[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Finance Industry Confidence
Reaches Highest Level in Three Years

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation reports confidence in the equipment finance market is 67.7, an increase from the February index of 64.4, and the highest level since April 2018.

Vincent Belcastro, Group Head Syndications, Element Fleet Management, said, “As COVID restrictions lift and companies have a clearer vision of future demand, it will help companies make more informed capex decisions.”

Adam Warner, President, Key Equipment Finance, commented, “The prospect of a broadly-vaccinated population should further push open state and local economies.”

Bruce J. Winter, President, FSG Capital, Inc., noted, “The vaccine rollout is now progressing quickly, and, while some predict we won't see the end of this pandemic until year end, I believe everyone that wants a vaccine will be able to receive one by early May. This bodes well for the return of strong economic activity that will almost certainly boost capital spending significantly.”

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Fed to Keep Rates Locked Near 0%
DSNews

“The path of the economy will depend significantly on the course of the virus, including progress on vaccinations," said the Fed in a statement. “The ongoing public health crisis continues to weigh on economic activity, employment, and inflation, and poses considerable risks to the economic outlook. The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals.”

Economist Lynn Reaser of Point Loma Nazarene University in a recent Bloomberg feature, noted, “The Fed is now probing the unknown as a powerful trio of massive fiscal stimulus, monetary support, and pent-up demand impact an economy released by the widespread dissemination of vaccines.”

The housing market continues to lead the charge, jolting the economy with strong numbers due to all-time-low mortgage rates. Standing at just a shade above the 3% mark, homebuyers are clamoring to a market that is short on supply and big on competition.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell, said, “In addition, the Federal Reserve will continue to increase its holdings of Treasury securities by at least $80 billion per month and of agency mortgage‑backed securities by at least $40 billion per month until substantial further progress has been made toward the Committee's maximum employment and price stability goals’

“These asset purchases help foster smooth market functioning and accommodative financial conditions, thereby supporting the flow of credit to households and businesses.”

Realtor.com’s Housing Market Recovery Index: “An analysis of new listings, buyer demand, time spent on the market and home prices stood at 101.6 for the week ending March 6, 0.5 points higher than the previous week, and 1.6 points above pre-pandemic levels. Add a short supply of homes to the mix and the result is a tight market where many are paying well over the listing price to secure the home of their dreams.”

The Fed estimates that price gains will rise to 2.1% by the end of 2023, the same time unemployment falls further and at a more rapid pace.

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Steve Alloca was hired as Chief Operation Officer, BlueVine, Redwood City, California. He continues to service on the Board of Directors, Payliance (February, 2000 - Present) and Growers Edge (December, 2020 - Present). He is the Co-Founder, President and CEO, Loan Science (December, 2008 - December, 2012), remaining of the board of directors as the largest owner (January, 2013 - Present); President, LendingClub (May, 2017 - May, 2020); Vice President and General Manager, Global Credit, PayPal (January, 2013 - May, 2017); President and Chief Operating Officer, Education Finance Partners (March, 2008 - December, 2008). He joined Wells Fargo, 1997, Vice President, Wells Fargo Card Services, Head of Co-Brand Acquisition and Product Development; promoted 1998, Vice President, Director of Deposit and Customer Acquisition for California; promoted 1999, Senior Vice President, Regional Banking, Head of Marketing for California, Border and Nevada Group; promoted, 2002, Senior Vice President, Director of Customer Acquisition and Integrated Marketing; promoted, 2005, Senior Vice President, Head of Personal Credit. He began his career as First Scholar, First Chicago (now JP Morgan Chase) (1994 - 1997). Education: Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management. MM/MBA, Finance and Marketing (1994 - 1997). Washington and Lee University, BA, Economics (1990 - 1994). Activities and Societies: Phi Kappa Psi, Omnicron Delta Epsilon, Lacrosse Team.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allocca/

Jeffrey Bauer was hired as Senior Vice President, SLR Equipment Finance, New York, New York. He is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Previously, he was Senior Vice President and Senior Business Development Officer, Synovus (October, 2018 - March, 2021); Senior Director of Sales, Ally Financial Commercial Finance (July, 2016 - October, 2018); Senior Vice President, Synovus Equipment Finance (March, 2014 - May, 2016); Vice President, Huntington Equipment Finance (May, 2011 - February, 2014); Director, Koenig and Cie (October, 2008 - May, 2011); Managing Director, Leadenhall Partners LLC (June, 2008 - May, 2011); Director, Wachovia Securities (2004 - 2008); Vice President, Fleet Capital Leasing (2001 - 2004); Key Global Finance (1996 - 2001); Vice President, Fleet Bank (June, 1987 - June, 1996); Loan Officer, National Bank of Detroit (June, 1984 - June, 1987). Education: Indiana University. Kellye School of Business. MBA, Finance (1982 -1984). Activities and Societies: Beta Gamma Sigma. Business.  Vanderbilt University, BA, Economics, Cum Laude (1978 - 1982). Activities and Societies: Omicron Delta Epsilon. Economics.  Mishawaka Marian High School. (1976 - 1978). St. Andrews, Boca Raton (1971 -1978)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbauerlink/

Sam Corey was promoted to Head of CSC, Richmond, Virginia, Vendor Program. "In this role, Sam will work closely with the team to further develop CSC’s capabilities. He will continue to lead the Credit and Investment business function." He joined the firm April, 2008, as Account Manager; promoted to Portfolio Manager, November, 2009; promoted September, 2015, Senior Portfolio Manager; promoted August, 2017, Vice President, Credit and Investment. Education: Hampden, Sydney College. BA, Economics and Commerce (2004 - 2008). Collegiate School (2000 - 2004). https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-corey-1174609/

Frank Costanza was hired as Vice President, Syndication, Amur Equipment Finance, Grand Island, Nebraska.  He is located in Clawson, Michigan. Previously, he was Vice President Syndication, Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company Limited (November, 2017 - March, 2021); Director of Capital Markets, TCF Equipment Finance (April, 2015 - October, 2017). He joined Talmer Bank and Trust as Credit Officer, June, 2011; promoted Associate Managing Director, November, 2013); Senior Credit Analyst, Huntington National Bank (February, 2005 - June, 2011). Education: Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration, Bachelor, Finance (2005 - 2008). https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-costanza-b0816229/

Tracy Griggs was promoted to Senior Organizational Change Specialist, PNC, Cincinnati, Ohio. She joined the firm June, 2014, as Officer; EF Tax Specialist III; promoted November, 2014, Compliance Officer; promoted February, 2017, Vice President/Operations Manager, Risk, Compliance and Integration; promoted January, 2019, Vice President, Business Technology Operations Manager. Previously, she was Accounting Manager, CBS Radio (November, 2005 - May 2011); Business Administrator, The Dolben Company, Inc. (2003 - 2006). Volunteer: Disaster Recovery Coordinator, American Red Cross. Volunteer, League for Animal Welfare (April, 2019 - Present). Volunteer, ArtsWave (June, 2014 - Present). Volunteer: Grow Up Great (June, 2014 - Present).  Education: Cleary University, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (2000 - 2002). Cleary University, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Management of Information Technology (1999 - 2000). https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-griggs-29883197/

Erica Howell was hired as Credit and Portfolio Manager, MerchantE, Alpharetta, Georgia.  Previously, she was Vice President of Underwriting, Reliant Funding (February, 2019 - March 2021); Senior Director of Underwriting and Portfolio Management, Aquina (May, 2018 - January, 2019); Director of Credit Operations, CAN Capital (February, 2004 - April, 2019); Loan Closer, AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation (January, 2003 - January, 2004). Volunteer: Fundraising Volunteer, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. ALSAC (January, 2010 - Present).  Ambassador, St. June Children's Research Hospital. ALSAC (November, 2018 - Present). Small Group Leader, Woodstock City Church (October, 2020 - Present).  Education: University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. BBA, Real Estate (1998 - 2002).  Lassiter High School (1994 - 1998).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-howell-8052a827/

Debra Langvardt was hired as Business Development Officer, Middle-Market and Large Ticket Operations, Arboretum, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She is located in Pasadena, California. Previously, she was First Vice President, Regional Sales Director, East West Bank (April, 2018 - September, 2020); Vice President, Business Relationship Manager, Chase (August, 2012 - April, 2018); Vice President, Regional Sales Manager, Union Bank (May, 2009 - May, 2011); Regional Lease Specialist, De Lage Landen (December, 2000 - December, 2008). Education: University of Redlands, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Management (1992 - 1995).  Los Angeles Mission College, Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts (1990 - 1992).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debralangvardt/

David Sowell was hired as Executive Vice President, Hitachi Capital America Vendor Group, Edina, Minnesota. "(He)...is replacing Dave Gnade upon his retirement at the end of the fiscal year on March 31, 2021…David will lead the vendor sales team and be responsible for developing strategies and furthering the growth of the business. Gnade joined HCAVS in 2006 and has over 25 years of sales leadership experience in the leasing industry. He has been an integral part of the success of HCAVS and is responsible for developing the sales model used today. He has helped to bring in many successful programs and partners, and his experience includes managing the sales team and national accounts, relationship management, product development, pricing strategies, and executive leadership." “Our vendor sales structure and strategy are largely the product of Dave Gnade,” says Hitachi Capital America Vendor Services President, Jim Teal." David Sowell was previously at Marlin Business Services, starting September, 2011 as Vice President of Healthcare; promoted November, 2014, Vice President, Healthcare Finance Group and Syndications; promoted May, 2018, Executive Vice President; Vice President, Financial Services, TAMCO (December, 2007 - January, 2011).  He joined Wells Fargo Financial Leasing, August, 2003, as Vice President, Relationship Management, Healthcare; promoted November, 2005, Vice President, Relationship Management, National Accounts; Vice President, Business Development Healthcare, National Accounts, American Express Business Finance (February, 2003 - August, 2003); Vice President, Financial Solutions, GE Capital Fleet Services (September, 2001 - February, 2003); Director, National Accounts, Medical Vendor Division, Wells Fargo Financial Leasing (December, 1997 - September, 2001); Corporate Controller, Medical Supplies of America (June, 1993 - December, 1997).  Education: Georgia State University, J. Mack Robinson College of Business, MBA, Finance (1990 -1993). The University of Georgia. BBA, Finance (1984 - 1987). https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sowell-76b48762/

Kevin Truitt was promoted to Vice President, Client Success, Omaha, Nebraska.  He joined the firm October, 2012m as Director of Business Development; promoted January, 2017, Vice President of Product Management. Previously, he was Product Manager, Integrated Receivables, Wausau Financial Systems (January, 2003 - October 2012). Education: Bellevue University. Master's degree, Management Information Systems, General (1996 - 1998). https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-truitt-673a8347/

Salman Vakil has founded LendSpark, Carlsbad, California, as Managing Partner.  He continues as President and Founder, Worldwide Capital Management (May, 2008 - Present) as well as Strategic Advisor, Board Member, La Dolce Vitae (April, 2017 - Present).  Previously, he was Strategic Advisor, Board Member, FAFF Consultants (January, 20155 - March, 2020); Financial Analyst, Toyota Financial Services International Corporation (March, 2010 - October, 2012). Education: California State University, Fullerton. Business Administration: Finance and Risk Management (2002 - 2006). https://www.linkedin.com/in/salman-vakil/

 

Leasing Industry Help Wanted

 

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Sales Makes it Happen
by Christopher 'Kit' Menkin

Getting Vendors by Using the Back Door

The best way to attract vendor business is to bring a customer to them. The major sellers of equipment and software, including service providers, have national programs, most often a "Captive Lessor" with special incentives and programs. Many of the middle sized companies also are tied up in the marketplace today, especially "franchisors," who are in big demand due to their success in new locations.

It leaves the smaller vendor, often regional, at a disadvantage. They often  don't have the volume to attract the larger companies, they must fend for themselves or have relationships with independents, or what the automobile dealerships have called the "finance and insurance manager" known in the trade as the "F&I" person.

Working to get to the sales manager or "F&I" person is a long time project; however, if you go in through the "back door," you may not only pick up a sale, but ask for a return favor, and in time, establish a relationship of steady business.

There are several methods that worked for me that got me into vendors supposedly tied up by CIT or Ascentium Capital. If your company has a program for "private party sales" or you are an independent, this is an open field. The goal is not just a sale but the vendors in this industry. In working this marketplace, the customer will also lead you to vendors who want to sell them equipment.

The first place to start is Craig’s List, then online newspapers or printed newspapers for their listings. The email list is faster by which to contact the party to advise them that you have financing available if a prospect wants to buy the equipment they have for sale. While many go on eBay, you will find local sellers also advertising locally or regionally, as well as companies who want to sell equipment they do not need. First, find the equipment your source will take from a private party and work this list.

Remember the goal is also to get to know the customer and who he buys equipment from, as you can call them to learn more about the equipment you may be financing, its value, its background, and open a contact. You may run into a situation that if the party can sell this equipment, he then can replace it; perhaps he or she is having problems financing it and needs the sale for a down payment.

Set time aside to attend an auction of the type of equipment you can finance. Prepare a flyer to put on car windshields and, more importantly, work the crowd as if you were a politician running for office. Don’t be afraid of financing “used” equipment.  You may run into a salesman who has a deal he can't place with the "captive vendor," and work out a trade. If you can put it together, he has to give you a "good one." Don't ask for all his business and be naive that by putting one deal together will win the account. But you have the foot in the door!

Take time to contact previous customers to not only ask them for future business, but learn about new products your customer has seen, and who is selling them. If you learn more about equipment, the next customer you may want to pass on what your learned about this new equipment---and if the customer knows about it or is interested, you have a lead you can call the vendor salesman you talked to about visiting.

Another technique is to bring all the small vendors you have been working in for an hour and half "wine and cheese" seminar on how to use leasing to close more sales. Say 4pm and either rent a small hall or use a large conference room of one of your customers or friends, for ten to twelve people. If you can work it up to 30 after holding one each quarter, you will not have time for any cold calling or even telephone solicitations.

Dialing for dollars may get you some sales but what you need are repeat customers and vendors who will continue to provide business rather than always gambling by telephone to get some business.
Stay in touch with previous clients.  Send a birthday card. Send an email when you think they may be interested in an article or subject you know they are interested. Even a photo of yourself that relates to a conversation you may have had.  Stay in contact.

Previous Sales Makes it Happen Columns:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Legacy/index.html

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

As smartphones have become a constant companion for most people in the United States, landline phones are rapidly losing their relevance. In 2004, more than 90 percent of U.S. adults lived in households that had an operational landline phone - now it’s less than 40 percent. That’s according to data provided by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, which has been tracking phone ownership in the U.S. as a by-product of its biannual National Health Interview Survey since 2004.

If the trend towards mobile phones continues, and there’s little reason to believe it won’t, landline phones could soon become an endangered species, much like the VCR and other technological relics before it.

By Felix Richter

 

US Firms Gear Up to Enter Legal
Mexican Marijuana Market

The wave of cannabis reform sweeping across the world has finally reached Mexico, and some American cannabis operators are already seeing gold. Canada, several states in the United States and some European countries have already legalized cannabis in various forms, and for most legal cannabis markets, cannabis has proven to be an insanely lucrative product. Not only are stakeholders reaping big rewards, but local governments are also receiving millions of dollars in tax revenue from the industry.

Last week, the Chamber of Deputies allowed the sale of cannabis products as well as the possession of small amounts of cannabis. Additionally, individuals would be able to consume cannabis in their homes as long as no minors are present. The legislation, which already has the Senate’s stamp of approval, will head back to the Senate where it will more than likely pass and be published, says Raul Elizalde, CEO of HempMeds.

With the legislation in play, now would be a great time for American, Canadian and international companies to invest in Mexico, he says. The Senate initially passed the law with little changes, he says, and it will essentially legalize the cultivation, harvest, processing, transportation, and sale of cannabis and cannabis products. However, it will take some time before retailers can start selling cannabis to the masses, thanks to an April 30 Supreme Court-imposed deadline.

According to Elizalde, the earliest Mexico will see the legislation’s final guidelines will be March 2022. He concedes that it isn’t a perfect law and it could run into plenty of challenges, especially from companies that don’t agree with the legislation and want it changed to suit their agenda. For instance, end-to-end licenses, which were introduced via an amendment in the lower house, may see pushback from some stakeholders. These licenses would allow companies to handle harvesting, processing, distribution and sales, similar to vertically integrated companies in the United States.

The state-legal cannabis industry in the U.S. is still bogged down by plenty of issues despite its relative success, chief among them being the patchwork of cannabis legislation in different states and municipalities. Fortunately for future cannabis companies in Mexico, only one legislation, rather than several different ones, will govern the country’s cannabis industry.

Elizalde’s confidence in the bill is warranted given the support it has received from President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s party. His company, which is a subsidiary of Medical Marijuana Inc., was the first American company \allowed to import hemp supplements into the country. As the legislature works out the details of the cannabis legislation, the company hopes to gain a foothold in Mexico’s cannabis industry as well.

Source: Cannabisnewswirecom

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global arms sales finally leveled off between the five-year periods from 2011 to 2015 and 2016 to 2020 after years of sharp growth. The United States remains the world's largest arms exporter and its sales grew from 32 percent to 37 percent during those two periods. During the latter span, it supplied arms to 96 countries, 47 percent of which were in the Middle East.

Russia remains in second position with a 20 percent share of the market despite experiencing a 22 percent drop in exports. While it substantially expanded arms transfers to China, Algeria and Egypt, that was not enough to offset a major decline in its sales to India. Both France and Germany managed to grow their arms exports considerably and they come third and fourth with 8.2 percent and 5.5 percent of the market, respectively. China rounded off the top five despite a 7.8 percent decline between 2016 and 2020. It held 5.5 percent of the market during that period with Bangladesh, Pakistan and Algeria accounting for the majority of its arms sales.

By Niall McCarthy, Statista

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

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

Centra Funding, LLC Closes US $65 Million Securitization
Structuring Agent & Placement Agent: Wells Fargo Securities

Plano, Texas – Centra Funding, LLC (“Centra”) is excited to announce the completion of its first securitization of equipment finance receivables, Centra Funding 2021-1.

The proceeds from this securitization amount to approximately $65 million and will be used for the continuing growth of Centra’s business. Wells Fargo Securities was the structuring agent and placement agent for the transaction.

John Boettigheimer, Centra’s President, stated:  “This is a testimony to the strength and continuing growth of Centra. Our aggressive but commonsense approach to financing even through the pandemic has positioned us as a leading American equipment finance company.

“This transaction is an important milestone in our development, has diversified Centra’s funding sources, and significantly improved our cost of funds.  Its success will aid Centra in expanding our product line, including our industry-leading new business offerings.”

About Centra Funding, LLC Centra Funding, LLC (www.centrafunding.com, also known as “4-Hour Funding,” was founded in 2006 and is a nationwide equipment finance company based in Plano, Texas with offices across the United States. Centra is committed to offering a fast and simple finance solution that allows small businesses to acquire equipment more easily. With over 40 years of industry experience, Centra finances businesses in almost every industry sector and our direct-lending capabilities allow us to provide innovative and flexible options for customers’ equipment financing needs.

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

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Watch at Home:
by Fernando

A wide variety of genres, from acclaimed dramas to offbeat comedy, is available with the newest theatrical releases. Check out your favorite streaming services for their availability.

French Exit (Sony Pictures Classics): Michelle Pfeiffer shines in this offbeat comedy-drama from director Azazel Jacobs (“Terri”). She plays Frances Price, a recently widowed socialite who decides to leave New York with her son Malcolm (Lucas Hedges) with the little that’s left of her inheritance. As they settle in their new Paris apartment, the two find themselves at the center of a storm of oddball characters ranging from the place’s eccentric owner (Susan Coyne), a supernatural psychic (Danielle Macdonald), a private investigator (Isaach de Bankolé), and a fellow American (Valerie Mahaffey) who’s determined to become Frances’ best friend. Blending brittleness and tenderness, Jacobs’ film is a twisty tour of stylized whimsy that’s reminded several critics of Wes Anderson, grounded by a rich ensemble led by Pfeiffer’s captivating elegance.

Judas and the Black Messiah (Warner Brothers): History comes to urgent life in this vivid chronicle of the betrayal and death of Black Panthers chairman Fred Hampton, which showcases two of the year’s best performances. Set in Chicago in the late 1960s, it portrays how the FBI launched an effort to paint the Panthers as an organization of terrorists, using petty criminal William O’Neal (Lakeish Stanfield) to infiltrate the group. As he becomes familiar with their objectives, O’Neal grows close to the charismatic Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), the man he will eventually double-cross. Director Shaka King meticulously blends archival footage with dramatic reconstruction, creating a dynamic thrust which brings present-tense tension to the central relationship. Both Kaluuya and Stanfield give superb, multi-layered human dimension to these figures of revolution and oppression.

Minari (A24): One of last year’s most acclaimed films, director Lee Isaac Chung’s soulful account of the immigrant experience brings sensitive naturalism to a familiar story. Se in rural Arkansas during the 1980s, the story follows the travails of a Korean family headed by Jacob (Steven Yeun), who has moved from California to set roots in a new land. His determination is contrasted with the skepticism of his wife Monica (Han Ye-ri), and with the youthful struggles of their children, teenaged Anne (Noel Kate Cho) and seven-year-old David (Alan Kim). In the isolated landscape, things are enlivened by an eccentric farmhand (Will Patton) and Monica’s salty mother (Youn Yuh-jung). Named after a type of herb that can grow anywhere, this is a modest, gentle ode to immigrant resilience. With subtitles.

My Salinger Year (IFC Films): The crossroads of art and commerce provide the setting for this charming drama, set in the literary world of the 1990s. Joanna (Margaret Qualley) is a young California graduate who finds herself working at a highly esteemed New York literary agency headed by the formidable Margaret (Sigourney Weaver). It’s during her stay there that Joanna comes into contact with none other than legendary, reclusive “The Catcher in the Rye” author J.D. Salinger, who speaks with her by phone and encourages her to pursuit her writing. Courting comparisons to “The Devil Wears Prada,” this adaptation of Joanna Rakoff’s memoirs makes for a slight but elegant crowd-pleaser, helped by the graceful handling of director Philippe Falardeau (“Monsieur Lazhar”) and engaging performances by Qualley and Weaver.

Two of Us (Magnolia Pictures): Director Filippo Meneghetti makes a confident debut with this unconventional mix of romance and suspense. Madeleine (Martine Chevallier) and Nina (Barbara Sukowa) are retired neighbors who for years have led a clandestine love affair. Though the more free-spirited Nina wants them to move together and be open about their relationship, the more traditional Madeleine fears coming out due to her adult children. When medical problems arise, can their arrangement survive or will the women be forced to go opposite ways? Alternating between dreamlike lyricism and tension right out of a thriller, Meneghetti’s film capture both the joy and the anxiety of secret desire. Steadily building with dramatic turns, the story is splendidly grounded in the subtle performances of the two lead actresses. With subtitles.

German Shepherd
Methuen, Massachusetts  Adopt-a-Dog

Jackie

Female
7 Months
Location: Nevins Farm

Meet Jackie

This young girl is hoping to have her happy ever after start very soon. She is a social, fun, energetic 7 month old, who currently weighs about 28 pounds. Because Jackie is a recent transfer from Texas, there isn't much background history, but it is apparent that she has some catching up to do as far as manners and leash walking. Jackie is very smart and really enjoys learning, especially when there is a yummy treat as a reward, so training classes will be so much fun as well as the perfect time to form a lifelong bond with her family. Her adopters should anticipate that she will need a consistent routine of exercise and playtime, and be enthusiastic be about continuing her training to help her mature into a fabulous adult dog. Jackie may be able to join a home with a dog that's comfortable with a young, energetic girl. She may also be able to live with a dog savvy cat as long as her adopter feels confident managing multiple proper introductions to assure that both cat and dog are comfortable. Older kids that able to participate in Jackie's training are just fine with this good girl. If you are interested in Jackie please fill out the adoption inquiry form provided in the link below.

http://www.mspca.org/nevinsadoptioninquiry

Noble Family Animal Care & Adoption Center
400 Broadway,
Methuen, MA 01844
Phone: 978 - 687 - 7453
Email: methuen@mspca.org

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Ken Lubin Podcast
Bianca Lager-CEO of Social Intelligence

Bianca Lager is a business manager, consultant and public speaker whose specialties include organizational development, career growth, and online reputation management. Bianca is also the President of Social Intelligence, a consumer reporting agency focused on online risk for human resources.

By driving the vision for Social Intelligence to provide productive, ethical and innovative solutions, she has spent her time working closely with Fortune 500 companies and non-profits alike to create safe and discrimination-free workplaces. Bianca obtained an MBA from Pepperdine University with a concentration in Dispute Resolution and is a LinkedIn Learning Instructor.

https://www.socialintel.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancacalhounlager/

 

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

News Briefs---

Boeing Faces New Hurdle in Delivering Dreamliners
   FAA to Perform Pre-Delivery Safety Checks
https://www.wsj.com/articles/boeing-faces-new-hurdle-in-delivering-dreamliners-11616018860

CFPB wants stimulus payments
    to go to consumers, not collectors
https://www.autoremarketing.com/subprime/cfpb-wants-stimulus-payments-go-consumers-not-collectors

With Washington's Drug Possession Law Struck Down,
    Swamped Legal System Faces Massive Do-Over
https://www.chronline.com/stories/with-washingtons-drug-possession-law-struck-down-swamped-legal-system-faces-massive-do-over,261675

Illinoisans 16 years and older will become
    eligible for COVID-19 vaccines on April 12
https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/coronavirus/pritzker-illinoisans-16-years-and-older-will-become-eligible-for-covid-19-vaccines-on-april/article_ac18e134-bf70-55ff-9dfa-d958bfae08ad.html

Biden says his dog, Major, is working with a trainer
    in Delaware following biting incident
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/17/politics/joe-biden-major-dog-training-delaware/index.html

Dollar General will open more than 1,000 stores
     this year and expand its Popshelf brand
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/18/dollar-general-will-build-bigger-stores-expand-popshelf-brand.html

Pepsi® to Introduce First Permanent Flavored Cola
    in Five Years - Pepsi Mango
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pepsi-to-introduce-first-permanent-flavored-cola-in-five-years---pepsi-mango-301249768.html

Will you need a vaccine passport
https://www.stltoday.com/news/national/will-you-need-a-vaccine-passport-to-travel-us-to-hit-100-million-dose-goal/article_da010445-ec61-5b61-81bb-7f79721a987f.html 

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

You May Have Missed---

Sub Mission: Former NFL linebacker Aims
     for 100 Jersey Mike's
https://www.franchising.com/articles/sub_mission_form
er_nfl_linebacker_aims_for_100_jersey_mikes.html

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Sports Briefs---

What Exactly Is Jon Gruden's Plan for the Raiders?
https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/03/17/jon-gruden-raiders-free-agency-plan

NFL finalizes new TV deals
    worth more than $100 billion
https://nypost.com/2021/03/18/nfl-finalizes-new-tv-deals-worth-more-than-100-billion/

Steph Curry wins NAACP award for work
     on social justice, pandemic awareness
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/03/18/stephen-curry-wins-naacps-jackie-robinson-sports-award-2/

49ers hand Trent Williams richest contract ever at OL
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/sports/49ers-hand-trent-williams-richest-contract-ever-at-ol/

NFL free agency: Patriots re-sign kicker Nick Folk
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/15/sports/patriots-free-agency-offseason-news/

Kansas City Chiefs release Super Bowl 54 hero Damien Williams
     a year after he opted out due to COVID-19
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chiefs/2021/03/16/chiefs-cut-damien-williams-super-bowl-54-hero-covid-19-opt-out/4723513001/

Cowherd believes Trent Williams’ mega-contract
     means the 49ers will draft a rookie QB
https://www.ninersnation.com/2021/3/17/22336457/cowherd-believes-trent-williams-mega-contract-means-the-49ers-will-draft-a-rookie-qb

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

California Nuts Briefs---

How can we solve the SF Bay Area housing crisis?
     Build 160,000 affordable homes
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/03/18/how-can-we-solve-the-bay-area-housing-crisis-build-160000-affordable-homes/

Amazon launches San Francisco  Bay Area
     deliveries with electric vans
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/03/18/amazon-electric-vehicle-delivery-bay-area-tech-green-real-estate-jobs/

Woodside resident drives onto lawn
    to stop mountain lion attack
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/mountain-lion-san-mateo-county-woodside-dog-16035388.php?IPID=SFGate-HP-CP-Spotlight

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

“Gimme that Wine”

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

Gallo Wants To Build Bottling Plant In South Carolina
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataId=242930

Europe seeing worst summer droughts for 2,000 years – study
https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/europe-seeing-worst-summer-droughts-for-2000-years-study-455009/

Butter Chardonnay Named Impact "Hot Brand" 2020
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataId=242883

The World's Most Wanted Merlots
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2021/03/the-worlds-most-wanted-merlots

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

      1589 - William Bradford (d. 1657), Pilgrim father, Governor of Plymouth Colony, one of the early residents of the American colonies, was born at Yorkshire, England. He sailed from Southampton, England, on the Mayflower in 1620. His wife Dorothy fell off the Mayflower and drowned on 7 December 1620, when it was anchored in Provincetown Harbor.
http://www.pilgrimhall.org/bradfordwilliam.htm
http://members.aol.com/calebj/bradford.html
http://members.aol.com/calebj/letterbook.html
    1628 - The Massachusetts Bay colony was founded by Englishmen with a grant from England.
    1674 - French Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette erected a mission on the shores of Lake Michigan, in present day Illinois. His log cabin became the first building of a settlement that afterward grew to become the city of Chicago.
    1687 - The French explorer La Salle is murdered in by his own men while searching for the mouth of the Mississippi, along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
    1734 - Birthday of Thomas McKean (d. 1817) at Chester County, PA.  Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Governor of Pennsylvania.
http://virtualology.com/hallofusa/uspresidents/thomasmckean.net/
    1748 - The English Naturalization Act passed granting Jews the right to colonize in the American colonies
    1785 - The first city college was the College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, which was founded in 1770, but chartered this day. On December 20, 1837, it became a municipal university under municipal control.
    1798 - President John Adams informs Congress of the failure of US negotiations with France. France had been America's major ally in the War of Independence and, without its assistance, the United States may not have won independence. But the new government of Revolutionary France viewed a 1794 commercial agreement between the United States and Great Britain, known as Jay's Treaty, as a violation of France's 1778 treaties with the United States. The French initiated seizures of American ships trading with their British enemies and refused to receive a new United States minister when he arrived in Paris in December, 1796. In his annual message to Congress at the close of 1797, President John Adams had reported on France's refusal to negotiate and spoke of the need "to place our country in a suitable posture of defense."    
    1831 – The first bank robbery in US history was reported. The City Bank of New York City lost $245,000.
    1847 - Painter Albert Pinkham Ryder (d. 1917) was born at New Bedford, MA, where he gained a great love for the sea, the subject of many of his works. Ryder was a misanthrope and recluse. He dedicated himself to his painting, working slowly and piling layer after layer of paint on his canvases until he achieved the look he was after. In his lifetime, Ryder created only 150 paintings. Three of his best-known works are “The Race Track,” “Toilers of the Sea” and “Siegfried and the Rhine Maidens.” Because of his method of painting, many of his works have deteriorated since their creation.
http://www.artunframed.com/albert_pinkham_ryder.htm
    1848 - Birthday of Wyatt Earp (d. 1929) at Monmouth, IL.  A legendary figure of the Old West, Earp worked as a railroad hand, saloonkeeper, gambler, lawman, gunslinger, miner and real estate investor at various times. Best known for the gunfight at the OK Corral on Oct 26, 1881, at Tombstone, AZ.  
    1860 - Birthday of William Jennings Bryan (d. 1925) at Salem, IL.  American political leader, member of Congress, Democratic presidential nominee (1896), "free silver" advocate, assisted in prosecution at Scopes trial, known as "The Silver-Tongued Orator.”
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/mar19.html
    1863 – The SS Georgiana, said to have been the most powerful Confederate cruiser, is destroyed on her maiden voyage with a cargo of munitions, medicines and merchandise then valued at over $1,000,000.
    1864 - Birthday of Charles M. Russell (d. 1926), St. Louis, Missouri. He moved to Montana at about age 16 and became a cowboy. Considered one of the greatest Western artists, he recorded the life of the cowboy in his artwork.
http://www.cmrussell.org/
    1865 - Confederate General Joseph Johnston makes a desperate attempt to stop Union General William T. Sherman's drive through the Carolinas in the war's last days, but Johnston's motley army cannot stop the advance of Sherman's mighty army at the Battle of Bentonville.  Following his famous March to the Sea in late 1864, Sherman paused for a month at Savannah, Georgia. He then turned north into the Carolinas, destroying all that lay in his path in an effort to demoralize the South and hasten the end of the war. Sherman left Savannah with 60,000 men divided into two wings. He captured Columbia, South Carolina in February and continued towards Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he planned to meet up with another army coming from the coast. Sherman assumed that Rebel forces in the Carolinas were too widely dispersed to offer any significant resistance, but Johnston assembled 17,000 troops and attacked one of Sherman's wings at Bentonville on March 19. The Confederates initially surprised the Yankees, driving them back before a Union counterattack halted the advance and darkness halted the fighting. The next day, Johnston established a strong defensive position and hoped for a Yankee assault. More Union troops arrived and gave Sherman a nearly three to one advantage over Johnston. When a Union force threatened to cut off the Rebels' only line of retreat on March 21, Johnston withdrew his army northward. The Union lost 194 men killed, 1,112 wounded, and 221 missing, while the Confederates lost 240 killed, 1,700 wounded, and 1,500 missing. About Sherman, Johnston wrote to Lee that, "I can do no more than annoy him." A month later, Johnston surrendered his army to Sherman.
    1881 - Birthday of Edith Nourse Rogers (d. 1960), born at Saco, ME. She was a YMCA and Red Cross volunteer in France during World War I. In 1925, she was elected to the US Congress to fill the vacancy left by the death of her husband. An able legislator, she was reelected to the House of Representatives 17 times and became the first woman to have her name attached to major legislation. She was a major force in the legislation creating the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (May 14, 1942) during World War II.
    1883 - African-American Jan Matzeliger invented the first machine to manufacture entire shoe
http://www.invention.org/culture/african/matzeliger.html
    1891 - Birthday of Earl Warren (d. 1974) in LA.  American jurist, 14th Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, Governor of California. He went from a crusading attorney general to a very conservative, right wing governor, they claim, and became one of the most liberal on the bench, hated by those who one time applauded him for his very conservative political actions. 
    1895 – The Los Angeles Railway was established to provide streetcar service.
    1897 - Vocalist/comedian Jackie “Moms” Mabley was born Loretta Mary Aiken (d. 1975) in Brevard, NC.  A standup comedian, she was a veteran of the Chitlin’ Circuit of African-American vaudeville.
    1900 - Congress ratified the Gold Standard Act and President McKinley signed it into law. The new law established gold as the only standard for redeeming paper money, stopping bimetallism (which had allowed silver in exchange for gold).
    1903 – The Senate ratified the Cuban treaty, gaining naval bases in Guantanamo and Bahia Honda.
    1904 - Birthday of John Joseph Sirica (d. 1992), “The Watergate Judge,” at Waterbury, CT. During two years of trials and hearings, Sirica relentlessly pushed for the names of those responsible for the June 17, 1972 burglary of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington’s Watergate Complex. His unwavering search for the truth ultimately resulted in the toppling of the Nixon administration.
    1908 – Maryland barred Christian Scientists from practicing without medical diplomas.
    1914 - John Jacob "Jay" Berwanger (d. 2002) was born in Dubuque, IA.  Berwanger was the first winner of the Downtown Athletic Club’s Trophy in 1935.  The following year the award was renamed the Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's most outstanding college football player. Berwanger had been a star at the University of Chicago. In 1936, Berwanger became the first player to be drafted by the NFL in its inaugural draft.  
    1917 – The Supreme Court upheld the Adamson Act that made the eight-hour workday for railroads constitutional.
    1918 - Anniversary of passage by the Congress of the Standard Time Act, which authorized the Interstate Commerce Commission to establish standard time zones for the US. The Act also established "Daylight Saving Time," to save fuel and to promote other economies in a country at war. Daylight Saving Time first went into operation on Easter Sunday, Mar 31, 1918. The Uniform Time Act of 1966, as amended in 1986, by Public Law 99-359, now governs standard time in the US.  Currently in the US, daylight saving time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, with the time changes taking place at 2:00 a.m. local time.  In spring, the clock jumps forward from the last moment of 01:59 standard time to 03:00 DST and that day has 23 hours, whereas in autumn the clock jumps backward from the last moment of 01:59 DST to 01:00 standard time, repeating that hour, and that day has 25 hours. A digital display of local time does not read 02:00 exactly at the shift to summer time, but instead jumps from 01:59:59.9 forward to 03:00:00.0.
    1919 - Blind pianist Lennie Tristano (d. 1978) was born in Chicago, IL
http://www.lennietristano.com/
    1920 - Birthday of bassist Dillon “Curly” Russell (d. 1986), New York City. (Played a lot with Bird).
    1920 – The Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles for the second time.
    1921 - Gospel vocalist Robert Keith McFerrin, Sr. (d. 2004), was born in Marianna, AR.  American operatic baritone and the first African-American man to sing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
    1927 - Don Richard “Richie” Ashburn (d. 1997) was born at Tilden, NE. Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder; Ashburn won two National League batting titles and collected 2,574 hits over a 15-year career. He was a key member of the 1950 NL Champion Philadelphia Phillies, known as The Whiz Kids. After retiring, he broadcast Phillies games for 35 years. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.
    1930 - Alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman (d. 2015) was born in Fort Worth, TX.  An iconoclastic saxophonist and composer, his experiments in free-form improvisation sharply divided the jazz establishment upon his emergence in 1959. Largely self-taught, he played in rhythm-and-blues bands before settling in Los Angeles in 1951, where he gradually formed a quartet of musicians who were receptive to his unorthodox ideas. He first recorded in 1958 and made his New York debut the following year. He made a series of important recordings in 1959-61 that shaped the direction of jazz for the next twenty years. A sporadic performing artist after the early 1960s, he occasionally led both a conventional jazz quartet and the rock band Prime Time, but turned increasingly to composition, producing several works for symphony orchestra in accordance with his "harmolodic theory." Most commonly played a “plastic” alto saxophone.
http://www.pbs.org/jazz/biography/artist_id_coleman_ornette.htm
    1931 - The state of Nevada legalizes gambling.
    1933 - Birthday of Phillip Roth (d. 2018), American novelist and short-story writer, in Newark, NJ.  He first gained attention with the 1959 novella “Goodbye, Columbus,” an irreverent and humorous portrait of American-Jewish life.  His profile rose significantly in 1969 after the publication of the controversial “Portnoy’s Complaint,” the humorous and sexually explicit psychoanalytical monologue of "a lust-ridden, mother-addicted young Jewish bachelor," filled with "intimate, shameful detail, and coarse, abusive language.”
    1935 - Suffocating dust storms occurred frequently in southeastern Colorado between the 12th and the 25th of the month. Six people died, and many livestock starved or suffocated. Up to six feet of dust covered the ground. Schools were closed, and many rural homes were deserted by tenants.
    1936 – Actress Ursula Andress was born in Switzerland.  She is best known for her role as Honey Rider in the first James Bond film, “Dr. No,” for which she won a Golden Globe. She later starred as Vesper Lynd in the Bond-parody, “Casino Royale.”
    1937 – Count Basie and his band open at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem for the first time.
    1937 – Pianist/vocalist Clarence “Frogman” Henry was born in Algiers, LA.
(I have all his records. He is best known for” I Ain’t Got No Home,” “But I Do (I Don’t Know Why”).
http://www.tsimon.com/henry.htm
    1941 - The US aircraft carrier Lexington departed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to deliver aircraft to Midway Island. Because of this mission, the Lexington inadvertently avoided the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 07 December. It was later to play a pivotal role in the Japanese defeat at Midway. Other US ships were not as lucky. Japanese carrier-based planes attacked the bulk of the US Pacific fleet moored in Pearl Harbor, sinking or severely damaging nineteen naval vessels, including eight battleships. 
    1941 - The 99th Pursuit Squadron also known as the Tuskegee Airmen, the first all-black unit of the US Army Air Corps, was activated at Chanute Field in Rantoul, IL.
    1943 – Mobster Frank Nitti, Al Capone’s underboss, committed suicide at the Chicago Central rail yard.
    1944 – The convicted assassin of Robert F. Kennedy, Sirhan B. Sirhan was born in Jerusalem.  He continues serving a life sentence in prison in San Diego.  15 parole hearings have denied him and his next is scheduled for 2021.  Some scholars believe that the assassination was the first major incident of political violence in the United States stemming from the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle East. 
    1945 - Kamikaze attacks USS Franklin off Japan. In a maneuver heralded as one of the greatest feats in naval history, the light cruiser USS Santa Fe bellied up alongside the flaming Franklin and rescued over 800 sailors while still being stalked by Japanese fighter pilots.  724 were killed and the Franklin made it to port under its own power.
    1945 - O'CALLAHAN, JOSEPH TIMOTHY, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Commander (Chaplain Corps), U.S. Naval Reserve, U.S.S. Franklin. Place and date: Near Kobe, Japan, 19 March 1945. Entered service at: Massachusetts. Born: 14 May 1904, Boston, Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as chaplain on board the U.S.S. Franklin when that vessel was fiercely attacked by enemy Japanese aircraft during offensive operations near Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. A valiant and forceful leader, calmly braving the perilous barriers of flame and twisted metal to aid his men and his ship, Lt. Comdr. O'Callahan groped his way through smoke-filled corridors to the open flight deck and into the midst of violently exploding bombs, shells, rockets, and other armament. With the ship rocked by incessant explosions, with debris and fragments raining down and fires raging in ever-increasing fury, he ministered to the wounded and dying, comforting and encouraging men of all faiths; he organized and led firefighting crews into the blazing inferno on the flight deck; he directed the jettisoning of live ammunition and the flooding of the magazine; he manned a hose to cool hot, armed bombs rolling dangerously on the listing deck, continuing his efforts, despite searing, suffocating smoke which forced men to fall back gasping and imperiled others who replaced them. Serving with courage, fortitude, and deep spiritual strength, Lt. Comdr. O'Callahan inspired the gallant officers and men of the Franklin to fight heroically and with profound faith in the face of almost certain death and to return their stricken ship to port.
    1945 - BURR, HERBERT H., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division. Place and date: Near Dorrmoschel, Germany, 19 March 1945. Entered service at: Kansas City, Mo. Birth: St. Joseph, Mo. G.O. No.: 73, 30 August 1945. Citation: He displayed conspicuous gallantry during action when the tank in which he was bow gunner was hit by an enemy rocket, which severely wounded the platoon sergeant and forced the remainder of the crew to abandon the vehicle. Deafened, but otherwise unhurt, S/Sgt. Burr immediately climbed into the driver's seat and continued on the mission of entering the town to reconnoiter road conditions. As he rounded a turn he encountered an 88-mm. antitank gun at pointblank range. Realizing that he had no crew, no one to man the tank's guns, he heroically chose to disregard his personal safety in a direct charge on the German weapon. At considerable speed he headed straight for the loaded gun, which was fully manned by enemy troops who had only to pull the lanyard to send a shell into his vehicle. So unexpected and daring was his assault that he was able to drive his tank completely over the gun, demolishing it and causing its crew to flee in confusion. He then skillfully sideswiped a large truck, overturned it, and wheeling his lumbering vehicle, returned to his company. When medical personnel who had been summoned to treat the wounded sergeant could not locate him, the valiant soldier ran through a hail of sniper fire to direct them to his stricken comrade. The bold, fearless determination of S/Sgt. Burr, his skill and courageous devotion to duty, resulted in the completion of his mission in the face of seemingly impossible odds.
    1945 - GARY, DONALD ARTHUR, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Franklin. Place and date: Japanese Home Islands near Kobe, Japan, 19 March 1945. Entered service at: Ohio. Born: 23 July 1903, Findlay, Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as an engineering officer attached to the U.S.S. Franklin when that vessel was fiercely attacked by enemy aircraft during the operations against the Japanese Home Islands near Kobe, Japan, 19 March 1945. Stationed on the third deck when the ship was rocked by a series of violent explosions set off in her own ready bombs, rockets, and ammunition by the hostile attack, Lt. (j.g.) Gary unhesitatingly risked his life to assist several hundred men trapped in a messing compartment filled with smoke, and with no apparent egress. As the imperiled men below decks became increasingly panic stricken under the raging fury of incessant explosions, he confidently assured them he would find a means of effecting their release and, groping through the dark, debris-filled corridors, ultimately discovered an escapeway. Stanchly determined, he struggled back to the messing compartment 3 times despite menacing flames, flooding water, and the ominous threat of sudden additional explosions, on each occasion calmly leading his men through the blanketing pall of smoke until the last one had been saved. Selfless in his concern for his ship and his fellows, he constantly rallied others about him, repeatedly organized and led fire-fighting parties into the blazing inferno on the flight deck and, when fire rooms 1 and 2 were found to be inoperable, entered the No. 3 fire room and directed the raising of steam in 1 boiler in the face of extreme difficulty and hazard. An inspiring and courageous leader, Lt. (j.g.) Gary rendered self-sacrificing service under the most perilous conditions and, by his heroic initiative, fortitude, and valor, was responsible for the saving of several hundred lives. His conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and upon the U.S. Naval Service.
    1945 – Sensing the end, Hitler issued his "Nero Doctrine" ordering all industries, military installations, shops, transportation facilities and communications facilities in Germany to be destroyed.
    1946 - Vocalist Ruth Pointer of The Pointer Sisters was born Oakland, CA.
http://www.thepointersistersfans.com/ruth.html
    1948 - An F4 tornado moved through Fosterburg, Bunker Hill, and Gillespie, Illinois, killing 33 people and injuring 449. 2000 buildings in Bunker Hill were damaged or destroyed. Total damage was $3.6 million.
    1949 - The American Museum of Atomic Energy opened in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
    1950 - Sarah Vaughan records “Mean to Me” (Columbia 745)
http://www.parsec-santa.com/celebrity/celeb_pages/SarahVaughn.html
    1950 - Timberline Lodge reported 246 inches of snow on the ground, a record for the state of Oregon.
    1950 - Top Hits
“I Said My Pajamas” - Tony Martin & Fran Warren
“Music, Music, Music” - Teresa Brewer
“If I Knew You Were Comin’ I’d’ve Baked a Cake” - Eileen Barton
“Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy” - Red Foley
    1951 - "The Caine Mutiny," a novel by Herman Wouk, was published for the first time. Wouk won a Pulitzer for the novel. He followed it with several more successes: "Marjorie Morningstar," "The Winds of War," and "War and Remembrance." 
    1953 - The Academy Awards celebrated their silver anniversary -- and came to television. NBC paid $100,000 for the rights to broadcast the event on both radio and TV, the first to be telecast, in black and white, to over 174 stations. Hollywood’s best turned out to hand out the Oscar statuettes for the movies of 1952. The party was held at the RKO Pantages Theater, Los Angeles, with Bob Hope hosting. A dual celebration was staged in New York City, where Conrad Nagel was host. The Best Picture award went to Cecil B. DeMille’s "The Greatest Show on Earth." Best Director was the legendary John Ford for "The Quiet Man." The rest of the best: Actor: Gary Cooper for "High Noon;" Supporting Actor: Anthony Quinn for "Viva Zapata!;" Actress: Shirley Booth for "Come Back, Little Sheba;" Supporting Actress: Gloria Grahame for "The Bad and the Beautiful;" Art Direction-Set Decoration/ Color: Paul Sheriff, Marcel Vertès for "Moulin Rouge;" Music/Song: Dimitri Tiomkin (music), Ned Washington (lyrics) for the song, "High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin’)," from "High Noon." 
    1954 - Viewers saw the first televised prize fight shown in living color as Joey Giardello knocked out Willie Tory in round seven of a scheduled 10-round bout at Madison Square Garden in New York.
    1954 – Willie Mosconi set the world record by running 526 consecutive balls without a miss during a straight pool exhibition at East High Billiard Club in Springfield, OH. The record still stands today.
    1955 – Actor Bruce Willis was born in West Germany although he was raised in Carneys Point, NJ.
    1956 - New England had its second heavy snowstorm in 3 days. 20 inches piled up at Putnam, Connecticut, 19.5 inches fell at Blue Hill Observatory in Milton, Massachusetts, and Boston, Massachusetts recorded 13 inches. Traffic was paralyzed. This storm made a contribution to the snowiest march ever in southern New England (until 1993). 
    1957 - Although he wouldn't finalize the deal for six more days, Elvis Presley puts down a deposit to secure the 14-acre estate with a two-story colonial at 3734 Highway 51 South, Memphis, TN., later known as Graceland.
    1958 - Top Hits
“Don’t/I Beg of You” - Elvis Presley
“Sweet Little Sixteen” - Chuck Berry
“Dinner with Drac (Part 1)” - John Zacherle
“Ballad of a Teenage Queen” - Johnny Cash
    1958 - Big Records releases "Our Song," the first record by a teenage duo from Queens, New York, who go by the names of Tom and Jerry. The pair will become famous in the '60s under their real names, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.
    1961 – The Boston Red Sox announced that rookie Carl Yastrzemski will start the regular season in left field, succeeding the legendary Ted Williams who retired after last season. Yastrzemski will remain a fixture in the Red Sox's lineup for the next 23 years and will gain election to the Hall of Fame in 1989.
    1962 – Bob Dylan released his first album, “Bob Dylan” for Columbia Records.
    1964 – Sean Connery began shooting “Goldfinger.”
    1964 - A jury in Dallas found Jack Ruby guilty of murdering Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy. Ruby’s conviction was overturned by the Texas Court of Appeals on the grounds that "an oral confession of premeditation made while in police custody" should have been ruled inadmissible, because it was violative of a Texas criminal statute.  The court also ruled that the venue should have been changed to a Texas county other than the one in which the high-profile crime had been committed. Ruby died technically unconvicted, because his original conviction was overturned and his retrial was pending at the time of his death.  During the six months following the assassination, Ruby repeatedly asked, orally and in writing, to speak to the members of the Warren Commission. The commission initially showed no interest. Only after Ruby's sister Eileen wrote letters to the commission (and her letters became public) did the Warren Commission agree to talk to Ruby. In June 1964, Chief Justice Earl Warren, then-Representative Gerald Ford, and other commission members went to Dallas to see Ruby. Ruby asked Warren several times to take him to Washington, DC, saying "my life is in danger here" and that he wanted an opportunity to make additional statements. He added: "I want to tell the truth, and I can't tell it here."   Warren told Ruby that he would be unable to comply, because many legal barriers would need to be broken and public interest in the situation would be too heavy. Warren also told Ruby that the commission would have no way of protecting him, since it had no police powers.  Arrangements were underway for a new trial to be held in February, 1967 in Wichita Falls, when on December 9, 1966, Ruby was admitted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, suffering from pneumonia. A day later, doctors realized he had cancer and, three weeks later, he died.
    1965 - The wreck of the Confederate cruiser, SS Georgiana, valued at over $50,000,000, was discovered by a teenage diver and pioneer underwater archeologist, E. Lee Spence, exactly 102 years after its destruction.
    1966 – Texas Western University won the 1966 NCAA basketball championship, the first to win with an all-black starting lineup.
    1966 - Top Hits
“The Ballad of the Green Berets” - SSgt Barry Sadler
“19th Nervous Breakdown” - The Rolling Stones
“Nowhere Man” - The Beatles
“Waitin’ in Your Welfare Line” - Buck Owens
    1966 - Lesley Gore guest stars as herself on the final "By Line -- Jeffrey Stone" episode of ABC-TV's “The Donna Reed Show.”
    1968 - Chuck Berry plays Winterland in San Francisco
http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/concerts/player.html?type=concert&ConcertID=200%7C1292
(Promised Land one of the best)
    1968 - BUCHA, PAUL WILLIAM, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company D, 3d Battalion. 187th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Place and date: Near Phuoc Vinh, Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 16- 19 March 1968. Entered service at: U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Born: 1 August 1943, Washington, D.C. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Bucha distinguished himself while serving as commanding officer, Company D, on a reconnaissance-in-force mission against enemy forces near Phuoc Vinh, The company was inserted by helicopter into the suspected enemy stronghold to locate and destroy the enemy. During this period Capt. Bucha aggressively and courageously led his men in the destruction of enemy fortifications and base areas and eliminated scattered resistance impeding the advance of the company. On 18 March while advancing to contact, the lead elements of the company became engaged by the heavy automatic weapon, heavy machine gun, rocket-propelled grenade, Claymore mine and small-arms fire of an estimated battalion-size force. Capt. Bucha, with complete disregard for his safety, moved to the threatened area to direct the defense and ordered reinforcements to the aid of the lead element. Seeing that his men were pinned down by heavy machine gun fire from a concealed bunker located some 40 meters to the front of the positions, Capt. Bucha crawled through the hail of fire to single-handedly destroy the bunker with grenades. During this heroic action Capt. Bucha received a painful shrapnel wound. Returning to the perimeter, he observed that his unit could not hold its positions and repel the human wave assaults launched by the determined enemy. Capt. Bucha ordered the withdrawal of the unit elements and covered the withdrawal to positions of a company perimeter from which he could direct fire upon the charging enemy. When 1 friendly element retrieving casualties was ambushed and cut off from the perimeter, Capt. Bucha ordered them to feign death and he directed artillery fire around them. During the night Capt. Bucha moved throughout the position, distributing ammunition, providing encouragement and insuring the integrity of the defense. He directed artillery, helicopter gunship and Air Force gunship fire on the enemy strong points and attacking forces, marking the positions with smoke grenades. Using flashlights in complete view of enemy snipers, he directed the medical evacuation of 3 air-ambulance loads of seriously wounded personnel and the helicopter supply of his company. At daybreak Capt. Bucha led a rescue party to recover the dead and wounded members of the ambushed element. During the period of intensive combat, Capt. Bucha, by his extraordinary heroism, inspirational example, outstanding leadership and professional competence, led his company in the decimation of a superior enemy force which left 156 dead on the battlefield. His bravery and gallantry at the risk of his life are in the highest traditions of the military service, Capt. Bucha has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1968 - Dean Martin received a gold record for the album, "Houston." Martin charted 17 hits on the pop music charts in the 1950s and 1960s. "Houston" was his 12th. 
    1969 - McMAHON, THOMAS J., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. place and date: Quang Tin province, Republic of Vietnam, 19 March 1969. Entered service at: Portland, Maine. Born: 24 June 1948, Washington, D.C. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. McMahon distinguished himself while serving as medical aid man with Company A. When the lead elements of his company came under heavy fire from well-fortified enemy positions, 3 soldiers fell seriously wounded. Sp4c. McMahon, with complete disregard for his safety, left his covered position and ran through intense enemy fire to the side of 1 of the wounded, administered first aid and then carried him to safety. He returned through the hail of fire to the side of a second wounded man. Although painfully wounded by an exploding mortar round while returning the wounded man to a secure position, Sp4c. McMahon refused medical attention and heroically ran back through the heavy enemy fire toward his remaining wounded comrade. He fell mortally wounded before he could rescue the last man. Sp4c. McMahon's undaunted concern for the welfare of his comrades at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1969 - RAY, DAVID ROBERT, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, 2d Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 19 March 1969. Entered service at: Nashville, Tenn. Born: 14 February 1945, McMinnville, Tenn. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a HC2c. with Battery D, 2d Battalion, at Phu Loc 6, near An Hoa. During the early morning hours, an estimated battalion-sized enemy force launched a determined assault against the battery's position, and succeeded in effecting a penetration of the barbed-wire perimeter. The initial burst of enemy fire caused numerous casualties among the marines who had immediately manned their howitzers during the rocket and mortar attack. Undaunted by the intense hostile fire, HC2c. Ray moved from parapet to parapet, rendering emergency medical treatment to the wounded. Although seriously wounded himself while administering first aid to a marine casualty, he refused medical aid and continued his lifesaving efforts. While he was bandaging and attempting to comfort another wounded marine, HC2c. Ray was forced to battle 2 enemy soldiers who attacked his position, personally killing 1 and wounding the other. Rapidly losing his strength as a result of his severe wounds, he nonetheless managed to move through the hail of enemy fire to other casualties. Once again, he was faced with the intense fire of oncoming enemy troops and, despite the grave personal danger and insurmountable odds, succeeded in treating the wounded and holding off the enemy until he ran out of ammunition, at which time he sustained fatal wounds. HC2c. Ray's final act of heroism was to protect the patient he was treating. He threw himself upon the wounded marine, thus saving the man's life when an enemy grenade exploded nearby. By his determined and persevering actions, courageous spirit, and selfless devotion to the welfare of his marine comrades, HC2c. Ray served to inspire the men of Battery D to heroic efforts in defeating the enemy. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. 
    1971 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit:  “Me and Bobby McGee,'' Janis Joplin. The song is the second posthumous No. 1 song of the rock era, reaching the top of the charts almost six months after Joplin's death.
    1972 - Immaculata College defeated West Chester State, 52-48, to win the first Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women national basketball tournament. The AIAW crowned a champion for 11 years, but most Division 1 teams entered the new NCAA tournament starting in 1982. 
    1974 - Jefferson Airplane is re-named Jefferson Starship. The line-up includes Paul Kantner, Grace Slick, drummer Johnny Barbata, David Freiberg, Peter Kaukonen, Cragi Chaquico and Papa John Creach.
    1974 - Top Hits
“Seasons in the Sun” - Terry Jacks
“Dark Lady” - Cher
“Sunshine on My Shoulders” - John Denver
“There Won’t Be Anymore” - Charlie Rich
    1977 - The final episode of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." It premiered on September 19, 1970 and ran for 168 episodes. "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" was the first of a new wave of sitcoms to make it big in the early '70s. It combined good writing, an effective supporting cast and contemporary attitudes. The show centered on the two most important places in Mary Richards's (Mary Tyler Moore) life:  the WJM-TV newsroom and her apartment at Minneapolis. At home, she shared the ups and downs of life with her friend Rhoda Morgenstern (Valerie Harper) and the manager of her apartment building, Phyllis Lindstrom (Cloris Leachman). At work, as the associate producer (later producer) of "The Six O'clock News," Mary struggled to function in a man's world. Figuring in her professional life were her irascible boss Lou Grant (Ed Asner), levelheaded and softhearted news writer Murray Slaughter (Gavin MacLeod) and self-obsessed, narcissistic anchorman Ted Baxter (Ted Knight). In the last episode the unthinkable happened:  everyone in the WJM newsroom except the inept Ted was fired. 
    1978 – Billy Joel played his first live gig in the UK, performing at London's Drury Lane Theatre.
    1979 – The House began telecasting its day-to-day business via the cable television network C-SPAN
    1980 - Elvis Presley's autopsy is entered into proceedings held by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners against Dr. George Nichopoulos, better known to his clients -- including Elvis -- as "Dr. Nick." The doctor will eventually be found guilty of overprescribing the drugs that led to The King's death and will have his license revoked, even though he repeatedly took measures to cure Presley of his addiction.
    1982 - Top Hits
“Centerfold” - The J. Geils Band
“Open Arms” - Journey
“I Love Rock ’N Roll” - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
“Blue Moon with Heartache” - Roseanne Cash
    1984 - A major winter storm produced blizzard conditions in northwestern Kansas and southern Nebraska. This storm, which began affecting the region on the 18th, dumped 10 to 20 inches of snow over the above-mentioned areas. A severe ice storm occurred in northeastern Kansas with 1 inch ice accumulations common. The 1400-foot radio tower for KLDH-TV near Topeka buckled and then collapsed from the weight of a 3-inch coating of ice. This ice storm ranks as one of the worst ever to hit Kansas.
    1985 - IBM announced that it was planning to stop making the PCjr consumer-oriented computer. The machine had been expected to dominate the home computer market but didn’t quite live up to those expectations. In the 16 months that the PCjr was on the market, only 240,000 units were sold. A young software programmer purchased the rights to the operating system and started a “tiny” software operation compared to IBM to be called Microsoft in the near future. 
    1987 – Televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as head of the PTL Club due to a brewing sex scandal.
    1988 - Michael Jackson begins construction on his 2,800-acre ranch and private amusement park in Santa Barbara, CA, which he will name "Neverland" after a fantasy location in his favorite book, Peter Pan, a place where children never grow up. 
    1988 – Koufax clone Clayton Kershaw was born in Dallas.  The Dodgers’ lefty is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and was the 2014 NL MVP.  His career ERA and average WHIP are the lowest among starters in the live ball era with a minimum of 1,000 innings pitched.  Kershaw has a career hits allowed per nine innings pitched average of 6.61—the second-lowest in MLB history.  In a high school playoff game, he pitched an all-strikeout perfect game.
    1990 - Top Hits
“Escapade” - Janet Jackson
“Black Velvet” - Alannah Myles
“Roam” - The B-52’s
“Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart” - Randy Travis
    1991 - NFL owners stripped Phoenix of the 1993 Super Bowl game due to Arizona not recognizing Martin Luther King Day.
    1991 – The KC Royals put Bo Jackson on waivers.
    1997 - Major League Baseball owners gave final approval to the sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers from Peter O’Malley to Fox Entertainment, a unit of media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s Australian-based news conglomerate, News Corp. O’Malley had inherited the Dodgers from his father, Walter, who moved the team from Brooklyn to Los Angeles following the 1957 season, for which Brooklyn fans never forgave him. Critics of the $311 million sale to Murdoch’s company bemoaned the fact that one more team would no longer be family-owned. Nobody seemed happy about the sale except for Rupert Murdoch, reported never to have seen the team play in person.  Fox sold the team to Frank McCourt in 2004.  His sale of the team in 2012 was forced by his divorce from Jamie McCourt, ending a turbulent ownership saga.  The buyer was Guggenheim Partners for a then-record $2 billion.  Since then, the Dodgers have won the NL West every year and finally won the World Series in 2020.
    1998 - Seven cities in California and Nevada reported record high temperatures for the date as readings soared into the 80s and lower 90s. Los Angeles reported a record high of 89 degrees. Five cities in south central Texas reported record lows, including El Paso, with a reading of 22 degrees.
    1999 - Six cities reported new record low temperatures for the date as cold arctic air settled into the Upper Midwest for Palm Sunday, including Marquette, MI with a reading of 11 degrees below zero.
    2000 - Vector Data Systems conducted a simulation of the 1993 Branch Davidian siege in Waco, TX. The simulation showed that the government had not fired first.
    2002 - Operation Anaconda, the largest US-led ground offensive since the Gulf War, ended in eastern Afghanistan. During the operation, which began on March 2, it was reported that at least 500 Taliban and al Qaeda fighters were killed. Eleven allied troops were killed during the same operation.
    2003 - Operation Iraqi Freedom: At 9:30pm, EST, two hours past a deadline for Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to step down from power, US and British forces began air strikes against this regime. A ground campaign (adding Australian forces) followed quickly, and by April 9, Baghdad was in allied control and Hussein had disappeared. On May 1, President George W. Bush announced the end of major military operations in Iraq, although a peacekeeping force remains and faces violet and fatal attacks from insurgents. Hussein was captured by US forces on December 13, 2003. On June 28, 2004, Iraq regained its sovereignty. And on December 15, 2005, 70 percent of Iraqi’s registered voters turned out for parliamentary elections---one of the freest elections on record in the Arab world.
    2003 - Denver digs out from the second-biggest snowstorm in the city's history. Almost two and a half feet of wet snow over 36 hours shuts down the city. The month ends as Denver's snowiest March on record.
    2012 – New York Mets owners Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz, facing a $300 million lawsuit, agree to pay $162 million into a trust fund for victims of Bernard Madoff's fraudulent investment scheme, thus averting a trial. The payoff is because they were among the few investors who made money out of their investments in Madoff's fund, while thousands of smaller investors lost everything when the whole house of cards collapsed in 2009. Wilpon and Katz will put up $29 million of their own money in the settlement.
    2013 - NASA's Mars rover Curiosity discovered further evidence of water-bearing minerals.
NCAA Basketball Champions:
    1955 - San Francisco
    1960 - Ohio State
    1966 - Texas Western