Full Story: Minimum Wage by State
    and 2021 Increases
https://www.paycor.com/resource-center/minimum-wage-by-state

 

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Top Ten Leasing News
March 1 to March 5

(Stories most opened by readers)

(1) NY Attorney General James Shuts Down Northern Leasing
    Spinoffs for Continuing to Prey on Small Businesses
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2021/03_01.htm#ny

(2) No Longer taking Broker/Discounting Business
    plus Leasing Companies Out of Business
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2021/03_03.htm#no

(3) Who Remembers
    the First Search Engine?
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2021/03_03.htm#who

(4) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
    and Related Industries
 http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2021/03_05.htm#hires

(5) Money Can Buy Happiness After All
     New Research Suggest Yes, it Does
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2021/03_05.htm#money

(6) California Financing Law Requires
    March 15 Filing for Year-end December 31, 2020
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2021/03_03.htm#ca

(7) Talent Crisis Seems Part of the New Normal
    By Steve Chriest
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2021/03_01.htm#talent

(8) COVID-19 at the Gym: Every Single Participant
    in This Mask-less Cycling Class Got Coronavirus
https://www.self.com/story/indoor-fitness-classes-covid-19-outbreaks

(9) Navigating a Spike in the Equipment Finance
    and Leasing Industry by Scott Wheeler, CLFP
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2021/03_03.htm#navigating

(10) The World’s Black Billionaires in 2021
    15 Black billionaires with a combined wealth of $48.9 billion
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2021/03_01.htm#black

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

 

Don't Quit

The Ultimate Hire by Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners

Quitting is the easy part. What comes after is far worse than the pain you were in when you decided to quit.
 
When you quit you are looking for the immediate gratification of the pain stopping, looking for the feeling that you are done and don’t need to keep going on! It feels better than anything else; for about 30 minutes but what comes next is far worse.
 
Your brain goes into overdrive. The questions start to come: what could I have done differently, or asked for help on, or just had some more patience. See quitting is often a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The mind or body is saying that you don’t deserve this, or that it is too hard, or why does this only happen to me when, in fact, it happens to everyone. The comfort zone is a strange thing. It allows you to exist and doesn’t want you to push further. When people get out of their comfort zone the first instinct is to quit. They say this is too hard when, in fact, they haven’t figured out an alternative. Often. this is just the beginning on the path to greatness.
 
As a headhunter, coach and athlete, I have seen many people, including myself, quit something because it was too hard for the moment, likely, it may be too hard for an hour, a day, a month, a year. What most people don’t realize is that no matter how bad something is, it will always end.

I can’t tell you how many people I have spoken with who have quit their jobs because their boss wasn’t nice to them, or that they didn’t feel like they were getting compensated enough, or that the work is too hard. Then, they go through the pain of trying to find another role and can’t. You know why, because people don’t want to hire quitters.
 
When you go on interview and the hiring manager asks you the reason you aren’t working, what do you say? Think about it. There is always some excuse but, in reality, it is because you didn’t endure.

You are a quitter and that screws with your psyche. You no longer have an income, your identity is no longer intact, and then you realize what you had wasn’t that bad.   
 
When you quit, you are no longer in control, you are on defense. When you are on defense, you have lost your power, you become desperate and take a step back, rather than a step forward and settle for something that you wouldn’t normally settle for. Does it feel good to settle? Does it make you proud to say that you quit? When you look back on your previous role you begin to realize it wasn’t as bad as you made it out to be.
 
Think about how good you feel if had endured a hard battle. Think about how proud you would feel if you outlasted your boss, your client, or your role. Right when you are about to quit, realize that many times, that glory is one more step away. Just one step!

Ken Lubin
Managing Director
ZRG Partners, LLC
Americas I EMEA I Asia Pacific
C: 508-733-4789
https://www.linkedin.com/in/klubin/

"What is the Ultimate Hire? The Ultimate Hire is the professional that every business, team or leader needs in their organization. This is the high performance individual that always rises to the top, brings the team to the next level and can significantly add to the bottom line. The Ultimate Hire is the person that you can't afford to be without. Finding, Attracting, Hiring and Retaining these professionals is critical to the success of your business. We have identified these traits and can help you find these top professionals."

The Ultimate Hire Collection:
http://leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/ultimate.html

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Marlin Business Services Corp 10-K
Year- End Highlights from 73 pages

 

Page 46

Salaries and benefits expense decreased $10.4 million, or 23.5%, to $33.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $44.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This change resulted from a $5.4 million decrease in Commissions due to lower origination volumes coupled with an updated commission structure and a decrease of $3.9 million in Incentive compensation due to lower recognized bonus and share-based compensation amounts driven by the Company’s operating results. As part of our efforts to tighten our expense base in response to COVID-19, in April 2020, we put approximately 120 employees on furlough; then in June 2020, we took steps to permanently reduce our work force by approximately 80 employees. Our headcount is 254 at December 31, 2020, down from 348 at December 31, 2019. We recognized Severance expense in Salary, benefits and payroll taxes of $1.7 million in 2020, compared to $0.3 million in 2019, in connection with this workforce reduction. We recognized $2.5 million lower Salary, benefits and payroll taxes for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year primarily from our expense reduction efforts.

(Note: Gift of stock to officers not noted:
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2020/12_21.htm#marlin)

page 46

Portfolio Risk.  We experienced  a significant decrease in demand for our lease and loan products during the year ended December 31, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we have limited   visibility to the future recovery of such demand.  Our origination volumes for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $367.1 million, a 54% decrease from $801.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.  We have shifted   the focus of portions of our operations and certain personnel to implement specific   programs and new products in response to the pandemic.   In particular, we have focused efforts on   loan modifications and a payment deferral program, implemented a new PPP loan product, and increased customer service   efforts to respond to our borrower’s needs.   We modified over 5,600 contracts as part of our payment deferral program, representing   $111.2 million, or   12.8% of our Net investment in leases and loans as of December 31, 2020.   While 92% of the modified contracts are out of the deferral period at year end, as part of our loss mitigation strategies we are further extending the deferral   period for select customers in industries that are suffering prolonged impacts of COVID-19.   There can be no assurances that our efforts will be successful in mitigating   any risk of credit loss.

page 15

Portfolio Overview

Equipment Finance.  At December 31, 2020,   we had approximately 80,000 active Equipment Finance leases and loans in our portfolio, representing a period ending net investment in Equipment   Finance lease and loans, excluding the allowance for credit losses, of $849.0 million. With respect to our portfolio   at December 31, 2020:

 •   The average original Equipment Finance lease and loan transaction was approximately   $18,000,   with an average remaining balance of approximately $12,000;

 •   The average original Equipment Finance lease and loan term was approximately   50 months; 

 •   our active Equipment Finance lease and loans were spread among approximately   68,000 different small business customers, with the largest single small business customer accounting   for only 0.16% of the aggregate Equipment Finance minimum lease and loan payments receivable;

•   over 75.4% of the aggregate minimum Equipment Finance lease and   loan payments receivable were with small business customers who had been in business for more than five years;

•   the portfolio was spread among 10,707 origination partners, with the largest   source accounting for only 5.91% of the aggregate Equipment Finance minimum lease and loan payments receivable,   and our 10 largest origination partners   account for only 18.4%of the aggregate Equipment Finance minimum lease and loan payments receivable;
 
 • There were over 100 different equipment categories financed, with the largest categories set forth on the following tables; and

 • we had leases outstanding with small business customers located in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with our largest states of origination, as set forth in the following tables.

Working   Capital:  As of December 31, 2020,   the Company had approximately 870 Working   Capital Loans with a book value of $20.0million on the balance sheet, excluding the allowance for credit losses. Approximately   50% of our Working   Capital Loan customers are new financing with Marlin.

The following tables outline the concentrations by state, industry,   and equipment category as a percentage of the net investment receivable for our portfolio as of December 31, 2020:

Page 5

Page 7

Net Charge-offs. Equipment Finance and TFG receivables are generally charged   -off when they are contractually past due for 120 days or more.  Working   Capital receivables are generally charged-off at 60 days past   due.  Total portfolio   net charge-offs for the year December 31, 2020 were $32.4   million (3.43% of average total finance receivables on an annualized basis), compared to $22.4 million (2.18%)   for 2019.   The elevated net charge-offs for 2020 were primarily driven   by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we experienced   our highest levels of net charge-offs in the third quarter   of2020.   While we experienced a positive trend in net charge-off   levels in the fourth quarter, we continue to monitor   the continued risks in our portfolio from the COVID-19 driven economic environment.  A large portion of our portfolio was part of the payment deferral modification   program, as discussed above.   While 92% of those contracts are out of the deferral period by December 31, 2020, the long-term   performance of the modified portfolio remains uncertain.   We are continually monitoring   the performance of our portfolio and assessing all related risks to ensure that our allowance estimate is sufficient to cover the expected losses from   COVID-19.   Our best estimate of the risk of future net credit losses and the near-term uncertainty of the macro-economic environment   is reflected in our allowance for loan losses of $44.2million as of December 31, 2020.

page 38

73 Pages 10-K Report
http://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0001260968/523ca6c3-b73a-46ec-899c-6d455b1f9037.html

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2020 Year-End Leasing-Finance US Associations’
Membership Count and by Category

It is important for your career and education to join a professional association. The make-up of the membership should be considered and is one of the reasons Leasing News has been collecting this information for over 20 years.

It should be noted there was an East Coast and West Coast association that eventually joined as one, which today has become the National Equipment Finance Association. At one time, there were members who belong to both, and those that thought there was a difference between the east and west coast to have separate associations.
   Editor

 

Members had until January 31st to renew because ELFA offers a 31-day grace period after the deadline to renew expires.  So the companies that choose not to renew are included in the count below.  We have 540 members as of today’s date because all of those companies that chose not to renew are no longer included in the count. This 540 number should increase over the year as new members join.

ELFA exists to provide member companies a platform to promote and advocate for the industry, including attracting and developing new and diverse talent; a forum for professional development and training; and a resource that develops information about, and for, the industry.

Member companies enjoy a strong return on their membership investment and access to exclusive benefits, including cutting-edge industry information, popular business and professional development events, a powerful federal and state advocacy agenda and effective industry promotion tools. In 2021, ELFA is celebrating 60 years of advancing equipment finance! Learn about the value of an ELFA membership at www.elfaonline.org/join.

Amy Vogt
Vice President, Communications and Marketing

 

We count all memberships that have not been deactivated. We did extend our normal grace period in 2020 to allow companies struggling from the pandemic more time to pay their dues. We also allow members to pay on installment plans that break the dues up over a three month time period. We actually had quite a few brokers join in 2020. I suspect that was due to funding sources tightening their credit requirements or halting funding for some industries. Brokers needed to expand their funder base in 2020 and they came to the association to do that.
  
AACFB membership has fluctuated over the years as the association and its members felt the long-term effects of the recession but membership has been ticking upward again in recent years. It remains to be seen what effect the COVID-19 pandemic will ultimately have but the association experienced consistent growth in new broker members in 2020, which could be partially attributed to funding sources tightening restrictions and brokers needing to broaden their pool of funding partners.

About AACFB

The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) was formerly the National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers (NAELB). The association, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year was founded on the promotion of a strong code of ethics and continuing education. AACFB serves as a great resource for those in the commercial finance industry, providing ample opportunities to network through an active online forum, searchable funding source directory, and events – whether in person or virtual. Members also have access to a host of savings plans for industry specific needs such as credit reporting and background checks as well as saving on email marketing, office supplies, restaurants, hotels, and software. Education is always just a click away on the AACFB website where members can access the quarterly newsletter, Commercial Break and dozens of educational training videos and webinar recordings. In addition, limited legal services are also a benefit of membership. Last but not least, AACFB offers members year-round access to a community of commercial finance professionals willing to share their experience and expertise with one another. Seasoned members mentoring and guiding less experienced members is a hallmark of the AACFB member experience. For more information on how to join the AACFB, contact Director of Membership & Programs, Natasha Pitcock or Executive Director, Monica Harper via email at info@aacfb.org or call 800-996-2352. Visit the AACFB website at www.aacfb.org.

Monica Harper, Executive Director

Chad Sluss, MSA  
Executive Director / CEO

 

Association for Governmental Leasing & Finance

10 Individuals
14 Limited
35 Basic Company Members with 104 total people
 
8 Industry Leader Companies with 214 total people

 
Arianna Bender / Program Manager

 

No response received

Labrador Retriever
New York, New York  Adopt-a-Dog



Victor

Male
2 Years old
76 lbs.
Only Home Preferred

Victor is a big ol' boy weighing in at 76lbs, though he doesn't seem to realize it! Victor was under-socialized as a puppy and will need a patient and understanding family to help work with him as he adjusts to home life. He is still discovering new things and will need more help introducing him to the larger world around him. Victor is shy around new people and needs time to trust someone new. Once he gets to know you and opens up, he is a playful teenager who loves to give hugs - this leggy boy might even be taller than you! He has quite a bit of energy that he needs to get out and can be jumpy and mouthy when he gets frustrated - this can be a lot to manage, especially with a big boy! Victor will need a dog-experienced household, preferably with large dog experience, to help him be the best he can be and is not suitable for a first-time dog owner. Although he is overall a nervous dog, he will need basic training and a gentle hand to help him be the best dog he can be. If you're interested in potentially adopting Victor, please reach out to Animal Haven for more information.

Animal Haven
200 Centre Street
New York, NY  10013
(Corner of Hester Street)
212.274.8511

Adoption Fee: $295
Fee covers neuter, core vaccines, and microchip. Collar and leash included with dog adoptions.

By Appointment Only.
Closed Mondays
Walk-in appointments cannot be accommodated.

Adoption Process:

https://animalhaven.org/adopt/adoption-process/

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- Over 4 Hours of Networking Each Day
- 2 Keynote Presentations
- 8 Educational Sessions
- 4 Educational Tracks
… and Day 1 lunch is on us!

SESSIONS:

Preparing Yourself to be Your Company's Next Leader

Documentation in the Post-COVID World

Credit Scoring: What Is It & How Should It Be Used

Fraud: Real Life Case Studies and How They Were Resolved

Maximizing Your Funding Source Relationships

How to Finance Equipment Used in the Cannabis / Hemp Industry

 

Full Information:
https://www.nefassociation.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1479570&group=

Registration:
https://www.nefassociation.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1479570&group=

News Briefs---

Fauci warns U.S. could be headed for
    another virus spike
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Fauci-Warns-U-S-Could-Be-Headed-for-Another-16006404.ph?IPID=SFGate-HP-CP-Spotlight

United States-Canada COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
https://www.natlawreview.com/article/united-states-canada-covid-19-travel-restrictions

 

[headlines]
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You May Have Missed---

The business winners in Biden’s relief package:
   Restaurants, concert venues and airplane manufacturers
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/03/07/restaurants-venues-covid-relief/

[headlines]
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Sports Briefs---

Former GM convinced Kyle Shanahan,
    49ers remain interested in these two QBs
https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/145077-former-convinced-kyle-shanahan-49ers-remain-interested-these/

Would Warriors' Steph Curry dominate history's
    best in a 3-point shootout?
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/Would-Warriors-Steph-Curry-dominate-16002121.php

Cleveland Browns' Callie Brownson just finished first year
    as chief of staff. Owner calls her 'one of the best'
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/browns/2021/03/07/cleveland-browns-chief-staff-callie-brownson/4579547001/

 49ers gain $11 million in cap space
    and are up to $23 million, per Over The Cap
https://www.ninersnation.com/2021/3/5/22315352/49ers-gain-11-million-in-cap-space-and-are-up-to-23-million-per-over-the-cap

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California Nuts Briefs---

Fairmont San Jose files for bankruptcy
    805-room hotel had guests leave, reports created some problems
https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/fairmont-san-jose-files-for-bankruptcy/

California to start reopening outdoor concerts,
    sports and theme parks in April
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article249729358.html?ac_cid=DM399663&ac_bid=-350842062

San Francisco Bay Area commuters got their lives back
    by working from home. Are they willing to give that up?
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/03/07/covid-bay-area-commuters-got-their-lives-back-by-working-from-home-what-happens-next/

Opinion: An hour a week is not enough time
    in the classroom
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/03/06/an-hour-a-week-is-not-enough-time-in-the-classroom/

California counties don’t want COVID-19 vaccine efforts
    run by Blue Shield
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-06/california-counties-criticism-state-contract-covid-19-vaccine-distribution-blue-shield

California would ban boys and girls sections
    at big retailers under proposed law
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article249695008.html?ac_cid=DM400454&ac_bid=-337390043

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“Gimme that Wine”

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

How changes in tasting rooms due to the Covid-19 crisis
    are affecting customer satisfaction and purchasing habits
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataId=242445

Calistoga wineries begin to rebuild from
    wildfires with future guests in mind
https://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/calistoga-wineries-begin-to-rebuild-from-wildfires-with-future-guests-in-mind/article_138c17eb-3313-5326-b878-4ba0e3745051.html

One Thousand Roses Tasted in 'Lockdown Conditions'
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataId=242427

Markham Napa Valley Vineyards Crowns New Wine Portfolio
     With Iconic Merlot-based Blend "The Character"
https://www.winebusiness.com/newreleases/?go=getArticle&dataId=242431

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

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

This Day in History

     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.
    1775 - An anonymous writer, thought by some to be Thomas Paine, published "African Slavery in America," the first article in the American colonies calling for the emancipation of slaves and the abolition of slavery.
    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 among New England, the Middle Atlantic States, and the South. Massachusetts was the only state to report no slaves.
The Encyclopedia of American Facts and Dates
    1817 – The New York Stock Exchange was founded.
    1841 – Oliver Wendell Holmes (d. 1935) was born in Boston.  He was nominated for Associate Supreme Court Justice by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 and remained so until 1932.
    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 northern Virginia that became known as Mosby's Confederacy. Supported by the local populace and reviled by his Northern enemies, Mosby's Rangers were one of the most successful of the Southern irregular forces.
    1880 – President Rutherford Hayes declared that the U.S. 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 was a New York dog license law, enacted on this date.
    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 career 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. Unlike an earlier law passed August 5, 1851, rescinded in 1872, it was the first income tax levied by the US.   
    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.  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 - Bernarr 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, Hungary. 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 (d. 2019) 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 US Navy Nurse Corps. She later became the first African-American nurse to serve duty in World War II.
    1946 – Randy Meisner was born in Scottsbluff, NE.  A founding member of the Eagles, his main role was that of bassist and backing high-harmony vocalist as both a group member and session musician. He co-wrote the Eagles hit song "Take It to the Limit," which he also sang.
    1947 – Carole Bayer Sager was born in NYC.  A prolific lyricist and songwriter, she had many hits during the 1970s. With Marvin Hamlisch and Neil Simon, she wrote the lyrics for the stage musical “They’re Playing Our Song,” which was loosely based on her relationship with Hamlisch. The musical ran for over three years on Broadway. Many of Bayer Sager's 1980s songs were co-written with her former husband, the composer Burt Bacharach.  Bayer Sager has won an Academy Award for Best Original Song (out of six nominations) in 1982 for "Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” which was the theme song of the movie “Arthur,” a Grammy Award (out of nine nominations), and two Golden Globe Awards (out of seven nominations). She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987.
    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
    1964 - 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 reported to former Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who was named Executive Vice-President of Baseball Operations.  In 2020, she was named the Marlins' general and she remains the highest-ranking female baseball executive. She is the first woman to serve as general manager of a team in the four major sports leagues in North America and the first person of East Asian descent top serve as GM of a MLB team. 
    2019 - All 28 members of the US women’s national team filed a discrimination lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation (USSF) on Friday, just three months before defending the Women’s World Cup title.  The lawsuit claims that the discrimination affects not only the amount the players are paid but also their playing, training, and travel conditions. In May 2020, several key parts of the case were dismissed, with the federal judge noting that the team had agreed to take higher base compensation and other benefits in their most recent CBA instead of the bonuses received by the men's national team.