Archives---March 5, 2007
Bernie Boettingheimer, CLP, starts Lease Police

"LeasePolice.com is owned by Lease Police, Inc. - a Dallas, Texas based company. Lease Police, Inc. is not owned or operated by any leasing company, and all data is independently administered by individuals not aligned with any leasing or finance company. The LeasePolice.com database and software is housed in a "safe-site environment that is staffed by security personnel and monitored 24 hours per day. Lease Police's President, Bernard Boettingheimer, is twenty four year industry veteran."
www.leasepolice.com

April 29, 2006 his son John held a retirement party for Bernie Boettingheimer, CLP, founder of Pioneer Capital Corporation, now part of IFC Credit Corporation. Based in Addison, Texas, at the time of his retirement, the self-funding Lessor annually originated over $100 million in new leases with 130 employees, working primarily with 300 leasing brokers. Pioneer specialized in small ticket leasing ($5,000 to $250,000) and at the time, was processing over 4000 applications yearly, their press release stated, regarding their online Internet system called Zaplease.com ®. Reportedly brokers could "...submit, view credit information, receive online approvals, and email documents all within minutes using this incredible system!"

Bernie Boettingheimer, CLP
President, Lease Police

Why I became a CLP:
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2012/2_15.htm#clp

 

(Leasing News provides this ad “gratis” as a means
to help support the growth of Lease Police)

Classified Ads---Collections

(These ads are “free” to those seeking employment
or looking to improve their position)

Long Grove, Illinois 17+ years Comdisco, accounts receivable, collections, customer service, plus senior management, seeking full time or part time assignment. 847-359-4066roborgaard@aol.com | Resume

Port St Lucie, FL 20+ yrs exp. commercial collection/late stage specialist.  Prefer to work from home based office or transfer to Sarasota areamichaelgalan@comcast.net | Resume

Free Posting for those seeking employment in Leasing:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm

All “free” categories “job wanted” ads:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

John Kenny Receivables Management • End of Lease Negotiations & Enforcement• Fraud Investigations • Credit Investigations • Asset Searches  • Skip-tracing • Third-party Commercial Collections john@jkrmdirect.com | ph 315-866-1167| www.jkrmdirect.com

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Leasing Schemes’ Court Cases Update
by Christopher Menkin

HL Leasing, Fresno, Palm Desert, California

"It is now 3/3/13. Has any moneys been collected yet?
Looks like the FBI does nothing. Looking forward to seeing
this on AMERICAN GREED?"

(Name With Held)

"Has any moneys been collected yet? Looks like the FBI is a joke."

(Name With Held)

John Otto, the alleged perpetrator of the Ponzi scheme, where money was lent by investors for a rate of return for leases that did not exist, committed suicide. Corporate officers were taken to a class action suit in Fresno where a jury ruled for a judgment against Heritage Leasing, MAC dba Heritage Leasing, Kathleen Otto (wife of John where bookkeeping was maintained at their house in Palm Desert (and Air Fred (small airline where they leased planes) for $114.5 million, plus $46.5 million against both Dan Ramirez and Andy Fernandez; $720,000 on top of that against Dan Ramirez.

Ara Jabagchourian and Aron K. Liang of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP and Donald Fischbach of Dowling, Aaron & Keeler, Inc. began search for the assets (which were few, it appears, as the money had been spent by Otto to keep the Ponzi scheme going).

The FBI has no one to indict, and in reality, Kathleen Otto was only brought into the action in the class action suite for basically being an officer of the corporation. She has filed personal bankruptcy as well as Dan Ramirez. Both basically have nothing, although transfers of real estate and a vehicle before the bankruptcy are being brought up before the judge.

In the meantime “http://johnottohlleasing.blogspot.com/ blog” started May 14, 2009 has 1098 emails, with victims trying to prove the loss to the IRS to take tax deductions on their losses (many have lost everything, homes, retirement, money saved for kids college education, you name it).

Attorney Ara Jabagchourian is a native of Fresno, and works for Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy firm that allows him to spend this time as this case the attorneys get 23 1/2% of what is recovered, and doesn't look like too much at all.

Previous Stories:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/heritage_leasing.htm

IFC Credit--Rudy Trebels

There are six court cases open regarding Rudy Trebels and IFC Credit Corporation. Readers tell me he is still playing golf in Florida, as well as vendors and lessees email Leasing News asking about doing business with him, finding stories written about him in the internet.

In the only civil case, brought by CoActiv Capital Partners on September 30, 2009, suit is for over $2 million against IFC Credit Corporation, Morton Grove, Illinois, one of their funding groups, and the two main principals, claiming the officers committed fraud as individuals, specifically not paying off leases when the lessee terminated early, and knowing that the company was "essential insolvent" for almost a year. Recent notices show sets of attorneys being changed and case assigned to The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin.

IFC Credit Chapter 7 assigned to the Honorable Jacqueline P. Cox shows settlement has been reached and compensation are being granted to those who have settled.(1) and in the other case dismissals as well as trial date set for 6/14/2012 for complaints and other matters are noted; meaning this Recovery of money case is not over.

In the meantime, Trebels is back in business, a member of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, attending meetings (he will be at the Chicago Funding Meeting as he is listed on the registrar---as if people still want to do business with him—more than likely, those that don’t know him. Be aware! Many Bulletin Board Complaints.)

Court Records, here is one for $189,104.00 settlement:

Parties on Notice to receive service
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/PartiesNoticeService.pdf

Settlement final with Audubon Country Club
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/settementAudubonCountyClub.pdf

Settlement notes with Audubon Country club
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/Settlement189104_352013.pdf

(1) http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Novergence_main.htm

Previous stories:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/IFC_stories.htm

NorVergence

No change since filing of bankruptcy and no information on case in Lake Charles, Louisiana regarding Thomas N. Salzano, the mastermind behind the 10,629 leases with over 50 bank and leasing companies. It keeps being postponed.

Previous Stories:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Novergence_main.htm

Operation Lease Fleece

Off the record, the FBI told Leasing News the case regarding Operation Lease Fleece is considered "open." They have not been told to close the case by US Deputy Attorney Jennifer L Waier, who will not make any comment on the matter to Leasing News.

On the record, the only person remaining to be sentenced, after pleading, is Ziya Arik, CapitalWerks/Preferred Lease, His sentencing before Judge Cormac J. Carney was continued to 5/6/13 at 10:00 a.m., due to Ms. Waier maternity leave.

Ziya Arik reportedly gained the Dell Computer account for Mark McQuitty and Jim Raeder at Republic Group and then First Sierra by a bunch of sales reps that worked for those companies, and he (Ziya Arik), did quite well, and the number in the millions sounds like an exaggeration, but that is what was number given to Leasing News.

It is possible as the approval were quick and dirty and before CIT really took over the account (perhaps one of the reason they were able to win the prize).

Reportedly Ziya Arik was one of the toughest salesmen, a real closer, who was rough on customers, competing with Brian Acosta, CLP, for accounts, who could get the highest commission, the highest documentation fee, and win the weekly prize present by Mark McQuitty to the man with the most sales that week---many inside stories related to Leasing News about their duo competition.

Also not named to date, Quentin Berry, former operation person for McQuitty-Raeder at Republic, then First Sierra, and then CFO at Preferred Capital. Was he involved or the CFO who followed him, also not named...

Or Stephanie Devore, who reportedly brought iSystems deals to Mark McQuitty, working with Randall Clarke and Stephanie Devoire. iSystems worked very closed with Preferred, who's main contact Leasing News was told was Brian Acosta, who reported employed Ziya Arik or worked with him after he left Preferred. And what did Richard Norris confess to as he was the iSystems bookkeeper on these deals along with Jim Raeder and Mark McQuitty, according to one well informed source?

Previous Stories:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Lease_Fleece.htm

 

Sheldon Player—Equipment Acquisition Resources

Yes, the FBI has not arrested Sheldon Player. Yes, he reportedly has a lot of cash and while he may not be personally gambling, he accompanies companions that do gamble. Yes, he was arrested and served time for exactly what he did at Equipment Acquisition Resources.

The latest is a hearing continued to March 19, 2013: "RE: 856 Motion to Authorize the Plan Administrator to Protocol for Depositions of Plaintiff's DSI Witnesses in the Non-Lessor."

Previous Stories:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/newsentencedate12013.pdf

 

Securities are outpacing loans at US Banks and thrifts
Bank Beat--by Christopher Menkin

SNL Financial reports "Margin pressure is unlikely to abate for banks as loan growth remains relatively weak, interest rates continue to be low and banks still hold sizable amounts of lower-yielding securities on their balance sheets."

Profits at U.S. banks jumped almost 37 percent for the October-December period, reaching the highest level for a fourth quarter in six years as banks continued to step up lending. (1) According to SNL Financial, "Loans have comprised smaller portions of bank balance sheets as underwriting standards have tightened and the slow economic recovery has generated few credits that meet banks' new standards. Most bankers have said that loan growth has come from market share gains rather than underlying economic growth, and that does not seem to have changed much."

SNL data shows that real estate owned held at commercial banks and savings banks totaled $38.51 billion at the end of the fourth quarter 2012, down from $42.62 billion a year earlier and $47.96 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of 2010. SNL data shows that OREO (real estate owned) held at commercial banks and savings banks totaled $38.51 billion at the end of the fourth quarter 2012, down from $42.62 billion a year earlier and $47.96 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of 2010. (2)

Community banks grew their loan books in the fourth quarter, led by gains in residential construction and commercial lending (3) Some say banks are holding onto property as it is increasing in value, but the real fact is most of this property is in high foreclosure and high unemployment areas and not being very well maintained for any resell value.

There certainly is demand for business cash flow and equipment, thus the growth of independent, small business loans, credit card cash advance, factoring, and other short term advance products, the banks are not directly in this marketplace. Regional banks state these credits are always asking for money having champagne appetites with beer spending budgets.

As they stay out of this marketplace, they find more competition as well as margin difficulties with the better credits, many who have a lot of cash on hand. As reported last week, many have profits and margins under control. (4)

Banks with more than $1 billion in assets saw their margins decline to 3.28% in the fourth quarter from 3.39% in the linked quarter and 3.54% a year earlier, according to the FDIC's latest quarterly bank profile. Banks with less than $1 billion in assets also experienced continued margin compression in the fourth quarter, as their margins fell to 3.70% in the period from 3.77% in the third quarter and 3.83% a year earlier. (5)

The good news is that inflation has been held quite a bit in check, something which the Fed should be given a lot of credit, as well as now retired from the US Treasury ex-secretary Timothy Geithner should also be given credit. Those that did not speak highly of him, may learn to rue his absence. Time will tell.

The feds say interest rates will be low as long as unemployment is high, so look for it to remain low at least through this year, maybe next year, too. The real fear should be inflation, as corporations and many individuals are doing extremely well.

It appears both consumer and corporate lifestyles are changing and growth may no longer be the number one goal. Maybe holding onto to a livable margin is now most important. Or is that word "surviving" more suitable?

(Note: Related story in Today’s News Briefs)

1. http://www.courierpostonline.com
   
   
2. http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_19.htm#snl
   
   
3. http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_13.htm#sn
   
   
4. http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_28.htm#open
   
   
5. Full FDIC 4th quarter report
   http://www2.fdic.gov/qbp/index.asp?source=govdelivery

 

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Restaurant Performance Hits 5 Month High in January
Will Acquire More Equipment and Expansion in 2013

The National Restaurant Association reports its Performance Index (RPI) rose to its highest level in five months. The outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry—stood at 100.6 in January, up 1.0 percent from December and its highest level since August 2012.

The survey found restaurant operators increased their capital-spending activity. Fifty-two percent of operators reported they made a capital expenditure for equipment, expansion, or remodeling during the last three months, up from 45 percent from last month.

Restaurant operators also appeared more bullish in their plans for capital spending in the months ahead, according to the National Restaurant Association. Fifty-nine percent of restaurant operators plan to make a capital expenditure for equipment, expansion, or remodeling in the next six months, up from 50 percent who reported similarly last month.

For the first time in four months, restaurant operators have a net positive outlook for the overall economy. Thirty percent of restaurant operators said they expect economic conditions to improve in six months, up from just 17 percent last month.

Meanwhile, 20 percent of operators said they expect economic conditions to worsen in the next six months, down from 29 percent who reported similarly last month.

 

 

 

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The List---February, 2013 –
-- Mergers, Acquisitions & Changes

Odyssey Equipment Financing, Scottsdale, Arizona (02/03) Merges with Pinnacle Capital, Tacoma, Washington

Capital Stream (02/03) acquired by Linedata

 

News Alphabetical Order
http://www.leasingnews.org/list_alpha_new.htm

Chronological Order
http://www.leasingnews.org/list_chron_new.htm

http://leasingnews.org/Ads/Completed/panthera_leasing.html

Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP

Justice vs. the Law

I have acted as an expert witness for leasing transactions for over thirty years and one thing I have learned is the need to have “lease” legal counsel instead of just your average attorney. Commercial equipment leasing is a complex transaction and it is the rare judge that understands Article 2A or the uniqueness of our documentation. In addition I have observed that they use the law as a guide more than as an absolute. Most of the judges are interested in justice and this requires an understanding of the commercial leasing industry or some important details will get lost in the dust.

Most judges are concerned about lessors who try and confuse the lessee with side letters or attempts to circumvent the rules. I have explained in other articles the importance of a good closing procedure that explains what the differences are between a lease and a loan. One of the most common responses from the lessee’s is the ignorance plea. One thing I see is a sales procedure that indicates where the lessee must sign without any time to review the documents. Therefore they claim they did not understand the commitments required in a lease.

Judges are interested in justice and they are listening to opposing attorney that we preyed on the lessee and depended on their ignorance to get them to commit to a transaction that hides certain facts. In the old days we defended our actions by stating the lessee is a professional and should be responsible for their actions. However this approach is weak without proper communication on lease requirements.

If you have modifications in the form of addendums their purpose needs to be spelled out and should be in the future not created during lease commencement. Why would you create a side letter instead of just changing the lease agreement to reflect what the agreement is? Correct Documentation is key to explaining the purpose of the complaint. Poor documentation and poor communication open the door for concern that supports the lessee’s rebuttal.

The more you follow the rules the better chance you will prevail but you must understand it is your operations and procedures that will also be reviewed to determine true justice.

Mr. Terry Winders, CLP, has been a teacher, consultant, expert witness for the leasing industry for thirty years and can be reached at leaseconsulting@msn.com or 502-649-0448.

He invites your questions and queries.

Previous #102 Columns:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Leasing_102/Index.htm

Mr. Terry Winders available as Expert Witness. 35 years as a professional instructor to the top equipment leasing and finance companies in the United States, author of several books, including DVD's, as well as weekly columnist to Leasing News. He also performs audits of leasing companies as an expert on documentation, and has acted as an expert witness on leasing for litigation in legal and tax disputes, including before the IRS. He also has taught the senior bank examiners, how to review a bank leasing department, for the Federal Reserve in Washington D.C. and has trained the examiners for the FDIC on how to prepare a lease portfolio for sale. Mr. Winders received his Master of Business Administration and his Bachelor of Science degrees from the College of Notre Dame. 502.649.0448/Leaseconsulting@msn.com

(This ad is a “trade” for the writing of this column. Opinions
contained in the column are those of Mr. Terry Winders, CLP)

Leasing Industry Help Wanted

 

Orange, California Director of Underwriting Manage credit department with approval up to $75,000, greater with committee Portfolio Manager Manage Collection Efforts for 1,000+ customer base Cash Management Accountant 1 to 2 years of related accounting/treasury experience For more description of duties and requirements, please click on position www.quickbridgefunding.com Quick Bridge Funding provides working capital loans to small and mid-sized companies throughout the United States. With an innovative program we provide capital to an to an under-served market.

 

 

For information on placing a help wanted ad, please click here:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Hwanted/Hwanted-post.htm

Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees.

Wants to Get Back in Leasing
Career Crossroad---By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII

Question: I have been out of the workforce due to a company downsizing almost a year ago. I took some time off and now ready to hit the pavement to continue my career – any insight how I can be successful in landing my new role?

Answer: Try utilizing / working with a Recruiter that may be able to assist you in Job Hunting tasks. If you can’t find a Recruiter that you can work well with, here are some Job Hunting tips:

1. Try to make approximately 40 contacts per day and build on this momentum

2. Work at getting a new job – at least 40 hours per week, continue until you get a formal written job offer in hand

3. Research the companies you contact – in a tough market, the Candidate who is most knowledgeable about the employer has a distinct advantage

4. Remember everyone has two sets of specific skills (1) industry skills AND (2) professional / technical skills – WHICH are transferable from industry to industry

5. Develop examples of personality traits that set you apart

6. Work on your self-image

7. Maintain records of your contacts

8. Follow up – there is a thin line – be careful not to “drive the Hiring Manager crazy”

9. Remember – there are no jobs out there for those who won’t look – there are opportunities for those that consistently turn over stones!
   

Emily Fitzpatrick
Sr. Recruiter
Recruiters International, Inc.
Phone: 954-885-9241
Cell: 954-612-0567
emily@riirecruit.com
Invite me to Connect on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/pub/emily-fitzpatrick/4/671/76
Also follow us on Twitter #RIIINFO

Career Crossroads Previous Columns
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/crossroad.html

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California Bankruptcy Court Throws Out
Adversary Action Against Balboa Capital and Bank of America
Leasing for Fraudulent Conveyance
By Tom McCurnin
Barton, Klugman & Oetting

Lessees Form LLC to Hold Title to Shopping Center, But Stupidly Take
Title in Their Own Name. Once Discovered, Lessees File Suit
and Bankruptcy Court Throws Out Case

Oxnard Potters Village Plaza v Balboa Capital
2:12-bk-16888 (USBC, CD, Cal. 2012)

One of my favorite quotes is from Ron White, a comedian with the Redneck Comedy Tour, who when speaking about stupid people, says, “You can't fix stupid. There's not a pill you can take; there's not a class you can go to. Stupid is forever.” Today’s case illustrates this concept.

Lessees Nick Dassian, his brother Steve Dassian, and Henry Salemi formed a business in 2007 called Farm Fresh Ranch Market, and leased equipment from Balboa Capital and Bank of America Leasing, Wells Fargo Equipment Leasing. The Lessees didn’t pay on the leases, and as a result, got large judgments entered against them by the Lessors. So far, so good.

In 2009, the trio formed Oxnard Potters Village Plaza and purchased a shopping center in Oxnard, California for $2.5 million. Apparently, the trio stupidly forgot about the judgments against them and took title in their individual names. As is the case is judgment liens in California, as soon as they took title, the judgment liens became liens on the shopping center property. There were two voluntary mortgages on the shopping center, totaling $2.9 million dollars.

Thus, the Lessor’s liens attached to the real estate via their judgment lien and the property was subject to the mortgages. The Lessees were hosed.

The trio of Lessees discovered the problem in mid-2012, and took the corporation bankrupt to strip the liens via a Complaint for Fraudulent Conveyance. The allegation was that the LLC never intended to have the trio of Lessee hold title—it was supposed to be LLC property, and thus no value was given to the Lessees.

The Lessee’s theory was difficult for me to follow, but essentially boiled down to a fraudulent conveyance, a transfer of property by the LLC to the Lessees, to an insider, without any value. Essentially, the Lessees, through the LLC were suing themselves and sought to annul the transfer to themselves as a fraudulent conveyance.

The Lessors filed Motions to Dismiss the Complaint, generally arguing that there was no “transfer” by any Defendant which could be set aside, since at the time of the liens, the Debtor didn’t own the property.

The Court, in a summary fashion, threw out the Adversary Complaint, without a minute order or written reasoning, which is fairly unusual. I assume, the Judge simply gave his reasons from the bench. As a result, the judgment liens of the equipment lessors remained on the real estate, a complete victory for the equipment lessors.

I don’t really have any pithy tips for equipment lessors on this case today. I merely found it interesting that three people could be so stupid as to suffer large judgments, then within two years, have the stupidity to take title to real property in their own name.

Oxnard Motion to Dismiss: http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/OxnardMotiontoDsimiss_352013.pdf

Oxnard Opposition:
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/OxnardOpposition_352013.pdf

Tom McCurnin is a partner at Barton, Klugman & Oetting in Los Angeles, California.

Tom McCurnin
Barton, Klugman & Oetting
350 South Grand Ave.
Suite 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Direct Phone: (213) 617-6129
Cell (213) 268-8291
Email: tmccurnin@bkolaw.com
Visit our web site at www.bkolaw.com

Previous Tom McCurnin Articles:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/leasing_cases.html

Top Stories February 16--February 28
(You May Have Missed)

Here are the top ten stories opened by readers:

(1) Alert!--From Bernie Boettingheimer, CLP
President, Lease Police
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_26.htm#alert

(2) Odyssey Merges with Pinnacle Capital!
--- Brent Hall, CLP, on Growth Mode
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_26.htm#merges

(3) Archives---February 28, 2002
Bob Fisher Resigns from Fisher-Anderson Leasing
---Forms New Company
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_28.htm#archives

(4) Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
Bargain Option Leases vs. Loans
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_26.htm#bargain

(5) Working Out of Your Residence or Company Hq.
by Christopher Menkin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_26.htm#working

(6) Open Positions at Leasing Funders/Various Locations
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_28.htm#open

(7) New Hires---Promotions
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_28.htm#hires

(8) Leasing Industry in the Employee Expansion Mode
by Christopher Menkin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_28.htm#employee

(9) The Seven Safest Banks in America
Wallst247
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_28.htm#open

(10) Equipment Lessor Let Off the Hook by Use
of a Condensed Statute of Limitations Clause By Tom McCurnin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2013/2_26.htm#lessor

 

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

Firestone Finance Increases Credit Facility $25 million

NEWTON, MA – March 4, 2013 – Firestone Financial Corp. a leading provider of equipment financing, announced the addition of Berkshire Bank to its bank group and the signing of $150 Million, multi-year revolving credit facility. Provided through a bank group led by Citizens Bank, the facility is an increase of $25 Million to the line secured in May of 2011.

David Cohen, President and CEO of Firestone Financial, said “We are growing and have partnered with banks that understand our growth strategy and support our initiatives. The addition of Berkshire Bank will provide the additional capital we need to increase our presence in our existing markets and to explore new ones. ”

Patrick Sullivan, executive vice president of commercial banking and wealth management at Berkshire Bank, commended the Company. “Firestone Financial has built its business based upon long standing customer relationships and industry expertise, a philosophy that is shared by Berkshire Bank. They serve their customers well and we look forward to continuing to partner with them as they grow even further.”

In addition to Berkshire Bank and Citizens Bank, other banks that participate in the financing are Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, Bank of America, N.A., TD Bank, N.A., and Brookline Bank.

About Firestone Financial
Since 1965, Firestone Financial has provided equipment financing nationwide. As a direct lender, we have helped our customers acquire billions of dollars’ worth of assets. Our focus is on cultivating long term relationships in the industries that we serve. Today we provide competitive financing solutions for vending, fitness, coin laundry, and indoor and outdoor amusement industries. To learn more, call 1.800.851.1001 or visit www.firestonefinancial.com.

About Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Hills Bancorp is the parent of Berkshire Bank – America’s Most Exciting Bank®. The company has approximately $5.3 billion in assets and 73 full service branch offices in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Vermont providing personal and business banking, insurance, and wealth management services.

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

 

 

Classified Ads---Employment Web Sites

Here is a list of top internet job web sites, several specializing in financial, money, and leasing, too.

www.adams-inc.com
www.affinitysearch.com
www.bajobs.com
www.careerbank.com
www.careerbuilder.com 
www.careerpath.com
www.careerjet.com
www.craigslist.org
www.employmentcrossing.com 
www.FinanceLadder.com 
http://www.findhow.com/
www.hotjobs.com
www.Hound.com 
www.jobapplicationcenter.com 
www.indeed.com
www.jobs.net
www.jobs-applications.com
www.jobssearchengine.net
www.jobsearchusa.org 
www.JobSpin.net
www.jobsinthemoney.com
www.ladders.com
www.leasingworld.co.uk
www.lessors.com
www.LinkUp.com
www.MarketingJobs.com
www.monitordaily.com
www.monster.com
www.monstertrak.monster.com/ 
www.Postonce.com 
www.RecruiterConnection.com
www.resumeblaster.com
www.snagajob.com/part-time-jobs/
http://thejobfind.info/submit/
www.toplanguagejobs.com 
www.vault.com
www.vetjobs.com
www.worktree.com

Terrier
Fresno, California Adopt-a-Dog

Faye Valentine
ID#: 4408074
Color: Tan/Yellow/Fawn - With White
Size: Small 25 lbs. (11 kg) or less
I am already spayed, up to date with shots, and good with dogs.

FAYE VALENTINE's Story...

They say blondes have more fun, but I will have the most fun ever when I have found a permanent home with people who love my playful demeanor. My name is Faye Valentine, and I am a young gal who weighs about eight pounds. I have the most adorable shaggy face and soulful eyes. Come do a meet and greet with me, and you will certainly agree I will be a beautiful addition to your life.

Adoption fee for this dog will be $175.00, which helps with the expenses for spaying or neutering your pet, all vaccinations, including rabies up to date, heartworm testing, microchip, and any other grooming or medical care that was needed when the dog was rescued by ARF.

If you would like to fill out an application online, you can go to our website at www.arf-fresno.com, click on the Adoption Section and complete the application.

Animal Rescue of Fresno
545 East Dakota Ave.
Fresno, CA 93726

We are open the following hours:
Wednesday: 2:00 - 5:00pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 12:30pm -4:30pm
All other days and times By Appointment Only.
Call us at: 559-225-5715
E-mail: boxerpugrefuge@arf-fresno.com
Let 'em know you saw "FAYE VALENTINE" on Adopt-a-Pet.com!
Website: http://www.arf-fresno.com

Adopt-a-Pet by Leasing Co. State/City
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Adopt_Pet.htm

Adopt a Pet
http://www.adoptapet.com/

 

News Briefs----

Snowstorm warning: Up to 9 inches in Chicago, 10 in suburbs on Tuesday
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/18635468-418/winter-storm-warning-up-to-9-inches-of-snow-in-city-10-in-suburbs-tuesday.html

Conner says 787 fix can be fast
http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/boeingconnerxml.html

Stealth Subsidy for Businesses Comes Under Scrutiny
Biggest beneficiary: Chevron Corporation $26 Billion profit,
----no taxes reported a profit of $26 billion.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/05/business/qualified-private-activity-bonds-come-under-new-scrutiny.html?hp&_r=0

Lamborghini unveils $4 million car
http://money.cnn.com/gallery/autos/2013/03/04/lamborghini-veneno/index.html

 

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---You May Have Missed

The Most Beautiful World--Where I live
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beautiful-Worldwhere-I-Live/238698262860432

[headlines]
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SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

11 Things Children Can Teach You About Weight Loss
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=405

 

[headlines]
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Winter Poem

We've Only Just Begun

by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols

We've only just begun to live,
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way.
And yes, We've just begun.

Before the rising sun we fly,
So many roads to choose
We start our walking and learn to run.
And yes, We've just begun.

Sharing horizons that are new to us,
Watching the signs along the way,
Talking it over just the two of us,
Working together day to day
Together.

And when the evening comes we smile,
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow,
And yes, We've just begun.

[headlines]
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Sports Briefs----

49ers pass on giving Goldson franchise tag; safety looking for long-term deal
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/03/04/5235770/49ers-pass-on-giving-goldson-franchise.html

Rory McIlroy sorry for leaving course
http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/9016867/rory-mcilroy-says-regrets-walking-course-honda-classic

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

New California Laws
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/12/27/5078557/a-look-at-some-new-california.html

 

[headlines]
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“Gimme that Wine”

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

Quality vs Yield: the Age-Old Debate to Strike Balance
http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataid=112692

Wineries pour efforts into targeting younger drinkers
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-young-wine-drinkers-20130228,0,2065086.story

History underscores Zinfandel's new tack
http://www.sfgate.com/wine/thirst/article/History-underscores-Zinfandel-s-new-tack-4321826.php

Free Mobile Wine Program
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2010/2_26.htm#mobile

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

US/International Wine Events
http://www.localwineevents.com/

Winery Atlas
http://www.carterhouse.com/atlas/\

Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/wnensprts.htm

           1595-First New England Settler: William Blackstone, born at Durham County, England, was the first settler in what is now Boston, Massachusetts, and also the first in what is now Rhode Island. Blackstone came to New England with the Captain Robed Gorges expedition in 1623. When the expedition failed and most returned to England, he stayed and settled on what later became Beacon Hill. In 1634, he sold most of his Boston property and moved to the shores of the river that now bears his name. He died there at what is now Cumberland, Rhode Island, May 26,1675.
    1623-No Drinking Alcohol: Governor Sir Francis Wyatt of Virginia and 32 others signed into law an “alcohol Temperance” against swearing and public drunkenness, ordering “...churchwardens shall be sworne to present them to the commanders of every plantation and that the forfeitures shall be collected by them to be for publique uses.”
    1770-Boston Massacre: the first clashes of the coming revolution occurred during this period, which saw the rise of organized political resistance to parliamentary and royal excesses in the form of the first Continental Congress. Perhaps the start of this "movement" was sparked by what came to be called the Boston Massacre, five colonists were killed (Crispus Attucks, James Caldwell, Patrick Carr, Samuel Gray and Samuel Maverick) when British troops fired on a mob of men and boys who had been taunting them and throwing stones. Capt. Thomas Preston, commander of the British contingent, and six of his men were charged with murder. They were defended in court by John Adams and Josiah Quincy. All were acquitted but two soldiers who were found guilty of manslaughter. The estimated colonial population was 2,205,000. The day is celebrated as Crispus Attucks Day, honoring Crispus Attucks, possibly a runaway slave, who was the first to die in the Boston Massacre.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/mar05.html
Historians reported the most popular early engraving was “ The Bloody Massacre Perpetrated in King Street, Boston, on March 5, 1770, which was engraved, printed, and sold by Paul Revere. It depicted the shooting of five Americans by the British troops, and has appeared in countless children’s textbooks and general works on American history.
    1804-Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase was impeached after charges were brought this
day by the House of Representatives. The accusations consisted of eight articles, of which the majority had to do with high-handed conduct displayed by Chase in two treason and sedition trials. There were also political reasons for the impeachment, which was encouraged by President Thomas Jefferson. The trial began on January 30,1805. Chase was acquitted and served until his death of June 19,181, at the age of 70.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase
http://www.colonialhall.com/chase/chase.asp
    1821 - James Monroe became the first President of the United States inaugurated on March 5th. The usual inauguration date of March 4th fell on a Sunday this year and a President cannot be inaugurated on the Christian Sabbath. While it’s still a law today, Inauguration Day was officially set back to January 20th, with Sundays not included.
    1836 - Samuel Colt made the first pistol, a .34-caliber ‘Texas’ model.
    1845 -- Congress appropriates $30,000 to ship camels to western US.
http://www.drumbarracks.org/Camel%20Corps.html
http://www.outwestnewspaper.com/camels.html
    1848 -- In the Battle of Abiqua, whites attack Klamath tribe camp at Abiqua Creek near Salem, Oregon Territory; 13 men and women killed.
http://www.theragens.com/history/Geer%20-%20Abiqua.htm
http://www.silverton.or.us/history/boa1a.htm
    1854 - Mary Elizabeth Garrett birthday. U.S philanthropist whose endowment to Johns Hopkin s University Medical School forced it to accept women. Her first major endowment was to establish the Bryn Mawr School for Girls. Her donations guaranteed that the school would be headed by M. Carey Thomas, her domestic partner. MEG later donated more than $450,000 to Johns Hopkins University medical school for it to remain a graduate school in perpetuity that would (for the first time in its history) accept women students. With donations that eventually surpassed $350,000, MEG guaranteed that her domestic partner, the brilliant M. Carey Thomas, was made president of Bryn Mawr College (in spite of being a woman). Thomas made Bryn Mawr one of the great colleges of the nation with scholastic requirements higher than men entering Harvard University. MEG was an active suffragist. MEG lived with Thomas from about 1904 to her death in 1915 and through her will made Thomas a very wealthy woman. 
    1865-General John C. Breckinridge takes control of Confederate forces in the Appalachian Mountains of western Virginia. The Kentuckian was a former senator and had been the vice president of the country and the runner-up to Abraham Lincoln in the 1860 presidential election. Breckinridge took over the obscure Western Department of Virginia, where he managed forces until he was elevated to the Confederacy's Secretary of War in the closing weeks of the conflict.
Born in 1821, Breckinridge graduated from college when he was 17 years old. He served in the military during the Mexican War and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives at age 30. In 1856, Breckinridge became the youngest vice president when he was elected with James Buchanan at age 35. In 1860, he represented the southern wing of the Democratic Party, which had split during the convention over the issue of slavery. He finished third in the popular vote behind Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, who represented the northern Democrats, but he received 72 electoral votes to finish second behind Lincoln. Although he lost the White House, his state legislature selected him as senator shortly after the election. During the summer of 1861, Breckinridge remained in the senate, supporting secessionists views as the war escalated. In September, Kentucky declared itself a Union state. Having literally become a man without a country, Breckinridge fled to the Confederacy and joined the army. He was made commander of the Orphan Brigade, a collection of Kentucky regiments with soldiers who found themselves geographically cut off from their native state. His unit suffered 34 percent casualties at the Battle of Shiloh, but went on to fight at most of the battles in the western theater. After taking control of the Western Department of Virginia, Breckinridge led forces at the Battle of New Market in May 1864, where his army routed a Union force. In October, troops in his department were victorious at the Battle of Saltville, but the victory was tarnished when the Confederates began massacring black soldiers during the Union retreat. When Breckrindge heard of this, he went to the battlefield and ordered his men to stop killing any prisoners, be they black or white. As soon as he left, the units involved in the battle killed all blacks and those whites who tried to protect them. It was not uncommon to kill black Union soldiers than take them as prisoner.. Breckinridge also served during Jubal Early's 1864 Shenandoah Valley campaign. On February 6, 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis tapped Breckinridge to be Secretary of War. He showed great ability in that capacity, but the Confederate cause had become hopeless. Breckinridge oversaw the evacuation of Richmond in March and fled southward with Davis. Unlike Davis, however, Breckinridge successfully escaped the country through Florida and into Cuba. Joined by his family, Breckinridge stayed for four years in Europe before a presidential pardon allowed him to return to Kentucky. He worked as a lawyer until his death in 1875.
http://www.saltvilleva.com/memorial__remembance_service.htm
http://www.civilwarinteractive.com/saltville.htm
http://www.fortunecity.com/campus/history/683/saltvillemassacre.htm
    1870 -- American writer Frank Norris (1870-1902) born Chicago, Illinois. One of the first American naturalist writers; a muckraker.
http://users.rcn.com/calhist/7_pages/octopus_norris.htm
http://guweb2.gonzaga.edu/faculty/campbell/howells/norris.htm
http://www.nagasaki-gaigo.ac.jp/ishikawa/amlit/n/norris19re.htm
    1872 - George Westinghouse patented the air brake.
    1877- Rutherford B. Hayes inaugurated as 19th US President.
    1882- Canadian soprano Pauline Donalda was born in Montreal (real name: Pauline Lightstone.) Considered a rival of the famous Melba in the early years of the 20th century, Donalda often replaced her in roles and sang with such renowned performers as Enrico Caruso. Most of her performing career was spent in Europe, but in 1937 she returned to Montreal and opened a music studio. She formed the Opera Guild in 1942, and directed it until 1969, the year before her death.
http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/4/7/m15-319-e.html
    1885-Famed pathologist and physician Louise Pearce born. She was one of the principal figures in the development of tryparsamide to control African sleeping sickness. Tryparsamide was discovered in a laboratory by several researchers, but it was Pearce who alone who went to the Belgium Congo to test it on humans. She set up a hospital, determined dosage and treatments. Under her care, every one of the 77 patients chosen for the test fully recovered. She was awarded the Order of the Crown of Belgium for her work and in 1953 was awarded the King Leopold II Prize and a check for $10,000 and a second decoration, the Royal Order of the Lion. Her three colleagues were also honored. Later she made important research discoveries regarding syphilis and cancer. Carrying one work with generations of rabbits that developed hereditary diseases and deformities, her research data was destroyed at her death. (A number of women did extensive studies on heredity and resultant deformities but very few ever got much credit.) Pearce spent her last years at Trevenna Farm, the home she shared in Skillman, NJ with novelist Ida A. R. Wylie who was part of the fabled Heterodoxy women's club. Source: The History of the Rockefeller Institute, 1901-1953, G.W. Corner, Rockefeller Institute Press, NY, 1964
.A.R. Wylie (march 16, 1885 - November 4, 1959)
Australian writer, born in Melbourne as Ida Alexa Ross Wylie. Her autobiography 'My life with George' is about her relationship with American doctor Sara Josephine Baker.* Several films were based on her books or stories, like 'The foreign legion' (1928) was based on 'The Red Mirage', the 1942 film 'Keeper of the flame' with Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy was based on the book with the same name and 'Torch Song' from 1953 with Joan Crawford was based on the story 'Why should I cry'.
*Who is better known as the famous black singer Josephine Baker.
(November 15, 1873 - February 22, 1945)
American doctor and writer, born in Poughkeepsie, New York. She graduated New York Infirmary Medical College in 1898. She had a relationship with Australian writer I.A.R. Wylie.
http://andrejkoymasky.com/liv/fam/biow2/wyli1.html
http://gayinfo.tripod.com/A-Z-W.html
    1888—Singer/guitarist Joshua Barnes “Peg Leg” Howell birthdya, born Eaton, GA. 
http://www.cascadeblues.org/History/JoshuaHowell.htm
    1892 -Famed writer, journalist and Lesbian Josephine Herbst born. Her trilogy Pity is Not Enough (1933), The Executioner Waits (1934) and Rope of Gold (1939) was regarded critically as "as one of the most sweeping and ambitious" fictional reconstruction of American life ever attempted by any writer. She leaned towards communism for a time but after covering the Spanish Civil War as a reporter, she broke all ties with that ideology. She had well publicized affairs with women. Her mother was a storyteller who inspired her daughter to write. Her many novels, short stories, and articles were highly praised and deserve a higher place in today's literature than is being awarded her. Died 1969.
http://www.writersreps.com/live/catalog/authors/herbstj.html
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAherbst.htm
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/article-preview?article_id=11373
    1893-The Culligan Man: Emmett J. Culligan, founder of world's largest water treatment organization, was born at Yankton, SD. Culligan first experimented with a water-softening device in the early 1920s--to soften water used to wash his baby's diapers. In 1936 he launched the company from a Northbrook, IL, blacksmith shop. Recipient of Horatio Alger Award in 1969, Culligan died at San Bernardino, CA, June 3, 1970. 
    1908—Birthday of Rex Harrison, born Reginald Carey at Huyton, England. Rex Harrison’s career as an actor encompassed more than 40 films and scores of plays. He won both a Tony and an A=Oscar for the role of Henry Higgins in May Fair Lady, perhaps his most famous role. Among other files, he appeared in Dr. Doolittle, Cleopatra, Blithe Spirit and Major Barbara. He claimed he would never etire from acting and he was appearing in a Broadway revival of Somerset Maugham’s the Circle thre weeks before his death, June 2,1990, at his home at New York, NY.
    1917 - The first jazz recording for Victor Records was released. The Original Dixieland ‘Jass’ Band performed on the tune "The Dixie Jass Band One Step" They had opened at Reisenweber’s Restaurant in New York City and changed their name to “Jass” as that it how it was pronounced by the owner. In this year, the group made a series of other first jazz recordings, including “ Tiger Rag,” “Reisenweber Rag,” “Barnyard Blues,” “At the Jazz Band Ball,” “ostrich Walk,” “Bluin’ the Blues, and “Clarinet Marmalade.” Some say they left New Orleans for Chicago then New York because Storyville, also know as the District, a section of New Orleans set aside for honky-tonks and sporting house. The original Storyville was established on January 1, 1898 as a legally operated red-light district in New Orleans, this being the only legal red-light district in the United States. The district was home to beautiful bordellos that were renowned for their grand architecture. The bordello's festive atmosphere was created by seductive women and mood-altering music. Storyville is believed to be the birthplace of Jazz. ("Jazz" was a slang word for sex.) The fun lasted until the fall of 1917, when the United States Department of the Navy shut it down. Later in the 1940's the "good people" of New Orleans thought they would do a good thing for the city by constructing a low-income housing project. To make way for this project the old district was completely demolished. Contrary to popular belief, many of the jazz musicians migrated to Kansas City, Chicago, and New York not because of Storyville, but to find a better paying musical job; Kansas City was hot and so was Chicago, but New York was “The Big Apple.”
http://www.redhotjazz.com/odjb.html
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/8879/71671
http://www.alude.com/music/itmB000002WTQ.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0817344039/inktomi-bkasin-20/
102-1682336-8966565
    1920- Leontine Turpeau Current Kelly was born in the parsonage of Mount Zion Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. Kelly became the first Black woman bishop of a major denomination in the United States, in 1984. She was elected bishop of the United Methodist Church in the San Francisco area. From Black Women in America, Vol. 1
    1924-Bowler Frank Carauna of Buffalo, NY, became the first bowler in history to roll two consecutive 300 games in a sanctioned league competition. He had five strikes on third game, rolling 29 strike sin succession. His score for the four games was 1,115 ( 300,300,268,247).
    1924-pianist Dave Burns born Perth Amboy, NY
http://www.kwest.net/news/reviews/Music/Dave_Burns_Cool_Jazz_Is_Hot-(KWTN).html
    1928-Pianist Lou Levy Born, West Coast jazz great, also recorded with Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson, Anita O’Day. I remember him at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, where he played
with various musicians from a trio to West Coast jazz.; died Jan 23, 2001
http://www.centrohd.com/biogra/l2/lou_levy_b.htm
http://www.jazzreview.com/cdreview.cfm?ID=3384
    1929- Louis Armstrong (with Jack Teagarden) records “Knockin’ A Jug.” NYC.
    1931 - Lawrence Tibbett recorded the now much-recorded tune, "Without a Song" for Victor Records. This melody came from the film, "The Southerner" and has been a hit for many, such as Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.
    1931-Female aviator, Jerrie Cobb born. She was the first woman to qualify as an American astronaut. She was consequently rejected because she was a woman. JC learned to fly at 12, earned her pilot's license at 16, and received her commercial and flight instructor's license at 18, At 21 JC was the only female international ferry pilot in the United States. As chief pilot, she flew over wild terrain and mountains, once being arrested as a spy after a forced landing in South America. JC passed the same 87 physical and psychological tests administered by NASA that it used in the selection of the original seven male astronauts. Several women, including Cobb, surpassed the test results of the men who were chose (including right stuff himself John Glenn). NASA officials admitted later in a Congressional investigation that they had no intentions of allowing women to pilot space craft; the testing was merely a sop. [Some revisionists today are questioning the charge and claiming that the rejection of women was a practical matter, not sexual bias. The author of WOAH has seen the original spacecraft at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. In many of the first flights, the astronauts were simply passengers, lying strapped to "mattresses" and with only a small porthole to see outside. There was no moving around and now piloting involved.]
JC is one of the four Americans to hold the Golden Wings of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale and was chosen 1959 pilot of the year by the National Pilot's association. She was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for her piloting of medical supplies into dangerous South American locations. Two other noted women pilots were tested by NASA (and passed the tests), Wally Funk and Bernice Steadman. Both the women do NOT agree with revisionists and maintain it was sexual bias that kept them from the program. Cobb testified before a congressional hearing that of the 25 women who applied to the space program in 1960, 13 had been found qualified. The National Air and Space Museum described the turndown: "They had hoped to be the country's first women in space and they had reason to think that a few might make it. But no one had warned them that having the 'right stuff' might also mean being the 'right sex.'"
The following information was gleaned from information provided by the web site of the 99s - the organization of women in aviation. It is located at http://www.ninety-nines.org/ and is a fascinating site! President Lyndon Johnson announced the formation of the FAA's Women's Advisory Committee on Aviation, May 4, 1964. Most of the 27 non-government members, including Jane Hart and Jean Ross Howard, co-chairman, and five government members, were 99s. Although members of this committee pushed for admission of women to NASA, they were 17 years too early to become astronauts.
In 1961, Jerrie Cobb was the first female to pass all three phases of the Mercury astronaut Program. Twelve other 99s passed the series of 75 exhaustive physical competence tests and laboratory tests. They were rejected, and the first female in space was Russian. Jerrie Cobb was deeply discouraged by the failure of NASA to put a female in space, and in the same year (1964) she became a jungle pilot in the Amazon. She has devoted all her resources and talents to helping Indian tribes in unexplored parts of six countries. (and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts). In June 1963, Valentina Terreshkova, Soviet cosmonaut, became the first woman in space. She manually controlled Vostok-6 during parts of the 70.8-hour flight through 48 orbits of earth. Some revisionists, aka Historians, have said that VT was only a pretty face passenger "allowed" to touch the controls for publicity purposes. In fact, she went through a rigorous training program the same way the male cosmonauts did. It would be 32 years after Terreshkova before an American woman touched the controls of a space craft! In the meantime to squelch growing complaints, on 01-16-1978, the post of "Mission Specialists" was created by NASA and six women were appointed to fill the posts. It marked the first time since the inception of the U.S. space program in 1959 that NASA had recognized women. Janet Guthrie, who would win fame as an Indianapolis 500 racer, was turned down because NASA decided all the women had to have Ph.D. degrees. The first American woman in space was Sally Ride, who used the shuttle robot arm to release and retrieve satellites. The first American woman to perform a space walk was Kathryn Sullivan, who practiced techniques for refueling satellites, and Kathryn Thorntorn went outside the shuttle to help repair the Hubble Space telescope. The non-pilot women trainees hold Ph.D's in their fields of expertise. On February 2, 1995 Cobb was the personal guest of Lt. Colonel Eileen Collins, 38, as Collins lifted off from Cape Canaveral in the co-pilot's seat - the first woman to co-pilot an American space craft. An Air Force test pilot, Collins was selected for the NASA space program in 1990, the first woman chosen as a space shuttle pilot. Eight years later she would sit in the pilot's seat to become the first American woman to pilot a spacecraft. Her first command was a frightening one because of equipment failure but she kept her cool and the mission was completed. Since then other women has quietly moved into the pilot's seat. However, when NASA decided to test the effects of space on older people, they chose John Glenn (a U.S. Senator with a life of sedentary pursuits) instead of Jerrie Cobb - again. Glenn became quite ill on the flight and it almost had to be scrubbed. Cobb who maintained her physical abilities was disgusted. Perhaps one of the reason was that fact she is considered a lesbian.
http://www.ctie.monash.edu/hargrave/cobb.html
http://www.singlemomz.com/holidays/womenshistory/jerrie.shtml
http://www.johnshepler.com/articles/cobb.html
http://www.teachspace.org/news/cobb.html
http://www.jerrie-cobb-foundation.org/
http://www.searchalot.com/texis/open/openframer?q=&urls=http://www-lib.usc.edu/~retter/main.html
    1933- Bank Holiday: on his first full day in office (Sunday, Mar 5,1933), President Roosevelt proclaimed a national "Bank Holiday" to help save the nation's faltering banking system. Most banks were able to reopen after the 10-day "holiday" (March 4-14), but in the meantime, "scrip" had temporarily replaced money in many American households.
    1936 - Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s "Mutiny On The Bounty" (produced by Irving Thalberg and Albert Lewin) was voted Outstanding Production, as they used to say. The 8th Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) Academy Awards ceremony was held at the Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles. Director/producer/writer/actor Frank Capra hosted the big giveaway honoring the films of 1935, which saw Victor McLaglen take the Best Actor prize for "The Informer" (John Ford won for directing this one). Best Actress was Bette Davis in "Dangerous". In case you are wondering, they didn’t start handing out those Supporting Actor/Actress awards until 1937. The Best Music/Song award winners were Harry Warren (music) and Al Dubin (lyrics) for the song "Lullaby of Broadway" from "Gold Diggers of 1935". An Oscar for Short Subject/Cartoon was awarded to some guy named Walt Disney for his ’toon, "Three Orphan Kittens".
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0148014.html
    1937 -- The American government officially apologizes to Nazi Germany for New York Mayor LaGuardia's reference to Adolf Hitler as a "brown- shirted fanatic."
LaGuardia has been called "the conscience of the 20s." Best known as the tempestuous mayor of New York City, he served in Congress between 1917 and 1933, where, in an era marked by nativism and bigotry, LaGuardia spoke up for internationalism, freedom of speech, and the rights of minorities and the poor. The issues he fought for included price controls, the right to strike, public power, and the redistribution of wealth by taxation. He is best known for reading the comics on radio ever Sunday. He is perhaps New York’s most beloved mayor. Died, 1947.
http://www.us-israel.org/jsource/biography/LaGuardia.html
http://www.sicilianculture.com/people/laguardia.htm
http://english.sdaglobal.org/story/advent/judgmnt/laguardia.htm
http://www.commoncouragepress.com/zinn_laguardia.html
    1939- Glenn Miller opens at Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove, NJ, his first important booking.
    1944 ---Top Hits
Besame Mucho - The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra (vocal: Bob Eberly & Kitty Kallen
My Heart Tells Me - The Glen Gray Orchestra (vocal: Eugenie Baird)
Mairzy Doats - The Merry Macs
Ration Blues - Louis Jordan
    1948- Poet and novelist Leslie Marmon Silko born. She is often referred to as the premier Native American writer of her generation. LMS is of the mixed ancestry of Amerind/Laguana Pueblo, Mexican and white. She grew up on the Laguana Pueblo reservation in New Mexico. "Silko drew on the Laguna stories she had heard in childhood. She combined concerns of Laguna spirituality, such as the relationship between human beings and the natural elements, with complex portrayals of contemporary struggles to retain Native American culture in an Anglo world," one critic wrote. Her first full novel was Ceremony (1977) and her second Almanac of the Dead (1991). In 1981 Silko received a MacArthur Foundation fellowship, and she produced the volume Storyteller made up of poetry, tribal stories, fiction, and photographs Like many Amerinds in the Southwest who have to travel huge distances to attended school on a daily basis, Silko traveled 100 miles a day to school in Albuquerque
http://voices.cla.umn.edu/authors/LeslieMarmonSilko.html
http://www.altx.com/interviews/silko.html 
http://web.nmsu.edu/~tomlynch/swlit.silko.html
    1951- The religious program "Circuit Rider" debuted over ABC television. The broadcast featured music selections and biographies of evangelists, and was produced by Franklin W. Dyson.
1951-Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm record "Rocket 88" with producer Sam Phillips at his Memphis Recording Service. When the up-tempo combination of Swing and Jazz is released, it is credited to Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats and is now said by many music historians to be the first true Rock 'n' Roll record. 
    1951-Sam Phillips launches Sun Records by releasing "Drivin' Slow" by 16-year-old saxophonist Johnny London.
    1952---Top Hits
Cry - Johnnie Ray
Slowpoke - Pee Wee King
Anytime - Eddie Fisher
Wondering - Webb Pierce
    1955 -- Elvis Presley makes his television debut on the regionally telecast "The Louisiana Hayride." 
    1955---In the wake of the continual controversy on offensive R&B records, BMI, the largest organization of music publishers. releases plans to tighten controls on objectional lyrics. BMI never gave clearance to nearly a dozen of singles, some like Big Joe Turner's "Shake Rattle & Roll" became major hits.
    1956 -- The U.S. Supreme Court affirms the ban on segregation in public schools in Brown vs. Board of Education. 
    1957- Sergeant Bilko satirizes Elvis Presley (Elvin Pelvin) Rock'n'Roll Rookie (Written by Nat Hiken & Billy Friedburg; #3557; Mar. 5th) When singing sensation Elvin Pelvin is drafted, the army can't cope with his screaming fans. The solution? Transfer him to a quiet, out-of-the-way posting. Perhaps somewhere in the Mid-West, where he will attract less attention and be safe from the less scrupulous soldier who might try to exploit his fame and fortune...
    1958-Buddy Holly and The Crickets began their only UK tour, playing two sets each evening for 25 nights. 
    1959-- Bobby Darin records "Dream Lover" 
    1960 - After 2 years in the United States Army, Elvis Presley returned to civilian life. Not since the return of General Douglas MacArthur from battle has a soldier gotten such publicity. Before his induction he recorded enough material so that a steady stream of Elvis hits were released during his tour of duty. He continued to dominate the charts through the mid-'60s and made more than 20 movies. Elvis stopped performing live in 1961 but made a comeback in the late 60s, becoming a Las Vegas fixture and releasing several top singles, including "In the Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds" in 1969. As his popularity continued to skyrocket, the "King of Rock and Roll" allegedly turned to drugs. His final live performance was on June 25, 1977, and on August 16, 1977, the day of his next scheduled concert, his girlfriend found him dead in a bathroom at Graceland, the Memphis mansion he built and named after his mother. Congestive heart failure was initially cited as the cause of death, but prescription drug abuse was suspected as a contributing factor. He was buried at Graceland. Nine years after his death, he was one of the first 10 people inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. During his life, he had earned 94 gold singles and more than 40 gold LPs.
    1960 - Eastern Massachusetts greatest March snowstorm of record began to abate. The storm produced record 24 hour snowfall totals of 27.2 inches at Blue Hill Observatory, 17.7 inches at Worcester, and 16.6 inches at Boston. Winds gusted to 70 mph.
    1960---Top Hits
The Theme from "A Summer Place" - Percy Faith
Handy Man - Jimmy Jones
Beyond the Sea - Bobby Darin
He’ll Have to Go - Jim Reeves
    1962 - A tremendous storm raged along the Atlantic coast. The great Atlantic storm caused more than 200 million dollars property damage from Florida to New England. Winds along the Middle Atlantic Coast reached 70 mph raising forty foot waves, and as much as 33 inches of snow blanketed the mountains of Virginia. The Virginia shoreline was rearranged by historic tidal flooding caused by the combination of the long stretch of strong onshore winds and the "Spring Tides".
    1963 - Country-pop singer Patsy Cline was killed in a single-engine plane crash near Camden, Tennessee. Also killed were Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins. The three were returning to Nashville from Kansas City, where they had participated in a benefit concert for the widow of a disc jockey. The DJ, Cactus Jack Call, had been killed in a car crash.
    1966- "The Ballad of the Green Berets" by Staff-Sergeant Barry Sadler reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was the top song in the US for five weeks. The album did even better, topping the LP chart for 13 weeks.
   1966--HIBBS, ROBERT JOHN  Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: Don Dien Lo Ke, Republic of Vietnam, 5 March 1966. Entered service at: Des Moines, Iowa. Born: 21 April 1943, Omaha, Nebr. G.O. No.: 8, 24 February 1967. Citations: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. 2d Lt. Hibbs was in command of a 15-man ambush patrol of the 2d Battalion, when his unit observed a company of Viet Cong advancing along the road toward the 2d Battalion's position. Informing his command post by radio of the impending attack, he prepared his men for the oncoming Viet Cong, emplaced 2 mines in their path and, when the insurgents were within 20 feet of the patrol's position, he fired the 2 antipersonnel mines, wounding or killing half of the enemy company. Then, to cover the withdrawal of his patrol, he threw hand grenades, stepped onto the open road, and opened fire on the remainder of the Viet Cong force of approximately 50 men. Having rejoined his men, he was leading them toward the battalion perimeter when the patrol encountered the rear elements of another Viet Cong company deployed to attack the battalion. With the advantage of surprise, he directed a charge against the Viet Cong, which carried the patrol through the insurgent force, completely disrupting its attack. Learning that a wounded patrol member was wandering in the area between the 2 opposing forces and although moments from safety and wounded in the leg himself, he and a sergeant went back to the battlefield to recover the stricken man. After they maneuvered through the withering fire of 2 Viet Cong machine guns, the sergeant grabbed the dazed soldier and dragged him back toward the friendly lines while 2d Lt. Hibbs remained behind to provide covering fire. Armed with only an M-16 rifle and a pistol, but determined to destroy the enemy positions, he then charged the 2 machine gun emplacements and was struck down. Before succumbing to his mortal wounds, he destroyed the starlight telescopic sight attached to his rifle to prevent its capture and use by the Viet Cong. 2d Lt. Hibb's profound concern for his fellow soldiers, and his intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
    1968-Sales of "Simon Says" by the 1910 Fruitgum Company reach the one million mark during the short-lived Bubblegum music craze. 
    1968—Top Hits
Love is Blue - Paul Mauriat
(Theme From) Valley of the Dolls - Dionne Warwick
(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
Skip a Rope - Henson Cargill
    1969 - For the first time, the rock magazine, "Creem", was published.
http://www.creemmagazine.com/Pages/CreemContent.html
    1969-Top Ten first woman:, Ruth Eisemann-Schier, to be listed in the famous FBI Top Ten .was convicted, and sentenced to a seven-year prison term. She had kidnapped Barbara Jane Mackle from a motel in Decatur, GA, on December 17, 1968, in a sensational television first major coverage. Mackle was found alive about 80 hours after the abduction, buried in a box under ground, many say due to the television coverage. 
    1974- Helen Thomas was named UPI White House reporter, the first woman ever named to cover the presidential beat. She had been an award-winning reporter in Washington for 30 years before being allowed to cover the president. For many years women reporters, such as Lorena Hickok were only allowed to cover the wives of presidents.
    1974-Gregg Allman's first solo album, "Laid Back" attains gold status and at the same time starts rumors that the Allmans are splitting.
    1975 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``Have You Never Been Mellow,'' Olivia Newton-John. The song is also a country hit for the singer, reaching No. 3 on Billboard's country singles chart.
    1976---top Hits
Theme from S.W.A.T. - Rhythm Heritage
Love Machine (Part 1) - The Miracles
All by Myself - Eric Carmen
Good Hearted Woman - Waylon & Willie
    1977-"The Love Theme from A Star Is Born", from the film starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, was the top tune in the US. 
    1977 - President Jimmy Carter joined CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite for the first ever “Dial-a-President” radio talk show. It was carried on 260 CBS stations, with the President answering a variety of questions from listeners across the United States. It was called “Ask President Carter,” from the Oval Office in the White House. 42 listeners from 26 states phoned in questions on the nationwide radio broadcast. 1981- World Men's Figure Skating Championship in Hartford won by Scott Hamilton (USA)
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Base/6591/P2.html
    1982 -- Comedian and Blues Brother John Belushi, 33, dies of drug overdose in the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Beverly Hills. He was a great comedian and this is
an example of how drugs take over control of your life.
http://www.who2.com/johnbelushi.html
    1982 - General Motors shuts its Fremont plant, furloughing its last 2,500 workers while it waits to see if the economy and changes in American car-buying tastes will justify reopening the factory. A white Oldsmobile Ciera rolled off the assembly line at 9:15 a.m. March 4, the 4,282,215th vehicle produced there. It may also be the last. 
    1984—Top Hits
Jump - Van Halen
99 Luftballons - Nena
Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper
Woke Up in Love - Exile
    1984 –Quarterback Steve Young from Brigham Young University was signed by the Los Angeles Express of the United States Football League to a “substantial” contract. The football all-American inked a pact that would earn him $40 million dollars over a 43-year period, in one of the most complicated contracts ever -- lasting until 2027. The USFL folded not long after he signed the lucrative deal. Young became the back-up quarterback for football legend, Joe Montana, in San Francisco. In 1994, when Montana moved to the Kansas City Chiefs, Steve Young took over the reins to lead the 49ers. He lived not far from here in Saratoga, where he was often seen running. Rumor has it that he lived in only one room of the house, as he was single at the time, constantly working out, and when his mother visited him she found more than one years of his salary checks in a drawer that he did not have the time to deposit.
    1985 - Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders became the first National Hockey League player to score 50 goals in eight consecutive seasons. Two players have scored 50 goals in six seasons: Wayne ‘The Great One’ Gretzky of Los Angeles and Guy Lafleur of Montreal. 
    1985 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: ``Can't Fight This Feeling,'' REO Speedwagon.
    1987 - A storm in the western U.S. produced heavy rain and high winds in California. Up to six inches of rain soaked the San Francisco Bay area in 24 hours, and winds gusted to 100 mph at the Wheeler Ridge Pumping Plant near the Tehachapi Mountains.
    1989- Pepsi Cola in the US said it would withdraw its Madonna TV ads from any station that showed the singer's new video, "Like a Prayer." Pepsi in Canada declined to take similar action. But in any case the entire Madonna-Pepsi campaign was scrapped a month later. The video, which already had been banned in Italy, showed a scantily-clad Madonna kissing the naked feet of a statue in a church sanctuary and caressing a priest. Pepsi had paid the singer a reported $5 million to star in a two-minute TV commercial, featuring the same music as the video but showing a more subdued Madonna.
    1989 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather in the southeastern U.S. A strong (F-2) tornado killed one person and injured six others in Heard County GA. A strong (F-3) tornado injured 23 persons and caused more than five million dollars damage around Grantville GA.
    1993- Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs resigned his position after 12 seasons. Gibbs’ teams compiled a 140-65 record and won three Super Bowls.
    1996-Netscape announces that it will slash prices for its Internet server software. The move came in reaction to competition from Microsoft, which started giving its browser away for free. Microsoft's fierce efforts to compete against Netscape would come under the scrutiny of the Justice Department in antitrust litigation in 1998; however, the investigation came too late for Netscape. The once high-flying company was purchased by America Online in late 1998.
    1999 — Records chosen today for inclusion in the US National Recordings Registry: "Blue Suede Shoes," Carl Perkins; "Be My Baby," The Ronettes; "A Change Is Gonna Come," Sam Cooke; "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, the Rolling Stones.
    2002--The first episode of The Osbournes TV show was aired on MTV in the US. Focusing on Ozzy and his family, they bicker, squabble, curse and hang out backstage at Ozzy's shows.
    2004--The Sunday edition of Britain's Daily Mail lists Paul McCartney's worth at 1.3 billion US dollars. 
    2005-Academy Awards: Jon Stewart of the “Daily Show” was the host. Crash best picture, actor in a leading role: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote,actress in a leading role: Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line, actor in a supporting role: George Clooney, Syriana,actress in a supporting role: Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener; best director: Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain, best screeplay written for the motion pictures: Paul Haggis and Robert Moresco, Crash,Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, Brokeback Mountain.Best song: “It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp,” Hustle & Flow, Jordan Houston, Cedric Coleman, and Paul Beauregard,Original score: Gustavo Santaolalla, Brokeback Mountain
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0932839.html
http://www.imdb.com/Sections/Awards/Academy_Awards_USA/2006
    2007-Records chosen today for inclusion in the US National Recordings Registry: "Blue Suede Shoes," Carl Perkins; "Be My Baby," The Ronettes; "A Change Is Gonna Come," Sam Cooke; "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, the Rolling Stones.