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Monday, September 25, 2006

Headlines---

Archives—September 25, 2000---Debbie
    Classified Ads-Doc. Mgr./Finance/Legal
        Marlin $380.2 MM Debt Securitization
Friday—Leasing News Host went off line
    Susquehanna Patriot National thrust
        “Broker-Vendor” Commissions up-dated
Classified Ads---Help Wanted
    Help Wanted Ad Costs
        Top Stories--September 17-22
Leasing 102-Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
"Hold Harmless and Tax Indemnities"
    Advance Rental Artist Sentenced
        Weekly Bulletin Board report
MeriCap Names Richard C. Damon Mgr
    LEAF Financial $150 MM Loan Facility
        Key Targets European Market
Tom Allen/Premier Commercial Ins
    You May have Missed---
        "Gimme that Wine"
            Calendar Events
Snapple Real Facts
    Today's Top Event in History
        This Day in American History
            Baseball Poem

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

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Archives—September 25, 2000---Debbie Monosson

Congratulations to Debbie Monosson

She didn't tell me at the United Association of Equipment Leasing Conference the weekend before last, but on September 7 she succeeded her father A. "Sonny" Monosson, who started Boston Financial and Equity in 1968.

His company was one of the first to take very high risk credits, specialize in high technology equipment to venture start-up companies. Its first client was NASA when it leased a DEC 780 computer to them. The U.S. Government only wrote one year leases at that point in time, and Boston Financial took the risk of getting the DEC 780 back after one year. That computer brought back the first photos of Mars and Venus for the world to see.

Their clever cartoons appears in many industry newspapers and often are faxed to brokers, who they seek business. While the commissions are usually only one percent and usually paid thirty days after the funding of the lease (that is my personal experience), they have a definite niche in the marketplace.

A press release says Debbie joined Boston Financial & Equity Corporation on September 11, 1989, as a National Accounts Executive. Debbie calling on Vendors, Venture Capitalists, Banks, Finance companies, and Leasing companies selling Boston Financial & Equity's High-Risk Leasing services. During those years and the following years, Debbie worked with the Credit department, the Advertising department, and the Accounting department.

Debbie is active in outside organizations in the financial community. She was elected to the Board of Directors of the Commercial Finance Association and subsequently to its prestigious "Executive Committee".

During the same period of time, she became a Trustee of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation and subsequently its Treasurer. Other business interests include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Enterprise Forum, where she serves on their Board of Directors. In addition, her activity in the Eastern Association of Equipment Lessors resulted in her election to its Board of Directors.

Debbie was promoted to Vice President in 1982, Vice President of Marketing and Sales in 1993, Senior Vice President in 1996, and added the responsibilities of Clerk of Boston Financial & Equity Corporation in 1998. Debbie received her BS degree in Business from Skidmore College and an MBA from Boston University.

1994, April, Western Association of Equipment Leasing Conference, Monterey

(with John Colton)

“My interests outside work are downhill skiing, bicycling (road not Mountain) and a faithful Red Sox fan... I probably attend 25-30 games a season, even when they're losing...”

Debbie, 1994

[headlines]

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Classified Ads-- Documentation Manager / Finance / Legal

Lost Mountain Winery, Sequim, Washington *

(only available direct from the winery, and one of the few wineries that does not add sulfites in their bottling process-many are allegoric to this, plus the wine tastes better, unfiltered, not fined, the old style way, only available in small batches. )

Documentation Manager / Finance / Legal

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
Website: www.tlgattorneycpa.com

Finance: Orange County, CA
25+ years experience large ticket and mid-market commercial finance. Senior manager in operations, documentation, legal, credit, workouts, portfolio management. $2+Billion portfolio. MBA Finance. Juris Doctor.
Email: finance1000@cox.net

Finance: San Jose, CA
15+ years sourcing debt, managing cash and receivables and other treasury functions. Strong background in credit, contract
administration and bankruptcy litigation experience. MBA Finance.
Email: raycis@comcast.net
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

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

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

* http://www.lostmountain.com/index.html

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Marlin Leasing Completes $380.2 Million Term Debt Securitization

If you are not on our mailing list, you most likely missed the Friday extra. Here is a link to the story:
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-22-06-extra.htm

The SEC filing:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Marlin_9-22-06.pdf

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Friday—Leasing News Host went off line

At approximately 9:45 AM ET this morning (Friday, September 22, 2006) Verio lost commercial power to its data center facility in Sterling, Virginia and experienced technical problems with its generators. The problem has now been resolved. The data center is currently operating on generator power and Verio's operations staff is now beginning to bring the data center back online.

We will continue to work toward service restoration, and will post updates as needed to the verio.com Web site.

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Susquehanna Patriot to increase National thurst

In a press release earlier this month, Pottstown based Susquehanna Patriot Commercial Leasing Company announced it changed its name on September 1st to Susquehanna Commercial Finance Inc.

Ken Collins, chairman and CEO of the company told the Cumberland Times News it is the next step in its evolution from a small ticket leasing company into a national equipment financer.

According to the news story, leasing will remain the core business of Susquehanna Commercial Finance, but the new name conveys the range of sales and structured financing products the organization offers for equipment financing.

These options include conditional sales contracts, equipment finance agreements and loans.

“As the leasing industry continues to change, Susquehanna Commercial Finance is taking a forward-looking approach to our industry by expanding our product offerings beyond traditional equipment leasing options,” said Collins to the Cumberland Times News. “Our new name articulates our changes and gives us a bridge to provide additional equipment financing solutions to our customers.”

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Outside Sales “Broker-Vendor” List up-dated

This is an outgrowth of Linda Kester”s Sales makes it Happen column on “Who Pays What?”

Originally she reported to the editor she was having difficulty getting “official commissions.” Her first impression was that leasing companies did not want to disclose what they paid brokers and vendors.

The reality is the “buy rate” decides what someone is paid, and perhaps even more important, who will accepts the transaction as presented, as the “commission” definitely relies on these two factors.

The veterans generally have an idea of who pays what.

Those new to the business most often don't, and then there are those who are mislead. To clarify the issue, Leasing News is inviting all to contribute as this will become a permanent list on the Leasing News web site.

Thank you, Linda, for the idea.

Leasing News will have to re-design the graphics, but for the time being, here is the most recent up-date of five more leasing companies who completed the questionnaire:

Up to 15 points, transaction size from $25.0 to $450.0
company: ABCO Leasing, Inc.

Up to $75,000 - 15 points
$75,000 and over 10 points
company: CFC Investment Company

Advance of 110% of invoice, plus advance payments and residuals.
company: Enterprise Funding

We pay up to 10% on all aplications from $10,000 to $200,000
company: Mesa Leasing, Inc.

Depending on experience. All Straight commission.
50 to 60 % of net after expenses, less 5% if it is $1.00 Purchase Option. They get 25% of collected purchase option after direct expenses as long as they are still active with the company. No commission on any fees (filing or documentation). Collector gets paid commission on late fees collected and a percent of purchase option.

company: ComCom / OneWorld, Communications Leasing, Inc.

 

Outside Sales Commissions--Broker + Vendor

Points
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
20
Leasing Companies
                                 
ABCO Leasing
                                 
$25,000 - $450,000                                  
Balboa Capital (d)
                                 
- Commercial Deals $100,000+
                                 
Bank of the West (a)
 
- $50,000                        
       
- $100,00                                  
- $250,00          
                     
- Over $250,00    
                           
BSB Leassing
                                 
- up to $100,000                                  
- "thin to win"                                  
Cannon Financial
                                 
CFC Investment Company
                                 
- Up to $75,000                                  
- $75,000 +                                  
Citi Capital
                                 
DLL
                                 
Dolsen Leasing Company (e)
                                 
- $10,000 - $25,000                                  
- $25,001 - $50,000                                  
- $50,001 - $75,000                                  
- $75,001 - $100,000                                  
- $100,001 - $250,000                                  
Dumac
                                 
Enterprise Funding (f)
                                 
Financial Pacific
 
- Under 2 years in business                                  
- Over 2 years in business                                  
GE Capital
                                 
Graybar
                                 
Great America
                                 
Main Street
                                 
Manifest
 
- $5K-100K                                  
- over $100K                                  
Marlin Leasing
 
- Vendor Side                                  
- Broker Side (b)                                  
Mesa Leasing, Inc.
                                 
- $10,000 - $200,000                                  
ComCom / OneWorld (g)
                                 
Pawnee Leasing(c)
                                 
USXL
                                 
Vanguard Leasing, Inc.
                                 
- 10K-50K                                  
- 50K-100K                                  
- Municipal Deals in General                                  
Leasing Companies
Points
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
20
These companies may be found at
www.leasingnews.org/All_Lists.htm
FOOTNOTES:
(a) Bank of the West - (Discounters: Max incl. first + last)
(b) Marlin Leasing - May split any overage
(c) Pawnee Leasing - (Sales Tax not included)
(d) Balboa: Over $100,000 is considered Commercial. We do not pay a vendor any fees. We no longer have a Muni sales channel. Our outside commissions are limited to brokers. If a referral source, CPA or attorney, refers a transaction to a sales rep they have some flexibility to comp them but based on the reports I see that is rare.
(e) Vendor direct same as broker
(f) Enterprise Funding 20+ - Advance of $110% of invoice, plus advance payments and residuals.
(g)ComCom / OneWorld, Communications Leasing, Inc.
Depending on experience. All Straight commission. 50 to 60 % of net after expenses, less 5% if it is $1.00 Purchase Option. They get 25% of collected purchase option after direct expenses as long as they are still active with the company. No commission on any fees (filing or documentation). Collector gets paid commission on late fees collected and a percent of purchase option.
 
Please use this form to submit any other companies and/or points to our list.

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Classified Ads---Help Wanted

Office Administrator

    
Office Administrator
Deerfield, Illinois

Proficient in Microsoft Office, 2 years admin. minimum report directly to Director of Operations. To learn more, please click here.
   

Operations Manager

    
Operations Manager
Minneapolis,MN

Coordinates lease process from inception through pay off. 3+ years proven leasing account management exper.
For more info, click here

        

www.WirthBusinessCredit.com
Equipment financing for small business.

Sales

   
3 Regional Sales Opportunities
NY/NJ; Dallas & Atlanta/Nashville

Manage existing accounts and develop relationships. Min. Req. 3 years equip. leasing sales or strong leasing operations experience. For more information, click here:
   

[headlines]

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Buy a "Help Wanted" Ad

Alexa Ranks Leasing News #1

Help Wanted Ad Pricing Criteria
Smaller Ads
$500.00 minimum for four lines
Larger Ads
$75.00 each additional line
Additional Options

- Design work to help create the ad is free.

-Company logo is not included in the linage count; company logo is $50.00

-Description of your company is $100.00
(company description cannot have more lines than your ad)

Cost Per Day (based on ad price)

$500.00 - $23.81 per day
$600.00 - $28.57 per day
$700.00 - $33.33 per day
$800.00 - $38.10 per day
$900.00 - $42.86 per day

All rates are subject to change.

To obtain more information and/or to submit an ad, please click here.

If you prefer a " non-employment" ad, we sell a banner ad, please click here
for pricing
.

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Top Stories--September 17-22

Here are the top ten stories most "opened" by readers last week.

(1) Sales makes it Happen-by Linda Kester
“Who Pays What?” -Broker Commissions
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-20-06.htm#sales

(Linda is consistently in the ‘top ten,' and this is not the first time she was number one!!! She is trying to finish a book on leasing, and I will wager it will be a ‘best seller. ')

(2) Jerry Hudspeth resigns from PFSC?
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-19-06.htm#pfsc

(Thank you, readers, especially for sending the ‘resignation letter.' Leasing News is ahead of what is happening because of our readers. Thank you, again.)

(3) Jerry Hudspeth takes a walk
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-20-06.htm#walk

(Leasing News got the exclusive, inside story from the new acting CEO of PFSC: Robert VanHellemont)

(4) Sterling to Divest Financial Services
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-22-06.htm#bancorp

(A late night search find this press release just posted, in time for the early morning edition.)

(5) Dell Up For Delisting
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-22-06.htm#dell

(Internet related news is our specialty, and being based in Silicon Valley, we have a lot of contacts and those in the business who send us inside news.)

(6) Correction: “Who's Pays What?”
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-22-06.htm#correct

(7) Sterling Financial Buys Santa Rosa Bank
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-19-06.htm#sterling

(I think readers thought this was Sterling Bank on the East Coast. An interesting story nevertheless indicating the growth of both regional banks. As the major banks swallow each other, it creates more regional banks from the community banks. The interesting part is several years ago they did not offer equipment leasing as a product. They do today.)

(8) Levine and Reitman
“Who's at EAEl/NAELB Expo?”
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-20-06.htm#expo

(To me, the headline was a take off on Abbott and Costello: “Who's on First?” The approach was like a football game with Al Levine as the “play-by-play” announcer and Barry Reitman suppling the “color.” They both did a great job. Hopefully they will continue as Leasing News reporters.)

(9) Leasing 102--by Mr. T.Winders, CLP
“What is a Security Deposit?
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-19-06.htm#102

(Many think our readers are not interested in education columns.
This Top Ten demonstrates that these topics are popular. )

Tie

(10) Outside Sales “Broker-Vendor” List up-dated
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-22-06.htm#outside

(10) Butler launches Web site 4 brokers
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-22-06.htm#butler

Not included in the count:

Leasing News Extra

Marlin Leasing Completes $380.2 Million Term Debt Securitization
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/September%202006/09-22-06-extra.htm

Kit Menkin, editor

[headlines]

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Leasing 102

Hold Harmless and Tax Indemnities

by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP

A lot of discussion is centered on what type of guarantees the lessee provides the lessor when problems with IRS challenges or losses occur from equipment accidents. The first one that seems to have dropped from sight on current lease agreements is the corporate tax rate indemnity. The corporate tax rate changed in 1981 from 46% to the current 34%-35% tax rate. When a tax lease is structured one of the components is the assumption of the same corporate tax rate over the term of the lease. If the tax rate were increased, then the tax consequences would seriously reduce the lessor yield. Usually this is handled by a corporate tax rate indemnity statement in the master lease allowing the payment to change to maintain the lessor's yield.

We have a number of leasing companies that have been formed since 1981 and began their lease product with bargain option leases that do not require a corporate tax rate indemnity and then graduated into tax leasing without the necessary protections. Current thinking is that the chances of a change in tax rate are high and many lessors are going to suffer yield deterioration without a corporate tax rate indemnity.

The standard indemnity requires the lessee to assume liability for, and hereby agrees, at its own cost and expense, to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Lessor, its directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, affiliates, successors and assigns from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, injuries, claims (including, without limitation, claims based upon strict liability), demands, penalties, actions, costs and expenses, including legal expenses, of any kind or nature arising out of the use, condition (including, without limitation, latent and other defects, whether or not discoverable), operation, ownership, selection, delivery, leasing or return of any items of equipment (including, without limitation, any claim for patent, trademark or copyright infringement), regardless of where, how and by whom operated, or for any interruption of service, loss of business or consequential damages.

Indemnity requirements protect the lessor, but are limited by the financial strength of the lessee. Once the lessee becomes insolvent many risks are transferred to the financial strength of the lessor so proper insurance endorsements need to be in place prior to the commencement of the lease to cover the equipment (physical damage) and the damage inflicted on people or other property (liability). The physical damage must cover the outstanding balance but the liability limits need to cover a lot higher risk.

Think of all the risks that asset ownership offers and then think how to cover those risks in a lease agreement and you will begin to understand why a lease agreement is so complex.

Mr. Terry Winders has been a teacher, consultant, expert witness for the leasing industry for thirty years and can be reached at leaseconsulting@msn.com or 502-327-8666

[headlines]

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Advance Rental Artist Sentenced

Leasing News reported the arrest in May, 2005, and then on July 13, 2006, the conviction of Pedro Gonzalez, owner and president of Nations Capital Credit Corporation and Excel Investment Group Corporation, Florida.

R. Alexander Acosta, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Henry Gutierrez, Postal Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, proved he "obtained over $250,000 from at least fifty (50) individuals and businesses by making material misrepresentations concerning his ability to obtain financing, and falsely promising that if he failed to deliver financing at the promised terms, or if the transaction was not consummated, he would fully refund the deposits.”

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Gurwitz and Assistant United States Attorney Rosa Rodriguez-Mera. On July 13, 2006, after a six (6) day trial before U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno, a jury found defendant Pedro B. Gonzalez guilty of five (5) counts of mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341, and five (5) counts of wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343.

September 21, 2006, U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno sentenced Gonzalez to 66 months in prison. Following his release from prison, he will serve an additional three years under supervised release and is also required to pay $116,300 in restitution, a $250,000 fine, and a $1,000 special assessment fee.

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Weekly Bulletin Board report

In the last several months, most of the complaints are handled once we ask for the leasing company's side of the story. Advance Rentals are generally returned. The sentencing of Pedro Gonzalez of National Capital Credit is an example of those companies who don't make the Bulletin Board because the complainant doesn't supply the information requested. Many of the complaints Leasing News received against National Capital Credit were mortgage related, but some were leasing advance rentals, all small amounts, under $5,000, some less than $2,500. Leasing News was successful in getting the monies returned when all the documents were received by us.

#1 New Jersey Broker

This one came from a broker complaining about a transaction sent to another broker. Leasing News requires the complainant to send in copies of the contracts and other correspondence, plus copies of checks or wire transfers. In this instance, the lessee received a proposal from the “super broker” spelling out everything, particularly a $1.00 purchase option. The copy of the contract the lessee signed was difficult to read as it was sent by fax, but the bottom line is there was no purchase option side letter. In fact, the lease contract had an “Evergreen” clause. To compound the issue, the lessee had made an extra year and a half of lease payments before they discovered the extra 18 payments. Furthermore, the “super broker” had informed the lessee to make payments to them after the original funder term had been completed, which the lessee did. The company never questioned the change in name and address for the checks.

The proposal did match the dollar amount and terms and conditions, except for the $1 purchase option, which appears not to have been included in the original contract. This was discussed with the lessee, who continued to argue it was a $1.00 out lease. To proceed further, Leasing News needed a better copy of the contract to read to make sure there was no purchase option or residual covered. The lessee commented they would not make any more payments and wait for the “Super Broker” to sue them. Leasing News never heard from any party again about this situation. They would never lease again, plus they tell all their business customers and supplies not to lease anything.

By the way, neither the broker nor “Super Broker” were members of any leasing association.

#2 Orange County, California Complaint

This regards a complaint against a group listed on the Leasing News Bulletin Board who has formed a new company. They do not belong to a leasing association, by the way. They accepted an advance rental of $5,280, but have yet to have the lease approved or agreed to return the money. Unfortunately, all that exists are e-mails as there was no proposal sent. Obviously, this time they wanted nothing in writing.

Leasing News has been referring those with complaints to take the matter to their state's small claims courts. Some may have to reduce the amount that they claim is owed to them, and some may get lucky, such as in California is $5,000 plus court costs (you can't file more than two claims over $2,500 each during the year.) Of course, you have to win the judgment and then collect it.

There are also firms that work with other small claims court processors across the United States, so you can work out of state, and also appoint a representative if you are a corporation. The cost is much less than an attorney. If you are lucky or unlucky enough, depends on your viewpoint, to have a son-in-law or daughter-in-law who is an attorney, they might do you a favor and your out of pocket costs will be the court fees---but then again, there could be depositions, discovery costs, and it may not be as simple as you think.

As a rule of thumb, if the claim is less than $20,000 to $30,000, the court fees and time may not be financially worth a law suit. Some states have a $3,500 limit, but in this case, again, it would be cheaper to seek that amount.

Here is Paul Bent of the Alta Group's view on this:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Settlement_Vs_litigation.htm

#3 South Carolina Leasing Applicant

The vendor of equipment made the original complaint, which the applicant submitted all the necessary papers.

This leasing company is a member of a leasing association. They sent a proposal to the applicant calling for a 60 month term with $1.00 purchase option at $1,171.59 a month. The applicant signed it and sent in $2343.18.

The leasing company could only obtain a thirty-six month approval, and their agreement says they will return the money, if the terms are not met. The agreement was signed July 26, 2006. The money has not been returned yet.

Unfortunately the lease proposal venue states it is in New Jersey.

The leasing company's name may soon be appearing in Leasing News.

[headlines]

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

MeriCap Credit Corporation Names Richard C. Damon as
Business Development Manager in its Commercial Vehicle Division

Oak Brook, IL. MeriCap Credit Corp. announced the appointment of Richard “Dick” Damon as Business Development Manager in its Commercial Vehicle (“CV) division. In this role, Damon will be responsible for soliciting CV vendors in Pennsylvania and New York.

Richard “Dick” Damon

Damon joins MeriCap Credit bringing 30+ years in the transportation finance industry- most notably as District Sales Manager for The Associates where he covered the Pennsylvania and New York territory and then as General Manger of Hunter Erie Truck Sales, where he was responsible for all day-to-day efforts at the dealership.

“Dick brings a long history of dealer finance experience and local market knowledge to his new position with MeriCap Credit. He is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of the dealers in his territory and is a great addition to our team,” stated Mark Rosinski, Vice President of MeriCap Credit's Commercial Vehicle Division.

“We feel we are well on our way toward building a Best-in-Class vendor finance CV sales team and Dick is another great addition to the MeriCap Credit team. We are excited to have him on board and are very confident that he will be able to leverage his long and credible industry background and relationships and will be very successful in our vendor-based business model, stated James Freund, MeriCap Credit Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “We are committed to providing our dealers with Best-in-Class service and products and Dick knows how to execute on this,” added Freund.

MeriCap Credit is a vendor-based/specialized commercial finance company committed to the Commercial Vehicle and Construction & Industrial Equipment segments. For more information on MeriCap Credit as well as career opportunities, please visit www.MeriCapCredit.com.

[headlines]

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

LEAF Financial Corporation Announces That it Has
Secured a $150 Million Syndicated Loan Facility

PHILADELPHIA, PA – – LEAF Financial Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Resource America Inc. (NASDAQ:REXI) announces that it has closed a $150 million syndicated loan facility with a consortium of six banks. National City Bank is the agent and the participating banks include Wachovia Bank, Commerce Bank, Sovereign Bank, LaSalle Bank and HSH Nordbank. The financial commitment of these banks to LEAF shows that the transaction was well received in the market. LEAF will use the facility to continue to support its efforts to further expand and diversify its business capabilities.

Miles Herman, President and COO of LEAF Financial Corporation stated, “By expanding our relationship with this syndicate of lenders, we continue to strengthen the foundation upon which we are building our business. As a full service commercial finance company LEAF strives to provide creative and flexible solutions for our customers. This line gives tremendous support and capabilities towards this goal.”

About LEAF Financial Corporation (www.LEAF-Financial.com)

LEAF Financial Corporation is a commercial leasing company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. LEAF's business model is to originate small ticket equipment leases by reaching the small to mid sized business market by forming strategic marketing alliances and other program relationships with equipment vendors, commercial banks and other financial institutions. After origination, LEAF manages the leases for its own account, institutions, and individual investors through investment partnerships and other investment vehicles.

About National City (www.nationalcity.com)

National City Corporation (NYSE: NCC), headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the nation's largest financial holding companies. The company operates through an extensive banking network primarily in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri and Pennsylvania, and also serves customers in selected markets nationally. Its core businesses include commercial and retail banking, mortgage financing and servicing, and consumer finance and asset management.

[headlines]

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

Key Equipment Finance Targets European Transportation Market

Ascot, UK, – As part of a strategy of diversification and in response to growing customer demand, Key Equipment Finance, a leading provider of equipment financing solutions, has created a new business unit targeting the European commercial vehicle marketplace.

The new service offering will enable end users in the transportation sector to experience the benefits of using the company's equipment leasing solution including flexible financing, cash retention and tax advantages.

In addressing the sector, Key Equipment Finance will draw on its extensive experience in asset finance in Europe and transportation leasing in the United States together with strong global supplier relationships.

European managing director, Alun Richards said: “In addressing this market, we also benefit from the ability to offer a genuine pan-European service with a presence on the ground in 15 European countries together with a willingness to take residual value risk on our own account.

“In addition, we already have in place a broad portfolio of innovative and flexible financial products, which we can readily adapt to meet the demands of the commercial vehicle landscape.”

As a business development manager in the road transportation market, responsible for UK and Ireland, David Angus and his team will play an important role in helping to drive growth in the sector.

According to Richards: “As we look to build on our reputation for innovative solutions and high-quality service provision, David's experience of asset finance management coupled with his in-depth knowledge of transportation leasing will prove invaluable. I am confident that he will make a significant contribution to our future success.”

About Key Equipment Finance

Key Equipment Finance is an affiliate of KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) and provides business-to-business equipment financing solutions to businesses of many types and sizes. The company focuses on four distinct markets:

• businesses of all sizes in the U.S. and Canada (from small business to large corporate);
• equipment manufacturers, distributors and value-added resellers worldwide;
• federal, provincial, state and local governments as well as other public sector organisations; and
• lease advisory services for manufacturers' captive leasing and finance companies.

Headquartered outside Boulder, Colorado, Key Equipment Finance manages a $12.6 billion equipment portfolio with annual originations of approximately $5.7 billion. The company has major management and operations bases in Toronto, Ontario; Albany, New York; Chicago, Illinois; Houston, Texas; London, England; and Sydney, Australia. The company, which operates in 26 countries and employs 1,100 people worldwide, has been in the equipment financing business for more than 30 years. Additional information regarding Key Equipment Finance, its products and services can be obtained online at www.KEFonline.com or the UK website, www.kefonline.co.uk

Cleveland-based KeyCorp is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $95 billion. Key companies provide investment management, retail and commercial banking, consumer finance, and investment banking products and services to individuals and companies throughout the United States and, for certain businesses, internationally.

[headlines]

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

Premier Lease & Loan Services Names New Site Manager

Cincinnati, OH – – Premier Lease & Loan Services announced the promotion of Tom Allen to Site Manager for Premier's Commercial Insurance Solutions business unit in Bellevue, WA. Tom has worked for the Commercial Insurance Solutions business for more than 18 years and has been the Director of Operations and Assistant Vice President since 2003.

This announcement was made in conjunction with the communication that Brei Haywood would step down from the position of Site Manager so that she could devote more time to her family. Brei will continue with Premier on a consultative basis working on selected marketing projects that utilize her deep knowledge of the equipment leasing and insurance businesses and marketplace.

"We are excited to be able to leverage Tom's experience and management skills in new ways and yet still have access to Brei's knowledge and experience as we need it," indicated Senior Vice President Vic Villegas.

About Premier Lease & Loan Services

A member of Great American Insurance Group, Premier Lease & Loan Services specializes in providing lease- and loan-related insurance products for financial institutions, focusing on commercial equipment lessors and vehicle lenders and lessors. Premier's creative and flexible programs provide risk management, fee income and product enhancement benefits. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Premier has offices in Bellevue, San Diego, Toronto and the United Kingdom. Additionally, Premier has sales offices spanning the globe.

About Great American Insurance Group

Great American Insurance Group's roots go back to 1872 with the founding of its flagship company, Great American Insurance Company. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the operations of Great American Insurance Group are engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialty commercial products for businesses, and in the sale of annuities, life and supplemental health insurance products. The members of Great American Insurance Group are subsidiaries of American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG) also based in Cincinnati, Ohio. AFG's common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and NASDAQ under the symbol (“AFG”).

[headlines]

### Press Release ###########################
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You May have Missed---

Morton's Miffed at Go-Diva Act
http://www.nypost.com/business/mortons_miffed_at_go_diva_
act_business_braden_keil.htm

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“Gimme that Wine”

Most California wineries still waiting for red grapes to ripen
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/15/WIGR1L45V51.DTL

El Dorado County Wine Grower
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/28062.html

Napa's Kirkland Ranch Winery seeks bankruptcy protection
http://www.winebusiness.com/news/dailynewsarticle.cfm?dataId=44716

Pope named honorary sommelier
http://www.decanter.com/news/95414.html

Former Owner Of Upscale L.I. Wine Business Sentenced For Fraud
http://www.wnbc.com/news/9909246/detail.html

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

Family Day—A day to eat dinner with your family
A national event meant to remind Americans of the value of parental engagement and to encourage them to make family dinners a regular feature of their lives.
www.casafamilyday.org

Fast of Gedalya . Jewish Holiday
Hebrew calendar date: Tishri 3,5767. Tzom Gedalya begins at first light of the day and commemorates the 6th -century BC assassination of Gedalya Ben Achikam. Began at sundown Sept 24.

Rwanda: Republic Day
National holiday. Marks the 1961 abolition of the monarchy.

United Nations: World Maritime Day
A day to stress the important of shipping safety and the maritime environment. www.un.org

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Elephants sleep only 2 hours a day.
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/chasleep.html
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/aug2000/965504574.Zo.r.html

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Today's Top Event in History

    1897- birthday of William Faulkner, American novelist and short story writer William Faulkner (born Faulkner) was born at New Albany, MS. A Nobel Prize winner who changed the style and structure of the American novel, he died at Byhalia, MS, on July 6, 1962. Faulkner's first novel, Soldiers' Pay was published in 1926. His best-known book The Sound and the Fury, appeared in 1929. Shunning literary circles, Faulkner moved to a pre-Civil War house on the outskirts of Oxford, MS, in 1930. From 1930 until the onset of World War II he published an incredible body of work. The Portable Faulkner appeared in 1946 and Collected Stories in 1950. In June of 1962 Faulkner published his last novel, The Reivers.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/sep25.html

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This Day in American History

    1493- Columbus' 2nd expedition to the New World
http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Tower/3098/ericlo.html
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/explorers/page/c/columbus.shtml
    1513- Vasco Nüñez de Balboa, a Spanish conquistador, stood high atop a peak in the Darien, in present-day Panama, becoming the first European to look upon the Pacific Ocean, claiming it as the South Sea in the name of the King of Spain.
    1676- Greenwich mean time began; in 1884, it became the standard for the world.
    1690- the first American newspaper was published, called . "Publick Occurrences, " with sub-title, " Both Foreign and Domestick" was written, printed, and distributed by Benjamin Harris, at the London-Coffee-House, Boston, Massachusetts. British authorities considered the first newspaper published in the US offensive and ordered immediate suppression. "American Facts and dates" states "Publick Occurrences" lasted only four days Governor Simon Bradstreet of Massachusetts said he did not like certain “reflexions.” Harris had intended to issue it monthly “ or if any Glut of Occurrences happen, oftener,” but only the one issue appeared. It was a one-sheet paper folder to present four pages, containing news in double columns. The last page was blank. There were no advertisements. France brought their war with England to the America's, making an alliance with the Indians. The estimated colonial population was 213,500. Very few colonials could read. Town carriers were very popular and the reading of the newspaper in the pub had a very high rating with active discussions that followed.
    1777- The Conway Cabal began, an alleged plot to remove George Washington as commander of the Continental Army, followed Washington's defeats at Brandywine and Germantown, and Gen. Horatio Gate's victory at Saratoga. The plotters wished to put Gates in Washington's place. Gen. Thomas Conway, whose promotion had been opposed by Washington, wrote an indiscreet letter to Gates. Its contents, in distorted form, were then reported to Washington,. When details of the plot leaded out, public opinion was overwhelmingly on Washington's side. Actually, Conway seems to have been more the victim of the plotters than the guilty party. He resigned form the army in 1778.
    1789- Congress transmitted to the state legislatures twelve proposed amendments, two of which, having to do with Congressional representation and Congressional pay, were not adopted. The remaining ten amendments became the Bill of Rights. The establishment of religion on a national level was expressly prohibited in the U.S. with the adoption of the First Amendment, the opening words of which read: 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.' Final ratification of the First Amendment came in 1791.
http://www.constitutionfacts.com/amendments.shtml
    1861- Secretary of Navy authorized enlistment of slaves as Union sailors. Eventually the Union had 18,000 black sailors.
http://usgovinfo.tqn.com/library/weekly/aa111700a.htm
Howard University has a database, stating 18,000:
http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/sailors.htm
This site says there were 20,000:
http://www.civilwarnews.com/archive/articles/blacksail_fitts.htm
National Park Service Complete History of Service;
http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/
    1890- Polygamy was officially banned by the Mormon Church. (This announcement followed on the heels of an 1890 Supreme Court ruling denying all privileges of U.S. citizenship to Mormons who practiced this outlawed form of marriage.)
http://www.lds.org/media2/library/display/0,6021,184-1-314-4,00.html
    1890- Congress establishes Yosemite National Park, California
http://jrabold.net/yosemite/
http://www.yosemite.org/
http://www.yosemitepark.net/
    1897- birthday of William Faulkner, American novelist and short story writer William Faulkner (born Faulkner) was born at New Albany, MS. A Nobel Prize winner who changed the style and structure of the American novel, he died at Byhalia, MS, on July 6, 1962. Faulkner's first novel, Soldiers' Pay was published in 1926. His best-known book The Sound and the Fury, appeared in 1929. Shunning literary circles, Faulkner moved to a pre-Civil War house on the outskirts of Oxford, MS, in 1930. From 1930 until the onset of World War II he published an incredible body of work. The Portable Faulkner appeared in 1946 and Collected Stories in 1950. In June of 1962 Faulkner published his last novel, The Reivers.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/sep25.html
    1917--Birthday of Philip Francis Rizzuto "Scooter," but best known as Phil Rizzuto, Hall of
Fame Short Stop for the New York Yankees.
1941-1942, 1946-1956) 1941 World Series, 1942 World Series, 1947 World Series, 1949 World Series, 1950 World Series, 1951 World Series, 1952 World Series, 1953 World Series, 1955 World Series Awards: All-Star (5): 1942, 1950-1953; American League MVP 1950 Phil Rizzuto overcame his diminutive size to anchor a Yankees dynasty, helping them win seven of nine World Series during his 13 seasons, not counting three years lost to World War II. "The Scooter" was a durable and deft shortstop, skilled bunter and enthusiastic base runner who compiled a .273 lifetime batting average. A five-time All-Star, Rizzuto was named the American League's MVP in 1950 when he excelled with a .324 average, 200 hits and .439 slugging percentage. Upon retirement, he spent 40 years as a popular Yankees broadcaster.



    1919- President Woodrow Wilson becomes seriously ill and collapses after a speech in Pueblo, Colorado . The next day they diagnosis it as a stroke. It is said that he was incapacitated: Mrs. Wilson and a “cabal” began to run the United States (more on this tomorrow. Yes, the press was controlled about presidential cancer operations, infirmities and other “goings on.”) This event brought about a major change in American history, studied by students in high school to college.
    1919-- Drummer Shadow Wilson Birthday
http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/artistbio.asp?userId=&mscssid=&pCount=
&sRefer=&sourceid=&ctr=181092

( with Basie 1944-46 ) September 25,1919 Shadow Wilson Birthday
http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/artistbio.asp?userId=&mscssid=&pCount=
&sRefer=&sourceid=&ctr=181092

( with Basie 1944-46 )
http://www.monkzone.com/bios/Wilson,%20Shadow%20(web).htm
    1926- Henry Ford announces the 8 hour, 5-day work week. Ford was the first to grant a ten hour week, paid vacations, paid sick days, all before union organization. He worried about safety, boredom, and knew his “modernization” may eliminate jobs, even started company schools for employees. He was quite liberal for his day, a leader among inventors and scientists, and unfortunately most uninformed people remember him as an industrialist who took advantage of his workers---while he did have his prejudices and faults, he looked at his employees as part of his “family.”
    1926- NHL grants franchises to Chicago Black Hawks & Detroit Red Wings
    1934 -Lou Gehrig plays in his 1500th consecutive game
    1934- Rainbow (US) beats Endeavor (England) in 16th America's Cup.
    1936 - Bluesman Roosevelt "Booba" Barnes is born.
    1939 - A west coast hurricane moved onshore south of Los Angeles bringing unprecedented rains along the southern coast of California. Nearly five and a half inches of rain drenched Los Angeles during a 24 hour period. The hurricane caused two million dollars damage, mostly to structures along the coast and to crops, and claimed 45 lives at sea. "El Cordonazo" produced 5.66 inches of rain at Los Angeles and 11.6 inches of rain at Mount Wilson, both records for the month of September.
    1944-Birthday of actor/director Michael Douglas, New York, NY.
(it is also his wife's birthday, see 1969)
    1945- New York City, pianist Errol Garner records for Savoy his famous version of “Laura.”
    1950- “The Kate Smith Hour” premiered. Kate Smith was a talented singer who hosted radio before beginning a successful but short TV career. This late afternoon show was the most successful (she also had two prime-time shows, “The Kate Smith Evening Hour” (September 1951—June 1952) and “The Kate Smith Show” (January—July 1960) that were less well-received). It included interviews, musical numbers and comedy or drama sketches. The sketches spun off many series, including “The World of Mr. Sweeney” and “Ethel and Albert.' She was a very popular singer on the radio, best known for “God Bless America, “ but she could not make the transition as her voice was quite different than her large physical size.
    1951---Top Hits
Because of You - Tony Bennett
I Get Ideas - Tony Martin
Come on-a My House - Rosemary Clooney
Always Late (With Your Kisses) - Lefty Frizzell
    1952- perhaps on Televisions finest drama series, “Four Start Playhouse” premiered. The actors who founded Four Star Films—Dick Powell, Charles Boyer, Joel McCrea and Rosalind Russell—starred in this dramatic anthology series. David Niven and Ida Lupino replaced McCrea and Russell, who left shortly after the series began. Other guest actors included Ronald Colman in his first TV dramatic appearance (“The Lost Silk Hat,” 1952) and Joan Fontaine in her first major dramatic TV role(“The Girl on the Park Bench,” 1953).
    1954 - Elvis Presley performs live on "Grand Ole Opry," singing "Blue Moon Of Kentucky."
    1956- “Broker Arrow” premiered. My father Lawrence Menkin wrote many of the episodes. This half-hour western was one of the few to portray Native Americans in a positive light. It starred Michael Ansara as Cochise, Apache chief, and John Lupton as Indian Agent Tom Jeffords, Cochise's blood brother. The show was syndicated under the name “Cochise.”
    1959---Top Hits
Sleep Walk - Santo & Johnny
('Til) I Kissed You - The Everly Brothers
Mack the Knife - Bobby Darin
The Three Bells - The Browns
    1960- Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang" peaks at Number Two on both the R&B and pop charts at the same time. It's his biggest hit since "You Send Me."
    1962- Charles “Sonny” Liston won the heavyweight championship by knocking out Floyd Patterson at 2:06 of the first round at Comiskey Park, Chicago. Liston defeated Patterson in a rematch and then lost to Cassius Clay in Feb, 1964.
    1964 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Oh, Pretty Woman," Roy Orbison.
    1965 - Willie Mays hit his fiftieth home run of the baseball season, making him the oldest player to accomplish this. He was 34 years old. Ten years before, at the age of 24, he was the youngest man to accomplish the same feat.
    1965-Satchel Paige, the oldest player in major league history at an estimated 59 years, 8 months, 5 days, pitched the last game of his career. He hurled three scoreless innings for the Kansas City Athletics against the Boston Red Sox. Paige gave up only one hit to Carl Yastrzemski.
    1965-Birthday of Scottie Pippen, basketball player, born Hamburg, AR.
    1965-“Eve of Destruction”, sang by Barry McGuire top of the charts.
    1967---Top Hits
The Letter - The Box Tops
Never My Love - The Association
Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie - Jay & The Techniques
My Elusive Dreams - David Houston
    1967--Paul Butterfield Blues Band at the S.F. Fillmore.
    1968 - Rap/television/film star Will Smith (a.k.a. the Fresh Prince) is born.
    1969—Catherine Zeta-Jones, academy award winning actress, wife of Michael Douglas, she was born Wansea, Glamorgan,Wales ( see 1944 for his birthday.)
    1974 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Rock Me Gently," Andy Kim. He wrote the 1969 No.1 song "Sugar, Sugar" with Jeff Barry for the Archies.
    1975---Top Hits
Fame - David Bowie
I'm Sorry - John Denver
Fight the Power - The Isley Brothers
Daydreams About Night Things - Ronnie Milsap
    1976-Blue Oyster Cult's "Agents of Fortune" LP enters the chart.
    1979 - The third musical resulting from the collaboration of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber lit up the Great White Way. "Evita" opened on Broadway to rave reviews.
    1979-The Eagles LP, "The Long Run" is released.
    1979-Joe Jackson releases his "I'm The Man" single.
    1980 -Chevy Chase calls Cary Grant a homo on Tomorrow show (suit follows)
http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/5883/gayencyclopedia.html
http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie/Stars/Cary.HTML
http://freespace.virgin.net/donna.moore/Cary.htm
http://home.freeuk.net/carygrant/
    1981- Rolling Stones begin their 6th US tour (JFK Stadium, Philadelphia,PA)
    1981- Sandra Day O'Connor was sworn in as the first woman associate justice on the US Supreme Court on this date. She had been nominated by President Ronald Reagan in July 1981.
    1983---Top Hits
Tell Her About It - Billy Joel
Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler
The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats
Baby, What About You - Crystal Gayle
    1987 - Hurricane Emily crossed the island of Bermuda during the early morning. Emily, moving northeast at 45 mph, produced wind gusts to 115 mph at Kindley Field. The thirty-five million dollars damage inflicted by Emily made it the worst hurricane to strike Bermuda since 1948. Parts of Michigan and Wisconsin experienced their first freeze of the autumn. Snow and sleet were reported in the Sheffield and Sutton areas of northeastern Vermont at midday.
    1988 -Florence Griffith Joyner runs Olympic record 100m in 10.54s
    1989 - Twenty-three cities in the south central U.S. reported record low temperatures for the date, including Topeka KS with a reading of 33 degrees, and Binghamton NY with a low of 25 degrees. Showers and thunderstorms in the southeastern U.S. drenched Atlanta GA with 4.87 inches of rain, their sixth highest total of record for any given day.
    1991---Top Hits
I Adore Mi Amor - Color Me Badd
Good Vibrations - Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch/Loleatta Holloway
Emotions - Mariah Carey
Leap of Faith - Lionel Cartwright
    1993 - A Florida judge ruled that it was legal for a child to divorce biological parents. The court case involved twelve-year-old Gregory Kingsley who didn't want his parents anymore.
    1998 - Hurricane Georges crossed the Florida Straits, passed over Key West and took aim on the northern Gulf coast. On September 26, hurricane warnings went up from Panama City to Morgan City, Louisiana.
    1998- By hitting a 462-foot blast at the Astrodome, Sammy Sosa hits #66 (and his final homer of the season) to take the lead in the HR race. Less than an hour later, however, Mark McGwire also hits his 66th in the Cardinals' 6-5 victory over the Expos to tie the Cub outfielder in the historic home run race.
    2003-- Sammy Sosa becomes the first National Leaguer to have at least 100-RBIs nine seasons in a row. The Cubs' right fielder surpasses Mel Ott and Willie Mays who had accomplished the feat eight straight seasons, and joins Rafael Palmeiro and Jimmie Foxx as the only players in major league history to hit 35 home runs and 100 RBI for nine consecutive seasons.

[headlines]

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Baseball Poem

Baseball Archeologists

by Tim Peeler

Hatley had
a catcher's big hands
and had he played
he certainly would have caught,
braced in the squat position
examining the game
from its lowest perspective
with small dark eyes
darting like flashy pencil points —
Hatley never
watched the games live,
vcr'd them,
invited the guys over
to study
inning by inning
in reverse,
the coffee table smothered
with stuffed ashtrays
and emptied crushed beer cans,
at first the speculation
heavy as late game drunkenness,
what caused the score,
the change of pitchers,
rewinding the full swings,
the perfect throws,
in three out layers,
our eyes clearing,
cig butts disappearing,
finally ending
with the first taken pitch
and the sober presentation
of the lineups —
when the national anthem sang itself we stood
the words jumping
back into our mouths.

Touching All Bases
Poems from Baseball
Tim Peeler
www.mcfarlandpub.com

[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

[headlines]

Independent, unbiased and fair news about the Leasing Industry.
Editorials (click here)
Ten Top Stories each week chosen by readers (click here)