New Legislation Seeks to
Amend SB197 to Remove Licensing of Broker
By Tom McCurnin
Leasing News Legal Editor

New Bill Proposes a New Classification of Licensee—A Finder
Which is Really a Broker

California Proposed Bill SB 297 (February 2017). 

Is California Crazy?

Question: When is a broker not a broker? Under the new proposed legislation, a broker may also be called a “finder,” and thereby may be exempted from licensing. If this law is passed "as is," no longer will brokers be required to be licensed. Instead they will only have to be “registered.” The facts follow.

California Senator Bill Dodd, (D-Napa) proposed new legislation to amend and basically discard the provisions of last year’s SB 197 amendment that drew so much discussion. Called SB 297, the bill proposes adding a new type of “licensee” called a “finder.”  The definitions of a “finder” sound to me exactly like a broker—the finder solicits borrowers, takes financial information, helps them fill out an application, shops the deal to a funding source, communicates credit decisions and generally acts as an intermediary between the licensed funding source and the borrower. If there is a difference between a “finder” and a “broker,” the distinction is lost on me. 

But here’s the good news: brokers still have to be licensed (there is still no concrete definition of a broker under the Financial Code), but hey, if you are a “finder,” then you don’t have to be licensed. 

So let me ask the readers—what broker in its right mind would want to be licensed if it could be merely register with the DOB? And if that is the case, why not be honest about the legislation and simply have a law that brokers don’t have to be licensed? 

So, this is great news for brokers, excuse me ahem, finders. No longer will they have to be licensed, if this bill becomes law. 

The legislation does require the finder to “register.” There are no stated requirements for such registration, whether it’s merely signing a book at your local DOB office, or whether a full blown personal investigation will be necessary. All this is noticeably absent from the legislation and is up to the DOB to create regulations governing this new “finder” status. There is no indication that the “finder” will have to pay any fees for registering or will have to file an annual report with the DOB. All this is left to our imagination.  Finders will be prohibiting from lying and cheating borrowers under the proposed legislation. 

I’m having a hard time getting my head around this new status, which effectively eliminates “brokers” as being licensees, but let me try to deliver both sides of the argument.

As a practical matter, most brokers in our industry who do business in California aren’t licensed. While I’m sure after SB 197, license applications increased for brokers,  rom what I see in my office, not noticeably so.  Therefore, brokers being an independent lot, simply didn’t get licensed and will face the consequences if and when that shoe drops. If that is the case, an argument can be made to try to nudge them into coming out of the woodwork and registering, if the process could be made ridiculously simple. Isn’t it better that we know who is brokering (excuse me, finding loans or capital leases) rather than have those guys operate under the radar? And that could be Senator Dodd’s rationale for this bill. It’s essentially a “broker-light” classification with all the great taste, but only half the calories. 

Conversely, I am a little offended at the word games. If the idea is brokers aren’t getting licensed, and the legislature wants to encourage licensing by making it less onerous, then take the issue head on, remove the broker licensing requirement and replace it with registration with some details as to what registration might look like. Creating a new classification for a “finder” without removing the classification for a “broker” is ridiculous. It’s as if the exception (a finder) now swallows up the rule (a broker). 

One word of caution: this is a newly proposed bill and will get sliced and diced by the Finance Committee later this year. Don’t expect this bill in its current proposed status to look anything like the current draft if it ever gets out of committee. My hope would be that the Finance Committee tackle the issue of broker licensing head on instead of the proposed word games.

But the bottom line to this proposed legislation is great news for brokers who were unwilling to be licensed.

Welcome to California!

SB297 (17 pages)
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/CAFindersBill2017.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

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

 

 

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Four Possible Car Sales Killers Coming in Mid-March
by Chuck Parker, Automotive Digest

What are these scary forthcoming developments in March & April?

• Vote on Federal Government Debt Limit on March 15
• Gridlock in Congress over Debt Limit, ACA, Immigration
• Government shut down if Gridlock occurs
• Interest Rate on car loans to go up

Where are the initial sourcing of this scary perspective?

1. This Week in Barrons (R F Culbertson’s Insightful Report)
   http://rfcfinancialnews.blogspot.com/
2. David Stockman’s Video Interview  
   Video Streaming on www.automotivedigest.com  and
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xgNncFHAng&feature=em-share_video_user
   
   What action can you take now ---or do about this?

• Seek to either believe or ignore what Stockman is saying
• Prepare for a reduction in April new car sales; more UC sales.
• Make your dealer sales team aware of what’s happening
• Realize the Washington and your State government impact your business
• Think long term and grasp changes in dealer business model

Chuck Parker
Automotive Information Network, Inc.
Automotive Digest
www.automotivedigest.com
cparker@automotivedigest.com
(o)310 265-2225
(c) 310 663-0413
425 32nd Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

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

 

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Leasing Industry Ads---Help Wanted
Join a Company Utilizing Latest Advantages of Financial Technology

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Testimonial---Leasing News
Held Wanted Ads are Placed Three to Four Places/Not Just One


“Thank you for working with us on our national sales position posting - it was successful - the responses were just as we desired - quality over quantity - two individuals, each with over 25 years of experience, have accepted positions with our company! “
Darren Gardner, CLFP
darrengardner@alliancecap.com
www.AllianceCap.com

Most news online media advertisers have a "Help Wanted" Classified Ad section that a reader can click to. Leasing News also has a Help Wanted ad in the Classified Position Wanted on the website. We are different in several ways: The ad appears twice (two places): Online News Edition and website.
Further, Leasing News, at the same time as the classified section,  also features the "Help Wanted" ad above the Masthead, on a rotational basis for each News Edition. When you open the News Edition, it is the first place you see it (it may appear in three places.)

In addition, an individual ad may be placed in the News Briefs section in each news edition, a highly read area, rotated chronologically with other Position Wanted ads when it is not above the Masthead. Depending on the number of ads, it may then have three places. Advertisers get their money’s worth, particularly when Leasing News is highly read.

Ads designed by Leasing News are based on a four line minimum of $595, and $40 a line thereafter (a space is a line). Repeat advertisers receive a discount.  Logo or graphic on top is free, as well as website information.  Email and/or clicking to other sites with full employment information is free. Ads run for 30 days.

If ads are designed by the advertiser, they are based on size.

For further information, contact Kit Menkin direct at 408-354-7967 or
kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

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Sales Makes it Happen by Scott Wheeler, CLFP

Who Are YOU?

Successful originators know exactly who they are in the market and are unapologetic when explaining themselves to their vendors and end-users.

"I am an 'A' funder and balance sheet lender. I require full financial disclosure on every transaction because I offer some of the lowest priced products in the market and have the ability to structure each transaction to meet the specific needs of each particular acquisition."

"I am a high risk, small ticket lender. I place the majority of my decisions on the strength of individual guarantors and the value of the equipment as security for my investment."

"I am a fifteen year seasoned originator in the construction arena. 80% of my transactions involve "yellow iron" equipment that is new or less than 5 years old."

"I am new to the business and have learned that my willingness to listen to my clients and react quickly has allowed me to fund multiple transactions each month over the past 6 months. My company is a generalist and we fund all types of essential equipment under $100,000.00. However, I have invested most of my time calling on office furniture dealers because I sold office furniture for the past 7 years."

Individuals want to deal with others who are comfortable in their own skin, those who have the confidence to explain who they are and why. There is no shame in being a generalist, or a specialist. There is no shame in being an "A" player or a "D" player. There is no shame in having limitations. The shame is not being comfortable with who you are and the services that "YOU" provide.

Flaunt Your "True" Self

Available Here:
https://www.createspace.com/5355516

Scott A. Wheeler, CLFP
Wheeler Business Consulting
1314 Marquis Ct.
Fallston, Maryland 21047
Phone: 410 877 0428
Fax: 410 877 8161
Email: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com
Web: www.wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

Sales Makes It Happen articles:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Legacy/index.html

 

 

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Finance and Leasing Industry Recruiters

These companies have experience in the finance and leasing industry

Second Column: YCS - Year Company Started | YELB - Years in equipment Leasing Business

Name  City, State  Contact  Website  Leasing Association	YCS  YELB  (see above for meaning)	Geographic Area	Specialty
Executive Solutions for Leasing & Finance, Inc. Atlanta GA 30308 Jon Gerson, President jongerson@exsolutions.com  678.528.8996 LinkedIn www.exsolutions.com	1990  (1990)	Nationwide	Search firm specializing in leasing industry. Services include retained and contingent search, strategic consultation, compensation analysis, sales & management training, & customizable consulting products.
Financial Pro Solutions  Hal T. Horowitz West Hills, CA 91307 Office:  (818) 347-FINA (347-3462)  Fax: 818-597-3201  Cell:  (818) 730-0645  Email: halh@finapros.com LinkedIn www.finapros.com	1983 (2008)	Nationwide	Retained with Executive search firm seeking financial professionals for growth-oriented and challenging opportunities in commercial banking, equipment leasing, asset based lending. Also works with firms seeking V- and C-level financial executives with accounting, financial analysis or treasury disciplines.
Recruiters  International, Inc.  (RII)  Pembroke Pines, FL 33025  Emily Fitzpatrick  Sr. Recruiter riiemily@comcast.net Phone: 954-885-9241 www.riicareer.com LinkedIn Also follow us on Twitter @RIIINFO	2000	North America	Explanation:  Boutique Executive Search Firm Specializing in the Finance & Equipment Leasing Industries. Our goal is to build long term relationships with our Clients & Candidates, keeping both sides abreast of current and future changes that effect supply & demand of Top Talent.  Excellent References & Testimonials

 

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Leasing News Advisor
Jeff Schubert

Jeff Schubert
RapidAdvance
4500 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
Direct Line: 770-714-9000
Office: 240-203-9224
Fax: 240-514-5811
jschubert@rapidadvance.com
www.rapidadvance.com

Jeff Schubert is the Director of Strategic Partnerships for RapidAdvance, responsible for spearheading their business development efforts in the equipment leasing industry. He has been active in the industry for over 30 years. He helped launch Eastman Kodak Credit Corporation in 1986, after which he held management and business development positions with CitiCapital, Lease Plan USA, American Equipment Leasing, Element Financial Corp. and Engs Commercial Finance. Jeff also ran his own equipment leasing company, American Bank Leasing, for over 10 years.

Jeff joined RapidAdvance in 2015 and spends the majority of his time working with equipment leasing companies and brokers to provide them with a full range of working capital products for their customers from $10k to $1MM. RapidAdvance is a proud member of the Rockbridge family of companies, which includes Quicken Loans, Fat Head and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The company is also a Gold sponsor of the National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers and the National Equipment Finance Association.

Jeff lives in Blue Ridge, GA with his wife of over 33 years, Charlene. He is an avid reader and history buff and enjoys hiking, scuba diving, sailing and camping.

Labrador Retriever
Kansas City, Missouri  Adopt-a-Dog

Gibson
Male
Neutered
Okay with Cats

"Nice to meet you! I’m Gibson, a Retriever/Lab mix who’s looking for a place to call my own. My last owner had a change in lifestyle and wasn’t able to keep me. I was really sad, but my Waif friends are keeping me positive while I wait for my new family! I know someone is out there who will love me forever. Maybe it’s you! I’m a friendly guy who will do well in a home with children or other furry friends if you have them. I also don’t mind cats! Bring the whole family out to meet me so we can be sure it’s a perfect match. I’m super smart and love to learn new things. I’m extra motivated by yummy treats so training me should be a breeze! I can’t wait to learn all the exciting things you have to teach me. Getting active is very important to me so I hope you’ll want to go on walks and take me to the park! I do pretty well on my leash and the more practice I have the better. It’ll be such a fun way for us to bond! When we’re done playing, we can curl up next to each other and relax the night away. You can tell me all about your day and I won’t mind listening. I can’t wait to love you and I hope you’ll love me too. Come by soon to see if I’m the one!"

Wayside Waifs
3901 Martha Truman Rd
Kansas City, MO 64137

email: info@waysidewaifs.org

By appointment only. Please call 816-986-4404 to make an appointment.

Monday CLOSED
Tuesday CLOSED
WednesdayNoon-8pm
ThursdayNoon-8pm
FridayNoon-8pm
Saturday10am-6pm
Sunday  1pm - 6pm

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

 

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CLFP Winter 2017 Circular
Academy for Lease & Finance Professional Schedule

Includes: Message from President Amy Spagg, CLFP; Article on Corporate Authority by attorney Barry Marks, Esq./, CLFP,  Spotlight on Andrew Eller, CLFP, First American Equipment Finance; In the News; Save the Date; New CLFP's.

CLFP Foundation Circular Winter 2017
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/CLFPWinter2017.pdf

 

News Briefs---

Reports from LendIt NY Conference
   Highlights:  5,000+ Financial Service Attendees
http://www.lendit.com/news/

Wells Fargo 2017 Construction and Industry Forecast
  Full Press Release with Graphics (can be downloaded)
https://digital.wf.com/constructionforecast/

 

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You May Have Missed---

Steve McQueen 'Bullitt' Mustang turns up in Mexican junkyard
http://www.sfgate.com/cars/article/Steve-McQueen-Bullitt-Mustang-turns-up-in-10983195.php

 

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Winter Poem

To Look Forward to Spring

by Salle Safford

The rains will come
The snow will fall,
A chill in the air
Bitter cold.

The trees will be bare
For the months ahead,
And the world will
Seem drab and old.

But soon the trees
Will bud again,
And the birds will
Begin to sing.

As they pronounce
To the world,
There is hope ahead
And an open door to spring

 

[headlines]
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Sports Briefs----

Broncos ready to pursue Tony Romo if Cowboys release QB
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2017/03/06/tony-romo-denver-broncos-jerry-jones-dallas-cowboys/98822558/

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

2017 Earthquake Forecast Highlights California's Risk
http://patch.com/california/losgatos/s/g1ty6/2017-earthquake-forecast-highlights-californias-risk

CalPERS set to slash pensions for nearly 200 workers
http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article137060213.html

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“Gimme that Wine”

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

Stags’ Leap Winery: A Must-Visit,
  Appointment-Only Napa Valley Wine Experience
http://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/stags-leap-winery-must-visit-appointment-only-napa-valley-wine-experience

Fresno First to Reach Bud Break
https://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=news&content=181311

Four New Masters of Wine Announced---slideshow
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2017/03/four-new-masters-of-wine-announced-today/

Connection between Oregon and Burgundy grows stronger
https://www.oregonwinepress.com/the-new-french-paradox

Sonoma County vineyard workers compete in pruning championship
http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/northbay/sonomacounty/6720397-181/sonoma-county-vineyard-workers-compete?artslide=3

Fine wine merchants in confident mood – Liv-ex survey
http://www.decanter.com/wine-news/fine-wine-merchants-confident-liv-ex-survey-356711/

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

      1717 - On Fishers Island in Long Island Sound, 1200 sheep were discovered to have been buried under a snow drift for four weeks. When finally uncovered, one hundred sheep were still alive.
    1782 - In Gnadenhutten in the Ohio territory, American militiamen massacre 96 Christian Delaware Indians in retaliation for raids executed by other tribes.
    1790 - The first U.S. Census started this month and was completed on August 1. The population was placed at 3,929,625, including 697,624 salves and 59,557 free blacks. The most populous state was Virginia with 747,610 people, and the largest city was Philadelphia, with a population of 42,444. The center of U.S. population was about equally divided between New England and the Middle Atlantic States, and the South. Massachusetts was the only state to report no slaves.
The Encyclopedia of American Facts and Dates
    1855 – The first train crossed the first U.S. railway suspension bridge over Niagara Falls.
    1862 - The Confederate ironclad Virginia destroyed two Union frigates at Hampton Roads, Va., whereupon the Virginia retired, leaving the Union blockade intact. The crew of the Monitor, following naval regulations, had been using only half charges in its two 12-inch guns.
    1862 - Nat Gordon, last pirate, was hanged in NYC for stealing 1,000 slaves.
    1863 - In a daring raid with his commando-style raiders, Colonel John Mosby captured Union General E.H. Stoughton from his headquarters in Fairfax County Courthouse in Virginia. Mosby's irregular forces patrolled a northern area of Virginia that became known as Mosby's Confederacy. Supported by the localpopulace and reviled by his Northern enemies, Mosby's Rangerswere one of the most successful of the Southern irregular forces.
    1880 – President Rutherford Hayes declared that the United States would have jurisdiction over any canal built across the isthmus of Panama.
    1888 - Susan B. Anthony appeared before the House Judiciary Committee for four days, appealing for the woman's right to vote. On June 15, 1919, they passed what they called the “Anthony Amendment” which the states ratified on August 26, 1920, giving women the right to vote in the United States.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/mar08.html
    1894 - The first animal control law in the US:  a dog license law was enacted in the state of New York.
    1900 – The National League owners voted to shrink to eight teams. They paid the Baltimore Orioles owners $30,000 for their franchise, with Charles Ebbets and Ned Hanlon reserving the right to sell the players. Cleveland, Louisville, and Washington received $10,000 each, with Louisville owner Barney Dreyfuss sending most of his players to his Pittsburgh Pirates team. The league remained the same until the Boston Braves moved to Milwaukee in 1953.
    1909 - The town of Brinkley, AR was struck by a tornado which killed 49 persons and caused $600,000 damage. The tornado, which was two-thirds of a mile in width, destroyed 860 buildings. Entire families were killed as houses were completely swept away by the tornado. Tornadoes killed 64 persons and injured 671 others in Dallas and Monroe counties during the Arkansas tornado outbreak.
    1912 - Birthday of Louise Beavers (d. 1962) at Cincinnati, Ohio. Her Hollywood careers spanned 30 years and more than 125 films. Though she was forced to play stereotypical roles, such as those of maids, her authentic talent was always apparent. Her starring role in the film Imitation of Life earned her high praise. Beavers was a member of the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. She also played the title role in the TV series ‘Beulah' (1951—53).
    1913 - The Internal Revenue Service began to levy and collect income taxes. The 16th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified Feb 3, 1913, gave Congress the authority to tax income. The US had also levied an income tax during the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln signed into law a bill levying a 3 percent income tax on annual incomes of $600—$10,000, and 5 percent on incomes of more than $10,000. The revenues were to help pay for the Civil War. This tax law actually went into effect, unlike an earlier law passed August 5, 1851, making it the first income tax levied by the US. It was rescinded in 1872.
    1922 - Carl Furillo (d. 1989) was born at Stony Creek Mills, PA. “Skoonj” played right field for the Brooklyn Dodgers “Boys of Summer” teams of the late 1940's and 1950's. A member of seven National League champions from 1947 to 1959 inclusive, he batted over.300 five times, winning the 1953 batting title with a.344 average – then the highest by a right-handed hitting Dodger since 1900. He compiled a .299 lifetime batting average and was known for his strong throwing arm, giving rise to his nickname, the “Reading Rifle.”
    1922 – Al Gionfriddo (d. 2003) was born near Altoona, PA.  His brief Major League career is largely unnoticed except for his outstanding catch during the 1947 World Series for the Brooklyn Dodgers that robbed Joe DiMaggio of the Yankees of a home run in Game 6.  Although he never appeared in another Major League game, Dodgers’ announcer Red Barber's call and the accompanying video have endured.  The Redhead’s call: "Everyone knows that with one swing of the bat and the big fella’s capable of tying up the ball game.  Here's the pitch, swung on -- belted! It's a long one deep into left center -- back goes Gionfriddo! Back-back-back-back-back-back... he makes a one-handed catch against the bullpen! Ohhh-hooo, Doctor! [Pause for crowd noise.] He went exactly against the railing in front of the bullpen and reached up with one hand and took a home run away from DiMaggio.”
    1923 - Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, MLB Commissioner, allowed former New York Giants pitcher Rube Benton to return. Benton had admitted prior knowledge of the 1919 World Series fix, but remained active but in the minors with St. Paul where he won 22 games. NL President John Heydler disagreed with Landis, calling Benton undesirable, but did not stop the Cincinnati Reds from signing him.
    1925 - Bernard McFadden was a physical culturist who had a radio show in New York City. He failed to show up this day for his daily morning program, causing a young, studio engineer, John Gambling, to ad-lib on the air for a solid hour. As a result, the radio station (WOR) decided to give Gambling the morning announcer's job. John Gambling stayed at WOR for many years, then turned the mike over to his son, who, finally, turned the program over to his son ... all named John. Mr. Gambling's "Rambling with Gambling" program attracted tri-state (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) audiences in record numbers for over 70 years on the 50,000 watt talk-radio powerhouse at 710 AM on your radio dial from New York each morning.
    1927 - Birthday of pianist Dick Hyman, NYC.  Perhaps best known as the music director for Arthur Godfrey.
    1930 – At a time when nearly all contracts were for one-year, Babe Ruth signed a two-year contract with the Yankees for $160,000. At $80,000 per year, he becomes the highest-paid player of all time.  This followed a three-year contract where he was paid $70,000 per.  When told he was making more than the president of the US, Ruth replied, “I had a better year than he did.”  This was after the Crash of 1929.
    1934 - Edwin Hubble photo showed as many galaxies as Milky Way has stars.
    1935 - Trumpet player Wingy Manone records “Isle of Capri.”
    1935 - Thomas Wolfe's second novel, “Of Time and the River,” is published to great acclaim.
http://library.uncwil.edu/wolfe/wolfe.html
http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/wolfe/wolfe.htm
    1935 - Saxophone player George Coleman born Memphis TN
http://entertainment.msn.com/artist/?artist=228859
http://www.duke.edu/~bsb5/jazz/one.html
http://stevekhan.com/coleman.htm
    1936 - Guitarist Gabor Szabo (d. 1982) born Budapest, Hungry. http://www.dougpayne.com/bio.htm
http://www.dougpayne.com/bio2.htm
    1938 – Lou Gehrig rejected the latest contract offer from the Yankees to a one-year deal worth $39,000. Four days later, Gehrig agreed to the same Yankees offer and end his holdout.
    1939 – Pitcher-turned-author-turned entrepreneur Jim Bouton was born in Newark, NJ.  After a long career during which he appeared in three World Series with the Yankees, during his final year with the Seattle Pilots, he wrote “Ball Four,” the ground-breaking tell-all that forever changed the writing covering all sports.  Once his baseball career ended a second time, Bouton became one of the inventors of “Big League Chew,” shredded bubblegum designed to resemble chewing tobacco and sold in a tobacco-like pouch.
    1940 - Cab Calloway Band records “Diz's Pickin' the Cabbage,” perhaps the first Dizzy Gillespie music recorded.
    1943 - MATHIS, JACK W. (Air Mission),  Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 359th Bomber Squadron, 303d Bomber Group. Place and date: Over Vegesack, Germany, 18 March 1943. Entered service at: San Angelo, Tex. Born: 25 September 1921, San Angelo, Tex. G.O. No.: 38, 12 July 1943. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy over Vegesack, Germany, on 18 March 1943. 1st Lt. Mathis, as leading bombardier of his squadron, flying through intense and accurate antiaircraft fire, was just starting his bomb run, upon which the entire squadron depended for accurate bombing, when he was hit by the enemy antiaircraft fire. His right arm was shattered above the elbow, a large wound was torn in his side and abdomen, and he was knocked from his bomb sight to the rear of the bombardier's compartment. Realizing that the success of the mission depended upon him, 1st Lt. Mathis, by sheer determination and willpower, though mortally wounded, dragged himself back to his sights, released his bombs, then died at his post of duty. As the result of this action the airplanes of his bombardment squadron placed their bombs directly upon the assigned target for a perfect attack against the enemy. 1st Lt. Mathis' undaunted bravery has been a great inspiration to the officers and men of his unit.
    1945 - Following changes in Navy recruitment and admittance procedures that had previously excluded black women from joining the Nurse Corps. Phyllis Mae Daley received a commission in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. She later became the first African-American nurse to serve duty in World War II.
    1948 - 1960s pop singer Little Peggy March, whose real name is Margaret Battavio, was born in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. She was heard singing at a cousin's wedding, and someone passed the word along to RCA Victor. She was only 14 when she recorded "I Will Follow Him," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1963.
http://www.peggymarch.net/pm.htm
    1951 - Pianist James Williams (d. 2004) born Memphis, TN
http://jameswilliamspiano.com/
http://www.pianospot.net/cat2/1702937.html
    1954 - The Milwaukee Hawks and the Baltimore Bullets played the only two-team doubleheader in NBA history. The Hawks won both games, 64-54 and 65-54.
    1955 - Top Hits
“Sincerely” - McGuire Sisters
“The Crazy Otto” (Medley) - Johnny Maddox
“The Ballad of Davy Crockett” - Bill Hayes
“In the Jailhouse Now” - Webb Pierce
    1959 - Just four weeks after being released, Frankie Avalon's "Venus" tops the US singles chart. Al Martino was offered the song first, but he turned it down.
    1963 - Top Hits
“Walk Like a Man” - The 4 Seasons
“Rhythm of the Rain” - The Cascades
“You're the Reason I'm Living” - Bobby Darin
“The Ballad of Jed Clampett” - Flatt & Scruggs
    1964 - Malcolm X announces split with Nation of Islam.
http://www.brothermalcolm.net/mxtimeline.html#sixtyfive
    1965 - The first U.S. combat forces in Vietnam, more than 3500 Marines, landed in South Vietnam to guard the U.S. Air Force base at Da Nang. They joined 23,500 other Americans serving as “advisers” in South Viet Nam. The United States began supplying Viet Nam with troops to fight the Japanese. In 1945, Lt. Col. A. Peter Dewey, head of American OSS mission, was killed by Vietminh troops while driving a jeep to the airport. Reports later indicated that his death was due to a case of mistaken identity -- he had been mistaken for a Frenchman. in 1945. After World War II, to stop communism, President Truman sent over military advisors. The first American to be killed was an OSS officer. In 1950, more aid was sent; $10 million dollars and 35 troops. Eisenhower continued this policy. During his term, Eisenhower will greatly increase U.S. military aid to the French in Vietnam to prevent a Communist victory. U.S. military advisors will continue to accompany American supplies sent to Vietnam. To justify America's financial commitment, Eisenhower will cite a 'Domino Theory' in which a Communist victory in Vietnam would result in surrounding countries falling one after another like a "falling row of dominoes." The Domino Theory will be used by a succession of Presidents and their advisors to justify ever-deepening U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Kennedy continued this policy. On December 21, 1961 that President Kennedy sent troops to Vietnam, actually 425 helicopter crewmen to provide support and training for South Vietnamese forces. It was not until Johnson had made promises to send in troops on his visit to Viet Nam. In 1961, during a tour of Asian countries, Vice President Lyndon Johnson visits Diem in Saigon. Johnson assures Diem that he is crucial to US objectives in Vietnam and calls him "the Churchill of Asia." It was he who was promoting a war to “stop communism.” He did not want to appear “soft. History shows the first ground troops sent to Vietnam were 3,500 Marines who landed at the port of Da Nang in South Viet Nam on March 8,1965, authorized by President Johnson. The Marine's mission was to guard the air base there. They raised the total U.S. troop strength in Vietnam to 27,000. Eventually over 400,000 troops would be in Southeast Asia. It was Johnson's war. It was the reason he did not seek a second term.
http://www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/vietnam/timeline.htm
http://www.landscaper.net/timelin.htm
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html
http://mil.citrus.cc.ca.us/cat2courses/HIST155/Briefings/BRIEF1.HTM
    1966 - The Baseball Hall of Fame waived one of its election rules and selected Casey Stengel as the newest member of the Hall. Stengel managed the New York Mets for much of the 1965 season before falling and breaking his hip. The injury ended the elderly Stengel's career. Given his age, the Veterans Committee decides to make him immediately eligible for Cooperstown, based upon his record-breaking accomplishments of the New York Yankees from 1949-60, during which time his teams went to 10 World series, winning 7.
    1968 - Tommy Moore, 6 years old, made a hole-in-one at the Woodbrier Golf Course in Hagerstown, MD.
    1968 - Bill Graham, owner of the Fillmore, San Francisco's legendary rock ballroom, opens Fillmore East in New York City. Opening bill features Albert King, Tim Buckley & Big Brother & the Holding Company.
    1968 - Meanwhile, back in the San Francisco Bay area, Cream, James Cotton Blues Band, Jeremy Satyrs, & Blood Sweat & Tears at the Fillmore Auditorium. Over to the Avalon Ballroom is Love, Congress of Wonders, & Sons of Champlin.
http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist1/rock.html
    1969 - Sly and the Family Stone began their fourth, and final, week at number one on the pop music charts with "Everyday People". When he was presented with the gold record for this achievement, Sly ripped it out of its case and played it, to hear, "People", by Barbra Streisand. He was heard to utter a few not printable words.
    1971 - Top Hits
“One Bad Apple” - The Osmonds
“Mama's Pearl” - The Jackson 5
“Me and Bobby McGee” - Janis Joplin
“I'd Rather Love You” - Charley Pride
    1971 - Joe Frazier won a 15-round unanimous decision over Muhammad Ali at New York's Madison Square Garden to become the heavyweight champion of the world. For the night, both Frazier and Ali collected $2,500,000.
    1971 - A snowstorm dropped 10 to 20 inches of new snow across Vermont to raise snow depths to record levels. 116 inches was measured on the ground on top of Mount Mansfield, the second highest snow depth ever recorded on the mountain up to the time. The town of Orange measured 88 inches on the ground for a new state low elevation snow depth record.
    1975 - Olivia Newton-John reached #1 on the pop charts with "Have You Never Been Mellow." Olivia also reached the top spot with "I Honestly Love You," "You're the One That I Want" (with John Travolta), "Magic" and "Physical."
    1976 - Gary Wright is awarded a gold record for "Dream Weaver."
    1979 - Top Hits
“Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?” - Rod Stewart
“I Will Survive” - Gloria Gaynor
“Tragedy” - Bee Gees
“Golden Tears” - Dave & Sugar
    1986 - Martina Navratilova became the first woman tennis player to pass the $10 million mark in career earnings. She also set the single year record, $2,173,556 in 1984.
    1987 - A record 24-hour temperature fall began at Detroit, Michigan. It started at 1:00 PM EST with a temperature of 74 degrees when a sharp cold front dropped the temperature down to 23 degrees at 1:00 PM EST on the 9th. The total temperature fall for the 24 hour period was 51 degrees. - Thirty-two cities in the eastern U.S. reported new record high temperatures for the date, including Madison WI with a reading of 71 degrees. Afternoon highs of 68 degrees at Houghton Lake MI and 74 degrees at Flint MI smashed their previous records for the date by fourteen degrees.
    1987 - Top Hits
“Livin' on a Prayer” - Bon Jovi
“Jacob's Ladder” - Huey Lewis & The News
“Somewhere Out There” - Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram
“Mornin' Ride” - Lee Greenwood
    1990 - Late afternoon thunderstorms produced severe weather in east central Iowa and west central Illinois. Thunderstorms spawned a tornado south of Augusta IL which traveled 42 miles to Marbleton. Golf ball size hail was reported at Peoria IL and near Vermont IL.
    1992 - In the first 8 days of March, Las Vegas, Nevada recorded 1.87 inches of rain. This set a new monthly record for rainfall in March. The previous record was 1.83 inches set in 1973.
    1994 - Scottie Pippen and Pete Myers of the Chicago Bulls became the first teammates in NBA history to make four point plays in the same game. A four-point play is a three-point field goal followed by a free throw. The Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks, 116-95.
    1994 - A major snowstorm buried sections of Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. Ozark Beach, Missouri recorded 19 inches of snow, while Harrison, Arkansas checked in with 18 inches. Tulsa, Oklahoma had 12.9 of snow, for its greatest single storm snowfall ever.
    1994 - Top Hits
“The Sign” - Ace Of Base
“The Power Of Love” - Celine Dion
“Whatta Man” - Salt-N-Pepa Featuring En Vogue
“Without You/Never Forget You” - Mariah Carey
    1996 - Elkins, West Virginia received 2.1 inches of snow on this day to bring its seasonal snowfall to 125.8 inches -- its snowiest winter on record.
    1996 - An updated remake of “La Cage Aux Folles,” “The Birdcage” starring Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, and Calista Flockhart, opened in United States theaters. The farcical film, directed by Mike Nichols, won a Screen Actors Guild award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast.
    1999 – The Yankee Clipper sailed.  Yankees Hall of Fame centerfielder Joe DiMaggio died of a lung cancer at age 84. He batted .323 in his first season and helped the Yanks to the 1936 World Championship, the first of four consecutive, then a Major League record for consecutive World Series wins. During his 13-year career, DiMaggio participated in 10 World Series, with his team winning nine times. In 1941, DiMaggio achieved one of sports’ most famous milestones when he compiled a record 56-game hitting streak.
    2011 – Major League Baseball named Dodgers Assistant General Manager Kim Ng, the highest-ranking woman in the Majors, as senior Vice-President of Baseball Operations. She will report to former Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who was named Executive Vice-President last month.