Available by e-mail in a text format, sent out at 3:00am, free:

    http://www.leasingnews.org/addme-mailing-list.htm

 Headlines---

                  Services Today for Neal Ranstead

                         Classified Ads--- Sales

                         PBS Attacks Leasing Tax Shelters

                                Jury Waivers Out in California

                          Leasing Co-Op Count: Two, Three, Four, Five?

                           The Shadow Knows...

                                      Cartoon----Dip in Sales

                                          Sacto Brokers Dinner March 4th

                           UAEL So-Cal Regional Roundtable March 9^th

                             Synovus Three Affiliate Banks Atlanta Region

                                  Universal Express  2^nd Quarter Results

                                     Performance Acquires Penske Truck Leasing

                                         News Briefs---

                                           “Gimme that Wine”

                                  This Day in American History

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

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

     Services Today for Neal Ranstead

Neal Ranstead passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on February 16, 2003. Ranstead, a respected veteran with 28 years of experience in the leasing industry, had recently joined Pittsburg National Corporation Leasing (PNC Leasing.) His experience included sales positions with Fifth Third Leasing, KeyCorp Leasing, Pitney Bowes Credit and MetLife Capital.

Ranstead was 51 years of age and is survived by his wife, Susie, and a 7 year old daughter, Jessica. There will be a visitation for Neal Ranstead today from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Eastern

Time, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street, Rockford, MI 49341.  Leasing News could not find a newspaper obituary (the latest

Rockford newspaper on line was dated Febuary 12,), and if a reader knows the location, please send to kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

and we will print on Monday.

            Classified Ads--- Sales

    Full listing of all classified ads at:

    http://64.125.68.90/LeasingNews/JobPostings.htm

     post your free “job wanted ad” by going to:

      http://64.125.68.90/LeasingNews/PostingFormWanted.asp

  Employers seeking “Help Wanted, “ please go to:

     http://64.125.68.90/LeasingNews/PostingFormWanted.asp

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

Vendor Sales Manager

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

                 PBS Attacks Leasing Tax Shelters

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/tax/etc/synopsis.htm

   and American money overseas plays the same “game”:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/tax/schemes/germany.html

    Interviews:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/tax/interviews/

"The Bush administration budget also targets leasing transactions. Treasury Secretary John Snow, while testifying before the Senate Budget Committee, said the leasing deals are unacceptable tax avoidance schemes that "need to be stopped." While testifying on the budget before the House Ways and Means Committee, outgoing Assistant Treasury Secretary for Tax Policy Pamela Olson targeted transactions known as sale-in, lease-out or SILOs as abusive transactions that the administration proposes to limit. Olson said that internal Treasury data showed that as much as $750 billion of SILO transactions -- which involve leasing arrangement with tax-indifferent parties (such as foreign governments, domestic municipalities and tax-exempt organizations) -- have occurred in the past four years. She described the SILO deals as, "a threat to the viability of the corporate tax base" and testified that, "Indeed, the magnitude of SILO transactions is such that the Treasury Department had to re-estimate and reduce its baseline estimate of corporate tax receipts over the ten-year budget window." While calling on Congress to address the SILO transactions, Olson maintained that the administration is supportive of and does not want to interfere with legitimate leasing transactions.

"In a December 2003 interview with FRONTLINE, Olson maintained that increased penalties on both shelter promoters and shelter investors are an important part of the administration's efforts to curb abusive shelters. 'We're talking about very substantial increases in penalties,' she said. "You know, an ''I'm going to take your house' kind of fine'."

   http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/tax/reform/pending.html

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

            Jury Waivers Out in California

A new California case, Grafton Partners v. Superior Court, has ruled that
the standard jury waivers in loan or lease is unconstitutional and not enforceable.  The case is on appeal to the California Supreme Court, but for now is still good law.

Thus, for the leasing industry, the standard jury waivers in bold print are a waste of paper real estate at least in California.  The Court did tacitly approve and exempt of arbitration clauses.

So arbitration clauses (which by their inherent nature are jury waivers) are still enforceable; but stand alone jury waivers are not enforceable. 

This is why most of the banks I represent have now shifted to arbitration clauses.  Arbitration is more expensive (you have to pay for the judge yourself) but there is no jury.

Regards,

Tom McCurnin
Barton, Klugman & Oetting
Los Angeles, California
email: tmccurnin@bkolaw.com
Voice:(213) 621-4000
Fax (213) 625-1832

Visit our Web Site at www.bkolaw.com

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

Leasing Co-Op Count: Two, Three, Four, Five?

   by Kit Menkin

Founded in with the hopes of attracting 500 brokers to join in a co-op basis

to funding sources, the membership is down.  The web site says three, but one

is no longer a  member. The chairman of the co-op says four. The new “consultant” says five.

April 3,2002,  then CEO of One World Leasing, David Stearns told Leasing News,

“The cooperative expects to have 7 founding members and plans to have 500 member businesses by the end of 2003.  There is no limit to the size of the co-op, and there may be several “co-ops” per niche in the leasing industry, with other benefits for members due to group purchasing “power.”.

“ ‘ We will not offer warehousing or funding of leasing transactions,”

David Stearns, CEO of American Leasing, says, ‘OneWorld Leasing will become

a true leverage play for the smaller leasing company concerned about

industry consolidation, super brokers, better lease-loan rates and a level

playing field.

“  ‘We will be able to go to a major funder and say we represent 500 leasing

brokers.  We want a better buy rate than you are offering for our business.

“  ‘If we represent 2,000 brokers, I am sure any funder will give us a

better rate...We may start off only with 500 brokers, but I am sure

we can obtain many advantages for our co-op members. ‘

“ ‘Unlike lease consolidation plays, the members will own this,

yet continue to be independent." Stearns will initially serve as incoming

Chairman of the OneWorld Leasing board. ‘

“MainStreet's Richard Selby will serve as interim CEO during the cooperative

formation period. Six to nine months after launch, a leasing industry

veteran will be identified to lead OneWorld (Leasing).

“ ‘ We have a list of over 6,000 leasing brokers, ‘ he said. ‘ This is very similar

to other cooperatives we have put together. We go to the supplier and say we

have these many members, what can you do for us.

“ ‘ It is similar to going like going to a supplier of drywalls, “ he explained.

“We have group power buying that any supplier should be interested in,

and as important, benefits to our members...

 “ Selby stated that he has been involved in eight new ‘co-ops.'  They are very

similar to agriculture co-ops, where growers combine their product together

and sell to at a “group price.”

October 12, 2002, Richard Shelby announced:

“OneWorld Leasing  Co-Op 100 Days of Progress

“1. OneWorld Leasing (OWL) expects membership to reach 18-20 by the end of

the year...

February 12,2003, Leasing News reported, that Richard Shelby was gone:

“David Leppert  will be officially appointed  the new CEO of One World in the next 30 days. His background is in cooperative development. He has been involved in the formation five co-ops over the last seven years. 

“ ‘ One World Leasing has lost 3 members in the last sixty days,' he told

Leasing News. Jay Foster, Chris Raley and Ray Bradley each resigned.  The original five thousand they contributed when they joined has been returned

to them.”

“  ‘This occurred during a transition period where Richard Selby resigned as CEO and I am being installed as CEO.  It's unfortunate, but frankly it's within the

norm for developing cooperatives.  Our web site will reflect these

changes by early next week.'

“Our six members are together and steadfast in the long view of One

World Leasing and I think you'll be impressed with the progress we make

over the next two years, ‘ he said. ‘ One of the things we did wrong at the

beginning was to emphasize obtaining funding sources.  We should have

built a more critical group, their vision for the long terms is the key.'

November 7, 2003, David Stearns told Leasing News,

“One World (Leasing Co-Op) is down to five core members, but about to add a professional executive director, president.  The group decided they were going in too many directions and their problem was a ‘lack of leadership.'The committee decided they needed a “chairperson.”

The web site at press time shows three members:  David Leppert, president & CEO, David Stearns, Chairman, and Eric Bryant, Director.

http://www.oneworldleasing.com/default2.htm

David Leppert is involved in setting up co-operatives.  He was the initial developer,

not involved in leasing, and did not return any telephone calls.

David Stearns has American Leasing Alliance, Lake in the Hills, Illinois,

and was not available.

Eric Bryant is associated with Quest Financial Corporation, Costa Mesa, California.

In a telephone interview, Eric Bryant stated when his partner Lance Blount left, he decided to exercise his agreement letter with One World Leasing,  basically asking for his $5,000 back in August, 2002, stating all the money back in “October or November.”

“After a year and a half, nothing much happened, “he explained. “We were one

of the lucky ones to sign an agreement letter that allowed us to obtain our original

investment back... Nothing really ever got off the ground.

“I think they went after the funders, and down the wrong direction.  I feel I am lucky

to get my money back. Maybe co-ops work in other industries, but not evidently not here.”

In attempting to reach One World Leasing, Sharon Foglesong returned our call,

stating she did not take the position of “executive director,” but was serving

as a “consultant.”   She said the web site had not been up-dated for quite some

time, that there were five members, and an official announcement about her

position would be made soon in a press release.  Asked for the names of the

 five members, she said it would be included in the announcement planned

to be release on February 27,2004.  She was not at liberty to disclose any

information without approval from the board of directors, she said.

David Stearns later sent us an e-mail:

“We are proud to count 4 pioneering companies as the current members
of the cooperative that continue to be committed to the cooperative's
 ultimate success... (he then named them, however, concluded:)

“Out of consideration for our members, I would respectfully ask that you
 publish only the "text" portion of this e-mail and not the names of the members and advisers.”

 David Stearns
 Chairman of the Board, One World Leasing, Inc.
 President; American Leasing Alliance, LLC

Later, an e-mail from James Brustad, director of Business Development,

said:

“We wanted to let you know who the members were, in the interests
of your request - but, didn't want them "published" simply out of
consideration of their time; in order that they don't get bombarded
with requests for information. 

 “We and Sharon can fulfill those requests.  Hopefully, you respect that position.
Thanks again, Kit; sorry for any confusion during the course of the day.”

James Brustad

Director, Business Development

Perhaps when the web site is up-dated, the active members of the co-op will

be named with their addresses and telephone number to confirm their

involvement in One World Leasing.

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

Senior Sales Executive

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

                The Shadow Knows...

In looking into the matter about the alleged scam between the broker and the vendor in one of the scam-a-roonies we reported,  the funder fired one of their salesmen who they  say they found in collusion with the broker and the vendor.  The salesman allegedly  admitted receiving payments from a dummy company of the broker to run the alleged  fraudulent vendor deals through the funder.  The broker, according to the salesman, offered him a signing bonus and an indemnity against any litigation cost.  The broker appears to be going overboard to keep this quiet. But the Shadow knows...

-- 

A Major credit card leasing company won't confirm or deny, but supposedly their general counsel secretely married an “attractive lady,”  ( the word used was “bimbo, but we are a family

newspaper.) This happened last year, and she was employed at the same company. The rest of the story:  this top attorney was already married.  When the major credit card leasing company found this out, it was reported they escorted him out of the building, obviously after letting him go. What happened to the second wife?  The Shadow knows...

--

A well-known leasing association has had several formal complaints, following all the procedures with a check, too, about their members, some over two months, but nothing has been made public.  It appears to be “business as usual,” as the leasing association “talks the talk,” but doesn't “walk the walk.”  The Shadow knows...

--- 

Vendor Sales Manager

---Yes, this is a paid legitimate ad from a major national leasing company, but they want to keep their identity unknown.

   Cartoon----Dip in Sales

http://two.leasingnews.org/Cartoon_Bank/Sales.jpg

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

**** announcement ***************************************************

Sacramento, California Area Brokers Dinner March 4th

The brokers of the Sacramento and surrounding areas will be gathering for our second dinner to discuss topics of interest and meet with fellow brokers and funders.  We had a great response to our first dinner and hope to continue to bring a forum to our area. The topics will be " IRS Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation".

We are pleased to have Jason Cardinet, CPA, as the featured speaker. Jason Cardinet is a tax specialist and shareholder with the Roseville CPA firm, Bartig, Basler & Ray. He is the former Managing Director of Tax for Deloitte & Touche Sacramento and has more than 16 years of experience in individual and business tax. He is a Certified Public Accountant holding a Masters degree in Taxation from Brigham Young University. He resides in Roseville with his wife, Joan, and their 5 children.

The meeting is planned for Thursday, March 4th, to be held at Cascades restaurant . This beautiful restaurant is located at 1420 East Roseville Parkway, off highway 80 in Roseville. No host cocktails 6:30, dinner served 7:00 with time after for discussion, questions or socialize.

Dinner options: Pasta with Vegetables, Herb Chicken, Grilled Salmon or Roasted Pork Loin, to include salad and dessert.

Please make your reservations early. Contact Gloria Wagner at (916) 780-7885, or mail $45.00 per person to Financial Solutions Group at 2007 Opportunity Drive #5, Roseville, Ca  95678.

Should you have any questions contact Lori Littleford of BWC Equipment Leasing (888) 278- 1079 #232, Tom Cadle of Leasource (800) 991-0099 or Gloria Wagner of Financial Solutions Group (800) 700-3533.

**** announcement ***************************************************

The UAEL So-Cal Regional Roundtable is almost here…Reserve your Ticket Today!

When: Tuesday, March 9th, 2004 (1 PM -4:30 PM)

Where: Experian Building, Orange County, CA

                     Location Address:   475 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA

                    Telephone:  (714) 830-7000

Event:  Roundtable Discussion "How To Successfully Market Customers & Vendors in today's economy"

Who should attend?:

Members of your Credit Team & Sales Team

Roundtable Topics?:

How to understand a credit bureau and how to use that knowledge effectively when selling…

How to request a Financial Package from a Lessee…

How to market future business by utilizing a Lessee's Financial Data…

How to "close" competitive, high rate, or structured transactions…

Lenders will discuss "what makes a good credit package" …

How to establish and market vendor programs…

Cost: No Charge to UAEL Members  ($10.00 Fee Non-UAEL Members )

Please Reserve your ticket via email at:  giacono@westoverfinancial.com

Event Hosted by UAEL Southern California Regional Committee

Seating is Limited, so reserve your space now!

**** announcement **********************************************

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

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

Synovus Announces Consolidation of Three Affiliate Banks in the Atlanta Region; Bank of North Georgia, Charter Bank and Trust and Mountain National Bank Create Partnership

COLUMBUS, Ga----Synovus (NYSE:SNV), the Columbus, Georgia-based, diverse financial services company, today announced the consolidation of the Bank of North Georgia, Charter Bank and Trust Co. and Mountain National Bank under one charter.

   "The decision to consolidate these three Synovus affiliate banks creates numerous opportunities for us," said Don Howard, Regional CEO and Chairman/CEO of the Bank of North Georgia. "Our banks overlap each other in some areas of the Atlanta market and our assessment to combine under the Bank of North Georgia charter will strengthen our presence. This change will enable us to serve our customers at our combined 14 bank offices."

   This consolidation will unite the expertise of three successful, veteran CEOs who have a proven history of growing their markets and have built a loyal customer base. Each bank also has product experts in various departments and lines of business that can help expand markets and meet the combined banks' goals and objectives.

   Don Howard will continue to serve as Chairman and CEO of Synovus affiliate Bank of North Georgia, headquartered in Alpharetta. J. Randall "Randy" Carroll, current CEO of Mountain National Bank, will be named President and COO of Bank of North Georgia and Ronald H. "Ron" Francis, current CEO of Charter Bank & Trust, will be named Vice Chairman of Bank of North Georgia once the consolidation is approved by the appropriate regulatory agencies.

   After regulatory approval, Charter Bank and Trust and Mountain National Bank will change their names to Charter Bank of North Georgia and Mountain Bank of North Georgia.

   This will be the third largest affiliate bank within the Synovus family and will include full service bank offices in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Buford, Canton, Crabapple, Cumming, Jasper, Roswell Street Marietta, Powers Ferry Marietta, Norcross, Roswell, Stone Mountain, Woodstock and Tucker. Five Mortgage offices will be located in Alpharetta, Buford, Cumming, Duluth and Woodstock and three Private Client Services in Alpharetta, Buckhead and Dunwoody.

   "Synovus places much strategic importance on our Atlanta presence," said Richard Anthony, Synovus President and Chief Operating Officer. "Our banks continue to gain market share and our Financial Management Services line of business complements our traditional banking capabilities. The FMS team provides trust, brokerage, investment management, financial planning and insurance services to the Atlanta market."

   By joining $287 million asset Charter Bank and Trust and $250 million asset Mountain National Bank, Bank of North Georgia's asset size will increase from $1.7 billion to $2.2 billion. Full service banks will expand from eight offices to 14. Customers throughout the Atlanta market will have enhanced products and services to include Bank of North Georgia Mortgage, Cash Management, Private Client Services offices, Financial Management Services and will have the opportunity to provide customers with greater lending capacity. 

   About Synovus 

   Synovus (NYSE:SNV) is a diversified financial services holding company with more than $22 billion in assets based in Columbus, Ga. Synovus provides integrated financial services including banking, financial management, insurance, mortgage and leasing services through 41 affiliate banks and other Synovus offices in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee; and electronic payment processing through an 81-percent stake in TSYS (NYSE:TSS), the world's largest third-party processor of international payments. Synovus is No. 20 on FORTUNE magazine's list of "The 100 Best Companies To Work For" in 2004. See Synovus on the Web at www.synovus.com.

CONTACT:Bank of North Georgia, Alpharetta Sherri Morgan, 770-751-4777 or Synovus Alison Dowe, 706-641-3781

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

Universal Express Announces Fiscal Second Quarter Results

“We generated strong results in our capital-leasing division, which contributed to improvement in our balance sheet." 

NEW YORK----Universal Express, Inc. (OTCBB:USXP), announced results for the second quarter and six months ended December 31, 2003.

   Revenue for the second quarter of 2003 was $14.9 million, compared to $498,000 in the second quarter of 2002. The increase in revenue for the quarter reflects the acquisition of Sub-Contracting Concepts, Inc. (SCI), which the company acquired on December 1, 2003. Results include the operations of SCI only from December 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003, which contributed $13.8 million in revenue. The unaudited proforma net sales, as if the acquisition of SCI had occurred at the beginning of the three-month period, would have been $45.8 million, compared to $29.8 million in the same period last year. Net loss for the second quarter was $2.1 million, or $0.00 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $2.1 million or $0.01 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2002.

   Revenue for the first half of fiscal 2004 was $15.1 million, compared to $1.7 million for the same period in fiscal 2002. The increase in revenue for the first half also reflects the acquisition of SCI. The unaudited proforma net sales, as if the acquisition of SCI had occurred at the beginning of the six-month period, would have been $86.9 million, compared to $50.3 million in the same period last year. Net loss for the first half of fiscal 2004 was $4.1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.3 million or $0.01 per diluted share for 2002.

   Richard Altomare, president and chief executive officer, stated, "During the second quarter, we achieved several important milestones. Foremost, we completed the acquisition of Sub-Contracting Concepts, Inc. The acquisition of SCI is accretive to earnings, will strengthen our luggage-delivery distribution system, and expand our association programs. As a result, our revenues have increased, while we controlled our operating expenses. Moreover, we now have over $1.7 million in cash, and are in a strong position to grow the business going forward."

   Mr. Altomare continued, "Luggage Express, our luggage-free travel service, continued to gain traction during the quarter. Specifically, Crystal Cruises and Mastercard have joined our expanding network of strategic partners. Additionally, we acquired Bags To Go, Inc., which provides luggage check-in services for passengers at the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, and significantly expands our luggage-logistics capabilities. Lastly, we generated strong results in our capital-leasing division, which contributed to improvement in our balance sheet." 

   About Universal Express

   Universal Express, Inc. owns and operates several subsidiaries including Universal Express Capital Corp. (USXP Cash Express Division), Universal Express Logistics (Luggage Express and the Virtual Bellhop, LLC), the WorldPost Network - private postal network, and SCI, our industry insurance company. These subsidiaries and divisions provide the private postal industry, customers, and couriers with value-added services and products, logistical services, equipment leasing, and cost-effective delivery of goods worldwide. For more information visit www.usxp.com. 

ONTACT:Lippert Heilshorn & Associates Investor Relations: David K. Waldman/Jody Burfening, 212-838-3777

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

  Performance Acquires Penske Truck Leasing

WAYNE, Mich.,  -- Performance Logistics Group, Inc. (PLG), based in Wayne, Michigan, and Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. (Penske), based in Reading, Pa. announced they have agreed to the terms of a transaction whereby PLG will acquire 100 percent of the stock of LAC Holding Corp., the holding company for Penske's interest in the Leaseway Auto Carrier group (LAC).  As a result of the transaction Penske will receive a significant minority interest in PLG.

PLG is the parent of Performance Transportation Services, Inc. ("PTS") who, with its subsidiaries E. and L. Transport Company LLC  ("E&L"), Hadley Auto Transport ("Hadley") and Transportation Releasing, LLC, operates a nationwide automobile transportation business.  E&L operates primarily in the north central United States, while Hadley operates primarily in the western United States.  PTS has approximately 1,200 employees operating out of 15 terminals.  LAC provides finished vehicle transportation services for original equipment manufacturers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  LAC has approximately 1,200 employees operating out of 14 terminals.  Following this acquisition, PLG will be the second largest provider of vehicle transport services in North America with annual revenue of approximately $350 million.

"PTS and Penske have similar cultures and share a strong commitment to our customers, shareholders and employees," says Rick Roger, president and chief executive officer of PTS.  "Through the increased efficiencies realized by combining the two companies, PTS will be well equipped to continue providing high-quality service to our customers."

Penske and PTS expect the transaction to be concluded within 45 days.  The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and satisfying customary closing conditions.

Penske Truck Leasing, headquartered in Reading, Pa., is a joint venture of Penske Corporation and General Electric.  A leading global transportation services provider, the company operates approximately 200,000 vehicles and serves customers from nearly 1,000 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, and Europe.  Product lines include full-service leasing, contract maintenance, commercial and consumer rental, transportation and warehousing management, and supply chain management solutions.  Penske Truck Leasing's annual revenue is approximately US $3.4 billion.  The company can be reached at www.pensketruckleasing.com.

Performance Logistics Group, Inc. ("PLG") is a portfolio company of Hidden Creek Industries (HCI), an industrial management company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  PLG was formed in 1999 by Onex Corporation, an affiliate of HCI, and Norwest Equity Partners.  Onex Corporation, is a diversified company based in Toronto, Canada with annual consolidated revenues of $17 billion.

SOURCE  Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P.

CO:  Performance Logistics Group, Inc.; Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P.; LAC      Holding Corp.; Leaseway Auto Carrier; Performance Transportation      Services, Inc.; Penske Corporation; General Electric; Hidden Creek      Industries

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

Account Executives

    News Briefs---

GE unit poised to grow in health finance

http://www.suntimes.com/output/business/cst-fin-gen19.html

$1 billion raised for fund

First time this year for a venture capital company in U.S.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/02/19/BUGL153GBH1.DTL&type=business

Mortgage rates down again, lowest levels in 7 months

 http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/housing/2004-02-19-mortgages_x.htm

 Leading indicators up 0.5% in January, jobless claims drop

  http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/employment/2004-02-19-jobless_x.htm

Ex-Tyco CFO's lawyer upset over job cuts testimony

http://www.forbes.com/markets/newswire/2004/02/19/rtr1267678.html

Apple Computer is Debt Free (internal memo)

http://www.internalmemos.com:8080/memos/memodetails.php?memo_id=2136

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

                 “Gimme that Wine”

Coppola and Lucas join to produce Skywalker Ranch wines

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/02/19/WIGR152N4P1.DTL

Oregon Pinot noir, pinot gris surge ahead in wine production

http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2004/02/19/news/oregon/thusta06.txt

New Glass Wine Stopper Hopes to Oust Cork

http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Daily/News/0,1145,2348,00.html

A 'retired' Jess Jackson heads for the hills to revamp Kendall-Jackson

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/02/19/WIGBH52LG81.DTL

   This Day in American History

=========Early American History=========

=========Colonial Times=========

=========Westward Expansion=========

=========Civil War—including pre and post=========

=========Gilded Age=========

=========World War I --pre and post=========

=========FDR=========

=========Post World War II=========

=========1950's=========

=========1960's=========

=========1970's=========

=========1980's=========

=========1990's=========

=========Early American History=========

     1725- Indians scalping Applauded: A posse of New Hampshire volunteers ran across a band of 10 sleeping Native Americans and scalped them all. The posse entered Dover in triumph with the 10 scalps stretched on hoops and elevated on poles. A bounty of 100 pounds for each scalp ( quite a bite of money in those days ) was paid in Boston out of the public treasury.  individual scalps had been brought  in earlier, but never this many. Posse hunting American Indians became a popular occupation, resulting in many fleeing to Canada.  The bounty was in retribution for American Indians who were killing colonist and taking their scalps

as trophies.

=========Colonial Times=========

     1726- American Revolutionary soldier William Prescott born at Groton, MA. Died at Pepperell, MA, Oct 13, 1795. Credited with the order, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes," at the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775 . Historically this command was common in the times, and Bunker Hill was not the first encounter with the British. Time has given the credit to Colonel Prescott and guides in Boston still point to the Revolutionary War beginning on Bunker Hill.

Number one, it really wasn't Bunker Hill, but Breed's Hill ( The British

expected the colonials at Bunker Hill, but they had moved their fortification

to Breed's Hill) April 19 there were battles in both Concord and Lexington Massachusetts. On June 12, 1775, near Round Island on Machias Bay

in Maine, the patriots crashed into the Margaretta and engaged in hand to hand combat. The British crew was disheartened when their captain was mortally wounded and lost the one hour long battle. 25 of the combatants were killed or wounded. The victors claimed "four double fortified three pounders and fourteen swivels" and some smaller guns. This was considered the first sea engagement of the Revolution and the start of the merchant marine's war role.

As captain of the privateer Machias Liberty, Jeremiah O'Brien later captured two armed British schooners and delivered his prisoners to George Washington. On the General's recommendation, the government of Massachusetts appointed O'Brien to command his two prizes.  The Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed's Hill) was actually

the fifth such site, but American History books did not like the name and also

changed the facts about who warned the British were coming ( there were three

riders, and Paul Revere was captured by the British---but that is another story)

http://www.comsewogue.k12.ny.us/showcase2000/amrev/quotes/prescott.htm

http://colonialancestors.com/revolutionary/battles1775.htm http://www.comsewogue.k12.ny.us/showcase2000/amrev/quotes/prescott.htm

  1792 – Postal Act signed by President George Washington. Letters delivered up to 30 miles cost six cents to mail. For letters up to 150 miles, postage was 12-1/2 cents. And, just like today, letters over 150 miles were not guaranteed to be delivered at all.

 =========Westward Expansion=========

    1829-“Rip Van Winkle” actor Joseph Jefferson born at Philadelphia, Pa.  He is best known for his long running play and role about a character both humorous and pathetic-centered on Rip Van Winkle, about whom he wrote a short play.http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/feb20.html

    1851-Fifty dollar gold piece: Now quite a collectors piece, the fifty dollar gold piece was manufactured by the Moffat Assay Office, Mount Ophir, Mariposa County, CA.  They were octagonal. On the observe wee an eagle surrounded by the words “ United States of America.” Above it was the legend “ 887 thous,” indicating the fines of the gold, and at the bottom, “F0 D.C.” On the reverse, a number of radii extended from a center in which was stamped in small figures “50”. Around the edge was the phrase, “ The United States Assayer.”

=========Civil War—including pre and post=========

    1864- Civil War Battle of Olustee, Florida, the largest fought in the state.

The Union force of 5,500 men and 16 cannon marched westward from Macclenny. By this time, the Confederate forces almost equaled the Union opposing army in number. Finnegan sent skirmishers to draw the Union forces to Olustee, and they made contact that afternoon. The Confederate line was formed. The infantry in the center was supported by cavalry on each flank. The battle was joined on the floor of a forest of virgin pines, free of underbrush. Men fought in the open forest with neither force constructing earthworks. The battle raged until dark, when the Union forces began a hasty retreat. Battle casualties amounted to 1,861 Union and 946 Confederate soldiers. In proportion to the number of troops involved, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.  Union forces remained in Jacksonville until the end of the war and occupied several coastal towns and various places along the St. Johns River. They carried out frequent operations against Confederate forces defending east Florida but did not venture out in significant force again.

http://extlab1.entnem.ufl.edu/olustee/capsule.html

http://www.jacksonvillestory.com/Picture%20of%20Battle%20of%20Olustee.htm

http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/museum/civwar/17.html

http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/museum/civwar/

http://www.americancivilwar.com/statepic/fl.html

http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/Olustee/after.html

    1869-Tennessee Governor W.G. Brownlow declared martial law in nine counties because of widespread Ku Klux Klan activity. The Klan was organized as a secret but harmless social club in Pulaski, Tennessee, in December 1865; the anonymity afforded its membership led to the development of the white terrorist organization we know today. Citizens of Southern States were divided, as were many in the North.  It was more than Blue and Grey.

http://www.rootsweb.com/~arcivwar/images/bkgd.gif

http://www.wdbj.net/~tnknox/military/civilwar/brownlow.html

http://www.rootsweb.com/~tngreene/pbb007.html

http://www.rootsweb.com/~tngreene/pbb006.html

=========Gilded Age=========

   1895 - Frederick Douglass, American journalist, orator and antislavery leader died at Anacostia Heights, D.C. His original name before his escape from slavery was Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey.

http://www.nps.gov/frdo/freddoug.html

    1898 -a snowstorm buried eastern sections of Wisconsin. 30 inches fell at Racine and 15 foot drifts were reported at Milwaukee.

    1898 –Pianist Jimmy Yancey Birthday  ( I think I have all his records

as he was one of the best, if not the first, Boogie Woogie piano players )

http://www.geocities.com/dyancey3/jimmy.htm

http://www.jazzbymail.com/artists/yancey.html

http://www.jazzbymail.com/artists/yancey.html

   1902-American photographer, known for his photographs of Yosemite National Park, born at San Francisco, CA. Adams died at Monterey, CA, Apr 22, 1984

http://www.anseladams.com/

http://www.adamsgallery.com/

=========World War I --pre and post=========

    1912 -an F3 tornado tracked 15 miles from Shreveport to Abner, Louisiana, killing 8 people and injuring 50.

   1920-Founder of Little League: birthday of Carl E. Stotz shaped the summers of millions of kids as the founder of Little League baseball. Born at Williamsport, PA, he organized the first three-team league there in 1939. Died at Williamsport, June 4, 1992.

   1922- WOR-AM in New York City NY begins radio transmissions

   1926-Tenor sax player Bobby Jaspar born Liege, Belgium, died  1963.

http://www.jazzinbelgium.org/past/jaspar.htm http://web.singnet.com.sg/~etienne/jazz/jaspar/jaspar.html

http://member.nifty.ne.jp/mrmanri/BobbyJaspar/

  1927-Actor/Activist Sydney Poitier born, Miami, FL. (In the Heat of the Night,  Lilies of the Field, Guess Who's Coming for Dinner, The Defiant Ones.

http://www.ic.sunysb.edu/Class/thr500/thr500/sixdegrees/poitier.html

=========FDR=========

   1934- Bobby Unser, former auto racer, born Albuquerque, NM2-time USAC-CART national champion (1968,74); 3-time winner of Indy 500 (1968,75,81); retired after 1981 season; ranks 5th on all-time CART list with 35 career wins

http://premierespeakers.com/bios/unser.htm

    1934 -a severe blizzard was in its second day across southern New England. The snowfall was one of Connecticut's worst in modern times with 20 inch accumulations, high winds, and temperatures that dropped from near 32 to 5 degrees during the course of the storm.

   1937- Raymond Scott Quintet records “Toy Trumpet”

http://www.raymondscott.com/

   1937- singer Nancy Wilson born, Chillicothe, OH

http://www.divastation.com/nancy_wilson/nwilson_bio.html

http://www.missnancywilson.com/

http://www.duke.edu/~lrm2/jazz.html

   1939- Harry James records his theme song “Ciribiriibin” ( Brunswick 8327)

   1940 -  Larry Clinton and his orchestra recorded "Limehouse Blues"

   1940- Barbara Ellis of the late 1950's pop group, the Fleetwoods, was born in Olympia, Washington. Ellis, Gretchen Christopher and Gary Troxel originally called themselves Two Girls and a Guy before changing their name to the Fleetwoods. They had two big hits in 1959, "Come Softly to Me" and "Mr. Blue."

http://www.fabulousfleetwoods.com/

   1941-folk singer and songwriter Buffy Sainte- Marie was born on the Piapot Reserve near Regina. She is among the best- known of contemporary folk singers, attaining international success in the 1960's with such songs as "Until It's Time For You To Go" and "Universal Soldier."  Donovan's 1965 hit recording of "Universal Soldier" led many people to believe it was his composition, but Sainte-Marie had written the song while appearing at Toronto's Purple Onion coffee house. Buffy Sainte-Marie has always been strongly committed to social causes, particularly those of North American native peoples.

http://www.canoe.ca/PeopleImagesS/sainte-marie_buffy.jpg http://schwinger.harvard.edu/~terning/bios/SainteMarie.html

http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/bio.asp?oid=3417&cf=3417

    1942- Phil Esposito, hockey executive, former coach and Hockey Hall of Fame Center, born Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

   1942- O'Hare Airport named after the first Navy ace in World War II, Lieutenant Edward Henry O'Hare.  This day in the southwest Pacific, alone and single-handed, he attacked nine twin-engine Japanese heavy bombers, shot down five, and damaged a sixth in an action of about five minutes duration. http://www.homeofheroes.com/photos/6_ww2_lz/ohare.html

http://www.cmohs.org/recipients/featured_Apr_2001.htm

    1946- Jerome Geils, lead guitarist with the J. Geils Band, was born in New York City. Singer Peter Wolf is the on-stage focus of the band, which lasted for nearly 15 years without a personnel change. Their best-selling-album is the 1981 "Freeze- Frame." "Centerfold" and "Angel in Blue" were single hits from the LP.

http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/bio.asp?oid=3134&cf=3134

=========Post World War II=========

     1947—Top Hits

For Sentimental Reasons - Nat King Cole

A Gal in Calico - Johnny Mercer

Oh, But I Do - Margaret Whiting

So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed - Merle Travis

=========1950's=========

    1950 -- Dylan Thomas arrives in New York for his first series of American poetry readings. Welsh poet, drunk, high-liver, lifestyle libertarian.   He is very well  received and is invited back again, although reportedly drunk all the time.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0694500496/inktomi-bkasin-20/102-1682336-8966565
http://www.popsubculture.com/pop/bio_project/dylan_thomas.html

http://www.guerilla-films.com/dt/dthomas.htm

http://www.dylans.com/

  1951- guitarist Randy California of the 1960s rock group Spirit was born in Los Angeles. Although they did have one hit single, "I Got a Line on You," Spirit was best known for their albums, an ambitious blend of rock, blues, jazz and country. Randy California drowned on January 2nd, 1997, while swimming with his 12-year-old son off Molokai, Hawaii.

http://randycaliforniaandspirit.com/ http://www.coloradorealtyhotline.com/spiritran.htm

   1952 - One of baseball's most popular figures, Emmett L. Ashford, became organized baseball's first black umpire when he was authorized to substitute in the Southwestern International League.

http://www.pubdim.net/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/A/Ashford_Emmett.stm

    1952 - "The African Queen", opened at New York City's Capitol Theatre. The film starred Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.

http://www.filmsite.org/afri.html http://www.africanqueen.net/history/history.htm

   1955—Top Hits

Sincerely - McGuire Sisters

Melody of Love - Billy Vaughn

Tweedle Dee - Georgia Gibbs

Let Me Go, Lover! - Hank Snow

   1956- White city leaders of Montgomery, Alabama, issued an ultimatum to black organizers of the three-month-old Montgomery bus boycott. They said if the boycott ended immediately there would be "no retaliation whatsoever." If it did not end, it was made clear they would begin arresting black leaders.

http://home.att.net/~reniqua/

http://www.mecca.org/~crights/montgomery.html

    1956 - Eugene O'Neill's play, Long Day's Journey Into Night, written 16 years earlier, was published posthumously by Yale University Press.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/longdaysjourney/

http://halldrama.com/drama/45.shtml

   1959-Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges cut “Back to Back and Side to Side  albums for Verve.

=========1960's=========

   1960- Patriots Get their name: one of eight charter members of the American Football League, the Boston franchise chose the nickname “Patriots” after a public contest.  The team changed its name to the New England Patriots for the 1971 season.

    1962- John Herschel Glenn, Jr., became the first American, and the third person, to orbit Earth. Aboard the capsule Friendship 7, he made three orbits of Earth. Spacecraft was Mercury-Atlas 6. In 1998 the 77-year-old Glenn went into space again on the space shuttle Discovery to test the effects of aging.

   1962-Project Mercury: the first US postage stamp issued on the date of the event it commemorated with the Project Mercury commemorative, placed on sale through the nation on this day.  This four-cent dark blue and yellow stamp showed the spaceship in which Colonel John Glenn, Jr., orbited the earth. Three million covers were canceled the first day at Cape Canaveral, FL.

     1963 -- Greenwood, Mississippi: SNCC Voter Registration headquarters and 4 Negro businesses burned.

http://mshistory.k12.ms.us/features/feature21/civilrights.html

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/aaohtml/exhibit/aopart9.html

   1963 - Baseball great Willie (‘Say Hey') Mays signed with the San Francisco Giants as baseball's highest-paid player. He earned $100,000 a year.

   1963—Top Hits

Hey Paula - Paul & Paula

Walk like a Man - The 4 Seasons

Ruby Baby - Dion

The Ballad of Jed Clampett - Flatt & Scruggs

    1963-Charlie Barkley birthday, former basketball player and now commentator, Leeds,AL.

   1965- the Supremes' "Stop! In the Name of Love" was released. It would become their fourth number-one hit.

http://www.weddingvendors.com/music/lyrics/song-732.html

=========1970's=========

    1970-Chicago Seven Trial: they were sentenced to five-year prison terms for crossing  a state line with intent to incite a riot.  They were acquitted on February 18 on charges in connection with riots during the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago, but found guilty for crossing a state line to incite a riot. During this

time there were "half a million people in the streets"; explosions in 3 office buildings in NY; explosions in California, Washington, Maryland, Michigan; Isla Vista, Santa Barbara Bank of America burning on the 25th.
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/Chicago7/chicago7.html

    1971---Top Hits

One Bad Apple - The Osmonds

If You Could Read My Mind - Gordon Lightfoot

Mama's Pearl - The Jackson 5

Help Me Make It Through the Night - Sammi Smith

    1971-Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" and Santana's "Oye Como Va" are released.

    1972- Phil Esposito birthday, became Boston Bruins  first NHL player to score his 50^th goal in February when he tallied in a 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. Esposito finished the season with 76  goals.

    1974 –Yes, it was thirty years ago: Cher and Sonny Split Up! After a decade of marriage, Cher filed for separation from husband Sonny Bono. Not long afterwards, she filed for divorce and the accompanying alimony. movie  Married for ten years, the couple had a number-one hit in 1965 with "I Got You Babe" and hit number two on the charts the following year with "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)." "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" ran on CBS-TV from 1971 to '75. After the split, both tried solo careers, but only Cher was successful, scoring four top-ten hits and as an actress in films such as "Moonstruck" (Best Actress Oscar in 1987). Sonny died skiing, actually running into a tree ( not an uncommon accident, by the way.)

    1974- Gordie Howe, the oldest player in NHL history, came out of retirement to play with his sons, Mark and Marty.  He signed a four-year, $1 million contract with the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association.

   1977-- "My Fair Lady" closes at St James Theater NYC after 384 performances

http://www.theatrehistory.com/american/musical002.html

   1977---Top Hits

Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? - Rod Stewart

Y.M.C.A. - Village People

A Little More Love - Olivia Newton-John

Every Which Way But Loose - Eddie Rabbitt

    1977-Ben and Jerry's introduced a new flavor -- Phish food, named after the rock group Phish. It contains chocolate ice cream, marshmallows, caramel and fish-shaped fudge.  It would never become the number one flavor they sold: Cherry Garcia® Ice Cream

http://www.benjerry.com/our_products/top_ten/

   1979---Top Hits1976- Muhammad Ali KOs Jan Pierre Coopman in 5 for heavyweight boxing title

http://www.teachervision.com/ipsa/A0108412.html

=========1980's=========

    1986- Orel Hershiser,  Los Angeles Dodger's pitching ace became the first player to receive a one million dollar salary by arbitration. He was a 19-game winner in 1985 at the age of 27. By 1996, Hershiser was pitching for the Cleveland Indians.

    1987 - After 11 years on the job, David Hartman exited ABC's "Good Morning America". He introduced new co-host, Charles Gibson who, with Joan Lunden, would co-host the morning television program into 1998

     1987—Top Hits

Livin' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi

Change of Heart - Cyndi Lauper

Touch Me (I Want Your Body) - Samantha Fox

How Do I Turn You On - Ronnie Milsap

    1988- Brian Boitano of the US won the gold medal in the men's figure skating at the XVth Winter Olympic Games at Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  Boitano skated a nearly flawless free program to edge Brian Orser of Canada. The Soviet Union's Viktor Petrenko took the bronze.

    1988- Canadian rocker Bryan Adams performed a private concert for 3,000 athletes and media people at the Calgary Olympics. More than 200 athletes joined Adams on stage for the finale.

http://www.bryanadams.com/onlineshop/default.asp

    1989- Tone-Loc's "Wild Thing" became only the second single to be certified double-platinum in the US - meaning it had sold two-million copies. Since the double-platinum category was created in 1984, only one other single, "We Are the World," had reached that plateau. The phenomenal sales of "Wild Thing" showed that rap had moved out of the urban ghettoes into the pop music mainstream

http://www.synthesis.net/music/feature.php?pid=2627

=========1990's=========

    1991- Quincy Jones won six Grammy awards for his album "Back on the Block," making him the second-biggest winner in Grammy history with 25. Toronto rocker Alannah Myles was named best female rock vocalist for "Black Velvet," a number-one single from her self-named debut album.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/jones_q.html

http://www.quincyjonesmusic.com/ http://www.qjluf.org/listen_up/

     1992-Ross Perot for President: toward the end of his appearance on the "Larry King Live" TV talk show on this date Texas billionaire and businessman H. Ross Perot was asked by King whether there were any circumstances under which Perot would run for president of the US. Perot responded that if supporters put his name on the ballot in all 50 states, he would agree to run, thus becoming a footnote in history. His anti-Washington, anti-politician appeal generated an historic enthusiasm in the form of a grassroots movement organizing petition drives in all 50 states to place his name on the ballot. Perot's popularity grew early with steady rises in public opinion polls as journalists struggled to keep up with the phenomenon.

    1993 -a strong overrunning pattern developing ahead of a developing Colorado low blitzed Sioux City, Iowa with 14 inches of snow in just 6 hours. Two strong areas of low pressure, one over Colorado and the other off the coast of Washington State, produced high winds, heavy rain, and heavy snow across the west. Winds gusted to 85 mph at Fort Carson, Colorado and to 96 mph at Rock Springs, Wyoming. Flagstaff, Arizona was deluged with 3.93 inches of rain in 24 hours -- its greatest 24 hour rainfall on record. Duck Creek, Utah was buried under 49 inches of snow over a 48 hour period and the Sierra Ski Ranch in California recorded 74 inches of snow over a four day period to raise its snow cover to 200 inches. Farther to the east, a strong overrunning pattern developing ahead of the Colorado low blitzed Sioux City, Iowa with 14 inches of snow in just 6 hours.

    1994 -Caribou, Maine soared to 59 degrees, despite a deep snow cover, to set a new record for its warmest winter (Dec-Feb) temperature ever. The previous record was 58 degrees.

    1995 -the temperature at the Civic Center in Los Angeles, California hit 95 degrees for the highest temperature ever recorded for the month of February.

   1996- Rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg and his ex-bodyguard were acquitted of murder in a 1993 drive-by shooting in a Los Angeles park. Prosecutors alleged that the bodyguard, McKinley Lee, had shot 25-year-old Philip Woldemariam from a Jeep driven by the rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus. The two claimed self-defense because Woldemariam was reaching for a gun. He later became a self-made millionaire in the record industry.

http://www.snoop-dogg.com/

    1997 – Shock Jock Radio: In Michigan, Danny Bonaduce, host of WKQI-FM's morning radio show and of former The Partridge Family fame, staged a fender-bender and bloody brawl in Royal Oak, Michigan that police thought was real. Two women, hoping to win a radio- station contest, enacted a minor traffic collision, then a fight. Berkley and Royal Oak police rushed to the scene and an ambulance was called before authorities realized it was a ruse. Authorities were displeased by the stunt, and while Bonaduce wasn't charged, the women were ticketed for obstructing traffic. Bonaduce admitted that the prank was "stupid radio". Such stunts by radio personalities are still being done today from seeing your wife with another to asking for divorce or “coming out” of the closet.

     1997 -- Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream introduces a new flavor -- Phish food -- named after rock group Phish. Contains chocolate ice cream, marshmallows, caramel & fish-shaped fudge.

http://www.maggiejyoung.com/BJphishad.html

http://www.phish.net/faq/phood.html

http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/food_and_beverages/food/ben_jerrys_phish_food/

    1997- San Francisco Giants Barry Bonds signs record $22.9 million 2 year contract

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/1786/index.html

http://ads.smartclicks.com/1/B4682606/smartsite?377,0

    1998- Tara Lipinski, 15,performed a strong free skating routine to overcome Michelle Kwan and win the ladies' figure skating gold medal a the Winter Olympics in  Nagano, Japan.

http://www.taralipinski.com/

http://www.tarafans.com/

=========2000=========

    2000 - Defending Winston Cup champ Dale Jarrett won his third Daytona 500 in eight years, passing surprise contender Johnny Benson for the lead four laps from the end. Jarrett's $1,277,975 share of the purse, coupled with a million-dollar bonus from series sponsor Winston, gave him the largest single-day payoff in the history of the sport.

[Headlines]