Letters?!?!---We get Email!
Regarding Articles in Leasing News

 

Alan A. Mogol Joins the list of
Twenty-Five Most Influential Attorneys in Leasing and Finance
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2016/03_21.htm#25

“I was pleased to see Alan Mogol on your list of twenty-five most influential attorneys, and he clearly deserves that honor. While I’m not clear on how attorneys are designated for this list, I did find it disappointing that all but 2 of the attorneys on the list are male (in other words, 92%). Alan is certainly deserving, but so are numerous women attorneys.

“It seems to be a continuing challenge for women in the leasing profession to gain due recognition. I hope you will assist in increasing that recognition of its women lawyers in the future.”
Barbara M. Goodstein

(Could not agree with you more. 

(I do see more women attorneys in the advertising of firms, but can’t explain why more women attorneys were not nominated in the leasing and finance profession.

(I would like to add, I visited your bio, and if someone had nominated you, you would have certainly made the list.  I am sorry we reached the 25 without you. I am also sure there are other women attorneys who would have qualified. Editor).

https://www.mayerbrown.com/people/Barbara-M-Goodstein/   

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EAR Vendor Ferguson Hearing Set for March 17, 2015
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2015/2_19.htm#ear

"Whatever happened to George Ferguson?"

(Name withheld)

(The vendor used by Sheldon Player, Equipment Acquisition Resources. He lost his business, his house, and is reportedly living on social security.  A plea hearing is to take place April 7, 2015 before Honorable Harry D. Leinenweber, Northern District of Illinois. Editor)

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Saluting Leasing News Advisory Board Chairman
Robert “Bob” Teichman, CLFP
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2016/03_07.htm#advisor

"Kudos to Leasing News for recognizing and saluting an icon of the leasing industry, Bob Teichman.  I met Bob sometime back in the late 1970s and some of the things you did not include (I presume due to a lack of space) is that Bob is very easy and eager to engage; he enjoys sharing his knowledge, which is vast; he is a raconteur and punster of high quality; and he cares, which is key in a friend.  Although I’ve been outside the leasing industry, just peeking in and making a few placements for almost the last 20 years, Bob is one of the people that I truly appreciate the opportunity to still connect with from time to time.  I am proud to have called Bob a friend.

"Great career, Bob,"

Hal Horowitz

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Leasing Icon Ben Millerbis Passes Away
http://leasingnews.org/Pages/millerbis.html
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2016/02_16.htm#reaction

“The Millerbis family wishes to thank all those who have expressed their sympathies and condolences since

Ben’s passing on February 12th.  A private ceremony celebrating Ben’s life was held by the family.”

Thanks,

Peter Eaton

(received--

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Problems Continue at Axis Capital, Grand Island, Nebraska
by Christopher Menkin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2016/03_11.htm#problems

Dear Kit,

I hope this email finds you well.

This morning, one of Axis Capital’s customers brought to my attention your article entitled “Problems Continue at Axis Capital”, authored by you. After reading the article in your newsletter, I have several issues with the material and the tone that was printed regarding Axis, that indicate some major misperceptions about our company. I’d like to correct the record with you now and offer you an opportunity to learn more about us.

First, the headline of your article is inaccurate. You state that “Problems Continue at Axis Capital”. This is an odd and surprising conclusion to make, since Axis is coming off a record year in origination volume, net income and headcount. We are currently in the planning stages of constructing a new campus in Grand Island with a goal of becoming an ”employer of choice” in the central Nebraska region. Our momentum continues in 2016 as we have organized a very strong management team to lead the organization to a $1BB company. Our initiatives include diversifying our funding sources, expanding our sales teams and strategic acquisitions.

Secondly, the performance of our securitization is well within the expected losses and delinquency of our ABS compliance. Both metrics are also very close to current  industry performance: The Thompson Reuters/Paynet Small Business Delinquency Index reports 31-90 day delinquency in December of 1.20% (Axis’s is only slightly above at 1.9% in its securitization). The same study reports defaults in the period of 1.60% whereas Axis default rate in the period was 1.178%. You had compared the cumulative loss in December to that of June, which could be misleading to the reader. As I am sure you are aware, losses accumulate throughout the year and, at year end, the portfolio is evaluated for any further write downs according to accounting rules. Axis Capital takes a conservative approach to portfolio management and is constantly evaluating the performance of its obligors, industry and economic conditions/forecasts and asset values.

Third, when you published your January article regarding the management changes at Axis, Jacklynn Manning, Director of Marketing, had reached out to you to introduce herself to you as Axis’s media contact. I spoke to Jacklynn this morning and she has heard nothing from you in advance of this article and neither has anyone else in a leadership position at Axis or the parent company. You state: "At this point, no one appears to want to go on the record” and "It appears there is more to the story, but not for publication at this time.”  Who did you attempt to contact at Axis?  Going forward, I request that you contact Ms. Manning regarding any and all media releases, articles and company statements. 
Media Contact:
Jacklynn Manning, Director of Marketing
308.398.4140 x 266  
JManning@axiscapitalinc.com  

Finally, Kit, I have no issue in anyone reporting the news, accurate data or the right of free speech. However, the tone and slant of your article appears to me to be mean-spirited, with an intent to damage the reputation of a fine organization. It is certainly unfair to our hard working employees, independent originators, vendors, investors, lenders and other important partners. Axis enjoys a very positive reputation in the industry and the future is very bright for all concerned. I would kindly ask that, prior to publishing editorial information relating to Axis, you first contact the company for a written statement.

Axis is positioning itself well for long-term expansion and success in the industry, and we hope there will be future opportunities for us to discuss with you the full range of activities and efforts we are pursuing. We’re proud of our company and think you’ll have reason to be impressed as well when you learn more about it. If you have availability next week, I invite you to participate in a phone call where we can provide you more background and help you understand our story better.

Please feel free to contact me or Jacklynn directly should you choose to discuss further.

Sincerely, 
Mike Coon  |  Vice President, Syndications
Axis Capital, an AMUR Company

(I received the Axis Capital Press Release, which was published in the next edition. I never received a telephone call or email from Ms. Manning, but did receive the Axis Capital Press Release, which was published in the next edition:
AXIS Capital Board of Directors Announces
Expansion of Senior Management Team
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2016/01_08.htm#axis

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Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals
San Francisco Area Class Almost Sold Out!

 

Reid Raykovich, CLFP,  Executive Director of the Certified Leasing and Finance Professional Foundation, states the San Francisco Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals has almost sold out!

There are just a few seats left - register today for the best prep class that the industry offers for the CLFP exam.

San Francisco Area
Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals -
Thu, May 12, 2016 8:00 AM (PDT) End. Sat.• Walnut Creek, CA

The cost to attend the class is $600 and the cost of the exam is $695.  When purchased together, the total is discounted to $1250. Current CLFPs are offered a discounted price of $395 and class attendance satisfies the Recertification requirement.

For information on the San Francisco Area Academy, click here:
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/walnut_creek2016.pdf

The ALFP is a three-day event designed to fully prepare an individual to sit for the CLFP exam assuming the attendee has already self-studied. During the first two days, all of the required sections of the CLFP exam are covered in-depth and on the third day, the exam is offered, but not mandatory.

Students are strongly advised to have read and studied The Certified Lease & Finance Professionals' Handbook prior to attending the class in order to ensure success.

Up-Coming Classes

Philadelphia Area
Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals -
Thu,  September 22, 2016 8:00 AM (PDT) End. Sat.  • TBD

Denver Area
Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals -
Thu, November 03, 2016 8:00 AM (PDT) End. Sat.• Littleton, CO

CLFP also has a mentor program. For questions or to register, please contact: reid@CLFPfoundation.org or (206) 535-6281

[headlines]
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Lender Finance: How Does the Capital Stack
Latest Study from ELFF by The Alta Group

The latest study from the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation dives into the dynamics of the lender finance market place. Researched by The Alta Group, the study determines whether bank appetite to be both a lender and participant in the leasing business has changed since the 2008 crisis. The study also reviews the implications on the equipment finance industry. 

The Alta Group researchers were Director George L. Lehnertz, and Director Patricia M. Voorhees.

“Lender finance has been the lifeblood of independent lessors for decades,” Gerard said. “When traditional bank lenders pulled back in the aftermath of the financial crisis, they created an opportunity for other capital providers to support the equipment leasing industry. What that means for independent lessors is that more lenders are attracted to the industry than ever before. The study provides a blueprint for independents wanting to access this capital source.”

It includes different types of lenders or participants, such as traditional banks to newer entrants such as FinTech venture capital, private equity, and to a lesser extent, insurance firms. The emergence of lender finance is the result of the financial recession and banks’ dampened appetite for lending.

Available for free for donors of the Foundation. $300 otherwise:
http://www.store.leasefoundation.org/cgi-bin/msascartdll.dll/ProductInfo?productcd=LenFin2016

Why the 4-Inch iPhone SE Could Prove a Hit
Model Breakdown of active IPhones

by Felix Richter, Statista.com

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook took the stage to announce a couple of additions to his company’s product line-up. Perhaps the most notable device presented during the event was the iPhone SE. While underwhelming at first glance, the iPhone SE looks almost identical to the almost three-year old iPhone 5s, it may turn out to be just the right product at the right time.

First of all there’s the price: The iPhone SE starts at $399 for the 16 GB version, making it Apple’s most affordable iPhone to date. Even the iPhone 5c, which came equipped with inferior hardware from the start, was priced at $549 for the 16 GB version. At this price point, the iPhone SE could prove particularly popular in emerging markets such as India, which Tim Cook named as one of the company’s key growth markets.

Perhaps even more importantly though, the new iPhone fills a gap in Apple’s smartphone line-up that was becoming larger and larger the older the iPhone 5s grew: Despite the undisputed popularity of large-screen smartphones, there are still many people who prefer smartphones that fit inside a pocket and can be easily operated with one hand. As data by mobile analytics firm Mixpanel shows, almost a third of iPhone users still use one of the smaller models. Until yesterday, these people had no option but to cling to their aging iPhones or buy a new one equipped with 2013 hardware (at a very 2016 price). The iPhone SE, which is basically an iPhone 6s in a smaller package, gives these people what they want at a very attractive price.

Specifications:
http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_se-7969.php

 

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

$202 Million in Ascentium Capital’s ABS Notes
Upgraded and Affirmed by DBRS

KINGWOOD, TX,  – Ascentium Capital, a national commercial lender providing comprehensive finance solutions, announced that DBRS upgraded and affirmed certain small-ticket equipment lease backed securities issued from Ascentium Equipment Receivables 2015-1 LLC.

Evan Wilkoff, Executive Vice President of Capital Markets at Ascentium Capital, stated, “This upgrade reflects our portfolio’s solid performance which continues to be driven by high credit quality obligors diversified across various industries and equipment types. These factors help enable our ability to grow our portfolio and effectively manage credit risk.”

As a direct lender, Ascentium Capital LLC specializes in providing a broad range of business financing, leasing and working capital loans. The company’s offering benefits equipment manufacturers and distributors as well as direct to businesses nationwide. Ascentium Capital is backed by the strength of leading investment firms Vulcan Capital and LKCM Capital Group, LLC. For more information, please visit AscentiumCapital.com.

Full Ascentium Equipment Receivables 2015-1 LLC Report:
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/ascentium_equipmentreport.pdf

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

'Depressed' Dog Stars at Wall
After He's Returned to Kennel

PHILADELPHIA (KTVU) - An image of a melancholy rescue dog, who spent hours hunched over and facing a kennel wall has gone viral, and ultimately helped raise hundreds of dollars to help find him a home.

March, a Pit Bull mix fell into a deep depression, after hopes of leaving his kennel were dashed, according to the ACCT Philly shelter.

Animal care officials there tell KTVU Fox 2 a volunteer began the process of transporting the dog to a rescue facility, only to turn around and return him to ACCT because of a miscommunication.

When shelter officials put March back in this kennel, the dog immediately exhibited signs of depression: He placed himself facing a gray wall and stayed that way for a while.

March is described as being typically a "really sweet, happy, friendly" dog, that loves to snuggle, according to ACCT spokeswoman Ame Dorminy.

Once a 'happy boy', shelter life is now taking its toll on him and he is getting 'depressed and sick', which in turn sets him up for failure

An animal control officer brought the stray in after he was found on a back porch of an alley. He adjusted well to the shelter when he first arrived in early March.

But after his return to the kennel, he seemed sad and depressed and then caught a cold which added to his lethargy, according to officials.

Dorminy says in recent weeks, the dog has started bouncing back to his usual self.

On Monday ACCT shelter said it was getting ready to have March sent to a no-kill rescue facility, where officials hope he will be rescued and adopted into a new home.

A fund has been set up by people who want to help March get placed in a home. At last check almost $1,000 was raised.

ACCT Philly is contracted by the city of Philadelphia for animal control services. Because of its high animal intake, it is not a "no-kill" facility.

Dorminy says she hopes March's story and the funds raised will help rescue animals be placed in loving homes.

 

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

[headlines]
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Leasing News Classified Ads

Irvine, CA - Consulting and Investigations Operation Lease Fleece Case Agent, 20 year FBI fraud/white collar crime investigator, 10 year USMC Officer-pilot. Calif. Private Investigator License #29005 Email: PaulBonin@cox.net  Mobile: 949-713-9601	Los Angeles - Licensed Private Investigators, specializing Collateral Recovery Field Investigation for the Lending industry since 1998 - Our clients include Banks, Credit Unions, Automotive and Equipment Lenders.  JohnHarmonPI@aol.com
Midwest Collections, Investigations & Asset Tierra Investigations & Consultants, LLC. Commercial collections, repossessions, bankruptcy fraud, theft & conversion claims.   605-647-1700  Fax 605-647-0534 troy@tierrainv.com

 

(Leasing News provides this ad as a trade for investigative
reporting provided by John Kenny)

News Briefs---

ELFA Reports February was $6.1 Billion, up 2% from January
  Credit Quality Slipped a Bit
http://ww2.cfo.com/credit/2016/03/equipment-financing-credit-quality-slips/

Goldman Sachs probed in alleged rigging of Treasury market
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/goldman-sachs-probed-in-alleged-rigging-of-treasury-market-2016-03-21

Lending Club rediscovers its peer-to-peer roots
Shift from wholesale funding back to retail investors
https://next.ft.com/content/9e966ff2-ed48-11e5-9fca-fb0f946fd1f0

LendingClub: Tough Road Ahead
"Revival of direct lending between people to people similar to ancient Rome or 16th century England before banks took over."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/3960214-lendingclub-tough-road-ahead

Ex-bank officer pleads guilty to looting more than $1M
http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2016/03/ex-bank_officer_admits_looting_more_than_1m_from_v.html

2016 Private Capital Markets Report
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/2016PrivateCapitalMarkets.pdf

 
 

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--You May Have Missed It

Worst commutes in nation slideshow
http://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/Worst-commutes-in-nation-vex-West-Coast-drivers-6931600.php

[headlines]
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SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

Exercising with Your Dog
Pets Can Help Improve Your Health & Fitness
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=519

[headlines]
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Spring Poem
Three Spring Notations on Bipeds
by Carl Sandburg (1920)

1
The down drop of the blackbird,
The wing catch of arrested flight,
The stop midway and then off: off for triangles, circles, loops of new hieroglyphs—
This is April’s way: a woman:
“O yes, I’m here again and your heart
knows I was coming.”

2
White pigeons rush at the sun,
A marathon of wing feats is on:
“Who most loves danger? Who most loves wings? Who somersaults for God’s
sake in the name of wing power in the sun and blue on an April Thursday.”
So ten winged heads, ten winged feet, race their white forms over Elmhurst.
They go fast: once the ten together were a feather of foam bubble,
a chrysanthemum whirl speaking to silver and azure.

3
The child is on my shoulders.
In the prairie moonlight the child’s legs hang over my shoulders.
She sits on my neck and I hear her calling me a good horse.
She slides down—and into the moon silver of a prairie stream
She throws a stone and laughs at the clug-clug.

[headlines]
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Sports Briefs----

Chop block outlawed as NFL makes rule changes
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15043043/chop-blocks-eliminated-pat-snaps-15-permanent

49ers in rent dispute with Santa Clara
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-in-rent-dispute-with-Santa-Clara-6926528.php

Marshawn Lynch is too busy to officially retire from the Seahawks
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/03/marshawn-lynch-too-busy-retire-seattle-seahawks

 

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

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

Andrew S. Grove, Intel Chief Who Spurred Semiconductor Revolution, Dies at 79
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/22/technology/andrew-grove-intel-obituary.html?ref=business&_r=0

Silicon Valley Watcher on Andrew Grove Passing
http://www.siliconvalleywatcher.com/mt/archives/2016/03/
intels_andy_grove_is.php?

(Leasing News provides this ad as a trade for appraisals
and equipment valuations provided by Ed Castagna)

[headlines]
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“Gimme that Wine”

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

The Judgment of Paris at 40: California wines evolution
    through the lenses of a key event
http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataid=166484

Warren Winiarski Looking Back at the Judgement of Paris
https://grapecollective.com/articles/warren-winiarski-looking-back-at-the-judgment-of-paris

Post-Mortem on a Disastrous 2015 Grape Harvest
http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?
section=news&content=166467

Wine Country’s unsung hero: Chuy Ordaz
http://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/article/Wine-Country-s-unsung-hero-Chuy-Ordaz-6920947.php?t=80b25ee2f000af33be&cmpid=fb-premium

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/

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

     1775 - Patrick Henry spoke for arming the Virginia militia at St. Johns Church, Richmond, Virginia. He was addressing the second Virginia convention, and delivered his immortal speech against arbitrary British rule:  “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” Ironically, history has made this the best known, but from a contemporary journal, his most famous remark at the time, the one most repeated, occurred when he uttered:  “Caesar had his Brutus; Charles the first his Cromwell; and George the Third may profit by their example.” He was then interrupted and accused of treason, where he responded, “If this is treason, make the most of it.” The speech caused a sensation, being bolder than any speech given that year.
    1806 – Lewis and Clark began their return trip home after arriving at the Pacific Ocean.
    1810 - In France, Napoleon Bonaparte signs the Rambouillet Decree which mandates the seizure, confiscation and sale of any US ship in French ports. The Decree is published 14 May and is to be retroactive to 20 May 1809.
    1839 - “O.K.” First Appearance in Print. “The Boston Morning Post” printed the first known “ok.” It derived from a misspelling of “all correct”—“oll korrect.” Etymologist Allen Read doggedly tracked down the word’s origin in the 1960’s. “O.K” is now used in most languages.
    1842 - Congressman Joshua R. Giddings of Ohio is censured by the House of Representatives for introducing resolutions opposing slavery and the coastal slave trade. The "Gag Rule," first adopted by a South-dominated Congress in 1836, and renewed at the beginning of each session thereafter, pledged every member not to mention the slavery issue on the floor of the House.
    1857 - Fannie Farmer Cookbook standardizes measurements in cooking.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/mar23.html
    1857 – Elisha Otis’ first elevator was installed at 488 Broadway, New York City.
    1858 - Eleazer A. Gardner of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania obtained a patent on an “improvement in tracks for city railways.” The cable was housed in an underground tunnel with a series of pulleys inside. It was not until 1873 that the cable car began operation on the Clay Street Hill in San Francisco. It was the first cable car put into service anywhere in the world, on an improvement and new patent by Andrew Smith Hallidie for an “endless-wire rope way.”
http://www.sfcablecar.com/history.html
    1862 - As General George McClellan began the Peninsula campaign to move on the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson engaged a larger force of Union troops at Kernstown in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Although he ultimately was forced to retreat, the Battle of Kernstown provided a diversion central to the South’s military strategy. Fearing an attack on Washington, DC, northern troops were kept around Washington as part of its defense, leaving fewer troops available for the Peninsula campaign.
    1867 - The Second Reconstruction Act was passed over President Johnson’s veto. It provided for the registration of all qualified voters, who were subsequently to decide on readmittance to the Union.
    1868 - University of California was founded in Oakland, CA.
http://www.berkeley.edu/about/history/
    1872 - "Emperor" Joshua A. Norton is often credited with the idea of bridging the bay between San Francisco and Oakland. His most famous decree­ March 23, 1872, ­which ordered construction of a bridge between Oakland Point and Goat Island, was apparently based upon concepts outlined in several newspaper articles during the early 1870s. Charles Crocker of the Central Pacific Railroad had earlier proposed a railroad bridge from Oakland to San Francisco via Goat Island.
    1877 - Mormon zealot John Doyle Lee was executed by a firing squad for masterminding the Mountain Meadows Massacre. In 1857, a wagon train of 127 Arkansas Methodist emigrants, bound for California, were killed by a party of Mormon settlers and Paiute Indians at Mountain Meadows (near Cedar City), Utah.
http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/i_r/lee.htm
http://www.usu.edu/usupress/individl/johnlee.htm
http://www.lib.utah.edu/spc/mss/accn186/186.html
http://www.onlineutah.com/historylee.shtml
    1889 - President Harrison opens Oklahoma for colonization, creating the great Oklahoma land rush.  It quickly grew out of control as
there was no local authority or representative of the federal government in charge. The date set was for April 22 and for white settlers only.
http://digital.library.okstate.edu/chronicles/v020/v020p218.html
http://www.multied.com/Bio/presidents/b_harrison.html
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11230c.htm
http://marti.rootsweb.com/land/oklands.html
    1911 - National Urban League founded.
http://www.britannica.com/blackhistory/micro/417/36.html
http://www.nul.org/about/mission.htm
    1904 - Birthday of actress Joan Crawford (d. 1977), born Lucille Fay LaSueur at San Antonio, TX. Crawford became a Hollywood star with her performance in “Our Chancing Daughters.”  She won an Oscar in 1945 for her role in “Mildred Pierce.” Events of Crawford’s life are chronicled in “Mommie Dearest.” Other films included “The Women,” “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” and “Twelve Miles Out.” I am confused about the actual dates, but I believe it was in 1947, when my father, Lawrence Menkin, was brought to Hollywood to work on the "Possessed" movie. He had a number of photographs of Joan Crawford and him (she also looked a lot like my mother.) He never said anything about her that I can remember, but he hated the Hollywood scene and the doctoring of the script.  After finishing whatever he was brought in for, he was offered another film to work on, but he wanted to go back to New York where he was much better known, and had an offer from Dr. Dumont to work on television shows with Bill Cadigan for the new Dumont television channel, which he said was more exciting. He was born and raised in New York City. I can tell you he did not learn to drive until the early 1950's, so being in California without an ability to drive would certainly also be a deterrent, plus his family stayed in New York while he was working in Hollywood. By the way, Joan Crawford was nominated for an Oscar, but lost it to Loretta Young for "The Farmer's Daughter."
http://www.famoustexans.com/joancrawford.htm
http://www.reelclassics.com/Actresses/Crawford/crawford.htm
    1907 - San Francisco Mayor Eugene Schmitz reportedly is considering resigning as chief executive of the city on the condition that he is granted immunity from further prosecution and indictment by the grand jury. Schmitz is being kept in his house at Pierce and Vallejo streets and is constantly watched by details or detectives. 
    1912 - Residents of Kansas City, Missouri began to dig out from a storm that dumped 25 inches for snow in 24 hours. This snowfall total was nearly twice that of any other storm of modern record in Kansas City before or since that time. A record 40 inches of snow fell during the month of March that year and the total of 67 inches for the winter season was also a record. Olathe, Kansas received 37 inches of snow in the storm establishing a single storm record for the state.
    1913 - A vicious tornado hit the city of Omaha, NE. The tornado struck during the late afternoon on Easter Sunday, and in just twelve minutes cut a swath of total destruction five miles long and two blocks wide across the city killing 94 persons and causing 3.5 million dollars property damage.
    1917 - Pianist Johnny Guarnieri (d. 1985) birthday, NYC.
http://jagmusic-1.com/Bio.htm
http://entertainment.msn.com/artist/?artist=113789
http://soley.zodchiy.ru/J/Johnny_Guarnieri.html
    1924 - Bette Nesmith Graham (d. 1980) was born in Dallas.  She was the inventor of white-out, under the brand Liquid Paper.  In 1979, she sold Liquid Paper to Gillette for $47.5 million. At the time, her company employed 200 people and made 25 million bottles of Liquid Paper per year.
   1926 - Birthday of Martha Wright, Duvall, WA.  She is a singer who sang one part 1,080 times for the longest run ever recorded on the Broadway stage.  Few remember her name because she succeeded Mary Martin as Nellie Forbisch in “South Pacific.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Wright_(actress)
    1929 – The first man to run a mile under 4 minutes, Sir Roger Bannister, was born in Harrow, England.  He achieved this feat on May 6, 1954 at Oxford in 3 min 59.4 sec.  The record was broken 46 days later.
    1932 - Birthday of guitarist/harmonica player Louisiana Red (d. 2012) born Iverson Minter in Vicksburg, MS.
http://www.eharmonica.net/iverson%20minter.htm
http://www.oldies.com/artist/biography.cfm/id_339.html
    1938 - Birthday of vibes player Dave Pike (d. 2015), Detroit, MI.
http://www.ubiquityrecords.com/dave_pike.html
http://www.fantasyjazz.com/catalog/pike_d_cat.html
http://www.hipwax.com/music/patch/vibes_dp.html
    1944 - Woody Herman waxes homogenized protest “Milkman Keep Those Bottles Quiet.”  On this day in 1987, he makes his last appearance with the Herd in Grand Meadow, Minnesota.
    1945 - CARTER, EDWARD A., JR., Medal of Honor
Rank: Staff Sergeant. Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action on 23 March 1945, near Speyer, Germany. When the tank on which he was riding received heavy bazooka and small arms fire, Sergeant Carter voluntarily attempted to lead a three-man group across an open field. Within a short time, two of his men were killed and the third seriously wounded. Continuing on alone, he was wounded five times and finally forced to take cover. As eight enemy riflemen attempted to capture him, Sergeant Carter killed six of them and captured the remaining two. He then crossed the field using as a shield his two prisoners from which he obtained valuable information concerning the disposition of enemy troops. Staff Sergeant Carter's extraordinary heroism was an inspiration to the officers and men of the Seventh Army Infantry Company Number 1 (Provisional) and exemplifies the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.
    1946 - Top Hits
“Oh, What It Seemed to Be” - The Frankie Carle Orchestra (vocal: Marjorie Hughes)
“Personality” - Johnny Mercer
“Day by Day” - Frank Sinatra
“Guitar Polka” - Al Dexter
    1950 - “Beat the Clock” premiered on television. On this game show from the team of Mark Goodson and Bill Todman, couples performed stunts within a specified time period (usually under 60 seconds) with the winners being given a chance to try a special stunt to win a great prize. Special stunts were very difficult, and the same one was attempted every week until a couple got it right. In 1952, James Dean got his first TV job testing stunts and warming up the audience. Bud Collier was the host, assisted by Roxanne (real name Dolores Rosedale). A 1969 syndicated version hosted by Jack Narz and then by Gene Wood had celebrities to help the contestants. A 1979 revival was hosted by Monty Hall.
    1952 - Bill Mosienko of the Chicago Blackhawks set an NHL record by scoring three goals in 21 seconds in a game against the New York Rangers. Mosienko scored at 6:09, 6:30 and 6:30 of the third period against goalie Lorne Anderson. Chicago won, 7-6.
    1954 - Top Hits
“Make Love to Me!” - Jo Stafford
“Cross Over the Bridge” - Patti Page
“Wanted” - Perry Como
“Slowly” - Webb Pierce
    1954 – Luigi “Geno” Auriemma, head coach of women’s basketball at the University of Connecticut, was born in Montella, Italy.  He emigrated with his family to Norristown, PA when he was seven years old, and spent the rest of his childhood there.  He has led UConn to ten NCAA Division I national championships, a feat only matched by John Wooden, and has won six national Naismith College Coach of the Year awards.  Auriemma was also the head coach of the US women’s national basketball team from 2009 to 2014, during which time his teams won the 2010 and 2014 World Championships and the gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.  His career record as a head coach, all at UConn since 1986, is 949-134.
    1955 - Elvis Presley auditions for TV's Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, where he plays "Good Rockin' Tonight". His performance is weak and the show's producers turn him down.
    1958 - A teenage quartet from Hollywood, California who called themselves The Four Preps saw their first big hit, "Twenty-Six Miles (Santa Catalina)" peak at #2 on the Hot 100. They would go on to place six more songs in the Top 40 over the next four years, including "Big Man" (#3) and "Down by the Station" (#13).
    1959 - The Skyliners, a five member group from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, entered the Billboard Pop chart for the first time with the now classic doo-wop hit, "Since I Don't Have You". The song will be their biggest success, reaching #12. Joe Rock would later say that he was upset about a girl who had just left him and wrote most of the lyrics while sitting in his car between stoplights.
    1962 - Top Hits
“Hey! Baby” - Bruce Channel
“Midnight in Moscow” - Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen
“Don’t Break the Heart that Loves You” - Connie Francis
“That’s My Pa” - Sheb Wooley
    1963 - The Beatles' first LP, "Please, Please Me," was released in Britain. The album included the title song, which had topped the British chart a month earlier. The LP, with the exception of the title song, was recorded in one 13-hour session on February 11th. Other hits included in the Beatles' first album included "Love Me Do," "I Saw Her Standing There," "Do You Want To Know a Secret?" and "Twist and Shout."
    1963 - The Beach Boys release "Surfin U.S.A."
    1964 - IBM vastly underestimates System/360 demand. IBM told reporters that the company expected to install 5000 units of its new computer line, System/360, in the next five years. The company vastly overshot its goals, installing 25,000 by 1969. During the first two years of the new product line's production, the company could fill only about half of the nine thousand orders it received. The System/360 line was the first series of compatible computers. Previous computers were custom-built for each customer and required individual programming. The product line, which cost $5 billion to develop, fostered IBM's dominant position in the computer industry.
    1964 - Elvis Presley received his discharge from the US Army Reserve. He had left active duty in February, 1960. 
    1965 - Astronaut John Young became the first person to eat a corned beef sandwich in space. Young snuck the sandwich on board to supplement his meals of dehydrated foods, including powdered fruit juice.
    1970 - Top Hits
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel
The Rapper - The Jaggerz
Give Me Just a Little More Time - Chairmen of the Board
The Fightin’ Side of Me - Merle Haggard
    1971 - FITZMAURICE, MICHAEL JOHN, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Troop D, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division. Place and date: Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, 23 March 1971. Entered service at: Jamestown, N. Dak. Born: 9 March 1950, Jamestown, N. Dak. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice, 3d Platoon, Troop D, distinguished himself at Khe Sanh. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and 3 fellow soldiers were occupying a bunker when a company of North Vietnamese sappers infiltrated the area. At the onset of the attack Sp4c. Fitzmaurice observed 3 explosive charges which had been thrown into the bunker by the enemy. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he hurled 2 of the charges out of the bunker. He then threw his flak vest and himself over the remaining charge. By this courageous act he absorbed the blast and shielded his fellow-soldiers. Although suffering from serious multiple wounds and partial loss of sight, he charged out of the bunker, and engaged the enemy until his rifle was damaged by the blast of an enemy hand grenade. While in search of another weapon, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice encountered and overcame an enemy sapper in hand-to-hand combat. Having obtained another weapon, he returned to his original fighting position and inflicted additional casualties on the attacking enemy. Although seriously wounded, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice refused to be medically evacuated, preferring to remain at his post. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice's extraordinary heroism in action at the risk of his life contributed significantly to the successful defense of the position and resulted in saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. These acts of heroism go above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and the U.S. Army. 
    1973 - "Concentration", the longest-running game show in television, starring Hugh Downs, came to an end after 15 years on NBC. A syndicated version without Downs aired, but did not last long. 
    1973 - Jason Kidd, NBA basketball player and current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, was born in San Francisco, CA.
    1973 - "Derek and the Dominos in Concert," the two record set released well over a year after the short-lived group's break-up, goes gold.
    1974 - Cher hit the top of the music charts when "Dark Lady" reached the #1 for a one-week stay. Other artists sharing the spotlight during that time included: Terry Jacks, John Denver, Blue Swede, Elton John and MFSB.
    1975 - San Francisco's Kezar Stadium is the site for a Bill Graham-run benefit show called SNACK (Students Need Athletics, Culture and Kicks). The Show features the Tower of Power, the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Starship, Joan Baez, Graham Central Station, Neil Young and special guest Bob Dylan. It's to raise money for the San Francisco school system which recently canceled most sports and after-hour activities because of a $3-million budget deficit. Almost $200,000 is raised, but it's really not needed because the day before the event, an announcement is made that through a financial adjustment, $2.1 million has been "found."
    1977 - No. 1 Billboard hit:  “Rich Girl,'' Daryl Hall & John Oates. Hall and Oates met in 1969 in a service elevator while trying to escape a fight between rival gangs at a record hop in Philadelphia's Adelphi Ballroom.
    1977 - The first of “The Nixon Interviews” (12 will be recorded over four weeks) was videotaped with British journalist David Frost interviewing former President Richard Nixon about Watergate and the tapes.
    1978 - Top Hits
“Night Fever” - Bee Gees
“Stayin’ Alive” - Bee Gees
“Lay Down Sally” - Eric Clapton
“Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” - Waylon & Willie
    1981 - No. 1 Billboard hit:  “Rapture,'' Blondie. The song is the first rap song to reach No. 1.
    1983 - Barney Clark died after living almost 112 days with an artificial heart. The heart, made of polyurethane plastic and aluminum, was implanted in Clark at the University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Dec. 2, 1982. Clark was the first person ever to receive a permanent artificial heart. Born at Provo, UT, Jan 21, 1921, Clark was 62 when he died.
    1983 - No. 1 Billboard hit:  “Billie Jean,'' Michael Jackson. The song is the first No. 1 single from “Thriller,'' the best-selling album of all time.
    1983 - In his "Star Wars" speech, Pres. Ronald Reagan proposes a space-based system to blast incoming missiles out of the sky -- just like the 1940 film "Murder in the Air," whose hero, Secret Service Agent Brass Bancroft (played by Ronald Reagan!), gets involved with the "Inertia Projector," a death ray that can zap planes.
    1985 - Former Creedence Clearwater Revival front man John Fogerty went to #1 on the US album chart with "Centerfield".  “Centerfield" is the title track from that album and it is now commonly played at baseball games across the United States.  Along with "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," it is one of the best-known baseball songs.  In 2010, John Fogerty became the only musician to be celebrated at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony when "Centerfield" was honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
    1985 - Musician Billy Joel married model Christie Brinkley in a private ceremony held in New York City. They announced in April, 1994 that they had separated.
    1986 - Top Hits
“These Dreams” - Heart
“Secret Lovers” - Atlantic Starr
“Rock Me Amadeus” - Falco
“What’s a Memory like You” (“Doing in a Love like This”) - John Schneider
    1987 - A 3 day snowstorm commenced over the central Plains. It left amounts exceeding one foot in a south to north band from the Texas Panhandle to South Dakota. Blizzard conditions prevailed with winds gusting to 78 mph at Dodge City, Kansas and Altus, Oklahoma. Pampa, Texas was buried under 20 inches of snow, the worst in the area in at least 70 years. 24 inches of snow was recorded at Neligh, Nebraska.
    1987 - “The Bold and the Beautiful” premiered on TV. A continuing daytime serial created by William Bell and Lee Phillip Bell to be "young and hip." It is set in the fashion industry of Los Angeles with two central families, the Logans and the Forresters. The cast has included, as the Forresters: John McCook, Susan Flannery, Clayton Norcross, Jeff Trachta, Ronn Moss, Teri Ann Linn, Colleen Dion and as the Logans: Robert Pine, Judith Baldwin, Nancy Burnett, Nancy Sloan, Carrie Mitchum (granddaughter of Robert), Ethan Wayne (son of John), Brian Patrick Clarke, Katherine Kelly Lang and Lesley Woods. Other cast members include Jeff Conaway, Tippi Hedren and Hunter Tylo.
    1989 - After 33 years, 59 year-old Dick Clark retired from hosting the television program, “American Bandstand.”  It aired in various versions from 1952 to 1989.  “American Bandstand” premiered locally in late March, 1950 as “Bandstand” on Philadelphia television station WFIL-TV Channel 6, as a replacement for a weekday movie that had shown predominantly British films.  Clark pitched the show to ABC president Thomas Moore and, after some badgering, the show was picked up nationally, becoming “American Bandstand” on August 5, 1957. Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon holds the record for most appearances at 110.
    1990 - An upper level storm system produced heavy snow in the Lower Missouri Valley. Snowfall totals ranged up to nine inches at Kansas City, MO, with eight inches reported at Falls City, NE, Columbia, MO and Saint Louis, MO. Thunderstorms produced heavy snow in the Kansas City area during the evening rush hour.
    1991 - Elton John joins George Michael onstage at London's Wembley Arena for a duet on the 1974 hit "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me". The 'live' version will be released as a single and top the charts on both sides of the Atlantic next December. Michael will donate $500,000 from the royalties to various charities.
    1991 - WLAF Makes its Debut: The World League of American Football, part of a marketing attempt by the National Football League to extend the game’s popularity in Europe, made its début as the London Monarchs defeated the Frankfurt Galaxy, 24-11.
    1993 - During a surprise concert in Red Bank, New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen ripped off his shirt and offered a version of Billy Ray Cyrus's "Achy Breaky Heart." Springsteen told his audience that it was a "damn good" tune. The surprise show, which benefited a local theatre and a food bank, was a warm-up for a European tour.
    1998 - The movie, "Titanic", won a record-tying 11 Oscars at the 70th Annual Academy Awards (tying the number of awards won by "Ben-Hur" in 1959). Comedian/actor Billy Crystal kept the crowd at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, and the millions watching on TV, in stitches as "Titanic" (James Cameron, Jon Landau, producers) won Best Picture; Best Director (James Cameron); Best Cinematography (Russell Carpenter); Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Peter Lamont [art director], Michael Ford [set decorator]); Best Costume Design (Deborah Lynn Scott); Best Sound (Gary Rydstrom, Tom Johnson, Gary Summers, Mark Ulano); Best Film Editing (Conrad Buff IV, James Cameron, Richard A. Harris); Best Effects/Sound Effects Editing (Tom Bellfort, Christopher Boyes); Best Effects/Visual Effects (Robert Legato, Mark A. Lasoff, Thomas L. Fisher, Michael Kanfer); Best Music/Original Dramatic Score (James Horner); and Best Music/Song (James Horner [music] and Will Jennings [lyrics] for "My Heart Will Go On", performed by Céline Dion). Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt took top acting honors as the misanthropic writer and the waitress who softens his heart in "As Good as it Gets". The Best Supporting Actor Oscar went to Robin Williams for "Good Will Hunting" and Best Supporting Actress was Kim Basinger for her "L.A. Confidential" part (Lynn Bracken: “Merry Christmas to you, officer.”)
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    1998 - The National Football League awarded an expansion franchise to the City of Cleveland. The team, to be called the Browns, as was Cleveland’s former team, which relocated to Baltimore and became the Ravens.  The city of Cleveland had successfully sued to maintain the Browns name.
    2004 - An album Paul Simon recorded in 1965 that has never saw the light of day in America gets its first official release there. "The Paul Simon Songbook," previously only available as an import and long out-of-print even in that form, is released via Columbia/Legacy. The original 12-track album was recorded in the wake of the lukewarm response afforded Simon & Garfunkel's 1964 debut, "Wednesday Morning 3 A.M."
    2007 - A trailer is thrown through a bowling alley as a tornado moves through Clovis, NM. About 100 homes and businesses are destroyed, at least three schools are damaged and telephone poles are snapped. Thirteen tornadoes struck a dozen communities along the New Mexico/Texas border. Two people were critically injured.
    2011 - A series of tornados are spawned from severe thunderstorms in Pennsylvania. In Hempfield Township, dozens of homes and a high school auditorium where students are rehearsing a play are severely damaged.
    2013 – By a vote of 50-49, the Senate passed its first budget in four years.

NCAA Basketball Champions:
    1948 - Kentucky
    1957 - North Carolina
    1963 - Loyola (L.)
    1968 - UCLA