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Thursday, April 1, 2022

Today's Leasing News Headlines

Jim Merrilees Gets NEFA's Lifetime Achievement Award
    at National Equipment Finance Association Lunch
Surprise! Utah Passes Commercial Financial Law
   to Begin January 1, 2023
     Kenneth C. Greene, Leasing News Legal Editor
New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
    and Related Industries
Leasing and Finance Industry Ads
    We’re Hiring! Account Executive Positions
Sales Makes it Happen---by Steve Chriest
    Rethinking Customer Loyalty
Average 30-year Mortgage Rate Rose nearly 5%
    in March, Reaching its Highest Level since 2019
Academy for Certified Lease & Finance Professionals
    Updated - April, May, June, and August
4 million Ukrainians have left the country
     to seek shelter from Russian aggression
Available for Streaming: Belfast, King Richard, Spencer
  The Lost Daughter, the Worst Person in the World
     Reviews by Leasing News' Fernando Croce
Labrador Retriever/Mixed
    Salt Lake City, Utah   Adopt-a-Dog
Ten Attorneys Against Evergreen Abuse
    Help in Leasing News’ Bulletin
News Briefs---
Stadium Developer Plans $3 billion Sports Arena
    and Casino Project in Las Vegas
Walmart Owns Most of the Supermarkets in Mexico
    with over 2,700 stores
Sports gambling ring that drew bets
    from professional athletes busted
Comcast strikes 15-year deal to use massive Grundy County
    solar development to power Chicago operations beginning in 2025

You May have Missed---
Qmerit Emphasizes Home EV Charging Over Public Stations
the task is much more complicated than upping station count

Broker/Funder/Industry Lists | Features (wrilter's columns)
Top Ten Stories Chosen by Readers | Top Stories last six months
www.leasingcomplaints.com (Be Careful of Doing Business)
www.evergreenleasingnews.org
Leasing News Icon for Android Mobile Device

Sports Brief----
 California Nuts Brief---
   "Gimme that wine"
    This Day in History
     SuDoku
      Daily Puzzle
       GasBuddy
        Weather, USA or specific area
         Traffic Live----
          Wordle

######## surrounding the article denotes it is a “press release,” it was not written by Leasing News nor has the information been verified. The source noted. When an article is signed by the writer, it is considered a “byline.” It reflects the opinion and research of the writer.



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

Jim Merrilees Gets NEFA's Lifetime Achievement Award
at National Equipment Finance Association Lunch


Source: LinkedIn

"With Chad Sluss, CEO of NEFA and John Rosenlund from my old Colonial Pacific days. Thanks for the invite and recognition at the luncheon. Quite the surprise. Brought back many good memories.  Thanks for the invite and recognition at the luncheon. Quite the surprise. Brought back many good memories. Thanks to all of you for such kind remarks."

Jim Merrilees, CLFP, telephoned to say he was surprised at the National Equipment Finance Association Lunch, as he had no idea he would be awarded NEFA's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Now retired, he was quite active in the industry from his days as head of Colonial Pacific Leasing, the first with developing a Super Broker group exclusive to Colonial Pacific, and using early FinTech programing.

He was an avid golfer and motorcycle enthusiast Now in Southern California, he is an avid electric bicycle rider.


Source: Local Newspaper

"Me, second from left with my ‘Beach Buzzard’ riding group. Huntington Pier. We cheat a little by riding e-bikes to the pier weekday mornings.

"A little easier to ride than the Harley!"

 


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

Surprise! Utah Passes Commercial Financial Law
to Begin January 1, 2023
Kenneth C. Greene, Leasing News Legal Editor

On March 24, 2022 Utah passed SB183 into law. The law not only mandates specific disclosures in commercial loan transactions, but also requires that finance providers register with the State.

Highlights of the new legislation are as follows:

  • Exemptions:
  • Depository institutions;
  • A subsidiary of a depository institution (note this is a departure from virtually every other state);
  • A provider regulated by a federal banking agency
  • A provider that consummated five or fewer loans in any 12 month period (note that, unlike California, this does not require that the loans be “incidental” to the provider’s business);
  • A commercial financing secured by real property;
  • True leases;
  • Purchase money financing transactions;
  • A commercial financing transaction with a motor vehicle dealer; or motor vehicle rental company in excess of $50,000; or
  • A commercial financing transaction in excess of $1 million.

There are a few more exemptions, but those are the main ones.

  • Registration:
  • Deadline for registering is 1/1/23;
  • Applies to Utah providers or deals with Utah residents;
  • Must be renewed annually;
  • Must register with the NMLS;
  • You can be penalized up to $500 for each office if not registered.
  • Disclosures:
  • Must be made prior to the transaction;
  • For open-end credit plans, further disclosures must be made whenever a disbursement of funds is made.
  • Disclosures must include:
  • Total amount of funds provided;
  • Total amount of funds disbursed to the business;
  • Total amount paid to the provider;
  • Total cost of the financing
  • Manner, frequency and amount of payments;
  • Any prepayment costs;
  • Broker commissions;

Curiously, the law does not categorize or distinguish between  closed-end loans, open-end loans, equipment finance agreements, factorings, or merchant cash advances, as most other states do. However, the law does leave room for the commissioner to promulgate rules to clarify some of the potential problems with the law as drafted.

  • PENALTIES
    • Up to $500 per violation, not to exceed $20,000.
    • For willful violations, up to $1000 per violation, not to exceed $50,000.
    • No private cause of action created by this statute.

Stay tuned for the next segment as these disclosure laws become the norm rather than the exception.

Update: When Do the New Commercial Laws Take Effect?
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2022/03_29.htm#what

Ken Greene Leasing & Finance Observations
https://leasingnews.org/Pages/greene_observations.html
Ken Greene
Tel: 818.575.9095
Fax: 805.435.7464
ken@kengreenelaw.com
Alternate: kengreenelaw@outlook.com



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

New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries


Joe Ball was promoted to Client Experience Partner, LeasePlan, Alpharetta, Georgia.  He is located in Canton, Georgia. He joined the firm November, 2015, as Account Coordinator, promoted October, 2017, Account Manager, promote June, 2018, Client Consultant. Previously, he was Shift Supervisor, CVS Pharmacy (April, 2015 - December, 2015). His first career was working for YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South, starting as Member Services Coordinator, YMCA of Great Richmond, August 2006, promoted September, 2006 Member Services Director, YMCA of NWNC, January, 2011, Senior Member Director, Nuber and Sweeny YMCA's, Memphis Tennessee, promoted December, 2012 Operations Director. 17 certifications at LinkedIn. Education: Roanoke College. Bachelor's degree, Religion/Religious Studies (1998 - 2000). Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, Master of Divinity, MDiv (2000 - 2014). https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ball-79aa76106/


David Bico was hired as Senior Account Manager, Tandem Equipment Finance,  London, Ontario, Canada. Previously, he was Account Manager, National Leasing (February, 2007 - March, 2022). Education: Fanshawe College. Business Marketing.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bico-a0b5a519/


Scott Culhane was hired as Chief risk Officer, Financial Partners Group, Gallatin, Tennessee. He is located in the Denver Metropolitan Area.  Previously, she was Vice President of Credit, Patriot Capital Corporation, Equipment Financing Specialists (July, 2020 - February, 2022); Vice President of Business Development, Standard Capital Corporation (2019 - 2020); Credit Officer, MMP Capital (2017 - 2019); Credit Manger, and Compliance Officer, Heartland Business Credit, a wholly owned subsidiary of Heartland Bank (2014 - 2017). Certifications: SAS Base Programming, SAS. Issued May, 2012. No Expiration Date. Education: University of Colorado, Denver. Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). University of Colorado, Denver. Bachelor of Arts (BA), Economics (2012). Grade 3.76. https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottculhane/


Evan Day was hired as Marketing Director, CAN Capital, Kennesaw, Georgia. He is located in the Greater Philadelphia area. Previously, he was Senior Marketing Manager, SimScale (July, 2021 - March, 2022); Marketing Manger, Marlin Capital Solutions (February, 2018 - July, 2021); Senior Analyst, Strategy and analytics, Digital Health (April, 2016 - March, 2018); Business Operations Consultant, NorthStar Solutions Group LLC (May, 2014 - April, 2016); Digital Marketing Consultant, Tech Impact (May, 2014 - Mary, 2015); Digital Marketing Consultant, Fiberlink Communications, an IBM Company (September, 2013 - September, 2014); Temp, Robert Half International (May, 2013 - July, 2013); Project Associate, Corporation Service Company (June, 2012 - March, 2013); Communications Assistant, Wesley College (January, 2012 - May, 2012); Intramural Sports Coordinator, Wesley College Intramural Sports (September, 2011 - May, 2012); Marketing Assistant, Wesley College, International (January, 2011 - May, 2012). Certifications: Inbound Certification, Hubspot, Issued October, 2014. Expired November, 2016). Education: General Assembly, Certificate, Python Programming (2019). Wesley College Delaware, Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), International Business (2008 - 2012). Activities: Wesley Men’s Soccer Team, Wesley Men’s Tennis Team. Eastern University. Master of Science, MS, Data Science (January, 2022). https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanday17/


Brian Doege was promoted to Executive Vice President, Revenue Division, TruNorth Global, Charlotte, North Carolina. He joined the firm September, 2018, Regional Sales Director, promoted January, 2021, Vice President of Sales. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-doege-b20b88181/


Brian Dover was hired as Construction Relationship Manager, Mitsubishi HC Capital America, Inc., Edina Minnesota. He is located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Previously, he was at Marlin Capital Solutions, starting  October, 2016, Senior Business Development Manager Strategic National Accounts, promoted May, 2019, Strategic National Accounts Team Lead, promoted October, 2019, Senior Business Development Manager Transportation Finance Group. Prior, he was District Manager, PayDay Payroll Resources, Inc. (April, 2015 - October, 2016); Business Solutions Professional, Alpha Card Services, Inc. (June, 2012 - May, 2015); Tax and Accounting Research Consultant, CCH (January, 2011 - June, 2012); District Manager, ADP TotalSource (February, 2009 - January, 2011); Premier Sales Associate, Paychex (2007 - 2009). Senior Account Executive, Marlin Capital Solutions (2002 - 2006). Education University of South Carolina Aiken, BA, Communications (1997 - 2002). Lenape Regional High School (1993 - 1997). https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-dover-83bba613/


Kelly Granger was hired as Vice President, Equipment Finance, Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio. He is located in Dayton, Ohio. Previously he was Senior Vice President, Equipment Finance Officer, PNC Equipment Finance (April, 2008 - March, 2022); Regional Vice President, Warehouse Leasing, PCFS Financial Services (June, 1998 - 2008). Education: the Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business, BSBA, Finance (1979 - 1984). https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-granger-2121979/


Joseph Kurth Jr. was promoted Director of Tax and Compliance Navitas Credit Corporation.  He is located in Greater Philadelphia, working out of the Mount Laurel, New Jersey Office. He joined the firm April, 2018, as Tax Manager. Previously, he was Tax supervisor, ARI (July, 2017 - April, 2018). He joined Marlin Business Services Corp. August, 2011 as Sales Tax Consultant, promoted October, 2012, Senior Tax Accountant, promoted July, 2014, Senior Property Tax Accountant, promoted February, 2016, Sales and Property Tax Supervisor. Prior, he was Tax Accounting Intern, Duane Morris LLP (January, 2011 - August, 2011); Cashier/Sales Associate, Dick's Sporting Goods (September, 2007 - August, 2009).  Volunteer: Office Assistant, Deborah Heart and Lung Center (September, 2005 - February, 2006). Education: Rutgers University, Camden, B.S., Accounting (1009 - 20011). Grade: 3.4 GPA.  Societies: Tau Epsilon Phi, Beta Alpha Psi, Accounting Society. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-kurth-jr-20466735/


John Leber was hired as Vice President, Territory Manger, Bell Bank Equipment Finance, Phoenix, Arizona. He is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Previously, he was Senior Account Manager, Western Region, Deutsche Leasing Group (February, 2017 - March, 2022); Equipment Finance specialist, Park Western Leasing, Inc. (December, 2014 - February, 2017); Business Development, Client Services, Urban Energy Solutions, Inc. (July, 2014 - December, 2014); Vice President, National Accounts, Secured Land Transport (September, 2010 - July, 2014); Sales Manager, Park Western Leasing, Inc. (July 2000 - September, 2010); Vice President/Business Development Specialist, Bank of America (February, 1999 - July, 2000); Regional Account Manager, Deutsche Bank (June, 1995 - February, 1999). Education: University of Colorado, Denver. Bachelor of Science (BS), Finance, General (1992 - 1994). Northern Illinois University (1989 - 1991). https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-leber-12005a74/


Angie Maylee was hired as Senior Relationship Manger, Leaf Commercial Capital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is located in Greater Columbia, Missouri. Previously, she was Senior Business Lend Representative, Wells Fargo (May, 2019 - March, 2022); Dealer Support Representative, LEAF Commercial Capita (August, 2009 - May, 2019); Patience Service Representative, University of Missouri (January, 2005 - February, 2007). Volunteer: Moberly Regional Medication (January, 1993 - Present). Education: Higbee R-VIII. https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-maylee-8a24a494/


Ben Palmer was hired as Business Development Manager, Construction, ENGS Commercial Finance Co., Itasca, Illinois. He is located in Tampa, Florida.  Previously, he was National Account Manager, CoreTech Leasing, Inc. (2021 - 2022); VP Equipment Finance, Radius Bank (2019 - 2021); Regional Account Manager, Meridian Leasing (2017 - 2019); Account Manager, LaSalle Solutions (2016 - 2017); Business Development, Commonwealth Capital Corp. (2013 - 2015). Education: Auburn University, Bachelors, Finance (2004 - 2008). Activities and Societies: Financial Managers Association, Theta Chi, SAA, SGA. https://www.linkedin.com/in/palmeb1/


Eric Schlegal was hired as Manager, business Development, MAZO Capital Solutions, Irvine, California. Previously, he was Client Executive, Marsh & McLennan Agency (March, 2021 - March, 2022). He joined Currency January, 2016, Head of Sales, Branch Manager, Orange County, promoted April, 2017, Manger, Strategic Partnerships, promoted April, 2020, Business Development Manager. Director of Sales and Marketing, QWC Capital (January, 2015 - December, 2015); director of Sales and Operations, PRIME Marketing (August, 2009 - December, 2014); Sales Associate, CapNet Financial Services. Volunteer: Soccer Coach, AYSP (august, 2021 - Present). Assistant Baseball Coach, Ladera Ranch Little League (January, 2021 - Present. Volunteer, Laguna Food Pantry. Team Leader, Young Life (September 2003 - December, 2007). Certifications: Voluntary Benefits Specialist (VBS). Harford School of Insurance.  Issued July, 2021. No Expiration date. Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDA). Hartford School of Insurance. Issued, June, 2021. No Expiration Date. Education: University of Arizona, Bachelor Interdisciplinary Studies, Emphasis in Business Management, communications and Psychology (2005 - 2007). Activities: Varsity Football, P:acific 12 Collegiate Athlete, fullback. Wheaton College, Business/Managerial Economics (2003 - 2006).  Activities: Varsity Football. Capistrano Valley Christian Schools (August, 2000 - June, 2003). https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-schlegel/


Dave Stewart was hired as director of Sales, Idea Financial, Miami, Florida.  He is located in Hollywood, Florida. Previously, he was Director of Business Development, Business Capital Providers, Inc. (November, 2020 - April, 2021); Operations Manager, Fast Business Financial, Contract (October, 2017 - November, 2020); ISO Account Manager, BFS Capital (February, 2016 - September, 2017); Renewal Manager, NextWave Funding (July, 2013 - February, 2016); Front Office Supervisor, Westin Hotels and Resorts (2010 - 2013). Certifications Duoligo Spanish Fluency: Intermediate, Duolingo.
Issued May, 2016. No Expiration Date.  Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, Starwood Hotels and Resort Worldwide, Inc. Issued May, 2014. No Expiration Date.  Education: Southern New Hampshire University, Bachelor's Degree, Data Analytics (2012 - 2015); San Fe College. Associate of Science (A.S.), business Administration and Management General (2006 - 2009).
University of Florida. Marketing. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-stewart-ba8ab213/


Wayne Tentler was hired as Vice President and Business Leader, Redaptive Capital, Sarasota, Florida. Previously, he was Executive Vice President, Sales, 36th Street Capital Partners (December, 2020 - March, 2022).  Managing Director and Commercial Leader, Global Financing, Chain Asset Management Solutions (September, 20189 - December, 2020). He joined GE Capital September, 2008 as FMP Intern, promoted July, 2009, Financial Management Program Trainee (FMP); promoted July, 2011, Lead Pricing Analyst; promoted April, 2014, Senior Vice President, promoted June, 2017, Senior Vice President and Global Leasing Leader.  Assistant Head Tennis Professional, Silver Spring Country Club (June, 2006 - August, 2008). Tennis Professional, Four Seasons Racquet Club (September, 2003 - March, 2008). Education: Western Connecticut State University. Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A). Finance.  Rollins College. Staples High School. King Edward VII School, Johannesburg, South Africa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynetentler/


Nascent Vukelich was promoted to Managing Director, Central Zone Commercial Leader, GE Healthcare Financial Services Boston, Massachusetts.  He is located in Greater Milwaukee. He joined this division January, 2019, as Vice President. Previously, he was at GE capital as Senior Account Manager (February, 2012 - December, 2018). Prior, he was at Jones Lange LaSalle, starting July, 2001 as Analysis, promoted January, 2005, Associate, promoted January, 2008, Vice President.  Summer Intern, First USA (June, 2000 - August, 2000). Education: Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, MBA, Management and Strategy (2007 - 2010), University of Notre Dame, Mendoza college of Business, BBA, Finance (1997 - 2001). Activities: Football.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jascintvukelich/


[headlines]
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Help Wanted Ads

 

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

Sales Makes it Happen---by Steve Chriest

Rethinking Customer Loyalty

Customer loyalty is a major concern for everyone in business today, perhaps because there appears to be so little loyalty among so many customers. At best, loyalty is fleeting among many customers, and at worst, it simply isn’t part of their thinking.

I am always amazed at how many books are written each year on the subject of customer loyalty. These books are written and read, I think, because we don’t want to face the reality of pervasive disloyalty in the business world. We do a good job for our customers, we treat them fairly, our pricing is competitive and we remain loyal to our customers. So why aren’t they more loyal to us?

At the risk of sounding cynical, customer loyalty really is a simple concept, and for me can be boiled down into the following statement: Customers are loyal so long as the rewards of loyalty outweigh the rewards of disloyalty! Approached from this understanding, the challenge of gaining customer loyalty may not become easier, but surely comes into clearer focus.

To make matters more challenging, providing good service to customers today will not guarantee continued loyalty. I was shocked to discover that 80% of customers who switch vendors rate the service of their previous vendors as “satisfactory to good.” Good service is no longer good enough to guarantee customer loyalty!

Keeping customers loyal continues to be more challenging than ever for most businesspeople. Next week we will explore some ways to promote customer loyalty in highly competitive industries, like equipment financing.



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

Average 30-year Mortgage Rate Rose nearly 5%
in March, Reaching its Highest Level since 2019

While Mortgage Rates went sky high, it did not slow down home buying in most of the U.S. The U.S. median home sale price surged 7% the four-week period ending March 13, according to a new report from Redfin, the largest month-over-month increase on record in Redfin’s data.

With mortgage rates also on the rise, the typical homebuyer’s monthly payment reached a new high of $2,123, which on average, is more than $530 more than the typical pre-pandemic homebuyer is paying. Pending sales climbed 3% year over year, despite new listings plummeting at the same rate.

In growing areas where home prices are going through the roof, the percentage is higher, but reports are homes are still selling for over the asking price.

Source: MRreport.com


[headlines]
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Academy for Certified Lease & Finance Professionals
Updated - April, May, June, and August

The Academy for Lease and Finance Professionals (ALFP) is a three-day event designed to fully prepare an individual to sit for the CLFP exam assuming the attendee has already self-studied. A trend has begun in having virtual online sessions.

During the first two days, all of the required sections of the CLFP exam are covered in-depth. On the third day, the exam is offered but is not mandatory and may be taken on another day.

Students are strongly advised to have read and studied The Certified Lease & Finance Professionals' Handbook prior to attending the class in order to ensure success.

2022 Online Public ALFP Hosted by Northland Capital
Mar 21 – 23, 2022
Monday – 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Central Time
Tuesday – 9:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Central Time
Wednesday – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Central Time
This online ALFP will require attendees to have access to WebEx
Exam is proctored online, therefore, it may be taken at any time
To Register:
This online ALFP will require attendees to have access to WebEx

Huntington Equipment Finance – ALFP
April 7 - April 8
Private

Huntington National Bank Host-Private ALFP
April 7 – April 8
Private

DLL Host Private ALFP
April 12 - April 13
Private

Arvest Equipment Finance Host – In Person
April 20 - 23, 2022
Private ALFP

CISCO ALP Private
May 2 - May 5
Private

AP Equipment Finance - Virtual
June 8 - June 10
Private

North Mill Equipment Finance Host Online Public ALFP
June 15 -17
North Mill Invites Attendance Open

U.S. Bank Host Online Public ALFP
August 1 - August 3
Public Invited

Great American Insurance Host – In Person
August 18 - 19
Public ALFP

Stryker Host Private ALFP
August 22 - August 23
Private

Professional Handbook for Taking the Test in 2022
Eighth Edition:
https://clfpfoundation.org/
(Note: for taking test in 2023 Ninth Edition, available.)

About Academy
https://clfpfoundation.org/academy-for-lease-and-finance-professionals/

If you are interested in attending, please contact Reid Raykovich, Executive Director: Reid@clfpfoundation.org


[headlines]
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As of March 29, 12 PM CET, roughly four million people living in Ukraine have left the country to seek shelter from Russian aggression, either permanently or temporarily, according to the U.N. Figure exceeds organization’s highest prediction for whole war and 10.5 million people uprooted or forced abroad.

As our chart based on data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) shows, most of the people fleeing have crossed over at the Polish border.

Roughly 2.3 million refugees have reached Ukraine's western neighbor via foot, bus, car or train looking for safety from the Russia-Ukraine conflict according to government records. Apart from Poland, Romania and Moldova have carried the brunt of the refugee wave among Ukraine's neighboring countries over the last weeks. Does not include
numbers traveling to England, U.S., Germany, and elsewhere.

By Florian Zandt, Statista

[headlines]
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Watch at Home:
by Fernando Croce

With the Oscars done for another year, it’s a good time to catch up with the winners, as well as nominated items that may have fallen through the cracks. Check out our list of titles available for streaming.

Belfast (Available to rent): Kenneth Branagh gazes back at his childhood in this heartfelt drama, which scored a Best Original Screenplay Oscar. Set in the titular Northern Ireland city in the late 1960s, it filters historical turmoil through the burgeoning conscience of its young protagonist, namely 9-year-old Buddy (Jude Hill). Living with his close-knit family in a bustling neighborhood, he goes to the movies with his parents (Caitriona Balfe, Jamie Dorman) and grandparents (Judi Dench, Ciaran Hinds) and plays with friends. The insulated idyll of youth is soon pricked, however, by adult conflicts as the Troubles come to Belfast and streets become packed with riots and Molotov cocktails. Trading the bigness of his Shakespeare adaptations for a modest remembrance, Branagh’s film has reminded many a reviewer of the acclaimed “Roma.”

King Richard (HBO Max, Available to rent): Will Smith won a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of real-life coach Richard Williams in this sports drama. Not just a tenacious trainer, Williams also happens to be the father of tennis marvels Venus and Serena Williams, seen here in their early teens still learning the sport that would make them famous. Determined to help his daughters succeed, Williams insists on demanding practices on the court, an obsession that often puts him at odds with his wife, Brandy (Best Supporting Actress nominee Aunjanue Ellis). Though offering few surprises in the underdog sports subgenre, director Reinaldo Marcus Green stages some stirring matches and, wisely, keeps Smith front and center, as the actor’s natural charisma shines through even in a conventional role.

The Lost Daughter (Netflix): Olivia Colman received her third Oscar nomination for this haunting drama adapted from Italian author Elena Ferrante’s novel, which marks the promising directorial debut of Maggie Gyllenhaal. Colman plays Leda Caruso, a middle-aged university professor who, while on vacation in Greece, strikes a friendship with a frazzled young mother named Nina (Dakota Johnson). Over the course of the next few days, she recalls her own strained relationship with parenthood, when as a young woman (played by Jessie Buckley, also Oscar-nominated) she struggled with her daughters. A secret from her past keeps inching toward the surface, threatening to shatter Leda’s emotional control. Anchored by Colman’s splendid pathos and Gyllenhaal’s intense storytelling, this is a subtle, harrowing, moving portrait of crisis and memory.

Spencer (Hulu, Avilable to rent): After “Jackie” and “Neruda,” Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain further cements his reputation as a subverter of biopics with his spectral study of the life of Princess Diana, which landed Kristen Stewart her first Oscar nomination. Set in the early 1990s, the film catalogs the daily activities of the Princess at the Royal Family’s lavish holiday spot. There are opulent meals and hunting sessions, as well as marital spats with Prince Charles (Jack Farthing) and the heavy feeling of suffocation in what amounts to a gilded cage. Plagued with loneliness and visions, Princess Di drifts through her surroundings while Larrain’s gauzy camera ponders the divide between private and personal spaces. Less soap opera than psychological horror story, this is an intensely offbeat experience.

The Worst Person in the World (Available to rent): One of the nominees for Best Foreign Language Film, this tender and energetic comedy-drama from Danish director Joachim Trier (“Louder Than Bombs”) vibrantly plugs the audience into its heroine’s bustling psyche. Said heroine, Julie (Renate Reinsve, in a star-making performance), is a medical student in Oslo who, as she faces her thirties, finds herself at a crossroads both professionally and romantically. Will she take up art instead of a domestic life? And will she stay with her bookish boyfriend Aksel (Anders Danielsen Lie), or will she take up with Eivind (Herbert Nordrum), the stranger she met at a party? Combining realism with invigorating flights of fancy, Trier’s film thrills as a restless portrait of a restless generation. With subtitles.

[headlines]
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Labrador Retriever/Mixed
Salt Lake City, Utah   Adopt-a-Dog


Johnny

ID: 21702218
Male
4 years, 11 months
60.8 lbs.
Black with White
Our regular adoption fees are $75 for dogs

Meet Johnny, a handsome dazzler looking for a specific home and sidekick, that will be able to provide the structure and management he needs to be set up for success. Johnny has some training under his belt like being potty trained, basic commands, and muzzle trained but will need more work in his adoptive home. Best Friends is offering FREE training sessions to help him get on the right routine and training plan to ensure he makes good life choices!

Johnny is a staff favorite for so many reasons, but his smile, sweet nose freckles, and tail wiggles help brighten anyone's day. While Johnny has a loving and loyal personality with the people he has bonded with, he is a work in progress and requires an adult only home (18 years and older) where he will be the only animal. Due to his stressors caused by previous negative experiences, his next home must be aware that he needs to be cautiously managed when around high populations of people OR other animals and is not a candidate for any off-leashing activities. He thrives with structure and routine and will need to continue these habits in his new home.

 If you are interested in learning more about Johnny, email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org

Best Friends in Utah
2005 South 1100 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
P: 801.574.2454
F: 801.352.0380
E: utahadoptions@bestfriends.org

Hours: 12pm - 6pm seven days a week.

Please contact utahadoptions@bestfriends.org for adoption inquiries.

[headlines]
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Ten Attorneys Against Evergreen Abuse
Help in Leasing News’ Bulletin Board Complaint Issues


The original intention of the Evergreen clause in an equipment leasing contract was to have an alternative to when the lessee did not exercise the residual at the end of the contract. Often the clause calls for an automatic additional twelve months when the residual is not resolved.

In most cases, the lessor notifies the lessee that the residual will be due, often ninety days in advance. However, often there is nothing in the contract that requires the lessor to notify the lessee regarding the expiration of the contract.

Contrarily, many small ticket lessors do not notify the lessee, and automatically continue the lease, often via an ACH or continued billing, which often goes unnoticed until many payments have already been made.

Leasing News would like to see an industry standard that lessees are notified in advance of the expiration of their contract regarding its termination. We support the clause, and the notification requirement is wide open, meaning 90, 60, even 30 days and by telephone or mail.

This list of attorneys agrees with this and will be available to lessees, sometimes able to help them without a fee, or at a reduced rate, in an effort to end the abuse of Evergreen clause leases.


Joseph G. Bonanno, Esq., CLFP
Attorney at Law, Massachusetts
Andover Landing at Brickstone
300 Brickstone Square, Ste. 201
Andover, MA 01810
Tel: (781)328-1010
Fax: (781) 827-0866
Email: law@jgbesq.com
"Industry expert witness in litigation, numerous authored and
co-authored published articles and conducting educational
seminars. Very well-known in the industry."

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Schultz & Associates LLP
640 Cepi Drive, Suite A
Chesterfield, MO 63005
(636) 537-4645 x108
(636) 537-2599 (fax)
www.sl-lawyers.com
(Proven Leasing Litigator, well respected by all sides)

Marshall Goldberg, Esq.
GLASS & GOLDBERG, ALC
22917 Burbank Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367-4203.
(818) 888-2220
mgoldberg@glassgoldberg.com
www.glassgoldberg.com

Ronald P. Gossett
Gossett & Gossett, P.A.
400 Seridan Street, Building I
Hollywood, Florida
954-983-2828
Fax: 954-983-2850
rongossett@gossettlaw.com
(Many cases including NorVergence, Brican, among others, a winner)

Ken Greene
Law Offices of Kenneth Charles Greene
5743 Corsa Avenue Suite 208
Westlake Village, California 91362
Tel: 818.575.9095
Fax: 805.435.7464
Skype: 424.235.1658
kenlaw100@gmail.com
(Ken was involved in the formation of Leasing News and
represented it (pro bono) in the early days.)

Peter S. Hemar, Esq.
Hemar & Associates, Attorneys at Law
2001 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 510
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Telephone: (310) 829-1948
Fax: (310) 829-1352
phemar@hemar.com
(My firm supports the clause giving lessees advance 
notice of the expiration of their contract.)

Edward P. Kaye, Managing Partner
Schickler Kaye LLP
One Rockefeller Plaza11th Floor
New York, NY 10020
Direct Dial: 212-262-6397
Facsimile:  212-262-6298
ekaye@skfinancelaw.com
www.skfinancelaw.com
(Experienced vehicle leasing attorney.  Past president
and current board member of the National Vehcile Leasing Association,
member Leasing News Advisory Boar,
former leasing company co-founder, CEO and general counsel.)

Brandon J. Mark
Attorney at Law, Admitted in Utah and Oregon
Parsons Behle & Latimer
201 South Main Street, Suite 1800
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Direct Dial 801.536.6958
Facsimile 801.536.6111
www.parsonsbehle.com
BMark@parsonsbehle.com
(His firm represents banks who buy leases, and his
clients refuse to buy these types of leases.)

Frank Peretore
Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi
West Orange, New Jersey
http://www.csglaw.com/biographies/frank-peretore
Phone 973-530-2058
fperetore@csglaw.com
(Experienced leasing attorney, aggressive, author, active
National Equipment Finance Association, ELFA, too)

Kevin E. Trabaris, Partner
Culhane Meadows PLLC
30 S. Wacker Drive, 22nd floor
Chicago, IL  60606
Telephone:  847-840-4687
Email:  ktrabaris@culhanemeadows.com
llflegal.com/attorneys/kevin-trabaris
"In my career, I’ve repeatedly seen this provision misused
by unscrupulous lessors and think it’s a bad idea for both
the lessee and the lessor."

 

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

News Briefs---

Stadium Developer Plans $3 billion Sports Arena
    and Casino Project in Las Vegas
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/30/las-vegas-sports-district-3-billion-arena-hotel-and-casino-project-planned.html

Walmart Owns Most of the Supermarkets in Mexico
    presence in Mexico is dominant, with over 2,700 stores
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/walmart-owns-most-of-the-supermarkets-in-mexico/

Sports gambling ring that drew bets
    from professional athletes busted
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-03-31/sports-gambling-ring-bets-professional-athletes?utm_id=51815&sfmc_id=1646692

Comcast strikes 15-year deal to use massive Grundy County
    solar development to power Chicago operations beginning in 2025
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/comcast-deals-to-buy-250mw-of-clean-power-for-u-s-operations-271648738778




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


You May Have Missed---

Home EV chargiing
https://www.ocbj.com/news/2022/mar/21/qmerit-emphasizes-home-ev-charging-over-public-sta


[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------


Sports Briefs---

Bruce Arians steps aside so Todd Bowles
    can become Buccaneers head coach
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2022-03-30/bruce-arians-steps-aside-todd-bowles-buccaneers-head-coach?utm_id=51705&sfmc_id=1646692

With Overtime Rules Changed, What Other NFL Rules
Should Be Examined Next?
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2954904-with-overtime-rules-changed-what-other-nfl-rules-should-be-examined-next

Ranking the NFL's Most Underrated Free Agents
Left on the Market Entering April
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2954884-ranking-the-nfls-most-underrated-free-agents-left-on-the-market-entering-april

Rams add more star power by landing
ex-Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2022/03/31/bobby-wagner-los-angeles-rams-contract-seattle-seahawks/7235272001/

Robert Kraft is tired of Patriots' recent playoff failures. He has
a plan for how Bill Belichick can turn things around.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2022/03/29/new-england-patriots-bill-belichick-robert-kraft/7203095001/

UNC Gets 400 Snicker Bars
https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/1509618850496757771

After record-setting run with St. Peter’s,
Shaheen Holloway leaves for Seton Hall
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/sports/after-record-setting-run-with-st-peters-shaheen-holloway-leaves-for-seto/


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


California Nuts Briefs---

San Francisco Bay Area Rents Increasing,
    But Not At Pre-Pandemic Levels Yet
https://patch.com/california/losgatos/s/i6ymp/bay-area-rents-increasing-but-not-at-pre-pandemic-levels-yet?utm_source=local-update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert

Former Oakland police chief wins her day in court
on retaliation claims
https://www.courthousenews.com/former-oakland-police-chief-wins-her-day-in-court-on-retaliation-claims


[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------

"Gimme that wine"

Wine of the week: Morét-Brealynn, 2021
    California Rosé of Pinot Noir
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/wine-of-the-week-moret-brealynn-2021-california-rose-of-pinot-no

Why You Need to Drink Wine in Paso Robles
Before the Region Really Blows Up
https://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/best-paso-robles-wineries

Nenow Family Wines Announces Move to
New Paso Robles Tasting Room Location
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/257350

Jamie Goode: the new Canadian wines that need to be on your radar
http://www.the-buyer.net/tasting/wine/jamie-goode-new-canadian-wines/

French Wine's American Love Affair
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2022/03/french-wines-american-love-affair


“Gimme that Wine”

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

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

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

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

This Day in History

     1621 - The first Colonial treaty with the Native Americans was a defensive alliance made on Strawberry Hill, Plymouth, MA, between Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoags, and the Plymouth colonists, acting in behalf of King James I. They promised not to “doe hurt” to one another. If a Wampanoag broke the law, he was sent to Plymouth for punishment; if a colonist was the offender, he was sent to the Wampanaogs. The agreement in all its parts was kept by both parties for more than half a century.
    1634 - The first bridge built in the US spanned the Neponset River between Milton and Dorchester, MA. The authority to build the bridge and an adjoining mill was issued to Israel Stoughton by the Massachusetts General Court.      
    1786 - A heavy snowstorm hit, bringing 12 inches from New Jersey to New Hampshire and prolonging winter into spring. This strong storm caused gale force winds and high tides. Five piers of the Charles Bridge were destroyed at Boston, Massachusetts.
    1789 - In New York City, the House held its first quorum and elected Frederick Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania to be the first Speaker.
    1807 - The famous "1807 spring storm" buried interior New England in snow and caused a great tide along the coast. Danville, Vermont received 30 inches of new snow, bringing their snow cover amount to 60 inches.
    1826 - Captain Samuel Morey of Orford, NH, received a patent on an internal-combustion engine, called “a gas or vapor engine” by its inventor. His engine had two cylinders, 180 degree cranks, poppet valves, a carburetor, an electric spark, and a water cooling device. He employed the vapor of spirits of turpentine and common air. A small tin dish contained the spirits, and the only heat he used was from a common table lamp. A rotary movement was obtained by means of a crank and flywheel, as in a steam engine.
1833 – The Convention of 1833 began in San Felipe de Austin.  This was a political gathering of settlers in Mexican Texas to help draft a series of petitions to the Mexican government.
    1841 - Brook Farm, history's most famous utopian community, is founded near West Roxbury, Massachusetts. Its primary appeal was to young Bostonians who shrink from the materialism of American life.  The community was a refuge for dozens of transcendentalists, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathanial Hawthorne.
    1844 - Stuart Perry of New York City received a patent for both air-and water-cooled types and used turpentine gases as fuel. He called it a “gas engine.
    1847 - Michigan becomes first state to abolish the death penalty.
    1853 - Prior to this date, the fire department of cities was composed of volunteers exclusively. The first department to be paid a salary happened in Cincinnati, Ohio, through the efforts of Miles Greenwood. Members of the company received $60 a year, lieutenants $100, captains $150, pipe men and drivers, $365. The chief engineer received $1,000 a year and assistant engineers $300. 
    1865 - After withdrawing to Five Forks, VA, Confederate troops under George Pickett were defeated and cut off by Union troops. This defeat, according to many military historians, sealed the immediate fate of Robert E. Lee's armies at Petersburg and Richmond. Some 5000 Confederates prisoners were taken. On Apr 2, Lee informed Confederate President Jefferson Davis that he would have to evacuate Richmond. Davis and his cabinet fled by train to Danville, VA.
    1866 - Congress overrides President Andrew Johnson's veto of Civil Rights Bill that gave equal rights to all men born in the US — except Indians.
    1877 - Birthday of Dr. Aurelia Henry Reinhardt (d. 1948), San Francisco.  First woman elected moderator (the titular head), Unitarian Association (1940), President Mills College (1916) in Oakland, CA, the third oldest women's college in the U.S.
http://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/unitarians/reinhardt.html
    1883 - Birthday of early movie great Lon Chaney, born Leonidas Frank Chaney (d. 1930) in Colorado Springs, CO.  Known as “The Man of a Thousand Faces,” Chaney is known for his starring roles in such silent horror films as “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1923) and “The Phantom of the Opera (1925).   
    1887 - Thomas Edison devises a telephone design that becomes the basis for his later claim to the invention of the microphone.
    1889 - The first investment trust was the New York Stock Trust, New York City, a general portfolio statutory trust, with 50,000 shares at $10 each.
    1891 – The Wrigley Company was established in Chicago.
    1895 - Vocalist Alberta Hunter (d. 1984) was born in Memphis, Tennessee. One of the great ladies of the golden age of jazz, singer and composer, she gave up a very successful career to become a nurse. She practiced for 20 years and then made a show business comeback at age 82, packing them into New York nightclubs.
http://www.oafb.net/once25.html
http://www.redhotjazz.com/hunter.html
http://afgen.com/hunter.html
     1897 - Vocalist Lucille Bogan (d. 1948) was born Lucille Anderson in Amory, MS.  She also recorded under the pseudonym Bessie Jackson. Music critic Ernest Borneman stated that Bogan was one of "the big three of the blues', along with Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith.
http://www.alamhof.org/boganl.htm
    1901 – Whittaker Chambers (d. 1961) was born Jay Vivian Chambers in Philadelphia.  After his early years as a Communist Party USA member and Soviet spy, he renounced communism, became an outspoken opponent, and testified at Alger Hiss' perjury and espionage trial.
    1903 - Jackie Martin (d. 1969) birthday, Braddock, PA.  Photojournalist, first official photographer of the U.S. Women's Army Corps (Auxiliary), first woman to be elected to the White House Photographers Association (1941), first woman art and photographic editor, and first woman sports editor, in addition to a distinguished newspaper career.
1910 - Harry Carney (d. 1974) birthday, Boston.  American jazz musician whose virtuosity on the baritone saxophone influenced generations. He also performed on clarinet and bass clarinet, as well as alto saxophone in the early years of his career. Mainly known for his 45-year tenure in Duke Ellington’s Orchestra, Carney's strong, steady saxophone often served as the anchor of Duke's music.
http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Delta/8586/carney.html
    1922 – Jazz pianist Duke Jordan (d. 2006) birthday, Brooklyn, NY
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/artist/glance/-/38031/qid=1017518470/
002-0163546-1162443

    1922 – Author William Manchester (d. 2004) was born in Attleboro, MA.  His best-selling book, “The Death of a President” (1967), is a detailed account of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, who had been the subject of an earlier book by Manchester. In 1963, Manchester was commissioned by the Kennedy family to write the book.  Manchester, who retraced the movements of President Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald before the assassination, concluded, based on his study of Oswald's psychology and their similar training as Marine sharpshooters that Oswald had acted alone.
    1923 - Residents in the eastern U.S. awoke on "April Fool's Day" to bitterly cold temperatures. The mercury plunged to -34 degrees at Bergland, MI and to 16 degrees in Georgia.
    1924 - The first gramophone to change records automatically goes on sale in the US.
    1932 - 500 school children, most with haggard faces & in tattered clothes, parade through Chicago's downtown section to the Board of Education offices to demand that the school system provide them with food.
    1932 – Actress, singer Debbie Reynolds was born Mary Frances Reynolds (d. 2016) in El Paso, TX. Her death occurred a day following the death of her daughter, Carrie Fisher.
    1935 - General Electric Co. announces the first radio tube made of metal. Metal tubes were smaller and lighter than the glass vacuum tubes used in earlier radios and they improved short-wave radio reception. Radio had started to catch on as an entertainment medium in the 1920s, and its popularity grew until the rise of television in the early 1940s.
    1936 - Vivian (Vickie) Adelberg Rudow birthday.  American composer, first woman to win first prize with straight 10s in the 14th International Electoacoustic Music Competition, Bourges, France, the largest and most important electronic music competition in the world. Her composition was “With Love,” live cello, dialogue, and prepared tape. In 1977, her Kaddish won first prize in the International Double Reed Society Composition contest, solo division. She was the first Maryland composer to have her orchestral piece, “Force III,” performed in the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore (1982). Founder and artistic director/producer of Res Musica Baltimore, Inc. (now Res Music America, Inc.) (1980-1991), promoting music by American living composers. Produced 52 concerts and 22 Res Musica youth concerts for the Baltimore City Public Schools.
http://www.leonarda.com/compr.html
http://www.baltimorecomposersforum.org/members/rudow_vivian_adelberg/personal_info.html
http://music.dartmouth.edu/~wowem/homework/rudow.html
    1939 – Phil Niekro (d. 2020) was born in Blaine, OH.  "Knucksie" made his major league debut in 1964 with the Milwaukee Braves and won 318 games over a 24-year career.  He was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.
    1940 - New York governor Herbert Lehman signed a bill legalizing pari-mutuel wagering at the state’s racetracks and outlawing bookmaking.
    1942 - Cootie Williams Band records monk’s “Epistrophy,” Chicago, IL.
    1942 - Birthday of Samuel Delany, Harlem, NYC. Science fiction writer, composer, musician. African American husband (1961-1980) of poet Marilyn Hacker.
http://www.uic.edu/depts/quic/history/samuel_delaney.html
http://www2.pcc.com/staff/jay/delany/
http://epc.buffalo.edu/authors/delany/
    1945 - The Battle of Okinawa began on Easter Sunday: the US 10th Army began Operation Iceberg, the invasion of the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa. Ground troops numbering 180,000 plus 368,000 men in support services made a total of 548,000 troops involved--the biggest amphibious operation of the Pacific war.
    1949 - The first television variety show series with an African-American cast was “Happy Pappy,” on WENR-TV, Chicago, IL. The program featured Ray Grant as master of ceremonies, the Four Vagabonds, and Modern Modes, and guests.
    1953 - The first educational television station sponsored by a city was WQED, Channel 13, Pittsburgh, PA, and went on the air today. A second education channel, WQEX, Channel 16, was granted a license on July 16, 1958, making Pittsburgh the first city with two educational television stations.
    1954 - U.S. Air Force Academy was founded in Colorado. President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill authorizing the establishment of an Air Force Academy, similar to West Point and Annapolis. On July 11, 1955, the first class was sworn in at Lowry Air Force Base. The academy moved to a permanent site near Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1958.
    1955 - Top Hits
“The Ballad of Davy Crockett” - Bill Hayes
“Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White” - Perez Prado
“Dance with Me Henry” (“Wallflower”) - Georgia Gibbs
“In the Jailhouse Now” - Webb Pierce
    1955 - Elvis Presley's fourth single, a cover of Arthur Gunter's "Baby, Let's Play House." backed with "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone," is released. Later in the month, Presley with Bill Black and Scotty Moore head off to New York to audition for "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts," as has Pat Boone. Presley is rejected and Boone will win first place
    1955 - George Martin became head of A&R for Parlophone, which will lead to his producing the Beatles seven years later when they are signed to the label.
    1956 - Chet Huntley began his successful news career with NBC. He started as a reporter and analyst of the Sunday news series, "Outlook." Soon, he would be teamed with David Brinkley for election coverage. The duo would click and become co-anchors of "The Huntley-Brinkley Report" nightly on NBC with Huntley presenting news from the New York studio while Brinkley reported from Washington, DC. John Chancellor, who would become the sole anchor of the "NBC Nightly News" years later, was also a part of the broadcast giving comment and analysis on the day’s top news. Huntley and Brinkley closed each news broadcast with the trademark, “Good night Chet. Good night David. And later, Tom Brokaw would say, “Good night from NBC News.”
    1956 - Elvis Presley arrived at Paramount Studios for a screen test, lip-synching "Blue Suede Shoes" and performing a scene as Bill Starbuck in “The Rainmaker,” still in production.  Presley was passed over for this film, and his role taken over by Burt Lancaster. Still impressed, however, Paramount and director Hal Wallis signed Elvis to a seven-year contract five days later.
    1957 - Elvis Presley played two concerts before 23,000 people at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. Presley performed outside the US only four times in his career - the two concerts in Toronto, one the next night in Ottawa and a later performance in Vancouver.
    1957 - Cadence Records releases the Everly Brothers' "Bye Bye Love," a song rejected by 30 labels before Cadence picked it up. It will go to #2 on the pop chart and #1 on the Country & Western chart.
    1957 – In front of one of the smallest crowds in Major League history, 432 paid, the Kansas City A’s and Pittsburgh Pirates battled to a scoreless tie that was called after 18 innings.  It was a spring training game.
    1957 - Frankie Lymon becomes the youngest act to ever headline London's Palladium when he performs there with the Teenagers.
    1959 – Freddy Cannon released “Tallahassee Lassie.”  With lyrics written by his mother, he prepared a new song which he called "Rock and Roll Baby" and produced a demo which his manager took to the writing and production team of Bob Crewe and Frank. They rearranged the song and rewrote the lyrics and offered to produce a recording in return for two-thirds of the composing credits.  The first recording of the song, now titled "Tallahassee Lassie was rejected by several record companies but was then heard by Dick Clark who suggested that the song be re-edited and overdubbed to add excitement, by highlighting the pounding bass drum sound and adding hand claps and Freddy's cries of "whoo!", which later became one of his trademarks.  The single was finally released by Clark’s Swan Records, with the company president, Bernie Binnick, suggesting Freddy's new stage name of "Freddy Cannon".  In 1959, it peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first of his 22 songs to appear on the Billboard chart, and also reached No. 13 on the R&B singles chart.  In the UK, it reached No. 17. "Tallahassee Lassie" sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA.
    1960 - The Boston Patriots of the American Football League made Wall Street history by becoming the first professional sports team to issue public stock.
    1960 - In Miami's Fontainbleu Hotel, Elvis Presley taped his post-Army comeback special, Frank Sinatra's “Welcome Home, Elvis,” also starring Sammy Davis Jr., Nancy Sinatra, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. Elvis sings "Fame and Fortune" and "Stuck on You," as well as Sinatra's own "Witchcraft." Frank responds by singing "Love Me Tender."    
    1962 – The Detroit Tigers signed University of Detroit basketball star Dave DeBusschere. He pitched effectively in 1962-3 with the White Sox, appearing in 36 games with an ERA of 2.90.  He went on to much more notoriety as a key member of the New York Knicks' NBA championship teams of 1970 and 1973.   He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 
    1963 - "The Doctors" premiered on NBC on the same day as ABC's long-running soap "General Hospital," providing viewers with a double dose of medical drama. The show was set at Hope Memorial Hospital and began as an anthology series that was subsequently transformed into a serial in 1964. Created by Orin Tovrov, "The Doctors" ran for 19 years. Ellen Burstyn, Anna Stuart, Nancy Pinkerton, Jonathan Hogan, Julia Duffy and Alec Baldwin are some of its famous alums.
    1963 - Longest newspaper strike in US history ends. The nine major papers in New York City ceased publication for over 100 days.
    1963 - Top Hits
“He’s So Fine” - The Chiffons
“South Street” - The Orlons
“Rhythm of the Rain” - The Cascades
“Still” - Bill Anderson
    1963 - “General Hospital," premiered on TV: ABC's longest-running soap, revolves around the denizens of fictional Port Charles, NY. "GH" was created by Doris and Frank Hursley. John Beradino, who was with the show from the beginning until his death in May 1996, played the role of Dr. Steve Hardy, upstanding director of medicine and pillar of the community. In the '80s, story lines became unusual with plots involving international espionage, mob activity and aliens. The wedding of super couple Luke and Laura (Anthony Geary and Genie Francis) was a ratings topper. By the '90s, stories moved away from high-powered action to more conventional romance. Many actors received their big break on the show, including Demi Moore, Janine Turner, Jack Wagner, Richard Dean Anderson, Rick Springfield, John Stamos, Emma Samms, Mark Hamill, Finola Hughes, Ricky Martin and Tia Carrere.
    1967 - The US Department of Transportation began operations.
    1969 - The Beach Boys left the Capitol label, suing them for over $2 million in back royalties and announced their intention to start their own label, Brother.
    1970 - President Richard Nixon signed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act into law, requiring the Surgeon General’s warnings on tobacco products and banning cigarette advertising on television and radio in the United States, starting on January 1, 1971.
    1970 - BEIKIRCH, GARY B., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces. Place and date: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 1 April 1970. Entered service at: Buffalo, N.Y. Born: 29 August 1947, Rochester, N.Y. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Beikirch, medical aidman, Detachment B-24, Company B, distinguished himself during the defense of Camp Dak Seang. The allied defenders suffered a number of casualties as a result of an intense, devastating attack launched by the enemy from well-concealed positions surrounding the camp. Sgt. Beikirch, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved unhesitatingly through the withering enemy fire to his fallen comrades, applied first aid to their wounds and assisted them to the medical aid station. When informed that a seriously injured American officer was lying in an exposed position, Sgt. Beikirch ran immediately through the hail of fire. Although he was wounded seriously by fragments from an exploding enemy mortar shell, Sgt. Beikirch carried the officer to a medical aid station. Ignoring his own serious injuries, Sgt. Beikirch left the relative safety of the medical bunker to search for and evacuate other men who had been injured. He was again wounded as he dragged a critically injured Vietnamese soldier to the medical bunker while simultaneously applying mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to sustain his life. Sgt. Beikirch again refused treatment and continued his search for other casualties until he collapsed. Only then did he permit himself to be treated. Sgt. Beikirch's complete devotion to the welfare of his comrades, at the risk of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1970 - LEMON, PETER C., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company E, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Tay Ninh province, Republic of Vietnam, 1 April 1970. Entered service at: Tawas City, Mich. Born: 5 June 1950, Toronto, Canada. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Lemon (then Sp4c.), Company E, distinguished himself while serving as an assistant machine gunner during the defense of Fire Support Base Illingworth. When the base came under heavy enemy attack, Sgt. Lemon engaged a numerically superior enemy with machine gun and rifle fire from his defensive position until both weapons malfunctioned. He then used hand grenades to fend off the intensified enemy attack launched in his direction. After eliminating all but 1 of the enemy soldiers in the immediate vicinity, he pursued and disposed of the remaining soldier in hand-to-hand combat. Despite fragment wounds from an exploding grenade, Sgt. Lemon regained his position, carried a more seriously wounded comrade to an aid station, and, as he returned, was wounded a second time by enemy fire. Disregarding his personal injuries, he moved to his position through a hail of small arms and grenade fire. Sgt. Lemon immediately realized that the defensive sector was in danger of being overrun by the enemy and unhesitatingly assaulted the enemy soldiers by throwing hand grenades and engaging in hand-to-hand combat. He was wounded yet a third time, but his determined efforts successfully drove the enemy from the position. Securing an operable machine gun, Sgt. Lemon stood atop an embankment fully exposed to enemy fire, and placed effective fire upon the enemy until he collapsed from his multiple wounds and exhaustion. After regaining consciousness at the aid station, he refused medical evacuation until his more seriously wounded comrades had been evacuated. Sgt. Lemon's gallantry and extraordinary heroism, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1970 - After one year as an American League expansion team, the Seattle Pilots moved to Milwaukee and became the Brewers. Automobile dealer Bud Selig purchased the team for $10.8 million.
    1970 - Ringo Starr entered Abbey Road alone for what would be the very last Beatles session, overdubbing percussion on "The Long and Winding Road," "Across The Universe," and "I Me Mine." Producer Phil Spector applied strings to all three. John Lennon and Yoko Ono played an April Fool's joke on an already confused press by announcing that they would undergo mutual sex-change operations.
    1971 - Top Hits
“Me and Bobby McGee” - Janis Joplin
“Just My Imagination” (“Running Away with Me”) - The Temptations
“Proud Mary” - Ike & Tina Turner
“After the Fire is Gone” - Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn
    1971 - Six months after his death, Jimi Hendrix's "The Cry of Love" goes gold. It is the last LP on which the guitarist was a willing participant and some say it might have gone higher than #3 had it not been for an LP by another deceased rock star, "Pearl," by Janis Joplin.
    1972 - The Major League Baseball Players Association went on strike for the first time, with the principal issue being contributions to the major league pension plan. The strike lasted 12 days and wiped out 86 regular season games.
    1976 - Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville" is released.
    1976 – Apple Computer, now Apple Inc., was formed by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne to sell the Apple I personal computer kit. The kits were computers single handedly designed and hand-built by Wozniak and first shown to the public at the Homebrew Computer Club.  The Apple I was sold as a motherboard (with CPU, RAM, and basic textual-video chips), which was less than what is now considered a complete personal computer.  The Apple I went on sale in July, 1976 and was market-priced at $666.66 ($2,772 in 2016 dollars, adjusted for inflation).  Apple is now the world’s largest information technology company by revenue ($233.7B), the world's largest technology company by total assets ($290.5B), and the world’s second largest mobile phone manufacturer. On November 25, 2014, in addition to being the largest publicly traded corporation in the world by market capitalization, Apple became the first U.S. company to be valued at over $700B. The company employs 115,000 permanent full-time employees as of July, 2015 and maintains 453 retail stores in sixteen countries as of March, 2015; it operates the online Apple Store and iTunes Store, the latter of which is the world's largest music retailer. 
    1976 – Conrail assumed the operations and control of seven bankrupt northeastern railroads:  Penn Central Transportation Company, Erie Lackawanna Railway, Lehigh Valley Railroad, Reading Company, Central Railroad of New Jersey, Lehigh and Hudson River Railway and Ann Arbor Railroad.  Conrail began to turn a profit in the 1980s and was turned over to private investors in 1987. The two remaining Class I railroads in the northeast, CSX and the Norfolk Southern Railway, agreed in 1997 to split the system approximately equally, returning rail freight competition to the Northeast by essentially undoing the 1968 merger of the Pennsylvania and New York Central Railroads that created Penn Central. 
    1979 - Top Hits
“Tragedy” - Bee Gees
“What a Fool Believes” - The Doobie Brothers
“Sultans of Swing” - Dire Straits
“I Just Fall in Love Again” - Anne Murray
    1979 – Iran became an Islamic republic by a 99% vote, officially overthrowing the Shah.  Political unrest had transformed into a revolution which, on January 17, forced him to leave Iran. Soon thereafter, the Iranian monarchy was formally abolished, and Iran was declared an Islamic republic led by Ruhollah Khomeini. Facing likely execution should he return to Iran, the Shah died in exile in Egypt, whose President, Anwar Sadat, had granted him asylum. Due to his status as the last de facto Shah of Iran, he is often known as simply "the Shah". His eldest son, Reza, currently heads National Council of Iran, a government in exile.
    1985 - In one of the greatest upsets in NCAA basketball tournament history, the Villanova University Wildcats upset the Hoyas of Georgetown University, 66-64, in the championship game. The Wildcats made 70% of their shots from the field and converted 22 of 27 free throws.
    1985 - David Lee Roth quit Van Halen shortly after releasing his version of The Beach Boys', "California Girls", which featured Carl Wilson on background vocals. Roth's record actually sold slightly better than the original. He was replaced by Sammy Hagar later in the year.
    1985 - The long-awaited album, "We Are the World", was finally released. Eight rock stars donated previously unreleased material for the LP. Three-million copies of the award-winning single of the same name had already been sold. The song, "We Are the World", was number five, and moving up, on the "Billboard" magazine pop singles chart.
    1985 – In what is highly regarded as one of sports’ best April Fool’s Day hoaxes, today's issue of “Sports Illustrated” contained a fictitious article about a New York Mets pitching phenom named Sidd Finch, whose fastball had been timed at 168 miles per hour. Author George Plimpton offered bogus quotes from real-life members of the Mets, as well as several staged photos, fooling readers nationwide.
    1986 - In Washington State 35,000 employees in female dominated jobs began receiving $41 million in pay equity payments.
    1987 - 45 cities in the southeastern US reported new record low temperatures for the date. Morning lows of 37 degrees at Apalachicola, Florida, 34 degrees at Jacksonville, Florida, 30 degrees at Macon, Georgia, and 22 degrees at Knoxville, Tennessee were records for the month of April.
    1987 - Top Hits
“Lean on Me” - Club Nouveau
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” - Starship
“Tonight, Tonight, Tonight” - Genesis
“Small Town Girl” - Steve Wariner
    1988 - A major winter storm battered the western high plains. Rye, Colorado was buried under 34 inches of snow. 19 inches was measured at Sharon Springs, Kansas and up to 17 inches fell in the Oklahoma panhandle
    1990 - Los Angeles Lakers Michael Cooper and Byron Scott appeared on an LA radio show and were informed during the broadcast that they had been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for Benoit Benjamin and Jeff Martin. Lakes teammate Mychal Thompson called the show to say that the two wouldn’t be missed. Host Joe McConnell then reminded his guests and his listeners that it was April Fools’ Day.
    1990 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather in Texas, from southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana to southern Georgia, and from northern South Carolina to the Upper Ohio Valley during the day and evening. Thunderstorms spawned a tornado at Evergreen, AL, and there were more than eighty reports of large hail and damaging winds. Thunderstorms produced baseball size hail north of Bastrop, LA, and produced damaging winds which injured one person west of , MS.
    1992 – The battleship, USS Missouri, on which Japan surrendered to end World War II, was decommissioned.  Ordered in 1940 and commissioned in June, 1944, “Mighty Mo” fought in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and shelled the Japanese home islands, and she fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. She was decommissioned in 1955 into the reserve fleet (the "Mothball Fleet") but reactivated and modernized in 1984 and provided fire support during Operation Desert Storm in January/February 1991. In 1998, she was donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association and became a museum ship at Pearl Harbor.
    1993 - Thousands of people stood in the rain at a pro-environment rally in Portland, Oregon. Neil Young, David Crosby, Kenny Loggins and the Wilson sisters were among the performers.
    1994 - Top Hits
“The Sign” - Ace of Base
“Bump N Grind” - R. Kelly
“Without You/Never Forget You” - Mariah Carey
“The Power of Love” - Celine Dion
    1996 - Rallying from a 6-0 deficit, the Mets beat the Cardinals, 7-6, making it the biggest Opening Day comeback of the century.
    1996 - Longtime umpire John McSherry collapsed and died from a heart attack on Opening Day in Cincinnati, in the 1st inning of a game between the Reds and Expos, which was cancelled. The 51-year-old McSherry had umpired in the NL for 26 seasons. Reds owner Marge Schott hit a low point with her insensitive remarks, blaming the plate umpire for spoiling the team's opening day celebrations.
    1997 - Setting a record for the most runs scored in one inning of an Opening Day contest this century, the Padres score 11 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning en route to a 12-5 rout of Mets. Chris Gomez, Rickey Henderson and Quilvio Veras lead the attack with back-to-back-to-back home runs.
    1999 - Top Hits
“Believe” - Cher
“Heartbreak Hotel” - Whitney Houston Feat. Faith Evans
“Every Morning” - Sugar Ray
“What’s It Gonna Be?” - Busta Rhymes Featuring Jane
    2001 - In the first Major League game ever played Puerto Rico, the Blue Jays defeat the Rangers, 8-1 in the season opener. Making his Texas debut, $252 million shortstop Alex Rodriguez gets the season's first hit and scores the first run, but also makes a throwing error on his first chance.
    2001 - A United States Navy surveillance aircraft collided with a Chinese fighter jet. The Navy crew made an emergency landing in Hainan, China and was detained.
    2002 - Maryland won the NCAA Men’s basketball title for the first – and only – time with a 64-52 win over Indiana. 
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/college/2002/n
    2003 - Top Hits
“In Da Club” - 50 Cent
“Ignition” - R. Kelly
“Miss You” - Aaliyah
“All I Have” - Jennifer Lopez Featuring LL Cool J
    2011 - The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 32,788 traffic deaths; the lowest number of deaths since 1949.
    2015 - California Governor Jerry Brown mandated a 25% cut in water usage, the first required water restriction in the state's history, as severe drought continued; earlier calls for a voluntary 20% reduction were not met.
2017 – Bob Dylan received the Nobel Prize for Literature at a private ceremony in Stockholm.
2019 - US online sales overtake retail sales for the first time, with 11.813% online compared with 11.807% for general merchandise stores.

NCAA Basketball Champions:
    1985 - Villanova
    1992 - Duke
    1996 - Kentucky
    2002 – Maryland
NCAA Women’s Basketball Champions:
    2001 – Notre Dame
    2018 – Notre Dame

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