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Want to see a White Shark?
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/9671424.htm
Thursday,
September 16, 2004
Headlines---
Bulletin
Board Complaint---Phoenix Alliance, Dana Point, Ca.
CapitalWerks’
Jim Raeder to Balboa Capital’s Pat Byrne
Strange
Deals---Lease an Elephant
Rating
ABS Seller/Servicers: Credit Where Credit is Due
--Press
Release re: NorVergence Class Action-
Business
Leasing News September Newsletter
######## surrounding the article denotes it is a “press
release”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classified
Ads---Back Office
Atlanta , GA.
GlobalTech Portfolio Services provides world class lease, loan administration and asset management for equipment and vehicles. Current portfolios $1 billion.
Contact Alan Zeppenfeld 678-816-2216
E-mail: azeppenfeld@globaltechfinancial.com
Atlanta, GA.
Let Tax Partners handle your sales and use tax compliance duties w/less risk and cost than in-house. Largest tax compliance firm in US
E- mail: sales@taxpartners.com
Dallas, TX.
Property Tax and
sales and use tax administration services performance is guaranteed
and we will save you time and money or our service is free.
E-mail: info@osgsolutions.com
Indianapolis,
IN
JDR Solutions, LLC
specializes in delivering customized back-office lease portfolio admin./
ASP services for lessors, banks, manufacturer captives: other financial
institutions.
Paul Henkel (317)
251-5352 ex. 7201
E-mail: paul.henkel@jdrsol.com
Jacksonville,
FL.
CIT's Portfolio Service
Group: providing cost- effective lease/portfolio services: Accounting,
Tax Reporting, Collection svc, End of Lease Solutions, Front End Documentation,
Invoicing, and on-line reporting
E-mail: vincente.dingianni@cit.com
Laughlin, NV.
20 years experience on funder/broker sides. Looking for a relationship where I act as credit shop for smaller brokers when financial statements are involved.
E-mail: batarista@laughlin.net
New Rochelle,
NY
Proactive management/administration
of commercial/consumer vehicle lease/finance portfolios covering insurance,
titles,
E-mail: Barrett@BarrettCapital.com
San Rafael, CA
We can run your back
office from origination to final payoff. 30 years experience in commercial
equipment lease and loan portfolio management.
E-mail: gmartinez@phxa.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulletin
Board Complaint---Phoenix Alliance, Dana Point, Ca.
Jim Figgins of Phoenix
Alliance, 34277 Amber Lantern, Suite K, Dana
Point, California
told Leasing News in May, 2004 he would be returning
$6,262.80, first
and last, on a sale/leaseback for Dr. Hansen.
He said in a telephone
interview his company did more mortgages
and loans than leases,
where an “escrow” account is required.
He said he would
return the money as the sale/leaseback did
not go through. He
was new to the leasing procedures.
He seemed very sincere.
Five days later, we e-mailed Dr. Hansen.
He did not respond.
Ten days later we again e-mailed, plus telephoned
Dr. Hansen to see if he had received the money back. Dr. Hansen did not return the call. Ten days later, we called him again, and after
two attempts, assumed the money had been returned, thus the reason for
the lack of response . This
was in June, 2004.
Tuesday, September
14th, he sent us this e-mail:
“I INITIALLY RECEIVED
A PARTIAL PAYMENT SO I THOUGHT THE REST WOULD COME FORTHWITH, THAT IS
THE REASON I DID NOT RESPOND. I THOUGHT YOUR INITIAL CONTACT WAS ENOUGH.
THE SAD FACT IS I HAVE BEEN GIVEN PROMISES AFTER PROMISES BY THIS WELL-MEANING
INDIVIDUAL. PLEASE REOPEN THIS CASE THANK-YOU DR HANSEN.”
Telephone calls to
Phoenix Alliance in Dana Point, California have
not been returned
for the last two days.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CapitalWerks’
Jim Raeder to Balboa Capital’s Pat Byrne
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strange
Deals---Lease an Elephant
This from Creative
Capital Sales Manager Alistair McNeil:
“A broker in Florida
had a request for some working capital for a circus. Business financials
were not strong, and was declined by his banks and brokers other alternative
financing sources. We interviewed client and found the real need for
cash was not really working capital, but to buy another ELEPHANT !
“We found lessees
credit was a 489 !! There problem was that they made great money 8 months
of the year but the other 4 months of no income, forced them to be late
on several of their liabilities.
Lessees relatives
agreed to pledge some additional collateral (no-the lion and leopard
were not acceptable !) however some real estate (
“The broker made
$20,000 commission on this transaction.......Oh yes, the question everybody
has... what does an Elephant cost ?
“$300,000. Remember Creative Capital when it is "strange"
or "different" or just does not fit the normal criteria of
other funders.”
Send Leasing News an e-mail about what is the strangest thing
you have leased, whether a “pet crematorium” or $150,000 “software
only” license via
internet download, please share with us by
sending me an e-mail
at kitmenkin@leasingnews.org
Classified
Ads—Help Wanted
CFO / Leasing Sales Leader
|
Controller / Vendor Sales Specialist/ Entry Level Accountant
|
Sales
|
About the company: SCL has been in business for 12 years. We are contracted with multiple funding sources which enables us to provide more competitive rates and flexible terms and conditions. |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letters---We
get e-Mail
“The NorVergence
fiasco: Regardless of which
party in this affair was culpable or irresponsible, the black eye on
the leasing industry continues.
“Just ponder for
a moment the thousands of lessees who are angry, bewildered, and livid. How many other people do you think that these
business owners (the lessees) will be relating their tale of woe. Their tale of caution shall concluded with
the following comment: ‘Never....ever.....do any equipment leasing!!!"
“Once burned, twice
learned. Somehow, the leasing
industry needed to address the terrible PR and media converge that we
are facing.”
Regards.
Gary Ford
apexcapital@sbcglobal.net
415-499-7754
--
“The ongoing drama
surrounding Capital Werks and the, as yet ‘unnamed’ character assassin,
has me riveted to my seat. The
NorVergence story, as it unravels, is no less fascinating.
“The avarice and
greed that drives the people in this business never ceases to amaze
me. Leasing people make the Democratic and Republican
political operatives look like pikers. Hopefully I will never have a competitor hate me enough, to mount
the kind of attack that has been perpetrated upon CapitalWerks. If I do, however, I'm happy to know that I
can track the sucker down and make them pay.
“The NorVergence
scandal is amazing. Can you
believe the list of companies that are named in that class action suit? I'll bet ‘telecommunications equipment’ is on their lists of "restricted
industries and equipment" now. In that way as an industry, we can make certain that all of the
legitimate vendors, along with the leasing and finance companies who
deal with them, will not be able to get funding either.
I am also amazed that one or two of those names have been tied
to, or associated with, nearly every major fraudulent transaction that
has occurred in the past several years.
How do I get in touch with the "Vice President of Fraudulent
Syndication Programs"? There
has to be one, right? I think
it would be a great service for Leasing News to publish the person in
charge of "fraudulent syndication" at major companies throughout
the industry. Why shouldn't
the rest of us get in on the easy money/
“You know what interests
me most, however? The reaction
of those individuals who are observers of our business. Can you imagine
what must be going through the mind of any potential investor who thought
they might want to get involved in this business?
They're probably taking a hard look at siding contractors, desert
reclamation projects, and "buy here pay here" car lots.
“Congratulations
to Gerry Ostereich for know when to bail out!!”
Bob Rodi, CLP
President
LeaseNOW, Inc.
drlease@leasenow.com
1-800-321-LEASE (5327)
x101
---
“Thanks for all of
your hard work in keeping the leasing community informed out there.”
Best Regards,
Gerry Oestreich
First Niagara Leasing,
formerly
Adirondack Leasing
Associates Ltd
620 Washington Avenue
Rensselaer NY 12144
800-678-7342 Ext
232
Mobile 518-857-5206
--
“Someone should sit
down with Elizabeth Olson of the NY Times and explain the difference
between consumer and commercial financing.
“1-In consumer financing
(home mortgages, credit cards, etc) the financing party or lender operates
under the auspices off and subject to consumer credit and lending laws.
“2-In commercial
financing the lender and borrower are both commercial entities and enter
into a commercial contract in which both parties are responsible for
what they sign. Sometimes this involves forfeiture of deposits. “
Steve Nardi
--
“HP Financial Services
(NJ) has sent a letter to all of their vendors and brokers (Yes, they're
still doing business with brokers) that they are no longer allowing
$1 Buy Out deals in the 13 upfront tax states.
“HP Financial Services
is also no longer allowing commission uplifts on any $ 1 Buy Out deals.
“Usury Anyone?”
(Anonymous---actually received by U.S. mail)
Kit--
“Our newest title
is at the printers--Power Tools for Small
Ticket Leasing. If you are interested, you can view the contents
at
http://www.leasingpress.com/small_ticket.htm.
It is 299 pages,
“This is not a sequel
to the original Power Tools book, and we hope this
current title will
serve a different audience. We
will be happy to have any support you care to provide, and please feel
free to do so at any time. The
existing Power Tools for Successful Leasing is approaching the end of
its life cycle anyway, although we continue to sell some every month.
Thanks for your continued interest and support. It is much appreciated. “
James Johnson
---
“We have a non member
fee for the convention, but nonmembers can only attend one time. In other words, if a nonmember has gone to
the ELA convention once, they cannot attend again as a nonmember.”
smaloney@elamail.com
“The theme of ELA's
43rd Annual Convention is "Breaking Out." But it might just
as accurately be, "Breaking Away," since ongoing success requires
you to break away from the pack.
“For many lessors,
it's been a pretty good year, with volume returning and profits up.
But for too many, that's not enough. Competition is intense and leasing
leaders must find ways to differentiate their companies from the competition.
From using technology to obtaining funding, the old ways just aren't
going to cut it anymore.
“That's why at the
Annual Convention, October 24th - 26th at the JW Marriott Resort &
Spa, Palm Desert, CA, the subject of so many general and breakout sessions
will be innovation and change. Consider these topics, just a sampling
from the Convention program:
“ First Break All
the Rules: What the World's Best Managers Do
Differently" (General Session)
Going Vertical: Leveraging
Your Business' Industry Expertise to Meet
Customer Demand
Technology as a Business
Enabler: A New Breed of Employee
Breathing Fresh Air
into European and Latin American Vendor
Programs
Tools for Reinvention:
Cross-Border Leasing Principles Revisited
Breaking Away from
Bad Practices: How a Company Can Be Successful
Through a Downturn
Rebirth & Revitalization
of the Leasing Industry: New Paradigms Driving Success
Proven, Practical
Strategies for Building Customer Loyalty
Back to the Future:
True Lease Opportunities and Structuring
Automating to Lead:
Real World Testimonials from Equipment Leasing
Companies
Breaking out with
New Views of Benchmarking, Best Practices and
Technology
With competition
as tough as it is, can you afford to miss an opportunity like this?
“To learn more about
the Convention, and to register, go to
http://www.elaonline.com/events/2004/annconv/convhome.cfm
“Register by SEPTEMBER
22 And Be Included on the Pre Registration List Posted On Line! “
Thank you,
Michael Fleming
President, ELA
-------
“Thank you so much
for the promotion on your website.
“I have great faith
that the Lord will get me and my family through this time. He has made you an instrument and for that God bless you.
“I have received
several phone calls and e-mails and look forward to keeping the Granieri
publications out there. I am
also going to chat with my printer about reproducing The Anatomy and
The Closers Catechism and perhaps there is still a market for these
books. Again, thank you for
supporting me during this difficult time.
“Many blessings to
you and your family.”
Melinda Granieri
---------------------------------------------------------
Rating
ABS Seller/Servicers: Credit Where Credit is Due
ABSnet
The following is
an excerpt from Fitch’s upcoming criteria report on ABS Seller/Servicers,
due out later this week.
By Rui Pereria and
Mary Osako
Fitch Ratings recognizes
that the quality, stability, and financial condition of seller/servicer
operations have a direct effect on the performance of asset-backed securities
(ABS) transactions across all product types. Therefore, Fitch has always
used seller/servicer assessments to augment its ABS default, loss, and
cash flow models when analyzing structures and assigning credit enhancement
levels.
Building on this
experience, Fitch has established a more formalized procedure to evaluate
ABS seller/servicers’ capabilities. The ultimate goal of the seller/servicer
rating process is to enhance the overall credit process to appropriately
measure and incorporate financial and operational risk while giving
investors the increased transparency that they have come to expect from
Fitch.
The ABS sector is
characterized by a wide range of securitized products, currently estimated
at more than 20 distinguishable asset types, although the vast majority
of ABS issuance is concentrated in the credit card, student loan, and
auto sectors. Fitch is committed to identifying and differentiating
the traits and requirements of these
diverse asset classes
in both origination and servicing of the products.
This report outlines
Fitch’s review process for ABS seller/servicers, the methodology used
to assign ratings, and the ongoing monitoring activities that apply
generally to most, if not all, ABS products. Additionally, Fitch will
publish individual, product-specific reports to delineate features of
origination and servicing that are unique to individual asset types.
Highlights of Fitch’s
review process include:
* Seller/servicer
reviews will become a required component of Fitch’s ABS analysis.
* Product-specific
programs tailored to reflect the risks unique to each asset type.
* Recognition of
the impact of the seller’s role, in addition to the servicer’s, in ABS
transactions.
* A clear description
of the impact of the seller/servicer’s financial condition on the ultimate
operational rating.
* Ratings for ABS
seller/servicers on the same scale established by Fitch’s Operational
Risk Group for other areas of structured finance, from ‘1’ (highest)
to ‘5’ (lowest).
Fitch’s approach
to rating ABS seller/servicers capitalizes on the expertise of product
specialists, transaction analysts, and financial institution and corporate
analysts, in addition to the experience of the Operational Risk Group,
which has established rating programs for residential mortgage-backed
securities (RMBS) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) sellers
and servicers and collateralized debt obligation (CDO) asset managers.
Why a customized
approach?
Fitch’s ABS operational
review approach is customized in its recognition of the seller/servicer
arrangement typical to the ABS sector overall and its acknowledgment
of the differing asset level requirements for the wide variety of ABS
asset types. This customization allows for the appropriate measurement
— and communication to investors — of the impact of operational and
financial risks on ABS transaction performance. In addition, an approach
customized to the specific asset ensures that the factors most important
to that product type are weighed appropriately.
The demands of ABS
investors for analysis and data relating to origination and servicing
risk assessment vary greatly. The requirements of investors tend to
be correlated with their position in the deal’s capital structure. Generally,
investors in the higher risk mezzanine and subordinated tranches seek
the most detailed information for use in their default and loss modeling
and ultimate investment decisions. Other investors may be concerned
with a particular aspect of the origination or servicing infrastructure,
such as technology or collection. To meet this challenge, within the
ABS seller/servicer reports, Fitch will provide a summary evaluation
for each of the three major evaluation factors: corporate; origination;
and servicing. Fitch will assign a separate score for each, with a detailed
explanation following the summary evaluation.
ABS transactions
differ not only in deal structures, but also in the characteristics
of underlying loans (e.g. revolving or nonrevolving), loan securities
(with or without collateral), obligors (consumer or corporate, prime,
or subprime), issuers (from large, established banks to non- investment-grade
entities), exposure to various regulations, and many other factors.
Different terminology used in designating similar situations — for example,
"revolving" for credit cards, versus "recycling"
for student loans — further complicates analysis. Many of these differences
significantly affect the nature of the operational risks that the seller/servicer
must deal with. To reflect such variability, Fitch will supplement this
report with additional reports specifically written for each product
type. Fitch intends to evaluate seller/servicers in the following areas:
1) Credit cards;
student loans; 2) Auto loans; 3) Equipment loans and leases; 4) Other
commercial assets
Why seller/servicer
combined ratings?
Fitch recognizes
that ABS issuers typically fall into one of three categories:
1) Captive finance
company; 2) Monoline bank or financial institution; 3) Multiline bank
or finance company
As such, the vast
majority of the assets serviced by an institution were also originated
by the institution. For example, prime credit card receivables, receivables,
or consumer loans are not typically originated with the intention to
sell, servicing released, into the secondary market, as is common for
other assets (RMBS and CMBS). In addition, many products, such as auto
loans and equipment leases, lack any industry-accepted origination practices,
as might be present for areas like prime RMBS (Fannie Mae and Freddie
Mac guidelines). This lack of industry-accepted origination practices
can affect transferability of servicing.
Additionally, for
certain asset types, particularly assets with a revolving feature, like
credit cards, seller/servicers re-underwrite on an ongoing basis to
manage risk. Furthermore, in the case of captive finance companies,
the product securing the loan may have been manufactured by the parent
company, requiring the servicer to have a more active relationship with
the seller than in RMBS or CMBS transactions.
These factors, along
with other characteristics of ABS issuers and their collateral, make
it more difficult to look at the servicer function in isolation. Therefore,
where appropriate, Fitch will review both the origination and servicing
operations of the organization to properly assess the risks associated
with ABS transactions. Alternatively, Fitch is able to evaluate either
seller or servicer operations separately, if appropriate.
Effects of seller/servicer
ratings on Fitch ABS rating analysis
A seller/servicer
evaluation has always been an integral component of Fitch’s ABS transaction
analysis. As an additional measure of risk or benefit, these evaluations
have been used qualitatively to augment Fitch’s default, loss, and cash
flow modeling. In an effort to quantify risks and benefits associated
with seller/servicers, Fitch has established a more precise connection
between the operational attributes of a seller/servicer’s operation
and the performance of a transaction.
A more standardized
incorporation of the seller/servicer rating in transaction analysis,
such as calibration of the maximum allowable adjustment to credit enhancement
levels, expected default rates, or other relevant measures, is being
tested to determine appropriate levels. When seller/servicer rating
reviews of major players in each ABS product area are complete, a quantitative
matrix indicating the level of adjustments will be established. (For
Fitch’s approaches to servicer and asset manager ratings for other types
of securitization, see Fitch Research on "Residential Mortgage
Servicer Ratings," dated Feb. 21, 2003, "Commercial Mortgage
Servicer Rating Criteria," dated April 11, 2002, and "Rating
CDO Asset Managers," dated Feb. 13, 2004, all available on Fitch’s
web site at www.fitchratings.com)
However, levels of
uniformity in deal structure, product characteristics, and required
servicing vary by ABS product. Fitch expects some ABS segments, such
as credit cards and student loans, to be more conducive to this defined
arrangement than others. For other ABS product sectors, if there are
insufficient data to support standardization and quantification of adjustments,
Fitch may decide not to quantify factors. In such cases, Fitch will
continue to incorporate the results of seller/servicer evaluations,
on a case-by-case basis, in transaction analysis, fully taking into
consideration pertinent individual factors.
Fitch’s assessment
of the quality of the seller/servicer’s financial condition and operations
will have a direct impact on the determination of credit enhancement
levels. seller/servicers that are rated in the ‘1’ category are likely
to receive the most beneficial influence on enhancement levels. seller/servicers
rated in the ‘2’ category are likely to receive a smaller but still
measurable adjustment to Fitch’s enhancement calculation. seller/servicers
rated in the ‘3’ category could receive a mildly negative to mildly
beneficial credit enhancement adjustment, depending on their position
as compared with other ‘3’ category seller/servicers. Seller/servicers
rated below the ‘3’ category will receive a negative adjustment to enhancement
levels, which may be mitigated by an alternative servicing arrangement.
Many of the adjustments referenced above already have been taken into
consideration as part of Fitch’s seller/servicer review process. However,
Fitch’s expanded and more detailed reviews will allow for better communication
to the market of these adjustments, as well as the potential for further
modifications to enhancement calculations.
ABS seller/servicer
rating criteria
Corporate Performance:
1) Company and management experience; 2) Financial condition; 3) Operational
risk management
Origination: 1) Origination
and underwriting process; 2) Risk management; 3) Staffing and training;
4) Technology
Servicing: 1) Account
maintenance; 2) Customer service; 3) Payment processing and cash management;
4) Investor reporting and remitting; 5) Collections and loss mitigation;
6) Default loan management; 7) Risk management; 8) Staffing and training;
9) Technology
full report available at:
http://www.fitchratings.com/corporate/reports/report.cfm?rpt_
id=220460§or_flag=10&marketsector=1&detail=
---------------------------------------------------------------------
### Press Release
########################
--Press
Release re: NorVergence Class Action-
Plaintiffs Move For
Injunction in Class Action against Norvergence Lease Assignees filed
by Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman & The Law Offices of Michael
Scott Green
NEW JERSEY----Counsel
for Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit commenced against various
telecommunications leasing companies who were assignees of leases and
equipment rental agreements entered into between individuals and businesses
and the telecommunications company, Norvergence, Inc. ("Norvergence")
have moved for a preliminary injunction against the Lease Assignees.
The injunction seeks to enjoin the lease assignees from enforcing any
equipment rental agreements assigned to them by Norvergence, or from
commencing suit against Norvergence customers for payments under the
leases. The lawsuit seeks to certify a nationwide class of those persons
and entities who leased telecommunication and/or network computer equipment
from Norvergence, which leases were then assigned to various leasing
companies. The motion, brought by Order to Show Cause, is returnable
on October 1, 2004.
The lawsuit alleges that the leases violated various state and
federal statutes including the Consumer Fraud Act, the FTC Holder Rule,
the Truth-in-Consumer Contracts, Warranty & Notice Act, and that
the leases constitute breaches of contract, and breaches of implied
and express warranty. The suit seeks cancellation of the leases, disgorgement
of lease payments and a declaratory judgment concerning the unenforceability
of the leases.
The Amended Class Action Complaint suit names approximately twenty
six (26) lease financing companies as defendants.
The plaintiffs, and putative class representatives, are represented
by the law firms of Kantrowitz Goldhamer & Graifman and the Law
Offices of Michael Scott Green. The website for the class action is
at www.njnorvergenceclassaction.com. Attorneys for the Plaintiffs may
be reached at the following contact information: Gary S. Graifman, Esq.,
Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, 210 Summit Avenue, Montvale, New
Jersey 07645, 1-800-660-7843, ggraifman@kgglaw.com; Michael S. Green,
Esq., 86 Washington Avenue, Milltown, New Jersey 08850, Telephone 732-390-0480,
msgreen@lawmsg.com.
CONTACT:Kantrowitz
Goldhamer & Graifman Gary S. Graifman, 800-660-7843 ggraifman@kgglaw.com
or The Law Offices of Michael Scott Green
Michael S. Green, 732-390-0480 msgreen@lawmsg.com or www.njnorvergenceclassaction.com
### Press Release
#########################
***announcement************************************
Business
Leasing News September Newsletter
1. Tech Spending
Improves Despite Doubts; Leasing Supports Its Growth
2. California Imposes
New Use Taxes on Aircraft, Vehicles and Vessels
3. Mediation Provides
A Different Way to Address Defaults
4. BLN Case &
Comment: BankVest Assumes Lease, Ignoring Non-monetary Defaults
5. Leasing 101: What
Is "Utility Computing"?
6. BLN Briefs: Biz
Roundtable Ups CAPEX; Mexican Trucks in U.S.; CA Waste Law Update
7. Reader Feedback;
Recent Publications; Upcoming Speeches; Training Offered
8. About Patton Boggs
LLP and My Law Practice
http://www.leasingnews.org/items/BLN_September%202004.htm
**** announcement
**************************************
Sports
Briefs
Work stoppage could
wipe out hockey season
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/
hockey/nhl/san_jose_sharks/9667803.htm
Brewers keep Barry
from 700
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/games/
2004-09-15-giants-brewers-bonds_x.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Gimme
that Wine”
Michael Mondavi Resigns
From Robert Mondavi Corp. Amid Plans to Sell Luxury Brands
http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Daily/News/0,1145,2596,00.html
The Grapevine Is
Whispering; It Says Mondavi----Frank J. Prail
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/16/business/16wine.html
Mondavi to sell off
luxury wine brands
Michael Mondavi announces
resignation
archive/2004/09/15/BUGII8P3T71.DTL&type=business
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=90413&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=614398&highlight=
Napa Valle Heat causes headaches
but vintners predict quality harvest
http://www.napanews.com/templates/index.cfm?template=
story_full&id=A514D1B3-96C3-409C-8976-E2D5389A054B
Château d'Yquem Drops
Its Price Dramatically for Release of 1999 Vintage
http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Daily/News/0,1145,2595,00.html
Make Willamette Valley
Vineyards your weekend stomping ground
http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/oregonian/index.ssf?
/base/living/1094730956115711.xml
Chateau Ste Michelle
Winery
http://wine.about.com/od/washingtonstate/a/stemichelle.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
This
Day in American History
1620-
the Mayflower departs from Plymouth, England with 102 passengers and
a small crew. On board were 48 crew members
and 101 colonists (including 35 Separatists from Leiden, Holland, known
afterward as the Pilgrims). During the three-month voyage, two passengers
died and two babies were born.
Vicious storms were encountered en route which caused serious doubt
about the wisdom of continuing, but she reached Provincetown, MA, Nov21,
and discharged the Pilgrims at Plymouth, MA, Dec 26.1620.
1672-While
her actual birthday is not known, this is the official date proclaimed
by the governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to honor Anne Bradstreet,
America’s first poet who is also recognized as the first published woman
poet in the English language. Anne Bradstreet was born in 1612 in England and came to America
in 1630. Unbeknownst to Anne, her brother-in-law took some of her poetry
back to England where it was published in 1630 as Te Tenth Muse Lately
Sprung Up in America. Subsequent
editions were also published in Boston.
She died at Andover, MA.
1782-
Continental Congress President John Hanson along with Secretary
Charles Thomson made
the first impression of the Great Seal of the United
States on a document
authorizing General George Washington to negotiate and sign an agreement
with the British for the exchange, subsistence, and better treatment
of prisoners of war.
1810-Mexican
Independence Day. Father Miguel Hidalgo
y Costilla summoned the largely Indian and mestizo congregation
of his small Dolores parish church and urged them to take up arms and
fight for Mexico's independence from Spain.
( lower half of:
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/sep16.html
)
1889-Birthday of Claude A. Barnett, founder of the Associated Negro Press. ranked by Ebony magazine as among the one hundred most influential black Americans, founded the Associated Negro Press (ANP) in 1919 and remained its director through nearly half a century of social change. By providing its member newspapers with coverage of activities within black communities across the country and current national trends and events, the ANP helped create a national black culture and increased black awareness of national news.
Died, 1967
http://newswatch.sfsu.edu/milestones/decade1910_barnett.html
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0838631371
/inktomi-bkasin-20/104-1488333-3847140
1893-Greatest
“run” for Oklahoma land.
1903-Birthday
of Buck McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck),Alton, IL
1903-Birthday
of violinist Joe Venuti, Philadelphia, PA
1908-the
giant automobile manufacturing company called General Motors was founded
by William Crapo “Billy” Durant, a Flint, Ml, entrepreneur.
http://www.libertyhaven.com/thinkers/billydurant/billy.html
1921-Birthday of singer/composer Jon Hendricks, Newark,OH
http://www.jazzter.nl/jon.html
http://www.harmonyware.com/JonHendricks/
1925-Birthday
of jazz guitarist Charlie Byrd.
http://www.gfmusic.com/newcharlie99.html
http://www.classicjazzguitar.com/artists/artists_page.jsp?artist=54
1925
- Singer/guitarist Riley “BB” King birthday
1938-
Dorsey Band records “Boogie Woogie”
1946-Les
Brown cuts “ I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.”
1946-Banjoist
Earl Scruggs first recorded with Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys.
His three-fingered picking style became one of the trademarks of bluegrass
music. Scruggs and guitarist Lester Flatt left Monroe in 1948 to form
their own group, the Foggy Mountain Boys. Flatt and Scruggs's partnership
lasted for more than 20 years.
1950---Top
Hits
Mona Lisa - Nat King
Cole
Goodnight Irene -
The Weavers
Tzena, Tzena, Tzena
- The Weavers
Goodnight Irene -
Red Foley-Ernest Tubb
1951-”Sky
King” TV premiere. This half-hour children’s adventure series began
on radio in 1947. Kirby Grant starred as Schuyler J. (Sky) King, owner
of the Flying Crown.
1954-Birthday
of guitarist Earl Klugh, Detroit, MI
1955-The
United States Auto Club (USAC) was formed to supervise four major categories
of auto racing.
1958---Top
Hits
Nel Blu Dipinto Di
Blu (Volare) - Domenico Modugno
It’s All in the Game
- Tommy Edwards
Rock-in Robin - Bobby
Day
Bird Dog - The Everly
Brothers
1960-College
football coach Amos Alonzo Stagg (1864-1965) announced his retirement
after seventy-one years on the field. Stagg's career coincided with
the evolution of the game from an amalgam of soccer and rugby into American
football as we know it.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/sep16.html
1963
- "She Loves You" was recorded by The Beatles on the Swan
label. It was the first record recorded by The Beatles; but the second
single by the ‘Fab Four’ to hit #1. "I Want to Hold Your Hand",
was the group’s first #1 song and million seller (on Capitol). It beat
"She Loves You" to the top spot by just a few weeks. Other
Beatles hits were also recorded on Capitol (Capitol had rejected "She
Loves You") and Swan labels; but the Beatles liked variety -- so
add these record companies to the Beatles list of recording labels:
Vee-Jay, MGM, Tollie, United Artists, Atco, E.M.I., Parlaphone and Apple.
1964-
the rock 'n' roll TV show "Shindig" premiered on ABC. Guests
on the first show were Sam Cooke, Bobby Sherman, the Everly Brothers
and the Righteous Brothers. The house band, the Shindogs, included such
musicians as Leon Russell and Delaney Bramlett. And among the Shindig
Dancers was future actress Teri Garr. Such was the drawing power of
the show that the Beatles were paid only $1,400 to appear during the
first season - at the height of Beatlemania. "Shindig" began
its second season with a bang, snagging the Rolling Stones for the first
show and expanding to two nights a week. But it was downhill after that,
with such guest hosts as Zsa Zsa Gabor, Hedy Lamarr and Boris Karloff.
"Shindig" was cancelled in January 1966.
1965-
Duke Ellington gives sacred concert in San Francisco.
1965
- San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral became the site of the first concert
of sacred music presented by Duke Ellington.
1965
- "The Dean Martin Show" debuted on NBC-TV. It was a weekly
variety show that continued on the network for nine years. Regulars
over the years were The Goldiggers, Ken Lane, The Ding-a-Ling Sisters,
Tom Bosley, Dom DeLuise, Nipsey Russell, Rodney Dangerfield and Les
Brown and His Band. The theme song? "Everybody Loves Somebody".
1966---Top
Hits
You Can’t Hurry Love
- The Supremes
Yellow Submarine
- The Beatles
Land of 1000 Dances
- Wilson Pickett
Almost Persuaded
- David Houston
1967-
“Mannix “ premiers on TV. Mike Connors starred as Joe Mannix~ a Los
Angeles private investigator working for the computer organization Intertect,
in this long-running CBS crime series. Joseph Campanella played his
boss, Lou Wickersham, during the first season. The show then changed
format with Mannix setting up his own agency. The new cast members were
Gail Fisher as Peggy Fair, his secretary, Robert Reed as Lieutenant
Adam Tobias and Ward Wood as Lieutenant Art Malcolm.
1968-
Richard Nixon appears on "Laugh-in". In “Who Wants to be a
Millionaire?” television show, this was a $1 million question.
The contestant got it right, by the way.
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/GuidePageServlet/
1971-The
first Technical school for Native Americans was the Southwestern Indian
Polytechnic Institute, Albuquerque, NM, a coeducational school that
opened with 700 Native American students from 64 tribes. It comprised 12 buildings on a 164-acre campus
and cost $13 million. John L.
Peterson was the first superintendent.
http://icpac.indiana.edu/education/college_profiles/188216.xml
http://www.humboldt.edu/~hsuitepp/college.html
http://www.sipi.bia.edu/residencespec.htm
1971-
“Owen Marshall” premieres,
an hour-long ABC drama with Arthur Hill as the title character,
a widowed attorney in Santa Barbara. Lee Majors, Reni Santoni and David
Soul played his associates. Also featured were Joan Darling as Marshall’s
secretary and Christine Matchett as his daughter.
1974---Top
Hits
I Shot the Sheriff
- Eric Clapton
Rock Me Gently -
Andy Kim
I’m Leavin It (All)
Up to You - Donny & Marie Osmond
Please Don’t Tell
Me How the Story Ends - Ronnie Milsap
1974--
BART begins regular transbay service. In 1962, Marin and San Mateo County
withdrew from the plan to raise funds with taxes. Santa Clara County
was not
included as the Bay Area master plan not only included Marin, but
Napa
County, where the population growth was to grow. When the cities
and county
of Napa read the plan, they started enacting laws and prohibitions
for growth.
Construction began in 1965.
The 3.2-mile bore through the hard rock of the Berkeley Hills was completed
in February, 1967, after 466 work days, to become the fourth longest
vehicular tunnel in the U.S. 1969
the state legislature
authorized another
tax to finish the project. In
subsequent years, the line moved
from Daly City (
in San Mateo County without a tax initiative) to the San Francisco International
Airport, located in Millbrae ( San Mateo County ).
Recently monies were
granted for a line to continued from Fremont to San Jose
and Santa Clara in
the near future. The original
idea was to circle the entire
San Francisco Bay. One of the key opponents in San Mateo who changed
the course of history
is Les Kelting, still alive in San Bruno, California. He
was against raising
any taxes to pay for rapid transit, which he claimed would
help the San Francisco
Airport more than the residents of San Mateo County..
1976-In
Minneapolis, the 65th Triennial General Convention of the Episcopal
Church officially approved ordination of women to the priesthood
1978-The
Grateful Dead played a concert in front of the Egyptian Pyramids. The
show was recorded but has never been released.
1979-
At Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Bombers hold Catfish Hunter Day to honor
their future Hall of Fame pitcher who will be retiring at the end of
the season at the age of 33. A 20-year-old left-hander named Dave Righetti
makes his major league debut for the home town team.
1979-What is generally considered to be the
first rap record, "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugar Hill Gang,
was released. Rap developed in the black ghettos of New York City, and
consists of rhymed and rhythmical verses chanted over pre-recorded instrumental
dance tracks. "Rapper's Delight" confounded the prevailing
industry view that rap was an amateur fad with no commercial appeal.
The record sold two-million copies.
1981
- Boxer ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, at age 25, knocked out Thomas ‘The Hit
Man’ Hearns. Leonard won the welterweight boxing championship -- and
the richest payday in boxing history.
1982---Top
Hits
Hard to Say I’m Sorry
- Chicago
Jack & Diane
- John Cougar
You Should Hear How
She Talks About You - Melissa Manchester
She Got the Goldmine
(I Got the Shaft) - Jerry Reed1984 -"Miami
Vice" premiers on TV.
http://harley.pcl.ox.ac.uk/~mark/miami/
http://us.imdb.com/Title?0086759
1987-
Stealing his 30th base, a career-high, Indian Joe Carter becomes the
ninth major leaguer to hit 30 home runs and to swipe 30 bases in the
same season.
1988-
Reds' Tom Browning pitches a perfect game against the Dodgers striking
out eight and allowing only eight balls to be hit out of the infield
in his 1-0 victory. Over three starts including the perfect game he
retires 40 consecutive batters - one shy of a major league record.
1990---Top
Hits
Release Me - Wilson
Phillips
Do Me! - Bell Biv
DeVoe
Have You Seen Her
- M.C. Hammer
Jukebox in My Mind
– Alabama
1993-
the TV premiere of “Frasier.” In this spin-off of “Cheers,” psychiatrist
Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) has moved to Seattle where he dispenses
advice on the radio. He lives with his father Martin (John Mahoney)
and Martin’s physical therapist Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves). His brother,
Dr. Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce), frequently asks for Frasier’s advice
about his love life. Roz Doyle, the producer of Frasier’s show, is played
by Pen Gilpin.
1993—Top
Hits
Dreamlover, Mariah
Carey
Whoomp! (There It
Is)- Tag Team
an t Help Falling
In Love (From "Sliver")- UB40
If- Janet Jackson
1996-
Paul Molitor of the Minnesota Twins got the 3,000th hit of
his career, a triple against Jose Rosado of the Kansas City Royals.
the Twins lost, 6-5, Molitor became either the 20th or 21st
player to reach the 3,000-hit plateau ( depending on whether the list
includes Adrian “Cap” Anson, who statistics are in dispute. He was the
first to triple for No. 3000.
1998-
In front of 49,891 patrons at San Diego's Jack Murphy Stadium, Sammy
Sosa ties Mark McGwire by hitting his record-setting 63rd home run.
The 434-foot eighth inning two-out blast off Brian Boehringer is a tie-breaking
grand slam as 'Slammin' Sammy collects all six RBIs as the Cubs beat
the Padres, 6-3.
1998-Top
Hits
I Don't Want To Miss
A Thing- Aerosmith
The First Night-
Monica
Crush- Jennifer Paige
My Way- Usher
1999
- Hurricane Floyd stormed ashore, pounding North Carolina with 110 mph
winds, dumping more than a foot of rain, damaging 12,000 homes and claiming
more than 50 lives. Floyd also caused the largest peacetime evacuation
in U.S. history, with 2.6 million people ordered away from the shores
in the hurricane's path.
2000-
Cub outfielder Sammy Sosa joins Mark McGwire (1997-99) as the only major
leaguer to hit 50HRs three consecutive seasons.
2002-
Giant left fielder Barry Bonds walks three times breaking his own record
for base on balls in a season with 178. Approximately one-third of the
free passes given to the San Francisco slugger have been intentional
(60 out of 178)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseball
John W. Knight
The game was tied in the bottom of nine
A runner on third
and two out
In the dead still
air a mosquito's whine
Was all you could
hear, then a shout
"Do something
Ben, murder the ball,
For crying out loud
get a hit."
Ben strode to the
plate to answer the call
The now restless
fans knew this was it
He dug in his right
foot then positioned his left
And tapped the plate
twice with his bat
Then he pulled it
back slowly as to measure its heft
And tensed his whole
frame like a cat
The pitcher glared
in, the Ump hunkered down
Then the ball on
its way like a shot
Ben pulled the trigger,
his body unwound
And the ball hit
the bat with a "Thock"
This is the sum that
the game's all about
This instant is not
just a dream
The split second
physics, a hit or an out?
Each player and fan
poised to scream
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