Looking for more Sponsors October 4-6 Las Vegas Conference

Over 800 of the nation’s top commercial loan, leasing and mortgage brokers and lenders will converge on the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa on October 4-6, 2019 to meet the top lenders and service providers that cater to the brokerage community. These brokers are responsible for over $5 billion in small business and commercial financing each year.

This NACLB annual conference will provide education and networking between brokers lenders and service providers. However, the primary benefit of the conference will be to provide enormous growth opportunities for both brokers and bankers to grow their loan portfolios and increase revenues and profits.

Sponsorships Available
http://www.naclb.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/naclb-sponsorship-flyer-2019.pdf

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

James "Jim" Dunn rejoined Peoples Capital & Leasing, a subsidiary of People's United Bank, N.A., Bridgeport, Connecticut, as Lead Credit Underwriter. Previously, he was Vice President, Senior Credit Analyst, Bridge Funding Group, Inc. (August, 2015 - September, 2018); Vice President, Core Underwriter, Franchise Finance, GE Capital (May, 2011 - July, 2015); Lead Credit Underwriter, People's Capital & Leasing Corporation (March, 2009 - June, 2011); Senior Risk Analyst, Vice President, GE Capital (April 1999 - December, 2008); Senior Underwriter, Vice President, First Union National Bank (1996 - 1999); Vice President, First Fidelity Bank/Union Trust Co. (1979 - 1993). Education: Fairfield University, BS, Finance (1975 - 1979). https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-%E2%80%9Djim%E2%80%9D-dunn-371a84b/

Jonathan Fales was hired as Vice President, Business Development by VAR Technology Finance, Mesquite, Texas, a division of LEAF Commercial Capital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of People's United Bank, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mr. Fales is located in Johnson City, Tennessee.  Previously, he rejoined The Alta Group as Director (June, 2016 - May, 2019); Vice President, Strategic Business, Key Equipment Finance (November, 2013 - March, 2016); Senior Managing Director, The Alta Group (January, 1999 - October, 2013). Prior, he was at IBM Global Financing in multiple positions (1991 -1998); Sales/Business Development Manager (2 years), Remarketing Manager, London, UK. (3 years), Remarking Manager, Stamford, Ct. (2 years); General Manager, Asia Pacific South (1996 - 1998).  Education: Vanderbilt University. Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanfales/

B.J. Ferneau was promoted as Business Development Manager, ENGS Commercial Finance Co., Itasca, Illinois.  He joined the company February, 2013, as Senior Credit Analyst; promoted October, 2013, Vice President: Portfolio Management Group. Prior, he was at Key Equipment Finance/Key Bank, starting September, 2003, Vocational Credit Analyst; promoted, November, 2005, Vocational Credit Team Leader; promoted April, 2007, Commercial Vehicle Credit Manager; promoted, June, 2009, Small Ticket Restructure Manager. He joined Daimler Chrysler Financial Services, December, 2000, as Collections Supervisor; promoted, June, 2002, Commercial Credit Analyst. He began his career as Recovery Specialist/Collections Representative, General Motors Acceptance Corp. (September, 1995 - July, 1998). Education: Moraine Valley Community College. A.A., Associate of the Arts (1988 - 1991). Eastern Illinois, University. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), English Literature & Education. (1993 - 1995). Activities and Societies: Tau Kappa Epsilon.  North Central College.  MALS, Masters of Leadership Studies (2004 - 2008). https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-j-ferneau-8795b57/

Jeffrey Hogg was hired as Regional Manager, Balboa Capital, Costa Mesa, California.  He is located in the Greater Salt Lake City Area. Previously, he was Regional Vice President, Commercial Funding (November, 2017 - April, 2019); VP Business Development, Leasing & Equipment Financing, Celtic Bank (May, 2017 - October, 2017); Vice President of Business Development, TAB Bank (2003 - March, 2017); Business Development Officer, Transportation Alliance Bank (2003 - 2010); Sales Professional, IKON Office Supplies (2000 - 2003); Sales Consultant, RC Willy Home Furnishings (1995 - 2000). Community Service/Volunteer: Commissioner, Clearfield City Parks & Recreation (Social Services). Commissioner, Clearfield City Planning Commission (2009 - 2010). Education: Biosystems Institute. Bachelors, Respiratory Care (1983 - 1986). Eastern Arizona College. General. (1981 - 1982). https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferey-hogg-96a20225/

David Miles was promoted to Vice President, Credit, Eastern Funding LLC, New York, New York.  He is located in Norwalk, Connecticut.  He joined the firm May, 2009, as Credit Analyst; promoted, October, 2012, Credit Team Leader; promoted Assistant Vice President, June, 2016.  Prior, he was Credit Analyst, Hitachi Capital America Corp. (2006 - 2009). Education: Morehouse College, BA. Business Administration (Management). (1998 - 2002). Activities and Societies: Track & Field.  St. Luke's School. (1991 - 1997). https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-miles-41308612/

Naya Montoya was promoted to Senior Analyst, Key Equipment Finance, Superior, Colorado.  She joined the firm May, 2017,  Finance and Data Management Intern.  Previously, she was Undergraduate Intern, Financial Services, Foresters Financial (February, 2018 - April, 2018); Learning Assistant for Math Analysis in Business, University of Colorado, Boulder (August, 2016 - December, 2017);  Residential Advisor (August, 2016 - December, 2017).  Volunteer: YouthRoots (September, 2014 - May, 2015). Education: University of Colorado, Boulder. Leeds School of Business.   Bachelor of Science, Finance, General/Information Management, Senior (2015 - 2019). https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayamontoya/

Mike Ross was hired as Senior Vice President, Corporate Asset Finance, Somerset Capital Group, Milford, Connecticut. He is located in the Greater Chicago Area.  Previously, he was Vice President, Corporate Asset Finance, Mitsubishi, Corporate Asset Finance, Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance (U.S.A.), Inc. February, 2018 - April, 2019); Senior Vice President, Relational Technology Solutions (July, 2010 - January, 2018); Senior Vice President, Relational Technology Solutions (July, 2002 - March, 2010); Executive Vice President, Comdisco (1990 - 2002). Education: Ball State University. Miller College of Business. (1972 -1976). https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-ross-b899848/
(photo)

David Wiard was promoted to After Sales Manager, MBF North America, Inc., Petaluma, California/Frankfort, Kentucky/Santa Rosa, California. Mr. Wiard is located in Oakland, California.  He joined the firm April, 2017 as Sales Executive, Western Region. Previously, he was Capital Equipment Acquisition & Sales, Industrial Networks (NorthBay Networks) (March, 2009 - January, 2017); Sales & Operations, KMT (2007 - 2009); CNC Equipment Broker, KD Capital Equipment (2005 - 2007); Sales Executive, Ellison Technologies (2002 - 2005); Sales & Marketing, Sieger Engineering (acquired by Ultra Clean Technology) (2001 - 2002); Sales Executive, CNC Machinery, Yamazen (1994 - 2000); Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer, Contract Manufacturing (1980 - 1994). Licenses: Regional Race Officer, US Sailing. Issued, 2016. No Expiration Date. Education: University of California, Berkeley. BS, Mechanical Engineering.  UC Berkeley College of Engineering, Bachelor's degree, Mechanical Engineering. https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wiard-74aba5/

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

 

Letters! We Get Email
Parrotto/North Mill/Calif. New Law/How Many Brokers?

2018 Leasing News Person of the Year Award
   Presentation to Jerry Parrotto 
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2019/05_20.htm#award

"As a contributing writer and a current member of the editorial board of THE MONITOR, I wanted to tip my cap twice …  1st that you would so honor Jerry Parrotto as leasing person of the year; and, 2nd that you would cite excerpts in Monday’s LEASING NEWS from THE MONITOR a peer publication.
"You handled this well deserving recognition with utmost grace and style."
Dave Wiener, Managing Director
The Alta Group

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North Mill Posts Record Originations for April
"Best Month in the Company's History"
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2019/05_03.htm#north
"Great to hear Kit....folks stopped by our booth at the conference all day who said they read about it in LN...."
Don Cosenza
North Mill

"David and Don, I like your ad! I look forward to working with your company to finance new franchisees for our main franchisor clients."

Paul Bosley
Business Finance Depot

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Rumor Floating Around the AACLB Conference re: Date
of Implementation of California New Interest Disclosure Law
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2019/05_06.htm#rumor

"This is a question about the Calif. Legislature working on APR disclosures. I read your information and appreciate it.

"I was just wondering if you think that for brokers like us that do simple 60 leases with a $1 buyout, and EFA agreements, that there will be a requirement to verbally and in writing disclose for example as follows:
"Principal: $50,000
Payments: 60
Advance: 2
Payments: $1,250
Total of Payments: $69,000
APR: 18%
"I ask this because one of the great things in this career is that by referring to payments rather than APR, the customer signs with us and doesn’t shop rate, rate, rate, and wonder off.
"It seems obvious that if that bill gets passed, I will do all my marketing in other states, and avoid Calif. Transactions, what do you think?"
Name With Held

(It may be more difficult, as the first and last would change the interest rate; the interest rate you have at 18% is no money up front. Also, interim rent can be considered a “profit” and part of the “interest” earned.

(To answer your question, I think other states will follow the procedure and, if you note Marlin and others in their filings, over 20% of their business is in California, so you will be abandoning business for them). 

(The “C” and “D” will be glad to get approved. The “A” and “B” will shop.  They don’t need to know the interest rate, just what the monthly payment will be and then go with the lowest.)
((I think you should not panic, but see what you will have to do to win the deal, including being licensed in California (and other states that require licensing)). (Editor).

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deBanked New York City Broker Fair 2019
By Edward P. Kaye
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2019/05_08.htm#debanked_ny

"Got a quick question – do you have any idea how many equipment finance brokers there are in the market in the USA?

Any thoughts?"

(I have answered this often and should have saved a copy...there are leasing companies with 2,000 brokers. LinkedIn AACFB has over 2,300 member readers. Pawnee says they have several thousand in their filings. I would say there are 10,000 equipment finance brokers in the United States, not counting vendor salesmen who broker their deals or their customers’ deals, real estate agents who do franchises and provide equipment packages, franchisors who set up broker programs, and bankers who broker deals for their bank that their bank cannot handle. And we are not talking about business loans, MCA, SBA, or others.  LinkedIn Equipment Leasing Professionals group has 18,400 readers and I bet a high portion are brokers and those involved in sales. I don’t think 10,000 is out of line.)

(The real question you should be asking is how many brokers can you  handle and process deals for? Editor).

 

 

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What is Online Reputation Management?

FinTech #102 by Alex Vasilakos

A business’s reputation used to be what they said about themselves in their advertising and the reach their customers had via word of mouth. Now, your website visitors are pushing out a company’s reputation and image collectively by providing real-time feedback online through review sites, social media, forums and other channels. Basically, if it is an online source and a client can say something about a business on it, then it is a channel where your business’s reputation should be managed.

Digital marketing and online reputation management for businesses

Online reputation management is a part of a greater digital marketing strategy that works alongside review management, business listings, paid search/ads, social media management and SEO to help your business stay competitive and relevant online. While your business should be managing each of these segments of digital marketing to maintain your online presence, and consequently, offline reputation, many businesses are not. They really should: four in five consumers surveyed use search engines to find local information from multiple devices to find store address, business hours, product availability and directions.

Online reputation management: your business has options

Your business’s reputation can be affected at any time on just about any source across the web. You can use products (SaaS), services (outsource services) or people (outsource or hire a digital marketer) to cut down on your reputation management time expenditure. Even if your business tracks and constantly checks on social media, there may be sources that your business is unaware of such as a new review site from a listing that your business never knew that existed.

Your business should weigh the pros and cons of conducting online reputation management in-house or outsourcing, but there are definite best practices when responding to reviews that your business should be aware of. Maintaining your business’s online presence is one of the most worthwhile services a digital agency or local media company can provide your business and is one of the most worthwhile services you can invest in.

Why your business’s online reputation matters

An online reputation needs to be backed by reviews and ratings by consumers. Without them, there would be no reputation to manage and quite frankly, it would appear as if no one ever visited the business.

Ready or not, your online visitors are talking about your business

Whether a business chooses to manage their reputation online or not, consumers are talking about their favorite and not-so-favorite businesses. If a business simply ignores their reputation online, the consequences can be detrimental.

Unmanaged negative responses can create an angry mob mentality and bad word of mouth spreads like wildfire. While a business may not realize how exactly one instance can affect their online reputation, it is possible that only one negative post on a highly ranked site can actually be what shows up near the top of a search results page when a consumer searches for that business’s name.

Your visitors Control the Conversation and Everyone’s Feedback Matters

Social media is a two-way conversation — businesses can no longer broadcast the message they want people to see. There is a democratic nature to social, with brands, consumers and everyone having an equal voice in a shared space. Customers can rave about a business or let everyone know they had a terrible experience. Social networks have dramatically changed the way businesses communicate. Today, consumers can converse with brands and vice versa as if they were talking to a friend. As a result, businesses have had to become more personable than simply a business entity and manage their social presence in a manner that reflects as such.

Reputation drives conversion

What people see online matters. Approximately 74% of customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations—this is a huge shift in thinking that has become more prominent as time goes on. This trust in reviews translates to dollars, as customers put their money where their trust is. A Harvard Business School study found that a restaurant that sees a one star increase on Yelp will see revenues increase anywhere from five to nine per cent.

As discussed previously, many businesses find that cultivating their digital profile on their own is too time consuming. There are reputation monitoring tools that make keeping up with customer’s way easier, saving time and money. Whatever your business does, it is essential that you are not perceived to be ignoring your customers online. The worst thing your business can do is appear unresponsive.

What makes a good online reputation?

Being present (listed online) and having a good reputation (reviews and reputation management) go hand in hand. Not being listed on a reference site customers use is just as bad as having bad reviews on that site. Building a consistent online presence and a positive reputation is important for both consumers and search engines. Some of the most important aspects of the online footprint include:

• number of business listings
• consistency of business listing information (name, address, phone)
• overall sentiment in reviews
• frequency or current velocity of new reviews
• overall volume of reviews
• social activity and engagement (especially with reviewers)

Customers now view social recommendations and reviews as more authentic, expecting reviews to be a mirror of the actual customer experience that they would experience themselves. This means that maintaining your business’s online reputation is gaining importance as each review is a perceived snippet of what your potential customer expects to experience.

Online reputation management: the main sell

According to Google, 9 out of 10 of local searches lead to action, with more than 50% leading to sales. If businesses have a good web presence, customers will go to them rather than the competitor. Once they’re in the store, 79% of customer use their smartphones inside to look at reviews or compare prices and 74% of them end up making a purchase. Those numbers alone make the opportunity clear: online reputation management is essential for your business to get consumers in the door to make the sale.

Alex Vasilakos
Director of Marketing
The Finance Marketing Group
Alex@financemarketing.com 
Office: 518-591-4645x102 / Fax: 518-677-1071
90 State Street, Suite 1500, Albany, NY 12207
Currently, Alex works exclusively with financial services companies but his depth of knowledge and experience can help design and implement long-reaching strategies for businesses across all industries.

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

 

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ELFA MFLI-25 Reports April Business Up 7.32%
Compared to March, 2018

(Chart: Leasing News)

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MFLI-25) showed that business was up to $8.8 Billion in April, compared to $8.2 billion in March.

click to make larger
(Chart: ELFA)

ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta said, “Second quarter new business volume starts off strongly. Continued low interest rates, a strong labor market and solid economic fundamentals all contribute to healthy demand by U.S. businesses—both large and small—for financed assets to run their business operations. Historically elevated credit quality also remains a signature feature of financing transactions conducted by ELFA members.”

Jennifer A. Coyle, Executive Director, Macquarie Group Ltd., said, “The MLFI shows a strong improvement over last year and a large jump from March, but this followed lackluster growth in Q1 otherwise. Confidence rose slightly, and the economy felt more stable. However, going into May with the looming trade war and rippling effects into various sectors in the economy, we expect that companies will defer asset acquisitions until stability returns. Overall economic conditions and low interest rates should provide some cushion.”

Receivables over 30 days were 1.50 percent, down from 1.90 percent the previous month and down from 2.40 percent the same period in 2018. Charge-offs were 0.32 percent, down from 0.37 percent the previous month, and up slightly from 0.30 percent in the year-earlier period.

Credit approvals totaled 76.8 percent, up from 75.3 percent from March. Total headcount for equipment finance companies was up 0.3 percent year-over-year.

Separately, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s Monthly Confidence Index (MCI-EFI) in May is 59.2, up from the April index of 58.3.

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click image to make larger

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(Charts: ELFA)

Full Report:
https://www.elfaonline.org/data/mlfi-25-monthly-leasing-and-finance-index/view-mlfi/monthly-leasing-and-finance-index-april-2019

 

Four Types of Interim Rent
By Christopher Menkin

Construction Interim
Funds advanced to the manufacturer of the equipment during construction of the equipment.

Delivery Interim
Partial payment to the manufacturer upon delivery of the equipment prior to the Lessee's acceptance of the equipment.

Multiple Delivery Interim
Daily rent on delivery of accepted equipment prior to the balance of the equipment being accepted by the Lessee

Due Date Interim 
Additional rent charged to change the due date on the Lease from the
commencement date to a more acceptable date during the month.

Explanation:
The first three are usually a part of a “Master Lease,” which is usually a document that provides a line of credit allowing a Lessee to add equipment under the same basic terms and conditions without negotiating a new Lease contract. Often it is one contract in sections.

The rent is most common “interest only” and often a separate document spells this out from the “Master Lease.”

Partial payments are normally part of the “Master Lease” and generally are “interest only,” often spelled out in a separate document not part of the lease contract itself.  In smaller leases, the payment is derived from a lease factor (the monthly payment as a multiplier) of the master lease payment.  It also includes the principal, which is kept by the lessor as an extra profit as it is not deducted from the monthly payment or actual total cost of the equipment.  The difference in the payment from the interest is then “extra profit.”

The Due Date Interim includes “extra profit” for the lessor as the actual lease is billed in advance to the lessee but converted to the bank or line of credit in arrears.  A T-Value program can compute the extra profit in this arrangement.

Some offer a first or 15th of the month payment due date and do not charge interim rent or actually start the payment on a specific day the vendor is paid. Then in an ACH billing system where a specific day for the payment is not necessary for bookkeeping or collection purposes.
What is known as a 90 day interim payment is in reality a scam, as it is not a choice of a day in the month for payments to be due, but an means of extra profit since the interim rent is not part of the monthly payment stream.

In Leasing News Bulletin Complaints, most of the lessees are talked into the 90 day payment that it is less interest charge, which in reality what is done is the three monthly payments become the 90 day payment.  In this manner, the yield to the lessor is increased, meaning more profit in the manner computed as payments are in advance, not arrears. In addition, the interim rent is 89 day as in the Balboa – Shopko case.

Balboa Capital and Shopko Settle Their Much Litigated 
  $1 Million Dollar Plus perhaps $300,000 Attorney Fee Case
By Tom McCurnin, Leasing News Legal Editor
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2017/10_25.htm#balboa

 

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Fernando's View:
Special Memorial Day Edition
By Fernando F. Croce

For this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, check out these patriotic classics from Netflix for a cinematic celebration of the courage and resolve of the men and women protecting country and freedom.

Sergeant York (Howard Hawks, 1941): Gary Cooper won a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Alvin C. York, a real-life Tennessee sharpshooter who went on to become a celebrated military hero. As World War I rages in Europe, the religious Alvin declares himself a conscientious objector but is drafted anyway. Once in the Army, he’s soon promoted due to his outstanding marksman skills. His biggest challenge, however, lies ahead as he and his platoon enter dangerous French territory. One of Hollywood’s great all-around masters, director Howard Hawks tackles his favorite theme—the unexpected grace of professionals under pressure—with vigor, conviction, irony, and humor. With his trademark plainspoken force, Cooper expertly portrays a man’s growth brawler from backwoods to winner of the Medal of Honor.

The Guns of Navarone (J. Lee Thompson, 1961): Renowned thriller novelist Alastair MacLean is well-served in this blockbuster screen adaptation of his WWII yarn, featuring an all-star cast and slam-bang suspense. Set in 1943, it chronicles the efforts of a small group of Allied fighters on a dangerous mission in the Greek island of Navarone. Bringing together different nationalities in the fight against German forces, the team includes American Captain Malloy (Gregory Peck), local resistance leader Andrea (Anthony Quinn), and British explosives expert Miller (David Niven). Facing everything from stormy seas to traitors, the men find themselves face to face with the enemy’s mighty guns at the top of a seaside abyss. Keeping tensions high even at a lengthy running time, J. Lee Thompson’s classic remains a favorite with adventure buffs.

Three Kings (David O. Russell, 1999): Patriotism mixed with tongue-in-cheek adventure in this inventive drama from acclaimed director David O. Russell (“American Hustle”). Set just after the end of the Gulf War, the story details a group of American soldiers as they embark on an often surreal trek to locate a cache of Saddam Hussein’s gold. Leading them is Major Archie Gates (George Clooney), whose cynical nature is affected by the people they meet and events they witness along the way. By his side are Sergeant Barlow (Mark Wahlberg) and Sergeant Elgin (Ice Cube), who run into Iraqi rebels in need of help against Hussein’s return. Combining heroism with helter-skelter satire in a way that reminded many a critic of “Apocalypse Now,” this is an invigorating meld of action and critique.

Lincoln (Steven Spielberg, 2012): Memorial Day has its origins in the wake of the Civil War, so what better movie protagonist to celebrate it than Abraham Lincoln? Steven Spielberg turns his gaze to the world of politics at a decisive moment in history in this trenchant, stirring 2012 drama. Set during the height of the War, the film follows Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis, in an Oscar-winning performance), whose role as American President puts him square in the middle of clashing groups, from Union and Confederate forces to slave owners and emancipators. Detailing his relationships to such famous figures like Mary Todd Lincoln (Sally Field) and Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones), the film is simultaneously a vast historical canvas and a small and intimate portrait of a great man who has achieved wisdom the hard way.

Five Came Back (Netflix, 2017): The crossroads of war and cinema are examined in this excellent, five-part documentary, based on Mark Harris’ book on the role of Hollywood directors during World War II. There’s John Ford, who would be present with camera ready at hand for valuable footage during the Battle of Midway. Frank Capra, who produced a string of important documentaries on the opponents. William Wyler and John Huston, who vividly captured the experience from the soldiers’ viewpoint in bombardiers and trenches. And George Stevens, who recorded the first glimpses of the horrors of concentration camps. Analyzing a moment in history that changed these men’s art as well as their lives, this is a stirring, endlessly informative series, presented by Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, and Guillermo del Toro, and others.

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Attorneys Who Specialize in
Banking, Finance, and Leasing

Birmingham, Alabama The lawyers of Marks & Associates, P.C. have over 30 years experience in dealing with virtually every type of equipment financing and are recognized throughout the industry for prompt, practical solutions and exemplary service. They offer cost-conscious, effective lease enforcement and good counsel.  Email: Barry@leaselawyer.com Website: www.leaselawyers.com	California  Marshall Goldenberg, Esq. GLASS & GOLDBERG, ALC 22917 Burbank Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91367-4203. (818) 888-2220 mgoldberg@glassgoldberg.com www.glassgoldberg.com
Kenneth C. Greene California Leasing and Financial consultant, active in several leasing associations, as well as involved in music and film production in LA.  Mention "Leasing News" for a free consultation. 818.575.9095 Skype: 424.235.1658 ken@kengreenelaw.com	Connecticut, Southern New England:  EVANS, FELDMAN & BOYER, LLC Collections, litigation, documentation, portfolio sales and financing, bankruptcy. We represent many of the national and local leasing companies doing business in this state. Past chairman EAEL legal committee. Competitive rates.  email: rcfeldman@snet.net
Los Angeles/Santa Monica Hemar & Associates, Attorneys at Law Specialists in legal assistance, including debt collection, equipment recovery, litigation for 35 years. Fluent in Spanish.  Tel: 310-829-1948  email: phemar@hemar.com	David G. Mayer Partner, Dallas, Texas Schackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton  9201 N. Central Expressway Fourth Floor Dallas, Texas 75231 Telephone: (214) 780-1400 http://shackelfordlaw.net/attorneys/david-g-mayer/
Los Angeles, Southern CA  Seasoned attorney representing secured creditors in auto finance and truck/equipment lease industry.  Bankruptcy and State Court litigation.   Vincent V. Frounjian (818) 990-0605 or email: vvf@pacbell.net.	Encino, California: Statewide “ELFA”  Hemar, Rousso & Heald, LLP 30 yr excellent reputation Lessor representation commercial litigation, debt collection, and bankruptcy. Call Stephen E. Jenkins Esq (818) 501-3800
Los Angeles, Statewide: CA.     "ELFA" Aggressive creditors rights law firm specializing in equipment leasing handling collection matters on a contingency, fixed fee or hourly cbasis. email:RGarwacki@prodigy.net	Los Angeles, Statewide: CA      "ELFA" Practice limited to collections, bankruptcy and problem accounts resolution. Decades of experience. 10-lawyer firm dedicated to serving you. Call Ronald Cohn, Esq. (818)591-2121 or email. Email: rrcohn@aol.com
	California & National Paul Bent – More than 35 years experience in all forms of equipment leasing, secured lending, and asset based transactions. Financial analysis, deal structuring, contract negotiations, documentation, private dispute resolution, expert witness services.  (562) 426-1000 www.paulbent.attorney pbent@paulbent.attorney
Illinois   Kevin E. Trabaris: Concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial finance, corporate and business transactions. Extensive experience representing banks, financial companies, equipment lessors, insurers and other funding and intermediary entities and borrowers in connection with thousands of business financing matters. He has handled everything from small ticket transactions to billion dollar syndicated loans, real estate financing to asset-based facilities. Email:  ktrabaris@culhanemeadows.com Telephone:  847-840-4687 www.culhanemeadows.com	Massachusetts Joseph G. Bonanno, Esq., CLFP.  Transactional/Documentation. Past special industry consultant to The World Bank,  industry expert witness in litigation, appointed to Governor’s Counsel to adopt Articles 2A and 9 in Massachusetts, MA continuing legal education co-instructor,  past (5) Term Certified Leasing and Finance Professional Board Member, CLFP review instructor, numerous authored and co-authored published articles and conducting educational seminars. (781) 328-1010; law@jgbesq.com
National: Coston & Rademacher: Business attorneys serving the lease-finance industry since 1980. Transactional, documentation, corporate/finance, workouts, litigation, bankruptcy, portfolio management. Chicago-based national practice. Jim Coston, CLP (Members: ELFA, NEFA).  email: Jcoston@costonlaw.com Website:www.costonlaw.com	Michael J. Witt, experienced bank, finance, and leasing attorney, also conducts Portfolio Audits. Previously he was Managing Counsel, Wells Fargo & Co. (May, 2003 – September, 2008); Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Advanta Business Services (May, 1988 – June, 1997) Tel: (515) 223-2352 Cell: (515) 868-1067  E-mail: MWitt@Witt-Legal.com Web: www.witt-legal.com
St. Louis County , MO. - statewide:  Schultz & Associates LLP., collections, negotiation, and litigation. Also register and pursue recovery on foreign judgments. Contingency and reasonable hourly rates.  Ronald J. Eisenberg, Esq. (636) 537-4645 x108  reisenberg@sl-lawyers.com www.sl-lawyers.com	NJ, De, Pa: Specializing in leased equipment/secured transactions. Collections, replevins/workouts reasonable rates. Sergio Scuteri/Capehart & Scratchard, PAsscuteri@capehart.com / www.capehart.com
New York and New Jersey Frank Peretore Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi West Orange, New Jersey http://www.csglaw.com/ biographies/frank-peretore  Phone 973-530-2058 fperetore@csglaw.com  Documentation, portfolio purchase & sale, replevin, workouts, litigation, collection, bankruptcy. Aggressive. Over 30 years experience.	Thousand Oaks, California:  Statewide coverage Spiwak & Iezza, LLP 20+ years experience,Representing Lessors banks in both State/ Federal Courts/ all aspects of commercial leasing litigation. Nick Iezza 805-777-1175 niezza@spiwakandiezza.com

 

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News Briefs----

Two Emory researchers failed to disclose Chinese funding
  and ties “The two are no longer employed with Emory."
https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/two-emory-researchers-failed-disclose-chinese-funding-and-ties/QQ58XiznSllTLYv5rARfjL/

Senator probing federal backing of loans to Subway franchisees
“history of complaints about unfair and deceptive practices.”
https://nypost.com/2019/05/22/senator-probing-federal-backing-of-loans-to-subway-franchisees/

 

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

You May Have Missed---

Inside the Apple Card: Mastercard’s digital first,
    physical optional’ platform
https://www.americanbanker.com/news/inside-the-apple-card-mastercards-digital-first-physical-optional-platform

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

"The Gift Outright"

Poem recited at John F. Kennedy's Inauguration

By Robert Frost

The land was ours before we were the land’s
She was our land more than a hundred years
Before we were her people. She was ours
In Massachusetts, in Virginia,
But we were England’s, still colonials,
Possessing what we still were unpossessed by,
Possessed by what we now no more possessed.
Something we were withholding made us weak
Until we found out that it was ourselves
We were withholding from our land of living,
And forthwith found salvation in surrender.
Such as we were we gave ourselves outright
(The deed of gift was many deeds of war)
To the land vaguely realizing westward,
But still unstoried, artless, unenhanced,
Such as she was, such as she will become.

 

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

Sports Briefs---

KD unlikely for Game 1; Cousins 'up in the air'
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26808064/kd-unlikely-game-1-cousins-air

Klay Thompson learned from a reporter he didn't make All-NBA, and he was annoyed
https://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/klay-thompson-all-nba-teams-warriors-13882737.php

49ers News: Nick Bosa Out 3 Weeks;
  Hamstring Injury Diagnosed as Grade 1 Strain
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2837753-49ers-news-nick-bosa-out-3-weeks-hamstring-injury-diagnosed-as-grade-1-strain

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

California Nuts Briefs---

Adachi leak case: Wavering words, but no mea culpa,
   from chief and mayor
https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Adachi-leak-case-Wavering-words-but-no-mea-13876974.php?cmpid=gsa-sfgate-result&psid=6hT28

As California Wildfire Season Looms,
  Finding Tree Trimmers Is a New Problem
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/23/business/energy-environment/pge-wildfire-trees.html

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

“Gimme that Wine”

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

Canned Wine Comes of Age
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/canned-wine-comes-of-age#

Napa grape growers say the late rain should not be a major problem
https://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/napa-grape-growers-say-the-late-rain-should-not-be/article_57851016-ffdb-5482-94f6-577f7cf0c260.html

Why wine drinkers will appreciate a rare behind-the-scenes
    look  in the PBS Documentary ‘Harvest Season’
https://www.sbsun.com/2019/05/21/why-wine-drinkers-will-appreciate-a-rare-behind-the-scenes-look-in-the-pbs-documentary-harvest-season/

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

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

US/International Wine Events
http://www.localwineevents.com/

Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/wnensprts.htm

This Day in History

    1607 - Captain Christopher Newport and 105 followers founded the colony of Jamestown on the mouth of the James River in Virginia. They had left England with 144 members, 39 of whom died enroute. The colony was near the large Indian village of Werowocomoco, home of Pocahontas, the daughter of Powhatan, an Algonquin chief. In 2003, archeologists believed that they had found the site of the village.
    1624 - After years of unprofitable operation, Virginia's charter was revoked and it became a royal colony.  Chartered in 1606 and settled in 1607, Virginia was the first enduring English colony in North America, following failed proprietary attempts at settlement on Newfoundland by Sir Humphrey Gilbert in 1583, and the subsequent further south Roanoke Island (modern eastern North Carolina) by Sir Walter Raleigh in the late 1580s. The founder of the new colony was the Virginia Company with the first two settlements in Jamestown on the north bank of the James River and Popham Colony on the Kennebec River in modern-day Maine, both in 1607. The Popham colony quickly failed due to a famine, disease, and conflict with local Native American tribes in the first two years. Jamestown occupied land belonging to the Powhatan Confederacy, and was also at the brink of failure before the arrival of a new group of settlers and supplies by ship in 1610. Tobacco became Virginia's first profitable export, the production of which had a significant impact on the society and settlement patterns.  In 1624, the Virginia Company's charter was revoked by King James I, and the Virginia colony was transferred to royal authority as a crown colony. After the English Civil War in the 1640s and 50s, the Virginia colony was nicknamed "The Old Dominion" by King Charles II for its perceived loyalty to the English monarchy during the era of the Protectorate and Commonwealth of England.
    1626 – Peter Minuit and Dutch colonists acquired Manhattan from unnamed Native American people, believed to have been Canarsee Indians of the Lenape, in exchange for trade goods worth 60 guilders, often said to be worth US$24.
    1738 – The conversion of John Wesley is deemed to have launched the Methodist movement; the day is celebrated annually by Methodists and Aldersgate Day and a church service is generally held on the preceding Sunday.
    1749 - Birthday of James Peale (d. 1831), American portrait and miniature painter who painted portraits of George and Martha Washington and General Sir Thomas Shirley.
http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/gw/
http://www.butlerart.com/pc_book/pages/attribut.htm    
    1764 - Bostonian lawyer James Otis denounced "taxation without representation" and called for the colonies to unite in demonstrating their opposition to Britain's new tax measures. 
    1816 - Emanuel Leutze (d. 1868), obscure itinerant painter, was born at Wurttemberg, Germany.  He came to the US when he was nine years old and began painting by age 15.  He painted some of the most famous of American scenes, such as “Washington Crossing the Delaware,” “Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth” and “Columbus Before the Queen.” Painting all by his imagination. “Washington did indeed cross the Delaware, but not in the dramatic and elegant style depicted in Emanuel Leutze's famous painting,” as stated in Richard Shenkman's “Legends, Lies & Cherished Myths of American History.” “Washington probably wasn't standing, or course, that would have been, as one writer plainly put it, “stupid.” And Washington probably wasn't quite as impassive as Leutze portrays him (One is reminded of all those pictures which show Washington quietly atop his horse with bullets whirring speedily around him. As one critic commented, “at times, his horse seems more active than the general himself.” Furthermore, the American flag probably wasn't flying.  While the flag was in existence at this time, it hadn't been yet adopted by Congress and there were many versions. Finally, Washington's boat probably wasn't filled to capacity.  There wouldn't have been any need for crowding. Boats there were aplenty; it was men who were in short supply.” Historian Ann Hawks Hutton contends that Leutze, a German, painted the picture primarily to stir up Germans. Leutze, she says, hoped that by celebrating the American Revolution, he could help bring about revolution in Germany, where he painted the picture. He had returned to Germany where he painted many of these pictures where the conservative governments had recently crushed the Revolution of 1848. 
http://www.art-prints-and-posters.com/Emanuel-Leutze.html 
http://www.nmaa.si.edu/nmaa/images/text/artist_l/leute01x.html 
http://www.honors.uiuc.edu/eng255/gallery/romanticism/leutze.html
    1818 - The Battle of Pensacola, considered part of the First Seminole War, took place when American forces, led by Andrew Jackson, captured Pensacola, then the capital of Spanish West Florida.  Jackson felt it was being used by the Seminole for strikes against America. After the surrender by the Spanish Governor, Jackson established a temporary American provisional government in the city. 
    1830 – “Mary Had a Little Lamb” by Sarah Josepha Hale was first published.
    1844 - The first US telegraph line was formally opened between Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Samuel F.B. Morse sent the first officially telegraphed words "What hath God wrought?" from the Capitol Building to Baltimore where his assistant Alfred Vail received the message. Earlier messages had been sent along the historic line during testing and one sent May 1 contained the news that Henry Clay had been nominated as president by the Whig party, from a meeting in Baltimore. The message reached Washington one hour prior to a train carrying the same news.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may24.html
    1861 - The first fatalities of both the North and South in the Civil War occurred in Alexandria, VA. Union troops occupied Alexandria, landing troops at the base of King Street on the Potomac River. A few blocks up King Street from their landing site, a commander, Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, sortied with a small detachment to retrieve a large Confederate flag displayed on the roof of the Marshall House Inn that had been visible from the White House. While descending from the roof, Ellsworth was shot dead by Captain James W. Jackson, the hotel's proprietor. One of Ellsworth's soldiers immediately killed Jackson.  Ellsworth was publicized as a Union martyr and the incident generated great excitement in the North, with many children being named for him.  Jackson's death defending his home caused a similar, though less lasting sensation, in the South.  Alexandria remained under military occupation until the end of the war.
    1862 - The Union Army made use of the new communication device called the telegraphy. The first use was in the Peninsula campaign when a wire several miles long extended from the headquarters of General George Brinton McClellan near Williamsport, VA, to an advance guard at Mechanicsville, VA, commanded by General George Stoneman, chief of cavalry in the Army of the Potomac. McClellan was an idiot and had no idea what he was doing and the telegraph seemed to confuse the cavalry even more.  They were used to moving quickly, responding to events, but laying down wire and waiting for instructions due to the reliance on this telegraph invention cost many Union lives. The cavalry once mobile, waited to hear orders from McClellan, who was out to lunch.
http://www.bufordsboys.com/StonemanBiography.htm
http://www.ngeorgia.com/history/atlcamp.html
    1869 - The first exploration of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River by a white man was made by Major John Wesley Power, above the head of the Colorado River, emerging on August 29 with five of the nine men who had started with him. The Grand Canyon had been observed by Spanish explorers in 1540 and described by the Sitgreaves expedition in 1851.
    1879 – H. B. Reese (d. 1956), the creator of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, was born in York County, PA.
    1883 - Nearly 14 years in construction, the $16 million Brooklyn Bridge over the East River opened. Designed by John A. Roebling, the steel suspension bridge has a span of 1,595 feet.
http://www.endex.com/gf/buildings/bbridge/bbridgefacts.htm
    1893 - The Anti-Saloon League was founded by Howard H. Russell at Oberlin, OH. Efforts in that state were so successful that the Anti-Saloon League of America was organized in 1895. The League's permanent home became Otterbein College at Westerville, OH in 1909. The ban on alcohol products, called the Prohibition Era, actually worked. There were less deaths by alcohol recorded at hospitals, less drunk drivers, and statistics recorded a major decline in drinking.  The crime empires of Al Capone and others in this era were established before prohibition. Incidentally, there were many country clubs and night clubs who had a large legal supply, as the law was against production and did not apply to what was already purchased and stored.
    1894 - Six inches of snow blanketed Kentucky. Just four days earlier as much as ten inches of snow had fallen across Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Six days earlier a violent storm had wrecked nine ships on Lake Michigan.
    1918 - The Croix de Guerre was awarded to an African-American in the American Army, Private Henry Johnson, 369th Infantry, 93rd Division, with the following citation: “Being on double sentry duty at night, was attacked by twelve Germans. He shot one and seriously wounded two others with his bayonet. Even though he had been three times sounded at the beginning of the action by revolver bullets and grenades, he went to the assistance of his wounded comrade, who was about to be carried off by the enemy, and continued the combat until the put the Germans to flight. It was a splendid example of courage and energy.”
    1928 - In a game between the Philadelphia Athletics and the New York Yankees, 13 future members of the Baseball Hall of Fame took the field. Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, Mickey Cochrane, Al Simmons, Eddie Collins, Lefty Grove and Jimmie Foxx played for the Athletics. Earle Combs, Leo Durocher, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Tony Lazzeri and Waite Hoyt played for the Yankees. In addition, the two managers, Connie Mack and Miller Huggins, are also Hall of Famers.
    1930 - Babe Ruth homers in both games of a doubleheader, giving him 9 in one week.
    1933 - Jimmie Rodgers, knowing he only has a few days left to live, records 12 of the 24 songs for his last album. "Tea for Texass, Tea for Thelma, Tea for Ice-Tea, gonna be the death of me..."— Jimmie Rodgers (1897 - 1933)
http://www.jimmierodgers.com/
http://www.southernmusic.net/jimmierodgers.htm 
http://www.eyeneer.com/America/Genre/Folk.bluegrass/Profiles/Rodgers/
    1933 - Michael White (d. 2016) birthday, Houston, TX.  Jazz violinist, often played with John Handy, my late father's favorite modern jazz group, whom he met when they were both teaching at San Francisco State College.
    1935 - The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Philadelphia Phillies by a score of 2-1, as more than 20,000 fans enjoyed the first night baseball game in the Major Leagues. The game was played at Crosley Field, Cincinnati, OH. By the way, the game was to have been previously held the night before, but rain cancelled the event.
    1938 - Birthday of singer Prince Buster, born Cecil Bustamente Campbell (d. 2016), Kingston, Jamaica.
http://www.georgwa.demon.co.uk/prince_buster.htm
    1940 – Igor Sikorsky performed the first successful single-rotor helicopter flight.
    1941 - The German battleship Bismarck sank the British dreadnought HMS Hood in the North Atlantic. 1416 died with only three survivors. CGC Modoc sighted the German battleship SMS Bismarck while the cutter searched for survivors of a convoy southeast of Cape Farewell, Greenland. British Swordfish torpedo planes from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Victorious circled Modoc as they flew towards the German battleship's position. The Modoc's crew then spotted the flashes caused by anti-aircraft fire from the Bismarck and then sighted British warships on the opposite horizon. The cutter then maneuvered to avoid contact with any of the warships and managed to steam out of the area unscathed. 
    1941 – Birthday of Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman, Duluth, MN. Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter: “Gotta Serve Somebody” [1980]; “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Lay Lady Lay,” “Positively 4th Street,” “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” “Hurricane [Part 1];” actor: “Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid,” “Renaldo and Clara” [w/Joan Baez]; inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame [1988]; received Grammy's Lifetime Achievement Award [1991]; 1991 Golden Globe and Academy Award for song "Things Have Changed" from 2000 film "Wonder Boys." 
http://www.bobdylan.com
    1943 – Radar was born.  Actor Gary Burghoff, who played Cpl. Radar O’Reilly in the long-running hit TV series, “M*A*S*H*,” was born in Bristol, CT.
    1944 - Patti LaBelle was born Patricia Holt in Philadelphia. She sings with Patti LaBelle & the Blue Belles (later shortened to LaBelle), which had the No. 1 hit "Lady Marmalade." The singer's solo career takes off in the 1980s and she has a No. 1 duet, "On My Own," in 1986 with Michael MacDonald.
    1944 - Top Hits
“Long Ago and Far Away” - Helen Forrest & Dick Haymes
“San Fernando Valley” - Bing Crosby
“I'll Get By” - The Harry James Orchestra (vocal: Dick Haymes)
“Straighten Up and Fly Right” - King Cole Trio
    1944 - ANTOLAK, SYLVESTER, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, 24 May 1944. Entered service at: St. Clairsville, Ohio. Birth: St. Clairsville, Ohio. G.O. No.: 89, 19 October 1945. Citation: Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, he charged 200 yards over flat, coverless terrain to destroy an enemy machinegun nest during the second day of the offensive which broke through the German cordon of steel around the Anzio beachhead. Fully 30 yards in advance of his squad, he ran into withering enemy machinegun, machine-pistol and rifle fire. Three times he was struck by bullets and knocked to the ground, but each time he struggled to his feet to continue his relentless advance. With one shoulder deeply gashed and his right arm shattered, he continued to rush directly into the enemy fire concentration with his submachine gun wedged under his uninjured arm until within 15 yards of the enemy strong point, where he opened fire at deadly close range, killing 2 Germans and forcing the remaining 10 to surrender. He reorganized his men and, refusing to seek medical attention so badly needed, chose to lead the way toward another strong point 100 yards distant. Utterly disregarding the hail of bullets concentrated upon him, he had stormed ahead nearly three-fourths of the space between strong points when he was instantly killed by hostile enemy fire. Inspired by his example, his squad went on to overwhelm the enemy troops. By his supreme sacrifice, superb fighting courage, and heroic devotion to the attack, Sgt. Antolak was directly responsible for eliminating 20 Germans, capturing an enemy machinegun, and clearing the path for his company to advance.
    1944 - MILLS, JAMES H., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company F, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, 24 May 1944. Entered service at: Fort Meade, Fla. Birth: Fort Meade, Fla. G.O. No.: 87, 14 November 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Pvt. Mills, undergoing his baptism of fire, preceded his platoon down a draw to reach a position from which an attack could be launched against a heavily fortified strongpoint. After advancing about 300 yards, Pvt. Mills was fired on by a machinegun only S yards distant. He killed the gunner with 1 shot and forced the surrender of the assistant gunner. Continuing his advance, he saw a German soldier in a camouflaged position behind a large bush pulling the pin of a potato-masher grenade. Covering the German with his rifle, Pvt. Mills forced him to drop the grenade and captured him. When another enemy soldier attempted to throw a hand grenade into the draw, Pvt. Mills killed him with 1 shot. Brought under fire by a machinegun, 2 machine pistols, and 3 rifles at a range of only 50 feet, he charged headlong into the furious chain of automatic fire shooting his M 1 from the hip. The enemy was completely demoralized by Pvt. Mills' daring charge, and when he reached a point within 10 feet of their position, all 6 surrendered. As he neared the end of the draw, Pvt. Mills was brought under fire by a machine gunner 20 yards distant. Despite the fact that he had absolutely no cover, Pvt. Mills killed the gunner with 1 shot. Two enemy soldiers near the machine gunner fired wildly at Pvt. Mills and then fled. Pvt. Mills fired twice, killing 1 of the enemy. Continuing on to the position, he captured a fourth soldier. When it became apparent that an assault on the strongpoint would in all probability cause heavy casualties on the platoon, Pvt. Mills volunteered to cover the advance down a shallow ditch to a point within 50 yards of the objective. Standing on the bank in full view of the enemy less than 100 yards away, he shouted and fired his rifle directly into the position. His ruse worked exactly as planned. The enemy centered his fire on Pvt. Mills. Tracers passed within inches of his body, rifle and machine pistol bullets ricocheted off the rocks at his feet. Yet he stood there firing until his rifle was empty. Intent on covering the movement of his platoon, Pvt. Mills jumped into the draw, reloaded his weapon, climbed out again, and continued to lay down a base of fire. Repeating this action 4 times, he enabled his platoon to reach the designated spot undiscovered, from which position it assaulted and overwhelmed the enemy, capturing 22 Germans and taking the objective without casualties.
    1944 - SCHAUER, HENRY, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, 23-24 May 1944. Entered service at: Scobey, Mont. Born: 9 October 1918, Clinton, Okla. G.O. No.: 83, 27 October 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 23 May 1944, at 12 noon, Pfc. (now T/Sgt.) Schauer left the cover of a ditch to engage 4 German snipers who opened fire on the patrol from its rear. Standing erect he walked deliberately 30 yards toward the enemy, stopped amid the fire from 4 rifles centered on him, and with 4 bursts from his BAR, each at a different range, killed all of the snipers. Catching sight of a fifth sniper waiting for the patrol behind a house chimney, Pfc. Schauer brought him down with another burst. Shortly after, when a heavy enemy artillery concentration and 2 machineguns temporarily halted the patrol, Pfc. Schauer again left cover to engage the enemy weapons single-handed. While shells exploded within 15 yards, showering dirt over him, and strings of grazing German tracer bullets whipped past him at chest level, Pfc. Schauer knelt, killed the 2 gunners of the machinegun only 60 yards from him with a single burst from his BAR, and crumpled 2 other enemy soldiers who ran to man the gun. Inserting a fresh magazine in his BAR, Pfc. Schauer shifted his body to fire at the other weapon 500 yards distant and emptied his weapon into the enemy crew, killing all 4 Germans. Next morning, when shells from a German Mark VI tank and a machinegun only 100 yards distant again forced the patrol to seek cover, Pfc. Schauer crawled toward the enemy machinegun. stood upright only 80 yards from the weapon as its bullets cut the surrounding ground, and 4 tank shells fired directly at him burst within 20 yards. Raising his BAR to his shoulder, Pfc. Schauer killed the 4 members of the German machinegun crew with 1 burst of fire.
    1945 - Food-O-Mat was installed in the Grand Union Company store in Carlstadt, NJ. It was invented by Lansing Peter Shield. The patented merchandise display fixture operated on a gravity-fee, rear-load principle. Stockmen working behind the unit placed cans, jars, and packages on inclined runways with the labels upright.  The items reached the shopper with the brand name uppermost. As the customer picked out an item, another slid in place by gravity.
    1950 - ‘Sweetwater' (Nat) Clifton's contract was purchased by the New York Knicks. Sweetwater played for the Harlem Globetrotters. He was the first African-American player in the NBA.
    1952 - Top Hits
“Kiss of Fire” - Georgia Gibbs
“Blue Tango” - The Leroy Anderson Orchestra
“Be Anything” - Eddy Howard
“The Wild Side of Life” - Hank Thompson
    1953 - A previously unknown actor, Rod Steiger, starred in "Marty" on the "Goodyear Playhouse." Paddy Chayefsky wrote the original TV play and then adapted it for the Oscar-winning film
http://us.imdb.com/Bio?Steiger,+Rod
    1955 - Rosanne Cash is born, Memphis.  Daughter of Johnny Cash and Vivian Liberto. Among her numerous No. 1 country singles are "My Baby Thinks He's a Train" and "Blue Moon with Heartache."
    1960 - Top Hits
“Cathy's Clown” - The Everly Brothers
“Good Timin'” - Jimmy Jones
“Cradle of Love” - Johnny Preston
“Please Help Me, I'm Falling” - Hank Locklin
    1961 – Freedom Riders were arrested in Jackson, MI for "disturbing the peace" after disembarking from their bus.
    1962 - Aurora 7 Mercury Space Capsule. With this launch Scott Carpenter became the second American to orbit Earth, circling it three times.
    1964 - The Beatles' 3rd appearance on Ed Sullivan
    1964 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Love Me Do," The Beatles.
    1965 - Supreme Court declares federal law allowing post office to intercept communist propaganda is unconstitutional.
    1966 - Leontyne Price, world renowned opera singer, opens Metropolitan Opera Season 
http://www.afrovoices.com/price.html
http://www.triadntr.net/~rdavis/price.htm
http://www1.opera.it/English/Cantanti/Price.html
    1968 - Top Hits
“Tighten Up” - Archie Bell & The Drells
“Mrs. Robinson” - Simon & Garfunkel
“A Beautiful Morning” - The Rascals
“I Wanna Live” - Glen Campbell
    1968 - Charlie Musselwhite and Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks appear at the Straight Theatre in San Francisco.
    1969 - Still riding high on the success of "American Woman," The Guess Who made their US Television debut on American Bandstand. 
    1969 - Oliver entered the US charts with "Good Morning Starshine," which would reach #3 by July and go on to sell over a million copies. His real name was William Oliver Swofford. 
    1969 - The Beatles hit number one with "Get Back." The song was at the top for over five weeks. The song featured an organ solo by Billy Preston, who became the only non-group member ever credited on a Beatles single. 
http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/49633/detail/
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/rickenbacker/beatleg/Let%20It%20be%20Disaster.htm
http://website.lineone.net/~johnpaulgeorgeringo/book6.htm
    1969 - Haight-Ashbury Festival in the Golden Gate Park Panhandle, San Francisco.
    1969 - BONDSTEEL, JAMES LEROY, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: An Loc Province, Republic of Vietnam, 24 May 1969. Entered service at: Detroit, Mich. Born: 18 July 1947, Jackson, Mich. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Bondsteel distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company A, near the village of Lang Sau. Company A was directed to assist a friendly unit which was endangered by intense fire from a North Vietnamese Battalion located in a heavily fortified base camp. S/Sgt. Bondsteel quickly organized the men of his platoon into effective combat teams and spearheaded the attack by destroying 4 enemy occupied bunkers. He then raced some 200 meters under heavy enemy fire to reach an adjoining platoon which had begun to falter. After rallying this unit and assisting their wounded, S/Sgt. Bondsteel returned to his own sector with critically needed munitions. Without pausing he moved to the forefront and destroyed 4 enemy occupied bunkers and a machine gun which had threatened his advancing platoon. Although painfully wounded by an enemy grenade, S/Sgt. Bondsteel refused medical attention and continued his assault by neutralizing 2 more enemy bunkers nearby. While searching one of these emplacements S/Sgt. Bondsteel narrowly escaped death when an enemy soldier detonated a grenade at close range. Shortly thereafter, he ran to the aid of a severely wounded officer and struck down an enemy soldier who was threatening the officer's life. S/Sgt. Bondsteel then continued to rally his men and led them through the entrenched enemy until his company was relieved. His exemplary leadership and great personal courage throughout the 4-hour battle ensured the success of his own and nearby units, and resulted in the saving of numerous lives of his fellow soldiers. By individual acts of bravery he destroyed 10 enemy bunkers and accounted for a large toll of the enemy, including 2 key enemy commanders. His extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life was in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1970 - ROCCO, LOUIS R., MEDAL of HONOR
Rank and organization: Warrant Officer (then Sergeant First Class), U.S. Army, Advisory Team 162, U.S. Military Assistance Command. Place and date: Northeast of Katum, Republic of Vietnam, 24 May 1970. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 19 November 1938, Albuquerque, N. Mex. Citation: WO Rocco distinguished himself when he volunteered to accompany a medical evacuation team on an urgent mission to evacuate 8 critically wounded Army of the Republic of Vietnam personnel. As the helicopter approached the landing zone, it became the target for intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Disregarding his own safety, WO Rocco identified and placed accurate suppressive fire on the enemy positions as the aircraft descended toward the landing zone. Sustaining major damage from the enemy fire, the aircraft was forced to crash land, causing WO Rocco to sustain a fractured wrist and hip and a severely bruised back. Ignoring his injuries, he extracted the survivors from the burning wreckage, sustaining burns to his own body. Despite intense enemy fire, WO Rocco carried each unconscious man across approximately 20 meters of exposed terrain to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam perimeter. On each trip, his severely burned hands and broken wrist caused excruciating pain, but the lives of the unconscious crash survivors were more important than his personal discomfort, and he continued his rescue efforts. Once inside the friendly position, WO Rocco helped administer first aid to his wounded comrades until his wounds and burns caused him to collapse and lose consciousness. His bravery under fire and intense devotion to duty were directly responsible for saving 3 of his fellow soldiers from certain death. His unparalleled bravery in the face of enemy fire, his complete disregard for his own pain and injuries, and his performance were far above and beyond the call of duty and were in keeping with the highest traditions of self-sacrifice and courage of the military service.
    1970 - New Musical Express reports the Beatles' "Let it Be" has set a new record for initial U.S. sales, with 3.7 million advance orders. The album goes gold within days of its release.
    1972 - The method of determining won-lost percentage changed in the NFL. Tie games, previously not counted in the standings, were made equal to a half-game won and a half-game lost.
    1974 – The last “Dean Martin Show“ (1965-74) was broadcast. It lasted nine years with little or no rehearsal time with its star, who ironically said he was looking forward to not working so hard and going back to Las Vegas, the town that he loved. He returned to television, hosting “Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts” (1974-84).
http://www.deanmartin.net/index/rightframe/09tva/09tva.html 
http://www.robertsenslerpresents.com/
    1975 - For the second show in a row, the Beach Boys, on tour with Chicago, literally have the place jumping. The second level at the Oakland Coliseum is noticeable shaking in footage taken by a local news crew; the concert the day before at Anaheim Stadium caused the mezzanine to vibrate as much as eighteen inches.
    1975 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Shining Star," Earth, Wind & Fire.
    1976 – The Judgement of Paris launched California as a worldwide force in the production of quality wine.  A wine competition organized in Paris by Steven Spurrier, a British wine merchant, involved French judges in two blind tasting comparisons: one of top-quality Chardonnays and another of red wines (Bordeaux wines from France and cabernet Sauvignon from California).  A Californian wine rated best in each category, which caused surprise as France was generally regarded as being the foremost producer of the world's best wines. Spurrier sold only French wine and believed that the California wines would not win.  
    1976 - Top Hits
“Silly Love Songs” - Wings
“Love Hangover” - Diana Ross
“Fooled Around and Fell in Love” - Elvin Bishop
“After All the Good is Gone” - Conway Twitty
    1981 - Bobby Unser finished first in the Indianapolis 500, but after the race was over, the stewards penalized him one lap for passing cars illegally under the yellow caution flag. The penalty vaulted Mario Andretti into first place, but Unser and Roger Penske, owner of Unser's car, appealed the stewards' decision to the United States Auto Club. Four months later, USAC ruled that Unser was guilty but that the punishment was too severe. The lap penalty was replaced by a $40,000 fine, and Unser recovered the championship.
    1982 - A benefit concert for the Vietnam Veterans Project is held in San Francisco's Moscone Center, where the Jefferson Starship, Grateful Dead, Boz Scaggs and Country Joe McDonald appear. They raise about $175,000.
    1984 - Top Hits
“Hello” - Lionel Richie
“Let's Hear It for the Boy” - Deniece Williams
“Time After Time” - Cyndi Lauper
“To All the Girls I've Loved Before” - Julio Iglesias & Willie Nelson
    1984 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Let's Hear It for the Boy," Deniece Williams. The song is featured in the film "Footloose." Williams is a member of Stevie Wonder's backup group, Wonderlove, from 1972-75.
    1986 – The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Calgary Flames, 4-3, to win the Stanley Cup, four games to one. For the Canadiens, it was their 23rd title, putting them one major-league championship ahead of the New York Yankees and their 22 World Series titles. Montreal won another Stanley Cup in 1993 and the Yankees now have 27 World Championships.
    1986 - Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All” climbed to the top and stayed there for three weeks.
http://www.whitney-houston.com/
    1988 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather in the southeastern U.S. Thunderstorm winds gusted to 88 mph at Columbia, NC. Baseball size hail was reported near Tifton, GA.
    1989 - Thunderstorms developing ahead of a cold front produced severe weather across the Upper Midwest through the day and night. Thunderstorms spawned 30 tornadoes, and there were 158 reports of large hail and damaging winds. A strong (F-3) tornado caused $5 million damage at Corning, IA, and a powerful (F-4) tornado caused $5 million damage at Traer, IA. Thunderstorm winds gusting to 88 mph killed one person and injured five others at Stephensville, WI.
    1990 - Severe thunderstorms spawned two dozen tornadoes from Montana to Oklahoma. Four tornadoes carved a 109-mile path across central Kansas. The third of the four tornadoes blew 88 cars of a 125-car train off the track, stacking them three to four cars high in some cases, and the fourth tornado caused $3.9 million damage. The third tornado injured six persons who were trying to escape in vehicles. A woman was "sucked out" of a truck and said that at one time she was "airborne, trying to run but my feet wouldn't touch the ground." She also saw a live deer "flying through the air."
    1994 - Top Hits
“I Swear” - All-4-One
“I'll Remember” (From "With Honors") - Madonna
“The Sign” - Ace Of Base
“The Most Beautiful Girl In The World” -The Artist
    1994 - In a game against Milwaukee, Cal Ripken hits his 300th career home run.
    1994 - Four men convicted of bombing the World Trade Center in NYC in 1993 were each sentenced to 240 years in prison.  A truck bomb detonated below the North Tower. The 1,336 pound urea nitrate-hydrogen gas-enhanced device was intended to send the North Tower crashing into the South Tower, bringing both towers down and killing tens of thousands of people.  It failed to do so but killed six people and injured over a thousand.  The attack was planned by a group of Al Qaeda terrorists who received financing from Khaled Sheikh Mohammed: Abouhalima, Ajaj, Ayyad, and Salameh. The charges included conspiracy, explosive destruction of property, and interstate transportation of explosives. In November 1997, two more were convicted: Ramzi Yousef, the mastermind behind the bombings and KSM’s nephew, and Eyad Ismoil, who drove the truck carrying the bomb.
    1998 - The first Native American Music Awards take place at the Fox Theater at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. The show is hosted by Wayne Newton, and presenters include Joe Walsh, Bruce Cockburn, Richie Havens and John Trudell. Lifetime achievement awards go to Robbie Robertson and Frederick Whiteface.
    1998 - In an official ceremony backstage prior to Van Halen's show at the CoreStates Spectrum, Philadelphia mayor Ed Rendell proclaims May 24th Van Halen Day in Philadelphia. Each member of the band is given a personalized replica of the Liberty Bell.
    1999 - Top Hits
“Livin La Vida Loca” - Ricky Martin
“No Scrubs” - TLC
“Kiss Me” - Sixpence None The Richer
“Fortunate” - Maxwell
    2000 - Shawn Estes pitches a seven-hitter and becomes the first Giants pitcher in 51 years (Monte Kennedy-1949) to hit a grand slam en route to handing the Expos their worst defeat in franchise history, 18-0. The San Bernardino native just misses joining Tony Cloninger as the only Major League pitcher to hit two slams in a game.
    2000 - Mark McGwire becomes the fastest player to hit 20 home runs in one season reaching the mark in 35 games, six less than Mickey Mantle (1956) and his own record (1998).
    2000 - Sixteen Dodgers' players and three coaches are suspended by the commissioner's office for going into the stands during the Wrigley Field scuffle with fans on May 16. The suspensions totaling 60 games for players and 24 games for coaches is the harshest penalty ever handed down by Major League baseball.
    2001 - Cincinnati is shut out as Cubs' starter Jon Lieber one-hits the Reds, 3-0. The span of 208 of games without being blanked establishes a new National League record with the 1931-33 Yankees (308) and the 1978-79 Milwaukee Brewers (212) being the only teams with longer streaks.
    2007 - Art Garfunkel joined Paul Simon in a rare reunion in Washington, D.C. which commemorated Simon's receipt of the Library of Congress' first Gershwin Award, recognizing contributions to the popular song as an art form. Simon introduced his former partner by saying "My dear friend and partner in arguments, Art Garfunkel," before they launched into "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Cecilia." Also appearing on the show were Stevie Wonder and James Taylor. 
    2009 - Billy Joel was sued by his former drummer for hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid royalties. Liberty Devitto claimed that Joel hadn't paid him proper royalties for 10 years of his work. Devitto was Joel's drummer from 1975 until 2005, when he said he was abruptly kicked out of the band without so much as a phone call. 
    2010 - John Fogerty's 1985 hit "Centerfield" was selected to be honored at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, held on July 25, 2010. The event was the first time a musician or song has been honored in such a way.  Along with "Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” it is one of the best-known baseball songs.  And, Fogarty donated his custom-made, baseball bat-shaped guitar for display in the museum.  Lyrics:
Well, a-beat the drum and hold the phone
The sun came out today
We're born again, there's new grass on the field
A-roundin' third and headed for home
It's a brown-eyed handsome man
Anyone can understand the way I feel

Oh, put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield

Well, I spent some time in the Mudville Nine
Watching it from the bench
You know I took some lumps, when the mighty Case struck out
So Say Hey, Willie, tell Ty Cobb 
And Joe DiMaggio
Don't say it ain't so, you know the time is now

Oh, put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield

Yeah, I got it, I got it

Got a beat-up glove, a home-made bat
And a brand new pair of shoes
You know I think it's time to give this game a ride
Just to hit the ball, and touch 'em all
A moment in the sun
It's a-gone and you can tell that one good-bye

Oh, put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Look at me (yeah), I can be centerfield

Oh, put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Look at me, gotta be, centerfield
Yeah

Stanley Cup Champions:
    1980 - New York Islanders
    1986 - Montreal Canadiens
    1990 - Edmonton Oilers