Monday, April 2, 2007

Headlines---

Classified Ads---Senior Management
    Only DVI Conviction is sentenced
        Funder List: Great America Bank
Story Credit List: Dakota Financial,LA,CA
    Merrill’s Rick Remiker to Join ELFA Board
        Top Stories---March 26-30
Classified Ads—Help Wanted
    Cartoon---King Solomon on Jeopardy
        Leasing 102--by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
        “Are you the owner of the leased asset?”
CIT Vendor Finance appoints Dan Mahoney Sr.VP
    Donald Trump Wins, Keeps His 'Do Intact
        News Briefs---
You May have Missed---
    "Gimme that Wine"
        Calendar Events
Snapple Real Facts
    Today's Top Event in History
        This Day in American History
Spring Poem
    SuDoku
        Daily Puzzle

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

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Classified Ads---Senior Management

New American Idol judge—Howard Stern

On a more serious note, Leasing News is contacting all those who have asked for a “free classified ad” to verify that the mailing address is active, that they are still seeking employment, and if there are any changes or up-dates to their ads. Those that do not respond, we will assume no longer want to continue their “job wanted ad.”
editor

Atlanta, GA
Experienced leasing exec looking for next challenge. Various asset types, deal sizes and channels. Turn-around or expansion opportunity.
Email: akimicata@mindspring.com

Atlanta, GA
Commercial Finance and Leasing expert with proven success in the transportation finance industry. Working directly with company Presidents to develop national transportation programs.
Email: mll1946@comcast.net

Baltimore, MD
25 year veteran of commercial and equipment leasing seeking a senior management position with leasing or asset based financing company in the southeast (Florida preferred)
Email: kellogg_md@yahoo.com

Denver, CO
Fortune 500 GM/SVP wants to team up with aggressive lender looking for Western expansion mid-market equip. finance/leasing. 20+ years experience within Rocky Mountain/Southwest and Ca markets.
Email: legal@csotn.com

Hope, NJ
25 years in optimizing call center operations, collections, billing, and back end revenue generation. Experienced in $7 + billion dollar portfolios. Verifiable achievements.
E-mail: cmate@nac.net

Long Island, NY
Degree Banking/Finance. 13 years leasing exp. Now prez young leasing company where promises were not met. Interested in joining established firm with future.
Email: bob33483@yahoo.com

New York, NY, NJ, Ct Tri-State
Top Exec. middle and big ticket, top skills treasury,funding, ops,transaction detail, syndication, ready to max profit, help build quality operation. right now!
E-Mail: leasefinance@optonline.net

Philadelphia, PA
27 yrs. exp. sales, ops., credit, strategy, P&L mngmet. Most recently created & executed the biz plans for 2 highly successful Bank-owned small ticket leasing subsidiaries.
email: mccarthy2020@comcast.net

Salt Lake City, UT
GM in Sales, Marketing & Operations for Several technology captives. Seeking new adventure in Western States. Consultant of full time.
Email: stevegbdh@hotmail.com

San Francisco, CA
25 years experience w/global leasing company, sales,marketing,business dev., P&L responsibility, asset mgmt, brokering and re-marketing. Interested in joining an est. firm with a future.
Email: rcsteyer@yahoo.com

Sausalito, CA
Sr. Corp. officer, presently serving as consultant, fin. service background, M&A, fund raising, great workout expertise, references
Email: nywb@aol.com

Syracuse, NY
Int. equip. leasing exec. 25 yrs global P&L sr. mngt., including corporate turnarounds, strategic planning, new biz dev., structure finance, contract neg., vendor leasing specialist.
Email: jimh356094@aol.com

Wilmington, DE
Over 15 years experience managing Credit, Risk Management and Fraud operations for large Financial Institution. Proven Results. Anywhere between NYC and DC for right opportunity.
Email: cklous@comcast.net

To place a free “job wanted” ad here, please go to:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm

For a full listing of all “job wanted” ads, please go to:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

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Only DVI Conviction is sentenced

Steven Garfinkel, the former chief financial officer of DVI, Warwick, PA was sentenced to 2 ½ years prison, as well as serving five years of probation; in addition he is to repay Fleet Bank $51.7million at the rate of $200 a month upon his release. At that rate, the then 66 year old Garfinkel will not satisfy the debt for 21,542 years.

Once a major player in the medical financing and leasing field, the 150 employee DVI borrowed money from their warehouse line, then packaged them in “securizations,” loan packages, which it sold to investors on the open market.

Garfinkel is the only one to date to plead guilty to fraud and violating the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

At this date, no other officers have been indicted, including former President and CEO Michael O’Hanion.*

Joel Friedman, Garfinkel’s attorney, told the court his client’s motive was not self-enrichment, but saving DVI. He noted that Garfinekel only profit was his salary, that he did not cash in by selling stock when he had the chance.

“I have been carry a heavy burden of guilty and shame for a long time, “Garfinel told Chief U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle II, before the sentencing. “I accept the full responsibility for my actions.”

He was ordered to surrender to authorities by April 30.

* In 1993, DVI acquired Concord Leasing, Inc., a provider of medical, aircraft, shipping, and industrial equipment financing. Concord's subsidiary, U.S. Concord, Inc., provided equipment financing for the medical imaging industry. The acquisition was significant not only because it was involved in DVI's new, exclusive line of business but also because it marked the arrival of Michael A. O'Hanlon, Concord Leasing's president and chief executive officer. O'Hanlon, a former senior executive at Pitney Bowes Credit Corporation, joined DVI in March 1993 as the company's executive vice-president. Promotions soon followed, making O'Hanlon the company's president and chief operating officer in September 1994 and its chief executive officer in November 1995.

In 2003, Leasing News reported DVI’s problem in not being able
to make interest payments. The writing was on the wall:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/DVI_50-Mill.htm

Forbes report on the DVI demise:
http://www.forbes.com/home/2003/08/11/cz_nv_0811dvi.html

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Funder List: Great America Bank

At this time, GreatAmerica Leasing Corp. has $756 million in earning assets, all in small ticket leasing, under five divisions: office equipment, telecommunication, retail, healthcare, and direct program. 
 
Chris Walker heads sales for the "broker" direct program group.  He says no one in the building has an office, even the president.  Everyone shares communication in open environment. This
is done to give their customers access to decision makers.  He notes there are sayings up on many walls in the company, and one of his favorites is, "May our competitors have 20 years of great success."  He says competition is what makes GreatAmerica better.
 
He says, " We are very careful in who we do business with. For instance, when we partner with a broker we want a person who values a long time relationship with their vendors and customers."
 
When he attends leasing conferences, he emphasizes that GreatAmerica is "the premier funding source for vendor program business, and we honor the integrity of the bond between the broker and their vendor."

At this time, GreatAmerica Leasing Corp. has $765 million outstanding, all in small ticket leasing, under five divisions: office equipment, telecommunication, retail, healthcare, and direct program.

Chris Walker heads the "broker" direct program group. He says no one in the building has an office, even the president. Everyone shares communication in open cubes. This is done on purpose. He notes everyone also has sayings up, and one of his favorites is, " We wish our competition good luck for the next 20 years." He says competition is what makes GreatAmerica better.

He says, " We are very careful in who we do business with. For instance, when we partner with a broker we want a person who has a long time relationship with their vendors and customers."

When he attends leasing conferences, he emphasizes that GreatAmerica is "the premier funding source for vendor program business, and we honor the integrity of the bond between the broker and their vendor."

On the www.greatamerica.com web site, there is a seal "Customers for Life." It takes you to a statement from Tony Golobic, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. Please click for the statement:

Funder - Update

A -Accepts Broker Business | B -Requires Broker be Licensed | C -Sub-Broker Program
| D -"Private label Program" | E - Also "in house" salesmen

To view the complete list, please click here.

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Story Credit List: Dakota Financial, Los Angeles, California

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Merrill’s Rick Remiker to Join ELFA Board

ELFA eNews Daily

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association Board of Directors announces that Rick Remiker, managing director and group head of the Equipment Finance Group of Merrill Lynch Capital, Chicago, Illinois, is joining the Board. Remiker is filling the vacancy caused by at-large Director Mindy Berman's new position outside the industry. He will serve out the remainder of Berman's term. Remiker was recommended by ELFA's nominating committee and approved by a vote of the Board of Directors.

Rick Remiker

Remiker has led the Equipment Finance Group of Merrill Lynch Capital since March 2002. The Group provides structured equipment finance and leasing solutions to middle-market and non-investment grade large corporate public and private companies, including specialties in business aviation and marine transportation.

Prior to Merrill Lynch Capital, Remiker was president and COO, Commercial Leasing at Key Equipment Finance. A 25-year veteran of the equipment leasing industry, he has significant experience in numerous aspects of the equipment finance field, including sales management, lease documentation, syndications, operations management, business process design, acquisitions and integration as well as full P&L responsibility.

Remiker attended Arizona State University and received a bachelor's degree in business administration and finance from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. 

Rick Remiker is the past chair of the ELFA Middle Market Business Council Steering Committee, former member of the Board of Directors for The Leasing Exchange and currently serves a member of the ELFA Large Ticket Business Council Steering Committee and as a Trustee of The Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation.

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Top Stories---March 26-30

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

(1) More Leave GE (Medical)
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202007/03-28-07.htm#ge

(2) Don Polfliet is back in leasing!
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202007/03-28-07.htm#don

(3) Marlin Leasing to become a bank?
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202007/03-28-07.htm#marlin

(4) Cartoon---Rudy Trebels talking with his attorney
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202007/03-30-07.htm#toon

(5) Broker/Lessor List: Alliance Funding Group
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202007/03-26-07.htm#afg

(6) Sales makes it Happen-by Linda P. Kester
“Best time to reach a client” “Time Management”
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202007/03-28-07.htm#sales

(7) Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
Proposals—Lessee Viewpoint
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202007/03-26-07.htm#102

(8) Archives— March 27 & March 28, 2000
Security Financial/Flex Leasing
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202007/03-28-07.htm#arch

(9) AdvanceMe not a Leasing Funder
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202007/03-28-07.htm#ami

(10) 500 NorVergence ERA cases to be consolidated
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202007/03-30-07.htm#500

Note: Friday had a very low day in "hits," an unusual low, even for a Friday, particularly when the editor believed it was a very good edition. There were a high "out of office"
reply. It appears Friday may have been the start of an Easter week vacation for many.

Friday’s edition:
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202007/03-30-07.htm

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

Account Executive

Account Executives Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, SF Bay Area Top position to work with CFOs, CIOs, CEOs and other high-level executives. 7+ years equipment leasing exp. Resume/indicating you saw ad in Leasing News to: US_DFS_Staffing@dell.com About the Company: We're the exclusive provider of leasing and finance services for Dell technology systems worldwide. At Dell Financial Services our mission is to deliver financing solutions that enable and enrich the Dell Customer experience.

www.dell.com

Assistant Manager

Assistant Manager San Francisco, California Excellent opportunity to work with growing equipment leasing bank division, excellent reputation. Click here for more information.

First Republic Bank has offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, throughout California, and in Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Boston and New York.

Regional Sales Managers

Regional Sales Managers To establish small ticket vendor programs in major metro areas. Excellent compensation/ benefit package. View job description. Send resumes to Zully.Fernandez@IrwinCF.com Company Description: Irwin Commercial Finance (NYSE: IFC) is a true direct lender and in the ever changing leasing environment, we bring stability, creativity and consistent customer service levels to our business.

www.IrwinCFequipment.com

Small Ticket Specialists

Three Small Ticket Specialists Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Nashville, TN, and Richmond, VA. Click here for more information.

www.suntrust.com

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Leasing 102

by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP

Are you the owner of the leased asset?

To be a Lessor means you are the owner of the asset. That means that you are supposed to be interested in the welfare of that asset. If you do not than you have taken the first giant step towards having your transaction declared a disguised conditional sales contract. However you are the owner of record until you pass title. This means that even though you have offered a bargain purchase option at lease termination, until you send a bill of sale to pass ownership, you are subject to property tax and any other assessed taxes.

Many leasing companies seem to ignore their responsibilities when leases terminate. They think because the lessee has possession of the equipment that all is well and good. However if they fail to pass title they are still subject to property tax and other assessed taxes levied on the owner of record. This will come home to haunt them when the tax assessor makes his rounds. It seems illogical that a lease can fail to pass the legal or income tax requirements and still be a lease. However the question of who holds title is different than the question of you gets capital recovery benefits (depreciation) for income tax and which article of law (Article 2A for leases and Article 9 for disguised conditional sales contracts) Property tax only looks at who has title and bills them.

The evidence of ownership transfer is the bill of sale sent to the lessee irrespective of our collecting the $1 or a bargain purchase option. The two tenets of ownership are possession and title. The Lessee has possession but needs title at termination to bring the transaction to a close.

To be a true owner you need to be concerned about your asset you must record how your lessee plans to use it and at least create return conditions that give the user instructions on how it is to be returned. Another condition that is picking up steam in the courts is the question of “over use”. If you are really concerned about the use of your asset, where is the accelerator clause in your lease that requires additional rent if the use exceeds the original stated use.. If your equipment is used harder that the lessee indicated in the beginning then if you are a concerned owner you would want additional compensation. If not, then it truly was a disguised conditional sales contract.

A true owner also goes out to inspect his equipment periodically and keeps a record to show if the maintenance was up to snuff. If you do not care if your equipment is properly maintained then how can you claim to be a lessor and not just a money lender in sheep’s clothing?

Next question is have you taken a meaningful residual on the equipment that puts you at risk for the equipments value at lease termination. A meaningful residual does mean you have to take a real risk. A correct residual allows for selling costs, selling time, and the time value of money. A residual puts you to the test because you have responsibilities at lease termination that transcend traditional lending. But what does it say when you fail to assume any residual in your portfolio?

Our leasing industry is under attack because the accounting profession, tax lawyers and the legal profession claim that we are acting like lenders because we are not acting like equipment owners and it appears they are going to create new rules to refine our business and we are going to have to make up our mind on leasing or equipment financing.

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.
He invites your questions and queries.

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

CIT Vendor Finance appoints Dan Mahoney Senior Vice President

Underscores Commitment to Growing
Healthcare Vendor Finance Relationships

NEW YORK– – CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), a leading global provider of commercial and consumer finance solutions, today announced the appointment of Daniel Mahoney as Senior Vice President of CIT Vendor Finance. In this capacity he will be responsible for growing CIT’s vendor finance relationships in the healthcare industry.

“Dan brings extensive healthcare experience having spent the majority of his career originating and managing global healthcare vendor finance relationships,” said Kris Snow, President of CIT Vendor Finance Americas. “We’re focused on meeting the diverse customer financing and leasing needs of U.S. healthcare manufacturers and distributors, and Dan will play a key role in expanding this business and serving our clients.”

Mahoney joins CIT from GE Commercial Finance, where he most recently served as General Manager, Trade Distribution Services, providing financial solutions to global Supply Chains. He spent 20 years with GE, where he held senior sales and business leadership roles in Corporate Financial Services, Asia Equipment Finance and Vendor Financial Services. He received B.S. of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern University.

About CIT Vendor Finance
CIT Vendor Finance is a global leader in financing solutions that drive incremental revenues for manufacturers, distributors, and other intermediaries. It provides customized financing solutions to customers in more than 30 countries, supporting a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, industrial equipment, and technology.

About CIT
CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), a leading global commercial and consumer finance company, provides clients with financing and leasing products and advisory services. Founded in 1908, CIT has more than $74 billion in managed assets and possesses the financial resources, industry expertise and product knowledge to serve the needs of clients across approximately 30 industries worldwide. CIT, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 Index, holds leading positions in vendor financing, factoring, equipment and transportation financing, Small Business Administration loans, and asset-based lending. With its global headquarters in New York City, CIT has more than 7,300 employees in locations throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. www.cit.com

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### Press Release ###########################
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News Briefs----

Donald Trump Wins, Keeps His 'Do Intact
http://www.accessatlanta.com/entertainment/content/shared-gen/ap/
Other_Entertainment/Wrestlemania.html

"Idol" contestant Sanjaya once distracted teachers; now it's a nation
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2003645910_sanjaya01.html

Microsoft builds up operations in North Dakota
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/
2003646563_webmicrosoft1.html

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You May have Missed---

Restaurant Industry Outlook Improves as Restaurant Performance Index Posts Modest Gain
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/
03-30-2007/0004556691&EDATE=

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“Gimme that Wine”

Wineries fighting fakes via high tech
In-demand cult wines hot targets for forgery
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0703300617apr01,0,1044841.story?
coll=chi-business-hed

Jeriko Estate, S.F.'s VinoVenue snapped up
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/03/30/WIGIPOSQ4O1.DTL

Paris Hilton to be new face of Bordeaux
http://www.decanter.com/news/114789.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

Great Lovers Day

Hanuman Jayanti
Hindu Holiday, occurs only on the first full moon in April
http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa052801a.htm

Peanut Butter And Jelly Day
http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/unitssubjhol/qt/apr2a.htm

Reconciliation Day
Columnist Ann Landers wrote, “Since 1989, I have suggested that April 2 be set aside to write that letter or make that phone call and mend a broken relationship. Life is too short to hold grudges. To forgive can be enormously life-enhancing.

Saint Feast Days

• St. Mary of Egypt
• St. Francis of Paola
• St. Abundius
• St. Amphianus
• St. Appian
• St. Bronach
• St. Urban of Langres
• St. Theodosia
• St. Dominic Tuoc
• St. Longis & Agnofleda
• St. Nicetius
• St. Musa
• St. Polycarp of Alexandria

http://www.catholic.org/saints/f_day/apr.php

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The original name of Nashville, Tennessee was Big Salt Lick.

(Number 16. Nashville was original called Fort Nashborough.
Founded by James Robertson and a party of Wataugans in 1780 on the site of a natural sulfur spring and salt lick called French Lick, and originally called Fort Nashborough. editor
http://c10-ss-1-lb.cnet.com/reference/Nashville,_Tennessee )

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Today's Top Event in History

1908-the first professional to manage a city, now called “City Manager” and the most prevalent form of city government in the United States, was Charles Edward Ashburner of Richmond, VA. He was elected general manager by the city council of Staunton, VA. Prior to this time, the mayor was the manager of each city. This was the first “professional city manager”, who’s first year salary was $2,000; the second year salary, $2,500. He served until July, 1911.

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This Day in American History

    1513- Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida, landing at the site that became the city of St. Augustine. He claimed the land for the King of Spain.
    1792-the first US Mint was established at Philadelphia, PA, as authorized by an act of Congress. Copper coins were authorized in one cent and half-cent ( coined until 1857). Gold coins in $10 Eagles, $5 half-eagles, and quarter eagles $2.50. It was not until 1849 that $20 double eagles and $1 gold pieces were authorized. All gold coins were discontinued by the Gold Reserve Act of January 30, 1934 that stated “ no gold shall hereafter be coined.” Silver coins were the half dollar, quarter dollar, dime, and half dime, until 1873, when Congress enacted what was known as
“the crime of 73”, that made gold the sole monetary standard. The first paper money was issued by Native Americans in Oregon, the Araphos. Paper money was not authorized until July 17, 1861 and August 5, 1861 by Congreesss
    1829-the Bank deposit insurance law was enacted in the state of New York, assessing banks one-half percent of capital stock until 3 percent was set aside " ...for the benefit of the creditors. Banks, their officers, and their servants were required to be examined under oath at least once every four months.
    1863- Richmond, Virginia Bread Riot: The women who marched through the streets of Richmond, Virginia, demanding food. Facing them, Confederate President Jefferson Davis was equally adamant: If the protesters did not disperse, they would be shot. Indicative of conditions in the Confederate capital of Richmond, VA, an angry mob's demands for bread from a bakery wagon escalated into the destruction of nearby shops. Confederate president Jefferson Davis, in a bold move, stepped into the angry crowd and stated, "We do not desire to injure anyone, but this lawlessness must stop. I will give you five minutes to disperse, otherwise you will be fired upon." The mob dispersed without bloodshed.
http://americanhistory.about.com/library/prm/blrichmondbreadriots1.htm
    1865-the evacuation of Richmond, VA, was urged by General Robert E. Lee, who informed Confederate President Davis that he himself must withdraw from Peterburg, VA. Davis left the city that night with his cabinet, retreating to Danville. The now small Confederate army begin evacuation of Petersburg. Many believe it was General Grant and his troops that burned Richmond down, but that is not correct, according to historians and records of the time. “ Richmond, meanwhile, burned, as fires set by fleeing Confederates and looters raged out of control.”
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/apr02.html
    1866- Civil War Officially Ends. The state of “insurrection” was declared over by presidential proclamation in Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Florida. It was not until August 2 that the president announced that the “insurrection” was at an end in Texas, and that civil authority existed in the United States.
    1908-the first professional to manage a city, now called “City Manager” and the most prevalent form of city government in the United States, was Charles Edward Ashburner of Richmond, VA. He was elected general manager by the city council of Staunton, VA. Prior to this time, the mayor was the manager of each city. This was the first “professional city manager”, who’s first year salary was $2,000; the second year salary, $2,500. He served until July, 1911.
    1909-Birthday of 1909 Hymie Schertzer Birthday ( alto player with Bunny Berrigan, Benny Goodman )
    1918- birthday of the renowned African-American artist, Charles White, who began his professional career by painting murals for the WPA during the Depression. He was influenced by Mexican muralists Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siquieros. Among his most notable creations are: J'Accuse (1966), a series of charcoal drawings depicting a variety of African-Americans from all ages and walks of life; the Wanted posters (c.. 1969), a series of paintings based on old runaway slave posters; and “homage to Langston Hughes” 1971.
http://www.charleshwhite.com/
    1928-vocalist/songwriter Marvin Gaye born Washington, DC. Sang in his minister father's church. With Harvey Fuqua in re-formed Moonglows. To Detroit in 1960. Session work as a Motown studio drummer. First recorded for Tamla in 1961. To Columbia in 1982. Fatally shot by father during quarrel on 4/1/84 in Los Angeles. Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/bio.asp?oid=3020&cf=3020
http://www.soul-patrol.com/soul/marvibd.html
    1931-Jackie Mitchell, 17, became the first woman to pitch in a professional baseball game after she was signed to a contract by the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern Association. In an exhibition game against the New York Yankees, Mitchell struck out Babe Ruth ( who took strike three) and Lou Gehrig ( who gallantly missed three straight pitches) before Tony Lazzeri walked.
    1942-Glenn Miller records patriotic “ American Patrol.”
    1948---Top Hits
Now is the Hour - Bing Crosby
I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover - The Art Moonie Orchestra
Beg Your Pardon - Francis Craig
Anytime - Eddy Arnold
    1956-“As the World Turns” premiered on TV, one of the longest-running soaps currently on the air, "ATWT" premiered on CBS. The series is set in Midwestern Oakdale and revolves around the Hughes family and their neighbors. Irma Phillips was the show's creator and head writer. Some of its cast members who made it big are: Meg Ryan, Julianne Moore, Michael Nader, Steven Weber and Swoosie Kurtz.
    1956-"The Edge of Night" premiered on CBS . Though the plots initially revolved around crime and courtroom drama, the serial's format soon developed along more conventional soap story lines of romance. The soap shifted to ABC in 1975 but was cancelled in 1984. Larry Hagman, Dixie Carter, Lori Loughlin, Willie Aames and Amanda Blake were some of the show's most prominent players.
    1956---Top Hits
The Poor People of Paris - Les Baxter
Heartbreak Hotel - Elvis Presley
Rock Island Line - Lonnie Donegan
Blue Suede Shoes - Carl Perkins
    1961- Trial of Adolf Eichmann begins in Jerusalem
http://www.us-israel.org/jsource/Holocaust/eichmann.html
    1964---Top Hits
She Loves You - The Beatles
Twist and Shout - The Beatles
Suspicion - Terry Stafford
Saginaw, Michigan - Lefty Frizzell
    1969 - The Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association signed Lew Alcindor for a reported $1,400,000 five-year contract. Alcindor soon changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabar and his team to the Los Angeles Lakers.
    1971-Ringo Starr releases his solo hit, "It Don't Come Easy." It would become his first top-10 hit.
    1972---Top Hits
A Horse with No Name - America
Puppy Love - Donny Osmond
Mother and Child Reunion - Paul Simon
My Hang-Up is You - Freddie Hart
    1974 - 46th Annual Academy Awards presentation at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles! Hosting the film industry celebration were John Huston, David Niven, Burt Reynolds, and Diana Ross. Pictures this year included: "Serpico", "The Exorcist", "Jonathan Livingston Seagull", "The Day of the Jackal", "American Graffiti", "Papillon", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Last Tango in Paris", "Live and Let Die", "Cinderella Liberty". And this list doesn’t even include The Best Picture of the Year, "The Sting" (producers: Tony Bill, Michael Phillips, Julia Phillips). "The Sting" won six additional Oscars: Director (George Roy Hill); Art Direction (Henry Bumstead)and Set Decoration (James Payne); Costume Design (Edith Head); Film Editing (William Reynolds); Scoring/Original Song Score/Adaptation: (Marvin Hamlisch); Writing/Original Story/Screenplay based on Factual Material or Material Not Previously Published or Produced (David S. Ward); plus three additional nominations. Nor does it include these Oscar winners: Best Actor: Jack Lemmon for "Save the Tiger"; Best Actress: Glenda Jackson for "A Touch of Class"; Best Supporting Actor: John Houseman for "The Paper Chase"; Best Supporting Actress: Tatum O’Neal for "Paper Moon"; and Best Music/Song: "The Way We Were" -- Marvin Hamlisch (music), Alan and Marilyn Bergman (lyrics) from the movie of the same title.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0149268.html
    1975 - The northeastern U.S. was in the grips of a severe storm which produced hurricane force winds along the coast, and two to three feet of snow in Maine and New Hampshire. Winds atop Mount Washington NH gusted to 140 mph.
    1975 - The biggest snowstorm of record for so late in the season paralyzed Chicago, IL. Up to 20 inches of snow fell in extreme northeastern Illinois, and 10.9 inches of snow closed Chicago's O'Hare Airport.
    1977 - "Sir Duke," Stevie Wonder’s tribute to Duke Ellington, was released.
    1978-“Dallas” premieres on TV: Oil tycoons battled for money, power and prestige in this prime-time CBS drama that ran for nearly 13 years. The Ewings and Barneses were Texas's modern-day Hatfields and McCoys. Larry Hagman starred as the devious, scheming womanizer J.R. Ewing. When J.R. was shot in the 1980 season-ending cliffhanger, the revelation of the mystery shooter was the single-most watched episode of its time (it was Kristin, J.R.'s sister-in-law, played by Mary Crosby). Cast members included Jim Davis, Barbara Bel Geddes, Donna Reed, Ted Shackelford, Joan Van Ark (who, along with Shackelford, starred in the spin-off "Knots Landing"), Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Charlene Tilton, David Wayne, Keenan Wynn, Ken Kercheval, Victoria Principal and Steve Kanaly.
http://timstvshowcase.com/dallas.html
    1979-Nickelodeon, the cable TV channel for kids owned by MTV Networks, debuted on this date.
    1980---Top Hits
Another Brick in the Wall - Pink Floyd
Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl - Spinners
Call Me - Blondie
I’d Love to Lay You Down - Conway Twitty
    1982 - Severe thunderstorms spawned fifty-six tornadoes in the central U.S., including seventeen in the Red River Region of Texas and Oklahoma. The tornadoes claimed thirty lives, and injured 383 other persons. A violent tornado near Messer OK left only the carpet tack strips on the slab of a house it destroyed, and carried a motel sign thirty miles.
    1984 - John Thompson became the first black coach to lead his team to the NCAA college basketball championship. Georgetown’s Hoyas defeated Houston 84-75 in Seattle for the win. Thompson’s team in 1982 had finished second to North Carolina for the championship.
    1985 - One day after its release, the album, "We are the World" was certified gold, when its sales reached an excess of 500,000 copies.
    1985 - The NCAA Rules Committee adopted the 45-second shot clock for men’s basketball, to begin in the 1986 season. It was an effort to thwart the end-of-game stalls that kept opposing teams from scoring in close contests.
    1987 - Eleven cities in Florida reported record low temperatures for the date, including Tallahassee with a reading of 31 degrees. The low of 48 degrees at Key West smashed their previous record for the date by 13 degrees
    1988---Top Hits
Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson
Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car - Billy Ocean
I Want Her - Keith Sweat
Love Will Find Its Way to You - Reba McEntire
    1989 - Strong and gusty winds prevailed from California to Colorado and Wyoming. Winds gusted to 50 mph at Lancaster CA, and reached 85 mph at Berthoud Pass CO. Snow and high winds created blizzard conditions in the Colorado Rockies.
    1990 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather in North Carolina and Virginia during the afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms produced golf ball size hail, and spawned a tornado near Chester VA which caused half a million dollars damage. A storm system produced snow and gale force winds across northern Michigan, with 8.3 inches of snow reported at Marquette. Temperatures in the north central U.S. soared from morning lows in the 20s and 30s to afternoon highs in the 60s and 70s. Eight cities reported record highs for the date, including Havre MT with a reading of 77 degrees.
    1996- Tiger first baseman Cecil Fielder steals the first base of his eleven-year career. The swipe of second comes in the 1,097th game 'Big Daddy's' has played in the majors establishing the longest duration a player has ever gone without a stolen base.
    1996-In a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball game, St. Francisco of Illinois humiliated Robert Morris, 71-1, in a game that Robert Morris coach Gerald McNamara declared over after four innings. St. Francis scored 26 runs in the first inning, 22 in the second, 4 in the third, and 19 in the fifth. The Fighting Saints broke a dozen NCAA Division II records and tied four others.
2001 On Opening Day, Yankee fireballer Roger Clemens becomes the all-time AL career strike out leader passing Walter Johnson as he Ks Royals Joe Randa for his 3,509 Junior circuit victim. Passing the 'Big Train, the 'Rocket' now takes over the seventh spot in major league history.
    2001- For the first time in major league history, a Japanese-born position player participates in
a regular-season major league game. Ichiro Suzuki, hitless in his first three at-bats, singles in the seventh inning to ignite a two-run rally and bunts for a hit in the eighth in his Mariner debut at Safeco Field.
    2001—Duke University wins the NCAA Basketball Championship
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/college/2001/ncaa_tourney/news/
2001/04/02/final_gamer_ap/
    2003- Mike Bordick's record streak for games and chances without an error by a shortstop
ends as Yankee outfielder Bubba Trammell's third inning grounder tips off his glove. After converting a fielder's choice in the first inning he misplays his second chance of the game establishing 544 chances and 110 consecutive games without an error a new major league mark for shortstops.
    2003- Todd Zeile homers in first at-bat as a Yankee becoming the only major leaguer to hit a home run for ten different teams. In addition to homering with the Bronx Bomber, the infielder has also gone deep for the Cardinals, Cubs, Phillies, orioles, Dodgers, Marlins, Rangers, Mets, and Rockies.

NCAA Basketball Champions This Day

    1984---Georgetown
    1990—UNLV
    2001---Duke

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