ELFF Monthly Confidence Moves Slightly Up in May
From April 58.3 to May 59.2, But Better Than Going Down

"The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (the Foundation) releases the May 2019 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI-EFI) today. Designed to collect leadership data, the index reports a qualitative assessment of both the prevailing business conditions and expectations for the future as reported by key executives from the $1 trillion equipment finance sector. Overall, confidence in the equipment finance market improved in May to 59.2, up from the April index of 58.3.

"This month marks the 10th anniversary of the MCI-EFI, which was launched in the wake of the 2008 recession to provide industry participants with greater insight and context for industry statistics and performance.

"When asked about the outlook for the future, MCI:”

Quentin Cote, CLFP, President, Mintaka Financial, LLC, “I’m optimistic about low unemployment levels and the pace of new car purchases. I am concerned that trade wars will create pockets of economic hardship, such as alternative energy and agriculture, and that the issues will spread to related industries.”

Michael DiCecco, Executive Managing Director, Huntington Asset Finance, said, “Our customers continue to be generally positive, delivering solid business performance and investing in equipment. Should that sentiment continue, I believe the equipment finance industry will have another

David Normandin, CLFP, President and CEO, Wintrust Specialty Finance. "“The domestic economy continues to remain strong with most indicators at strong positions. Our volume has been strong, and confidence of our customers has remained positive. We are sensitive to industry portfolio performance and stress, and therefore, are cautiously optimistic about the remainder of 2019.”

Michael Romanowski, President, Farm Credit Leasing Services Corporation: “We are beginning to see producers and agribusinesses make capital investments after years of belt-tightening. Activity has picked up but continues to be challenged by low commodity prices and uncertainty over trade tariffs.”

May 2019 Survey Results
The overall MCI-EFI is 59.2, an increase from 58.3 in April.

• “When asked to assess their business conditions over the next four months, 16.1% of executives responding said they believe business conditions will improve over the next four months, up from 13.3% in April. 67.7% of respondents believe business conditions will remain the same over the next four months, a decrease from 76.7% the previous month. 16.1% believe business conditions will worsen, an increase from 10% in April.

• “16.1% of survey respondents believe demand for leases and loans to fund capital expenditures (capex) will increase over the next four months, an increase from 13.3% in April. 77.4% believe demand will “remain the same” during the same four-month time period, a decrease from 83.3% the previous month. 6.5% believe demand will decline, up from 3.3% who believed so in April.

• “12.9% of the respondents expect more access to capital to fund equipment acquisitions over the next four months, up from 6.7% in April. 87.1% of executives indicate they expect the “same” access to capital to fund business, a decrease from 93.3% last month. None expect “less” access to capital, unchanged from last month.

• “When asked, 41.9% of the executives report they expect to hire more employees over the next four months, a decrease from 46.7% in April. “45.2% expect no change in headcount over the next four months, an increase from 40% last month. 12.9% expect to hire fewer employees, down from 13.3% last month.

• “51.6% of the leadership evaluate the current U.S. economy as “excellent,” up from 40% in April. 48.4% of the leadership evaluate the current U.S. economy as “fair,” a decrease from 60% the previous month. None evaluate it as “poor,” unchanged from April.

• “9.7% of the survey respondents believe that U.S. economic conditions will get “better” over the next six months, up from 6.7% in April. 77.4% of survey respondents indicate they believe the U.S. economy will “stay the same” over the next six months, an increase from 73.3% the previous month. 12.9% believe economic conditions in the U.S. will worsen over the next six months, a decrease from 20% in April.

• “In May, 35.5% of respondents indicate they believe their company will increase spending on business development activities during the next six months, a decrease from 36.7% last month. 64.5% believe there will be “no change” in business development spending, an increase from 63.3% in April. None believe there will be a decrease in spending, unchanged from last month.”
  
  

 

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

 

Jay Bankston was hired by Arvest Equipment Finance, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Previously, he was Regional Sales Manager, Bigtron (December, 2017 - April, 2019); Southern Region Sales Manager, The Victor L. Phillips Co. (December, 2013 - December, 2016).
Education: Northeast Louisiana University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-bankston-bba5273a/

Scott Diberardinis was hired as Executive Director, National Alliance of Commercial Loan Brokers (NACLB), Albany, New York. Previously, he was Director of Sales, Durham Commercial Capital (June, 2012 - April, 2019); Vice President, Relationship Manager, HSBC (August, 2007 - April, 2012); Vice President, Relationship Manager, JPM Chase (January, 2005 - August, 2007). License & Certifications: CPR/AED, American Red Cross, Issued Nov. 2012, No Expiration Date.  Education: State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville, Business. (1982 - 1984).  National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Trainer, Strength and Condition Coach for all levels of Athletics, Sports and Exercise. Pittsford Sutherland. https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-diberardinis-57a52538/ 

Scott Dillion was hired as Senior Vice President, Director of Sales, Owings Mill, Maryland. He is based in Rochester, New Hampshire.  Previously, Maine Financial Group, Katahdin Trust Company, starting June, 2011 as Vice President; promoted November, 2012. CEO, DM Funding Group, LLC (November, 2009 - August, 2010); Vice President, Vendor Services, Harbour Capital Corporation (January, 2009 - November, 2009); Manager of Sales Operations, Direct Capital Corporation (2005 - 2008); Professional Biological Products Specialist, Sanofi Pasteur (January, 2001 - June 2005); Territory Manager, Braintree Laboratories (April, 1999 - December, 2000); Branch Rental Manager, Enterprise Rent-a-Car (April, 1998 - December, 1999); TLE Manager, Wal-Mart (August, 1995 - August, 1996). Education: Clarion University of Pennsylvania, B.S. Communication (1990 - 1995). Activities and Societies: President, Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. Nu Pentaton Chapter. Brookville Area High School (1986 - 1990). College Prep. https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynescottdillon/

Brian Foley was promoted to Senior Vice President, CSI Leasing, Troy, Michigan.  He is located in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the company November, 2005, Account Executive; promoted June, 2015, Vice President, Sales. Previously, he was Marketing Representative, LaSalle Systems Leasing (February, 1997 - October, 2005). Volunteer: Fundraising, Galactosemia Foundation (June, 2010 - Present).  Education: Gies College of Business, University of Urbana, Champaign, BS, IDM (1989 - 1993). Activities and Societies, Sigma Chi. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brfoley1/

Briana Gagné was promoted to VP, Operations, AP Equipment Financing, Bend, Oregon.  She joined the firm September, 2014, as Funding Coordinator; promoted April, 2015, Senior Funding Coordinator; promoted, December, 2016, Funding Operations Manager. Previously, she was Account Coordinator, First Star Capital (April, 2013 - September, 2014); Call Center Specialist, Temple University Health System (May, 2011 - April, 2012). Volunteer: Registration and Donation Collection, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (November, 2012).  Fundraiser & Walk Participant, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (October, 2011). Funding Raiser, Camp Fire USA (March, 2018). Education: San Diego State University. Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies, Social Studies with credits in Psychology and Creative Writing. (2006 - 2010). Activities and Societies: Gamma Phi Beta.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaallen/

Carrie Guire was hired as Sales Support Specialist, Arvest Equipment Finance, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Previously, she was Loan Booking, Bank of the Ozarks (February, 2014 - March, 2109); Accounts Receivable, Mid-South Steam Boil & Eng. (September, 2013 - January, 2014); Office Assistant, Mulberry Gate Company (October, 2012 - September, 2013); Payroll Manager, America Corp. (February, 2002 - October, 2012).  Education: University of Arkansas (1994 - 1997).  University of the Ozarks (1993 - 1994). Mulberry High School. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-guire-93a85045/

Jason Jensen was hired as Account Manager, Public Sales for Dell Financial Services, Nashville, Tennessee. Previously he was Sales Manager, Leasing, Electro Rent (June, 2008 - February, 2019); Regional Sales Manager, GE (2002 - 2008); Inside Sales Account Manager, GE Capital Vendor Financial Services (2000 - 2002); Funding/Booking Analyst, GE Capital, Northern Telecom Financial; Operations Analyst, GE Capital, Digital Financial Services (November, 1995 - March, 1997); Operation Analyst, GE Capital, Eastman Kodak Credit Corporation (August, 1992 - October, 1995).  Education: Saint Bonaventure University, Accounting (1988 - 1992). https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jensen-841b135/

Eric Johnson joined Arvest Equipment Finance, Fort Smith, Arkansas, as Vendor Business Development Representative. “Johnston most recently worked for Caterpillar Inc., and as a territory manager for IronPlanet. Johnston earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a master’s in international business and supply chain management at Western Illinois University.”

Mike Napier was hired as Commercial Growth Manager, Financial Solutions, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, California. He is based in Greater Philadelphia Area. Previously, he was at DLL, starting March, 2004, Business Development Manager, Technology Finance Group; promoted April, 2005, Sales Manager, Technology Finance Group (Cisco Systems Capital); promoted, January, 2008, VP Sales, as Commercial Program Manager, Construction & Industrial Group (Construction Segment); promoted, January, 2010, Commercial Program Manager, Healthcare.  Prior, he was Regional Sales Manager, US Bancorp (2003 - 2004); Sales Manager, CitiCapital (2000 - 2003); Dealer Sales Representative, Canon Financial Services, Inc. (1995 - 2000). Education: University of Phoenix, Business Administration (1999 - 2000); Drexel University, Chemical Engineering (1993 - 1995); Temple University, Criminal Justice (1988 - 1989). https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljnapier/

Nick Nielsen, CLFP, was promoted to Vice President of Sales Operations, GreatAmerica Financial Services, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He joined the firm January, 2008, Director, Large Account Sales; promoted, July, 2013, Vice President of Sales. Previously, he was at U.S. Cellular, starting October, 2001 as Regional Sponsorship Manager/Project Manager; promoted 2007, Area Sales Manager.  Certifications: CLFP Foundation, November, 2015. Volunteer: United Way of East Centra Iowa (June, 2017 - Present). 3rd Grade Head Coach, Metro Youth Flag Football Association (July, 2018 - Present).  Education: Coe College, BA, Communications, Business Management (1997 - 2001). Activities and Societies: Tau Kappa Epsilon, Football Team (Captain), Track Team. University of Iowa, Henry B. Tippie College of Business. MBA, Business (2007 - 2009). https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-nielsen-2bb76a12/

Tim O'Brien was promoted to Senior Vice President, CSI Leasing, Troy, Michigan.  He is located in Sterling, Massachusetts. He joined the firm February, 2002, as Vice President, Sales.  Previously, he was Sales, Berkshire Computer (1999 - 2001); Sales, Articulent (1999 - 2001). Education: Anna Maria College (1992 - 1996).  Wachusett High School (1988 - 1992).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-o-brien-b4b17312/

Shil Patel was promoted to Director of Credit (Equirex and Kempenfelt), Equirex Leasing Corporation, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.  He joined the firm January, 2013, as Sr. Credit Analyst; promoted January, 2017, Credit Team Lead, Sr. Credit Analyst; promoted January, 2018, Credit Manager.  Education: University of Windsor, Bachelor’s Degree.  Business Administration and Management. Finance Concentration (2008 - 2012). https://www.linkedin.com/in/070707071best/

Michael Quimby was hired as Executive Vice President, Total Fleet Solutions, OnPoint Group, Perrysburg, Ohio.  Previously, he was Executive Vice President and General Manager, Sertant Capital, LLC (May, 2018 - April, 2019); Executive Vice President & General Manager, Sertant Capital, LLC (May, 2018 - April, 2019); Senior Vice President, Element Fleet Manager (November, 2013); promoted to SVP & General Manager, December, 2015); Vice President Sales and Marketing, Ryder (September, 2006 - April, 2012); Vice President Sales, GE Capital (May, 1997 - September, 2006); General Manager, Ryder (May, 1987 - May, 1997). Education: Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Certificate, Finance (1997 - 1999).  Keene State College, BS. Business Marketing (1982 - 1986). https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-quimby-5425108/

Jeff Schubert was hired as Business Development Product Manager, Marlin Capital Solutions, Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He is located in Bradenton, Florida. Previously, he was Director of Strategic Partnerships, Rapid Finance (January, 2015 - April, 2019); Business Development Manager, Engs Commercial Finance (November, 2013 - December, 2014); Regional Leasing Manager, Element Financial Corp. (July, 2012 - September, 2013); President/Owner, American Bank Leasing Corp. (July, 2002 - June, 2012); Executive Vice President/Co-Founder, Bulldog Asset Management (November, 2007 - June, 2011); Vice President, Division Manager, CitiCapital (July, 2002 - June, 2002); Vice President, Division Manager, America Equipment Leasing (January, 2000 - July, 2001); Vice President, Syndications Manager, Lease Plan USA (July, 1995 - December, 2000); Regional Leasing Manager, Eastman Kodak Credit Corporation (EKCC) (January, 1992 - July, 1995); Multiple Positions: Sales, Sales Management, Marketing Staff, Credit Manager, Leasing Manager, Eastman Kodak Company (1981 -1992). Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity International.  Big Brother, Big Sisters of America (November, 2017 - Present).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffschubert/

Ben Stodghill was hired as New Business Development, Quick Turn Financial, Seattle, Washington.  Previously, he was Senior Business Development Officer, Midland Equipment Finance (January, 2018 - April, 2009); Senior Business Development Manager, Scottrade Bank Equipment Finance (2014 - December, 2017); Vice President, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance (1993 - 2013). https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-stodghill-72b00625/

Jordan Stowe was hired as Regional Director, CSC Leasing Company, Richmond, Virginia. He is based in the Greater Atlanta Area. Previously, he was at CG Commercial Finance, starting February, 2017, as Account Manager; promoted October, 2018, Senior Account Manager. Prior, he was at World Business Lenders, LLC, starting May, 2105 as Finance Specialist; promoted, January, 2016, Wholesale Account Executive/Senior Specialist. District Director, Beast Brands, Inc (December, 2013 - May, 2015); General Manager, Which Witch? Superior Sandwiches (December, 2012 - December, 2013).  Education: the University of Georgia, Communications and Media Students. (2008 - 2012). Activities and Societies: University of Georgia Football Team Member: Summer, 2008, through Spring, 2010. Volunteer for SafeRide America. Dean's List for Summer term, 2008. Parkview High School. Diploma (2005 - 2008). Activities and Societies: Varsity Soccer, Varsity Football, JV Golf.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-stowe-55996821/

Kevin Watkins was hired as Vice President, CIT Bank, Equipment Finance.  He is based in the Cleveland/Ohio Area. Previously, he was Territory Manager, Ohio and Michigan, Wells Fargo Equipment Finance (May, 2008 - March, 2009). Funding Manager, The City Group (2002 - 2007).  Education: Ohio University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-watkins-263658a/

 

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

 

Falling into Your Career
Career Crossroad---By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII

I have heard so often of people “falling into their careers.” You know, “I needed a job, was hired and have been in this role/industry since without much thought or just with the goal of moving up the ladder for better compensation and recognition.”  Some people are lucky and enjoy their fated career; however, many wake up one day and realize they are miserable.   

If you find yourself unhappy in your job, it is not too late to steer in a different direction (of course, be realistic about the time before you retire).  Act now, the earlier you assess your career, the better off you will be!

Ideas for Next Steps

• Visit a Recruiter such as myself.
• Increase your formal education, take classes.
• Ask for advice from others who are successful.
• Don’t bother interviewing with companies that don’t meet long-term career goals or won’t grow themselves.
• Be flexible to get where you want to be (e.g. a pay cut, relocate) to move into a role that will eventually lead to greater things.
• Simply: Look Ahead!

 
I had a Candidate where we discussed, at length, his/her ideal role.  Our Client had this opportunity and an interview transpired; both sides felt there was a good fit. The Client was offering almost $10 thousand more than his/her current comp and the opportunity would move her/him into a management role in a company expected to grow by leaps and bounds over the next few years.  The company’s growth would have given him/her executive-level status, additional compensation, and recognition. Due to the fact it would add to his/her commute, he/she did not want to proceed. 
I believe this individual will look back on this opportunity and realize he/she failed to look at the long-term picture and accurately assess how this opportunity had lined up with his/her goals.   
If you are looking at Directing Career, do not make hasty decisions without thinking about the long-term implications and most importantly: assess your current role.  Don’t forget to evaluate if your industry or position will be able to sustain you for years to come … some will become obsolete, keep this in mind!

Emily Fitzpatrick
Sr. Recruiter
Recruiters International, Inc.
Phone:  954-885-9241

RII Career Services
Phone: (954) 885-9241 | (888) 855-9231
Fax: (888) 855-9244
Email: info@riirecruit.com

www.riirecruit.com | www.riicareer.com

 

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The Supreme Court ruled against Apple on Monday, allowing an antitrust suit against the iPhone maker to proceed. The company had been sued by four iPhone owners for allegedly monopolizing the app market and driving up prices by charging a 30 percent commission on app purchases made through its own App Store, the only place where iPhone users can lawfully buy apps.

Apple had tried to get the case dismissed before it went to court by arguing that users were technically buying apps from developers rather than from Apple itself, which, according to a 1977 Supreme Court ruling (Illinois Brick), would have shielded Apple from antitrust suits from end users. In Monday’s ruling, the Supreme Court rejected Apple’s efforts to dismiss the suit, arguing that app buyers are buying directly from Apple and are thus not barred from suing the company under antitrust laws. The court did emphasize that the decision has nothing to do with the merits of the plaintiffs’ antitrust claims against Apple, but merely allows them to go forward with their suit. In a statement, Apple expressed its confidence of prevailing in court, arguing that “the App Store is not a monopoly by any metric” and that the company has no role in how developers set the prices for their apps.

In case Apple loses in court, the company may be forced to reduce its App Store commission in the future, which would be a significant blow to its flourishing services business. App Store fees comprise a large portion of Apple’s growing services revenue, which also includes revenue from Apple Music, Apple Pay, Apple Care and the iTunes Store. As of January 2019, Apple had paid out more than $120 billion to app developers after taking its cut. Assuming a 30 percent commission, the company has made more than $50 billion through the App Store since its inception. In 2018 alone, App Store fees may have contributed between $10 and $15 billion to Apple’s revenue, considering that the company paid $34 billion to developers between January 2018 and 2019.

  By Felix Richter, Statista

https://www.statista.com/chart/9671/developer-earnings-apple-app-store/

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

AP Equipment Financing Posts Record
Q1 Originations Volume $32.7 Million

Bend, Oregon: AP Equipment Financing is pleased to announce that it has set another financing volume record for the first quarter of 2019. AP closed 2019 Q1 funding $32.7 million of equipment to small and medium sized businesses across the United States. This funded volume represents a 27.7% increase over Q1 of 2018.

Chris Enbom, CLFP, CEO of AP, said, “We are just starting to hit our stride.

“Our team continues to beat previous benchmarks and it is a testament to the dedication we have for our customers, our employees, our processes, and our vision!”

AP Equipment Financing closed 2018 financing a total of $127 million, showing a 44% overall increase in funded volume over 2017. AP continued to experience exponential growth in funded volume during 2019 Q1 and has projections to continue this rate of growth through strategic sales and marketing initiatives as well as increased operational efficiencies.

Raquel O’Leary, CLFP, Chief Operating Officer, commented, “These year over year increases in volume have been great for our organization, but have also exposed areas for improvement,

 “We continue to challenge ourselves to be as efficient as possible, but at a certain point, you just need more personnel. Over the past quarter, the operations staff has increased by 15%. These key additions combined with our focus on efficiency have paved the way for scalable exponential growth.”

AP Equipment Financing is poised to capitalize on its current growth trends. Continuing to target highly specialized markets, AP is projected to have another record-breaking year in 2019.

Day in the Life" from Chris Enbom, CLFP
https://youtu.be/4giDsVQaAcA 

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

Fernando's View
By Fernando F. Croce

Sumptuous spectacle (“Shadow”) and sophisticated drama (“Non-Fiction”) make for a choice arthouse double-bill, while DVD releases offer touching fantasy (“Welcome to Marwen”) and a pair of classic heroines (“My Brilliant Career,” “The Heiress”).

In theaters:

Shadow (Well Go USA Entertainment): Years after the sumptuous success of “Hero” and “House of the Flying Daggers,” Chinese director Zhang Yimou serves up another eye-popping epic with this blend of martial-arts action and intrigue. Set in the distant past during China’s Three Kingdoms period, the twisty, conspiracy-heavy narrative centers on the power struggle between the corrupt King of Pei (Zheng Kai) and diligent Commander Yu (Chao Deng), who has a secret doppelganger to take his place during battle. With the help of an enigmatic captain (Wang Qianyuan), Yu puts forth a plan with warriors trained in a new fighting style developed by his wife (Sun Li). As the plot pieces fall into place, Zhang’s film takes flight as a rousing, visually sweeping spectacle of betrayal and violence. With subtitles.

Non-Fiction (Playtime): prolific French filmmaker Olivier Assayas (“Clouds of Sils Maria”) dives into the realm of the literary world with this sophisticated, playful drama. At the center of the highbrow swirl is Leonard (Vincent Macaigne) a struggling novelist with a bad habit of writing his real-life peccadillos into his works. His latest book, for instance, turns out to be a thinly veiled account of his affair with Selena (Juliette Binoche), an actress who happens to be the wife of his publisher, Alain (Guillaume Canet). With his wife Valerie (Nora Hamzawi) also in the mix, it’s only a matter of time before Leonard gets tangled in his own narratives. Keeping things lively with fleet camerawork and humor, Assayas’ film weaves a mosaic of shifting relationships at once cerebral and sly. With subtitles.

Nextflix: A ferocious career cut tragically short, director John Singleton (1968-2019) cut a swath through 1990s American cinema with a string of fierce features. So check out Netflix for some of his best films, which include “Boyz n the Hood” (1991), “Poetic Justice” (1993), “Rosewood” (1997), “Shaft” (2000) and “Baby Boy” (2001).

On DVD:

Welcome to Marwen (Universal Pictures): Oscar-winner Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”) has often showcased an eccentric streak running through his crowd-pleasing projects. That streak is in ample evidence in this strange, graceful and touching fantasy-drama, adapted from the acclaimed 2010 documentary “Marwencol.” Steve Carrell stars as Mark Hogancamp, a real-life illustrator whose life is shattered following a hate crime. Struggling to piece his memory back together, he starts to use as therapy his own fantasy world—a detailed miniature town populated by doll versions of the people in his life. With his imagination running wild in these meticulous scenarios, however, can he avoid reality for long? Diving into the divide separating the two different worlds, Zemeckis crafts a fascinatingly thorny portrait of a fragile artist suspended between inspiration and pain.

My Brilliant Career (Criterion): One of the most popular releases from the new Australian cinema emerging in the 1970s, this 1979 drama proved to be a breakout for two talented women, director Gillian Armstrong and actress Judy Davis. Davis portrays Sybylla Melvyn, a spirited aspiring writer in rural Australia during the 19th-century. Constantly clashing with her family over her dreams and desires, she moves in with her rich grandmother (Aileen Britton) and meets a local landowner named Harry (Sam Neill). Though the two are clearly kindred spirits, Sybylla finds herself facing a dilemma when he proposes to her. Already knowing the oppressive toll marriage takes on women in society, will she choose love or career? Offering a delicate look into its heroine’s passionate intelligence, Armstrong’s film benefits greatly from Davis’ vibrant portrayal.

The Heiress (Criterion): Though now remembered mostly for the epic “Ben-Hur,” director William Wyler was at his best in small and intimate cinematic spaces, where he could navigate the emotions of his characters with a masterful touch. That skill is amply illustrated in this 1949 adaptation of Henry James’ novel “Washington Square,” one of his greatest films. Olivia de Havilland won a richly deserved Best Actress Oscar for her performance as Catherine Sloper, a rich young spinster who falls in love with a suitor named Morris (Montgomery Clift). Suspicious of his intentions, Catherine’s strict father (Ralph Richardson) changes his will to test whether Morris is moved by love or greed. What follows is a quietly devastating study of thwarted passion, immaculately crafted by Wyler and brilliantly acted by the emotional cast.

Labrador Retriever/Border Collie Mix
Fort Smith, Arkansas   Adopt-a-Dog

Radish
Pet ID: HHS-A-23136
Male
Puppy
When Grown: Small 25 lbs.

Their Adoption Process
1. Submit Application
2. Interview
3. Meet the Pet

Adoption Application
https://www.shelterluv.com

Hope Humane Society
3800 Kelley Highway
Fort Smith, AR 729-4
(479) 783-4395
Ask About Me:
https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/25181596-fort-smith-arkansas-labrador-retriever-mix

http://www.HOPEHumanSociety.com

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

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News Briefs----

Walmart says it will raise prices because of tariffs
   but notes, "more than half of its sales come from groceries"
https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/16/business/walmart-earnings-stock-tariffs-trump-china/index.html

Fred's closing 104 more stores in summer
   see the list
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/05/16/freds-store-closings-2019-retailer-closing-104-more-stores/3672457002/

Trump administration cancels $929 million contract
    for California bullet train
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/transportation/article230485439.html?

Boeing says it has completed a software update
   for 737 Max anti-stall system linked to fatal crashes
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/16/boeing-says-it-has-completed-the-development-of-updated-software-for-the-737-max.html

Dallas could land major Uber expansion,
    thousands of jobs
https://www.dallasnews.com/business/technology/2019/05/16/dallas-could-land-major-uber-expansion-thousands-jobs

Paradise Buried: 414 Million Pieces of Plastic Litter
    Remote Australian Islands
https://www.courthousenews.com/paradise-lost-414-million-pieces-of-plastic-litter-remote-australian-islands/

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You May Have Missed---

Taron Egerton’s ‘Rocketman’ Debuts to Huge Applause at Cannes
https://www.thewrap.com/taron-egerton-elton-john-rocketman-debuts-to-huge-applause-at-cannes/

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Foul shot
One second is left in the game
you're at the foul line and going insane
the game is on your shoulders the score is tied
right now you feel like want to hide
the first attempt you shoot like a brick
and you just wish there was something to kick
your hands are sweaty, your knees are weak
the adrenaline in your body is at its peak
the ref hands you the ball
you feel very very small
you remember how you shot the ball and feel like a jerk
and then you remember you have science homework
you concentrate with all your might
your stomach is very very light
the crowd is so loud it awakens the dead
your feet feel like buckets of lead
you shoot the ball that is what you do
do you make it? that depends on you 
-Mark

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Sports Briefs---

Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson suspended
   six games for PED violation
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/05/16/patrick-peterson-arizona-cardinals-suspension/3694418002/

Dak Prescott on new deal: "I want to be a Cowboy forever"
http://www.theredzone.org/Blog-Description/EntryId/76541/Dak-Prescott-on-new-deal---I-want-to-be-a-Cowboy-forever-

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

High-profile California housing bill dies without a vote:
   ‘I’m deeply disappointed’
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article230481529.html?

Big new mega village will be launched in Santa Clara
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/05/15/big-new-mega-village-will-be-launched-in-santa-clara/

This man is spending as much as Google on downtown San Jose
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/05/16/the-gary-dillabough-effect-transforming-downtown-san-jose-20-buildings-at-a-time/

SF homeless population swells by 17% in latest tally
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/SF-homeless-population-swells-by-17-in-latest-13851897.php?psid=4ZjMa

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“Gimme that Wine”

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

This winemaking couple was priced out of Napa.
  So they bought a French chateau instead
https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/article/This-winemaking-couple-was-priced-out-of-Napa-So-13844565.php?psid=4ZUQH

Napa Planning Commission Approves Matthiasson Winery Expansion
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataId=214000

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance 2019 Rookie of the Year Award
https://www.winebusiness.com/people/?go=getPeopleArticle&dataId=213976

In the Arizona High Desert, Taking the Temperature of a Wine Boom
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/16/travel/arizona-wine-trail-verde-valley-sedona.html
 
        
A la carte: Celebrate spring with wine adventures,
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This Day in History

     1792 - Twenty-four brokers signed an agreement to fix the rates of commission on stocks and bonds, forming the New York Stock Exchange, with the first meeting at the Merchants Coffee House, Second and Gold Streets, New York City. The first president was Matthew McConnell.
    1804 - Lewis and Clark began their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. 
    1853 - Earning a place on the game of monopoly, the first major railroad merger took place as ten companies consolidated into the Central Railroad Company, consisting of 187 first-class passenger coaches, 55 second class coaches, 65 baggage, mail and express cards, and 1,702 freight cars. There were 298 miles of main line, 236 miles of branch line, and 29 miles of leased road.
http://www.cprr.org/Museum/index.html
    1868 - Japan: The Scioto sets sail out of Yokohama for Hawaii, carrying 153 Japanese migrants bound for employment on the sugar plantations. These adventurers constitute the first mass emigration of Japanese overseas. They became known as the Gannenmono.
    1872 - Bohemian Club incorporated.
    1875 - The first running of the Kentucky Derby took place at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY. African-American Jockey Oliver Lewis rode the horse Aristides to a winning time of 2:37:25. 
http://horseracing.about.com/library/weekly/aa012499.htm
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may17.html
    1877 - First interstate telephone call took place when a call was made from New Brunswick, NJ, to Dr. Alexander Graham Bell at Chickering Hall, New York City. In 1915, he made the first East Coast to West Coast call. Bell's first telephone call was so famous, he repeated the phrase from the first call and first interstate call in 1915 in the formal opening of the completed transcontinental telephone lines connecting America's East and West coasts. Picking up the phone in New York, Mr. Bell said, "Mr. Watson, come here, I want you." But this time Watson replied that it would take him a week; he was on the other end of the line in San Francisco. 
http://www.fitzgeraldstudio.com/html/bell/theman.html
http://www.historybuff.com/library/refgarfield.html
http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/parks/nova_scotia/alex_g_bell/Alex_g_bell_e.htm
    1877 - Edwin Thomas Holmes operating an electrical burglar alarm business at 342 Washington Street, Boston, MA, converted it into the first telephone exchange or switchboard. Holmes' office was connected by wire to a number of banks and similar institutions, and the telephone were placed in the offices of six of his subscribers and connected to these wires. The system served as a telephone system by day and as a burglar alarm system at night. The telephones were connected only in the daytime.
    1878 - Canada's governor general and his wife, Lord and Lady Dufferin, were treated to a demonstration of Thomas Edison's recent invention, the phonograph, at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. The early phonograph both recorded and played back crude reproductions of the human voice on a tin-foil covered cylinder, and was not yet used for recording music. Lady Dufferin wrote in her diary that "we were so amazed when we heard this bit of iron speak."
    1883 - Buffalo Bill Cody's wild west show premiered in Omaha, NE. 
    1896 - An F5 tornado tracked 100 miles through Northeastern Kansas and extreme Southeastern Nebraska. Seneca, Oneida, Sabetha, and Reserve, Kansas sustained severe damage. While passing through Reserve the tornado was 2 miles wide. 25 were killed and 200 were injured.
    1898 – In the Presidio, Camp Merritt formed, a U.S. military camp in San Francisco for American troops destined for the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. Formerly a racetrack, the camp was named for General Wesley Merritt commanding officer of the Philippine expeditionary forces and the Eighth Corps at the time.    
    1903 - Birthday of James “Cool Papa” Bell (d. 1991), Starkville, MS. This famous Negro League baseball player was active for 25 seasons (from 1922 to 1946---one year before Jackie Robinson broke the “color barrier” in Major League Baseball) with a career average of .338. Regarded as the fastest man ever to play the game—he could round the bases in 13 seconds. Cool Papa often stole two bases on one pitch or scored from second on a sacrifice fly. Satchel Paige said Bell could turn off the light and “be in bed before the room was dark.” He batted .400 several times and stole 175 bases in one year.  He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.
http://www.negroleaguebaseball.com/1999/October/cool_pap_bell.html
    1910 - Halley's Comet terrifies millions on earth.
    1912 – Boston’s Fenway Park was officially dedicated, one month after hosting its first game. 
    1916 - Birthday of tenor sax player Paul “Vice-President” Quinichette (d. 1983), Denver, CO.
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/quinichette_paul/bio.jhtml
    1924 - The Giant Dipper roller coaster opened at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at Santa Cruz, CA, a half hour from my office. It quickly became the park's most popular ride. The Dipper was built by Arthur Looff, the son of master carousel-horse carver Charles I.D. Looff. InJune of 1987, the Giant Dipper and the Looff carousel were designated National Historic Landmarks by the US National Park Service. The Boardwalk is still a popular place, day and night. 
http://www.beachboardwalk.com/
http://www.cinternet.net/~bowersda/artgall.htm
    1924 - The Marx Brothers take New York by storm. In one of show business's great strokes of luck, the opening night of a major dramatic play is cancelled, leading all the top New York critics instead to the premiere of a vaudeville revue called “I'll Say She Is,” starring the unknown Marx Brothers comedy team. The brothers' incredible banter and slapstick astounds the critics, ensuring the Marx's' fame.
    1925 - Cleveland Indians centerfielder Tris Speaker collected the 3,000th hit of his Major League career off Tom Zachary of the Washington Senators, off whom Babe Ruth hit home run #60 in 1927. Speaker played from 1907 through 1928, got 3,515 hits and batted .344.  He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937, was named 27th in The Sporting News’ 100 Greatest Baseball Players (1999) and was included in the MLB All-Century Team.
    1932 - Alto sax player Jackie McLean (d. 2006) birthday, NYC. 
http://www.pbs.org/jazz/biography/artist_id_mclean_jackie.htm
    1933 - Country singer Jimmie Rodgers began to record a series of 24 songs for RCA Victor Records. Rodgers was in failing health at the beginning of the session, but persevered to complete the job at hand. The singing star died nine days later (he was 35). Jimmie Rodgers was born in 1897 and was known as the Blue Yodeler and the Singing Brakeman. Rodgers was the first member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, elected in 1961 (along with Fred Rose and Hank Williams). His recording career began in 1927. His yodel became a trademark of his music. Jimmie Rodgers recorded over 100 songs and sold millions of 78 RPM records. His songs were about the Depression and many were about trains. "Brakeman's Blues," "Blue Yodel," "Tuck Away My Lonesome Blues" and his famous "‘T' for Texas" are all classics. He died of tuberculosis.
http://www.jimmierodgers.com/ 
http://www.ping.be/ml-cmb/jrindex.htm
http://www.eyeneer.com/America/Genre/Folk.bluegrass/Profiles/Rodgers/ 
http://sonymusic.com/artists/JimmieRodgers/TheSongsOfJimmieRodgers/biography.html
http://www.studioclub.com/JRSaga2.htm
    1939 - Glenn Miller opens a three-month stand at Glen Island Casino, New Rochelle, NY. Both NBC and Mutual carried the event, which was attended by 1,800 people in the casino ballroom.
    1939 - The first baseball game ever televised – Princeton vs. Columbia at the Baker Bowl - was watched by a handful of viewers via W2XBS in NYC. Bill Stern announces the ten-inning victory of visiting Princeton, 2 - 1. Reviewing the game the next day, the New York Times reported: "it is difficult to see how this sort of thing can catch the public fancy." 
    1944 - General Eisenhower sets D-Day for June 5th.  As the Allies required a full moon and a spring tide, possible dates for the invasion were limited. This was Eisenhower’s first choice, but was forced to delay due to poor weather and high seas. Faced with the possibility of recalling the invasion force to port, he received a favorable weather report for June 6 from Group Captain James M. Stagg. After some debate, orders were issued to launch the invasion on June 6.  Due to the poor conditions, the Germans believed that no invasion would occur in early June. As a result, Rommel returned to Germany and many officers left their units to attend war games.
    1944 - Birthday of guitarist/songwriter Jesse Winchester (d. 2014), Bossier City, LA
http://www.jessewinchester.com/
    1948 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Nature Boy," Nat King Cole.
    1953 - Top Hits
“I Believe” - Frankie Laine
“April in Portugal” - The Les Baxter Orchestra
“Song from Moulin Rouge” - The Percy Faith Orchestra
“Mexican Joe
 - Jim Reeves
    1954 - The US ruled on Brown vs. Board of Education.  This was a major event because the US Supreme Court ruled unanimously that segregation of public schools “solely on the basis of race" denied black children “equal education opportunity" even though "physical facilities and other 'tangible' factors may have been equal. It reversed the 1896 "separate but equal" Plessy vs Ferguson decision. The Supreme Court previously approved racial segregation May 18, 1896.  The case was argued before the Court by Thurgood Marshall, who would go on to become the first black appointed to the Supreme Court.  
    1956 - Birthday of former boxer Ray Charles “Sugar Ray” Leonard, born Washington, DC. 
http://www.ipcress.com/box/leonard.html
http://www.times-olympics.co.uk/historyheroes/srleon.html
    1956 - The first synthetic mica was produced commercially by the Synthetic Mica Corporation, Caldwell Township, NY, and offered for sale this day under the trade name of Synthamica. It was chemically pure and sustained temperatures as high as 20000 degrees without physical or electrical failure. The birth of new technology was now able to be born, replacing tubes and bringing a new dawn to both business and recreational products.
    1958 - "South Pacific" soundtrack album goes to #1 and stays #1 for 31 weeks
    1961 - Top Hits
“Runaway” - Del Shannon
“Mother-In-Law” - Ernie K-Doe
“A Hundred Pounds of Clay” - Gene McDaniels
“Hello Walls” - Faron Young
    1963 - The first Monterey Folk Festival in California featured performances by Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary. I was there and it was mellow (we brought wine, others brought other things).
    1969 - Top Hits
“Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In” - The 5th Dimension
“Hair” - The Cowsills
“Get Back” - The Beatles
“My Life (Throw It Away if I Want To)” - Bill Anderson
    1970 - Henry Aaron of the Atlanta Braves, on his way to becoming baseball's all-time home run king, got the 3,000th hit of his career, a scratch single off Wayne Simpson of the Cincinnati Reds. Aaron finished his career in 1976 with a .305 batting average, 3,771 hits and 755 home runs and was the first to hit 500 HRs and 3000 hits.
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers_and_honorees/hofer_bios/aaron_hank.htm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/all_time_stats/players/a/42389/index.html
    1970 - Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block is born in Worcester, MA. His older brother Jon is also a member of the pop group from Boston.
    1971 - The musical, "Godspell," opened this night at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York City. "Godspell" featured the song "Day by Day" (a top-15 hit in 1972). The rock musical that featured Robin Lamont played for 2,124 performances and was the third longest-running off-Broadway production at the time.
    1973 - Captain Robin Lindsay Quigley became the first female Navy Officer to hold a major command: Navy Service School, San Diego, CA, supervising 30,000 students.
    1973 - Yes receive gold records for both "Yessongs" their triple-record live set and "The Yes Album."
    1974 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "The Streak," Ray Stevens.
    1975 - NBC-TV paid a whopping $5,000,000 for the rights to show "Gone with the Wind" just one time. It was the top price paid for a single opportunity to show a film on television.  It became, at that time, the highest-rated television program ever presented on a single network, watched by 47.5 percent of the households sampled in America, and 65 percent of television viewers, still the record for the highest rated film to ever air on television.
    1975 - Elton John's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" album was released and certified a platinum record on the very same day. It was the first album to be certified a million seller (in this case, a two-million seller) on the first day of release.
    1976 - Race jockey Steve Cauthen began an enviable win streak. Cauthen, age 16, rode his first winner at River Downs, KY. He went on to win 94 races, becoming horse racing's most-watched jockey.
    1977 - Top Hits
“When I Need You” - Leo Sayer
“Sir Duke” - Stevie Wonder
“Couldn't Get It Right” - Climax Blues Band
“Some Broken Hearts Never Mend” - Don Williams
    1977 - The movie "Smokey & the Bandit" premieres.
    1978 – “Thank God It's Friday,” a movie celebration of disco which is Casablanca Records chief Neil Bogart's response to Saturday Night Fever, premieres in Los Angeles. It stars Donna Summer as a singer looking for her big break in a "typical" Hollywood disco on a "typical" Friday night. Summer's song "The Last Dance" is introduced and it goes on to top the pop charts and wins the 1978 Academy Award for Best Song. The film meantime, is a flop.
    1979 - "In The Navy" by Village People hits #3
    1979 - -12ºF (-11ºC), on top of Mauna Kea HI (state record)
    1979 - With the wind really blowing out at Wrigley Field, the Cubs and Phillies combined for a wild ten-inning slugfest won by the Phillies, 23-22. Dave Kingman hit three home runs and collected six RBI for the Cubs while teammate Bill Buckner had a grand slam and seven RBI. Mike Schmidt belted two home runs, including the game-winner in the 10th inning. Bob Boone, pitcher Randy Lerch, and Garry Maddox also homered for the Phillies and Steve Ontiveros and Jerry Martin do it for the Cubs. The eleven home runs between the two teams tied a MLB game record. The contest included 50 hits. In 2010, the MLB Network named it the 20th greatest game of the previous 50 years. 
    1983 - A golfer playing the Fox Meadows course in Memphis, Tennessee was struck by a bolt of lightning that went through his neck, down his spine, came out a pocket containing his keys, and went into a nearby tree. Miraculously, he survived!
    1983 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Let's Dance," David Bowie.
    1984 - Baseball's Mario Soto threw four strikeouts in one inning — only 15th pitcher since 1900 to do so. The catcher dropped the ball on the third strike. The runner ran to first and was safe. The catcher must hold on to the ball for a third strike call to take effect (or tag the runner, or make the throw out to first).
    1985 - Bobby Ewing died on the season finale of "Dallas" on CBS-TV. It was the “talk of the town.” Young Bobby Ewing, played by actor Patrick Duffy, died in a violent car explosion, but came back to life the following season (he was seen taking a shower, just as Victoria Principal, his TV wife, was about to step into the shower stall).
    1985 - Top Hits
“Don't You Forget About Me” - Simple Minds
“One Night in Bangkok” - Murray Head
“Everything She Wants” - Wham!
“Somebody Should Leave” - Reba McEntire
    1987 - The US Navy's guided missile frigate, Stark, sailing off the Iranian coast in the Persian Gulf, was struck and set afire by two Exocet sea-skimming missiles fired from an Iraqi warplane at 2:10pm, EDT. Also struck was a Cypriot flag tanker. At least 28 American naval personnel were killed. Only hours earlier a Soviet oil tanker in the Gulf had struck a mine.
    1987 - Eric ‘Sleepy' Floyd of the Golden State Warriors set a playoff record for points in a single quarter. He poured in 29 points in the fourth period in a game against Pat Riley's Los Angeles Lakers.
    1988 - Thunderstorms produced large hail and damaging winds across the Mid-Atlantic region during the afternoon and evening hours. A "thunderstorm of a lifetime" in Northern Spartanburg County, South Carolina produced hail for 45 minutes. Hail accumulated to knee-deep in some places.
    1992 - Betsy King shot 267 to win the LPGA Championship by 11 strokes over Karen Noble. King recorded rounds of 68, 66, 67 and 66, the first time that any LPGA player finished four rounds under 70 in that any LPGA player finished four rounds under 70 in a major championship. Her 267 was the lowest score ever recorded by any golfer, man or woman, in a major championship.
    1992 - The Toronto Blue Jays reached the one million mark in home attendance faster than any other team in baseball history. The Blue Jays drew 1,006,294 fans in just 21 days, surpassing the record held jointly by the 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers and the 1991 Blue Jays.
    1998 - ESPN's “Sportscenter,” the cable network's signature program, broadcast its 20,000th edition with a special 90-minute show hosted by longtime anchors Chris Berman, Dan Patrick, and Bob Ley. “Sportscenter” made its debut on September 7, 1979, ESPN's launch day, and is broadcast live three times each weekday and four times on Saturday and Sunday.
    1998 - Lefthander David Wells of the New York Yankees pitched a perfect game (allowing no hits and no base runners of any kind) against the Minnesota Twins, winning 4, 0. This was the first perfect game pitched in Yankee Stadium since Don Larsen's in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. Oddly enough, Wells and Larsen attended the same high school, Point Loma in San Diego, CA.
    2011 - The final episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” was recorded in Chicago, Illinois with many celebrities attending the star-studded event.
    2012 - U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Daniel B. Shapiro, says America 'is ready' to attack Iran to prevent them from developing nuclear weapons.
    2014 - Google, Inc. and Apple, Inc. have agreed to drop certain patent lawsuits against each other; the lawsuits revolve around Google's Motorola Mobility technology.

Stanley Cup Champions:
    1983 - New York Islanders