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

kitmenkin@leasingnews.org
   

 

 

Friday, February 7, 2014



Today's Equipment Leasing Headlines

Your Own Personal Facebook Movie---Automatic Start
 You Have to See it, To Believe it!
  Classified Ads---Operations
Marlin Leasing 4th Quarter Drop/Up Year-end
 by Christopher Menkin
  Companies who notify lessee in advance of lease expiration
   Twelve Attorneys Against Evergreen Abuse
New Hires—Promotions
 Classified Ads---Help Wanted
  Meet Leasing News Advisor Bruce Kropschot
Top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends 2014
 William G. Sutton, CAE, ELFA President/CEO
  UCC Article 9 Survey Complete
   Check Out Twitter's Usage Relative To Facebook
    Marketing to Millennials
     5 Things Every Marketer Should Know
      ZRG Partners Life Sciences Hiring Index
       Shows Modest Gains in 4th Quarter
 2014 Major Leasing/Finance Conference
  Update
   German Shorthaired Pointer (short coat)
    Menlo Park, California Adopt-a-Dog
     Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit/Tim's Vermeer
      Captain Phillips/Blue Jasmine/The Spectacular Now
       Film/DVD Reviews for Leasing News by Fernando Croce
News Briefs---
Mortgages Fall for Fifth Week in a Row
 How the lease accounting proposal may change (Journal of Accountancy)
  Banks Can't Close Branches Fast Enough
   Bank of the West Earns 2013 Greenwich Small Business
    and Middle Market Banking Excellence Awards in 11 Categories
     Former Hellenic Postbank CEO arrested in Athens
      The Quick Rise and Abrupt Fall of a Bitcoin Champion

Broker/Funder/Industry Lists | Features (collection)
Top Ten Stories Chosen by Readers | Top Stories last six months

www.leasingcomplaints.com (Be Careful of Doing Business)
www.evergreenleasingnews.org

  You May have Missed---
   SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer
  Football Poem
    Sports Briefs---
      California Nuts Brief---
       "Gimme that Wine"    
          This Day in American History
         SuDoku
           Daily Puzzle
             GasBuddy
               Weather, USA or specific area
                 Traffic Live----

######## surrounding the article denotes it is a “press release” and was not written by Leasing News nor information verified, but from the source noted. When an article is signed by the writer, it is considered a “by line.” It reflects the opinion and research of the writer.



Please send to a colleague. Spread the news.
Also ask them to join our mailing list or bookmark our site.
We are free!


[headlines]

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Your Own Personal Facebook Movie---Automatic Start
You Have to See it, To Believe it!

Wow, the best ever, and you don’t need to start, as Facebook has your photos in a movie slide show ---automatic: https://www.facebook.com/lookback/#FacebookIs10

Try it. It is very easy. They take the most viewed photos from your home page and make a history from the time you joined. You can add to it, as easy as you add to your own Facebook page or timeline.

The Facebook movies I have seen have been around a little over a minute, and contain some great photos, some from when they were originally posted on Facebook.

And you can take the link and email it to those not in your timeline.

 

 


[headlines]
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Classified Ads---Operations

(These ads are “free” to those seeking employment or
looking to improve their position)

Want To Work From Home: 
Have 10+ years in readying Lease Origination Documentation, Litigation case mgmt., Collection, Repossession, Remarketing, complete Discovery and Interrogatories, attend Trials and Mediation, prepare and submit SAR’s, translate for Spanish speaking customers, clients and employees, monitor high risk accounts for monetary penalties, bankruptcy management. Email: BRFR@ATT.NET



Free Posting for those seeking employment in Leasing
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm

All “free” categories “job wanted” ads:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

 

 

[headlines]
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Marlin Leasing 4th Quarter Drop/Up Year-end
by Christopher Menkin

Marlin Business Services, Mount Laurel, New Jersey (Nasdaq: MRLN) doing business as a bank, insurance company, and leasing company, reported fourth quarter net income of $3.4 million compared to the same period in 2013 of $2.5 million. For the year ended December, 31, 2013, net income is $16.2 million compared to $11.7 million for the year ending December 31, 2012. Net income on an adjust basis Marlin report $17.5 million.

The company press release reported: “Fourth quarter 2013 lease production is $90.9 million based on initial equipment cost, compared to $86.1 million in the third quarter of 2013 and $87.8 million in fourth quarter of 2012. Full year lease origination volume is $349.5 million, an 8% increase year-over-year.”

The SEC filings have not been made yet which historically have shown the fees as well as the alleged abuse of the Evergreen Clause, particularly in the leasing of copiers. Leasing News has written about this from the SEC report for several years and the company is on the www.leasingcomplaints.com list (Be Careful of Doing Business) as well as the www.evergreenleasingnews.org list.

While the abuse of the Evergreen Clause, which is the practice of not notifying the lessee regarding termination of the original contract, and often continuing lease payments, even on a $1.00 purchase option (see Leasing News Bulletin Board) is acceptable to many companies as a “common practice,” and is usually the result of the failure of the lessee to timely notify the lessor of its end-of-lease intention, it is frowned upon by many in the industry. Additionally four states require notice to the lessee.

Full Fourth Quarter/Year-end Press Release:
http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/file.aspx?IID=4089372&FID=21917830




[headlines]
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Companies who notify lessee in advance of lease expiration 

These companies do not use language to confuse, perhaps to deceive, with the result an automatic continuation for an additional twelve months of payments. They do not invoke the twelve months on a $1.00 purchase option or an Equipment Finance Agreement.

In its editorial of June 30, 2011, Leasing News recommends that the equipment lessor send a certified letter with return receipt; however, at this time, the acceptance of the word of the president of the company will be accepted until proven otherwise.http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jun2011/6_30.htm#editorial

ABCO Leasing
Advantage Funding
Agility Ventures LLC
Allegiant Partners
American Leasefund, Inc.
BancLease Acceptance Corporation 
Bank of Ozarks Leasing 
Bankers Capital
Bank of the West, Indirect Equipment Finance 
Black Rock Capital
BSB Leasing
Calfund
Capital Technology & Leasing, LLC
Cobra Capital, LLC
Commerce National Bank
Dakota Financial, LLC
Direct Capital
eLease

Financial Pacific Leasing
Five Point Capital, In
Forum Financial Services, Inc.
Gonor Funding


GreatAmerica Financial
Innovative Lease Services, Inc.
Lease-$mart
Madison Capital
Macrolease Corporation 
Manufacturer's Lease Plans, Inc
Mesa Leasing
Maxim Commercial Capital
(Microfinancial)/TimePayment 
Mount Pleasant Capital
National Machine Tool Financial Corporation
Navitas Lease Corp. 
Northwest Leasing Company
P&L Capital Corporation 
Pacifica Capital 
Padco Financial Services
Pawnee Leasing Corporation

Southern California Leasing, Inc
Specialty Funding, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Standard Professional Services, LLC
Stoddard & Associates 
TEAM Funding Solutions

 


[headlines]
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Twelve Attorneys Against Evergreen Abuse


The original intention of the Evergreen clause in an equipment leasing contract was to have an alternative to when the lessee did not exercise the residual at the end of the contract. Often the clause calls for an automatic additional twelve months when the residual is not resolved.

In most cases, the lessor notifies the lessee that the residual will be due, often ninety days in advance. However, often there is nothing in the contract that requires the lessor to notify the lessee regarding the expiration of the contract.

Contrarily, many small ticket lessors do not notify the lessee, and automatically continue the lease, often via an ACH or continued billing, which often goes unnoticed until many payments have already been made.

Leasing News would like to see an industry standard that lessees are notified in advance of the expiration of their contract regarding its termination. We support the clause, and the notification requirement is wide open, meaning 90, 60, even 30 days and by telephone or mail.

This list of attorneys agrees with this and will be available to lessees, sometimes able to help them without a fee, or at a reduced rate, in an effort to end the abuse of Evergreen clause leases.

Jim Coston
Coston & Coston LLC
105 W. Adams Street
Suite 1400
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 205-1010
jcoston@costonlaw.com
(In 1998, he was elected to the United Association of Equipment
Leasing Board of Directors, and in 2003-04 was the first
attorney to become UAEL President, very active in his political party.)

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Schultz & Associates LLP
640 Cepi Drive, Suite A
Chesterfield, MO 63005
(636) 537-4645 x108
(636) 537-2599 (fax)
www.sl-lawyers.com
(Proven Leasing Litigator, well respected by all sides)

Ronald P. Gossett
Gossett & Gossett, P.A.
400 Seridan Street, Building I
Hollywood, Florida
954-983-2828
Fax: 954-983-2850
rongossett@gossettlaw.com
(Many cases including NorVergence, Brican, among others, a winner)

Ken Greene
Law Offices of Kenneth Charles Greene
345 Thousand Oaks Boulevard #6566
Westlake Village, California 91359
Tel: 415-858-9111
Skype: 424.235.1658
kenlaw100@gmail.com
(Ken was involved in the formation of Leasing News and
represented it (pro bono) in the early days.)

Peter S. Hemar, Esq.
Hemar & Associates, Attorneys at Law
2001 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 510
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Telephone: (310) 829-1948
Fax: (310) 829-1352
phemar@hemar.com
(My firm supports the clause giving lessees advance 
notice of the expiration of their contract.)

Brandon J. Mark
Attorney at Law, Admitted in Utah and Oregon
Parsons Behle & Latimer
201 South Main Street, Suite 1800
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Direct Dial 801.536.6958
Facsimile 801.536.6111
www.parsonsbehle.com
BMark@parsonsbehle.com
(His firm represents banks who buy leases, and his
clients refuse to buy these types of leases.)

Barry S. Marks
MARKS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Financial Center - Suite 1615
505 North 20th Street
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
P. O. Box 11386
Birmingham, Alabama 35202
barry@leaselawyer.com
www.leaselawyer.com
205.251.8303
fax 278.8905 (Direct) 251.8305 (Main)
(Well-known to the leasing industry, also Alabama Poet)

Tom McCurnin
Barton, Klugman & Oetting
350 South Grand Ste. 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Voice: (213) 617-6129
Fax: (213) 625-1832
Cell: (213) 268-8291
Email: tmccurnin@bkolaw.com
(Leasing News Advisor/Leasing News Legal Editor,
Well-Known top Leasing Litigator)

Frank Peretore
Peretore & Peretore, P.C.
191 Woodport Road
Sparta, New Jersey 07871
www.peretore.com
(973) 729-8991
peretore@peretore.com
(Experienced leasing attorney, aggressive, author, secretary,
National Equipment Finance Association, ELFA, too)

Ellen Stern
Ellen Michele Stern
17630 El Mineral Rd
Perris, CA 92570
951-443-4000
leaselaw@msn.com
(Long time Southern California leasing attorney, well-respected)

Kevin E. Trabaris, Principal
Trabaris, P.C.
707 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 600
Northbrook, IL 60062
Direct: (847) 205-4377
Mobile: (847) 840-4687
Fax: (848) 260-5768
kevin@trabaris.com
www.trabaris.com
"In my career, I’ve repeatedly seen this provision misused
by unscrupulous lessors and think it’s a bad idea for both
the lessee and the lessor."

Michael J. Witt, Esq.
MICHAEL J. WITT LAW OFFICES
4342 Oakwood Lane
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Tel: (515) 657-8706
Mobile: (515) 868-1067
Fax: (515) 223-2352
witt-law@live.com
(Former Advanta Leasing
and Wells Fargo Equipment Finance attorney)


[headlines]
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New Hires—Promotions


Sharon Barrett hired as Leasing Consultant for the new LPO First South Leasing, Charlotte, North Carolina, a subsidiary of First South Bank (wholly owned subsidiary of First South Bancorp, Inc., NASDAQ: FSBK). Presently she is also Operations Manager/Credit Officer Springs Leasing Corporation (July 1988–Present).
www.linkedin.com/pub/sharon-barrett/85/2bb/913

Mike Burkman named Business Development Manager - Equipment Leasing Industry, Everbank Commercial Finance, Parsippany, New Jersey; working out of the Parsippany office. Business Development Manager, Univest Capital (November 2011–Present); Regional Manager, National City Commercial Capital (September 2002–March 2010); Regional Manager, Susquehanna Commercial Leasing (2000–2001); Regional Manager, American Equipment Leasing (1996–2001); Senior Sales Rep., Pitney Bowes (September, 1988–September, 1996). Education: Fairmont State University, BS, Business Administration (1980–1984), All American, Eston K Feater Award Winner. Activities and Societies: Competitive Water Sports www.linkedin.com/in/mpburkman

Harold Jacobs named vice-president, credit portfolio manager, Suntrust Equipment Finance & Leasing Corp., Towson, Maryland. Previously he was AVP/Credit Officer, CIT (August 2011–January, 2014); VP/Director of Operations, 3 Step IT (July 2010–July 2011 ); Director of Credit, CoActiv Capital Partners Inc. (2008–2009); Senior Credit Officer, DeLage Landen Financial Services (January 1999–January 2008); Assistant VP/Credit Manager, Copelco Capital, Inc. (January 1992-January 1998); Commercial Loan Officer/AVP, Bank of America (formerly National Westminster Bank) (January 1987–January 1992); Credit Analyst, Orix Credit Alliance Corp (January 1985–January 1986); Senior Credit Analyst, CIT Corp. (formerly Manufacturers Hanover Leasing Corp (1983–1985) Credit Analyst, Wachovia Bank (formerly First Fidelity Bank) (January 1981–January 1983). Education: Rider University, BS in Commerce, Finance (1976 – 19800; Have completed various credit courses through RMA, D&B, The ELFA, and Moody's throughout my career.
www.linkedin.com/pub/harold-jacobs/11/724/2ab

Bill Loots named Originations Leader - Golf Platform at Everbank Commercial Finance, Parsippany, New Jersey; based out of Coppell, Texas. Previously he was Relationship Manager -Golf, De Lage Landen (September 2009–April 2013); Finance Manager, GE Capital Corporation (July 2008–February 2009); Vice President, CitiCapital (2000–2008 );:Vice President, CitiCapital (2000–2008); Regional Sales Manager, The Associates (1992–2000); Vice President, Associates First Capital Corporation (1992–2000). Education: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, BSB, Finance / Accounting (1976–1980), Activities and Societies: Member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. www.linkedin.com/pub/bill-loots/b/a52/423

JD Magness promoted to Regional VP at People's United Equipment Finance Corp f/k/a Financial Federal Credit Inc., Urbanna, Virginia. He joined the firm in April, 1995. Education: University of Richmond - Robins School of Business, Bachelor's degree, Accounting and Finance (1970–1974). www.linkedin.com/pub/jd-magness/6/4b3/543

Robert Mercogliano named Managing Director and Head of Asset Management at SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing Corp., Atlanta, Georgia; working out of Atlanta, Georgia. Previously he was Vice President - Global Head of Asset Management PSF-IC&I ,Siemens Financial Services, (1996–January 2014); Asset Manager, CIT (1995–1996); Director Asset Management, Bell Atlantic Tricon (1985-1995). Education: Fairleigh Dickinson University, BS, International Business Management (2002-2006); Activities and Societies: Magna Cum Laude, Beta Gamma Sigma; Keyport High School; 1983-1983; Paramus Catholic High School (1979–1982). Organizations: ELFA Asset Management Committee 2000-Present, Chairman ELFA Asset Management Committee 2007
www.linkedin.com/in/robertmercogliano

James Perry promoted to Executive Vice President, Continental Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah. He joined the firm August, 2013. Previously he was Finance Executive, Summit Leasing, Inc. (2003–2010):Business Development and Credit Analyst, Dolsen Leasing (2002–2003);Senior Vice President, D. A Davidson (1999–2002 ) Vice-president, KeyBanc Capital Markets (1995–1999 ); Vice President and Manager, Security Pacific Bank/West One Bank (Merger) (1989–1995). President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2010–2013)Virginia, Richmond Mission.
www.linkedin.com/pub/james-perry/67/849/377

Hadley Robbins promoted to Executive Vice President And Chief Operating Officer, Columbia Bank, Tacoma, Washington. He joined Columbia on April 1, 2013, with the merger of West Coast Bancorp, where he had served as Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer since 2007.  His experience spans over 25 years and includes a variety of executive positions with Wells Fargo Bank, Pacific Northwest Bank, Bank of the Northwest and First Interstate Bank.  He holds an MBA from the University of Oregon and a BS in Business Administration from Lewis and Clark College.

Louis Sombat named director of operations, SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing Corp., Atlanta, Georgia. He previously served as SVP Legal & Operations Century Tokyo Leasing (USA) Inc., (January 2006–February, 2013); Vice President, Fifth Third Leasing (October 2004 – December 2005): Manager Portfolio Investments, Key Equipment Finance (November 1998 – October 2004). Education: Cleveland State University - Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, JD, Corporate and Commercial Law (1994); Cleveland State University. BA, Accounting & Finance (1984).
www.linkedin.com/pub/lou-sombat/b/711/7b

Del Snode joins Maxim Commercial Credit, Los Angeles, California as asset manager. Previously he was asset director/general manager of CCTS, Tucker Capital (2008-2013); service director, Dick Hannah Lincoln-Mercury/Subaru (2006-2008); service manager, Dick Hannah Ford (formerly Town & Country/Coliseum Ford (1992-2006), service manager, Northside Ford Trucks (1990-1991), service manager, Woodpecker Truck and Equipment (1980-1990), night shift foreman (1980-1984); assistant service manager, Diesel Service Unit Co. Peterbilt (1974-1980). EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Ford Service and Parts Seminar. Completed Ford, Class 8 Trucks Warranty and Policy School. Attended all Cummins, Cat, Detroit, and OEM. Update seminars for the all Applicable Product lines. Previous President of the Portland Region Parts & Service Manager Club. The longest consecutive running club in the USA. Former chair of the Ford ASSET Committee @ Mount Hood Community College.
www.linkedin.com/pub/del-snode/7b/452/aa0

Anthony Stein named Vice President - Sales at Ascentium Capital, Kingwood, Texas; working out of Phoenix, Arizona. Previously he was Sales Manager | Senior Account Executive Balboa Capital (2003–January 2014) , account executive (April, 2000-2003). Sales Representative Smart Practice (1996–1999), Customer Service (1994–1996). Wedding Officiant (September 2010–Present-Officiate weddings throughout the US along with pre-wedding counseling/coaching); Parter | Board Member, Destination Media, LLC (August 2005–Present). Education: Arizona State University, Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies, Economics and Business (1997–1999). Batesville High School.
www.linkedin.com/in/steinanthony

Jonathan Tillery named Finance Officer at Fleet Financial Resources, LLC, Riverside, California. He joined Fleet in 2008, serving in various capacities in both operations and business development. He earned a bachelor’s degree in intercultural studies from California Baptist University.

Lawrence Watts has been named head of capital markets, SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing Corp., Atlanta, Georgia; based in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Watts joins the Equipment Finance Group with more than 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, focused primarily on originating, structuring, and syndicating structured debt and tax products. He most recently served as managing director of Wells Fargo Securities' Commercial Asset Leasing & Finance -- Equipment Finance Group. Prior to that, he was in leadership positions with Wachovia Securities, Bank of America's leasing and securities units, and Fleet Global Lease Finance.”

Working Capital Loans $10,000-$250,000
 

 

[headlines]
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Meet

Leasing News Advisor
Bruce Kropschot



Bruce Kropschot is one of the first asked to join the advisory board and he has been active since September 6, 2000.


Bruce Kropschot
Senior Managing Director and
Merger & Acquisition Advisory Practice Leader –
The Alta Group
2352 Clearwater Run
The Villages, FL 32162
(352) 750-3588
bkropschot@thealtagroup.com
www.thealtagroup.com

Bruce Kropschot has been active in the equipment leasing industry since 1972 and has been a senior executive of three large leasing companies. In 1986 he founded Kropschot Financial Services, a firm he developed into the leading provider of merger and acquisition advisory services for equipment leasing companies. In 2008 Kropschot Financial Services became a part of The Alta Group, the leading worldwide consulting firm for the leasing industry. Bruce heads Alta’s M&A advisory practice, which also arranges debt and equity capital and provides valuation services for leasing companies. He has played a major role representing sellers or buyers in the sale of about 200 equipment leasing and financing companies.

After 41 years in the equipment leasing industry, Bruce shows no signs of slowing down. He says that his business is his favorite hobby. When asked what have been the keys to his success, he stated, “Obviously a thorough knowledge of many types of leasing companies is essential in the M&A advisory business. However, of utmost importance is maintaining the highest level of integrity. The Alta Group’s reputation depends upon always treating as confidential any information we receive in confidence from potential buyers and sellers of leasing companies.”

Bruce has served on the Board of Directors of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation, Eastern Association of Equipment Lessors, United Association of Equipment Leasing and International Network of Merger & Acquisition Partners. He has served on the Leasing News Advisory Board since 2000, and he also served on the alumni advisory board of the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. He has BBA and MBA degrees (with honors) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Michigan and is a CPA.

Bruce’s favorite recreational activity has long been skiing. Now that knee problems have curtailed his ski trips, Bruce and his wife Barbara spend their vacations with international travel.

 

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

Please send Leasing News to a colleague and ask them to subscribe.
We have real stories, not just press releases, and you will read
what is happening—not just B.S.

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


[headlines]
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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

 


[headlines]
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Top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends 2014

William G. Sutton, CAE, ELFA President/CEO
(1:58)


[headlines]
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UCC Article 9 Survey Complete


CSC Corporation Service Company announces their survey regarding the 2010 amendments to UCC Article 9, best practices and trends, is complete. More than 2,100 professionals contributed to the survey, CSC reports, with more than 1,200 submitting complete responses.

To obtain a print-quality version of the Infographic,
please go here to make the request:

https://www.cscglobal.com/global/web/csc/ucc-survey-infographic-industry.html




[headlines]
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Check Out Twitter's Usage Relative To Facebook
By Jay Yarow, Business Insider


Twitter said it has 241 million monthly active users, which is only up 9 million from the previous quarter. This has the stock plunging. It was down 24% yesterday (Thursday).

This won't make Twitter happy, but we charted out its user growth in comparison to Facebook. Not only is Facebook significantly larger, it's also adding more users on a quarterly basis. Despite the fact that Facebook is nearly ubiquitous, it added 39 million more users last quarter.  Twitter user base grew only by 1 million.

Twitter remains a niche service relative to Facebook. And it doesn't look like that's going to change any time soon.

John Kenny Receivables Management
www.jrkrmdirect.com

• End of Lease Negotiations & Enforcement
• Fraud Investigation
• Credit Investigations
• Asset Searches
• Skip-tracing
• Third-party Commercial Collections

The Solution to Your Credit & Accounts Receivable Needs 
John Kenny
315-866-1167 |  John@jkrmdirect.com

(Leasing News provides this ad as a trade for investigations
and background information provided by John Kenny)

[headlines]
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Marketing to Millennials:
5 Things Every Marketer Should Know


Millennials, the generation born beginning in 1980 (and defined for the purposes of this analysis as adults ages 18-34), are an extremely unique demographic segment with digital media consumption habits that vary greatly from older generations. While those age 35 and older still comprise the majority of media audiences in the U.S., Millennials account for a disproportionate share of total screen time and provide a useful glimpse at what the future of media consumption will look like. Because their media consumption habits serve as a leading indicator for the broader media landscape, understanding how to market to this valuable demographic is vital to brands, agencies and media companies seeking to stay ahead of the curve.

Key questions to be answered in this whitepaper include:

  • How much more time do Millennials spend online and on mobile than their older counterparts?

  • How many Millennials own a smartphone? Do they prefer Android or iPhones?

  • Do Millennials still use Facebook? Which other social networks do they engage with?

  • How do Millennials prefer to watch TV compared to other age segments? What about their behavior makes them harder to reach with TV ads?

  • Why should marketers focus on digital platforms for advertising to Millennials?

Download for Report:
http://www.comscore.com/Marketing-to-Millennials-5-Things-Every-Marketer-Should-Know



[headlines]
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##### Press Release ############################

ZRG Partners Life Sciences Hiring Index
Shows Modest Gains in 4th Quarter


WEST ORANGE, N.J. – ZRG Partners, Inc. announces the results of its fourth quarter Global Life Sciences Hiring Index. Q4 reflects an overall gain in hiring, with Pharma activity over the long term reaching an all-time index high. Meanwhile R&D hiring took a hit dropping 15% from the previous quarter.

The Asia Pacific Region saw significant hiring in Q4, up more than 25%, with most being attributed to the Sales and Marketing functions.


David Fortier
ZRG Managing Director

“The results of this latest index correlate with the broader economy," said ZRG Managing Director David Fortier. “There were inconsistencies across regions, sectors, and functions along with the continuation of a longer term trend of slow, steady, but uneven growth.

“The positive to take from these numbers is some robust hiring in selected functions within pharmaceuticals and a return of hiring in the commercial function indicating expectations of growth for some companies.”

Full report:
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/2013Q4LifeSciences.pdf

About ZRG Partners
ZRG Partners, Inc. is a global authority on talent management issues in the Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical and Medical markets. ZRG provides its clients with specialized global market expertise in executive recruitment, consulting and advisory work with a focus on data and analytics to drive great business decisions.

The Global Life Sciences Hiring Index analysis utilizes a proprietary algorithm that looks at confidential hiring within selected benchmark companies in three distinct segments. The companies in the Index generate over $634 billion in revenues and employ over 1,300,000 people globally. ZRG Partners conducts extensive direct market research in developing the data that drives the Index.

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

 

 

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2014 Major Leasing/Finance Conference
Update



March 20
Equipment Leasing and Finance Association
3th Annual IMN/ELFA Investor Conference
New York, NY
More Information is available at:
http://www.imn.org/structured-finance/conference/The-13th-Annual-Investors-Conference-on-Equipment-Finance/Home.html

2013 Conference Report by Bruce Kropschot
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2013/3_25.htm#nyc

 


March 31-April 2
National Vehicle Leasing Association
Annual Conference
Westin La Paloma Resort
Tucson, Arizona

Event Schedule
http://www.nvla.org/images/scheduler.gif

Registration
https://www.nvla.org/register.php



April 2-4
National Equipment Finance Association
2014 National Equipment Finance Summit
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
Scottsdale, Arizona

Full Information:
http://nefassociation.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=383559



April 23 - 25
2014 National Funding Conference
Chicago, IL

Brochure:
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/AprilELFAConference2014.pdf

 


May 1 - 3
National Association of Equipment
Leasing Brokers
2014 Annual Meeting
Caribe Royale Hotel
Orlando, FL

NAELB has negotiated a special group rate of $139/night for single/double or $159/night for king deluxe, from Wednesday, April 30 - Saturday, May 3.
https://aws.passkey.com/event/10434951/owner/186/home

Information:
http://www.naelb.org/NAELB/Events/2014_Annual_Conference.aspx



May 7 - 9
Association of Government Leasing and Finance
AGL&F/ELFA Public Sector Finance Forum
Washington, DC

Information:
http://www.aglf.org/events/aglfelfa-public-sector-finance-forum

Hotel Reservation:
http://www.doubletreemagmile.com/

 


September 4-6
2014 Eastern Regional Meeting
Lord Baltimore Hotel
Baltimore, MD


September 10-12
Canadian Finance and Leasing Association
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Whistler, British Columbia


September 18-20
San Antonio Texas
To Be Announced



October 19-21
2014 53rd Annual Convention
Manchester Grand Hyatt
San Diego, CA


November 5-7
34th Annual AGLF Fall Conference
Loews Ventana Canyon
Tucson, Arizona

November 6 - 8
2014 Western Regional Meeting
Hyatt Regency Irvine
Irvine, CA


November 12 - 14
Commercial Finance Association
70th Annual Convention
Washington Marriott Wardman Park
Washington, D.C.

 



November 16 -17
NJ Expo Regional
Teaneck, New Jersey
(Sunday evening- All Day Monday)


CFA Related Conferences
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/CFAConferences_2014.pdf

CFA Network Calendar
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/CFAEventsCalendar_2014.pdf

ELFA ---2014 Schedule of Conferences, Workshops
and e-Learning Opportunities
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/ELFA2014ScheduleInfo_1212014.pdf


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to help support the growth of Lease Police)

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German Shorthaired Pointer (short coat)
Menlo Park, California Adopt-a-Dog



Sex: Female
Weight: 43 pounds
Age: 6 years
Kids: 6 and up
Other dogs: Good with other dogs
Cats: Unknown
Hunting: Unknown

“Phoebe is a doll!

“Phoebe is the sweetest little GSP! Her foster home calls her glue, because that’s what she is to them. She wants to be near her humans at all times. It helps her feel safe after her time in the shelter, but her foster family is also working on helping her be comfortable on her own. She is fine when left on her own, but whenever her people are around, she’s there, too! This is likely the first time she’s lived in a home, so she’s starting at square one with learning all of the basics. She is picking them up quickly, however, and is eager to please. She gets along great with the three male dogs in her home, and has even started to play with them. All in all, Phoebe is a gorgeous GSP gal who will make someone a very devoted and loyal companion. She’s on the hunt for them!”

Adoption $: 2 Special Needs: No
Spay/Neutered status: Yes
Up-to-date on vaccinations: Yes
adopt@NorCalGSPrescue.org
(408) 402-2092

Shelter: NorCal German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue
Location: Menlo Park, CA 94026


Adopt-a-Pet by Leasing Co. State/City
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Adopt_Pet.htm

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

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Fernando's View
By Fernando F. Croc

A brisk thriller ("Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit") and a hugely enjoyable documentary ("Tim's Vermeer") come to theaters, while DVD releases offer Oscar nominees with "Captain Phillips," "Blue Jasmine" and "The Spectacular Now."

In Theaters:


Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (Paramount Pictures): Having already appeared in a series of action blockbusters (including "The Hunt for the Red October" and "Clear and Present Danger"), Tom Clancy's famous character Jack Ryan returns in this brisk, exciting thriller. Focusing on his younger years as a CIA analyst, the plot follows Ryan (played by Chris Pine) as he recuperates from a helicopter crash following a mission in Afghanistan. That's when he's approached by agent Harper (Kevin Costner) and convinced to infiltrate the halls of Wall Street, where he stumbles upon some sinister skullduggery involving a mysterious Russian broker named Cherevin (played by Kenneth Branagh, the movie's director). Can a plot to control global economy be far off? With its fast pace, exciting set pieces and smart intrigue, Branagh's film offers an engaging reboot of a sturdy movie hero.


Tim's Vermeer (Sony Pictures Classics): Were Vermeer's paintings just a little too precise? That's the question asked by Penn Jillette and Teller, the comic duo known for their love of debunking myths, and who turn their inquisitive gaze at the works of the 17th-century Dutch artist in this hugely enjoyable documentary. The movie's main investigator is Tim Jenison, a San Antonio inventor who posits the theory that Vermeer could not have painted the way he did without a bit of "cheating" help from optical devices. With a brush in one hand and a mirror in another, he sets out to prove his idea by recreating one of the legendary painter's works. Combining concepts of creativity and technology with plenty of sly humor, the film is a comic detective story as well as a fascinating portrait of obsession. Art history debates are rarely this much fun.

Netflix Tip: With the shocking death of Phillip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014), the film world has lost one of its most extraordinary actors. In honor of this remarkably complex, magnetic performer, check out some of his best roles, ranging from "Magnolia" (1999) and "Almost Famous" (2001) to "Capote" (2005) and "The Master" (2012).

On DVD:

Captain Phillips (Sony): A specialist in white-knuckle dramatic rollercoasters, director Paul Greengrass ("United 93," "The Bourne Ultimatum") teams up with Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks for a thriller that's sure to show up at next year's Academy Awards. Hanks stars in this true-story as Richard Phillips, an American sea captain whose cargo freighter was hijacked by a bunch of Somali pirates in 2009. As he and his crew are taken hostage in the middle of the ocean, Phillips must use every inch of his ingenuity to stay alive, leading up to a shattering conclusion. Using the intimate yet kinetic style of camerawork that's been his trademark since "Bloody Sunday," Greengrass goes for the audience's emotional throat in scene after scene, helped enormously by Hanks' brand of everyday decency and unassuming heroism.


Blue Jasmine (Sony): Continuing his autumnal, "Midnight in Paris" hot-streak, Woody Allen offers another triumph in his latest comedy-drama. The multi-character story centers on Jasmine (Cate Blanchett, in an intense performance), a woman whose recent plunge from her previous privileged position has pushed her to the verge of a nervous breakdown. Moving from New York to San Francisco, the increasingly frantic Jasmine takes residence with her sister (Sally Hawkins) and tries to put her life together, getting involved with an array of potential new boyfriends in the process. Allen's first movie in years set in the U.S., this is a razor-sharp work with a surprising cast (including Alec Baldwin, Louis C.K. and Andrew Dice Clay) and the legendary writer-director's mix of laugh-out-loud comedy and piercing drama.


The Spectacular Now (Lions Gate): Genuine romance is something rare in movies nowadays, which makes this touching comedy-drama about young love all the more special. The story kicks off with Sutter (Miles Teller), a teenager whose confidence and charm are matched only by his drinking abilities, hits an unexpected road block: being dumped by his girlfriend. Following a particularly colorful bender, he wakes up on the lawn of Aimee (Shailene Woodley), a fellow high school senior whose brainy, unpretentious freshness leaves him immediately smitten. But can their budding relationship survive the speed bumps of adolescence in a small town? Mixing the emotional earnestness of director James Ponsoldt's previous film "Smashed" and the lively wit of "(500) Days of Summer," the movie is a breath of fresh air in an often muggy season.

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News Briefs----

Mortgages Fall for Fifth Week in a Row
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-analysis.aspx?ic_id=Top_Stories_link_1

How the lease accounting proposal may change
http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/News/20149547.htm

Banks Can't Close Branches Fast Enough
http://www.jimmarous.blogspot.com/2014/02/bank-branch-closing-trends.html

Bank of the West Earns 2013 Greenwich Small Business and Middle Market Banking Excellence Awards in 11 Categories
http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/05/6131020/bank-of-the-west-earns-2013-greenwich.html

Former Hellenic Postbank CEO arrested in Athens
http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Former-Hellenic-Postbank-CEO-arrested-in-Athens-5205890.php

The Quick Rise and Abrupt Fall of a Bitcoin Champion
http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/02/06/the-quick-rise-and-abrupt-fall-of-a-bitcoin-champion/?ref=business

 



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--You May Have Missed It


Fun look at the band: The Beatles by the numbers
http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/06/6134894/the-beatles-by-the-numbers.html


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SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer


11 Ways to Crush Nighttime Cravings
http://www.sparkpeople.com/11_ways_to_crush_nighttime_cravings



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Sports Briefs----

 

49er Fan at Seattle Seahawk’s Parade

After tough loss, Peyton Manning tackles Pebble Beach
http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/After-tough-loss-Peyton-Manning-tackles-Pebble-5209207.php

Ralph Kiner, Slugger Who Became a Voice of the Mets, Dies at 91
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/07/sports/baseball/ralph-kiner-slugger-who-became-a-voice-of-mets-dies-at-91.html?hp

Grant Cohn: 49ers grade and projections
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20140206/sports/140209705


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California Nuts Briefs---

Sausalito council votes to rebuild fishing dock
http://www.marinij.com/editorial/ci_25072895/editorial-sausalito-council-votes-rebuild-fishing-dock



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“Gimme that Wine”

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

Mendocino County winemaking giant John Parducci dies at 96
http://pressdemocrat.com/article/20140205/articles/140209758

Who Buys Wine Over $20?
http://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2014/02/who-drinks-wine-over-20-dollars

Price Becoming "No. 1 Weapon" in U.S. Wine Market
http://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2014/01/price-becoming-no-1-weapon-in+us-wine-market

Bill would cut taxes for Hawaii breweries, wineries
http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/blog/morning_call/2014/02/bill-would-cut-taxes-for-hawaii.html

 

Free Mobile Wine Program
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2010/2_26.htm#mobile

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

US/International Wine Events
http://www.localwineevents.com/

Winery Atlas
http://www.carterhouse.com/atlas/\

Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/wnensprts.htm


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This Day in History

    1820- the first American to set foot on Antarctica was John Davis, a seal hunter, who went ashore at Hughes Bay. Antarctica had already been seen from a distance by the English explorer James Cook and the crew of his ship, the Endeavor, which circumnavigated the continent between 1773 and 1775.
    1827- Ballet was introduced to the United States by renowned French danseuse Mme Francisquy Hutin with a performance of The Deserter, staged at the Bowery Theater, New York, NY. A minor scandal erupted when the ladies in the lower boxes left the theater upon viewing the light and scanty attire of Mme Hutin and her troupe.
    1861- A dramatic drop in temperature took place. The temperature at Gouverneur, New York plunged 70 degrees in one day, from 30 degrees above zero to 40 degrees below zero. Hanover, New Hampshire plummeted 69 degrees in 18 hours, from 37 degrees at 1 PM on the 7th to 32 degrees below zero at 7 am on the 8th. West Cummingham, Massachusetts dropped 80 degrees, from 48 degrees to 32 degrees below zero, and Boston, Massachusetts plunged 60 degrees, from 46 degrees to 14 degrees below zero.
    1867- birthday of author Laura Elizabeth Ingalls, Dakota Territory, now Wisconsin. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/feb07.html
    1882-John L. Sullivan won the bare-knuckle heavyweight championship of the world by defeating Paddy Ryan in a nine-round fight in Mississippi City, MS. Sullivan was the last bare-knuckles champion. He held the title until 1892 when he lost to James J. Corbett in a fight conducted under the Marquees of Queensbury Rules.
    1883--- Song writer/composer/pianist/organist Eubie Blake birthday
http://www.jass.com/sissle.html
http://chnm.gmu.edu/courses/magic/saloon/blake.html
    1885-Birthday of Sinclair Lewis, American novelist and social critic. Recipient of Nobel Prize for Literature (1930). Among his novels: Main Street, Babbitt and It Can't Happen Here. Born Harry Sinclair Lewis at Sauk Center, MN. Died at Rome, Italy, Jan 10, 1951.
    1893 - Elisha Gray, of Highland Park, Illinois, patented the telautograph which automatically signed autographs on documents, freeing up the autographer to do other things.
    1904 - The biggest fire in the United States since the great Chicago blaze of 1871 broke out in Baltimore, destroying more than 2,600 buildings.

1914—Charlie Chaplin, vaudeville star-turned comedic actor, debuted a new character in Kid Auto Races at Venice, a Keystone Studios short released on this date. The mischievous but romantic “Tramp” sporting a tiny mustache, twirling a cane and wearing a little derby, a tight fitting jacket, baggy trousers and floppy shows, was an immediate success with audiences and soon mass produced Tramp dolls were selling all over the US and the world.
    1920 - a great 4 day snow and sleet storm came to an end over New England and southeastern New York. Accumulations of 15 to 20 inches of ice, sleet, and snow were common, stalling traffic for weeks.
    1922 - For the first time, DeWitt and Lila Acheson Wallace offered 5,000 copies of their magazine for sale. Today, "Reader’s Digest" continues to be widely read all over the world. In fact, it is the most-read periodical in history with an over 16 million circulation.
    1926 -- Negro History Week, originated by Carter G. Woodson, is observed for the first time.
    1931 - In New York City, the American opera, "Peter Ibbetson", by Deems Taylor premiered at the Metropolitan Opera House.
    1934 - A deep freeze made it possible to drive from Bay Shore to Fire Island NY.
    1936 - An executive order established the United States Vice President’s flag.
    1940 - Walt Disney's animation, "Pinocchio", premiered at the Center Theatre in Manhattan, New York. The showing was the second feature-length film for Disney, following "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". One critic called the show, "The happiest event since the war."
    1941 - UCLA forward, Jackie Robinson, scored 20 points in a losing cause, as the USC Trojans beat the Bruins 43-41, marking the 34th straight loss UCLA had suffered to USC since 1932. In the 1970s, the Bruins made up for those losses when coach John Wooden arrived.
    1941 - On Victor Records, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Frank Sinatra teamed up to record "Everything Happens to Me". The session was held in the New York City studios of Victor.
    1944-- The Nazi's launch a second attack against the Allied beachhead at Anzio, Italy. They hoped to push the Allies back into the sea.
    1949 - The New York Yankees rewarded Joe DiMaggio by making him the first baseball player to earn $100,000 a year.
    1949 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``A Little Bird Told Me,'' Evelyn Knight & the Stardusters.
    1950 --The United States recognizes Vietnam under the leadership of Emperor Bao Dai, not Ho Chi Minh who is recognized by the Soviets.
    1950—Top Hits
Dear Hearts and Gentle People - Dinah Shore
A Dreamer’s Holiday - Perry Como
The Old Master Painter - Snooky Lanson
Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy - Red Foley
    1951-MILLETT, LEWIS L. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company E, 27th Infantry Regiment. Place and date: Vicinity of Soam-Ni, Korea, 7 February 1951. Entered service at: Mechanic Falls, Maine. Born: 15 December 1920, Mechanic Falls, Maine. G.O. No.: 69, 2 August 1951. Citation: Capt. Millett, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position he noted that the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Capt. Millett ordered the 3d Platoon forward, placed himself at the head of the 2 platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge Capt. Millett bayoneted 2 enemy soldiers and boldly continued on, throwing grenades, clubbing and bayoneting the enemy, while urging his men forward by shouting encouragement. Despite vicious opposing fire, the whirlwind hand-to-hand assault carried to the crest of the hill. His dauntless leadership and personal courage so inspired his men that they stormed into the hostile position and used their bayonets with such lethal effect that the enemy fled in wild disorder. During this fierce onslaught Capt. Millett was wounded by grenade fragments but refused evacuation until the objective was taken and firmly secured. The superb leadership, conspicuous courage, and consummate devotion to duty demonstrated by Capt. Millett were directly responsible for the successful accomplishment of a hazardous mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the heroic traditions of the military service.
    1956-- Ella Fitzgerald cuts first session of “Cole Porter Songbook.”
    1956--McGAHA, CHARLES L. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company G, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Lupao, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 7 February 1945. Entered service at: Crosby, Tenn. Birth: Crosby, Tenn. G.O. No.: 30, 2 April 1946. Citation: He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. His platoon and 1 other from Company G were pinned down in a roadside ditch by heavy fire from 5 Japanese tanks supported by 10 machineguns and a platoon of riflemen. When 1 of his men fell wounded 40 yards away, he unhesitatingly crossed the road under a hail of bullets and moved the man 75 yards to safety. Although he had suffered a deep arm wound, he returned to his post. Finding the platoon leader seriously wounded, he assumed command and rallied his men. Once more he braved the enemy fire to go to the aid of a litter party removing another wounded soldier. A shell exploded in their midst, wounding him in the shoulder and killing 2 of the party. He picked up the remaining man, carried him to cover, and then moved out in front deliberately to draw the enemy fire while the American forces, thus protected, withdrew to safety. When the last man had gained the new position, he rejoined his command and there collapsed from loss of blood and exhaustion. M/Sgt. McGaha set an example of courage and leadership in keeping with the highest traditions of the service.
    1958—Top Hits
Don’t/I Beg of You - Elvis Presley
Get a Job - The Silhouettes
Sail Along Silvery Moon - Billy Vaughn
Ballad of a Teenage Queen - Johnny Cash

1959 - Buddy Holly's funeral is held at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Lubbock, TX, drawing over a thousand mourners. Holly's widow did not attend. On the same day, Ritchie Valens is buried in San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

    1960-Barrett Strong's "Money" enters the pop chart where it tops out at #23. On the R&B chart it climbs to #2. The song will be covered by the likes of the Beatles, Kingsmen, Flying Lizards and Jr. Walker and the All Stars.
    1962 -- Vietnam: First U.S. Army support companies arrive in Saigon. Weapons were still M-1's and BAR's; no preparation for jungle war fare. The
military has not changed in all these years, still: SNAFU. Ask
any vet who was there.
    1962-Birthday of singer Garth Brooks; the biggest star to emerge from the "new country" movement of the 1990s, was born in Yukon, Oklahoma. He blended rock and country influences and his highly theatrical stage shows stemmed from his admiration for such groups as Queen and Kiss. Since his self-titled debut in 1989, sales of Brooks’ albums have surpassed 50 million. His 1991 release "Ropin' the Wind" was the first album ever to debut at number one on both Billboard's pop and country album charts, a feat repeated by his 1993 album "In Pieces."
    1964 -- Cassius Clay becomes a Black Muslim.
    1964-The Beatles arrive at New York's Kennedy Airport for their first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." They are greeted by thousands of screaming fans in what is the first demonstration of Beatlemania in America. It was also the day that Baskin-Robbins introduced "Beatle-Nut" ice-cream.
    1965 -- Vietnam: US Air force begins systematic saturation bombing & strafing of North Vietnam — as opposed to their special "festive" bombing & strafing — coinciding with Kosygin’s visit to Hanoi.
    1966-The Beatles' "Nowhere Man" is released.

    1966—Birthday of Chris Rock, actor, comedian, born Brooklyn, New York.
    1966—Top Hits
My Love - Petula Clark
Barbara Ann - The Beach Boys
No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach’s In) - The T-Bones
Giddyup Go - Red Sovine
    1966-The Beach Boys album, "Summer Days" goes gold, it's their sixth album to do so.
    1967--SISLER, GEORGE K. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam. 7 February 1967. Entered service at: Dexter, Mo. Born: 19 September 1937, Dexter, Mo. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Sisler was the platoon leader/adviser to a Special United States/Vietnam exploitation force. While on patrol deep within enemy dominated territory, 1st Lt. Sisler's platoon was attacked from 3 sides by a company sized enemy force. 1st Lt. Sisler quickly rallied his men, deployed them to a better defensive position, called for air strikes, and moved among his men to encourage and direct their efforts. Learning that 2 men had been wounded and were unable to pull back to the perimeter, 1st Lt. Sisler charged from the position through intense enemy fire to assist them. He reached the men and began carrying 1 of them back to the perimeter, when he was taken under more intensive weapons fire by the enemy. Laying down his wounded comrade, he killed 3 onrushing enemy soldiers by firing his rifle and silenced the enemy machinegun with a grenade. As he returned the wounded man to the perimeter, the left flank of the position came under extremely heavy attack by the superior enemy force and several additional men of his platoon were quickly wounded. Realizing the need for instant action to prevent his position from being overrun, 1st Lt. Sisler picked up some grenades and charged single-handedly into the enemy onslaught, firing his weapon and throwing grenades. This singularly heroic action broke up the vicious assault and forced the enemy to begin withdrawing. Despite the continuing enemy fire, 1st Lt. Sisler was moving about the battlefield directing force and several additional men of his platoon were quickly wounded. His extraordinary leadership, infinite courage, and selfless concern for his men saved the lives of a number of his comrades. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the military service.
    1968 -- After American & South Vietnamese air & artillery strikes level the city of Bentre, South Vietnam (pop. 50,000), a US Army major explains that
"it became necessary to destroy the town to save it."
http://www.namebase.org/nerve.html
    1969-- Diane Crump became the first woman jockey to ride in a pari-mutuel race at a US Track. Crump finished tenth in a field of 12 at Hialeah.
    1969 - The weekly TV music variety show ``This Is Tom Jones'' premieres on ABC-TV.
    1970-Johnny Cash's album, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" goes gold. His label, Columbia, report his LPs "At Folsom Prison" and "At San Quinten" have sold over 2 million copies each and his "Greatest Hits" album has sold over a million copies.
    1970-Joe Cocker's version of the Beatles classic "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" peaks at #30 on the pop chart.
    1974-Soul artist Barry White receives four gold records on this date: for the singles "Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up" (#7), "Love's Theme" (Number One by the Love Unlimited Orchestra, conducted by White), and the album's "Under the Influence of Love Unlimited" (#3) and "Sonte Gon'" (#20).
    1974—Top Hits
The Way We Were - Barbra Streisand
Love’s Theme - Love Unlimited Orchestra
Americans - Byron MacGregor
Jolene - Dolly Parton
    1974-- Mel Brooks' "Blazing Saddles" opens in movie theaters.
http://www.filmsite.org/blaz.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blazing_Saddles
    1976-Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" peaks at #1 on the chart.
    1978 - The worst winter storm of record struck coastal New England. The storm produced 27.5 inches of snow at Boston, and nearly 50 inches in northeastern Rhode Island. The fourteen foot tide at Portland ME was probably the highest of the century. Winds gusted to 79 mph at Boston, and reached 92 mph at Chatham MA. A hurricane size surf caused 75 deaths and 500 million dollars damage.
    1979-- the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Darryl Sittler set an NHL record for most points in a game when he scored six goals and earned four assists in an 11-4 victory over the Boston Bruins. 1982, outfielder George Foster became baseball’s highest-paid player and the first $2 million man when he signed a five-year contract worth $10 million with the New York Mets. Free agent Foster left the Cincinnati Reds’ fabled “Big Red Machine,” but his offensive production with the Mets never reached expectations. New York released him before the last year of his contract expired.
    1979 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?'' Rod Stewart. The song is an international success, reaching No. 1 in 11 countries.
    1980 -- Pink Floyd begins one of the more unusual coast-to-coast tours in rock history, playing the first of only 14 shows in Los Angeles. The only other city they played was New York. The stage, to promote the band's latest album "The Wall," features a 120 by 60 foot wall made of Styrofoam blocks, which gradually envelops the group as the show goes on.
    1982—Top Hits
Centerfold - The J. Geils Band
Harden My Heart - Quarterflash
Turn Your Love Around - George Benson
Lonely Nights - Mickey Gilley
    1984---Navy Captain Bruce McCandless was the first and Army Lieutenant Colonel Robert Stewart were the second astronaut to fly free in space. While in orbit over the earth, McCandless exited Space Shuttle Challenger and maneuvered freely, without a tether, using a rocket pack on his own design. Stewart also sued the rocket pack to fly untethered later that day.
    1985 - "Sports Illustrated" released its annual swimsuit edition. This issue was the biggest regular edition in the magazine’s history, with 218 pages. On the cover, Paulina Porizkova joined Cheryl Tiegs and Christie Brinkley as the only models to make the cover more than once.
    1985 - "New York, New York" became the Big Apple's official anthem. Mayor Ed Koch made the announcement.
    1986 -- Haiti: After huge popular protests, dictator "Baby Doc" Duvalier (President-for-Life) flees the country, ending 35 years of this U.S.-sponsored terrorist dictatorship
    1987 - Madonna’s "Open Your Heart" hit #1 in the U.S. It was the third straight number-one single from her "True Blue" album.
    1988 - Twenty-two cities in the eastern U.S. reported record low temperatures for the date, including Binghamton NY with a reading of 5 degrees below zero. Snow blanketed southern Louisiana, with three inches reported at Cameron.

1988—One of the longest running shows in television history, “America’s Most Wanted” premiers, asking viewers for help, find fugitives from the law by airing dramatic reenactments of crimes and interviewing law enforcement officials for insight. It also highlight cases of missing children. The show hassled to more than 1,100 arrests. Popular host John Walsh closes by addressing viewers “ And remember, you can make a difference.” The 1,000th episode aired March 6, 2010. In summer 2011, FOX canceled the show and moved to a quarterly specials format.
    1989 - Twenty-five cities in the western U.S. reported record low temperatures for the date. Lows of 16 at Las Vegas NV, 26 at Bakersfield CA, -29 degrees at Milford UT, and -16 degrees at Reno NV were February records. The low of 43 degrees below zero at Boca CA was a state record for the month of February. In Utah, lows of -32 degrees at Bryce Canyon, -27 degrees at Delta, -29 degrees at Dugway, and -38 degrees at Vernal were all-time records for those locations.
    1989 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``Straight Up,'' Paula Abdul.
    1990- Lisa Leslie of Morningside HS, Inglewood, CA, scored 101 points in the first half of a game against South Torrance HS. the game ended at the half with the score at 1023-24 as the South Torrance coach refused to let his team finish the game.
    1990
How Am I Supposed to Live Without You - Michael Bolton
Opposites Attract - Paula Abdul with The Wild Pair
Downtown Train - Rod Stewart
Nobody’s Home - Clint Black
    1994- Whitney Houston dominated the 21st annual American Music Awards, winning seven honors on the strength of "The Bodyguard" soundtrack and her version of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." During the taping of the show in Los Angeles, Blind Melon lead singer Richard Shannon Hoon began mouthing off, then struck a security guard in the face. He was arrested and put in a police car, where he tried to kick out the partition between the front and back seats. After a further altercation at the police station, Hoon was charged with assault and battery. Blind Melon was a nominee for best new artist but lost to Stone Temple Pilots.
    1994-, Paul Anka was honored at the French music industry's annual awards in Paris for his song "My Way." It was in 1968 that Anka wrote new lyrics to the melody of a French pop hit "Comme d'habitude," which means "As Usual." Anka called his version "My Way," and it became Frank Sinatra's signature song.
    1998 - The XVIIIth Winter Olympic games opened at Nagano, Japan. Wind, rain, fog and lightning, with a mild earthquake thrown in, played havoc with Alpine skiing during the first five days. Then, good weather moved in and, when the games ended, the Japanese were hailed for their excellent show.
    1998-- NHL's Dallas Stars retire Neal Broten's #7
    1999 -Jordan's King Hussein died at age 63.
    2011 - AOL Inc. announced the $315 million purchase of The Huffington Post website.
    2012 - A federal appeals court ruled California's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional.

Super Bowl winners

New Orlean Saint 31
Indianapolis Colts - 17

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SuDoku

The object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. What could be simpler?

http://leasingnews.org/Soduku/soduko-main.htm

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Daily Puzzle

How to play:
http://www.setgame.com/set/puzzle_frame.htm

Refresh for current date:
http://www.setgame.com/set/puzzle_frame.htm

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http://www.gasbuddy.com/
http://www.gasbuddy.com/GB_Map_Gas_Prices.aspx
http://www.gasbuddy.com/GB_Mobile_Instructions.aspx

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Weather

See USA map, click to specific area, no commercials

http://www.weather.gov/

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Traffic Live---

Real Time Traffic Information

You can save up to 20 different routes and check them out with one click,
or type in a new route to learn the traffic live

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