investment growth may have peaked, though should remain robust.

The full report of the Momentum Monitor is now available at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/momentum-monitor/.
.
Download the full report at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/u-s-economic-outlook/. All Foundation studies are available for free download from the Foundation’s online library at http://store.leasefoundation.org/.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
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ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that propels the equipment finance sector—and its people—forward through industry-specific knowledge, intelligence, and programs that contribute to industry innovation, individual careers, and the overall betterment of the equipment leasing and finance industry. The Foundation is funded through individual and corporate donations. Learn more at www.leasefoundation.org.

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

 

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Special Christmas Edition, Part One:
by Fernando Croce

With Christmas fast approaching, we’re offering a two-part special holiday edition. So check them out with Netflix and settle down for some eggnog and a jolly time with your friends and family. Check back next week for more recommendations!

The Thin Man (W.S. Van Dyke, 1934): Adapted from Dashiell Hammett’s novel, this delicious mixture of mystery and comedy introduced viewers to one of the silver screen’s most beloved couples. Nick Charles (William Powell) is a retired detective who now spends most of his time going to parties and sharing drinks with his wealthy, good-humored wife, Nora (Myrna Loy). When Dorothy (Maureen O’Sullivan), the daughter of a former client, asks Nick to help her track down her missing father, he begins investigating with the adventure-hungry Nora by his side. Moving from San Francisco to Manhattan, they meet a slew of suspects and twists. The protagonists’ carefree lifestyle is memorably illustrated on Christmas morning, when Nick blithely tries out his present (an air gun) on the tree ornaments.

Remember the Night (Mitchell Leisen, 1940): A far too little-remembered gem, this comedy-drama features the incomparable Barbara Stanwyck in one of her most heartwarming roles. Stanwyck plays Lee Leander, a troubled young woman caught shoplifting right before Christmas. Moved by her situation, her prosecutor (Fred MacMurray) arranges for her bail and decides to take her to her home for the holiday. When her bleak relationship with her mother is revealed, he convinces her to spend Christmas with his loving family instead, where the two of them begin falling in love. But will the upcoming trial tear apart the couple that the season has brought together? Directed by romantic specialist Mitchell Leisen and written by the great Preston Sturges, the movie is a beautifully crafted and emotional love story.

We’re No Angels (Michael Curtiz, 1955): Legendary tough-guy Humphrey Bogart gets to show his lighter side in this likable, Christmas Eve-set comedy, directed by “Casablanca’s” Michael Curtiz. Joseph (Bogart), Albert (Aldo Ray) and Jules (Peter Ustinov) are prisoners who, having just fled from Devil’s Island, hide in a shop in a nearby town. Welcomed by the owner (Leo G. Carroll) and his wife (Joan Bennett) and daughter (Gloria Talbott), the three convicts are moved by their kindness and decide to not steal from them. Instead, they decide to help out the family with their financial troubles, which include threats of being taken over by a ruthless competitor (Basil Rathbone). But will these three unlikely guardian angels be found out? The result is an offbeat, often overlooked delight.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (Brian Henson, 1992): Dickens gets the Muppet treatment in this delightful adaptation of the often-filmed tale, directed by Brian Henson, son of Muppets creator Jim Henson. In 1800s London, miserly moneylender Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine, in a marvelous turn) prepares to spend another Christmas night by himself. It’s then that he’s visited by three ghosts, as a way to show him the joy of others around him and scenes from his own life. Playing the novel’s many characters are the Muppets, including Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and Miss Piggy as his wife, Fozzie Bear as Scrooge’s former employer Mr. Fezziwig, and The Great Gonzo as the novelist himself, who comments on the plot alongside his pal Rizzo. A hearty blend of humor and poignancy.

A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (Todd Strauss-Schulson, 2011): For viewers who prefer their eggnog on the raunchy side, here’s a lowbrow yuletide blast from the cult duo. With season events keeping them busy, the originally inseparable Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) have grown apart from each other. Their paths cross again when Kumar accidentally destroys a prize Christmas tree belonging to Harold’s tough-as-nails father-in-law (Danny Trejo). With time quickly running out, the two embark on a mad dash across New York City to find a replacement—a journey that puts them in contact with a wide and colorful array of weirdos, including of course Neil Patrick Harris. With outrageous gags that have become the series’ trademark, the film adds a touch of inspired lunacy to your Christmastime viewing

Shepherd/Mix
St. Louis, Missouri  Adopt-a-Dog

Caravan

SRSL-A-303
Female
8 Years/11 months
51 lbs.
Location: Foster Home

Dog Friendly
No Cats

Caravan has come such a long way since her rescue. She lived on the street with multiple other feral dogs. Caravan still has some of those shy, feral qualities and maybe she always will. But she is also a happy, playful girl when she gets her time outside. When outside for her potty breaks she runs, plays with her doggie friends and loves to roll in the grass. Inside, she is a quiet, chill girl that enjoys a nice comfy bed. Her forever home would need to have another friendly, playful, social dog. A privacy fence would also be nice so that she could still have that time outside that she enjoys. She may also need time to warm up to her new family, so patience is a must. If you think you might be the right family, fill out an application and we can have one of our feral dog specialists talk to you so you can be fully aware of what it means to foster/adopt one.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis
2320 Pine Street
St. Louis, MO 63103
314-771-6121
https://www.strayrescue.org/

Hours:
Mon-Fri 10AM–6PM
Sat-Sun 10AM–5PM

Apply for Adoption:
https://www.strayrescue.org/adopt-a-dog#sl_embed&page=shelterluv_wrap_1615995712106%2Fmatchme%2Fadopt%2FSRSL-A-303%3Fspecies%3D%26intakeType%3D

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Exceptional Wines for the 2021 Winter Holidays
By Kevan R. Wilkinson, Leasing News Wine Reviewer

Part 2

Duckhorn “Decoy” Sauvignon Blanc 2020 - California
With its sweet citrus and melon flavors, sauvignon blanc is usually a popular choice for spring and summer meals, but I think it is the perfect complement to a winter holiday dinner. The Duckhorn “Decoy” Sauvignon Blanc 2020 features grapes from Sonoma, Central California, Lake County, Napa Valley, and Mendocino County. If you are hosting friends or family members who enjoy drinking white wine, you can’t go wrong with this one. It goes well with roasted turkey, smoked ham, oven-roasted fish, fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes, and more. “Decoy” has notes of grapefruit, lime, and orange; it is dry and light on the oak. Retails for $15/bottle.

Bonterra Chardonnay 2019 - Mendocino, California
This is one of those Chardonnays the “wine insiders” know about. It is made from certified organically grown grapes, the majority of which are from Mendocino, California. It is a light-colored Chardonnay but it is rich and buttery with a palette of tasty fruits and hints of lemon. There is also a slight taste of walnuts and almonds, making the Bonterra Chardonnay 2019 even more unique and delicious. Retails for $12/bottle.

The Paring Syrah 2018 - Santa Ynez, California
OK, here is the wine to splurge on for your 2021 winter holiday dinner. This amazing Syrah puts the pedal to the metal upon sipping and it slows down to serve up a smooth, irresistible finish. It is deep in color, slightly above medium-bodied, and serves a powerful yet restrained amount of mouthwatering flavor. Loads of blackberries, currant, and vanilla intertwined with smokey oak. This standout Syrah retails for $30/bottle, and it might end up being the fan-favorite at your winter holiday dinner.

Robert Mondavi “Private Selection” Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 - California
Who says you need to spend a small fortune to get a great Robert Mondavi cabernet? The “Private Selection” Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is an excellent value-priced red from what is arguably the most well-known winery in California. You will enjoy its combination of blackberries, plums, vanilla, oak, and coffee beans that combine perfectly to provide a flavorful cabernet with a long, smooth, and velvety finish. Retails for $8/bottle.

Ghost Pines “Winemaker’s Blend” Zinfandel 2016 - California
My co-worker Nicol bought me a bottle of Ghost Pines Zinfandel and I’ve been a fan of this wine ever since. The 2016 “Winemaker’s Blend” is a rich, flavor-filled fruit bomb that explodes with juicy boysenberry jam, cranberries, and black cherries, coupled with hints of peppercorns and cinnamon spice. This powerful Zinfandel is easily one of my favorites of 2021. Retails for $18/bottle.

Wine Reviews
https://leasingnews.org/Pages/wine_reviews.html

News Briefs---

Pfizer and Moderna vaccines should be recommended
    over J&J shot, CDC panel says
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-12-16/cdc-reviews-clot-risk-johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine?utm_id=44774&sfmc_id=1646692

Apple delays return to office indefinitely
One Month Heads-Up to a New Return Date
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/16/apple-delays-return-to-office-indefinitely.html

Sears plans to sell Hoffman Estates headquarters
273-acre corporate headquarters in Hoffman Estates, IL
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-sears-selling-hoffman-estates-headquarters-20211216-qb4gkujqebemxfg7fkgvzdop2u-story.html

Edmunds Experts See Significant Pent-Up Consumer Demand,
Forecast 15.2 Million New Vehicles Will Be Sold in 2022
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/edmunds-experts-see-significant-pent-up-consumer-demand-forecast-15-2-million-new-vehicles-will-be-sold-in-2022--301446436.html

Nothing until 2023? Amtrak says
new construction efforts will take some time
https://www.rtands.com/passenger/nothing-until-2023-amtrak-says-new-construction-efforts-will-take-some-time/?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=29764

Biden Administration Plan to Help Trucking
Recruit, Retain New Drivers
https://www.truckinginfo.com/10157983/biden-administration-plan-to-help-trucking-recruit-retain-new-drivers

Largest mansion for sale on Kauai is going for $15M.
Take a look at the Hawaiian estate
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article256654112.html#storylink=topdigest_latest

A Florida couple saw bees coming out of their shower.
A massive beehive of 80,000 was in the wall.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/12/16/florida-behive-80000-bees/

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You May Have Missed---

How millions of jobless Americans can afford to ditch work
https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/15/economy/labor-force-retirement-great-resignation/index.html

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Sports Briefs---

Lakers’ Russell Westbrook and Avery Bradley
     enter NBA’s COVID protocols
https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2021-12-16/lakers-russell-westbrook-avery-bradley-enter-nba-covid-protocols?utm_id=44779&sfmc_id=1646692

Bleacher Report's Expert Week 15 NFL Picks
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2951534-bleacher-reports-expert-week-15-nfl-picks

Pac-12 stock report: All about football recruiting
as the 2021-22 early signing period unfolds
https://www.oregonlive.com/collegefootball/2021/12/pac-12-stock-report-all-about-football-recruiting-as-the-2021-early-signing-period-unfolds.html

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

‘A deluge of omicron’ is coming,
    Santa Clara County’s health officer warns
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/12/16/a-deluge-of-omicron-is-coming-santa-clara-countys-health-officer-warns/

Port of Oakland imports rebound in November
as chaos roars in Los Angeles
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/12/16/oakland-port-imports-rebound-in-november-as-chaos-roars-in-l-a/

1.4Msf real estate portfolio in Marin, Sonoma counties
Ponzi scheme sold for $436M
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/article/1-4msf-portfolio-in-marin-sonoma-counties-ponzi-scheme-sold-for-436m/

Local Seafood Shack Named Among ‘Top 50 Restaurants
in America’ by The New York Times
https://www.sonomamag.com/local-seafood-shack-named-among-top-50-restaurants-in-america-by-the-new-york-times/?gSlide=1

JPMorgan cancels in-person S.F. health care conference,
goes virtual in blow to Union Square
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/JPMorgan-cancels-in-person-S-F-health-care-16704669.php

[headlines]
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"Gimme that wine"

'International criminal networks': Bordeaux takes on wine thieves
https://www.france24.com/en/video/20211214-international-criminal-networks-bordeaux-takes-on-wine-thieves

“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

     1728 - Congregation Shearith Israel of New York purchases a lot on Mill Street in lower Manhattan to build New York's first synagogue. Construction is completed in 1730.
http://www.shearith-israel.org/folder/main_frames.html 
    1734 - Birthday of William Floyd (d. 1821) at Brookhaven, Long Island.  Signer of the Declaration of Independence, member of Congress. 
    1760 - Birthday of Deborah Sampson (d. 1827) at Plymouth, MA. She spent her childhood as an indentured servant. In 1782, wishing to participate in the Revolutionary War, she disguised herself as a man and enlisted in the Continental Army's 4th Massachusetts Regiment under the name Robert Shurtleff. She received both musket and sword wounds, but it was an attack of fever that unmasked her identity and led to her dismissal from the army in 1783. In 1802, Sampson became perhaps the first woman to lecture professionally in the US when she began giving public speeches on her experiences. Full military pension was provided for her heirs by an act of Congress in 1838.
    1777 - France recognized American independence. 
    1777 - General George Washington, after losing several battles to superior forces, professional soldiers, well-equipped and fortified, re-groups his farmers and volunteer fighting force by retiring with them to Valley Forge, Pa., for the brutal cold winter. The war was not going well and officers worked their hardest to not only train the troops but to halt them from deserting.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/ft-was.htm#history 
http://www.casayego.com/amrev/vforge/evforge.htm 
http://www.jimfrizzell.com/valley_forge_washington_headquarters.htm 
http://www.valleyforge.org/vfpark.asp 
http://www.soupsong.com/rtripe.html 
    1788 - Poet Robert Burns wrote his version of an old Scottish song to Mrs. Dunlap, the words for “Auld Lang Syne” (times gone by).  He sent a copy of his song to his publisher Mr. Johnson, who later published it.
http://www.robertburns.org/encyclopedia/AuldLangSyne.5.html
    1790 - One of the wonders of the western hemisphere—the Aztec Calendar or Solar Stone—was found beneath the ground by workmen repairing Mexico City's Central Plaza. The centuries-old, intricately carved stone lift, 8 inches in diameter and weighing nearly 25 tons, proved to be a highly developed calendar monument to the sun. Believed to have been carved in the year 1479, this extraordinary time-counting basalt tablet originally stood in the Great Temple of the Aztecs. Buried along with other Aztec idols soon after the Spanish conquest in 1521, it remained hidden until 1790. Its 52-year cycle had regulated many Aztec ceremonies, including grisly human sacrifices to save the world from destruction by the gods.
    1791 - New York City traffic regulation creates the first one-way street.
    1797 - Scientist Joseph Henry (d. 1878) was born at Albany, NY. One of his great discoveries was the principle of self-induction; the unit used in the measure of electrical inductance was named the Henry in his honor. In 1831, Henry constructed the first model of an electric telegraph with an audible signal. This formed the basis of nearly all later work on commercial wire telegraphy. In 1832, Henry was named professor of natural philosophy at the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University. Henry was involved in the planning of the Smithsonian Institution and became its first secretary in 1846. President Lincoln named Henry as one of the original 50 scientists to make up the National Academy of Sciences in 1863. He served as that organization's president from 1868 until his death.
    1798 – The first impeachment trial against a U.S. senator, William Blount of Tennessee, begins.   An aggressive land speculator, Blount gradually acquired millions of acres in Tennessee and the trans-Appalachian west. His risky land investments left him in debt, and in the 1790s, he conspired with England to seize the Spanish-controlled Louisiana Territory in hopes of boosting western land prices. When the conspiracy was uncovered in 1797, he was expelled from the Senate, and became the first U.S. public official to face impeachment. Blount nevertheless remained popular in Tennessee and served in the state senate during the last years of his life. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Blount
    1807 - Birthday of John Greenleaf Whittier (d. 1892), poet and abolitionist, at Haverhill, Essex County, MA. Whittier's books of poetry include “Legends of New England” and “Snowbound.” 
    1812 - U.S. forces attacked a friendly Lenape Indian village in the Battle of the Mississinewa. 
    1821 - Kentucky was the first state to abolish imprisonment for debt. There were no bankruptcy laws, and prior to this, those individuals who got into debt would be sentenced to prison no matter the cause of the insolvency.
    1835 – A great fire leveled lower Manhattan.
    1843 – Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” was published in a print of 6,000 copies that sold out in a week. 
    1846 - Ships under Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry capture Laguna de Terminos during Mexican War. 
    1861 - The Stonewall Brigade began to dismantle Dam No. 5 of the C&O Canal on the Potomac River, seven miles upriver from Williamsport, MD.   Destroying Dam No. 5 would effectively dry up the C&O Canal, cutting off the supply of Pennsylvania coal to factories and steamships in the Washington area.  The canal was also used to transport Union troops and military supplies. If Jackson could successfully breach the dam, he could throw a wrench into the Northern military machine and cause an energy crisis in the enemy capital for at least the winter.  He was not successful.  
http://www.13thmass.org/1861/index.html
  1862 - Union General Ulysses S. Grant lashes out at cotton speculators when he expels all Jews from his department in the west. At the time, Grant was trying to capture Vicksburg, Mississippi, the last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. Grant's army now effectively controlled much of the territory in western Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and parts of Kentucky and Arkansas. As in other parts of the South, Grant was dealing with thousands of escaped slaves. John Eaton, a chaplain, devised a program through which the freed slaves picked cotton from abandoned fields and received part of the proceeds when it was sold by the government. Grant also had to deal with numerous speculators who followed his army in search of cotton. Cotton supplies were very short in the North, and these speculators could buy bales in the captured territories and sell it quickly for a good profit. In December, Grant's father arrived for a visit with two friends from Cincinnati. Grant soon realized that the friends, who were Jews, were speculators hoping to gain access to captured cotton. Grant was furious and fired off his notorious Order No. 11: "The Jews, as a class violating every regulation of trade established by the Treasury Department and also department orders, are hereby expelled from the department within twenty-four hours from receipt of this order." The fallout from his action was swift. Among 30 Jewish families expelled from Paducah, Kentucky, was Cesar Kaskel, who rallied support in Congress against the order. Shortly after the uproar, President Lincoln ordered Grant to rescind the order. Grant later admitted to his wife that the criticism of his hasty action was well deserved. As Julia Grant put it, the general had "no right to make an order against any special sect."
    1874 - Birthday of W.L. MacKenzie (d. 1950), former Canadian prime minister, at Berlin, Ontario. He served 21 years, the longest term of any prime minister in the English-speaking world. 
    1884 - A three-week blizzard of snow began at Portland, OR. A record December total of 34 inches was received. 
    1889 - Rosemary Echo "Silver Dollar" Tabor (d. 1925), the second daughter of Horace and Elizabeth "Baby Doe" Tabor, is born, Denver, CO. The Tabors were one of Colorado's wealthiest families of the time. Her mother came west from Wisconsin with her husband, Harvey, in 1877.  The couple hoped to make a fortune in the booming gold and silver mines of Colorado. Harvey Doe proved to be an inept and lazy miner, though, so Elizabeth divorced him and moved to the mining town of Leadville in 1881, where she performed on the stage and was nicknamed "Baby Doe" by admiring miners. During a chance encounter, Baby Doe won the affections of Horace Tabor, an emigrant from Vermont who made millions in the silver mines. Although Tabor was a married man, he moved Baby Doe into an elegant hotel in Denver and began a not-so-secret affair that scandalized the Colorado gentry. Ignoring the wagging tongues, Tabor divorced his wife and married the beautiful Baby Doe, who was nearly a quarter-century younger than he. For a time, the couple lived a life of extraordinary opulence and pleasure, and Baby Doe had two daughters nicknamed "Lillie" and "Silver Dollar," the latter in recognition of the source of the family's wealth. During the early 1890s, the good times started to slow as some of Tabor's investments went sour and his mines began to decline. The fatal blow came in 1893, when the U.S. Congress repealed the Silver Purchase Act of 1890, which had kept silver prices high through government investment. Without these large purchases of silver by the U.S treasury, prices plummeted and Tabor's once valuable mines were suddenly nearly worthless. In a matter of months, Tabor was bankrupt and the family was reduced to living on the modest income he earned as Denver's postmaster. When Tabor died in 1899 of appendicitis, Baby Doe and her young daughters were left penniless and moved back to Chicago to live with relatives. Eventually, Baby Doe left Lillie in Chicago and returned to Leadville with Silver Dollar. The decision was disastrous: mired in poverty, Baby Doe and Silver eked out a threadbare existence, living in a small shack near one of the worthless silver mines they inherited from Horace Tabor. As Silver grew older, she drank heavily and used drugs. She moved to Chicago, where she was murdered in 1925 at 36 years old. Baby Doe survived for another decade, an impoverished recluse who used old gunny sacks for shoes and doctored herself with turpentine and lard. During a severe blizzard that hit Leadville for several days in February 1935, Baby Doe--who had once been one of the richest people on earth--died cold and alone at 81 years old.
    1892 - First issue of “Vogue” is published.
    1894 – Boston Pops conductor Arthur Fiedler (d. 1979) was born in, where else, Boston. 
    1895 - George Loomis Brownell of Worcester, MA, patented a paper twine machine. It twisted strips or ribbons of paper into cord that was as strong as any known steel.
    1895 - Anti-Saloon League of America is formed in Washington, D.C. 
    1896 – Schenley Park Casino, Pittsburgh, the first multi-purpose arena in North America with the technology to create an artificial ice surface, is destroyed in a fire. 
    1901 - Birthday of Janet G. Travell (d. 1997), first woman physician to hold the post of personal physician to the President of the United States (John F. Kennedy).  Travell was called upon by the personal orthopedic surgeon of Senator John F. Kennedy to assist with back pain treatments. Kennedy suffered from terrible pain resulting from invasive back surgeries related to injuries sustained during World War II. When Kennedy was elected president in 1960, he appointed her as his personal physician. She continued to serve as Personal Physician to the President following the assassination with his successor Lyndon Johnson. She continued through Johnson's re-election, but decided to leave the White House in 1965. She was a specialist in the study and treatment of musculoskeletal pain. She was firm believer in rocking chairs as mild muscular exercisers and believed that every person should choose their particular chair to fit their bodies.  At the age of 95, Travell died of heart failure at her home.
    1903 - Birthday of bandleader Ray Noble (d. 1978), Brighton, England
http://www.nobello.com/ray.htm
    1903 - American author Erskine Caldwell (d. 1987) was born in Caldwell, GA. He authored unadorned novels and stories, “Tobacco Road” and “God's Little Acre,” about rural poor of the American South mixed with violence and sex in grotesque tragicomedy.  He is particularly esteemed in France and the former Soviet Union. He struggled with censorship more than any other writer in his time.
http://www.libs.uga.edu/gawriters/caldwell.html 
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/caldwell.htm 
http://www.newnan.com/ec/ 
    1903 – Brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright, bicycle shop operators from Dayton, OH, inventors and aviation pioneers, after three years of experimentation with kites and gliders, achieved the first documented successful powered and controlled flights of an airplane. The plane, which weighed 745 pounds with a four-cylinder, 12-horsepower engine, was launched from a monorail after a 35-to-40 foot run. It remained aloft for 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. Three subsequent flights took place that day, of which the longest covered 852 feet in 59 seconds. The average speed was 31 miles per hour. Some historians respect the claim of Gustave Whitehead, who is said to have made four flights, one of which covered a distance of 1.5 miles, in his airplane “No. 21” on August 14, 1901, near Bridgeport. The Wright Brothers promoted their launching with press on hand and the event has been celebrated every year at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, NC, with wreaths, flyover and other observances, regardless of weather.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec17.html 
    1904 – Birthday of artist Paul Cadmus (d. 1999) in NYC.  Well-respected homosexual painter, best known for his paintings and drawings of nude male figures. His works combined elements of eroticism and social critique to produce a style often called magic realism. His notorious erotic painting, “The Fleet's In!” launched his career as a full-time artist.
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/cadmus_paul.html 
http://www.history.navy.mil/ac/cadmus/cadmus.htm 
http://www.davidsutherland.com/films_cadmus.html 
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0915829681/inktomi-bkasin-20/104-3547695-1517507 
    1908 - Birthday of Willard Frank Libby (d. 1980) at Grand Valley, CO. American educator, chemist, atomic scientist and Nobel Prize winner. He was the inventor of the carbon-14 “atomic clock” method for dating ancient and prehistoric plant and animal remains and minerals.
(lower half of: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec17.html)
    1910 - Band Leader/Trombone player Sy Oliver’s birthday, born Melvin James Oliver (d. 1988) at Battle Creek, MI.  
http://search.eb.com/blackhistory/micro/437/64.html 
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/oliver_sy/bio.jhtml 
http://trumpetjazz.netfirms.com/Artists/Sy_Oliver.html 
    1913 – The founder of Baskin-Robbins, Burt Baskin (d. 1967), was born in Streator, IL.  He founded the company with his brother-in-law, Irv Robbins in 1946 in Glendale, CA. It claims to be the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty stores, with more than eight thousand locations, including nearly 2,500 shops in the United States and over five thousand in other countries.  Baskin-Robbins sells ice cream in nearly 50 countries. The company has introduced more than 1,300 flavors since 1945. The company has been headquartered in Canton, MA since 2004.  .
    1920 - The first orphanage founded by the Church of God opened in Cleveland, Tennessee. Its establishment was the result of the vision and efforts of Church of God pioneer, A.J. Tomlinson.
    1920 – The American League allowed spitballers to continue to throw it while banning it for newcomers.  Each team was allowed to designate up to two pitchers who would be permitted to throw spitballs. After the 1920 season, the use of the spitball was banned with the exception of a group of 17 existing spitballers. In March 1955, MLB Commissioner Ford Frick advocated for the return of the spitball, telling a sportswriter, "If I had my way, I'd legalize the old spitter. It was a great pitch and one of the easiest to throw. There was nothing dangerous about it."  Despite the Commissioner's enthusiasm, the pitch has remained illegal.
    1924 - A severe ice storm struck central Illinois. It coated the ground with nearly two inches of glaze at Springfield. The storm caused 21 million dollars damage along with much hardship. Ice was on the trees until the 4th of January, and electricity was not restored until January 10th. 
    1924 – The first diesel electric locomotive in the U.S. enters service in The Bronx. 
    1925 - Birthday of drummer Walter Bolden (d. 2002), Hartford, CT.  
http://www.jazztimes.com/JazzNews/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&
articleid=516 
http://www.jazzvalley.com/musician/walter.bolden 
    1925 - Colonel William "Billy" Mitchell was court-martialed for insubordination. Mitchell was a US Army general who is regarded as the father of the US Air Force.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and by the conflict's end, commanded all American air combat units.  At the time, what would become the Air Force was part of the Army. After the war, he was appointed deputy director of the Air Service and began advocating increased investment in air power, believing that this would prove vital in future wars. He argued particularly for the ability of bombers to sink battleships and organized a series of bombing runs against stationary ships designed to test the idea.  It was President Coolidge himself who ordered Mitchell's court-martial under charges of insubordination under the 96th Article of War ("conduct of a nature to bring discredit on the military service"). The trial lasted seven weeks, most of which was devoted to a discussion of Mitchell's concept of airpower. The verdict of guilty was a foregone conclusion and Mitchell was sentenced to be suspended from rank, command, and duty, with a forfeiture of all pay and allowances for five years. President Coolidge, in an uncharacteristic fit of generosity, later reduced this to forfeiture of half his pay and allowances.
Billy Mitchell refused the offer and resigned on February 1, 1926. All through the court-martial proceedings, Mitchell had the staunch support of "Hap" Arnold and such officers as Carl Spaatz, Herbert Dargue, Robert Olds, William Gillmore, Horace Hickam, and others. Each put his career on the line for Mitchell even though they knew he would be convicted. After the trial, Arnold was exiled to become commanding officer of the 16th Observation Squadron, Fort Riley, Kan. The assignment was intended to be the end of his career. Mitchell continued to campaign in speeches and articles. "Hap" Arnold, for his part, soldiered on, his leadership qualities inevitably propelling him to the top, regardless of residual resentment about his unflagging support for Mitchell. More important than Arnold's loyalty, however, was his comprehension of Mitchell's fascination with technology. Early in his tour as Army Air Corps Chief, Arnold began soliciting the ideas and the company of the top scientists in the country. Eventually, he enlisted the assistance of such stellar names as Theodore von Kármán, Hugh L. Dryden, Frank Wattendorf, Hsue-shen Tsien, Vladimir K. Zworykin, and many others for the Scientific Advisory Group, later transformed into the Scientific Advisory Board. These men and others created first "Where We Stand" and then "Toward New Horizons," studies that addressed state-of-the-art technology and put forth a blueprint for the development of the postwar Air Force. It is important to note that neither Mitchell nor Arnold had the scientific competence to write such reports; they had, instead, the far more vital ability to see that the reports were needed, recognize who could produce them, and sympathetically enlist their support. The officers Arnold picked to work with the scientists were equally well chosen, among them such men as James H. Doolittle, Donald L. Putt, and Laurence C. Craigie. They knew the importance of science and of scientists. Again, in the spirit of Billy Mitchell, Arnold picked promising young officers who understood the requirements of technology and saw that they were given a track to top positions. Doing so cost him friends. Comrades who had served with him, and who were now passed over, resented his choices. But Arnold knew he was not running a popularity contest; he was building an independent Air Force. Mitchell received many honors following his death in 1936, including a commission by President Franklin Roosevelt as a Major General. He is also the only individual after whom a type of American military aircraft, the B-25 Mitchell bomber, is named.
    1926 - Ben Pollack and His Californians records "He’s the Last Word." In the late 1950's, my friends and I hung out at his Dixieland pizza joint on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, where he would play the drums. Sandy Nelson said he got his "boom-chick-a-boom" here, or perhaps it was the burlesque house drummer, which is the real truth.
    1929 – Columnist and presidential speechwriter, William Safire (d. 2009) was born in NYC.  He was perhaps best known as a long-time syndicated political columnist for the New York Times and the author of "On Language" in the New York Times Magazine, a column on popular etymology, new or unusual usages, and other language-related topics from its inception.  He’d have a field day today!
    1930 – Penthouse magazine founder and publisher Bob Guccione was born Robert Charles Joseph Edward Sabatini Guccione (d. 2010) in Brooklyn. 
    1932 - Birthday of sax player Sonny “Red” Kyner (d. 1981), Detroit, MI
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/reviews/r1100_096.htm
    1933 - Birthday of bass player Walter Booker, Jr. (d. 2006), Prairie View, TX.
    1933 - The Chicago Bears of the Western Division won the National Football League's first championship game, defeating the New York Giants of the Eastern Division, 23-21. The Bears scored the winning touchdown on a pass and lateral play begun by Bronko Nagurski. The purse was divided, with 60 percent going to the players, 15 percent to each club, and 10 percent to the league. Shares for individual players were $210 for the Bears and $140 for the Giants.
http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/artists/walter_booker.html 
    1935 – The flight of the first DC-3.
    1936 - Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen, Candace’s dad, and dummy Charlie McCarthy, first appear on TV. 
    1938 – Otto Hahn discovers the nuclear fission of the heavy element uranium, the scientific and technological basis of nuclear energy. 
    1939 - Birthday of pianist James Booker (d. 1983), New Orleans, LA
http://offbeat.com/booker/discography.html 
http://www.zultimate1.com/music/blues/j_blues_bands/james_booker.htm 
http://www.thejukejoint.com/jamesbooker.html 
    1939 - Birthday of Eddie Kendricks (d. 1992), lead singer of The Temptations, Union Springs, AL.
http://www.thetemptations.com/eddiekendricks.htm 
http://www.alamhof.org/kendrick.htm 
    1940 - United States President Franklin Roosevelt outlined his plan for "lend-leasing" arms and equipment to Britain during World War II.
    1941 - Rear Admiral Husband E. Kimmel was relieved of his command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet as part of a shake-up of officers in the wake of the Pearl Harbor disaster. Admiral Kimmel had enjoyed a successful military career, beginning in 1915 as an aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He served admirably on battleships in World War I, winning command of several in the interwar period. At the outbreak of World War II, Kimmel had already attained the rank of rear admiral and was commanding the cruiser forces at Pearl Harbor. In January 1941, he was promoted to commander of the Pacific Fleet, replacing James Richardson, who FDR relieved of duty after Richardson objected to basing the fleet at Pearl Harbor. If Kimmel had a weakness, it was that he was a creature of habit, of routine. He knew only what had been done before and lacked imagination and insight regarding the unprecedented. So, even as word was out that Japan was likely to make a first strike against the United States as the negotiations in Washington floundered, Kimmel took no extraordinary actions at Pearl Harbor. In fact, he believed that a sneak attack was more likely at Wake Island or Midway Island, and requested from Lieutenant General Walter Short, Commander of the Army at Pearl Harbor, extra antiaircraft artillery for support there (none could be spared). Kimmel's predictability was extremely easy to read by Japanese military observers and made his fleet highly vulnerable. As a result, Kimmel was held accountable, to a certain degree, for the absolute devastation wrought on December 7. Although he had no more reason than anyone else to believe Pearl Harbor was a possible Japanese target, a scapegoat had to be found to appease public outrage. He avoided a probable court-martial when he requested early retirement. When “Admiral Kimmel's Story,” an "as told to" autobiography, was published in 1955, Kimmel made it plain that he believed FDR sacrificed him-and his career-to take suspicion off himself; Kimmel believed Roosevelt knew Pearl Harbor was going to be bombed, although no evidence has ever been adduced to support his allegation. The only intelligence at the time talked about a possible invasion of Indochina. There was speculation that Wake Island in Midway might be a target, but it was thought at the time the Japanese were more interested in the China mainland and its surrounding countries, their century old enemies.
    1943 - All Chinese are again permitted to become citizens of the United States with the repealing of the Act of 1882 and the introduction of the Magnuson Act. 
    1944 - COWAN, RICHARD ELLER, Medal of Honor.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company M, 23d Infantry, 2d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Krinkelter Wald, Belgium, 17 December 1944. Entered service at: Wichita, Kans. Birth: Lincoln, Nebr. G.O. No.: 48, 23 June 1945. Citation: He was a heavy machine-gunner in a section attached to Company I in the vicinity of Krinkelter Wald, Belgium, 17 December 1944, when that company was attacked by a numerically superior force of German infantry and tanks. The first 6 waves of hostile infantrymen were repulsed with heavy casualties, but a seventh drive with tanks killed or wounded all but 3 of his section, leaving Pvt. Cowan to man his gun, supported by only 15 to 20 riflemen of Company I. He maintained his position, holding off the Germans until the rest of the shattered force had set up a new line along a firebreak. Then, unaided, he moved his machinegun and ammunition to the second position. At the approach of a Royal Tiger tank, he held his fire until about 80 enemy infantrymen supporting the tank appeared at a distance of about 150 yards. His first burst killed or wounded about half of these infantrymen. His position was rocked by an 88mm. shell when the tank opened fire, but he continued to man his gun, pouring deadly fire into the Germans when they again advanced. He was barely missed by another shell. Fire from three machineguns and innumerable small arms struck all about him; an enemy rocket shook him badly but did not drive him from his gun. Infiltration by the enemy had by this time made the position untenable, and the order was given to withdraw. Pvt. Cowan was the last man to leave, voluntarily covering the withdrawal of his remaining comrades. His heroic actions were entirely responsible for allowing the remaining men to retire successfully from the scene of their last-ditch stand.
    1944 - LOPEZ, JOSE M., Medal of Honor.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 23d Infantry, 2d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Krinkelt, Belgium, 17 December 1944. Entered service at: Brownsville, Tex. Birth: Mission, Tex. G.O. No.: 47, 18 June 1945. Citation: On his own initiative, he carried his heavy machinegun from Company K's right flank to its left, in order to protect that flank which was in danger of being overrun by advancing enemy infantry supported by tanks. Occupying a shallow hole offering no protection above his waist, he cut down a group of 10 Germans. Ignoring enemy fire from an advancing tank, he held his position and cut down 25 more enemy infantry attempting to turn his flank. Glancing to his right, he saw a large number of infantry swarming in from the front. Although dazed and shaken from enemy artillery fire which had crashed into the ground only a few yards away, he realized that his position soon would be outflanked. Again, alone, he carried his machinegun to a position to the right rear of the sector; enemy tanks and infantry were forcing a withdrawal. Blown over backward by the concussion of enemy fire, he immediately reset his gun and continued his fire. Single-handed he held off the German horde until he was satisfied his company had affected its retirement. Again he loaded his gun on his back and in a hail of small arms fire he ran to a point where a few of his comrades were attempting to set up another defense against the onrushing enemy. He fired from this position until his ammunition was exhausted. Still carrying his gun, he fell back with his small group to Krinkelt. Sgt. Lopez's gallantry and intrepidity, on seemingly suicidal missions in which he killed at least 100 of the enemy, were almost solely responsible for allowing Company K to avoid being enveloped, to withdraw successfully and to give other forces coming up in support time to build a line which repelled the enemy drive.
    1944 - Japanese-Americans were released from detention camps. US Army announced the end of excluding Japanese-Americans from the West Coast.  U.S. Major General Henry C. Pratt issued Public Proclamation No. 21, declaring that, effective January 2, 1945, Japanese American "evacuees" from the West Coast could return to their homes. By June, more than 110,000 Japanese Americans were relocated to remote internment camps built by the U.S. military in scattered locations around the country. For the next two and a half years, many of these Japanese Americans endured extremely difficult living conditions and poor treatment by their military guards. During the course of World War II, 10 Americans were convicted of spying for Japan, but not one of them was of Japanese ancestry.   
http://americanhistory.si.edu/perfectunion/non-flash/justice_postwar.html 
    1944 - U.S. destroyers sink in storm off Philippines, 790 killed 
    1944 – In the Battle of the Bulge – Malmedy massacre – the US 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion POWs are shot by Waffen-SS Kampfgruppe Peiper.
     1946 - Top Hits 
“Ole Buttermilk Sky” - The Kay Kyser Orchestra (vocal: Mike Douglas & The Campus Kids) 
“White Christmas” - Bing Crosby 
“The Whole World is Singing My Song” - The Les Brown Orchestra (vocal: Doris Day) 
“Divorce Me C.O.D.” - Merle Travis
    1946 - President Harry S. Truman received the first coin bearing the likeness of an African-American, the 50 cent commemorative honoring Booker T. Washington, the founder of Tuskegee Institute. It was authorized on August 7, 1946. The obverse showed the head of Washington and the reverse a stylized Hall of Fame, under which were the words “From Slave Cabin to Hall of Fame.” Centered under this wording was a slave cabin, to the left of which was the inscription, “In God We Trust,” and to the right, “Franklin County, VA.” Around the rim was the inscription “Booker T. Washington Birthplace Memorial---Liberty.” The coin was designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway.
    1947 - New York struck by a blizzard, resulting with 27" of snow.
http://manhattan.about.com/library/weekly/aa010101a.htm 
http://www-nsidc.colorado.edu/snow/shovel.html 
    1947 – The first flight of the B-47 bomber.
    1948 - Vowing to not “subvert” his music, Stan Kenton breaks up his band, New York City (he came back in 1950 with his biggest band yet: http://home.hiwaay.net/~crispen/kenton/biography.html )
    1953 – The FCC approved RCA's black and white - compatible color TV specifications. 
    1953 - In a tax-avoidance scheme, the New York Yankees sold Yankee Stadium and Kansas City properties for $6.5 million in a deal with Johnson Corp. and the Knights of Columbus, who immediately lease the property back to the Yanks.  Johnson Corp was headed by Arnold Johnson who purchased the Philadelphia Athletics from the estate of Connie Mack in 1954, then moved the team to Kansas City, the home of the Kansas City Blues, AAA farm club of the Yankees.  The Yankees didn't ask for concessions in return from losing their farm club but what they received instead was Johnson's unfailing cooperation in various one-sided trades in which the Yankees dumped unwanted washed-up veterans on the Athletics in return for top prospects. In some cases, the A's signed amateur players to large bonuses, kept them on their major league roster for the mandatory period imposed by the bonus rule and then handed them over to the Yanks when they were ready to contribute (third baseman Clete Boyer was the most famous case).
    1954 - Top Hits 
“Mr. Sandman” - The Chordettes 
“Count Your Blessings” - Eddie Fisher 
“Let Me Go, Lover!” - Teresa Brewer 
“More and More” - Webb Pierce 
    1954 – The first fully automated railroad freight yard opened in Gary, Indiana.
    1955 - Carl Perkins wrote "Blue Suede Shoes," which he was recording, less than 48 hours later, at the Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. The song became one of the first records to have simultaneous popularity on rock, country and rhythm & blues charts. 
    1955 - While their hit "Only You" was still at #2, the Platters' "The Great 8Pretender" enters the Billboard R&B chart at #13. I had all their records at 13 years old.
    1955 - Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons" is number one on both the Billboard Pop and Country & Western charts. 
    1956 - The first African-American pilot on a scheduled passenger line was Perry H. Young of Orangeburg, SC.  He was hired as a flight crewman by New York Airways, New York City. He started regular passenger flights on February 1, 1957, as a copilot in a 12-passenger S-58 helicopter between New York International (now JFK International), La Guardia, and Newark, NJ, airports.
    1957 - Bobby Helms' "Jingle Bell Rock" enters the Billboard Pop chart for the first time, where it will reach #6. The song was composed by Joseph Carleton Beal (1900–1967), and James Ross Boothe (1917–1976).  With “White Christmas,” it is among the best-selling songs of all-time.  Helms' original version charted at No. 13 on Billboard’s Most Played C&W by Jockeys chart, a predecessor to the Hot Country Songs chart. It also crossed to the pop charts, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart, and at No. 11 on Cashbox Magazine’s Top 60 on the week ending January 11, 1958.  After the song was featured on the soundtrack album to the 1996 film, “Jingle All the Way,” the original Bobby Helms version returned to the Billboard country singles charts in late 1996 and early 1997, reaching a peak of No. 60.  The Helms version entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart on the week ending December 24, 2016, eventually reaching a peak of No. 29 two weeks later.  As of November 25, 2016, total sales of the digital track of Helms' original Decca recording stand at 780,000 downloads according to SoundScan, placing it ninth on the list of all-time best-selling Christmas/holiday digital singles in SoundScan history. As of December 2019, it has sold 891,000 copies in the United States.
    1957 - The United States successfully launches the first Atlas ICBM at Cape Canaveral. 
    1959 – “On the Beach,” the gripping post-nuclear war film starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire, and Tony Perkins, premiered in New York.
    1962 - Top Hits 
“Big Girls Don't Cry” - The Four Seasons 
“Return to Sender” - Elvis Presley 
“Bobby's Girl” - Marcie Blane 
“Don't Let Me Cross Over” - Carl Butler & Pearl (Dee Jones)
    1962 - James Carroll at WWDC in Washington, DC, became the first disc jockey to broadcast a Beatles record on American airwaves. Carroll played "I Want to Hold Your Hand," which he had obtained from his stewardess girlfriend, who brought the single back from Britain. Due to listener demand, the song was played daily, every hour. Since it hadn't been released yet in the States, Capitol Records initially considered court action, but instead released the single earlier than planned. 
    1963 - The US Congress passed the “Clean Air Act,” a sweeping set of laws passed to protect the nation from air pollution. This was the first legislation to place pollution controls on the automobile industry. It authorized $93 million in matching grants for state-funded air pollution prevention and control programs.
    1965 - In San Francisco, the fourth Acid Test took place at Muir Beach Lodge near Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County after being advertised for Stinson Beach. This was the largest one to date in terms of attendance.
    1965 – The Eighth Wonder of the World, the Astrodome opened in Houston with its first event, a Judy Garland and Supremes concert 
    1966 - The Royal Guardsmen's "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron" enters the Billboard Pop chart, where it will peak at #2 during its eleven-week run.
    1966 - In San Francisco, Benefit for Legalization of Marijuana (LEMAR) at California Hall. Country Joe and the Fish entertained. 
    1966 - The Four Tops' "Standing in the Shadows of Love" enters the Billboard Hot 100. During a ten week stay, the tune will peak at #6. It also reaches #2 on the R&B chart. 
    1966 - Death & Rebirth of the Haight-Ashbury (Hairy Henry & Fyllis busted). Home of the anarchist Bound Together Books Collective.
http://www.cnsproductions.com/cocaine.html 
http://dmoz.org/Society/Politics/Anarchism/Bookstores/ 
    1967 – Congress passed a sweeping set of laws to protect the nation from air pollution.  Known as The Clean Air Act, it was the first legislation to place air pollution controls on the automobile industry.
    1969 - USAF closes Project Blue Book, concluding no evidence of extraterrestrial spaceships behind thousands of UFO sightings.
http://www.jagat.com/joel/socks.html 
http://www.roswell-online.com/clipart/ufoclip1.htm 
    1969 - The soprano-voiced, ukulele-playing Tiny Tim married the lovely Miss Vickie on Johnny Carson's “The Tonight Show” on this date before a huge viewing audience. The NBC-TV program earned the second-highest, all-time audience rating; second only to Neil Armstrong's walking on the moon. The unlikely couple later divorced in 1977, but not before Miss Vickie gave birth to daughter Tulip.
    1969 - Chicago Transit Authority earned a gold record for the group of the same name, who would later become simply "Chicago." The album's release by Columbia Records marked the first time an artist's debut LP was a double record.
    1970 - Top Hits 
“The Tears of a Clown” - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles 
“One Less Bell to Answer” - The 5th Dimension 
“My Sweet Lord/Isn't It a Pity” - George Harrison 
“Endlessly” - Sonny James
    1975 – Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme sentenced to life for attempt on President Ford's life
    1976 - The Ted Turner-owned WTCG-TV, Atlanta, Georgia, changed its call letters to WTBS, and was unlinked via satellite, making it the first commercial television station to cover the entire United States. WTBS began on only four cable systems, available in 24,000 homes.   Now owned by the Turner Networks division Warner Media Studios & Networks, it carries a variety of programming. As of September 2018, TBS was received by approximately 90.391 million households that subscribe to a pay television service throughout the United States.
    1977 - Elvis Costello & the Attractions appear on NBC-TV "Saturday Night Live" in place of the Sex Pistols, who can't get a visa to enter the country. Producer Lorne Michaels refuses to allow Costello to perform "Radio, Radio" (because of the song's criticism of the broadcasting industry), but a few measures into "Less than Zero," Costello halts his group & goes into "Radio, Radio." He will never be invited back.
    1978 - Top Hits 
“You Don't Bring Me Flowers” - Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamond 
“Too Much Heaven” - Bee Gees 
“My Life” - Billy Joel 
“The Gambler” - Kenny Rogers
    1979 - “House Calls” premiered on TV. This half-hour sitcom set in Kensington General Hospital starred Wayne Rogers as Dr. Charley Michaels and Lynn Redgrave as Ann Anderson, assistant administrator and Michaels's love interest. Also featured was David Wayne as flaky chief of surgery Dr. Amos Wetherby. After a dispute with the producers, Redgrave was dropped in 1982 and replaced by Sharon Gless as assistant Jane Jeffries.
    1984 - “Run-D.M.C.” went gold, the first Rap album to attract a mass audience, recorded by the rap group of the same name. Run-D.M.C's members were “Jam Master” Jason Mizell, Joseph “ Run” Simmons, and “MC” Darryle “D” McDaniels, all of New York City. The album was released by Profile Records in June, 1984, and Rap was the music of this generation. 
    1984 - For the first time in 14 matches, John McEnroe and Peter Fleming lost a doubles tennis match in the Davis Cup competition. Anders Jarryd and Stefan Edberg lead the Swedish team to win the title, marking the worst defeat since 1973 for the United States team
    1986 - A federal jury in Las Vegas ruled that NBC falsely linked entertainer Wayne Newton to organized crime in 1980 and 1981 telecasts. Newton was awarded $19.2 million in defamation damages. 
    1986 - Top Hits 
“The Way It Is” - Bruce Hornsby & The Range 
“Walk Like an Egyptian” - Bangles 
“Everybody Have Fun Tonight” - Wang Chung 
“Hell and High Water” - T. Graham Brown
    1986 - U.S. Congress forms an Iran-gate committee to investigate the Reagan Administration’s alleged trading of arms for hostages.
    1987 - A storm in the southwestern U.S. brought heavy rain and heavy snow to parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. Charleston, NV was blanketed with 12 inches of snow. Lake Havasu City, AZ was drenched with 2.26 inches of rain. 
    1989 - TV's animated family, “The Simpsons,” premiered as a half-hour weekly sitcom. The originator of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie is cartoonist Mall Groening. The Simpsons' inaugural episode was "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire.” For the full story, go here:
http://freespace.virgin.net/lol.marcus/simpsons.htm
    1989 - Twenty-one cities from Kentucky to Pennsylvania reported record low temperatures for the date, including Columbus, OH with a reading of 12 degrees below zero. Heavy snow continued in the Colorado Rockies. Vail received 65 inches of snow between the 14th and the 18th of December. Steamboat Springs was buried under 74 inches, and reported a total of 108 inches of snow between the 10th and the 18th of the month.
    1991 – In the NBA's then-most lopsided game, Cleveland beats Miami 148-80.  On Dec 2, 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies trounced the Oklahoma City Thunder by 73 points to become the most lopsided ever.
    1994 - Remixed version of The Four Seasons' "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" re-enters the Billboard Hot 100, where it will stay for another 27 weeks, just as it did when it first charted in 1976. The combined run will establish a record for the longest total chart appearance in history. The song reached #1 the first time out and #14 during its second stay.
    2000 - Jerry Rice played his last football game for the Niners during which
San Francisco wide receiver Terrell Owens sets a new NFL single-game receiving record with 20 catches in the 49ers' 17-0 win over Chicago. Owens totaled 283 yards and a touchdown while topping Tom Fears' mark of 18 receptions which had stood since 1950.
    2002 - Thunderstorms preceding a strong cold front pushed into the U.S. Mississippi Valley, producing severe weather and tornadoes. Three people were killed in Missouri and Arkansas with more than 40 injuries 
    2004 - President Bush signs the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Act of 2004 which reorganizes intelligence agencies and creates position of national security director 
    2006 - The Rolling Stones' “A Bigger Bang” tour re-captured the title of top-grossing tour ever from U2's Vertigo and was the top grossing tour of the year, according to numbers reported to Billboard Box score. The Stones took in about $437 million since the previous November.
    2012 - Outgoing U.S. Senator Jim DeMint is replaced by GOP Congressman Tim Scott, the first black senator from the South since 1881 
    2013 – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will induct Linda Ronstadt, Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates, Nirvana, KISS, and Cat Stevens in 2014.     
    2014 - Green Day, Lou Reed and "Lean on Me" singer Bill Withers will lead a new class of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2015.  The Hall announced it will also welcome Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and make Ringo Starr the fourth ex-Beatle enshrined as an individual. Besides Reed, the class includes other posthumous inductees Paul Butterfield and Stevie Ray Vaughan.  The 30th annual induction ceremony will be held at Cleveland, Ohio's Public Hall on April 18, 2015.
    2014 – The US ended its embargo and re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba.
    2014 - 103-year-old Gus Andreone records the 8th ace of his career on the 113-yard, 14th hole of the Lakes Course, Palm Aire, Sarasota, FL.  He is the oldest golfer to record a hole-in-one.
    2017 – “Star Wars:  The Last Jedi” took in more than $450 million worldwide in its opening weekend.  It was the second largest opening in the US at $220 million.
    2018 - CBS announces former Chief Executive Les Moonves will not receive his $120 million exit payout.  His resignation in September 2018 followed numerous allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and abuse. Moonves allegedly destroyed evidence of his sexual misconduct. According to investigators, claims made by the women were credible, and led to more claims that were found to be credible during the course of the investigation. In addition, it was claimed that Moonves attempted to interfere with the investigation. Allegations of examples include Moonves refusing to cooperate with investigators, acting "evasive and untruthful" towards investigators, deleting hundreds of messages, and passing off his son's iPad as his own to investigators.  On June 21, 2019, advice columnist E. Jean Carroll wrote in a first-person essay in “New York” magazine that Moonves sexually assaulted her in an elevator in the mid-1990s after she interviewed him for a story. Moonves denied the allegation.  On May 14, 2021, CBS and Moonves agreed to settle their disputes over the latter's $120 million severance. A joint statement today said that the cost of the settlement would be borne by a contractor to CBS and that the former would contribute the money to various charities.
    2018 - New reports to the Senate say Russian propaganda efforts on social media are much more extensive than thought, including targeting African Americans.