Open Letter to
 Loan Brokers and Originators

From Kris Roglieri
Prime Commercial Lending
Co-Founder, National Alliance
of Commercial Loan Brokers

Certainly, in these challenging times, loan brokers and originators find themselves unable to generate business as they once did.. The fact is that businesses need funding more than ever, whether it be to bridge them for the next couple of months or increase working capital to produce goods needed now. There are a couple of ways to get in front of business owners right now since most of America is working from home to include most brokers.

1. Email Marketing: First and foremost, all brokers should email their database of current, past and future customers or prospects.  The message should inquire:  "Do they need funding?"  I'm sure there will be results of that email outreach.

2. Virtual Networking: Originators can now target most business owners and CEO in any industry on LinkedIn. This is a perfect time to connect and message them about your funding solutions. My team is seeing a quicker engagement and response to messages during this crisis as they are at home and most are looking for capital. You can also target the COI's of the referral world such as bankers for turndowns, CPAs, Consultants etc.

3. Digital Marketing: Since the business owner is at home and most banks during the last couple of days are reverting to limited hours and  by appointment only, it will be very tough and long to complete applications through FDIC banks. Therefore, many businesses are going online looking for funding solutions. Now is a great time to invest in PPC or any other form of online advertising so that your ad appears  the millions of online visitors seeking funds. 

4. Some of the products in high  demand are Merchant Cash Advances, SBA loans, Sale/ Leaseback Financing, and, if brokers offer it, Refi cash out deals on commercial real estate or owner-occupied real estate buildings. Business owners who have equity in the building they own can refinance and cash out the equity they may have for working capital.

Kris D. Roglieri
Prime Commercial Lending
www.PrimeCommercialLending.com
90 State St.  Suite 1500
Albany, NY 12207
Office: 866-708-4755
Fax: 518-677-1071

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California DBO Continues to Seek Comments
 on SB 1235

Over 3,493 licensed companies and their branches in the state have filed to do business loans and capital leases in California, according to the California Division of Business Oversight. This will expand under SB 1235, perhaps double or triple.

As originally announced, as of June 1, 2019, California will become the first state in the nation to give small business owners the same protections that Truth in Lending laws have given consumer borrowers for more than half a century.

Under the new law, the financer will have to disclose the following at the time they offer financing of less than $500,000 to a business owner:

• Total amount of financing
• Total cost of financing
• Term length
• Frequency and amount of payments
• Pre-payment policies
• Annualized rate in APR via TrueValue
• (Interim rent, first and last, balloon payments to be included in calculation via interest calculator such as TrueValue)

The law will cover traditional term loans, lines of credit, merchant cash advances, lease financing, factoring, and asset-based financing. While federally chartered banks are exempt due to federal pre-emption issues, the bill does cover online platforms that partner with banks and do the marketing and underwriting that lead to financing that is ultimately provided by a bank.

The bill requires the Department of Business Oversight (Department) to adopt regulations governing such disclosures.

There have been several deadlines for comments, evidently all extended.

Mark Leyes, Director of Communications at California Department of Business Oversight told Leasing News, "No delay in proceeding with the rule making process scheduled at this time. Under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), all stakeholders will still be given statutory notice to comment on proposed regulations and implementation."

As noted in Wednesday news edition, in New York two bills move forward to regulate all business-to-business financing transactions including secured loans, factoring, and merchant cash advances. The bills intend to create uniform disclosures for comparison purposes while also placing control of the commercial finance industry under the purview5of the superintendent of the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS).  The bills are very similar to California's SB 1235.

Assembly Bill A1011B
https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A10118&term=
2019&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Committee%26nbspVotes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y

Senate Bill S05470A
https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=S05470&term=
2019&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y

A similar bill, S233, appears stalled in the New Jersey Legislature.

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Internet Not Built to Handle All the "Work from Home."
What You Should Be Doing
By Christopher Menkin

Internet speed on regular lines will get slower as more are online throughout the United States. 5G connections may also be affected but don't think many are on it compared to regular lines. Comcast Business and other internet via satellite may not be affected but they are also more expensive and require physical hookups. As important, hookups may not be available where the home worker lives.

With school kids doing work or play online, as well as a mate also home online, there is a heavy load demand on your connection.

First, find out the speed you are on now on at home or a small office. I also suggest taking the speed test several times a day. 

Speed test
https://www.speedtest.net/

With this knowledge, you should be able to see if you are getting the speed you are paying for or need a faster speed connection.

You may also be able to get a faster connection, write it off, or get some remuneration from your employer.

I personally recommend Comcast Business, if available in your area. It is more expensive, but faster. You can also approach them with a bundle for internet, telephone, even security. There are also many satellite internet companies available, also usually more expensive than say companies such as Xfinity.

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Readers Not Getting the Idea about Virtual Private Network
Spoke to Presidents of Leasing Companies and Bankers

By Christopher Menkin

None of the interviews I had, all off the record, understand that their employees working from home need to be on a Virtual Private Network. One bank president argued the bank was very secure, had an entire department, up to date, had everything taken care of.

I told him he was missing the point. The bank's computer and system may be up-to-date, but when the employee works away from the bank, but is "sheltered at home" because of the Coronavirus, they do their job over the network with a laptop or computer that may not have VPN installed or a VPN service. This means, as the illustration shows, they have opened the door to the bank's secure network for work, and any hacker or ransomware or invader gathering information can ride with them into the bank computer. It is not a secure connection, creating an opening and visit any time.

(Graphic by Michel Bakni from Wikipedia)

That was the point of VPN article. The secure network works as long as everyone on it is on a jointly shared private network.  Even if it is a bank or government supplied laptop, it may not be using VPN. Your laptop or home computer is not, unless on a service or install by a web technician, so when it connects, anyone using your "connection" has access to the secure computer information, and again, once connected, they can enter any time.

(Article from CNN: A VPN is vital when working from home, so here's everything you need to know)

A firewall on the home computer/laptop might be a good idea, but requires web technician to set up hardware, maintain it, keep up to date, and is relatively expensive. VPN best way to go:
.
Illustrates and Explains What VPN is (promotes its service):
https://www.expressvpn.com/what-is-vpn

Cnet lists best VPN companies and explains their features:
https://www.cnet.com/news/best-vpn-services-2020-directory/

Easy VPN Download (and for other devices/platforms)
https://nordvpn.com/download/

NordVPN pricing
https://nordvpn.com/pricing/

(Consult your web technician. Leasing News is not promoting one company over another, only offering a recommendation, especially for those working from home or a location away from main office, to install VPN.)

Help Wanted

Senior Leader Vendor Services/Equipment Lease Finance/Operations • Lead and further develop the Tandem Finance existing vendor services/ops organization • Small ticket, Vendor based originations model • Direct Lender, 38 years established publicly traded parent organization • Located in The Woodlands, TX (HOU area) • Reporting to President • Salary/Bonus/Benefits Bring your Passion, Experience and Enthusiasm to our rapidly expanding business in this senior level role. Reply to: msheehan@tandemfinance.com

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

 

Jason Bednarek was promoted to National Program Manager, U.S. Bank, Marshall, Minnesota.  He is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  He joined the firm August, 2006 as Regional Sales Representative (August, 2006 - March, 2020).  Regional Sales Representative US Bancorp Equipment Finance (August, 2006 - March, 2020).  Education: Southwest Minnesota State University. BA, Business Administration/Marketing (1998 - 2003). https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-bednarek-b2980733/

Clay, CLFP, was hired as a Credit Analyst, Oakmont Capital Services, West Chester, Pennsylvania.  He is located in Albany, Minnesota.  He previously was commercial Loan Officer, Sentry Bank (April, 2018 - March, 2020).  Prior, he was at Stearns Bank, starting April, 2015 as Credit Analyst; promoted January, 2017, Senior Credit Analyst. CSSR/Banker, Wells Fargo (2012 - 2014). Licenses & Certifications: CLFP Foundation, February, 2019.  Notary Public, State of Minnesota.  Volunteer: Teacher, Junior Achievement USA. Volunteer, United Way.  Member, Avon Area Chamber of Commerce (April, 2019 - Present). Member, St Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce (April, 2019 - Present).  Education: University of Minnesota, Morris.  Bachelor of Arts, BA (2008 - 2012).  Pine City High School. Diploma (2005 -2008).

Richard Glugatch was hired as Equipment Finance Asset Manager, Huntington National Bank.  He is located in San Ramon, California. Previously he was Vice President Equipment Management, Banc of America Leasing (March, 1997 - March, 2020).
Owner. My Capital, LLC. Languages: English, Spanish. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-glugatch-249b776/

Missy Gomez was hired as Regional Sales Manager, Crossroads Equipment Lease and Finance, Cucamonga, California. Previously, she was Business Development Manager, Engs Commercial Finance (January, 2014 - February, 2020); Business Development Mgr., Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance, LLC (November 2010 –January 2014); Account Manager, National Relocation Services (January 2007 – January 2010); CEO (2004-2007); Sales Mgr. (2003-2004) - Sales Support (2000-2003), TigerWall, Inc. Education: University of Phoenix, Associates of Arts, Psychology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/missy-gomez-3421236a/

Jill Heinen was hired as Credit Analyst Oakmont Capital Services, LLC., West Chester, Pennsylvania. "She assists in processing applications, working through different tasks daily while assessing a loan applicant's creditworthiness. She studied Business Management with a legal emphasis at Rasmussen College."

Scott Kleinman will succeed Rick Remiker as Commercial Banking Director May, 2020. He began his career at Huntington National Bank July, 1991, as Management Trainee; promoted November, 1992, Director, Institutional sales and Trading Fixed Income Sales; promoted January, 2000, Managing Director; promoted January, 2008, Senior Managing Director; promoted September, 2014, Executive Managing Director. Education: Duke University. Bachelor of Arts (BA), Public Policy Analysis, Political Science (1997 - 1991).  The Ohio State University, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance, General (1992 - 1994). https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-kleinman-cfa-4060bb53/

David Sook was hired as Senior Vice President, First Business, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, BMO Harris Equipment Finance Company (February, 2012 - January, 2019); Senior Vice President, PNC Equipment Finance; Vice President, Comdisco Healthcare Group (August, 1991 - July, 2002); Sales, MarCap (1989 - 1991). Education: Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business, BS, Corporate Finance (1984 - 1988). https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sook-478ba71/

Tom Linebarger announced as Senior Vice President, 36th Street Capital, Morristown, New Jersey. He joined the firm January, 2020.  Previously, he was Senior Vice President, Santander Bank, NA., (April, 2018 - December, 2019); Director, Equipment Finance, Stonebriar Commercial Finance (March, 2015 - April, 2018); Senior Vice President, GE Capital, Specialty Finance (2008 - 2009); Vice President, Marketing, Merrill Lynch Capital (2002 - 2008); Vice President, Marketing, FiNOVA Capital Corporation (1997 - 2001); Region Manger, Textron Financial (1993 - 1997). Education: Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business. BBA, Finance (1981 - 1985).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-linebarger-06046b11/

 

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5 Things The Finance World Can Learn From Marketers

FinTech #102 by Alex Vasilakos

After attending finance conferences, we had noticed a trend in the industry. Everyone is very traditional. While tradition is not always a negative, it definitely shows a lack of diversity, change, and growth. Many of the executives we met at these conferences mentioned that they did not really spend a lot of time marketing their services and utilized the industry conferences as their networking and marketing efforts for the year. While face-to-face networking is definitely a great way to build new business relationships, you must also work on maintaining those connections and stay in front of the people you meet. Marketing is the best way to help you execute just that.

Marketing your business year round shows your business connections that you are highly attentive to your consumers and well informed within the industry and market. My colleague and I found ourselves giving advice to the financial professionals we met, not just about what SEO and Digital Marketing is, but how we would implement it in their business to draw business for them all year without having to attending all those conferences. So what can financial services professionals learn from the marketing world?

         1.Traditional networking is not enough.
With technology readily available at our fingertips, we have become impatient consumers. Traditional networking includes meeting face-to-face, exchanging business cards, or running a direct mail campaign. While all of these methods still work in their own ways, they take much more time than directly connecting with a prospect on social media or email because the technology is right in their hand. It is immediate contact and a much more efficient way to get business done.

         2. Being Social Shows Consumer & Product Attention
Break free from that rock you have been living under and log on to social platforms! Being social for your business shows that you value the connections you have made with your business as well as showing that you take initiative in broadening your business.

         3. Product & Audience Targeting
You can learn a lot about what audience you should be targeting based on what financing products and services you offer from exploring social media platforms. You can navigate like-minded business professionals, as well as study their search patterns, what they are looking for, what they are doing with the information, and what influences them to convert their search experience into a phone call or an email.

         4. Adapt & Stay Ahead of The Curve
Search engine algorithms are constantly updating and changing what they factor for website rankings. In the marketing world we are obligated to stay up to date on the latest trends in ranking factors. The daily educating we do for ourselves in our industry allow us to produce and provide quality and effective service. This a lot of trending financial information on the Internet, which an active financial marketer would gain an advantage from if they were active in online communities, forums, and blogs.

         5. Be Customer/User Driven, Not System Driven
The last couple of Google algorithm updates have emphasized the importance of creating and building you website content not for search engine rankings but for what your consumers and clients need. Without spending so much time trying to keyword stuff content that does not really serve a purpose, we can spend more time figuring out what our clients are looking for and what they need, and generate conversation content that is unique and encourages more social sharing which in return increases brand awareness and business outreach.

Creating a community with like-minded people

Alex Vasilakos
Director of Marketing
The Finance Marketing Group
Alex@financemarketing.com 
Office: 518-591-4645x102 / Fax: 518-677-1071
90 State Street, Suite 1500, Albany, NY 12207
He entered advertising and marketing in 2003, right when the industry landscape shifted from traditional print to digital media. In that time, Alex has worked with numerous large accounts in both healthcare and financial services, and has helped small and medium-sized businesses grow and flourish in their respective digital markets. Alex has won countless awards for creative direction and strategy, and is certified by Google Partners in both AdWords and Analytics. Currently, Alex works exclusively with financial services companies, but his depth of knowledge and experience can help design and implement long-reaching strategies for businesses across all industries.

Previous Financial Technology Articles
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Storie

 

Considering the carnage we’ve seen over the past three weeks, it’s hard to believe that the U.S. stock market was at an all-time high just one month ago. On February 19, the S&P 500 closed at 3,386 points, yet another record, and the coronavirus outbreak was largely confined to China, a mere side note in the constant stream of news we’re all exposed to. Just a couple of days later, as news of the virus spreading outside of China emerged, things took a sharp turn for the worse and markets started to tumble.

Four weeks later, the COVID-19 outbreak has turned into a full-fledged pandemic and large parts of Europe and the United States have come to a near standstill, wreaking havoc on the world economy and on stock markets across the globe. Since said February 19, the S&P 500 has dropped by almost 1,000 points and we’ve seen some of the worst single-day losses in U.S. stock market history.

As the following chart shows, the drop we’ve seen over the past weeks is already substantial but it’s not yet as deep as it was when markets hit rock bottom during the worst crises of the 21st century. Considering that we’re only a few weeks into the pandemic, and the economic fallout of the measures currently taken to stop it is yet unpredictable, the current crisis could well turn out to be as disruptive as the financial crisis of 2007-2009.

By Felix Richter, Statista

https://www.statista.com/chart/21165/performance-of-the-s-p-500-index-since-2000/

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After the S&P 500 has wiped out all of its 2020 gains, fears of a recession are once again omnipresent. The index dropped 12 percent Monday, while the Dow lost 13 percent.

But what is lost is usually gained back, even if the U.S. market should slide into recession. Looking at crises over the last 70 years in which recessions occurred, the speed of recovery has mostly - if not always - been swift. After the most recent economic downturn, the Great Recession of 2007 and 2009, recovery was quicker than average, and the S&P 500 had gained back 68 percent just one year after leaving the trough and 84 percent two years later. While every recession recovery plays out differently on the index, the average recovery saw the S&P 500 gain 32 percent back after one year and 42 percent after two years, according to an analysis by SunTrust Bank.

By Katharina Buchholz, Statista

https://www.statista.com/chart/21144/s-p-500-recession-recovery/

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

North Start Leasing One Month Deferred Payment
for 3,800 Customers

BURLINGTON, VT –  North Star Leasing took action to help alleviate the current stress our 3,800 customers are experiencing during this difficult time by offering the North Star Leasing Coronavirus (COVID-19) Deferred Payment Plan. The plan, being rolled out throughout the day, allows for customers to defer their next payment if they choose. The company will evaluate the program over the coming weeks to determine if a second deferment is warranted.  

Dan Feeney, CEO, said, "We recognized the need to act and take this step for our customers in order to help them bridge the gap during these very stressful times

 "Being proactive and offering a little peace of mind to our customers is our top priority as we work through the developments of this outbreak. Our bank group and board fully support this extraordinary measure."

About North Star Leasing Company

Founded in 1979, North Star Leasing is a provider of equipment financing solutions for businesses in a variety of industries. For the past 40 years, North Star Leasing has focused exclusively on helping businesses grow and expand by providing lease financing for mission-critical equipment. North Star Leasing is a direct funder and takes a personalized approach to each application. www.northstarleasing.com

About Copley Equity Partners

Copley Equity Partners is a private investment firm that partners with established lower middle-market businesses. Copley invests in companies across a broad range of sectors and is comfortable in both majority and minority ownership positions. Copley invests out of an evergreen, single-family office, capital base making the firm agnostic to the standard private equity fundraising cycle. Copley’s patient and flexible capital base allows the firm to focus on providing each portfolio company significant support post-investment. www.copleyequity.com

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Chesswood Announces Results for 2019
Record Originations of $442 million

TORONTO , /CNW/ - Chesswood Group Limited ("Chesswood" or the "Company") (CHW.TO) a North American commercial equipment finance provider for small and medium-sized businesses,  reported its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2019 .

Barry Shafran , Chesswood's President and Chief Executive Officer, said "We had a record year of originations once again while our free cash flow, reduced by the $2.2 million of net expenses from our new startup Tandem Finance, remained strong at $22.4 million , well above our dividend level of $14.9 million.

 "This was a very exciting and especially busy year for us, as we launched Tandem, renewed our two largest credit facilities, successfully completed our first marketed ABS transaction in the U.S. for US$254 million and achieved $1.0 billion in total gross portfolio receivables" added Shafran.

"Our fourth quarter and year-end results were also significantly affected by the IFRS 9 rules for the non-cash allowance for credit losses" added Shafran.

These new rules, adopted in 2018, continue to produce volatility in results. The rules penalize a company's earnings when new business grows over the prior year, by requiring the immediate recording of an estimate of the next twelve months' expected losses on all performing receivables, which includes all new originations in the period.

"We recorded $7.3 million of increased allowance in 2019 compared to the prior year. While it's a non-cash measure that does not affect Free Cash Flow, it has increased our overall allowance as well as unpredictability and volatility, in comparison to the prior method" said Shafran.

 "Some of this increase comes because as is typical, there was a rise in delinquencies and non-accruals in the fourth quarter in 2019 but there was an unexpected improvement in the fourth quarter of 2018. Consequently, our fourth quarter this year reflected a very large increase in the allowance over the same quarter of 2018" Shafran said.

As of today, Canada and the U.S. are only weeks into the new Coronavirus pandemic. Financial markets and businesses across many industries are beginning to experience challenges. While it will be some time before the economic impact of the Coronavirus will be known, today Chesswood has a strong balance sheet with more than $150 million of equity, modest leverage with our banks, significant liquidity and availability in each of our funding facilities.

Non-GAAP Measures
Adjusted Operating Income and Free Cash Flow are not recognized measures under International Financial Reporting Standards and do not have a standard meaning. Accordingly, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Please refer to the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis in Chesswood's 2019 Annual Report for additional information concerning these measures and a reconciliation of these measures to the Company's consolidated income before taxes.

About Chesswood
Through three wholly-owned subsidiaries in the U.S. and Canada , Chesswood Group Limited is North America's only publicly-traded commercial equipment finance company focused on small and medium-sized businesses. Our Colorado -based Pawnee Leasing Corporation, founded in 1982, finances a highly diversified portfolio of commercial equipment leases and loans through relationships with over 600 independent brokers in the U.S. In Canada, Blue Chip Leasing Corporation has been originating and servicing commercial equipment leases and loans since 1996, and today operates through a nationwide network of more than 50 independent brokers. Located in Houston, Texas , Tandem Finance Inc. provides equipment financing to small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S. through the equipment vendor channel. Based in Toronto, Canada, Chesswood's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CHW.

Learn more at:  www.Chesswoodgroup.com  www.PawneeLeasing.com  www.BlueChipLeasing.com and www.TandemFinance.com

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Commercial Banking Director Rick Remiker
to Retire in May from Huntington Bank

(Longtime friend and reader of Leasing News)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- After more than 38 years in financial services, Huntington (Nasdaq: HBAN; www.huntington.com) Commercial Banking Director Rick Remiker has announced his decision to retire in May 2020.

Remiker joined Huntington in 2010 to lead the bank's equipment finance business. He subsequently led specialty banking and in 2014 assumed leadership of the commercial bank. As Commercial Banking Director, Remiker expanded Huntington's asset finance business, led the strategic evolution and growth of Huntington Capital Markets and specialty banking teams, as well as led the acquisitions and integrations of Huntington Technology Finance (formerly Macquarie Equipment Finance) and Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Co. He also led the successful commercial banking integration following Huntington's 2016 acquisition of FirstMerit Corporation, Huntington's largest acquisition. Remiker doubled Huntington's commercial loan volume in his six years leading the commercial bank.

Steve Steinour, Huntington's Chairman, President and CEO, said, "Rick is a purpose-driven leader who has made many important contributions to Huntington, and he has been an outstanding colleague and integral member of our executive leadership team. The impressive growth in Commercial Banking is a result of his vision and ability to build strong teams."

In the community, he serves as Board Chair for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and previously led Huntington's participation in Pelotonia, the nation's largest single-event cycling fundraiser.

(Previously he was Chief Administrative Officer, RBS Asset Finance; Managing Director Merrill Lynch Capital; President and COO, Key Equipment Finance; Regional Manager, US Leasing; District Sales Manager, CIT.  He is listed as one of the Most Influential in the Leasing Industry by Leasing News. He was quoted him often, and noted his involvement in the industry. In his nomination, a reader wrote, " e speaks up and your readers listen. I know I do." Former Chairman of ELFA.)

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Fernando's View
By Fernando F. Croce

A pair of heartfelt dramas (“The Way Back,” “First Cow”) come to theaters, while DVD releases offer a rousing crowd-pleaser (“Ford v. Ferrari”), hypnotic horror (“In Fabric”), and slashing satire (“Bamboozled”).

In theaters:

The Way Back (Warner Bros. Pictures): Missing from quality movies for some time, Ben Affleck gives a strong, moving comeback performance in this sturdy sports drama, directed by subgenre veteran Gavin O’Connor (“Miracle”). Affleck plays Jack Cunningham, a construction worker dealing with various personal problems with barely concealed alcoholism. His path to redemption starts when he grudgingly agrees to coach his old high school’s basketball team, a gang of struggling players hoping for a comeback of their own. As he works through a haze of intoxication and troubled kids, Jack’s past gradually comes to the fore, including a distant spot as a star player in the basketball court. Made with robust conviction and anchored by Affleck’s piercing commitment, this is a familiar formula given heartfelt polish and intelligence.

First Cow (A24): Director Kelly Reichardt (“Certain Women”) brings her customary spare, stripped-down naturalism to this touching view of struggle and friendship in early American life. Set in Oregon in the 1820s, it centers on a pair of mismatched travelers, assistant fur-trapper Cookie (John Magaro) and Chinese immigrant King-Lu (Orion Lee). Together, they dream up a scam for milking the region’s lone cow at night and in the day making money by selling cakes and biscuits. With her patient, gentle touch, Reichardt paints a richly evocative picture of nascent business, and how that affects human bonds in the past as well as in the present. Unfolding as a modest yet affecting Western, the film is a leisurely morality fable of would-be heroes and entrepreneurs, of communities and outsiders.

Nextflix: A towering figure in world cinema, the great Swedish actor Max von Sydow (1929-2020) brought profound gravitas to arthouse films and blockbusters alike. So check out Netflix for his best roles, which include “The Seventh Seal” (1957), “Shame” (1968), “The Passion of Anna” (1969), “The Exorcist” (1973), and “Pelle the Conqueror” (1987).

On DVD:

Ford v Ferrari (Twentieth Century Fox): Director James Mangold (“Walk the Line”) shines a light on the auto industry at a crossroads in this rousing, Oscar-nominated crowd-pleaser. The setting is Le Mans in 1966, where the world’s top car brands come to race. American designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) has built a revolutionary new model for Ford, but needs somebody reckless enough to drive it. Enter British driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale), fiercely independent where Shelby is a solid team-player. Together the two unlikely allies head to Europe to try to outrace the latest Ferrari speedsters. Examining the men’s friendship as well as their contrasting professionalism, this engrossing true-life story gives audiences a taste of race-track exhilaration. A must for car aficionados, as well as of fans of solid cinema.

In Fabric (A24): A mesmerizing horror tale that unfolds in the fashion industry, this is a tantalizing treat from British director Peter Strickland (“The Duke of Burgundy”). Marianne Jean-Baptiste stars as Sheila, a London bank clerk who finds herself drawn to a fragrant red dress in an ominous department store. Convinced that this piece of clothing will change her life, Sheila buys it only to gradually learn of the curse that it has unleashed. As it passes on to repairman Regs (Leo Bill) and his fiancée Babs (Hayley Squires), darker secrets about the garment begin to surface. Heavily influenced by lavish frightfests from the 1970s, Strickland creates a palpable atmosphere of lush dread, using sneaky humor and anti-consumerist digs as trenchant as those of George Romero or John Carpenter.

Bambloozled (Criterion): Always confrontational writer-director Spike Lee (“BlacKkKlansman”) serves up a cauldron of scalding satire with this remarkable take on popular culture and racial stereotypes from 2000. Faced with low ratings, television writer Pierre Delacroix (Damon Wayans) has the inspired idea of coming up with a show so offensive that he’ll be fired from his contract. Said show, which puts African-American artists like struggling performers Manray (Savion Glover) and Womack (Tommy Davison) in demeaning blackface, becomes instead a hit with audiences, which quickly gets out of control in a spiral of dim-witted executives and underground militants. Taking a page or two from classics like “The Producers” and “Network” while wrapping it all up in its own fire and fury, Lee’s film is a funny, angry, ultimately prophetic portrait of the entertainment industry.

Labrador Retriever Puppy
Albany, New York  Adopt a Dog

Gala

Female
Medium
White/Cream
Coat Length: Short
Health:
Vaccinations up to date neutered

Meet Gala
**WE ARE ALWAYS IN NEED OF FOSTER HOMES** Homeward Bound Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer rescue organization and all our dogs and puppies are in foster homes - we are not a shelter and do NOT have a facility where we house our dogs. For adoption information go to: www.homewardbounddogrescue.com. You must fill out an application online as we do NOT accept applications at our clinics.

Hi, This is Gala and I am one of the Apple Puppies. I am a 9 week old, female, Lab mix and am looking for my forever home, Maybe I will be the perfect fit for your family? I sure hope so!

Our adoption clinics are at our new facility in Schenectady on John Street, directly behind Boulevard Bowl (Erie Boulevard) every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm (directions are on our website). We require an approved application before we consider anyone for an adoption - so filling out the application is your first step. We do NOT accept applications at our clinics, they MUST be filled out online before coming to our adoption events. Different dogs and puppies go up for adoption EVERY WEEK so please feel free to visit the site and click on the Petfinder link for updates. Puppies and dogs up to 2 years old are $350. Dogs over 2 years old are $250. 100% of the adoption fees go to help us save more dogs.

Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of New York
P. O Box 5782
Albany, New York 12205
tamadvan@gmail.com
(518) 424-1738

Ask about Gala
https://www.petfinder.com/dog/gala-47649636/ny/albany/homeward-bound-dog-rescue-of-ny-ny480/#petInquiry

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Leasing Companies and Related Industries
Taking Hits in Stock Market

Bringing to your attention that the Dow Jones loses are serious to the banking, financing, and leasing industries.

Marlin  52 week range $25.44   Thursday $6..68  
82,793 one day volume    very heavy

CIT  52 week $54.02  Thursday  $14.39

To me these losses are shameful to see, and don't understand why.  These two companies are doing particularly well.

Leasing News used to give stock reports, but Leasing News Advisor Paul Weiss advised against it, as we really don't know the stock market as we know banking, finance, and leasing.  We didn't want to mislead readers that we were promoting one company's stock or turning an investor off on a leasing company stock going down. 

News Briefs----

California orders its nearly 40 million residents to stay home
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Coronavirus-order-Gov-Gavin-Newsom-tells-15144649.php

What ‘essential’ businesses can open during SF Bay Area’s
 (and perhaps others coronavirus lockdowns?) Here’s the legal list.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/03/17/what-essential-businesses-can-stay-open-in-the-bay-area-heres-the-list/

Chase to temporarily close 20% of branches
    due to pandemic
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/18/jpmorgan-says-it-will-close-20percent-branches-because-coronavirus-pandemic.html 

Small businesses say they could run out of money
    before federal loans come through
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/business/10837826-181/small-businesses-say-they-could

The Tools You Need to Speed Up Your Home Internet
  By Andrew Heinzman, ReviewGeek
https://www.reviewgeek.com/37428/the-tools-you-need-to-speed-up-your-home-internet/

Square Gets Approval for Industrial Loan Charter
   two and a half year adventure has finally paid off
https://www.lendacademy.com/square-gets-approval-for-industrial-loan-charter/

Mortgage rates surge to highest level since January
   even though the Fed  brought interest rates to 0% — here’s why
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/mortgage-rates-surge-to-highest-level-since-january-even-though-the-fed-just-brought-interest-rates-to-0-heres-why-2020-03-19

Census 2020 officials suspending all field operations
   How will the coronavirus affect the 2020 Census?
https://sanjosespotlight.com/how-will-the-coronavirus-affect-the-2020-census/?ct=t%28The+Daily+Spotlight+3.19.20%29

IKEA closes all 50 U.S. stores and locations around the world
    amid coronavirus pandemic
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article241346856.html#storylink=topdigest_latest

 

[headlines]
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You May Have Missed---

How to Clean and Disinfect Yourself, Your Home, and Your Stuff
https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-disinfectant-cleaning-guide/

[headlines]
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    The Daffodils
by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A Poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed--and gazed--but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

[headlines]
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Tom Brady's departure means
    the New England Patriots' dynasty is kaput
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/bell/2020/03/17/tom-brady-leaving-new-england-patriots-means-dynasty-kaput/5067656002/

Saints coach Payton tests positive for coronavirus
http://www.theredzone.org/Blog-Description/EntryId/80874/Saints-coach-Payton-tests-positive-for-coronavirus

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

Coronavirus closes many Bay Area hotels:
   ‘Worse than 9/11 or 2008’
https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Coronavirus-puts-San-Francisco-s-hotels-in-15141953.php

 Northern California wineries pivot, offering deep discounts,
      virtual tastings, free deliveries
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2020/03/18/coronavirus-northern-california-wineries-pivot-offering-deep-discounts-virtual-tastings-free-deliveries/

[headlines]
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“Gimme that Wine”

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

Napa County Issues Shelter in Place Order
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataId=227877

J Michael Broadbent MW RIP
https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/j-michael-broadbent-mw-rip

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

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

This Day in History

     1723 - Benjamin Franklin, discontent with the manner in which his brother treated him, left Boston and settled in Philadelphia.
    1760 - The great fire of Boston destroyed 349 buildings in the area between the modern Washington Street and Fort Hill as well as several ships in port, and left over a thousand people homeless. 
    1816 – The Supreme Court affirmed its right to review state court decisions.  In Martin v. Hunter's Lessee, the Supreme Court asserted its authority under Section 25 of the Judiciary Act of 1789 to review state court decisions dealing with federal law. In so doing, the Court rejected the notion of dual judicial sovereignty, in which the state courts and the federal courts have separate and independent domains of power, and instead asserted the primacy of federal courts over federal law. 
    1852 - Harriet Beecher Stowe's classic book was published. "Uncle Tom's Cabin," subtitled "Life Among the Lowly," became an instant success, selling 300,000 copies in its first year. It has been translated into twenty languages and performed as a play the world over.
    1863 - A distant relative, Adah Isaacs Menken, a lovely and much talked about actress, scored a spectacular triumph in Virginia City, Nevada, with her performance in “Mazeppa,” or “The Wild Horse.” At the climax of the show, she was strapped to the back of a wild horse and, in a flimsy gauze garment, driven up a mountain trail. The audiences of miners stood on their chairs and cheered wildly. Virginia City was so impressed that it named a new mining district, the Menken, and established a Menken Shaft and Tunnel Co.
    1868 - Jesse James Gang robs bank in Russellville, KY of $14,000
    1889 - A New York sporting goods house receives an order for bats, balls, and other baseball equipment from Mr. Hiroka of Tokyo. In his letter, he says that baseball "has been played there for several months" and that a baseball association would soon be organized.
    1897 - The first men's intercollegiate basketball game to use five players per team was held in New Haven, CT. Yale beat Pennsylvania by a score of 32-10.
    1906 – Birthday of Ozzie Nelson, born Oswald George Nelson (d. 1975), Jersey City, NJ.  A football player at Rutgers, he attended Rutgers Law School and played saxophone part-time.  During the Depression, he turned to music as a full-time career. He formed the Ozzie Nelson Band, and when the New York Daily Mirror ran a poll of its readers to determine their favorite band, they edged out Paul Whiteman and were pronounced the winners.  From 1930 through the 1940s, Nelson's band recorded prolifically. Nelson was their primary vocalist and, from August, 1932, featured in duets with his other star vocalist, Harriet Hilliard, who became his wife in 1935. In the 1940s, Nelson began to look for a way to spend more time with his family, especially his growing sons. Besides band appearances, he and Harriet had been regulars on Red Skelton’s radio show.  He developed and produced his own radio series, “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” The show went on the air in 1944, with their sons played by actors until 1949.  In 1952, it moved over to television (the radio version continued for another two years). The TV show starred the entire family, and America watched Ozzie and Harriet raise their boys, David and Ricky. The last television episode aired in 1966.  This may have been television’s first reality TV!
    1907 – San Francisco Assistant District Attorney Francis Heney's office sends 65 indictments against political boss Abe Ruef to the grand jury rooms at Gough and Geary street. Judge Coffey orders bail to be set at $10,000 per indictment. 
    1911 - The National Squash Tennis Association was formed in New York City, at The Harvard Club of New York, with 14 chartered members.
    1914 - The first international figure skating championship was held in New Haven, CT. Events included men's singles, women's singles, pairs and waltzing, later known as ice dancing.
    1915 – Albert Einstein published his “Theory of Relativity.”
    1915 - The Boston Braves broke ground on Commonwealth Avenue and began construction of Braves Field. Owner James Gaffney wants a large enough park so that inside-the-park homers can be hit in three directions. The field opened on August 18.  The seating capacity was 46,000, making it the first ballpark ever to seat over 40,000. After the Braves moved to Milwaukee in 1954, Braves Field was acquired by Boston University and converted to a football stadium. Most of the grandstand was demolished, although the right field pavilion was kept and the administration and ticket sales building now holds the headquarters of the campus police force. Its scoreboard was transferred to Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium.
    1920 - Birthday of pianist Marian McPartland (d. 2013), Slough, UK. 
http://www.concordrecords.com/bios/mcpartland.html
    1922 – Birthday of musician Larry Elgart (d. 2017), New London, CT.  Lead alto sax, bandleader with brother Les: “Hooked on Swing,” “The Bandstand Boogie,” otherwise known as the theme for “American Bandstand.” 
http://www.spaceagepop.com/elgarts.htm
    1922 - Birthday of actor Carl Reiner, The Bronx, New York. Also a director, best known for “Show of Shows.” A colleague of my father in early television.  Reiner has won nine Emmy Awards and one Grammy Award during his nearly seven-decade career. He is the father of actor and director Rob Reiner, author Annie Reiner and grandfather to actress Tracy Reiner.
    1922 – The first US aircraft carrier, USS Langley, was commissioned.
    1925 – Disgraced Watergate player, John Ehrlichman (d. 1999),
presidential assistant during Nixon administration, was born in Tacoma, WA.
    1929 - Birthday of Fred “Mr.” Rogers (d. 2008), born Latrobe, PA. His first program, “The Children’s Hour” was the precursor to “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” which premiered in Canada in 1966 and the US in 1968. He authored a number of books for parents and children, wrote more than 200 songs and won dozens of awards, including Emmys, Peabodys and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
    1934 - Mildred Didrickson, also known as Babe Zaharias, the renowned all-around female athlete, pitched the 1st inning for the Philadelphia Athletics in a spring training game against the Brooklyn Dodgers.  She gave up one walk but no hits. Two days later she pitched again, this time one inning for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Boston Red Sox, giving up four hits and three runs. She did not have an at bat in either game. She also played several games for the House of David this season. Didrickson is the second female to play exhibitions with a Major League team. Previously, first baseman Lizzie Murphy played for an American League All-Star team in 1922. 
    1936 - Benny Goodman and his orchestra recorded "Christopher Columbus" on Victor Records in, where else, Chicago, IL.
    1941 - Claude Thornhill Band opens at Glen Island Casino, 1941.
    1941 - Birthday of actor Hal Linden, born Harold Lipshitz, The Bronx, NY.  Best-known for his role as the title character in the television comedy series “Barney Miller.” The role earned him seven Primetime Emmy awards and three Golden Globe Award nominations.
    1942 – Gen. Douglas MacArthur, in Australia, made his famous speech regarding the fall of the Philippines, in which he says: "I came out of Bataan and I shall return."
    1948 - The first NCAA ice hockey championship concluded in Colorado Springs, CO. The University of Michigan defeated Dartmouth College 8-4, to win the title.
    1948 - The city of Juneau received 31 inches of snow in 24 hours, a record for the Alaska capitol.
    1948 - The 20th Academy Awards saw Darryl F. Zanuck's "Gentleman's Agreement" take the Best Picture prize, the Best Director (Elia Kazan), and Best Supporting Actress (Celeste Holm). Other awards passed out at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles for the best of 1947 included Best Actor to Ronald Colman for "A Double Life;" Best Actress to Loretta Young for "Farmer's Daughter;" Best Supporting Actor to Edmund Gwenn for "Miracle on 34th Street;" and Best Music/Song to Allie Wrubel (music), Ray Gilbert (lyrics) for "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" from "Song of the South."
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0148372.html
    1951 - Top Hits
“If” - Perry Como
“Be My Love” - Mario Lanza
“My Heart Cries for You” - Guy Mitchell
“The Rhumba Boogie” - Hank Snow
    1952 - Actor/comedian Danny Kaye hosted the 24th Annual Academy Awards, held this day at the RKO Pantages Theater in Los Angeles and it was upset night. Humphrey Bogart surprised the ‘experts' by winning an Academy Award for "African Queen." Most thought that Marlon Brando would win Best Actor for "A Streetcar Named Desire." The top film was Arthur Freed's "An American in Paris." Critics had already decided that "A Place in the Sun" or "Streetcar" would walk away with the coveted Oscar for Best Picture of 1951. How wrong they were! Of course, both pictures did win golden statues. Best Director was George Stevens for "A Place in the Sun." "A Streetcar Named Desire" won awards for Karl Malden (Best Supporting Actor), Vivien Leigh (Best Actress), and Kim Hunter (Best Supporting Actress). The Best Music/Song Oscar was presented to Hoagy Carmichael (music) and Johnny Mercer (lyrics) for "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening" from "Here Comes the Groom."
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0148514.html
    1953 - Senator Edwin C. Johnson offered a bill to give clubs the sole right to ban radio-TV broadcasts of Major League games in their own territory. The antitrust division of the Justice Department outlawed this practice in 1949. Johnson believed that it started the decline of baseball in small towns and cities throughout the country. His bill aimed to restore the equity between large communities and the small areas.
    1954 - After a force of 60,000 Viet Minh with heavy artillery had surrounded 16,000 French troops, news of Dien Bien Phu's impending fall reaches Washington. French General Henri Navarre had positioned his forces 200 miles behind enemy lines in a remote area adjacent to the Laotian border. He hoped to draw the communists into a set-piece battle in which the supposed superior French firepower would prevail. He underestimated the enemy. Viet Minh General Vo Nguyen Giap entrenched artillery in the surrounding mountains and massed five divisions around the French positions. The battle, which far exceeded the size and scope of anything to date in the war between the French and the Viet Minh, began with a massive Viet Minh artillery barrage and was followed by an infantry assault. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles and other members of the Eisenhower administration were stunned at the turn of events and discussions were held to decide on a course of action. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Arthur Radford, proposed the use of nuclear strikes against the Viet Minh. Other options included massive conventional air strikes, paratrooper drops, and the mining of Haiphong Harbor. In the end, President Eisenhower decided that the situation was too far gone and ordered no action to be taken to aid the French. Fierce fighting continued at Dien Bien Phu until May 7, 1954, when the Viet Minh overran the last French positions. The shock at the fall of Dien Bien Phu led France, already plagued by public opposition to the war, to agree to grant independence to Vietnam at the Geneva Conference in 1954.
    1956 - VILLEGAS, YSMAEL R., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company F, 127th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division. Place and date: Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 20 March 1945. Entered service at: Casa Blanca, Calif. Birth: Casa Blanca, Calif. G.O. No.: 89, 19 October 1945. Citation: He was a squad leader when his unit, in a forward position, clashed with an enemy strongly entrenched in connected caves and foxholes on commanding ground. He moved boldly from man to man, in the face of bursting grenades and demolition charges, through heavy machinegun and rifle fire, to bolster the spirit of his comrades. Inspired by his gallantry, his men pressed forward to the crest of the hill. Numerous enemy riflemen, refusing to flee, continued firing from their foxholes. S/Sgt. Villegas, with complete disregard for his own safety and the bullets which kicked up the dirt at his feet, charged an enemy position, and, firing at point-blank range killed the Japanese in a foxhole. He rushed a second foxhole while bullets missed him by inches, and killed 1 more of the enemy. In rapid succession he charged a third, a fourth, a fifth foxhole, each time destroying the enemy within. The fire against him increased in intensity, but he pressed onward to attack a sixth position. As he neared his goal, he was hit and killed by enemy fire. Through his heroism and indomitable fighting spirit, S/Sgt. Villegas, at the cost of his life, inspired his men to a determined attack in which they swept the enemy from the field.
    1957 - Bobby Helms, who is most often remembered for his Christmas classic, "Jingle Bell Rock," had his biggest single reach the US Country chart. The song was called "Fraulein" and it would eventually hit number 1, spending 52 weeks on the chart, longer than any other Country song of the 1950s. Later in the year, he had another number one record with "My Special Angel." "Jingle Bell Rock" was first released in November 1957 and would return to the US Top 40 on two other occasions. It remains one of the most frequently played Christmas songs.
    1957 - Birthday of Shelton Jackson “Spike” Lee, Atlanta, Ga., director, producer, writer, actor.  Lee's movies have examined race relations, colorism in the black community, the role of media in contemporary life, urban crime and poverty, and other political issues. Lee has received two Academy Award nominations and numerous other awards, including two Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, an honorary BAFTA Award, an Honorary Cesar and the 2013 Gish Prize.
    1959 - Top Hits
“Venus” - Frankie Avalon
“Charlie Brown” - The Coasters
“Alvin's Harmonica” - David Seville & The Chipmunks
“Don't Take Your Guns to Town” - Johnny Cash
    1959 - Dick Clark protégé and teen idol, Bobby Rydell, makes his first television appearance, naturally enough, on ABC-TV's American Bandstand.
    1960 - Elvis Presley enters a Nashville recording studio for the first time since being discharged from the US Army. A 12-hour session will produce his next single, "Stuck on You," which will top the Billboard chart a month later. Scotty Moore and Bill Black, who had quit Presley's touring band in 1957, are in the studio with him for the last time.
    1961 - Ricky Nelson records "Hello Mary Lou," which would climb to number 9 in the US by early May. 
    1961 - The top tune in the US was Elvis Presley's "Surrender," which used updated lyrics put to a melody that was written in 1911 as "Come Back To Sorrento."
    1961 - Elvis begins filming his ninth movie, “Blue Hawaii,” on location.
    1964 - The Beatles make their first appearance on the British television show "Ready Steady Go!," lip-synching, as was the custom, to "Can't Buy Me Love," "It Won't Be Long," and "You Can't Do That.”
    1965 - After a celebratory formal street parade, Motown's first UK package tour begins at Finsbury Park Astoria, in London, featuring The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and Martha & the Vandellas.
    1965 - British Invasion band Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders enter the Hot 100 for the first time with "Game of Love." It stays on the charts for eleven weeks making it to Number One in April. Also on this date, Petula Clark's "I Know a Place" enters the Hot 100. It hangs around for 12 weeks eventually hitting #3.
    1965 - President Lyndon B. Johnson orders 4,000 troops to protect the Selma-Montgomery civil rights marchers.
    1967 - HAGEMEISTER, CHARLES CHRIS, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Specialist Fifth Class (then Sp4c.) U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 20 March 1967. Entered service at: Lincoln, Nebr. Born: 21 August 1946, Lincoln, Nebr. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While conducting combat operations against a hostile force, Sp5c. Hagemeister's platoon suddenly came under heavy attack from 3 sides by an enemy force occupying well concealed, fortified positions and supported by machine guns and mortars. Seeing 2 of his comrades seriously wounded in the initial action, Sp5c. Hagemeister unhesitatingly and with total disregard for his safety, raced through the deadly hail of enemy fire to provide them medical aid. Upon learning that the platoon leader and several other soldiers also had been wounded, Sp5c. Hagemeister continued to brave the withering enemy fire and crawled forward to render lifesaving treatment and to offer words of encouragement. Attempting to evacuate the seriously wounded soldiers, Sp5c. Hagemeister was taken under fire at close range by an enemy sniper. Realizing that the lives of his fellow soldiers depended on his actions, Sp5c. Hagemeister seized a rifle from a fallen comrade, killed the sniper, 3 other enemy soldiers who were attempting to encircle his position and silenced an enemy machine gun that covered the area with deadly fire. Unable to remove the wounded to a less exposed location and aware of the enemy's efforts to isolate his unit, he dashed through the fusillade of fire to secure help from a nearby platoon. Returning with help, he placed men in positions to cover his advance as he moved to evacuate the wounded forward of his location. These efforts successfully completed, he then moved to the other flank and evacuated additional wounded men despite the fact that his every move drew fire from the enemy. Sp5c. Hagemeister's repeated heroic and selfless actions at the risk of his life saved the lives of many of his comrades and inspired their actions in repelling the enemy assault. Sp5c. Hagemeister's indomitable courage was in the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces and reflects great credit upon himself. 
    1967 - Fashion model, Twiggy, arrived in the United States for a one-week stay. She quickly became the most sought-after subject of photographers due to her terrifically skinny-yet-wholesome good looks and the shortest dresses ever seen (to that time).
http://www.swinginchicks.com/twiggy.htm
http://members.aol.com/gwilde67/index3.html
    1967 - Top Hits
“Penny Lane” - The Beatles
“Happy Together” - The Turtles
“Dedicated to the One I Love” - The Mamas & the Papas
“The Fugitive” - Merle Haggard
    1968 - In Los Angeles, Eric Clapton and three members of Buffalo Springfield -- Neil Young, Jim Messina, and Richie Furay -- are arrested for suspicion of marijuana use. The band members are eventually found guilty and fined, while Clapton beats the charges.
    1969 - KAWAMURA, TERRY TERUO, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, 173d Engineer Company, 173d Airborne Brigade, Republic of Vietnam. Place and date: Camp Radcliff, Republic of Vietnam, 20 March 1969. Entered service at: Oahu, Hawaii. Born. 10 December 1949, Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Cpl. Kawamura distinguished himself by heroic action while serving as a member of the 173d Engineer Company. An enemy demolition team infiltrated the unit quarters area and opened fire with automatic weapons. Disregarding the intense fire, Cpl. Kawamura ran for his weapon. At that moment, a violent explosion tore a hole in the roof and stunned the occupants of the room. Cpl. Kawamura jumped to his feet, secured his weapon and, as he ran toward the door to return the enemy fire, he observed that another explosive charge had been thrown through the hole in the roof to the floor. He immediately realized that 2 stunned fellow soldiers were in great peril and shouted a warning. Although in a position to escape, Cpl. Kawamura unhesitatingly wheeled around and threw himself on the charge. In completely disregarding his safety, Cpl. Kawamura prevented serious injury or death to several members of his unit. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Cpl. Kawamura are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1969 - Beatle John Lennon married Yoko Ono at the Rock of Gibraltar. Lennon called the location, “quiet, friendly and British.” He was the second Beatle to marry in eight days. Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman were wed a week earlier.
    1969 - Jockey Diane Crump won the first race of her career less than two months after becoming the first woman to ride in a pari-mutuel race in the US. Her victory came at Gulfstream Park, FL
    1969 - Janis Joplin and Her Band opened at the San Francisco Winterland.
    1971 - Iron Butterfly's "In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida" has been on the charts for 138 weeks and sold more than 3 million copies.
    1973 - Elton John had the #1 album in the US with "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player." 
    1973 – Roberto Clemente became the first Hispanic American to gain election to the Hall of Fame. The BBWAA announced the results of a special ballot, with Clemente receiving 393 of 424 votes. Clemente died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve in an attempt to deliver medicine and supplies to earthquake-torn Nicaragua.  In light of his tragic death, the Hall's Board of Directors waived the five-year waiting period that is normally required before a player is eligible for election. A twelve-time All-Star, Clemente batted .317 and won a dozen Gold Gloves over an 18-year career, and batted .362 in World Series play. Named NL MVP in 1966, he was voted the outstanding player in the 1971 World Series, when the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the heavily-favored Baltimore Orioles in seven games.
    1975 - Top Hits
“Black Water” - The Doobie Brothers
“My Eyes Adored You” - Frankie Valli
“Lady Marmalade” - LaBelle
“Before the Next Teardrop Falls” - Freddy Fender
    1976 - Boz Scaggs' biggest album of his career, "Silk Degrees" premieres on the charts. It's his seventh solo album but it will be the first to go platinum. Off the album is the #3 pop and #5 R&B smash single "Lowdown."
    1976 - Patricia "Tania" Hearst convicted of bank robbery. 
    1982 - Joan Jett and The Blackhearts started a seven-week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "I Love Rock 'n' Roll." 
    1983 - Top Hits
“Billy Jean” - Michael Jackson
“Shame on the Moon” - Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
“Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” - Culture Club
“I Wouldn't Change You If I Could” - Ricky Skaggs
    1984 - A severe three-day winter storm came to an end over the Central Plains. The storm produced up to twenty inches of snow in Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas, and left a thick coat of ice from eastern Kansas across northwestern Missouri into Iowa.
    1985 - Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a 1,150-mile (approx.) dog sled race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/mar20.html
    1987 - The first drug for treating AIDS to win the approval of the Food and Drug Administration was AZT (azidothymidine). The drug was made by Burroughs Welcome and initially cost more than $410,000 a year for each patient.
    1988 - While our theme is to celebrate life, meaning birthdays, sometimes we remember famous jazz musicians. Today my favorite jazz arranger died in Cuernavaca, Mexico: Gil Evans.
http://www.nprjazz.org/feature/gevans.html 
also one of the few jazz musicians listed in the Britannica America:
http://www.britannica.com/seo/g/gil-evans/ 
His band lives on:
http://www.mclink.it/com/automatica/jazz/evansen.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000000YJ9/avsearch-musicasin-20/
104-5395322-4415965 
http://www.telefilm.gc.ca/en/prod/tv/tv98/047.htm
Book Review: http://www.nprjazz.org/reviews/jrb.gil.html
    1988 - Squalls in the Great Lakes Region left up to eight inches of new snow on the ground in time for the official start of spring. Unseasonably warm weather prevailed in the western U.S. Seven cities reported new record high temperatures for the date, including Tucson, AZ with a reading of 89 degrees.
    1989 - After 37 years on the air, Dick Clark announces he will discontinue hosting his creation, ABC-TV's highly influential “American Bandstand.” The show continues with another host, but folds for good soon after.
    1989 – MLB Commissioner Peter Ueberroth announced that he has begun an investigation into the behavior of Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose. Ueberroth did not identify the allegations against Rose, but the Reds' skipper will eventually be banished for his alleged involvement with gambling.
    1990 - The northeastern U.S. was in the midst of a snowstorm as spring officially began at 4:19 PM. Snowfall totals in the Green Mountains of Vermont ranged up to thirty inches, and up to 15 inches of snow was reported in the Catskills and Adirondacks of eastern New York State. Totals in eastern Pennsylvania ranged up to 12 inches at Armenia Mountain. The storm resulted in one death, and forty-nine injuries.
    1991 - Top Hits
“Someday” - Mariah Carey
“One More Try” - Timmy -T-
“Show Me the Way” - Styx
“I'd Love You All Over Again” - Alan Jackson
    1991 - Eric Clapton's 4-year-old son, Conor, falls to his death from a 53rd story New York City apartment window. The tragedy inspires Clapton's song "Tears in Heaven."
    1991 - Michael Jackson signs the richest deal in recording history when Sony inked him to a $1 billion contract.
    1995 - Dow-Jones hits 4083.68 (record)
    1996 - A jury in Los Angeles convicted Erik and Lyle Menendez of first-degree murder in the shotgun slayings of their millionaire parents. (They are serving life without parole.)
    1997 - Liggett Group, the maker of Chesterfield cigarettes, settled 22 state lawsuits by agreeing to warn on every pack that smoking is addictive and admitting the industry markets cigarettes to teen-agers.
    2003 - Up to 1400 anti-war protesters were arrested in SF.
    2003 – 9:34 p.m. EST: the surprise military invasion of Iraq began. There was no declaration of war. The invasion of Iraq, led by U.S. Army General Tommy Franks, began under the code name “Operation Iraqi Liberation,” later renamed “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” the UK code name “Operation Telic,” and the Australian code name “Operation Falconer.” Coalition forces also cooperated with Kurdish Peshmerga forces in the north. Approximately forty other governments, the “U.S.-led coalition against Iraq,” participated by providing troops, equipment, services, security, and special forces, with 248,000 soldiers from the United States, 45,000 British soldiers, 2,000 Australian soldiers and 194 Polish soldiers from Special Forces unit GROM were sent to Kuwait for the invasion. The invasion force was also supported by Iraqi Kurdish militia troops, estimated to number upwards of 70,000. According to General Franks, the objectives of the invasion were, “First, end the regime of Saddam Hussein. Second, to identify, isolate, and eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. Third, to search for, to capture, and to drive out terrorists from that country. Fourth, to collect such intelligence as we can relate to terrorist networks. Fifth, to collect such intelligence as we can relate to the global network of illicit weapons of mass destruction. Sixth, to end sanctions and to immediately deliver humanitarian support to the displaced and many needy Iraqi citizens. Seventh, to secure Iraq’s oil fields and resources, which belong to the Iraqi people. And last, to help the Iraqi people create conditions for a transition to a representative self-government.”
    2004 - Thousands of anti-war demonstrators marched from Dolores Park to the Civic Center in San Francisco.
    2005 - An F1 tornado hits South San Francisco. Trees are uprooted. At least twenty homes and twenty businesses are damaged, including the city's new fire station
    2006 - Grand Island, NE, receives 17.8 inches of snow in 24 hours, breaking the old local record for the most snowfall in a day by 4.8 inches. 29.7 inches in 48 hours also breaks a record.
    2015 - Aducanumab, a new drug developed by Biogen to treat Alzheimer's, is showing success in reducing toxic brain plaque and decreasing the rate of mental impairment in trials; if successful in further testing, the drug may be available by 2020.
    2015 – A solar eclipse, equinox and super moon occurred simultaneously.

NCCA Basketball Champions:
    1954 - LaSalle
    1965 - UCLA