CLFP Foundation Surpasses 1,000 Members
57 Pass 8-Hour Exam

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation reached a new milestone, and its membership is now greater than 1,000. The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that 57 individuals who recently sat through the 8-hour online CLFP exam, have passed, and Jay Christiansen of US Bank was the 1,000th member. They are:

Benjamin Alcorn, CLFP – National Program Manager, U.S. Bank Samantha Aldinger, CLFP Associate – AVP-Project Manager, First American Equipment Finance Trevor Anderson, CLFP – Relationship Manager, U.S. Bank Megha Banerjee, CLFP – Senior Business Analyst, Odessa Erick Banker, CLFP Associate – Sr. Credit Analyst, First American Equipment Finance Kelly Bauch, CLFP Associate – AVP, Relationship Manager, First American Equipment Finance Roxanne Bobo, CLFP – Internal Account Manager, Philips Medical Capital, LLC, DLL Joseph Borges, CLFP – Account Manager, North Mill Equipment Finance LLC Alex Bryson, CLFP – Implementation Team Lead, LTi Technology Solutions Joshua Budny, CLFP – Vice President, Manufacturing, First American Equipment Finance Greg Campbell, CLFP – Vice President, Business Development, First American Equipment Finance Dean Ceglia, CLFP – Managing Partner, DNC Consulting LLC Donna Christensen, CLFP – Financial Analyst, CSC Global Jay Christiansen, CLFP – Financial Analyst, U.S. Bank Andrew Cvitanov Jr., CLFP – VP of Product Management, DLL Anthony Dahms, CLFP – Vice President, Data Management, U.S. Bank Kari Edgington, CLFP – Director of Contract Management, DLL Pierina Gonzalez Silvestre, CLFP Associate – Loss Mitigation Manager, North Mill Equipment Finance LLC Lisa Guelzow, CLFP – Senior Specialist, Key Equipment Finance Jennifer Hagman, CLFP – Regional Sales Manager, U.S. Bank

Andrew Hartman, CLFP – Credit Analyst, U.S. Bank Maggie Holly, CLFP – Senior Vice President, Hanmi Bank Douglas Jackson, CLFP – Manager Documentation and Funding, North Mill Equipment Finance LLC Donald Kemp, CLFP – Sales Manager, Industrial, DLL Stacy Kiley, CLFP – Documentation Manager, OEVS, Officer, U.S. Bank Kevin Lacey, CLFP – Vice President Business Development, DLL Stephanie Leyba, CLFP – Documentation & Funding Manager, Anuva Capital Sung Lim, CLFP – Market Credit Administrator, U.S. Bank Michael Luftig, CLFP – Assistant Vice President, First American Equipment Finance Michele Majkowski, CLFP Associate – AVP – Project Manager, First American Equipment Finance Britta McSparen, CLFP – Program Manager, Food and Agriculture, DLL Andrew Mellon, CLFP – Relationship Support Manager, Hanmi Bank Diana Olivo, CLFP Associate – Credit Analyst, North Mill Equipment Finance LLC Danielle Ormberg, CLFP – Charge-off Manager, U.S. Bank Lorraine Perkins, CLFP – Financial Specialist, Philips Medical Capital, DLL Carey Pierangeli, CLFP – Sales Support Manager – Tech Solutions, DLL Erik Porter, CLFP – Assistant Vice President, Sales, U.S. Bank Heather Burns Pozniak, CLFP Associate – Senior Litigation & Bankruptcy Specialist, DLL

Erik Riggleman, CLFP Associate – Senior Financial Analyst, First American Equipment Finance Robert Rinaldi, CLFP – President, Rinaldi Advisory Services Philip Rivera, CLFP – Assistant Vice President, First American Equipment Finance Arthur Royter, CLFP – District Sales Manager, DLL Michelle Ruskey, CLFP Associate – AVP, Project Manager, First American Equipment Finance Donald Seeley, CLFP – VP of Business Development, Beacon Funding Corp. Ashley Smith, CLFP – Business Development – Intermediary Relations, VFI Corporate Finance James Stanley, CLFP – Program Manager Golf, Turf, & Recreational Products, DLL Debbie Stibbe, CLFP – AVP-Loss Mitigation Manager, U.S. Bank Kit Yee Studholme, CLFP – Director of Sales – Consumer & Business Banking, U.S. Bank Michael Sulava, CLFP – Business Development Representative, KLC Financial, Inc. David Thommen, CLFP – Director, IT, Terex Financial Services, Inc. Sonia Thompson, CLFP – Large Ticket Credit Analyst, Vice President, U.S. Bank Benjamin Tucker IV, CLFP – Vice President, Technology Division, First American Equipment Finance Melissa Vinson, CLFP – Sales Support Specialist, U.S. Bank Jeffrey Wenrich, CLFP – Vice President, Community Banking, Capital Equipment Group, U.S. Bank Elizabeth Wiltberger – AVP-Project Manager, First American Equipment Finance Amy Wingate, CLFP – Chief Credit Risk Officer, Global Partner Organization, Cisco Systems, Inc. Joseph Zrinzo, CLFP – Vice President - Sales, Ascentium Capital LLC

 
“To be named the 1,000th member of this group of knowledgeable leasing professionals is an honor and one of the most memorable experiences I have had in my career,” said Jay Christiansen, Financial Analyst at U.S. Bank. “I know firsthand the hard work and dedication required from each one of us with a CLFP designation, and it is just a special feeling to know I am part of that group. U.S. Bank prioritizes employee development, and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to pursue this designation.”

Reid Raykovich, CLFP, executive director of the Foundation, stated, “About seven years ago, our then Board President, David Normandin, put our 2020 membership goal at 1,000. To me, that number seemed unfathomable because at the time, we were only at 201 CLFPs and Associates.  It may have taken an additional few months to get there due to COVID-19, but May 5, 2021 will forever be remembered as the day we gained a comma. I am so grateful to all of the members who have gotten us here and especially grateful to our board and committee members past and present. Without them, we never could have achieved this.”

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the equipment finance industry. There are currently 1,004 active Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates in the United States, Canada, India, Africa, and Australia. For more information, visit http://www.CLFPFoundation.org.

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Ken Collins is now Principal, Collins Advisory Solutions, LLC, Midlothian, Virginia. Previously, he was SVP Relationship Manager, BOK Financial (October, 2018 - May, 2021). He joined De Lage Landen July, 2004 as Vice President, Sales Manager; promoted July, 2007, Senior Vice President, Sales and National Accounts; Vice President, National Sales Manager, Textron Financial (2000 - 2004); National Sales Manager, FINOVA Capital Corporation (October, 1994 - December, 2000); Manager of Business Development, ITT Commercial Finance (August, 1982 - October, 1994). Volunteer: Vice chairman, Endowment Committee Member, Sts. Constantine & Helen Green Orthodox Cathedral (November, 2012 – Present). Co-Chairman, United Way of America (August, 2011 - January, 2012); Girls Basketball Coach, Sts. Constantine & Helen Green Orthodox Church (September, 2008 - May, 2012); Assistant Scout Leader, Boy Scouts of America (September, 2004 - June, 2008), Education. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Pamplin College of Business, B.S., Finance (1978 - 1982). Lamba Chi Alpha, Vice President. Loyola College in Maryland, M.B.A., Business Administration (1987 - 1989). https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-collins-1318304/

Steve Crain was hired as National Account Executive, Crestmark Equipment Finance, the Commercial Finance Division of MetaBank, N.A Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He is located in Milton, California. "Crain has 30 years of experience as a commercial finance professional. He most recently served as vice president with Prudential Private Capital, where he led commercial asset finance business development in the eastern U.S., growing earning assets through the closing of senior secured transactions with middle market and large corporate business enterprises."    

Stephen Dean was hired as Regional Sales Manager, Summit funding Group, Inc., Mason, Ohio. He is located in Columbia, Missouri.  Previously, he was Account Executive, DLL (April, 2017 - April, 2021); Senior Loan Officer, NMLS 570132.  Veterans United Home Loans (May, 2015 - March, 2017); Vice President, Group BCM Manager, Bank Midwest (February, 2013 - May, 2015); Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager, U.S. Bank (December, 2008 - January, 2013); Manager, AGM, Dine Brands Global (January, 2003 - November, 2008). Education: Westminster College (MO), Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, Emphasis; Marketing, Finance. Activities and Societies: Phi Delta Thea International Fraternity, Missouri Beta Chapter.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-dean-27607a8/

Tim DeLisle was promoted to President, Meridian IT at Meridian Group International, Chicago, Illinois.  He joined the firm 2020 as Senior Vice President, Global Programs. Previously, he was Group Vice President & General Manger, Rimini Street (2018 - 2020); Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Black Box (2017 - 2018); Vice President, Enterprise Sales & Strategic Alliances, EarthLink (2015 - 2017); Vice President, Global Sales, EMC Corporation (2005 - 2014); Managing Principal & Co-Founder, Corigelan, LLC (2002 - 2005);  Vice President, Sales, Professional Service & Software, SunGard (2001 - 2002); Vice President, North American Sales, Comdisco (1995 - 2001). Volunteer: Member of the Board of Advisors, Friendly School of Music (2010 - Present).  Education: DePaul University, Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, Master of Business Administration (M.B.A), International Business & Marketing Management.  Eastern Illinois University, Bachelor of Science (B.S), Finance.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothydelisle/

Christopher DeRosa was promoted to Vice President, New Business Development Officer, CIT, New York City, New York. He is located in Los Angeles.  He joined the firm 2014, as Vice President, Account Executive, Client Service Officer. Previously, he was Vice President, Wells Fargo Capital Finance.  He began his career at CIT, joining 2000 as Credit Officer, promoted 200, Account Executive/Client Service Officer. Education: Loyola Marymount University, BA, Business (1996 - 2000). University of La Verne, MBA, Finance.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-derosa-0b45b230/

JP DeStefano was hired as Vice President, Equipment Finance Business Development/Industrial & Construction, CIT, New York City, New York.  He is located in the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex.  Previously, he was National Sales Manager, Summit Funding Group, Inc. (October, 2019 - March, 2021); National Account Manager, Equify, LLC (June, 2018 - October, 2019); Regional Sales Manager, MapR Technologies (February, 2016 - May, 2018); National Strategic Accounts Manager, Ritchie Bros. (February, 2011 - January, 2016); Account Manager, Dealer Tire (January, 2008 - February, 2011). Education: Texas Tech University, Bachelor's Degree, Mass Communication/Media Studies (2003 - 2008). https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpdestefanosfg/

Jerry Herrmann is now Partner, Delta Financial Group, Tampa, Florida. He retains his position as Chief Executive Officer, Coastal Digital Strategies, LLC (July, 2020 - Present); Director, Capital One Equipment Finance Corp. (April, 2013 - January, 2017); Vice President, Webster Capital Finance (March, 2012 - April, 2013); Vice President, SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing (January, 2004 - March, 2012P; Vice President, GMAC Commercial Mortgage, Asset Backing Lending (February, 2002 - January, 2004); Director, Sales, Pure Markets Corporation (2000 - 2002); Vice President, Banc One Leasing Corporation (1997 - 2000); Vice President, Bank of America, formally NationsBanc Credit Corp., (1992 - 1997); Account Officer, MetLife Capital Corporation (1990 - 1992). License: FAA, Pilot, Federal Aviation Administration). Notary, New York State Center for Recruitment & Public Services).  Volunteer: Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America (September, 2004 - January, 2012). Fraternity, Lota Tau Kappa. Fundraiser, American Diabetes Association. Board Member, Arts Conservatory for Teens (September, 2019 - Present).  Education: State University of New York at Oneonta, BS, Economics and Finance (1979 - 1983). Activities and Societies: Lota Tau Kapp, Fraternity, Treasurer.). https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryherrmann/

Keith Hachey, CLFP, was hired as Vice President, Syndications at Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited, New York, New York.  He is located in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Previously, he was Vice President, Sales, Ascentium Capital (December, 2018 - May, 2021); National Accounts Development Director, Americorp Financial, LLC (January, 2018 - December, 2018); Vice President, Business Development Officer, Lease Corporation of America (July, 2009 - December, 2017); Vice President, Sales Manager, Banc of America Leasing (September, 1995 - July, 2009). Certification: Certified Lease and Finance Professional Certification. Issued January, 2020.  Project Management Certificate, Walsh College.  Education: Oakland University. Central Michigan University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-hachey-clfp-484bb810/

Mark Johnson was hired as Vice President, Equipment Finance, Business Development, Industrial Division at CIT, New York City, New York.  He is located in Portland, Oregon. Previously he was at Engs Commercial Finance, starting April, 2018, as Business Development Manager, promoted April, 2020, National Program Manager. Prior, he joined Domain Serene, July, 2015, to learn the wine industry, promoted October, 2015, Wine Educator & Training Leader.  He began his career at Bank of the West, starting as Sales Associate in equipment finance business development; promoted February, 2000, Account Manager; promoted September, 2005, National Program Manager; promoted April, 2008, National Program Manager, CLAAS Financial Services; promoted May, 2015, Inside Sales Manager. Education: Willamette University, BA, Economics (1994 - 1999). Majored in Economics, minored in German, and spent a year abroad in Tubingen, Germany. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-johnson-a3800a31/

Pierre Lefebvre was hired as Senior Account Executive/Directeur de Compte Senior, CHG-Meridian, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Previously he was Account Manager, Leasing Specialist, Equipment Leasing & Financing, National Leasing Group, Inc. (November, 2013 - May, 2021); Burliness Development Manager, De Lage Landen (2000 - 2003); Account Manager, Fidelity Leasing (2000 - 2003); Inside Sales. Education: University of Waterloo, Bachelor's Degree, Environmental Studies (1989 - 1995). https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierrelefebvre69/

Lisa O'Keefe was hired as Financial Services Business Development Manager, Keysight Technologies, San Jose, California. She is located in Berlin, New Jersey. Previously she was Client Manager, CIT Bank (June, 2016 - May, 2021). She joined Canon Financial Services in 2005 as Dealer Service Manager, promoted 2009 as Bid Specialist; Financial Center Manager, Wachovia (2002 -2004). She joined Advanta Leasing in 1996, promoted November, 1993, Operations Manager. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-o-keefe-762a352a/

Fred St. Laurent was hired as Senior Licensed Agent Recruiter, PSG Global Solutions, Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Previously, he was Senior Managing Direct, TBCN, Inc. (February, 2020 - March, 2020. He joined First Group Recruiting Solutions, LLC, April, 2016, promoted Managing Director); CEO, the Book Club Network (November, 2012 - March, 2016); Principal, South East, Knightsbridge Advisors, Inc. (September, 2011 - November, 2012); Managing Director, MSI International (September, 2008  September, 2011); CEO, President, SFBI Recruiters dba MRI Big Creek (January, 2000 - November, 2008); Senior Account Manager, Management Recruiters of Melbourne, Inc. (December, 1990 - March, 2000); Lights and the Accountant in Naked Campus, Naked Campus (1980 - 1981). Volunteer: Leasing News Advisory Board.  Education: Flagler College (1976 - 1978). Palm Beach Community College (1974 - 1976). Pinkerton Academy (1969 - 1973). https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredstlaurent/

Jonathan Schuster was hired as Vice President/Business Development Officer, Western Region, Triumph Commercial Finance, Dallas, Texas.  He is located in Los Angeles, California. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, Business Development, MidFirst Business Credit (February, 2020 - April, 2021); Director of Originations, West Coast Region, Capital Finance Division, AloStar Bank of Commerce (September, 2018 - January, 2020); Vice President, Relationship Manager, California Bank & Trust, Amega Bank Business Credit (September, 2013 - September, 2018); Investor, EdgeCast Networks, In. (January, 2007 - December, 2013); Deal Leader, BCMS Corporation (October, 2011 - March, 2012); Consultant, Accenture (2001 -2002). Education: University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business, MBA (1999 - 2001). University of Denver, B.S.B.A., General Business (1990 - 1993). https://www.linkedin.com/in/jschuster/

Matt Taylor was promoted to Managing Director, Head of Distribution, KeyBank Specialty Financing Lending, a business unit of KeyBank National Associations. He is located in Boulder, Colorado.  He joined Key Bank July, 2006, Management Associate; promoted January, 2008, Associate, Capital Markets; moved to Key Equipment Finance February, 2010, as Vice President; prompted June, 2012, Director; Managing Director, KeyBanc Capital Markets, November, 201t; promoted Managing Director, Group Head, February, 2019. Certifications: Series, 52, FINRA.  Series 64, FINRA. He has received multiple sales awards as an individual contributor including the 2013 Golden Key Award, 2014 Chairman’s Award, 2015 Million Dollar Club President’s Circle Award, and the 2016 and 2017 Pinnacle Club President’s Circle Award.   Education: NYU Stern School of Business. Certificate, Sustainable Finance and ESG Investing.  University of Denver, Daniels College of Business, MBA, Strategic Innovation and Change. Ohio University, BBA, Marketing and Finance (2002 - 2006), graduating Magna Cum Laude as a Worthington Scholar.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-taylor-476481b/

Wayne Wagner was hired as Business Development Vice President, CIT, New York, New York. "Wagner joins CIT after most recently serving as a vice president in the equipment finance division at Bank of the West. He brings extensive experience in working with the construction and material handling industry sectors. Earlier in his career, he was a vice president in middle market equipment finance for TCF Leasing."

Jon Ward was hired as Director, Originations, Truist Equipment Finance, Atlanta, Georgia.  He is located in Brentwood, Tennessee. Previously, he was Vice President, Relationship Manager, PNC Financial Services (June, 2018 - April, 2021); Vice President, Area Manager, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance (June, 2016 - July, 2018); Director, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey (May, 2007 - June, 2016); Vice President, Fifth Third Equipment Finance (April, 2002 - May, 2007); vice President, GE Capital (January 1998 - April, 2002).  Education: Lipscomb University, Bachelor of Science, (B.S)., Finance and Economics (1988 - 2003). https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-ward-48b1a046/

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DLL Reports Net Profit of $205 Million
for 2020 Business year

Eindhoven – DLL, a global provider of asset-based financial solutions, reported a net profit for the 2020 business year.  In the face of challenging external conditions, the company delivered portfolio and income growth, while net profit was heavily diluted by higher risk costs attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DLL reported net profit of EUR 180 million  (USD 206 million) for FY2020.  Despite the difficult economic environment and softening business demand, the company grew its portfolio to EUR 34.9 billion (USD 42.9 billion), an increase of 2% when excluding currency movements. This strong performance was achieved under challenging market conditions and supported by broad diversification across multiple industry sectors and more than 30 countries.

Bill Stephenson, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, reported, “This past year was unprecedented, and both our business model and global workforce displayed amazing adaptability and resilience.

“It was reassuring to see that our underlying financial performance remained solid and allowed us to maintain our strong presence in the market.  I am proud of our efforts to support our customers and help them overcome so much adversity during this crisis year.”

Economic impact of pandemic weighs on results

Despite the significant impact the pandemic had on credit impairments, the underlying performance of DLL’s portfolio remained strong. The company reported net income of EUR 1,497 million (USD 1,709 million), which represented almost 6 percent growth over the prior year.

Marc Dierckx, CFO and Member of the Executive Board, noted,
 “We remain comfortable with the overall quality of the portfolio and the long-term outlook on performance.”

On a year over year basis, impairments almost doubled to EUR 409 million (USD 467 million), representing 121 basis points of the average portfolio.  “The economic hardships brought on by the pandemic limited the ability of some customers to service their debt,” commented Dierckx. “However, the resilience of our business model, coupled with our strong capitalization, allowed us to successfully navigate through this period of uncertainty and deliver a net profit.”

Of further note, a significant driver of the increased impairments were IFRS-9 Stage 1 and Stage 2 impairments, which are heavily influenced by the macro-economic outlooks in the markets where DLL operates and by key indices such as unemployment.  IFRS-9 Stage 1 and Stage 2 impairments were EUR 190 million (USD 217 million), which was nearly four times higher than 2019 (EUR 49 million) and represented almost half of total impairments in 2020. 

Looking ahead

“With the start of vaccine distribution in many countries, our focus now shifts to adapting to the ‘new normal’ and the promise of a return to better times,” noted Stephenson.  “Even as we look ahead with optimism, we will reflect on our experiences of the past year, ensuring that DLL emerges from the pandemic as an even stronger and more agile company for our customers and our global workforce.”

“The strength of our business model and strategy were significantly tested and validated again.” added Stephenson. “And that strength was only surpassed by the energy and engagement of our global workforce, who worked tirelessly to provide much needed support to our customers during these difficult times.  With all these essential elements in place, I am confident that DLL will continue forward on a trajectory of growth and success in 2021 and beyond.”

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U.S. Home Sales Likely to Hit Record High
of $2.5 Trillion In 2021

SEATTLE, — Redfin forecasts a record $2.53 trillion worth of home sales in America in 2021—a 17% year-over-year gain that would mark the largest annual increase in percentage terms since 2013. Redfin (www.redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage, made the prediction in a new report out today. To put $2.53 trillion into perspective, it's roughly equal to the value of Amazon.com Inc. and Facebook Inc. combined, or the 2020 gross domestic product (GDP) of France.

The U.S. housing market has undergone a meteoric rise during the coronavirus pandemic, fueled by record-low mortgage rates and a wave of migration made possible by remote work. Almost two-thirds (60%) of people expect to continue working from home at least part time after the pandemic, according to an April survey of Redfin.com visitors who have moved to a different metro area in the last year. These factors—alongside an acute housing shortage—helped March become the hottest month in housing history, with home values, price growth and selling speed all hitting new heights.

In short, the combination of rising demand (home sales) and surging home prices is fueling the increase. While home prices could grow more slowly if mortgage rates rise, that would result in a more balanced housing market, which could actually lead to more home sales, according to Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather.

"We expect 2021 to be an even more active year for the housing market than 2020 because homebuyers have a better sense of what the future looks like," said Fairweather. "Employers are providing clarity on permanent remote-work policies, the economy is recovering and mortgage rates remain low. All of these factors mean that we'll likely see even more buyers enter the market this year and in 2022."

The South is expected to lead the way with $1.09 trillion of home sales forecast for 2021, followed by the West with $696.3 billion, the Midwest with $422.6 billion and the Northeast with $322.8 billion.

The South has consistently held the top spot, but has inched further ahead in recent years. This is likely because it has more vacant land on which to build, and has attracted scores of out-of-town homebuyers who are in search of affordability and space, Fairweather said. Seven of the 10 U.S. metros with the biggest net inflows in the first quarter were in the South. Net inflow is a measure of how many more Redfin.com home searchers looked to move into a metro than leave.

"A lot of wealth from the coasts is shifting south," said Fairweather. "Affluent homebuyers from New York and San Francisco have moved to places like Florida and Texas during the pandemic, which has fueled home sales and driven up prices in those areas."

To read the full report, including additional charts and graphs, please visit:
https://www.redfin.com/news/record-home-sales-forecast-2021

About Redfin
Redfin (www.redfin.com) is a technology-powered real estate broker, instant home-buyer (iBuyer), lender, title insurer, and renovations company. We sell homes for more money and charge half the fee. We also run the country's #1 real-estate brokerage site. Our home-buying customers see homes first with on-demand tours, and our lending and title services help them close quickly. Customers selling a home can take an instant cash offer from Redfin or have our renovations crew fix up their home to sell for top dollar. Since launching in 2006, we've saved customers nearly $1 billion in commissions. We serve more than 95 markets across the U.S. and Canada and employ over 4,100 people.

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AACFB Hosts Successful Virtual Expo
175 Attendees and 33 Exhibitors

The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) wrapped up its virtual Commercial Financing Expo on Friday, May 7. The annual Expo is designed to be fast-paced with a wide variety of educational programming that range from 20-45 minutes each as well as a trade show component allowing the over 175 attendees and 33 exhibitors to network and connect.

The three-day event featured 15 educational sessions, a speed dating program, an hour of exhibit time each day, a trivia match, and a happy hour. Thanks to the hard work of the planning committee, attendees were able to listen and learn about everything from marketing to legal issues.

The 2021 AACFB Virtual Commercial Financing Expo Planning Committee included Dan Casanta, Cardinal Business Financing, Inc.; Cindy Downs, Heartland Capital Group, LLC; Laura Estrada, Preferred Capital Funding Inc.; Steve Felt, Creative Business Finance, LLC; John Igo, NewLane Finance; Wally Keane, American Lease Insurance; Charles Peterson, Calvert Commercial Financing; Carrie Radloff, American Financial Partners; Vickie Rocco, Entegra Capital, LLC; Anne Roslin, First Business Growth Funding; Kalah Sprabeary, HUB Funding Solutions, Brian Trebels, Equipment Leasing Group of America, and Amanda Zeken, Smarter Finance USA.

Those who participated in the speed dating session got a sneak peek at plans for the 2021 AACFB Annual Conference. The conference will be the first live event for the association since September of 2019 and will be held at the Grand Hyatt in Nashville, Tennessee this September 8-10.

Expo attendee Chet Zeken, CLFP, President at Smarter Equipment Finance, LLC, shared, “I was able to get some much needed face time with my current lenders and meet some great new contacts. The platform you all chose was amazingly easy to use and navigate. It was all very well put together.”

AACFB Executive Director, Monica Harper stated, “While we can’t wait to get back to in-person events, the virtual Expo was a great opportunity for our members to learn and touch base. The 90s trivia game was a fun way for us to continue celebrating the association’s 30th anniversary and the happy hour was quite entertaining as our guest bartender Hamilton Gilberg demonstrated how to make signature cocktails. Hamilton is the brother of our happy hour host, Mae Philpott with Quality Leasing Co., Inc. so the atmosphere was casual and inviting with a lot of laughter. It was great to see so many familiar faces and welcome new ones.”

About American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB)
The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB), formerly the NAELB, is the premier trade association empowering independent commercial finance brokers. The AACFB represents the expanding interests of its growing membership by providing best practice education and networking opportunities, while promoting a culture of ethics. For more information visit: www.aacfb.org

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Fernando's View
Watch at Home

One of the many notable French filmmakers who started out as film critics, Bertrand Tavernier (1941-2021) worked across a variety of genres, from period pieces to futuristic science-fiction, always with intelligence, verve and, above all, a humanistic concern with his characters. So check out some of the best works from this admirable director.

The Clockmaker (1974): After years as a film critic, Tavernier made his critically-acclaimed directorial debut with this poignant adaptation of the novel by the great Georges Simenon. Philippe Noiret is excellent as Michel, a middle-aged widower working as a watchmaker in the city of Lyons. His uneventful existence is turned upside down when he receives news of his teenage son (Sylvain Rougerie) being arrested for killing a man. Slowly and painfully, he learns about how little he knows his son, developing a surprising friendship with the police inspector (Jean Rochefort) investigating the case. With scrupulous attention to detail and a searching, character-centered camera eye, Tavernier paints a compassionate portrait of old men having their complacent worldviews challenged in a changing world. With subtitles.

Coup de Torchon (1981): Though most of his filmography reflects a warmly humanistic personality, Tavernier also had a caustic side best illustrated by this darkly comic adaptation of Jim Thompson’s story. Set in an outpost in French-colonized Senegal in the late 1930s, it follows Lucien Cordier (Philippe Noiret), the town’s only police officer. Mocked by all, including his philandering wife (Stéphane Audran), he one snaps and decides to take the law into his own hands. Freed from his conscience, he kills criminals, takes revenge on his superiors, and plans to run off with a local young bride named Rose (Isabelle Huppert). But what toll will this newfound freedom take on his soul? With dark wit and elegant style, Tavernier’s study in amorality packs quite a mordant punch. With subtitles.

Round Midnight (1986): Tavernier’s love of jazz is fully evident in this moody, affecting snapshot of connections made across racial, national, and generational divides. Real-life veteran saxophonist Dexter Gordon stars as Dale, a struggling New York musician who, dealing with failure and alcoholism, tries to start anew in Paris. There, he befriends a divorced young architect named Francis (François Cluzet), who idolizes the older man and tries to help him overcome his addictions. As their bond grows stronger, both men try to mend his relationship with their estranged daughters, even as Dale’s disease reminds them that time is running out. Atmospheric, offbeat, and powerful, the film offers a heady harmony of French and American sensibilities. Keep an eye out for fellow director Martin Scorsese in a supporting role.

Safe Conduct (2002): No stranger to unconventional period pieces, Tavernier travels back to the 1940s in this rollicking account of the French film industry during the Nazi occupation. Based on a true story, it follows two different men, assistant director Jean Devaivre (Jacques Gamblin) and screenwriter Jean Aurenche (Denis Podalydes), who work at the German production company Continental Films. Their friendship is tested as Aurenche struggles to get around censorship and propaganda in the movies he writes while Devaivre secretly becomes a member of the French Resistance. Vividly chronicling the artistic compromises and subversions during a period of fear and air raids, Tavernier’s film is speedy and gripping both as a tale of suspense and a lesson on wartime cinema. The result is a feast for movie buffs. With subtitles.

My Journey Through French Cinema (2017): Going back to his roots as a film critic, Tavernier proves to be the ideal guide for this sprawling documentary on his country’s more overlooked cinematic masters. Like fellow cinephile Martin Scorsese, Tavernier’s approach is intensely personal, showing how growing up with the movies shaped his own artistic personality. Here, he touches on famous directors like Jean Renoir and Marcel Carné, while shining a light on lesser-known luminaries as Jacques Becker and Claude Sautet. Brimming with anecdotes and film clips, Tavernier’s erudite and passionate picture is a treasure trove of screen gems and graceful revelations. For anybody familiar with French cinema, this is a veritable banquet. For anybody just starting to discover it, there’s no better introduction. With subtitles.

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• Dogs listed are available to adopt. The website is updated every morning.

• Visit our shelter and meet with the dog(s) that interest you.
• Once you find a dog that you are interested in bring their kennel card (paper with dog’s name located on kennel) to the front desk in our adoption lobby to schedule a visit.
• Meet with an adoption coordinator.
• You will meet with one of our staff members to sign paperwork, go over information and any questions.
• Take your new family member home and start your life together.
• All dogs must leave the shelter on a leash and collar/harness. If you need dog supplies we have a retail store located within our shelter for your convenience
  

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My son Dashiell in the Pacific Ocean
His last tour was the Atlantic Ocean and up the Suez Canal

Dash is Merchant Marine Chief Electrician. His most recent tour was to troops based along the Suez Canal and up to Mediterranean Sea.

Now refueling in the South Seas, I believe.  He doesn’t tell me where they are for military reasons.

“Underway replenishment! That is what we do... sometimes 4 ships at once.”
 
He reports it is very involved and dangerous. And yes, he has had his COVID-19 shots.

News Briefs---

Fully-vaccinated people can stop wearing masks inside
     most places, except in crowds, CDC says
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-05-13/fully-vaccinated-people-can-stop-wearing-masks-inside-most-places-except-in-crowds-cdc-says?utm_id=29067&sfmc_id=1646692

L.A. won’t immediately follow
     CDC’s relaxed mask rules
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-05-13/fully-vaccinated-people-can-stop-wearing-masks-inside-most-places-except-in-crowds-cdc-says?utm_id=29092&sfmc_id=1646692

North Carolina Joins States Proposing
    Commercial Financing Disclosures
https://debanked.com/2021/05/north-carolina-joins-states-proposing-commercial-financing-disclosures/

Colonial Pipeline Paid Hackers
    Nearly $5 Million in Ransom
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-13/colonial-pipeline-paid-hackers-nearly-5-million-in-ransom

Amazon looks to hire 75,000,
    offers $17 an hour and $1K sign-on bonus
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amazon-hiring-75000-workers-offers-17-per-hour-142506984.html

It's not too soon to prepare
    for a sea war in Asia
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-china-watcher/2021/05/13/its-not-too-soon-to-prepare-for-a-sea-war-in-asia-492827

Industry Reactions to Ransomware Attack
    on Colonial Pipeline
https://www.securityweek.com/industry-reactions-ransomware-attack-colonial-pipeline

Boeing set to resume 737 Max deliveries,
    airlines start repairs after FAA approves electrical issue fix
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/13/airlines-start-repairing-737-max-planes-grounded-by-electrical-issue.html

How 'Hamilton' creator Lin-Manuel Miranda
     ended up writing 'Star Wars' cantina music
https://www.sfgate.com/streaming/article/star-wars-cantina-lin-manuel-miranda-music-score-16171850.php?IPID=SFGate-HP-CP-Spotlight

 

[headlines]
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You May Have Missed---

Back to Work! But How?
    and When?
https://ficinc.com/back-to-work-but-how/

[headlines]
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Sports Briefs---

Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf on A’s:
    ‘Hell no, we won’t let them go’
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/05/12/oakland-mayor-libby-schaff-on-as-hell-no-we-wont-let-them-go/

Athletes sue Stanford over plan to eliminate
    11 sports by end of school year
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/05/12/athletes-sue-stanford-over-plan-to-eliminate-11-sports-by-end-of-school-year/

“You’ve got to get that guy!”:
     Nick Bosa pushed for 49ers to acquire this rookie
https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/147183-youve-got-nick-bosa-pushed-49ers-acquire-rookie/

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

S.F. City Hall corruption probe: Longtime permit consultant    
   agrees  to pay back money from deals with Nuru, Harlan Kelly
https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/S-F-City-Hall-corruption-probe-Longtime-permit-16174603.php

Newsom proposes grants up to $25,000 for
    thousands more California businesses hit by COVID
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-05-13/newsom-proposes-new-small-business-covid-19-grants-california-budget?utm_id=29042&sfmc_id=1646692

These cities led the San Francisco Bay Area in housing
    and population growth
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/05/12/these-cities-led-the-bay-area-in-housing-and-population-growth/

This is how California's water use has changed
     since the last drought
https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/This-is-how-the-California-s-water-use-has-16166902.php

Sentenced to 10 years in CHP officer’s death,
    he served less than 4 before next arrest
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/crime/article251354808.html

[headlines]
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“Gimme that Wine”

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

Gallo winery project in SC may uncork millions
     to expand state park known for water lilies
https://www.postandcourier.com/columbia/news/gallo-winery-project-in-sc-may-uncork-millions-to-expand-state-park-known-for-water/article_beaa00f8-b32f-11eb-8273-53099efdff4f.html

Big Basin Vineyards to Open Santa Cruz Tasting Room
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataId=245451

The World's Most Wanted Napa Wines
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2021/05/the-worlds-most-wanted-napa-wines

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

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

This Day in History

    1607 - 104 Englishmen filed ashore from the small sailing ships Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, onto what English adventurers came to call Jamestown Island in Virginia. They were part of a joint venture known as Virginia Company and, upon this landing, established the first permanent English settlement in North America. In the early days of the English colonies, trade was a one-way street. The colonists badly needed supplies from the homeland. Historians note that unfortunately, some of the earliest pioneers, as at Jamestown, were adventurers interested more in making a quick fortune from the alleged riches of the New World than in engaging in agriculture or forestry. In later years, a great diversity of settlers arrived and brought with them a variety of skills. They ranged from wealthy Englishmen, who wanted to carve out large estates, to servants. Merchants saw the opportunity for trade as populations grew. Groups seeking religious freedom were also prominent, bringing with them a tradition of hard work and a willingness to start life anew. As an aside, a measure of social position among the male settlers of Jamestown was the fact that of some 105 men, 35 were considered gentlemen, persons whose means freed them from the need to work or engage in trade. The second expedition to Jamestown contained 33 gentlemen out of 120. In the early days, a gentleman was a “high rank” in society and to be one greatly admired and respected.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may14.html
    1787 - Delegates began gathering in Philadelphia for a convention to draw up the U.S. Constitution. The only colony that did not send delegates was Rhode Island which was strongly against a federal government. On this day the only colonies that sent delegates were Virginia and Pennsylvania, as the others arrived over ensuing months. Among those NOT in attendance: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, John Hancock, and Patrick Henry.
    1771 - Robert Owen (d. 1858), English progressive owner of spinning works, philanthropist, Utopian socialist, and founder of New Harmony, IN, born at Newtown, Wales.
http://robert-owen.midwales.com/
    1796 - In the 18th century, smallpox was a widespread and often fatal disease. Edward Jenner, a physician in rural England, heard reports of dairy farmers who apparently became immune to smallpox as a result of exposure to cowpox, a related but milder disease. After two decades of studying the phenomenon, Jenner injected cowpox into a healthy eight-year-old boy, who subsequently developed cowpox. Six weeks later, Jenner inoculated the boy with smallpox. He remained healthy. Jenner called this new procedure vaccination, from vaccinia, another term for cowpox. Within 18 months, 12,000 people in England had been vaccinated and the number of smallpox deaths dropped by two-thirds.  Inoculations were begun in the United States where the spread of smallpox had wiped out entire communities, particularly Indian tribes.
    1801 - Tripoli declares war against the United States
    1804 - Charged by President Thomas Jefferson with finding a route to the Pacific and to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark left St. Louis. They arrived at the Pacific coast of Oregon in November, 1805 and returned to St. Louis, September 23, 1806.
http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/
    1834 - The greatest snowstorm ever to occur in May hit the Northern Atlantic coastal states. The hills around Newbury, Vermont were covered with up to 24 inches of snow and the higher elevations around Haverhill, Massachusetts received up to three feet.
    1845 - First U.S. warship visits Vietnam. While anchored in Danang for reprovisioning, Capt. John Percival, commanding USS Constitution, conducts a show of force against Vietnamese authorities in an effort to obtain the release of a French priest held prisoner by Emperor of Annam at Hue.
    1856 - Lieutenant David Dixon Porter of Chester, PA, arrived at Indianola, Texas with camels imported for military purposes from Ismir, Turkey on the ship “Supply,” a Navy store ship. The shipment consisted of 34 camels---one more than left Smyma. On March 3, 1855, Congress had appropriated $30,000 to the War Department for the purchase and importation of camels and dromedaries to be employed for military purposes.
http://www.tulane.edu/~latner/Porter.html
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/ddporter.htm
http://www.civilwar.si.edu/navies_porter.html
    1856 - The editor of the San Francisco Daily Evening Bulletin was assassinated by a rival newspaper owner. A vigilante group seized the assassin from the sheriff, then tried, convicted, and executed him.
    1863 - Setting aside their own cry for equality, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton called a meeting of the Women's National Loyal League that would gather hundreds of thousands of petitions calling for a Constitutional amendment to abolish slavery.
    1874 - This one event created a lot of “firsts,” starting with the first football goalpost, when McGill University and Harvard University squared off at Jarvis Field, Cambridge, MA. The teams played rugby football under Harvard’s rules, which stated that every goal constituted a game. McGill arrived with 11 men and Harvard with 15, four of whom were dropped to equalize the teams. Harvard won three games, the first two lasting about five minutes and the third about 12 minutes. As McGill is located in Montreal, Canada, this was also the first international rugby football contest to be played, as well as the first instance in which an admission fee was charged at a collegiate sporting event. The proceeds were used for “lavishly” entertaining the McGill team. A second match was played the following day, and a third match was played in the fall in Montreal.
    1878 – Vaseline was registered as a trade mark by Robert Chesebrough.
    1887 - Under the Employers Liability Act, passed this day, Massachusetts required all employers to report accidents involving personal injuries suffered by employees in their services.
        1896 - The mercury plunged to 10 degrees below zero at Climax, CO. It was the lowest reading of record for the U.S. during the month of May.
    1897 – Birthday of Sidney Bechet (d. 1959), New Orleans.  Jazz clarinetist and soprano saxophone player of renown. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney_Bechet; http://www.sidneybechet.org/
    1897 - The unveiling of a statue of George Washington at Philadelphia, PA, and President William McKinley was present. John Phillip Sousa wrote a march for the event, which is perhaps his most widely known,” The Stars and Stripes Forever,” and this event was the first public performance of this stirring composition that is now a staple at nearly every Memorial Day and Independence Day celebration. He was in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois     
    1898 - Drummer Zutty Singleton (d. 1975) born Bunkie, LA.
http://www.dws.org/sousa/
    1902 - Helen Flanders Dunbar (d. 1959) birthday, Chicago.  A psychiatrist, she earned four advanced degrees in seven years including a Ph.D. in philosophy, a B.D, and then added a medical degree in 1930. Dunbar integrated religion, science, medicine and psychiatry to head the Council for the Clinical Training of Theological Students. Her chief legacy regards psychosomatic approach to illnesses - a study that showed distinctive personality profiles for each disease. She also uncovered the emotional disturbance of accident-prone people. Her “Mind and Body “(1947) is a summation of her findings and considered a classic in modern psychiatry.
    1904 - The first Olympic Games held in the United States was the Third Olympiad, held in St. Louis, MO, through August 1, 1904. The games were first awarded to Chicago, IL., but were later given to St. Louis to be staged in connection with the World’s Fair. There were few entrants other than Americans in the 14 events. In the field competitions, the American athletes made a clean sweep of all the events with the exception of lifting the bar and throwing the 56-ound weight.
    1905 - The Asiatic Exclusion League is formed in San Francisco, marking the official beginning of the anti-Japanese movement in America. Among those attending the first meetings are labor leaders and European immigrants Patrick Henry McCarthy and Olaf Tveitmoe of the Building Trades Council of San Francisco, and Andrew Fufuseth and Walter McCarthy of the Sailor's Union. Tveitmoe is named the first president of the organization. Source: www.sfmuseum.org/war/evactxt.html
    1913 - John D. Rockefeller made the largest gift of money (to that time) by establishing the Rockefeller Foundation for $100,000,000. The foundation promotes “the well-being of mankind throughout the world.” 
    1914 – Washington Senators’ pitcher, Walter “Big Train” Johnson, one of Major League Baseball’s greatest pitchers and a charter member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, threw his 54th consecutive scoreless inning, breaking the record of Jack Coombs, set in 1910.
    1917 – Birthday of American composer Lou Harrison (d. 2003), Portland, Oregon. Lou Harrison was in a way in the family of Cowell, Cage and McPhee. He favored Balines music like McPhee but used more of Cage and Cowell’s inspiration. He is very interested in percussion instruments especially from the Far East. He wrote several concerts for percussion instruments so as the concerts for flute and percussion. His Piano Concerto was premiered by JazzMan Keith Jarret.
http://www.classical-composers.org/comp/harrison
    1920 - Pitcher Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators, considered by some to be the greatest pitcher of all time and the fastest, won the 300th game of his career, beating the Detroit Tigers, 9-8. Johnson played in the Major Leagues from 1907 through 1927. He compiled a record of 417 wins against 279 losses with an earned run average of 2.17. His win total is second most in MLB history, to Cy Young’s 511.
    1930 - Located in southwestern New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns was proclaimed a national monument. It opened on October 25, 1923, and later was established as national park and preserve.
http://www.carlsbad.caverns.national-park.com/
    1936 - Singer Bobby Darin was born Walden Robert Cassotto (d. 1973) in The Bronx. A writer for singer Connie Francis, his big break came in 1958 when he wrote and recorded "Splish Splash," which reached number three on the US charts and sold a million copies. His other hits included "Queen of the Hop" and "Mack the Knife." In the late 1960s, he made the transition from teen idol to a more mature star who performed in Vegas nightclubs. Bobby Darin died on December 20th, 1973 after heart surgery to correct lingering effects of childhood rheumatic fever.
http://www.bobbydarin.net/
    1937 - Duke Ellington and his band recorded the classic, "Caravan", for Brunswick Records. 
    1942 – Birthday of baseball Hall of Famer Tony Perez, Ciego de Avila, Cuba.  He spent most of his career with the ‘Big Red Machine’ Cincinnati Reds that won four NL pennants and two World Series championships between 1970 and 1976.   He also played for the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies in a career from 1964-86.  A seven-time All-Star, Pérez averaged more than 100 RBI per season from 1970-76.
    1942 – The Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps was created by Congress.  Similar branches were created for the Navy (WAVES), WAFS, and SPARS for the Coast Guard and Marines, respectively.  Women thus became eligible for non-combat duty.
    1943 - Jack Bruce (d. 2014), one of the most influential bass guitarists in rock, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Bruce's bass playing and tenor vocals with the group Cream in the 1960's were a great influence on the heavy metal groups that followed. He began developing his style with the British rhythm-and-blues pioneers Graham Bond and Alexis Korner. Bruce later played with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and Manfred Mann before forming Cream with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker in 1966. The three virtually invented the hard-rock trio style, before breaking up in 1968. Bruce later played in a variety of styles, including hard rock and fusion, with several groups, such as West, Bruce and Laing, Jack Bruce and Friends, and BLT. 
    1944 - *WAUGH, ROBERT T., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 339th Infantry, 85th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Tremensucli, Italy, 11-14 May 1944. Entered service at: Augusta, Maine. Birth: Ashton, R.I. G.O. No.: 79, 4 October 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. In the course of an attack upon an enemy-held hill on 11 May, 1st Lt. Waugh personally reconnoitered a heavily mined area before entering it with his platoon. Directing his men to deliver fire on 6 bunkers guarding this hill, 1st Lt. Waugh advanced alone against them, reached the first bunker, threw phosphorus grenades into it and as the defenders emerged, killed them with a burst from his tommy gun. He repeated this process on the 5 remaining bunkers, killing or capturing the occupants. On the morning of 14 May, 1st Lt. Waugh ordered his platoon to lay a base of fire on 2 enemy pillboxes located on a knoll which commanded the only trail up the hill. He then ran to the first pillbox, threw several grenades into it, drove the defenders into the open, and killed them. The second pillbox was next taken by this intrepid officer by similar methods. The fearless actions of 1st Lt. Waugh broke the Gustav Line at that point, neutralizing 6 bunkers and 2 pillboxes and he was personally responsible for the death of 30 of the enemy and the capture of 25 others. He was later killed in action in Itri, Italy, while leading his platoon in an attack. 
    1944 - Birthday of George Lucas, film director and producer (“American Graffiti,” “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones”). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lucas
    1945 - DIAMOND, JAMES H., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 21st Infantry, 24th Infantry Division. Place and date: Mintal, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, 8-14 May 1945. Entered service at: Gulfport, Miss. Birth: New Orleans, La. G.O. No.: 23, 6 March 1946. Citation: As a member of the machinegun section, he displayed extreme gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. When a Japanese sniper rose from his foxhole to throw a grenade into their midst, this valiant soldier charged and killed the enemy with a burst from his submachine gun; then, by delivering sustained fire from his personal arm and simultaneously directing the fire of 105mm. and .50 caliber weapons upon the enemy pillboxes immobilizing this and another machinegun section, he enabled them to put their guns into action. When 2 infantry companies established a bridgehead, he voluntarily assisted in evacuating the wounded under heavy fire; and then, securing an abandoned vehicle, transported casualties to the rear through mortar and artillery fire so intense as to render the vehicle inoperative and despite the fact he was suffering from a painful wound. The following day he again volunteered, this time for the hazardous job of repairing a bridge under heavy enemy fire. On 14 May 1945, when leading a patrol to evacuate casualties from his battalion, which was cut off, he ran through a virtual hail of Japanese fire to secure an abandoned machine gun. Though mortally wounded as he reached the gun, he succeeded in drawing sufficient fire upon himself so that the remaining members of the patrol could reach safety. Pfc. Diamond's indomitable spirit, constant disregard of danger, and eagerness to assist his comrades, will ever remain a symbol of selflessness and heroic sacrifice to those for whom he gave his life.
    1945 - Gene Cornish, guitarist with the blue-eyed soul group, the Rascals, was born in Ottawa, Canada. The group began as the Young Rascals by playing dance clubs in Long Island, New York in the mid-1960's. Their hits included "Good Lovin'" and "Groovin'." After changing their name to the Rascals, the group mellowed, going for more jazz-influenced, stretched-out arrangements. The Rascals broke up in the early '70s.
    1950 - Top Hits
My Foolish Heart - The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra (vocal: Eileen Wilson)
It Isn’t Fair - The Sammy Kaye Orchestra (vocal: Don Cornell)
The Third Man Theme - Alton Karas
Long Gone Lonesome Blues - Hank Williams 
    1951 - Comedian Ernie Kovacs first hosted "It's a Time for Ernie," a 15-minute afternoon program on NBC before replacing the "Kukla, Fran and Ollie Show" with "Ernie in Kovacsland." Kovacs also appeared on a variety of daytime and prime-time series and was a fill-in for Steve Allen on the "Tonight!" Show. One of his most famous skits was The Nairobi Trio! His early shows featured his wife, Edie Adams, who smoked a cigar later in White Owl commercials, in a seductive manner, saying she liked men who smoked cigars. I will never forget Ernie Kovacs, reduced very small and superimposed over his wife, looking down her low cut dress. He died in a freakish accident in Beverly Hills, not driving fast, but on a rainy road, ramming into a telephone poll where the climbing rung was left and it pierced the driver's door, killing the great comedian.
    1951 - Saxophonist Jay Beckenstein born Brooklyn, NY, leader of the jazz-pop band Spyro Gyra.
    1955 - Bo Diddley's "Bo Diddley" backed with "I'm a Man" debuts on the R&B chart. It will go to #2 making it his most successful record. The A side introduces what will be known as the Bo Diddley beat.
    1955 - Les Baxter's "Unchained Melody" hits #1
    1955 - Bill Haley and his Comets' "Rock Around The Clock" enters the charts as a B-side to "Thirteen Women (and Only One Man in Town)."   Initially, it was considered a commercial disappointment. It was not until 1955, when "Rock Around the Clock" was used under the opening credits of the film, “Blackboard Jungle,” that the song truly took off.  In 2004, the song finished at #50 in AFI’s “100 Years…100 Songs” survey of top tunes in American cinema.  "Rock Around the Clock" is often cited as the biggest-selling vinyl rock and roll single of all time. The exact number of copies sold has never been audited; however, a figure of at least 25 million was cited by the Guinness Book of World Records in its category "Phonograph records: Biggest Sellers" from the early 1970s until the 1990s, when the advent of compact discs led to Guinness discontinuing the category. Guinness consistently listed "Rock Around the Clock" as having the highest claim of any pop music recording, coming second in sales only to Bing Crosby’s 1942 recording of “White Christmas,” which was also listed as having sold 25 million copies. Haley's version alone is estimated to have sold 15 million copies, with a total of 30 million copies counting all versions.   A frequently used piece of promotion regarding the song is that it is said to be playing somewhere in the world every minute of the day.  Many recall it as the theme for the long-running TV series, “Happy Days.”
    1956 - Mercury Records released the first LP by the Platters, "The Platters." Although in the next several years it will sell over 50,000 copies, it contains none of their recent hits. They had just scored on the charts with "Only You" and "The Great Pretender." I bought it and still have it to this day.
http://www.rockhall.com/hof/inductee.asp?id=169
http://www.celebritydirect.org/platters/disco.htm
    1957 - The musical, "New Girl in Town,” opened at the 46th Street Theatre in New York City. Thelma Ritter and Gwen Verdon starred in the Broadway adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s "Anna Christie." "New Girl in Town" had a run of 431 performances. 
    1958 - Top Hits
All I Have to Do is Dream - The Everly Brothers
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - Elvis Presley
Return to Me - Dean Martin
Oh Lonesome Me - Don Gibson
    1959 - In a melding of classical ballet and modern dance, George Balanchine’s and Martha Graham’s “Episodes” premiered. A new experience for ballet enthusiast, half of the program was choreographed by Balanchine and the other half by Graham.
    1961 - On Mother's Day, a Greyhound bus carrying black and white civil rights activists is bombed and burned in Alabama. The 13 activists thereby launched the “Freedom Rides” throughout the South as a continuing protest of racial segregation. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/The-Freedom-Riders.html
    1963 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "If You Wanna Be Happy," Jimmy Soul.
    1965 - "Boss of the Bay," radio station KYA presents the Rolling Stones, the Byrds, Beau Brummels, Paul Revere & the Raiders, and the Vejtables, at Civic Auditorium, in San Francisco.
http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist1/rock.html 
    1966 - Top Hits
Monday Monday - The Mamas & The Papas
Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 - Bob Dylan
Kicks - Paul Revere & The Raiders
I Want to Go with You - Eddy Arnold
    1966 - The Kingsmen's "Louie Louie," on pop charts since '63, enters the Hot 100 for the ninth and last time with a re-released version. Incites controversy over its unintelligible, but assumed obscene lyrics: "Smash your left hand down about right here three times, then twice up in this area, then three times right about here . . . that's "Louie Louie."
http://www.louielouie.org/
http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mccoykj/louie/
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/louie/louiereal1.shtml
    1968 - FOUS, JAMES W., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, 14 May 1968. Entered service at: Omaha, Nebr. Born: 14 October 1946, Omaha, Nebr. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Fous distinguished himself at the risk of his life while serving as a rifleman with Company E. Pfc. Fous was participating in a reconnaissance-in-force mission when his unit formed its perimeter defense for the night. Pfc. Fous, together with 3 other American soldiers, occupied a position in a thickly vegetated area facing a wood line. Pfc. Fous detected 3 Viet Cong maneuvering toward his position and, after alerting the other men, directed accurate fire upon the enemy soldiers, silencing 2 of them. The third Viet Cong soldier managed to escape in the thick vegetation after throwing a hand grenade into Pfc. Fous' position. Without hesitation, Pfc. Fous shouted a warning to his comrades and leaped upon the lethal explosive, absorbing the blast with his body to save the lives of the 3 men in the area at the sacrifice of his life. Pfc. Fous' extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1968 - McCLEERY, FINNIS D., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: platoon Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th U.S. Infantry. place and date: Quang Tin province, Republic of Vietnam, 14 May 1968. Entered service at: San Angelo, Tex. Born: 25 December 1927, Stephenville, Tex. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. P/Sgt. McCleery, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as platoon leader of the 1st platoon of Company A. A combined force was assigned the mission of assaulting a reinforced company of North Vietnamese Army regulars, well entrenched on Hill 352, 17 miles west of Tam Ky. As P/Sgt. McCleery led his men up the hill and across an open area to close with the enemy, his platoon and other friendly elements were pinned down by tremendously heavy fire coming from the fortified enemy positions. Realizing the severe damage that the enemy could inflict on the combined force in the event that their attack was completely halted, P/Sgt. McCleery rose from his sheltered position and began a 1-man assault on the bunker complex. With extraordinary courage, he moved across 60 meters of open ground as bullets struck all around him and rockets and grenades literally exploded at his feet. As he came within 30 meters of the key enemy bunker, P/Sgt. McCleery began firing furiously from the hip and throwing hand grenades. At this point in his assault, he was painfully wounded by shrapnel, but, with complete disregard for his wound, he continued his advance on the key bunker and killed all of its occupants. Having successfully and single-handedly breached the enemy perimeter, he climbed to the top of the bunker he had just captured and, in full view of the enemy, shouted encouragement to his men to follow his assault. As the friendly forces moved forward, P/Sgt. McCleery began a lateral assault on the enemy bunker line. He continued to expose himself to the intense enemy fire as he moved from bunker to bunker, destroying each in turn. He was wounded a second time by shrapnel as he destroyed and routed the enemy from the hill. P/Sgt. McCleery is personally credited with eliminating several key enemy positions and inspiring the assault that resulted in gaining control of Hill 352. His extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, was in keeping with the highest standards of the military service, and reflects great credit on him, the American Division, and the U.S. Army.
    1968 - Elvis Presley meets with NBC-TV producer Bob Finkel, helming his upcoming Christmas special with him, and tells him he wants to use this event to reintroduce and prove himself once again to the rock audience.
    1969 - *SHEA, DANIEL JOHN, Medal of Honor 
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, American Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 14 May 1969. Entered service at: New Haven, Conn. Born: 29 January 1947, Norwalk, Conn. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Shea, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, distinguished himself while serving as a medical aid man with Company C, 3d Battalion, during a combat patrol mission. As the lead platoon of the company was crossing a rice paddy, a large enemy force in ambush positions opened fire with mortars, grenades and automatic weapons. Under heavy crossfire from 3 sides, the platoon withdrew to a small island in the paddy to establish a defensive perimeter. Pfc. Shea, seeing that a number of his comrades had fallen in the initial hail of fire, dashed from the defensive position to assist the wounded. With complete disregard for his safety and braving the intense hostile fire sweeping the open rice paddy, Pfc. Shea made 4 trips to tend wounded soldiers and to carry them to the safety of the platoon position. Seeing a fifth wounded comrade directly in front of one of the enemy strong points, Pfc. Shea ran to his assistance. As he reached the wounded man, Pfc. Shea was grievously wounded. Disregarding his welfare, Pfc. Shea tended his wounded comrade and began to move him back to the safety of the defensive perimeter. As he neared the platoon position, Pfc. Shea was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. By his heroic actions Pfc. Shea saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers. Pfc. Shea's gallantry in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1970 - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young announced their breakup before a performance in Chicago. The band - minus Neil Young - would regroup several times during the next dozen years. And all four would get together again in 1988 for the hit single and album "American Dream."
    1972 - After 21 seasons with Giants in New York and San Francisco, 41-year-old Willie Mays makes a dramatic debut for his new team as he hits a game winning home run off his former team giving the Mets a 5-4 victory. The 'Say Hey Kid's' 647th career homer in the fifth breaks a 4-4 deadlock. 
    1973 - The House of Representatives received formal approval of the appointment of female pages in 1972. Today the 934d Congress, appointed Felda Looper as the successor to Gene Cox, who, for three hours, had served as the first female page 34 years earlier.
    1973 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," Stevie Wonder. It is his third chart-topping hit.
    1973 - Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina's first LP, "Sittin' In," goes gold. The two actually got together by accident. Messina was going to produce a solo effort for Loggins but the two had such a rapport that Messina was persuaded to perform.
    1973 – Skylab, the first US space station was launched.
    1974 - Three Dog Night's "The Show Must Go On" turns out to be group's last gold record. The song reaches #4 on the pop chart is also the band's last Top Twenty single. The group had eleven gold records, three of which -- "Joy to the World," "Mama Told Me Not to Come" and "Black and White" -- hit Number One.
    1974 - Top Hits
The Loco-Motion - Grand Funk
The Streak - Ray Stevens
Dancing Machine - The Jackson 5
Is It Wrong (For Loving You) - Sonny James
    1977 - Leo Sayer's "When I Need You" hits #1  
    1981 - Birthday of American composer Aaron Alon, Florida
    1981 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Bette Davis Eyes," Kim Carnes. Bette Davis responds by sending roses to Carnes when the song wins a Grammy. The song is first recorded by Jackie DeShannon.
    1981 – The Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship with a 102-91 win in Game 6.  It was the Celts’ 14th NBA Championship.
    1982 - Top Hits
Chariots of Fire - Titles - Vangelis
Ebony and Ivory - Paul McCartney with Stevie Wonder
Don’t Talk to Strangers - Rick Springfield
Always on My Mind - Willie Nelson
    1983 – Birthday of former San Francisco 49ers great running back, Frank Gore, Miami, FL.  Gore has had nine 1,000-rushing-yard seasons and five Pro Bowl selections. In 2020, Gore became just the third player in league history to rush for 16,000 yards, joining Walter Payton and Emmitt Smith.
    1984 - Mark Zuckerberg, Founder of Facebook, born White Plains, NY.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Zuckerberg
    1985 - The first McDonald’s restaurant -- in Des Plaines, IL -- became the first museum of the fast-food business. McMannequins, McPosters and loads of McPhotos display years of hamburger McProgress
http://www.mcdonalds.com/corp/about/museum_info.html
    1987 - The temperature at Sacramento, California soared to 103 Degrees to establish a May record of 7 Days with high temperatures of 100 Degrees or above. It also marked the 9th record high of the month. Ironically, it is expected to be 100 degrees today, and 101 tomorrow (2014).
    1988 - Atlantic Records celebrated its 40th anniversary with an 11-hour concert at Madison Square Garden in New York. Many of the acts that recorded for the label since its founding in 1947 appeared - among them, a reunited Led Zeppelin, Wilson Pickett, the Bee Gees, Booker T. and the MG's, Phil Collins and Ruth Brown, one of Atlantic's first big stars. The only sour note was the failure of David Crosby to show up for a reunion with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash. 
    1990 - Top Hits
Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O’Connor
Vogue - Madonna
All I Wanna Do is Make Love to You - Heart
Help Me Hold On - Travis Tritt
    1990 - Thunderstorms developing ahead of a cold front produced severe weather from northwest Texas to western Missouri. Severe thunderstorms spawned seventeen tornadoes, including nine in Texas. Four tornadoes in Texas injured a total of nine persons. Thunderstorms in Texas also produced hail four inches in diameter at Shamrock, and hail four and a half inches in diameter near Guthrie. Thunderstorms over northeastern Kansas produced more than seven inches of rain in Chautauqua County between 9 PM and midnight.
    1991 - President Bush announced his selection of Robert M. Gates to head the Central Intelligence Agency.
    1993 - Softkey Software and WordStar International announced a merger: The companies hoped that joining forces would help them hold their ground against larger software companies. The WordStar word processor, released in 1979, was one of the first word processors available for the personal computer, and the product became an immediate hit, selling nearly a million copies within five years. Unfortunately, WordStar was slow to convert to the PC-DOS operating system, introduced by IBM in 1981. As a result, the product lost its dominant position in the word processor market. In 1994, WordStar and Softkey merged with Spinnaker Software.
    1996 - Basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson announced his retirement for the second time form the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson had first retired before the start of the 1991-92 NBA season when he learned he was HIV-positive. Other players rebuffed his attempts to come back for the 1992-93 season, but he did play 32 games in 1995-96.
    1998 - While we “celebrate “birthdays, today is an exception, Frank Sinatra, 82, dies in Los Angeles, 1998. The Chairman of the Board has left the room. Perhaps a most revealing book: “Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra” by George Jacobs (Author), William Stadiem (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060596740/ref=oh_details_o
    1998 – The final “Seinfeld” episode aired to 76.3 million viewers after nine seasons and 180 episodes.  Ads cost $2million for a 30 second spot.  “Seinfeld” is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential sitcoms of all time. It has been ranked among the best television shows of all time in publications such as “Entertainment Weekly, “Rolling Stone,” and “TV Guide.”  In 2013, the Writers Guild of America voted it the No. 2 Best Written TV Series of All Time (second to “The Sopranos”).  E! named the series the "Number 1 reason the '90s ruled" and quotes from numerous episodes have become catchphrases in American popular culture. 
    2000 - Tom Jones' album "Reload" was at the top of the UK album chart, making him the oldest artist (60) to ever score a UK #1 album with new material.
    2011 – In efforts to save Baton Rouge and New Orleans from floods, the Morgan za Spillway was opened on the Mississippi River, deliberately flooding 3,000 square miles in rural Louisiana.
    2012 – Scientists at Stanford University invented a working bionic eye that is powered only by focused light.  The eye could eventually restore the sight of millions of people suffering from macular degeneration and retinal pigmentosa.
    2018 – The Supreme Court strikes down federal law banning sports gambling in most states.

NBA Champions:
    1981 - Boston Celtics