New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

 

Tim Evans was hired as President, FNB Equipment Finance, Pittston, Pennsylvania. a Division of Pittsburgh Bank. He joined the firm September, 2016, as Director, Commercial Equipment Finance.  Previously, he was President, FirstMerit Equipment Finance (June, 2011 - August, 2016); Senior Vice President, CoActiv Capital Partners (March, 2006 - June, 2011); Senior Vice President, PNC (1989 - 1998).  Education: Thiel College (1978 - 1981).  California, PA. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-evans-6888a67/

Mike King was hired as Vice President of Sales, Ascentium Capital, Kingwood, Texas.  He is located in Dover, New Hampshire. Previously, he was Business Development Manager, Marlin Business Services Corp. (July, 2018 - July, 2020); Program Manager, Direct Capital, a Division of CIT Bank, N.A. (April, 2013 - July, 2018). https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-king-5bb96076/

Angelo Moskovis was hired as Senior Business Development Specialist, North Star Leasing, Boston, Massachusetts. Previously, he was National Account Manager, Navitas Credit Corp. (October, 2018 - June, 2020); National Sales Manager, Amur Equipment Finance (January, 2015 - October, 2018); Regional Sales Manager, Ascentium Capital (July, 2011 - December, 2014); Director of Sales & Marketing, Finance Services (2009 - 2011); Sales Development, Greystone Equipment Finance Corp. (2006 - 2009); Account Rep, Solution Financial (2004 - 2006); Owner, Northstar Reprographics (1986 - 2004). Volunteer. VP, Legal Chairperson, Hideaway Village Condominium Association (July, 2005 - Present).  Education: Fisher College, Business (1977 - 1979). https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelo-moskovis-a3387817/

Katie O'Mara, CLFP, was hired as Vice President, Small Ticket Credit Operations, Bank Financial, Dowingtown, Pennsylvania.  Previously, she was Credit Manager, FirstLease (June, 2019- June, 2020. She started at Beneficial Bank,  November, 2010, as Vice President Credit and Administrative Originations; promoted April 2015, Vice President Credit and Collections, co-launching Conestoga Equipment Finance Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conestoga Bank, acquired by Beneficial Bank in 2016; Senior Credit Analyst, Marlin Leasing (March, 2010 - November, 2010); Assistant Credit Manage, Leasing, Court Square Leasing Corporation (December, 2003 - May, 2009); Vendor Services, Patriot Commercial Leasing (October, 2000 - December, 2003); Vendor Support, Court Square Leasing Corporation (July, 1998 - September, 2000); Vendor Support, Keystone Financial Leasing (December, 1994 - July, 1998). Certification: CLFP, CLFP Foundation, Issued November, 2019. Education: University of Phoenix-  Finance (2010 - 2013).  Penn State University (1995 - 1996). https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieomara/

Nyia Smith was hired as Director of Operations, Dynamic Legal Funding, New York, New York.  Previously, she was Senior Administrative Coordinator, ASunStar (June, 2019 - July, 2020). She joined Prime Case Funding, LLC, January, 2017 as Director of Broker Relations; promoted September 2016, Assistant Director of Operations; promoted September, 2017, Director of Broker Relations/Regional Account Executive. Assistant Operations Manager Bloglovin' (May, 2016 - September, 2016); Underwriting Assistant, LawCash (September, 2006 - May, 2016); Teller, Bank of America (January, 2005 - May, 2006). Education: Mercy College. Bachelor of Political Science and Government (2013 - 2016).  CUNY, New York City College of Technology.  Associate's degree, Fashion, Merchandising. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nyia-s-b245699/

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American Airlines and Southwest Airlines were the last of the big four U.S. carriers to report their earnings for the second quarter on Thursday, offering more of the same bad news that Delta and United had shared with their investors earlier.

All four airlines saw their operating revenues drop by more than 80 percent in the three quarters ending June 30, as the coronavirus pandemic brought national and international air travel to a nearly complete standstill. “This was one of the most challenging quarters in American’s history,” said American Airlines Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. “COVID-19 and the resulting shutdown of the U.S. economy have caused severe disruptions to global demand for air travel.”

Despite federal aid in the form of the Payroll Support Program, which helps airlines cover their payroll expenses as part of the CARES Act, all four carriers suffered substantial losses in the past quarter, which is to be expected when revenue dries up practically overnight. To make things worse, the recent spike in new infections is hurting the industry’s chances of a quick recovery, as it not only affects domestic ticket demand but especially the more lucrative transatlantic air travel.

As it stands, Americans are banned from traveling to large parts of Europe, and, if case numbers continue to rise, that probably won’t change anytime soon.

By Felix Richter, Statista

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“Business is a Mess. So they told me, ‘Cheer up,
 it could be worse!”

“So I cheered up…So you know what? I cheered up - and it got worse!”

                 - Ed Kaye, Access Commercial Capital

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What Do You See Out Your Window?
Free Window Swap

(Wish I was there)

What do you see outside your window? With people spending a lot more time at home, you may be paying more attention to the view.

If you'd like to switch things up and expand your horizons, a new website called WindowSwap lets you gaze at the view from windows all around the world, allowing you to travel far and wide (for a few minutes of your day, at least).

https://window-swap.com/

You can also submit your view, and only first names used.  

National Equipment Finance Association
Cancels Oct. 14 – 16th Philadelphia, PA Funding Symposium

“Dear NEFA Members,

“The Board of Directors of the National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) has made the difficult decision to cancel NEFA’s 2020 Funding Symposium scheduled for October 14th – 16th, 2020 in Philadelphia, PA. This decision was made after careful consideration for the safety and well-being of our members, and the recently released group meeting limitations/guidelines issued by the Governor of Pennsylvania.

“In lieu of the 2020 Funding Symposium, we are excited to announce that beginning in October 2020, NEFA will be providing members a series of interactive and topical online educational sessions which have become a hallmark of NEFA conferences.  We certainly hope providing online access to these educational sessions will enable even more members than ever to benefit from the experience and expertise of NEFA members leading and participating in these educational sessions.”
 
Sincerely,
Michael A. Toglia
Executive Director/CEO
National Equipment Finance Association
mtoglia@nefassociation.org

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NVLA Reschedules the Austin, 2020 Conference
in October to a Viral Conference

The Board of Directors of the National Vehicle Leasing Association has voted to change the conference scheduled for October 14-16, in Austin, Texas.  A formal announcement is to be made soon.

Except for the National Alliance of Commercial Loan Brokers, who have scheduled a conference at the Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada for October 13-15, 2000, the rest of the associations have now scheduled virtual conferences.

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

Ascentium Capital LLC Reports Second Quarter Funding Volume
and Exceeds $2.5 Billion in Managed Assets

Ascentium Capital LLC today announced second quarter funding volume of $255.0 million, with year-to-date funding volume of $620.5 million. This enabled the Company to achieve a new portfolio milestone, reaching $2.5 billion in managed assets.

Tom Depping, Executive Vice President, Ascentium Group Manager, said, “Ascentium’s executive team has successfully weathered several periods of economic uncertainty and we are leveraging this to respond to the current situation as the U.S. faces unexpected uncertainty for an unexpected duration.

“Our specialized finance platform incorporates process flexibility which enables us to adjust quickly. We have a strong team in place dedicated to meet market demands while managing risk.”
Ascentium Capital was recently ranked as the nation’s largest private independent equipment finance company in the United States for the fourth consecutive year based on 2019 annual funded new business volume. The Company also ranked 12th in new business volume generated through the vendor channel. Rankings are designated by the Monitor, a publication serving the equipment finance industry. As a subsidiary of Regions Bank, this represents the last year Ascentium will be evaluated as an independent.

Richard Baccaro, Senior Vice President, Ascentium Sales and Marketing, commented,” “We are proud of our rankings which reflect our commitment to the equipment financing industry. The equipment providers we serve are being supported at enhanced levels with substantial marketing support and sales tools.

“The delivery of our value proposition has become extremely important during the COVID-19 pandemic and we remain focused on the success of our clients,” he added.

About Ascentium Capital LLC
Ascentium Capital LLC, a subsidiary of Regions Bank, specializes in providing a broad range of business equipment financing, leasing and loans across the United States. The Company’s offering is designed to benefit equipment manufacturers and distributors as well as direct to businesses nationwide. For additional information about Ascentium and its business financing products and services, please visit AscentiumCapital.com.

About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $144 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services.  Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,400 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

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

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

ELFA Webinar Takeaways: Unconscious Bias in the Workplace
July 15 Event Explores Origin and Mitigation
 of Behaviors for Greater Inclusion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – To further the mission for equality, diversity and inclusion, both personally and within the equipment finance industry, the ELFA Equality Steering Committee sponsored the July 15 webinar “An Introduction to Unconscious Bias.” The discussion examined what unconscious bias is, the “blind spots” that shape perceptions of oneself and others, and how to mitigate bias and integrate inclusive leadership behaviors.

Deborah Baker, Head of Worldwide Leasing and Financing at HP Inc. and Women’s Council Chair and Equality Committee member, set the tone for the discussion with a review of ELFA’s statement from June 11 pledging to fight racial injustice and intolerance. Michael Baez, Director of Banking & Diversified Financials at Capgemini America, Inc. and Equality Committee member, introduced guest speaker Janet Pope, Corporate Social Responsibility Director at Capgemini America, Inc. for an insightful presentation with interactive polls designed to provide participants with actions they can take as individuals as well as within their organizations, regardless of their position or tenure to be more inclusive as co-workers, leaders and citizens.

As equipment finance companies seek to further their D&I efforts, below are some key questions addressed during the webinar.

What is unconscious bias?
In kicking off the discussion, Pope made the distinction that unconscious bias is neither negative nor positive, but neutral. Unconscious bias is the result of shortcuts the brain takes in making judgements or decisions. People have emotional reactions before they can have a logical reaction. It can also never be eliminated completely, but it can be mitigated.

How does unconscious bias show up in the workplace?
Unconscious patterns can play out in ways that are so subtle they are hard to spot and articulate. A team member whose manager repeatedly misspells or mispronounces their name, or a younger employee assuming a more senior one is not as proficient with technology are examples of micro-behaviors. Micro-behaviors, whether advantages or inequities, can have an enormous impact on people and decision making. They are symptoms of a deeper phenomenon of how the concealed mind leads our lives.

What are some examples of unconscious bias?
The following are examples of unconscious bias to be aware of, acknowledge and address.

• Primacy/Recency effect: Judging all interactions with an individual through the lens of the initial or most recent interaction with that individual.
• Fundamental attribution error: An overemphasis on personality-based explanations for behaviors observed in others while underemphasizing the role of situational influences.
• Confirmation bias: Looking for information to justify the decision you already plan to make.
• Familiarity/Similar to me bias: Partiality to those who are similar to you/people you know.
• Inter-group bias: Viewing people in one’s group differently than those in a different group.
• Projection bias: A tendency to assume that others share similar thoughts, beliefs or values.
• Hindsight bias: An inclination, after the event has occurred, to see the event as having been predictable, despite having little or no objective basis for predicting it.
• Investment/Rationalization bias: The more time that is put into a system or process, the more likely that it will be used/feeling that the more time spent on a project, it must be valuable.

What can we do to mitigate unconscious bias?
The physiology of the brain cannot be rewired, but there are steps that can mitigate acting on unconscious bias: pause, acknowledge your bias, notice influences to your decisions, stretch your comfort zone, be open and seek feedback, and identify your own patterns.

Pope acknowledged that as organizations move forward in their D&I efforts, they should be prepared for some uncomfortable conversations. Asking questions, listening, reflecting and being open to learning from others’ experiences are steps everyone can take in addressing unconscious bias.

Learn More
A recording of the webinar and webinar slides are available at https://www.elfaonline.org/events/elearning/web-seminars/an-introduction-to-unconscious-bias.

ELFA has released a Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit for ELFA members. Designed to support member companies in their journey toward fostering a diverse and inclusive culture within their organizations, the toolkit is available at https://www.elfaonline.org/docs/default-source/industry-topics/eqdivtoolkit.pdf.

More Webinars to Come
The July 15 webinar was part of ELFA’s “Wednesday Webinar” series created to provide critical information to equipment finance professionals on essential hot topics. The free webinars include live Q&A sessions so participants can connect with experts and colleagues on the issues they are grappling with. To register for upcoming webinars or view recordings of past events, go to www.elfaonline.org/events/elearning/web-seminars. 

About ELFA
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) is the trade association that represents companies in the nearly $1 trillion equipment finance sector, which includes financial services companies and manufacturers engaged in financing capital goods. ELFA members are the driving force behind the growth in the commercial equipment finance market and contribute to capital formation in the U.S. and abroad. Its 575 members include independent and captive leasing and finance companies, banks, financial services corporations, broker/packagers and investment banks, as well as manufacturers and service providers. For more information, please visit www.elfaonline.org.

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

 

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Watch at Home
By Fernando Croce

A legend in the field of cinematic composers, Ennio Morricone (1928-2020) brought a unique sense of surreal lushness to innumerable film scores, having worked with many great directors over the course of nearly six decades. So check out some of the top Morricone-scored films:

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Sergio Leone, 1966): From Alfred Hitchcock and Bernard Herrmann to Steven Spielberg and John Williams, film history is filled with wonderful collaborations between filmmakers and composers. Few are as striking, however, as the one between Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone, and none of their films together is more beloved than this classic Italian Western, the conclusion of the “Man with No Name” trilogy that made Clint Eastwood an international star. Set during the Civil War, the film follows the unease alliance of a mysterious bounty hunter (Eastwood) and a Mexican outlaw (Eli Wallach) in search for a fortune in gold, with a cruel Confederate mercenary (Lee Van Cleef) on their trail. Breathtakingly mingling brutality and beauty, this remains an ecstatic masterpiece.

The Battle of Algiers (Gillo Pontecorvo, 1966): A tense masterwork of political cinema, Gillo Pontecorvo’s thriller takes a stinging look at oppression and resistance in French-occupied Algiers in the late 1950s. The story focuses on Muslim rebel Ali La Pointe (Brahim Hadjadj), his place in the fight against European forces unfolding as a flashback while he faces his foes for the last time. On the other side is a ruthlessly intelligent French colonel (Jean Martin), who’s assigned to quash local uprisings at all costs. Taking an unsparing analysis of the acts of terrorism and torture that take place, the film is remarkably clear-eyed about how colonialism degrades the humanity of oppressed as well as oppressor. Morricone’s score alternates between military marches and African instruments to fierce effect. With subtitles.

Days of Heaven (Terence Malick, 1978): Morricone earned his first Oscar nomination for this exquisite period drama, the second feature from master director Terence Malick. Set in the 1910s, it follows Bill (Richard Gere), a Chicago laborer who, in the wake of a fatal fight, takes off to Texas with his girlfriend Abby (Brooke Adams) and young sister Linda (Linda Manz). Posing as siblings, they work for a rich, lonesome farmer (Sam Shepard), who develops feelings for Abby. She marries the boss in hopes of inheriting his fortune, but things become more complicated when she falls in love with him, which leads the characters down a brutal path. A work at once spare and luxurious, Malick’s film deals in richly expressive and poetic visuals, which Morricone complements with his own lyricism.

The Untouchables (Brian De Palma, 1987): The popular 1950s TV show gets a supercharged makeover in this outstanding thriller from master of suspense Brian De Palma. In Prohibition-time Chicago, gangland kingpin Al Capone (Robert De Niro) reigns supreme. Determined to take down his crime empire, law agent Elliott Ness (Kevin Costner) instead comes face to face with a wall of corruption. Fighting fire with fire, he gathers a group of lawmen who will not be intimidated: Irish cop Jimmy Malone (Sean Connery, in a stormy, Oscar-winning turn), Italian trainee George Stone (Andy Garcia), and Washington accountant Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith). What follows is a rousing battle between the opposite sides of law and order, directed with operatic intensity by De Palma and scored with matching forcefulness by Morricone.

The Hateful Eight (Quentin Tarantino, 2015): Morricone finally won the Best Original Score Oscar for his memorably foreboding music for this viciously entertaining blend of Western and whodunit by brilliant provocateur Quentin Tarantino. Set in a snowy corner of Wyoming following the Civil War, the story charts the various tensions simmering as a group of bilious strangers are stranded by a blizzard in a shop. There's a battered prisoner (Jennifer Jason Leigh) chained to a bounty hunter (Kurt Russell), a former Union fighter (Samuel L. Jackson) butting heads with a Confederate rebel (Walton Goggins), plus a whole slew of untrustworthy characters. Who will be left standing at the end? Confrontational in its brutality, Tarantino's film is a masterfully assembled genre piece that doubles as an acidic mirror of American history.

Pointer Dog
Pittston, Pennsylvania   Adopt-a-Dog

Peach

Pet ID 27902742
Female
Young
50 lbs.
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Spayed
House Trained

Being taken care of by
SPCA of Luzerne County
524 East Main Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
Contact: Cary Moran
(507) 825-4111, ext. 4
http://www.spcaluzernecounty.org

Their Adoption Process
Additional Adoption Info
Adoption Fees

Dogs - $95.00.
This covers 1st booster shot,
a new collar, SPCA tag,
county dog license,
and a microchip for permanent I.D.

We are located at 524 East Main Street, Wilkes Barre PA right next to Mohegan Sun Casino!

The SPCA of Luzerne County is open to the public 6 days a week. We are closed on Wednesdays and legal holidays.

VISITING/ADOPTION HOURS
MONDAY, TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 12:00 PM – 7 PM
CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY
FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 12:00 PM – 4 PM

 

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

News Briefs----

Equipment Leasing and Finance Association Reports:
    U.S. Business Borrowing for Equipment Falls 10% in June
https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/07/23/us/23reuters-usa-economy-elfa.html

Kabbage Launches Checking Accounts for Small Business
    1.1% Interest on Checking, "Rich" features for Small Business
https://www.lendacademy.com/kabbage-launches-checking-accounts-for-small-business/

Nearly 16,000 Restaurants Have Permanently Closed Due
 to COVID….The Number is Up 23 percent since June 15
https://www.qsrmagazine.com/consumer-trends/yelp-nearly-16000-restaurants-have-permanently-closed-due-covid?utm_medium=email&utm_source=breaking_news&utm_campaign=20200

Why COVID Could Kickstart Chipotle’s Road to 5,000
   Restaurants: Order Ahead up 140%; Delivery up 125%
https://www.qsrmagazine.com/fast-casual/why-covid-could-kickstart-chipotles-road-5000-restaurants?utm_campaign=20200723&utm_medium=email&utm_source=jolt

Despite Pandemic, the Lawry’s Experience Carries On
   How They Have Succeeded
https://www.fsrmagazine.com/leader-insights/despite-pandemic-lawrys-experience-carries

Tesla makes $104 million profit in 2Q
    despite Fremont factory shutdown
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/07/23/tesla-makes-104m-profit-in-2q-despite-factory-shutdown/

'Eviction Time Bomb': Over 40,000 Santa Clara County     
    Renters Could Soon Face Eviction, New Report Warns 
https://www.kqed.org/news/11829952/eviction-time-bomb-over-40000-santa-clara-county-renters-could-soon-face-eviction-new-report-warns

Oakland, San Jose mayors tell Trump sending agents
    to Portland and other cities is ‘abuse of power’
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/07/22/mayors-condemn-trumps-use-of-federal-troops-as-an-abuse-of-power/

Two DHS Officials Apparently Just Admitted
    Their Troops Have Been Violating the Constitution
https://lawandcrime-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/lawandcrime.com/legal-analysis/two-dhs-officials-apparently-just-admitted-their-troops-have-been-violating-the-constitution/amp/

AOC’s speech about Ted Yoho’s ‘apology’
was a comeback for the ages
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/aocs-speech-about-ted-yohos-apology-was-a-comeback-for-the-ages/2020/07/23/524e689a-cb90-11ea-91f1-28aca4d833a0_story.html

[headlines]
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You May Have Missed---

Black Zebra News Productions crew attacked by federal agents
    in Portland protest, video shows
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article244412477.html?

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Sports Briefs---

Washington's football team to call itself
    Washington Football Team until it settles on a new name
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/23/us/washington-football-team-spt-trnd/index.html

NFL players, owners continue to haggle about
    COVID-19's expected financial fallout in 2020 and beyond
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/mike-jones/2020/07/23/nfl-owners-players-covid-19-financial-impact-salary-cap/5496706002/

The Boston Red Sox put up a Black Lives Matter
     billboard over the Massachusetts Turnpike
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/22/us/boston-red-sox-black-lives-matter-trnd/index.html

Coronavirus: 49ers get county clearance
    to begin training camp in Santa Clara
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/07/23/coronavirus-49ers-get-clearance-to-begin-training-camp-in-santa-clara/

Top 'Madden NFL 21' player ratings
https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/2020/07/17/madden-nfl-21-top-player-ratings-2020-season/5456029002/

2020 NFL season: 49ers' George Kittle
     headlines top 10 tight ends 
https://www.nfl.com/news/2020-nfl-season-49ers-george-kittle-headlines-top-10-tight-ends

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California Nuts Briefs---

‘We have lost control of this fight.’ California Democrat
    wants state back under stay-at-home order
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article244438372.html?ac_cid=DM244179&ac_bid=1544952467

California to purchase more than 400 million masks
    in anticipation of COVID-19 surge
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/07/22/california-to-purchase-another-120-million-n95-masks/

California unemployment claims
    climb to worst levels in nearly three months
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2020/07/23/coronavirus-unemployment-claim-job-jobless-layoff-economy-tech-hotel-restaurant-retail-edd

Ferry Building closure further threatens
     its status as a local food oasis
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/article/Ferry-Building-closure-further-threatens-its-15427044.php

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“Gimme that Wine”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJnQoi8DSE8

Napa’s C. Mondavi & Family gets into
     French wines with rosé brand acquisition
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/industry-news/napas-mondavi-goes-overseas-for-a-new-wine-product/?ref=mosthome

Anthony Terlato, Who Brought Pinot Grigio to the U.S., Dies at 86
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/23/dining/drinks/anthony-terlato-dead.html

Off premise wine sales up 16.6 percent through July 11;
     DTC grew 31 percent in June
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataId=234201

Chardonnay wins North Coast Wine Challenge
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/chardonnay-wins-north-coast-wine-challenge/

Sonoma County wineries get advantage over breweries
     under California’s latest public health order
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/business/sonoma-county-wineries-get-advantage-over-breweries-under-californias-late/?ref=TSM

The Best Balloon Glasses for Cabernets,
     Beaujolais and More Red Wines
https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/product-recommendations/best-balloon-glasses-amazon-2937274/

Free Wine App
https://www.nataliemaclean.com/mobileapp/

Wine Prices by vintage
http://www.winezap.com
http://www.wine-searcher.com/

This Day in History

      1651 - African Anthony Johnson (1600-70) was granted 250 acres of farmland in Northampton County, Virginia. He was one of the first 20 Africans to arrive in Jamestown in 1619. Anthony nearly lost his life in the spring of 1622. Virginia's Powhatan Indians, threatened by the encroachments of tobacco planters, staged a carefully-planned attack that took place on Good Friday. By the middle of the day, over three hundred and fifty colonists were dead. On the plantation where Anthony worked, fifty-two were killed. Only Anthony and four other men survived. In some ways he was a lucky man. To be sure, finding yourself in bondage on a Virginia tobacco plantation was not the result of good luck, but Anthony Johnson would rise above his low status and undoubtedly become the envy of many colonists. Referred to as "Antonio a Negro" in early records, it's not clear whether he was an indentured servant (a servant contracted to work for a set amount of time) or a slave. Several years later, "Mary a Negro" was brought in to work on the plantation -- she was the only woman on the plantation. At the time, Virginia was populated almost exclusively by men. Still, Anthony and Mary became husband and wife, and they had four children. In 1665, Anthony and his family sold their 250 acres and moved to Maryland where they leased a 300-arce tract of land. Anthony died five years later, in the spring of 1670; Mary renegotiated the lease for another 99 years. That same year, a court back in Virginia ruled that, because "he was a Negro and by consequence an alien," the land (in Virginia) owned by Johnson rightfully belonged to the Crown. 
http://www.arlington.k12.va.us/schools/randolph/students/Jamestown.html 
http://www.historydetroit.com/part_1.asp 
    1683 - The first settlers from Germany to US left aboard the ship Concord.
    1701 - Anniversary of the landing at the site of Detroit by Antoine de la Mothe Cadilac in the service of Louis XIV of France. Fort Ponchartrain now Detroit was first settlement on site. 
http://www.historydetroit.com/places/fort_ponchartrain.asp 
http://www.michmarkers.com/Pages/S0027.htm 
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1p265.html 
http://www.geo.msu.edu/geo333/tourism/det.htm 
    1758 – George Washington was admitted to the Virginia House of Burgesses.
    1807 - Birthday of Ira Aldridge (1807-67) in NYC.  He was a great 19th century Black actor, famous throughout the world.
http://www.famousamericans.net/iraaldridge/ 
http://www.netc.net.au/locallit/ira/ 
http://www.npg.org.uk/live/search/person.asp?LinkID=mp52896 
http://www.howard.edu/CollegeFineArts/Theatre/General/Aldridge.html 
    1842 - Birthday of writer Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) in Meigs County, OH.  In 1913, Bierce traveled to Mexico to gain first-hand experience of the Mexican Revolution. He was rumored to be traveling with rebel troops but was not seen again. 
http://www.creative.net/~alang/lit/horror/abierce.sht 
http://www.selfknowledge.com/35au.htm 
    1847 - The Mormons settled in Utah's Great Salt Lake Valley. The land at the time was Mexican territory.  After 17 months of travel, Brigham Young led 148 Mormon pioneers, resulting in the establishment of Salt Lake City. Celebrations of this event include the Pioneer Day state holiday and the Days of ’47 parade.
    1856 - Dr. Andrew Randall, chairman of the Academy of Sciences, was shot and killed by the gambler Joseph Hetherington. Dr. Randall came to California with Montgomery on the "U.S.S. Portsmouth" and lived at the Niantic Hotel. His office was at 134 Clay St. 
    1858 – Republican senatorial candidate Abraham Lincoln formally challenged Democrat Stephen A. Douglas to a series of political debates; the result was seven face-to-face encounters.
    1866 - Tennessee was the first state readmitted to the Union after the Civil War. 
    1897 - Birthday of Amelia Earhart (1897-1937) at Atchison, KS.  American aviatrix lost on flight from New Guinea to Howland Island in the Pacific Ocean on July 2, 1937. She was the first woman to cross the Atlantic solo and fly solo across the Pacific from Hawaii to California. 
    1900 - Birthday of Zelda Fitzgerald (1900-48) in Montgomery, AL.  She was the first wife of novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald. 
    1906 - Birthday of alto sax player Johnny Hodges (1906-70), Cambridge, MA. 
http://www.alphalink.com.au/~michaelp/biography.html 
http://www.alphalink.com.au/~michaelp/ 
http://www.thrill.to/Hodges/ 
http://search.eb.com/blackhistory/micro/273/36.html http://entertainment.msn.com/Artist/Default.aspx?artist=123538 
    1908 - Charles “Cootie” Williams (1908-85) Birthday in Mobile, AL. 
http://search.eb.com/blackhistory/micro/727/46.html 
http://www.pitt.edu/~atteberr/jazz/artists/ellington/people/cootie.html 
http://hubcap.clemson.edu/~campber/johnson.html 
    1909 - Birthday of Swing trumpeter Joe Thomas (d. 1984), Webster Groves, MO. 
http://www.harlem.org/people/thomas.html 
    1911 – At Cleveland's League Park, the first unofficial Major League All Star game, a benefit game for Addie Joss’ family, saw the Naps lose to the All-Stars, 5-3.
    1916 - Birthday of great detective writer John D MacDonald (1916-68)  “Deep Blue Goodbye.”   Travis McGee series (have read them all, he is one of my favorite authors).
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/jdmacd.htm 
http://www.rexswain.com/travis.html 
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/authors/John_D_MacDonald.htm 
    1919 - Race riot in Washington DC (6 killed, 100 wounded) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/local/2000/raceriot0301.htm 
    1921 - Birthday of pianist Billy Taylor (1921-2010), Greenville, NC 
http://rollingstone.com/artists/bio.asp?oid=5977&cf=5977 
http://www.billytaylorjazz.com/ 
http://www.bigeastern.com/dr_t/ 
    1924 - Birthday of African-American Townsend “Sonny” Brewster, playwright and activist, born Glen Cove, NY. 
    1936 - Birthday of James Lee (Jim) Brock (d. 1994), college baseball coach born at Phoenix, AZ. Brock was an outstanding coach at Arizona State University. His Sun Devils won the College World Series in 1977 and 1981, and his teams compiled a record of 977 wins and only 378 losses.    
    1936 - 118ø F (48ø C), Minden, Nebraska (state record) 
    1936 - 121ø F (49ø C), near Alton, Kansas (state record) 
    1937 - Alabama drops charges against five blacks accused of rape in Scottsboro in the Scottsboro Case. 
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/scottsboro/timeline/index.html 
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/scottsboro/sfeature/sf_women.html 
http://www.english.upenn.edu/~afilreis/88/scottsboro.html 
    1937 - The Farm Security administration (FSA) was established through passage of the Bankhead-Jones Act. The FSA was empowered to make four-year on at 3% interest to aid farm tenants, sharecroppers, and laborers. 

    1938 - Artie Shaw records “Begin the Beguine.” (Bluebird 7746) http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/newbonham/6/beguine.htm 
    1939 - Birthday of saxophonist Charles McPherson, Joplin, MO. 
    1940 - Cynthia Moss birthday in Ossining, NY.  U.S. wildlife biologist. Primarily an elephant researcher, she proved that elephants are led by the oldest and the wisest cow and that the males are inveterate bachelors. She was senior associate of the African Wildlife Foundation. Partly because of Moss's research, other women researchers have shown that most herd animals are led by the oldest and wisest female, not the male who is generally used for defense. Even the old idea that the dominant male was the primary breeder has been disproved. 
http://hallkidsanimals.com/elephants/107.shtml 
http://www.elephanttrust.org/cynthia_moss.htm 
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/echo/html/body_intro.html 
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689801424/inktomi-bkasin-20/103-5362656-4423850 
    1944 - During World War II, the US Army ordered desegregation of its training camp facilities. Later the same year, black platoons were assigned to white companies in a tentative step toward integration of the battlefield. However, it was not until July 26, 1948 that President Harry Truman signed an order officially integrating the armed forces. 
    1945 - As the Potsdam Conference came to a close in Germany, Churchill, Truman and China's representatives fashioned a communique to Japan offering it an opportunity to end the war. It demanded that Japan completely disarm, allowed them sovereignty to the four main islands and to minor islands to be determined by the Allies, and insisted that all Japanese citizens be given immediate and complete freedom of speech, religion and thought. The Japanese would be allowed to continue enough industry to maintain their economy. The communique concluded with a demand for unconditional surrender. Unaware these demands were backed up by an atomic bomb, on July 26, Japanese Prime Minister Admiral Kantaro Suzuki rejected the Potsdam Declaration. 
    1949 - Top Hits 
“Some Enchanted Evening” - Perry Como 
“Bali Ha'I” - Perry Como 
“Again” - Gordon Jenkins 
“One Kiss Too Many” - Eddy Arnold 
    1952 - 112ø F (44ø C), Louisville, Georgia (state record). 
    1953 - Birthday of trumpet player Jon Faddis, Oakland, CA http://www.pitt.edu/~pittjazz/individual_htmls/jon_faddis.html 
    1956 – It was “yesterday” in 1946 that they first appeared. After a decade together as the country's most popular comedy team, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis called it quits. They did their last show at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City. The duo ended their relationship exactly 10 years after they had started it in Atlantic City.  The two men reconciled privately in the later years of Martin's life. In 1976, Martin made a surprise appearance on Lewis's annual Labor Day telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, orchestrated by Frank Sinatra. According to Lewis, the two spoke "every day after that."  Another source claims that contrary to belief, the 1976 MDA telethon was not the first reconciliation of the legendary comedy team. In 1960, four years after they split, Martin and Lewis briefly reunited. Both were performing their own separate acts at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, a club they frequently played while they were together. Lewis caught Martin's closing act and Martin introduced his former partner to the audience, bringing him on stage. http://www.deanmartinfancenter.com/index/rightframe/07mandl/07mandl.html 
    1957 - Top Hits
“Teddy Bear” - Elvis Presley 
“Love Letters in the Sand” - Pat Boone 
“It's Not for Me to Say” - Johnny Mathis 
“Bye Bye Love” - The Everly Brothers 
    1959 - Vice-President Richard Nixon argued with Khrushchev, known as "Kitchen Debate." He had arrived in Moscow, beginning a two-week tour of the U.S.S.R. and Poland. The next day, he held a highly publicized kitchen debate, a discussion with Soviet Premier Nikita S. Khrushchev while standing before a kitchen exhibit in the U.S. exhibition in Moscow.  After the impromptu, so-called kitchen debate, Nixon formally opened the exhibition 
    1961 - A U.S. passenger jet was hijacked. An armed passenger forced the pilot of an Eastern Airlines Electra en route to Tampa from Miami to divert to Havana, Cuba.  This began a trend of hijacking planes to Cuba. 
    1964 - Birthday of baseball player Barry Bonds, six-time All-Star, three-time National League MVP, all-time home run leader*, born Riverside, CA. http://www.everwonder.com/david/bonds/ 
    1964 - The Beach Boys' "California Girls" is released in the US, where it will reach #3 in September. 
    1964 - The trio of Dino, Desi and Billy achieve their first US chart entry with "I'm A Fool," which will rise to #17. Dino, the son of Dean Martin, Desi, the son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, along with Billy Hinsche, would also crack the Top 40 with "Not The Lovin' Kind" later in the year. 
    1965 - Top Hits 
“(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction” - The Rolling Stones 
“I'm Henry VIII, I Am” - Herman's Hermits 
“What's New Pussycat?” - Tom Jones 
“Before You Go” - Buck Owens 
    1966 - PITTMAN, RICHARD A., Medal of Honor 
Rank and organization: Sergeant (then L/Cpl.), U.S. Marine Corps, Company 1, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein) FMF. Place and date: near the Demilitarized Zone, Republic of Vietnam, 24 July 1966. Entered service at: Stockton, Calif. Born: 26 May 1945, French Camp, San Joaquin, Calif. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While Company 1 was conducting an operation along the axis of a narrow jungle trail, the leading company elements suffered numerous casualties when they suddenly came under heavy fire from a well concealed and numerically superior enemy force. Hearing the engaged marines' calls for more firepower, Sgt. Pittman quickly exchanged his rifle for a machinegun and several belts of ammunition, left the relative safety of his platoon, and unhesitatingly rushed forward to aid his comrades. Taken under intense enemy small-arms fire at point blank range during his advance, he returned the fire, silencing the enemy position. As Sgt. Pittman continued to forge forward to aid members of the leading platoon, he again came under heavy fire from 2 automatic weapons which he promptly destroyed. Learning that there were additional wounded marines 50 yards further along the trail, he braved a withering hail of enemy mortar and small-arms fire to continue onward. As he reached the position where the leading marines had fallen, he was suddenly confronted with a bold frontal attack by 30 to 40 enemies. Totally disregarding his safety, he calmly established a position in the middle of the trail and raked the advancing enemy with devastating machinegun fire. His weapon rendered ineffective, he picked up an enemy submachinegun and, together with a pistol seized from a fallen comrade, continued his lethal fire until the enemy force had withdrawn. Having exhausted his ammunition except for a grenade which he hurled at the enemy, he then rejoined his platoon. Sgt. Pittman's daring initiative, bold fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty inflicted many enemy casualties, disrupted the enemy attack and saved the lives of many of his wounded comrades. His personal valor at grave risk to himself reflects the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. 
    1967 - Jefferson Airplane's second album "Surrealistic Pillow" is certified Gold on the strength of the Top Ten hits, "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit."
    1969 - Hoyt Wilhelm, pitching for the Chicago White Sox, set a Major League record by pitching in game number 907 of his career. Wilhelm went on to lead all Major League hurlers (number of games pitched) with 1,070 in his career (1952-1972) at the time of his retirement.  He is currently sixth all-time with Jesse Orosco the leader with 1252. 
    1971 - Apollo 15 launched. Astronauts David R. Scott and James B. Irwin landed on moon (lunar module Falcon) while Alfred M. Worden piloted command module Endeavor. Rover 1, a four-wheel vehicle, was used for further exploration. Departed moon Aug 2, after nearly three days. Pacific landing Aug 7. 
    1973 - Top Hits 
“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” - Jim Croce 
“Yesterday Once More” - Carpenters 
“Shambala” - Three Dog Night 
“Love is the Foundation” - Loretta Lynn 
    1974 - In a decision on the White House tapes, the Supreme Court ordered that special prosecutor Leon Jaworski's subpoena of tapes and documents be honored by the White House. It ruled that presidential privilege did not apply to evidence required in prosecuting Watergate-related crimes.  President Nixon turned over the materials on July 30 and August 5. 
    1978 - Billy Martin was fired. He was replaced this time by Bob Lemon. It was the first of four times Martin would get the boot. Martin would be canned again in 1979 and in 1983, each time by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner... "the one is a born liar the other a convicted one" comment about Steinbrenner and Jackson. 
    1979 - At Fenway Park off A's hurler Mike Morgan, Red Sox first baseman Carl Yastrzemski becomes the 18th Major Leaguer and seventh in the American League to hit 400 home runs. 'Captain Carl' will end his 23-year career with 452 homers. 
    1981 - Top Hits 
“Bette Davis Eyes” - Kim Carnes 
“All Those Years Ago” - George Harrison 
“The One that You Love” - Air Supply 
“Feels So Right” - Alabama 
    1983 - Kansas City Royals slugger George Brett slammed a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning to give the Royals a 5-4 lead over New York. Or did he? Seconds after Brett crossed home plate, New York Yankees Manager Billy Martin came out of the dugout to protest that the pine tar on Brett's bat was more than 18 inches up the bat handle. The umpires measured Brett's bat, using home plate as a measuring rod, upheld Martin, and called Brett out, erasing the Royals lead. Or did they? The president of the American League, Lee McPhail, later reversed the umpires' decision on the pine tar and ruled that the game was suspended -- with the Royals leading, 5-4. The game was completed 3 1/2 weeks later, on August 18, 1983, in Yankee Stadium. The outcome of the game? It only took 12 minutes to play the remainder of the contest with the Royals tarring the Yankees 5-4. 
    1984 - After 14 years and four Super Bowl championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Terry Bradshaw retired from the National Football League. Bradshaw, age 35, was forced to the sidelines by an elbow injury. Following a divorce from ice skater Jo Jo Starbuck, Bradshaw joined CBS as a football analyst. http://www.mcmillenandwife.com/bradshaw.html 
    1989 - Top Hits 
“Toy Soldiers” - Martika 
“Express Yourself” - Madonna 
“Batdance” - Prince 
“What's Going on in Your World” - George Strait 
    1998 - “In the last great invasion of the last great war, the greatest danger for eight men ... was saving one.” That one was one Private James Ryan and the story of the search for him, "Saving Private Ryan," opened in U.S. theatres this day. Produced and directed by one Steven Spielberg, the movie earned $30.58 million the first weekend.
    1998 – Russell Weston, Jr burst into the Capitol and opens fire, killing two police officers. He is later ruled to be incompetent to stand trial. 
    2002 – Democrat James Traficant was expelled from the House on a vote of 420 to 1.  He represented the 17th Congressional District, which centered on his hometown of Youngstown and included parts of three counties in northeast Ohio's Mahoning Valley.  After being convicted of taking bribes, filing false tax returns, racketeering and forcing his aides to perform chores at his farm in Ohio and houseboat in Washington, DC, he was sentenced to prison and released on September 2, 2009, after serving a seven-year sentence.
    2005 – Lance Armstrong retired after winning a record seventh consecutive Tour de France victory.  Those titles were stripped for doping in 2012.
    2015 – Fiat Chrysler recalls 1.4 million vehicles after two researchers successfully hack wirelessly into a test car 10 miles away, enabling them to control functions such as steering and braking; the news raises concerns for all automakers.