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North Shore Leasing & Funding Corp.
"FOR ALL OF YOUR FUNDING NEEDS"

Nationwide Account Manager

2 yrs. exp., self-motivated, team oriented, college degree preferred. We approve A to D credits, no equipement restrictions. Resume, salary history, requirements by fax: 631-231-3773 or Steve Kelly at steve@nslf.com

North Shore Leasing & Funding Inc. (NSL&F Inc.) established in 1993, is a national small-ticket equipment leasing company located in Hauppauge, NY.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Headlines---

Correction: RW Professional sentencing
    Classified ads
    —Document Manager/Finance/Legal
        Broker/Lessor “A” list up-dated
        National Equipment Leasing
CIT Declares Dividends for 4th Q 2006
    -- Earning Results, Today, 11am, EST
        Reactions: Leasing News Person of the Year
Classified Ads---Help Wanted
    “Money isn’t Everything”
    Sales Makes it Happen—by Kit Menkin
        Alexa Ranks Leasing Media Web Sites
            China Allows Commercial Bank Leasing
Healthcapital Closes Debt Facility
    Top Credit Information:
    D&B, Experian,CreditRiskMonitor,Equifax
        CIT/Vista Access to Financial Services
Bank of Ozarks Best Loan/Lease Year
    Fitch rates 38 Equip. Leasing ABS Transactions
        News Briefs---
You May have Missed---
    Sports Briefs---
        "Gimme that Wine"
Calendar Events
    Snapple Real Facts
        Today's Top Event in History
This Day in American History
    American Football Poem

######## surrounding the article denotes it is a “press release”

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

Correction: RW Professional sentencing

In an earlier story on the sentencing of Barry Drayer, 67, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, in the RW Professional trial, January 12, 2007, Leasing News wrote:

"The way the formula works, he has served five years ( house arrest ) and with good behavior, would get off in seven and a half years, so that means less years than perhaps Steven Barker (age 43, of Lake Forest, California) is going to receive."

Leasing News also assumed after the sentencing, Drayer was going directly to jail from his "under house arrest" bail proceedings.

In attempting to find the facts, lead US Attorney Linda A. Lacewell informed Leasing News:

"He has not served 5 years in prison. He served approximately 14 days upon his arrest in this case; he will get credit for that. He will surrender in 60 days to prison. Good time credit, if earned, is 15 percent of total sentence -- so 20.7 months off at best, leaving 117.3 months (minus the 14 days credit).

"Rochelle (Besser, Drayer's sister who was legally president of RW Professional Corporation and gave testimony in behalf of the prosecution. editor) will be sentenced on January 26. (Stephen) Barker was delayed for awhile because he got a new lawyer."

Here is information on the others found guilty in this case:

9/20/2006
ROGER DRAYER
IMPRISONMENT: Twenty-Six (26) Months. RESTITUTION: $31,413,687.00 joint and several with co-defendants. SUPERVISED RELEASE: Three (3) Years. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT: $100.00.

(4), Count(s) 1s. The defendant pleaded guilty to Count One (Nine Count Superseding Indictment). The defendant is hereby committed to the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons to be imprisoned for a term of twenty-six (26) months. The Court makes the following recommendations to the United States Bureau of Prisons: That the defendant be given credit for time already served, if any. That the defendant serve his sentence in the North East Region. The defendant shall surrender to the United States Marshal for this district at 12:00 p.m. on 12/11/06 or to the Institution. Upon release from Imprisonment, the defendant shall be on Supervised Release for a term of three (3) years. Additional Supervised Released Terms: 1. That the defendant shall make arrangements to pay back the back taxes owed. 2. That the defendant shall pay Restitution in the sum of $31,413,687.00 joint and several with co-defendant. Upon his release from incarceration the defendant shall pay 10% of his gross monthly income to the Clerk of the Court, 100 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, NY 11722 until the full amount of Restitution is paid in full even after the term of Supervised Release has terminated.

8/11/2006

SUSAN COTTRELL
IMPRISONMENT: Twenty (20) Months. SUPERVISED RELEASE: Three (3) Years. RESTITUTION: $29,071, 547.01. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT: $100.00.

(6) Count(s) 1s. The defendant pleaded guilty to Count(s) 1 (Nine Count Superseding Indictment). The defendant is hereby committed to the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons to be imprisoned for a total term of twenty (20) months. The Court makes the following recommendations to the Bureau of Prisons: That the defendant be given credit for time already served, if any. That the defendant serve her sentence in a minimum security facility in the North East area such as Danbury CT. The defendant shall surrender to the United States Marshal upon release from imprisonment, the defendant shall be on Supervised Release for a term of three (3) years. Additional Supervised Release Terms: 1) The defendant shall pay Restitution in the sum of $29,071,547.01 to the Clerk of the Court, 100 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, NY 11722 jointly and severally with the co-defendants. Payments will commence sixty (60) days after the defendant's release from imprisonment and shall be paid at a rate of 10% of the defendant's gross monthly income until Restitution is paid in full even after her term of Supervised Release has terminated.

8/08/2006

ADAM DRAYER
PROBATION: Two (2) Years. HOME DETENTION: Four (4) Months. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT: $25.00.

JUDGMENT as to (5), Count(s) 1ss. The defendant pleaded guilty to Count One (Misdemeanor Information). The defendant is hereby sentenced to probation for a term of two (2) years. Additional Probation Terms: 1) The defendant is to serve four (4) months Home Detention with electronic monitoring. The defendant shall pay the cost of electronic monitoring. The defendant is allowed to leave his home for work, religious, medical and to visit his lawyer only. 2) The defendant shall perform one hundred (100) hours of community service per year of his two (2) year term of Probation at the direction of the Probation Department. 3) The defendant shall file any income tax returns that have not been previously filed at the conclusion of his Probation term

Payaddi Shivashankar
IMPRISONMENT: Thirty (30) Months. SUPERVISED RELEASE: Three (3) Years. RESTITUTION: $600,000.00. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT: $100.00.

Myrna Katz
IMPRISONMENT: One (1) Day. SUPERVISED RELEASE: Three (3) Years. COMMUNITY SERVICE: Three-Hundred (300) Hours. RESTITUTION: $29,196.00. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT: $100.00.

12/04) Bank of New York pays $24 million fine in order to avoid criminal indictment for allegedly failing to report suspicious activity at a branch. "Bank of New York eats $24,000,000 for not handling the infamous "E" account properly.

Previous stories:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/RW_stories.htm

[headlines]

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

Classified ads
—Document Manager/Finance/Legal

From George Booth, Blackrock Capital: In response to your request for pictures of other Pooches - please check our web site www.blackrockcapital.com under "our people" and view our VP-Security - Lady Guinness the Stout of Southport - a 7 year old Lab/German Shepard mix she comes to work with me every day and in addition to her security duties does her share of collection work. *

Documentation Manager: New York, NY
10+ years in equipment leasing/secured lending. Skilled in management & training, documentation, policy and procedure development & implementation, portfolio reporting. Strong work ethic.
Email: dln1031@nyc.rr.com

Documentation Manager: Phoenix, AZ
Lease Administrator with exp. in lease administration, doc. & porfolio management for $200M in IT assets. Additional experience financial analysis process improvement/development.
Email: jeg3894@cox.net

Finance: Austin, TX
20+ years all facets of lease/finance. Collection and credit management. Equipment & rolling stock structuring. $150k credit authority, $100 million portfolio management.
Email: texmartin@juno.com

Finance: Chicago, IL
Experienced in big ticket origination, syndication, valuation and workout.
Twenty five years, MBA, CPA,
JD, LLM (Tax), structuring specialist. Inbound and outbound transactions.
Email: pal108381@comcast.net
Transaction Summary | The Lechner Group
Website: www.tlgattorneycpa.com
Finance: Sausalito, CA
Sr. Corp. officer, presently serving as consultant, fin. service background, M&A, fund raising, great workout expertise, references
Email: nywb@aol.com
Finance: Toronto
Long diverse career financial services industry. Executed billions of dollars of leases over 20 years; structuring, executing and pricing US/Canadian transactions. Per Diem or full time. E-mail: eslavens@eol.ca
Legal: Los Angeles, CA
Experienced in-house corporate and financial services attorney seeks position as managing or transactional counsel. Willing to relocate.
Email: sandidq@msn.com

These job-wanted ads are free. We also recommend to both those seeking a position and those searching for a new hire to also go to other e-mail posting sites:
http://64.125.68.91/AL/LeasingNews/Classified.htm

To place a free “job wanted” ad here, please go to:
http://64.125.68.91/AL/LeasingNews/PostingForm.asp

For a full listing of all “job wanted” ads, please go to:
http://64.125.68.91/AL/LeasingNews/JobPostings.htm

* “GUINNESS JANE BOOTH, Vice President - Security of Black Rock Capital, LLC joined BRC in March of 2000. Prior to joining BRC Ms. Booth ran household security at a private residence in Southport, Connecticut.

“Ms. Booth is in charge of both internal and external security at BRC, and has instituted a "Visitor Arrival Awareness" policy which she vehemently enforces.

“In addition to her responsibilities at BRC, Ms. Booth continues her work in the private sector.”
http://www.blackrockcapital.com/htm/inpeople2.htm

GEORGE K. BOOTH, a Founder, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Black Rock Capital, LLC, Black Rock Capital (Ireland) Limited and Black Rock Capital (UK) Limited and a member of the Board of Directors, is based in the company’s headquarters in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

(Send us pictures of your dog and we will print them.)

[headlines]

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

Broker/Lessor “A” list up-dated

“Broker/Lessor” List

Third Column: YES - Year Company Started | YELB - Years in equipment Leasing Business

A - City Business License | B- State License | C - Certified Leasing Professional |
D - State(s) sales/use tax license |
E -
Named as "lessor" on 50% or more of lease contract signed. |

Name
City, State
Contact
Website
Leasing Association
YCS
YELB
(see above for meaning)
# of Empl.
Geographic Area
Minimum
Dollar
Amount
Buisness Reports
A
B
C
D
E
National Equipment Leasing
MEMBER OF THE ONE WORLD LEASING CO-OP
Indianapolis, IN
Bud Callahan, CLP, Pres.
Mobile: 317.352.9707
bcallahan@ nationalequipmentleasing.com
www.nationalequipmentleasing.com
NAELB
1998
8
US & Canada
$1000
  N/A
Y
Y
Y
Y

[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------
### Press Release ###########################

CIT Declares Dividends for Fourth Quarter 2006

Reflects a 25% Increase in Quarterly Common Dividend

NEW YORK, -- CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), a leading global provider of consumer and commercial finance solutions, announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on its outstanding common stock, a 25% increase over last quarter's dividend of $0.20 per share. The common stock dividend is payable on February 28, 2007 to shareholders of record on February 15, 2007.

CIT also announced that its Board of Directors has declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.3968750 per share on the Company's Series A preferred stock and $1.2972500 per share on the Company's Series B preferred stock. The preferred stock dividends are payable on March 15, 2007 to holders of record on February 28, 2007.

About CIT

CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), a leading commercial and consumer finance company, provides clients with financing and leasing products and advisory services. Founded in 1908, CIT has more than $70 billion in managed assets and possesses the financial resources, industry expertise and product knowledge to serve the needs of clients across approximately 30 industries worldwide. CIT, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 Index, holds leading positions in vendor financing, factoring, equipment and transportation financing, Small Business Administration loans, and asset-based lending. With its global headquarters in New York City, CIT has more than 7,200 employees in locations throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. www.CIT.com .

[headlines]

### Press Release ###########################
--------------------------------------------------------------

CIT Earning Results, Today, Wednesday, 11am, EST

Earnings results for the fourth quarter and year-ending December 31, 2006, before the market opens on Wednesday, January 17, 2007. CIT will hold a conference call and audio webcast to discuss the results at 11:00 AM EST.

Call-in Number:
U.S. & Canada 866-831-6272
International 617-213-8859
Access code 51247414

Webcast: http://ir.cit.com/6

Please dial-in to the call or link to the webcast at least 10 minutes prior to register or download any necessary software. A replay of the call and webcast will be available until 11:59 PM EST on January 24, 2007.

Replay Number:
U.S. & Canada 888-286-8010
International 617-801-6888
Access Code 36450487

Webcast Replay: http://ir.cit.com/6

[headlines]

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

Reactions: Leasing News Person of the Year


Paul A. Larkins
President and Chief Executive Officer
Key Equipment Finance
Superior, Colorado

From Nancy Pistorio, CLP, President
Eastern Association of Equipment Lessors

“Although not knowing him personally, I would like to commend the choice of Paul Larkins as Leasing News Person of the Year for 2006.

“While I have met him and heard him speak on several occasions, I have observed how proactive he is
in industry development; hugely supportive of leasing education, and is deeply concerned about our industry's ethics standings.

“Overall, Paul Larkins is, and continues to be, a strong advocate, and a leader for those of us involved in the equipment leasing world.”

Nancy Pistorio, CLP
Vice-President, Madison Capital
410-653-6269 ext. 125
npistorio@madisoncapital.com
(President, Eastern
Association of Equipment Lessors)

from Bob Otterbacher, President, NAELB:

“Paul Larkins puts his words into action, making him an excellent choice for Leasing Person of the Year for 2006.

“From what I know about him in the industry, he is a man of good character, very knowledgeable and experienced in leasing. What I like most is that he is dedicated to improving the leasing industry through education and higher ethical standards, the same that we subscribe to at NAELB.

“Congratulations Paul and thank you for your support and service to the entire leasing industry.”

Robert Otterbacher
President, NAELB

Bob Otterbacher
President
OBL Financial Services, Inc.
REO@OBLFINANCIAL.COM

--

from Karen A. Larson, President and COO, Global Vendor Services
Key Equipment Finance

"Paul Larkins is an exemplary business, industry and community leader and an excellent choice for Leasing News Person of the Year.

“Paul's impact on the success of the industry and on Key Equipment Finance is immeasurable, and I am honored to work with him each day.”

----

from Paul Menzel, CLP, last year's
Leasing News Person of the Year

“Congratulations on Leasing News' choice for Person of the Year. By naming Larkins "Leasing Person of the Year" you not only confirmed "Paul" is the hottest surname of the decade, but you have elevated the stature of the award above that of the inaugural year.

“Paul Larkin's accomplishments in our industry are very impressive. Aside from his day job, I witnessed Paul's amazing energy in tackling ELFA's recent challenges. He was very effective in two (among other) critical tasks in particular ... replacing Mike Fleming with a dynamic and talented successor and updating and advancing the Code of Fair Business Practices at a time when the Leasing industry has come under significant regulatory scrutiny. Both of these accomplishments will insure that our industry will continue to prosper and grow.

“Many thanks to Paul for his leadership and to Leasing News for the recognition of such important service to our industry.”

Best regards,

Paul

Paul J. Menzel, CLP
Senior Vice President
Community Lending Group
PACIFIC CAPITAL BANCORP
P.O. Box 60607
Santa Barbara, CA 93160-0607
1 South Los Carneros Road
Goleta, CA 93117
Dir Ph# (805)560-1650
Email Paul.Menzel@pcbancorp.com

---

from Valerie Jester, Chairperson, ELFA:

“Paul led the association through a time of transition – both in infrastructure and in the political and regulatory environments.

“Ray Croc once said ‘the quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.’

“Paul gave innumerable hours and worked with a dogged determination to inaugurate a new ELFA President, initiate a much revised Strategic Plan that included a name change for our association and a sweeping change to our Code of Fair Business Practices. ELFA is poised to take on the challenges of the years to come with more resource allocated to advocacy and communications than ever before. “We also have an expanded range of products and a new brand. All due to the vision Paul Larkins possessed for the next decade!

“I am proud to have worked with Paul and feel honored to follow him as Chair of the ELFA.”

valeriejester@brandywinecap.com

---

from Kenneth Bentsen, president ELFA:

“In a relatively short period of time of collaboration, I have found Paul Larkins to be one of the most dynamic leaders I have ever had the privilege to know and work with. His ability to grasp detail while understanding the big picture is incredible and his ability to lead unmatched. Those qualities, and the results they bring, have been recognized by his peers at Key Corp and in the industry, and it is only fitting that Leasing News would bestow upon him such a worthy honor.”

kbentsen@ELAMAIL.COM

Announcement of Ken Larkins as Leasing News Person of the Year
for 2006:

http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/January%202007/01-03-07.htm#year

[headlines]

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

Classified Ads---Help Wanted

Account Manager

North Shore Leasing & Funding Corp.
"FOR ALL OF YOUR FUNDING NEEDS"

Nationwide Account Manager

2 yrs. exp., self-motivated, team oriented, college degree preferred. We approve A to D credits, no equipement restrictions. Resume, salary history, requirements by fax: 631-231-3773 or Steve Kelly at steve@nslf.com

North Shore Leasing & Funding Inc. (NSL&F Inc.) established in 1993, is a national small-ticket equipment leasing company located in Hauppauge, NY.

Sales Professionals


Top commission (75%) plus health and retirement benefits. Full back office, large book funding sources meeting all your clients requirements. Robert Piot: 714-573-9804 or e-mail rpiot@socalleasing.com

To learn more or for more info, click here www.socalleasing.com

[headlines]

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

Sales Make it Happen

Money isn't Everything

Part II

By Kit Menkin

Part I concerned one of my most controversial columns written in 1974 (numbers up-dated:)
"...if you do only work 1,000 hours at actual selling in a year.

"Now:
If you make a $30, 000 yearly, each selling hour is worth $30.00
If you make $60,000 a year, each selling hour is worth $60.00
If you make $90,000 a year, each selling hour is worth $90.00"

It was quite controversial to many readers. A typical reaction follows, with my response 32 years ago.

I titled the column:

Money isn't everything

EDITOR:
Your recent article in the Santa Clara Sun (Business Beat by Kit Menkin) started out great – the first two paragraphs made a good point. The advice (number one through five) used properly, could benefit husband and housewife alike – then sir, you blew it.

From what I can make of remainder of your article, you associated the dollar with the adjective “Almighty.”

Regarding the salesman (real or fictional), who drives his children to school – pick them up for lunch, etc. – don't you or can't realize he is giving them something “cab money” can't buy? Yes, his time is precious, but there will be a time when his children will not need it and will not want much of his time.

“Too many wives and too many children are being given material things that money can buy and are being deprived of the things that only love can give.

Evidently, you can't imagine a man getting satisfaction from doing a “menial” chore – Like painting a house, or a dozen other similar things. If can be mentally a physically refreshing. I suggest you turn to a few other authors for proper perspective.

Your article irritates me so much that even knowing this will end up in someone's round file. I can't help but write it.

If you feel that doing an errand for your wife is a waste of time and as for getting a late start in the morning-all depends on a lot of things.

I have always thought that the most repulsive type of person one can come in contact with during the day, the week – or the year for that matter – is the professional salesman.

You have given perfect directions for becoming one, and I can only hope there aren't too many men ignorant enough to follow them.

Since you enlighten me about some points – let me enlighten you about one – Money isn't everything.

Mrs. Catherine Armstrong

The question of priorities

By Kit Menkin

MY COLUMN regarding priorities seems to have become controversial. Mrs. Catherine Armstrong wrote a letter to the editor chiding me by saying “Money Isn't Everything.” At first, I thought my wife had written the letter.

I showed it to Leslie and she said she wished she had written it. She clipped Mrs. Armstrong's letter, and put it in the refrigerator door so every time I wanted something to eat or drink there the letter would be.

My remarks regarding salesmen taking their children to school, running errands and going to the movies during the day were mentioned in an effort to define priority. My viewpoint is that it is a higher priority to work at making one extra call, one extra effort, reaching beyond your reach. I did not mean money was everything.

IN THE CASE of the salesman, he can make more productive use of his time by going to work earlier or spending time to organize his day than having to have the children to school or come home early to paint the house.

Mrs. Armstrong's point is that money isn't everything and the pleasure of taking the children to school and spending more time with them has a higher priority.

A salesman, an entrepreneur, a man who wants to succeed in the business world, must make the best use of his time. The best use of his available time. If his goal is to be productive as possible, his energy should be turned toward his goal.

I DON'T DISAGREE with Mrs. Armstrong; a person can make time more productive by assigning priorities to tasks.

If a man wants to spend weekends at home, work nine to five and look forward to accumulating one month's vacation each year until he retires at certain age, he'll receive no criticism from me. But a men who's ambition is to produce, and then spends time in housekeeping errands and not giving his full energies to his ambition, he is open for criticism on his choice of value-priorities. In my view, he is not in control of his life.

Part I (if you missed it:)

www.leasingnews.org/archives/January%202007/01-10-07.htm#sales

 

 

[headlines]

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

Alexa Ranks Leasing Media Web Sites

Rank
1/15/2007
12/15/2006
 
WEBSITE NAME
1.
137,032
140,663
  www.leasingnews.org  Leasing News
2.
162,414
143,008
  www.aba.com American Bankers Association
3.
303,701
272,592
  www.elaonline.com Equipment Leasing Association
4.
347,531
339,499
  www.monitordaily.com Monitor Daily
5.
524,164
598,337
  www.naelb.org* National Assoc. of Equip Leasing Brokers
6.
692,745
558,736
  www.ibaa.org Ind Community Bankers of America
7.
993,508
1,829,134
  www.leasefoundation.org Equip. Leasing & Fin Fndn
8.
1,137,722
1,215,212
  www.lessors.com  eLessors Networking Association
9.
1,158,298
1,483,533
  www.leasingnotes.com Leasing Notes
10.
1,566,419
2,126,308
  www.iicl.org  Institute of International Container Lessors
11.
1,715,340
1,056,581
  www.cfa.com  Commercial Finance Association
12.
1,899,675
1,885,152
  www.us-banker.com  U.S.Banker
13.
2,135,771
4,204,192
  www.uael.org  United Association of Equipment Leasing
14.
2,427,750
2,872,180
  www.Leasingpress.com Leasing Press
15.
2,669,017
3,963,471
  www.executivecaliber.ws  Exec Caliber-Jeffrey Taylor
16.
3,644,964
2,607,585
  www.aglf.org  Assoc of Government Leasing  Financing
17.
4,620,972
No Data
  www.leaseassistant.org Lease Assistant
18.
5,655,811
No Data
  www.nationalfunding.org The National Funding Assoc
19.
6,162,818
No Data
  www.eael.org*Eastern Association of Equipment Leasing
20.
No Data
No Data
  www.clpfoundation.org   CLP Foundation
21.
No Data
No Data
  www.leasecollect.org Lean -Lease Enforcement Att Net
22.
No Data
No Data
  www.efj.com Equipment Financial Journal

David G. Mayer's Business Leasing News is not included in the Alexa report list as it does not have its own individual site and Alexa finds Patton Boggs, LLP Attorneys at Law.  The rating is not valid as it includes all those who visit and communicate with the law firm.  When Business Leasing News has its own individual web site, it will be included in the Alexa survey.

*It should also be noted that two web sites have their "list serve" posted via their site, meaning their e-mails are counted as a visit to the site, whereas they are "list serve" communication.  These are technically visits to the web site, but primarily to use "list serve."

These comparisons are compiled by Leasing News using Alexa and should be viewed as a "sampling," rather than an actual count from the website itself.  Other than as noted above, we believe the ratings are reflective as most have stayed in the same position, basically, for over a year.

The Alexa tool bar works on most browsers.
They are partnered with Google.

You may download their free tool bar A graph and analysis of the last three months are available.

( Note: the lower the number, the higher you are on the list. It is based on all web sites. Leasing is only a very small part of the various sites such as Yahoo, MSN, Google, etc. )

[headlines]

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

China Allows Commercial Banks to Set Up Financial Leasing Cos

From the "Asia Pulse"
ELTnews

China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) is set to revise the Administration Rules on Financial Leasing Company, aiming at rectifying the 12 financial leasing companies and canceling the franchise rights of financing and interbank borrowing and lending to make them return to the main business of financing and leasing sector, an authoritative person disclosed.

The rules will permit the commercial banks registered in China to directly set up financial leasing companies.

This is the first time for supervision department to permit commercial banks to directly set up financial leasing companies since 1997 when commercial banks were required to withdraw from financial leasing companies. Commercial banks are taken as the first choice of the major investor of financial leasing company.

This showed that the supervision department will break the mode of separated operation and separated supervision to push forward the mixed operation in financial sector.

To be specific, commercial banks with total assets of not less than 80 billion yuan (US$10.3 billion) in the latest year can become the major investor of financial leasing company and have 50 per cent of the stake of financial leasing companies. At the same time, large-scale leasing companies, manufacturing enterprises and other financial institutions recognized by CSRC can also be the major investors of financial leasing companies with approval from CBRC.

But, according to the revised rules, only commercial banks are qualified to be the initiators of founding financial leasing companies.

CSRC stipulates that financial leasing companies must focus on major operating business, and are not allowed to engage in stock, high-interest deposits, and other illegal business.

Commercial banks were formerly restricted by the policy to open financing leasing business directly.

[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------
### Press Release ###########################

Healthcapital Closes Debt Facility with
New World Equipment Funding, LLC

HealthCapital, Inc., a Wilton, CT based healthcare finance company is pleased to announce that it has closed a $15 million credit facility with New World Equipment Funding, LLC, Lake Success, NY.

HealthCapital, Inc. is an equity principal and currently manages three private investment funds exclusive to providing medical asset manufacturers value added financing structures for their products.

“Finding a debt partner to match the specific investment structures of HealthCapital has been a goal of the company for the past year”, stated Gene Feher, President of HealthCapital. “New World met those criteria, on a rate and structure level, but even more importantly, in their ability to understand our business model and our needs as an equity participant with our vendors. We are extremely pleased with this outcome and feel that our ability to offer products to selected manufacturer clients is greatly enhanced as a result of this relationship with New World Equipment Funding.”

John Martella, President of New World stated that “New World views this relationship as an indication of our ability to develop structured funding facilities which will enhance the market presence of our business partners.”

Contacts:

HealthCapital, Inc New World Equipment Funding, LLC
Ray Leone at rayleone@HealthCap.net John Martella at JMartella@nwlf.net
(203) 762-5499 ext. 11. (516) 918-6440

[headlines]

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

( Top Credit Information:
D&B, Experian, CreditRiskMonitor, and Equifax )


New Credit Research Foundation Study Finds CreditRiskMonitor Among the Top 4 Commercial Credit Information Services

VALLEY COTTAGE, N.Y.----In its updated detailed study of business credit scoring and statistical modeling, the Credit Research Foundation for the first time found CreditRiskMonitor (OTCBB: CRMZ - News) among the top 4 choices of information services being used by Credit Managers. The leading vendors include: D&B, Experian, CreditRiskMonitor, and Equifax.

The Credit Research Foundation, a not-for-profit organization serving the business credit community with education and research since 1949, has previously conducted studies of the growing use of credit scoring, in 2000 and again in 2003. In the 2003 study, CRF reported, many respondents doubted that credit scoring and statistical modeling would work effectively for their businesses. However, in the new survey such skepticism has dissipated, with 88% of respondents indicating they are using scoring or anticipate doing so within 5 years, embracing this innovation. According to the study, respondents cite a reduction in bad debts and days-sales-outstanding, as well as other cost savings.

Al Carmenini, CreditRiskMonitor Senior Vice President, commented, "We are pleased to be recognized in the Credit Research Foundation study along with such well-known brands as D&B, Experian and Equifax. This is another milestone for us in our efforts to gain brand recognition. It is also gratifying to see the B-to-B credit community is actively embracing innovations in scoring and statistical modeling. The CRF's leadership and active members should all take pride in its role as an agent of change."

The study, Credit Scoring, The Future of Decisioning in the A/R Process, is based on a survey conducted in August and September, 2006. A total of 490 credit professionals responded to this survey. The full study is available (for purchase) at CRF at
https://www.crfonline.org/store/c-1-books-and-monographs.aspx.

About CreditRiskMonitor

CreditRiskMonitor (http://www.crmz.com) is an Internet-based financial information service, designed to save time for busy corporate credit professionals. The service provides comprehensive commercial credit reports covering public companies world-wide and includes detailed financial analysis, financial statements and trend reports, credit scores, company background information, Moody's and Standard & Poor's ratings, and peer analyses. Plus, it includes public record filings and trade payment data on millions of U.S. companies. The service also provides continuous news monitoring that keeps customers up-to-date on events affecting the credit worthiness of companies, including financial statement updates, SEC filings, S&P and Moody's rating changes, and credit-relevant news.

Contact:
CreditRiskMonitor.com, Inc.
Jerry Flum, CEO
845-230-3030
info@creditriskmonitor.com

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IP Commerce Enters into Agreement with CIT to Provide Small Businesses Access to Financial Services from the Windows Vista(TM) Business Operating System

Fortune 500 Company to Offer Online Financial Services to Windows Vista Business Users via a Single Service Provisioning System: IP Payments Framework

DENVER----IP Commerce, Inc., a software company enabling open payments services between businesses, announced that CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT - News), a leading global commercial and consumer finance company, has signed a license agreement to utilize the company's IP Payments Framework(TM) (IPPF). CIT will leverage IPPF to make its online financial services more readily available to small- and medium-size businesses (SMBs) as well as Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) who target that market.

IP Commerce's IPPF is a single platform environment that provides the framework to enable disparate applications and services to communicate. The framework can be utilized to host payments networks, as well as free toolkits to connect services, devices and applications to an open payments marketplace. CIT will leverage IP Commerce's IPPF to provide small businesses using Windows Vista Business access to financing solutions - equipment financing, small business lending, payment protection and factoring solutions.

As a member of the PASS(TM) (Payments as a Secure Service) Consortium, CIT's online financial services will be made available to Windows Vista Business users when the new operating system is made available this month. The PASS Consortium is a group of leading financial institutions and payment service providers that are working together to promote secure and efficient open financial transactions by leveraging IPPF within the Windows Vista Business operating system. In addition to CIT, PASS Consortium members include BankServ, CashEdge, Chase Paymentech, ICC (NASDAQ: ICCA - News), and PayPal.

By leveraging IPPF to extend its financial services to Windows Vista Business users, CIT customers will benefit from improved cash flow, best practice security measures that reduce fraud and identity theft, and the ability to extend greater flexibility of payment options to customers.

Chip Kahn, CEO of IP Commerce, said, "CIT is a valued member of the PASS Consortium and an important strategic partner to IP Commerce. We eagerly anticipate the general availability of Windows Vista Business so SMBs and ISVs can leverage the power of our open payments network and begin to experience the flexibility and freedom of choice that has been lacking in the financial services industry for far too long."

Thomas B. Hallman, CIT Vice Chairman, Specialty Finance, said, "We see the IP Payments Framework as a new avenue to deliver financial services to small- and medium-size businesses that adopt the Windows Vista Business operating system. Customers can easily discover CIT's financial solutions simply and securely from their desktop PC. We have been working closely with IP Commerce to harness the capabilities and delivery of IPPF and we believe this platform complements our view of a 21st century financial services delivery system."

Dave Wascha, Director of Partners in Windows Client Marketing Communications, said, "We're excited about the tremendous support and enthusiasm our partners around the world are providing for the business availability of Windows Vista. Our partners play a vital role in encouraging the early adoption, development and delivery of Microsoft technologies. By working closely with valued partners like CIT we are helping to provide a high-quality product and an improved user experience, which ultimately benefits our mutual customers."

About CIT Group

CIT Group Inc., a leading commercial and consumer finance company, provides clients with financing and leasing products and advisory services. Founded in 1908, CIT has more than $70 billion in managed assets and possesses the financial resources, industry expertise and product knowledge to serve the needs of clients across approximately 30 industries worldwide. CIT, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 Index, holds leading positions in vendor financing, factoring, equipment and transportation financing, Small Business Administration loans, and asset-based lending. With its global headquarters in New York City, CIT has more than 7,200 employees in locations throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. www.cit.com

About IP Commerce

Based in Denver, Colorado, IP Commerce, Inc. is a software company enabling open payments that allow banks and service providers to deliver payments services seamlessly to any business. The company's IP Payments Framework(TM) (IPPF) provides an SOA-based infrastructure for the payments industry that can be utilized to host payments networks, as well as free toolkits to connect services, devices and applications to open payments. IPPF breaks down traditional barriers and connects banks, payment service providers, businesses, and software ecosystem participants together. For more information, visit www.ipcommerce.com.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Windows Vista is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Contact:
IP Commerce, Inc.
Kate Speights, 720-377-3700, ext. 834
kspeights@ipcommerce.com

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Bank of Ozarks Best Loan/Lease Year

(The Company's $307 million of loan and lease growth during 2006 was its largest ever annual loan and lease growth.)

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2006 Earnings

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. (NASDAQ: OZRK - News) today announced earnings for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2006. Net income for 2006 totaled $31,693,000, a 0.6% increase over net income of $31,489,000 for 2005. Diluted earnings per share were $1.89 for 2006 compared to $1.88 for 2005, an increase of 0.5%.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2006, net income totaled $7,355,000, a 12.3% decrease from net income of $8,383,000 for the fourth quarter of 2005. Diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2006 were $0.44, compared to $0.50 for the same period in 2005, a decrease of 12.0%.

The Company's returns on average assets and average stockholders' equity for 2006 were 1.34% and 20.03%, respectively, compared to 1.65% and 22.95%, respectively, for 2005. Annualized returns on average assets and average stockholders' equity for the fourth quarter of 2006 were 1.17% and 16.97%, respectively, compared to 1.60% and 23.01%, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2005.

Loans and leases were $1.68 billion at December 31, 2006 compared to $1.37 billion at December 31, 2005, an increase of 22.4%. The Company's $307 million of loan and lease growth during 2006 was its largest ever annual loan and lease growth. This growth occurred in both the Company's more established markets and the four newer markets in which the Company expanded in 2006. As part of the Company's 2006 corporate growth initiative, the Company broadened its loan origination capabilities by developing new lending teams focused on professional and executive lending and commercial and industrial lending.

Deposits were $2.05 billion at December 31, 2006 compared to $1.59 billion at December 31, 2005, an increase of 28.5%. The Company's $453 million of deposit growth in 2006 was its largest ever annual deposit growth. In addition the Company's number of deposit accounts grew by 85% more in 2006 than they grew in 2005. These results are due in large part to the deposit initiative which the Company pursued during 2006 in order to both grow and diversify its deposit sources.

Total assets were $2.53 billion at December 31, 2006, an 18.5% increase from $2.13 billion at December 31, 2005. Stockholders' equity was $175 million at December 31, 2006 compared to $149 million at December 31, 2005, an increase of 16.9%. Book value per share was $10.43 at December 31, 2006 compared to $8.97 at December 31, 2005, a 16.3% increase. The Company's ratio of common equity to assets was 6.90% as of December 31, 2006 compared to 7.00% as of December 31, 2005, and its ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets was 6.68% as of December 31, 2006 compared to 6.72% as of December 31, 2005.

In commenting on these results, George Gleason, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Throughout 2006 we pursued three major initiatives intended to position us for continued long-term growth. These initiatives included a record number of new banking offices, significant development of corporate infrastructure and staff, and aggressive deposit growth. While these initiatives resulted in increased overhead and interest expense in 2006, we believe they also provide an excellent foundation for the future. In fact, much of what we did in 2006 was aimed at achieving long-term goals. With our 2006 initiatives accomplished, our priorities for 2007 will include goals to accelerate our rate of revenue growth and decelerate our rate of overhead growth."

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income for 2006 increased 3.1% to $70,720,000 compared to $68,576,000 for 2005. Net interest margin, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, was 3.49% in 2006 compared to 4.18% in 2005, a decrease of 69 basis points.

Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2006 decreased 1.8% to $17,523,000 compared to $17,845,000 for the fourth quarter of 2005. The Company's net interest margin, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, was 3.22% in the fourth quarter of 2006, compared to 4.02% in the fourth quarter of 2005, a decrease of 80 basis points.

The yield curve between short-term and long-term interest rates was essentially flat or inverted throughout 2006. This situation, along with challenging competitive conditions and the Company's decision to aggressively pursue and price deposits in 2006, contributed to the decline in the Company's net interest margin in 2006.

The Company experienced strong growth in earning assets in 2006, as loans increased 22.4% and investment securities increased 8.0% from year-end 2005 to year-end 2006. The impact on net interest income from this substantial growth in earning assets was largely offset by the decline in net interest margin, resulting in net interest income increasing only 3.1% in 2006 compared to 2005.

Mr. Gleason stated, "Despite the continuing inversion of the yield curve between short-term and long-term interest rates and intense competitive conditions, we are cautiously optimistic that in 2007 our net interest margin will stabilize at or near the level achieved in the fourth quarter of 2006 and may improve as 2007 progresses. One of our goals in 2007 is to continue to achieve strong growth in earning assets, primarily loans and leases."

NON-INTEREST INCOME

Non-interest income for 2006 was $23,231,000 compared with $19,252,000 for 2005, a 20.7% increase. Non-interest income for the fourth quarter of 2006 was $6,434,000 compared with $4,804,000 for the fourth quarter of 2005, a 33.9% increase.

Service charges on deposit accounts are traditionally the Company's largest source of non-interest income and increased 3.5% to an annual record of $10,217,000 in 2006 compared to $9,875,000 in 2005. For the fourth quarter of 2006, service charges on deposit accounts were a quarterly record of $2,768,000, a 9.1% increase compared to $2,537,000 in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Mortgage lending income decreased 3.8% to $2,918,000 in 2006 compared to $3,034,000 in 2005. For the fourth quarter of 2006, mortgage lending income was $744,000, a 2.5% decrease compared to $763,000 in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Trust income for 2006 was an annual record of $1,947,000, a 16.4% increase from $1,673,000 in 2005. For the fourth quarter of 2006, trust income was a quarterly record of $550,000, a 24.4% increase compared to $442,000 in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Net gains from sales of investment securities and other assets were $3,827,000 in 2006 compared to $780,000 in 2005. For the fourth quarter of 2006, net gains from sales of investment securities and other assets were $1,196,000 compared to $71,000 in the fourth quarter of 2005. The Company's investment securities portfolio has traditionally been both a strong contributor of earning assets and a source of collateral for customer repurchase agreements and trust and public funds deposits. In 2006 gains from sales of investment securities also provided a significant contribution to the Company's non-interest income.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest expense for 2006 was $46,390,000 compared to $40,080,000 for 2005, an increase of 15.7%. The Company's efficiency ratio for 2006 was 47.1% compared to 43.4% for 2005.

Non-interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2006 was $12,506,000 compared to $10,306,000 for the fourth quarter of 2005, an increase of 21.3%. The Company's efficiency ratio for the fourth quarter of 2006 was 50.3% compared to 42.9% for the fourth quarter of 2005.

A number of factors contributed to the Company's growth in non-interest expense in the fourth quarter and full year of 2006 compared to the fourth quarter and full year of 2005. The most significant were the Company's initiatives to open a record number of new banking offices and to develop corporate infrastructure and staff to prepare for future growth.

During 2006 the Company continued to pursue its growth and de novo branching strategy, resulting in the addition of a record 11 new banking offices. Additionally, the Company replaced one temporary office and one of its oldest offices with new banking facilities and established a loan production office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Four of these new banking offices and one of the replacement banking offices were opened during the fourth quarter of 2006.

The 11 new banking offices added in 2006 expanded the Company's presence in four important new markets. These markets include northwest Arkansas (Benton and Washington counties); Hot Springs in Garland County, Arkansas; the Texarkana market (both Bowie County, Texas and Miller County, Arkansas); and Frisco, Texas.

The Company expects to continue its growth and de novo branching strategy, although at a much slower pace in 2007. The Company has reduced its previous plans for 2007 office additions, and now expects to replace one temporary banking office with a new permanent facility and open approximately five new banking offices in 2007. One of these new banking offices is expected to replace its current Oklahoma loan production office.

Opening new offices and replacing existing temporary offices with permanent facilities are subject to availability of suitable sites, designing, constructing, equipping and staffing such offices, obtaining regulatory and other approvals, and many other conditions and contingencies that the Company cannot accurately predict with certainty.

ASSET QUALITY, CHARGE-OFFS AND RESERVES

Nonperforming loans and leases as a percent of total loans and leases were 0.34% at year-end 2006 compared to 0.25% as of year-end 2005. Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets were 0.24% as of year-end 2006 compared to 0.18% as of year-end 2005. The Company's ratio of loans and leases past due 30 days or more, including past due non-accrual loans and leases, to total loans and leases, was 0.60% at year-end 2006 compared to 0.39% at year-end 2005.

The Company's net charge-off ratio for 2006 was 0.12% compared to 0.11% in 2005. Its annualized net charge-off ratio for the fourth quarter of 2006 was 0.13% compared to 0.12% for the fourth quarter of 2005.

The Company's allowance for loan and lease losses increased to $17.7 million at December 31, 2006, or 1.06% of total loans and leases, from $17.0 million, or 1.24% of total loans and leases, at December 31, 2005. The $0.7 million increase in the allowance for loan and lease losses in 2006 is primarily a result of growth in the Company's loan and lease portfolio. As of December 31, 2006, the Company's allowance for loan and lease losses equaled 310% of its total nonperforming loans and leases.

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News Briefs----

Fitch Takes Rating Actions on 38 Equipment Leasing ABS Transactions
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070116/20070116006120.html?.v=1

U.S. Bancorp Reports Record 2006 Net Income
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070116/20070116005458.html?.v=1

Euro has displaced the US dollar as the world's pre-eminent currency
http://www.absnet.net/include/showfreearticle.asp?file=/headlines/1.htm

Intel's 4Q06 revenues reach (US)$9.7 billion
http://www.echannelline.com:80/usa/story.cfm?item=21580

Growers' losses could hit $1 billion -- governor declares state of emergency
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/01/17/CITRUS.TMP

Cold weather threatens So. Cal. agriculture, avocado crop
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070116-1333-coldcrops.html

Denzel Washington: America's Favorite Movie Star
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/
01-16-2007/0004506953&EDATE=

Netflix looks to future with Internet delivery
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0701160191jan16,0,7340893.story?coll=
chi-business-hed

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You May have Missed---

Fast growth overseas feeds GE
http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2007/01/16/0116GE.html

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Sports Briefs----

Report: Lofton set to become Raiders coach
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20070116-1653-bn16lofton.html
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/16475452.htm

Sarkisian looks like top choice
But by NFL rules, Oakland must interview a minority before making a new head coach hire
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070116/NEWS/
701160342/1010/SPORT01

Schottenheimer's fate in hands of Dean Spanos
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20070116-9999-1s16chargers.html

A's owner asks the city council to share his dream of new ballpark
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/01/17/AS.TMP

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“Gimme that Wine”

Top Spots for Celebrity Watching in Napa Valley
http://winecountry.com/writers/w004/010107_MH_celebritywatching.html

Gina Gallo Begins Term as President of 2007 International Wine and Spirit Competition
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070116/cltu500.html?.v=74

Nebraska Winery Expands
http://www.nebraska.tv/news/local/5198892.html

Red Chardonnay is a libation innovation
http://www.hendersonvillenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070114/
NEWS/701140360/1042/NEWS

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
The London International Vintners Exchange (Liv-ex) is an electronic exchange for fine wine.
http://www.liv-ex.com/

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Calendar Events This Day

Ben Franklin Day
Birthday of Benjamin Franklin, 1706, America’s first statesman, oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution; Scientist, diplomat, author, printer publisher, philosopher, philanthropist and self-made, self-educated man.

Customer Service Day
A day to reflect on the importance of providing good customer service—and to learning new skills that will help you provide it.
www.scgtraining.com

Ditch Your New Year's Resolution Day

Golf Day

Poland: Liberation Day
Celebration of 1945 liberation of the city of Warsaw from Nazi oppression by Soviet troops. Special ceremonies at the Monument to the Unknown Solider in Warsaw’s Victory Square.

Saint Anthony’s Day
Feast day honoring Egyptian hermit who become the first Christian monk and who established communitis of hermits: patron saint of domestic animals and patriarch of all monks.
Lived about AD 251-354.
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1263
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01553d.htm
http://www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19980101/SAINTS/STANTHNY.HTM

Other Saints named this day:
· Bl. Gonzalo de Amarante
· St. Sulpicius
· St. Achillas
· St. Julian Sabas the Elder
· St. Nennius
· St. Mildgytha
· St. Pior
http://www.catholic.org/saints/f_day/jan.php

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Heavier, not bigger, lemons produce more juice.

http://www.gianteagle.com/healthnotes/Food_Guide/Lemons.htm
http://whatscookingamerica.net/lemons.htm

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Today's Top Event in History

    1938-The first jazz concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City took place when Benny Goodman and his Orchestra played with guest performers Jess Stacy, Count Basie, and members of the Basie and Duke Ellington orchestra. The record album available on Columbia is considered a jazz classic.

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This Day in American History

    1706- Birthday of Benjamin Franklin, "Elder statesman of the American Revolution," oldest signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, scientist, diplomat, author, printer, publisher, philosopher, philanthropist and self-made, self-educated man. Author, printer and publisher of Poor Richard's Almanack (1733-58). Born at Boston, MA, Franklin died at Philadelphia, PA, Apr 17, 1790. His birthday is commemorated each year by the Poor Richard Club of Philadelphia with graveside observance. In 1728 Franklin wrote a premature epitaph for himself. It first appeared in print in Ames's 1771 almanac: "The Body of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN/Printer/Like a Covering of an old Book/Its contents torn out/And stript of its Lettering and Gilding,/Lies here, Food for Worms;/But the work shall not be lost,/It will (as he believ'd) appear once more/In a New and more beautiful Edition/Corrected and amended/By the Author."
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/jan17.html
http://www.fi.edu/franklin/
    1759-Birthday of Paul Cuffee, merchant, shipbuilder and Black nationalist.
The wealthiest African-American in the United States at the time.
http://www.ccds.charlotte.nc.us/diversity/cuffe.htm
http://www.isomedia.com/homes/bhd2/paul_cuffe.htm
http://www.africana.com/Articles/tt_280.htm
    1771 -- "Father of the American Novel," Charles Brockden Brown lives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His first novel, Wieland (1798) involves a demented man who uses ventriloquism to convince his brother to kill his wife & children. It set the stage for two of America's great authors, Edgar Allan Poe & Nathaniel Hawthorne.
    1775-Colonial workmanship was reflected in the responses by seamstress through the colonies during this rough winter in 1775; an appeal went out by the Continental Congress for 13,000 winter costs for the Continental Army. The quality of the coats was generally so high that many troops chose to accept coats rather than their "bounty." The names of these troops and the makers of their coats are still listed in many New England communities on what is called a Coat Roll.
    1779-- Almost one year to the day when Captain Cook had first sighted the Hawaiian islands, and after giving up on finding the Northwest Passage, he returns to Hawaii with his two ships. Little did he know that, within less than a month, he would be killed on the beach at Kealakekua by the Polynesian natives.
    1865-General William T. Sherman's army is rained in at Savannah, Georgia, as it waits to begin marching into the Carolinas. In the fall of 1864, Sherman and his army marched across Georgia and destroyed nearly everything in their path. Sherman reasoned that the war would end sooner if the conflict were taken to the civilian South, a view shared by President Lincoln and General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant. Sherman's men tore up railroads, burned grain stores, carried away livestock, and left plantations in ruins. The Yankees captured the port city of Savannah just before Christmas, and Sherman paused for three weeks to rest his troops and re-supply his force. After his rest, he planned to move into the Carolinas and subject those states to the same brutal treatment that Georgia received. His 60,000 troops were divided into two wings. General Oliver O. Howard was to take two corps and move northeast to Charleston, South Carolina, while General Henry Slocum was to move northwest toward Augusta, Georgia. These were just diversions to the main target: Columbia, South Carolina. As Sherman was preparing to move, the rains began. On January 17, the Yankees waited while heavy rains pelted the region. The downpour lasted for ten days, the heaviest rainfall in 20 years. Some of Sherman's aides thought a winter campaign in the Carolinas would be difficult with such wet weather, but Sherman had spent four years in Charleston as a young lieutenant in the army, and he believed that the march was possible. He also possessed an army that was ready to continue its assault on the Confederacy. Sherman wrote to his wife that he "...never saw a more confident army...The soldiers think I know everything and that they can do anything." Sherman's army did not begin moving until the end of the month. When the army finally did move, it conducted a campaign against South Carolina that was worse than that against Georgia. Sherman wanted to exact revenge on the state that had led secession and started the war by firing on Fort Sumter.
    1871- Andrew Hallidie received a patent for a cable car system that began service in San Francisco in 1873.
http://www.sfmuseum.org/bio/hallidie.html
(lower half of: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/jan17.html )
    1893 --The Hawaiian monarchy is overthrown by a conspiracy of non-Hawaiians organized by John L. Stevens. the United States Minister assigned to the sovereign and independent Kingdom of Hawaii. On 14 January, he had conspired with a small group of non-Hawaiian residents of the Kingdom of Hawaii, including citizens of the United States, to overthrow the indigenous and lawful Government of Hawaii. In pursuance of the conspiracy, the US Minister and the naval representatives of the US caused armed naval forces of the US to invade the sovereign Hawaiian nation on 16 January 1893, and to position themselves near the Hawaiian Government buildings and Iolani Palace to intimidate Queen Liliuokalani and her Government; and on the afternoon of 17 January 1993, a Committee of Safety that represented the US and European sugar planters, descendents of missionaries, and financiers deposed the Hawaiian monarchy and proclaimed the establishment of a Provisional Government; and the US Minister thereupon extended diplomatic recognition to the Provisional Government that was formed by the conspirators without the consent of the Native Hawaiian people or the lawful Government of Hawaii and in violation of treaties between the two nations and of international law.
On the Hawaiian Islands, a group of American sugar planters under Sanford Ballard Dole overthrow Queen Liliuokalani, the Hawaiian monarch, and establish a new provincial government with Dole as president. The coup occurs with the foreknowledge of John L. Stevens, the US minister to Hawaii, and three hundred US Marines from the US cruiser Boston are called to Hawaii, allegedly to protect American lives. The first known settlers of the Hawaiian Islands were Polynesian voyagers who arrived sometime in the eighth century, and in the early eighteenth century the first American traders came to Hawaii to exploit the islands' sandalwood, which was much valued in China at the time. In the 1830s, the sugar industry was introduced to Hawaii, and by the mid-nineteenth century, had become well established. American missionaries and planters brought about great changes in Hawaiian political, cultural, economic, and religious life, and in 1840, a constitutional monarchy was established, stripping the Hawaiian monarch of much of his authority.
Four years later, Sanford B. Dole was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to US parents. Over the next four decades, Hawaii entered into a number of political and economic treaties with the United States, and in 1887, a US naval base was established at Pearl Harbor as part of a new Hawaiian constitution. Sugar exports to the US expanded greatly over the next four years, and US investors and American sugar planters on the islands broadened their domination over Hawaiian affairs.
    1899- Robert Maynard Hutchins, American educator, foundation executive and civil liberties activist, born at Brooklyn, NY. He was president and later chancellor of the University of Chicago, where he introduced many educational concepts, including the Great Books program. Died at Santa Barbara, CA, on May 14, 1977.
    1902-Birthday of pianist James “Stump” Johnson, Clarksville, TN
http://www.venerablemusic.com/BluesRecordPages/DOCU_5250.htm
----1910 Sid Catlett Birthday
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/sid%20catlett.html
http://www.musicweb.uk.net/encyclopaedia/c/C70.HTM
http://nfo.net/.WWW/c3.html
    1912- Tenor sax player Vido Musso born Carrini, Sicily, died January 9, 1982 Palm Springs, CA.
http://www.sicilyjazz.org/en/Microsoft/VitoMusso.html
    1916- a group of 35 New York area golf professionals met for lunch at the Taplow Club, hosted by department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker. They discussed forming a national organization that promotes interest in the game and elevates the status of the professional golfer. The group appointed an organizing of seven to work on a constitution that was approved on April 16, forming the Professional Golfers Association of America.
    1920-- Walter Bailes, a member of the early country trio the Bailes Brothers, was born. The Appalachian.
    1927-- Sultry nightclub singer Eartha Kitt was born in Columbia, South Carolina. Her real birth date wasn't known until 1997 when students at Benedict College in Columbia tracked down her birth certificate. Kitt had picked her own birth date, January 26th, because she was adopted at age six when her mother died and did not know her father. She began her professional career in the troupe of famed dancer Katherine Dunham, with whom Kitt toured Europe and Mexico. Within a year, Kitt was headlining at top European clubs with her singing and dancing. She also starred in three films in France. She returned to the US in the early 1950's, playing such famous nightspots as the Village Vanguard in New York and the Mocambo in Los Angeles. Eartha Kitt is best known for her 1953 recordings of "C'est Si Bon" and "Santa Baby."
    1938-The first jazz concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City took place when Benny Goodman and his Orchestra played with guest performers Jess Stacy, Count Basie, and members of the Basie and Duke Ellington orchestra. The record album available on Columbia is considered a jazz “classic.”
    1941 - On Okeh Records, Gene Krupa and his band recorded "Drum Boogie". The Irene Daye sang with them in the song’s chorus.
    1942- Former heavyweight champion boxer Muhammad Ali born Louisville, KY.
http://www.webgalleria.com/alibio.html
http://www.ali.com/
    1944- Former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, Beauford, SC.
http://www.webgalleria.com/Frazier.html
    1945---Top Hits
Don’t Fence Me In - Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
There Goes that Song Again - Russ Morgan
I’m Making Believe - Ella Fitzgerald & The Ink Spots
I’m Wastin’ My Tears on You - Tex Ritter
    1948--Mick Taylor, one of the great slide guitarists in rock music, was born in Welwyn Garden City, England. He left school at 15 and taught himself guitar, playing in a local group called The Gods. Taylor sat in for Eric Clapton when Clapton missed a gig with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. Taylor later joined Mayall's group when Clapton left permanently. Taylor's playing on John Mayall's "Bare Wires" album led to him being selected to replace the deceased Brian Jones in the Rolling Stones in 1969. His highlight with the Stones is the album "Exile on Main Street." Mick Taylor left the Stones in 1974, played briefly with a band led by Jack Bruce, then in 1979 began a solo career.
    1949- “The Goldberg’s” premiered on TV. Originally broadcast by CBS, this show was one of the earliest TV sitcoms. The show centered around a Jewish mother and her family living in the Bronx and later in the suburbs. Gertrude Berg created the hit radio show before she wrote, produced and starred as Molly Goldberg in the television version. Contributing actors and actresses included Philip Loeb, Arlene McQuade, Tom Taylor, Eli Mintz, Menasha Skulnik and Arnold Stang.
    1950-A team of 11 thieves, in a precisely timed and choreographed strike, steals more than $2 million from the Brinks Armored Car depot in Boston, Massachusetts. The Great Brinks Robbery, as it quickly became known, was the almost perfect crime. Only days before the statute of limitations was set to expire on the crime, the culprits were finally caught. Tony Pino, a lifelong criminal, was the mastermind behind the audacious theft. Together with Big Joe McGinnis, he assembled a group that meticulously planned the heist. They staked out the depot for a year and a half to figure out when it was holding the most money. Then, the gang stole the plans for the depot's alarm system and returned them before anyone noticed that they were missing. The criminal team held repeated rehearsals, with each man wearing blue coats and Halloween masks. On January 17, they finally put their plan into action. Inside the counting room, the gang surprised the guards and tied up the employees. Fourteen canvas bags, weighing more than half a ton, were filled with cash, coins, checks, and money orders. Within 30 minutes, the Brinks robbery team was gone-taking $2.7 million with them. They left no clues at all. Next, the gang met and split the proceeds of the theft. They agreed that each would stay out of trouble for six years and they almost made it. However, one of the men, Specs O'Keefe, left his share with another member because he had to serve a prison sentence for another crime. O'Keefe, worried that he would be cheated out of his money, indicated that he might begin to talk. The others decided to send a hit man to kill O'Keefe but he was only wounded, and the assassin was caught. O'Keefe made a deal with police and testified against the others. Eight participants in the Great Brinks Robbery were caught and convicted. However, only a small part of the money was ever recovered. Tours of Boston today take you down this street and tell you about
the individuals in the robbery.
    1952- after a short period of small bands, Count Basie brings his big band back with
a recording contract at Clef records.
    1953---Top Hits
Why Don’t You Believe Me - Joni James
Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes - Perry Como
Keep It a Secret - Jo Stafford
Midnight - Red Foley
    1956 - British pop star Paul Young is born in Bedfordshire, England. His biggest hit is ``Everytime You Go Away'' in 1985. The No. 1 song is written by Daryl Hall.
    1960- baseball player Chilli Davis born Kingston, Jamaica.
    1961- President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in his farewell address to the nation on national radio and television, spoke the sentences that would be the most quoted and remembered of his presidency. In a direct warning, he said, "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and persists."
    1961---Top Hits
Wonderland by Night - Bert Kaempfert
Exodus - Ferrante & Teicher
Will You Love Me Tomorrow - The Shirelles
North to Alaska - Johnny Horton
    1964 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``There! I've Said It Again,'' Bobby Vinton. This song can be considered the last No. 1 song before the British invasion. After four weeks at No. 1, Vinton turns over that spot to the Beatles and their first U.S. hit, ``I Want to Hold Your Hand.''
    1967- the first "Human Be-In" was held on the polo field of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. It is estimated 20,000 “hippies” gathered to listen to psychedelic music, love each other, and use recreational drugs, not necessarily in that order. Among the performers were the Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service and Big Brother and the Holding Company. Among the speakers Jerry Rubin, Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti & Timothy Leary. Participants were urged to bring food to share, flowers, beads, costumes, feathers, bells, cymbals & flags. The Be-In was produced by Michael Bowen. Sponsored by Haight Independent Proprietors (H.I.P.) & the Communication Co.
http://www.summeroflove.org/altman.html
http://www.summeroflove.org/images/law/allen.ginsberg.jpeg
http://www.summeroflove.org/images/vignes/ginsberg.jpeg
http://www.summeroflove.org/wolman.html
http://www.summeroflove.org/event.html
    1969---Top Hits
I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
I’m Gonna Make You Love Me - Diana Ross & The Supremes & The Temptations
Wichita Lineman - Glen Campbell
Daddy Sang Bass - Johnny Cash
    1969-- Led Zeppelin, "Led Zeppelin" released.
    1969-- Elton John, "Lady Samantha" released.
    1970-- Willie Mays is named as the Player of the Decade for the sixties by the Sporting News.
    1971-- Marvin Gaye performs the national anthem at Superbowl V in Miami, FL.
    1971 -- Baltimore defeats Dallas 16-13 in Super Bowl V on Jim O'Brien's 32-yard field goal with five seconds remaining.
    1972-- Highway 51 South in Memphis, TN is renamed "Elvis Presley Blvd."
    1974 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``Show and Tell,'' Al Wilson.
    1975- “Baretta” premiered on TV; CBS series starring Robert Blake as Baretta, a police detective who defied his superiors and solved his cases in a most unorthodox manner--usually by figuring it out while talking to his pet cockatoo, Fred, or his informant, Rooster (played by Michael D. Roberts). Commanding officer Lieutenant Hal Brubaker was played by Edward Grover. The last telecast aired on June 1, 1978.
    1976-- Barry Manilow's "I Write the Songs" hits #1, written by the Beach Boy’s
pianist, Bruce Johnston.
    1977---Top Hits
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing - Leo Sayer
I Wish - Stevie Wonder
Car Wash - Rose Royce
You Never Miss a Really Good Thing (Till He Says Goodbye) - Crystal Gayle
    1984-- VCR home taping ruled legal: The US Supreme Court ruled that private use of a home videocassette recorder did not violate copyright laws. The decision overturned a 1981 ruling that made the copying of programs and the sale of video recorders illegal. The Supreme Court's decision marked a major defeat for Walt Disney, Universal City Studios, and other entertainment companies that had fought to ban home videotape machines. Over the next fifteen years, as technology improved for reproducing and electronically distributing images, words, movies, and other media, intellectual property cases like the VCR suit would become increasingly important.
    1984 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``Owner of a Lonely Heart,'' Yes.
    1985---Top Hits
Like a Virgin - Madonna
All I Need - Jack Wagner
You’re the Inspiration - Chicago
The Best Year of My Life - Eddie Rabbitt
    1987 - A winter storm spread snow from the Southern Rockies into the Middle Mississippi Valley and southwestern sections of the Great Lakes Region, and freezing rain across Texas and oklahoma. Snowfall totals ranged up to 16 inches at Tulia TX, with 12 inches at Wellington KS.
    1988- the Denver Bronco’s won their second consecutive AFC championship by defeating the Cleveland Browns., 38-33. , at Denver’s Mile High Stadium. Denver quarter-back John Elway threw three touchdown passes, and Jermiah Castille stripped the ball from Cleveland’s Earnest Bryner late in the game to preserve the victory. 
    1990 - Twenty cities across the southeastern half of the country reported record high temperatures for the date. Record highs included 61 degrees at Williamstown PA and 85 degrees at Brownsville TX. Evening thunderstorms produced large hail and damaging winds from eastern Texas to Mississippi.
    1990-- The Fifth Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held in New York City. Inductees include Hank Ballard, Bobby Darin, The Four Seasons, The Four Tops, The Kinks, The Platters, Simon and Garfunkel, and The Who.
    1991 - Operation Desert Storm began. The first serviceman killed in the Gulf War was Navy pilot Scott Speicher. His F-18 Hornet fighter was shot down over Iraq by antiaircraft fire. The U.S. and its United Nations allies went to war to drive Saddam Hussein’s army out of Iraqi-occupied Kuwait. U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf gave the go-ahead for bombing raids on Baghdad, followed a few weeks later by assaults with ground troops on Iraqi troops in southern Iraq and Kuwait. During the following six weeks Iraq fired its Scud missiles at U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia and at the general population in Israel, but was routed soundly. Iraqi troops left Kuwait, retreating all the way to Baghdad and, in many cases, surrendering in the field.
    1993-- President William Jefferson Clinton's Inauguration ceremonies feature a free outdoor concert at which Aretha Franklin, Michael Bolton, Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan, and Diana Ross (among others) perform.
    1994-an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale struck the Los Angeles area about 4:20 AM. The epicenter was at Northridge in the San Fernando Valley, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. A death toll of 51 was announced Jan 20. Sixteen of the dead were killed in the collapse of one apartment building. More than 25,000 people were made homeless by the quake and 680,000 lost electric power. Many buildings were destroyed and others made uninhabitable due to structural damage. A section of the Santa Monica Freeway, part of the Simi Valley Freeway and three major overpasses collapsed. Hundreds of aftershocks occurred in the following several weeks. Costs to repair the damages were estimated at 15-30 billion dollars.
    1995 -Los Angeles Rams announce that they are moving to St Louis
    1996- Center Steve Yzerman of the Detroit Red Wings scored the 500th-regular season goal of his National Hockey League career as the Wings defeated the Colorado Avalanche, 3-2.
    1996-- The Eleventh Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held in New York City. Inductees include David Bowie, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Jefferson Airplane, Little Willie John, Pink Floyd, The Shirelles, and The Velvet Underground.
    1998 - Savage Garden’s "Truly, Madly, Deeply" was the number-one single in the U.S. for the first of two weeks. “I want to stand with you on a mountain; I want to bathe with you in the sea; I want to lay like this forever; Until the sky falls down on me.”

Super Bow Champions This Date

    1971 Baltimore Colts

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American Football Poem

Born To Win

R.G. Graham

When you were in your crib tiny and small,
And everyone was looking at you one and all,
They smiled with pride and said again and again,
This child is special and was born to win!

Grandma and grandpa and mom and dad too,
Brother and sister were all looking at you,
They just couldn’t help getting a grin,
And saying this child is special and was born to win!

And now you’re getting older probably past two,
And they keep saying there’s nothing you can’t do
Because you’re kind to all and obey your mom and dad,
You pick up your toys and go early to bed.

You’re kind to your neighbors and all your friends too,
You share with them things that are special to you,
And children are so happy that you are their friend,
They know in their heart you were born to win.

So when you go to school and see children that are sad.
Pat them on the back and say it’s not so bad.
Because I like you, would you please be my friend,
Because you and I are special, we were born to win!

[headlines]

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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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[headlines]

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