Concert for Ukraine, Ken Greene, Producer
Report from Ken

On Monday, April 4, I was honored to produce "Concert for Ukraine", a benefit show. 100% of the proceeds are going to Ukraine through the Save The Children’s “Emergency Children’s Fund”. The event was held at The Borderline in Agoura Hills.

Borderline is tragically best known because of the horrific massacre that occurred at its old location in 2018, a senseless murder of 13 people by a deranged shooter. No stranger to adversity, the club has become a center for healing. Picking up on that lead, we held this event to raise money and promote awareness of the frightening and despicable war that is killing Ukrainian citizens and soldiers alike, and destroying their country.

We opened with a Ukrainian woman singing the Ukrainian National Anthem. After that, the list of artists, actors, and activists (35 in all) is long, but included emcee Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Pablo Cruise, members of Ambrosia, Rob Morrow, Ed Begley Jr., Scarlet Rivera and many, many more.

We raised somewhere between $10-15k but we are still taking donations at The Get Together Foundation, our 501c3 conduit to Save The Children, so if any of you want to give, please do: https://gettogetherfoundation.com/

It was a magnificent and heartwarming evening attended by about 300 people. For me, personally, I had the enormous pleasure of watching my son Alex perform “Imagine” with some of LA’s A list performers (and me!).

I was also blessed with the opportunity to play “We’re Not Gonna Take It” with my old high school buddy Dee Snider. First time we played in 50 years! Here’s a snippet:
https://bravewords.com/news/dee-snider-performs-twisted-sister-classic-we-re-not-gonna-take-it-acoustically-at-concert-for-ukraine-video

They say charity begins at home and I believe it. Doing our bit to help this beleaguered country, the warmth, community and solidarity of the attendees, and the serendipity of playing music with my son, my high school friend from New York, and my Marin and LA music buddies, all four corners of my own musical universe, made this a very special night for me, one I will never forget.

Here’s a short piece from ABC-TV:
https://abc7.com/ukraine-benefit-dee-snider-rob-morrow-borderline-bar-grill/11712282/

I hope you will all do whatever is in your power to bring this war to the end.

Ken Greene
Tel: 818.575.9095
Fax: 805.435.7464
ken@kengreenelaw.com
Alternate: kengreenelaw@outlook.com

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

According to new requirements by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), all car models manufactured in 2026 will need to guarantee a range of 40 miles on one gallon. This marks a sharp increase compared to today's standards established under former President Donald Trump, which mandated a fuel efficiency of 24 miles per gallon for 2022 models. As our chart based on the average fuel efficiency of gasoline-powered models shows, four out of the eight best-selling cars in the United States in 2021 wouldn't even manage to clear this lower bar.

Two of the worst offenders, the Chevrolet Silverado range with an average of 17.5 miles per gallon across all models and the Ram 1500 line with 20 miles per gallon on average, are among the top 3 cars in terms of sales numbers in the U.S.

This past year, Ram Trucks sold around 570,000 cars to United States customers, netting it second place before the Silverado product line with roughly 520,000 units sold.

The most popular car range in the U.S., the Ford F-Series, shifted about 726,00 units, but only managed to place fifth in terms of fuel efficiency when compared with the seven other best-selling passenger cars. Interestingly, even the model with the best average fuel efficiency, the Honda CR-V, wouldn't be able to fulfill the requirements set by the NHTSA with an approximate range of 32 miles per gallon.

According to NHTSA officials cited by the Associated Press, the new fuel efficiency standards could reduce gasoline consumption by more than 220 billion gallons over the lifespan of vehicles.

By Florian Zandt, Statista

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

New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries Leasing Business

Quinn Antshel was hired as Credit Advisor, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Nashville, Tennessee.  He is based in their office in Charlotte, North Carolina. He previously was Senior Commercial Credit Analyst, Wells Fargo (April, 2011 - February, 2022); Business Development Officer, NCB Capital Impact (August, 2005 - January, 2010); Assistant Vice President, Chevy Chase Bank (December, 2003 - August, 2005); Graduate School Associates, UBS Investment Bank (June, 2002 - August, 2002); Assistant Vice President, First Union Capital Markets Group (Now Wells Fargo Securities) (January, 1996 - May, 2001). Education: Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs.  Master of Public Administration, Administration (2001 - 2003). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Arts, Spanish (1991 - 1995). https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinn-antshel-43a3097/

Eric Chavez was hired as Senior Account Executive, Jules and Associates, Los Angeles, California. Previously, he was Account Manager, Regents Capital Corporation (September, 2019 - March, 2022). Education: University of Arizona, Bachelors in Retailing Consumer Sciences, Retailing and Consumer Sciences (2016 - 2019). Activities and Societies: Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Dedicated Student Philanthropists. https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-chavez-0333021b8/

Michael Childers was hired as Director of Equipment Finance, SVP, Citizens Bank, Little Rock, Arkansas. Previously, he was Vice President Equipment Finance, Simmons Bank (April, 2013 - April, 2022); Vice President, Leasing, Bank of the Ozarks (August, 2004 - April, 2013). Education: University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Bachelor's degree, Accounting (1992 - 2999). Lakeside.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-childers-1486293b/

Mark Hlavenka was hired as Director, Philips Capital, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Previously, he was Vice President, Dext Capital (October, 2021 - April, 2022). He joined  DLL, starting June, 2011, Program Manager/Healthcare Account Executive, promoted October, 2018, Healthcare Account Manager, promoted December, 2020, Account Manager, Named Accounts, Apple Financial.  Relationship Manager, US Bank Equipment Finance (June, 2008 - June, 2011); Territory Account Manager and Financial Service Account Manager, General Electric Capital, Healthcare Financial Services (April, 2003 - June, 2008); Account Executive, Small Fleet Services, General Electric Capital Corporation (July, 2001 - February, 2002); Account Executive, Commercial Asset Funding (January, 1998 - July, 2001); Associate Sales Representative, GE Capital CEF (July, 1995 - January, 1998). Education: Belmont Abbey College, BA, Business Administration (1986 - 1990). Queens University, McColl School of Business Masters, Business Administration (1995 - 1997). https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hlavenka-081b7915/

Corey Kerns was hired as Vice President and General Manager, Connected Technology Company, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He joined Collabrance December, 2015, as Senior Finance and Operations Analyst, December, 2015, promoted Director of Finance and Operations, May, 2018, promoted March, 2019, Vice President and General Manager. GreatAmerica Financial Services, joining January, 2011 as Financial Analyst; promoted April, 2013, as Senior Business Unit Financial Analyst.   Community Service: Volunteer: Board Member, YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area (April, 2018 - Present).  Student Mentor, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance (January, 2016 - Present.  Education: University of Iowa, Henry B Tippie College of Business.  Master of Business Administration (MBA). Wartburg College, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration (2007 - 2010).  Activities and Societies: Wartburg Football Student Coach, Delta Mu Delta, Honor Society, Phi Beta Sigma Honor Society, Alpha Chi Honor Society. https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykerns/

Casey Maley was hired as Senior Vice President of Business Development, SLR Equipment Finance, formerly known as Nations Equipment Finance In his role, Casey will help grow SLR Equipment Finance’s leasing and lending activities in the Ohio Valley region of the U.S. He is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Previously, he was Area Manager, Equipment Finance, U.S. Bank (December, 2018 - April, 2022).  He joined PNC Equipment Finance January, 2011, as Underwriter, promoted Assistant Vice President, Sales Associate, January, 2012, promoted Vice President, Area Manager, October, 2016, promoted Area Manager, Equipment Finance, December, 2018). Commercial Credit Analyst II, Fifth Third Bank (June, 2007 - April, 2010).  Education: Northern Kentucky University, Bachelor's degree, Finance, General (2003 - 2007). https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-maley-a3038b40/

Kevin McGarry was hired as Chief Credit Officer, eCapital Corporation, New York, New York.  Previously, he was EVP/Chief Credit Officer, Gerber Finance Inc. (August, 2016 - March, 2022); EVP, President Factoring Division, First Capital LLC (October, 2010 - July, 2016); President/Commercial Services Division, GMAC (August, 2003 - September, 2010); President/COO, GE Capital, Commercial Services (June, 2001 - July,2003); President, Congress Talcott Corporation, Congress Financial (April, 1995 - May, 1999); Executive Vice President, Heller Financial (1978 - 1999). Education: New York Institute of Credit, Credit/Financial Management, Credit/Finance (1979 - 1982). Queens College, Finance, Accounting/Finance (1976 - 1978).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmcgarry/

Ryan Mundy was promoted to C&I Portfolio Manager, Meridian Bank, Malvern, Pennsylvania. He is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He joined the firm November, 2018, as Commercial Credit Analyst, promoted June, 2021, Senior Credit Analyst.  Previously, he was Portfolio Officer, DLL Financial Solutions Partner (July, 2017 - November, 2018); Intern, Williams Chevrolt (June, 2016 - August, 2016); Mover, Wayne Moving and Storage Company/Agent for Atlas Van Lines (June, 2010 - June, 2016). Volunteer: Sid Walker, Quest Therapeutic Services (October, 2016 - Present). Leader, Quest Therapeutic Services (October, 2016 - Present).  Education: West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor Science, BS, Finance, General (2013 - 2017).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmundy1994/

Robert Munz was hired as Vice President, Equipment Finance, Honuor Capital, Chagrin Falls, Ohio.   He is located in Cleveland, Ohio.  Previously he was Vice President, Relationship Manager Midwest, Equipment Finance, TriState Capital Bank (February, 2020 - January, 2022); Vice President, Capital Equipment Group, U.S. Bank, Equipment Finance (July, 2018 - February, 2020); Vice President, Fifth Third Equipment Finance (July, 2017 - July, 2018); Vice President, Commercial Lending, Home Savings & Loan Company (February, 2016 - November, 2016); Vice President, Equipment Finance, First Niagara Bank (August, 2015 - February, 2016); Vice President, Key Equipment Finance, January, 2008 - October, 2014); Vice President, Maxus Capital Group (2006 - 2007). Education: Ohio University, Bachelor's Degree.  Chagrin Falls High School.  Leadership Georgia (2016 - 2017). https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-munz-05102168/

Ryan Ruicci was hired as Senior Account Manager, Leasing Specialist, Equipment Leasing and Finance, Tandem Equipment Finance Canada, Golden Horseshoe, Ontario, Canada. Previously, he was Senior Account Executive, Leasing Specialist, Equipment Leasing and Financing, CWB National Leasing (October, 2010 - April, 2012); Account Manager, Global Warranty (2008 - 2010); Financial Services Manager, Finance Specialist, Leasing Specialist, Betterway Auto Sales (2006 - 2009); Financial Services Manager, Finance Specialist, Leasing Specialist, Gemini Auto (2002 - 2005). Education: Dale Carnegie (2013). Sandler Sales Training (2010 - 2012). https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanruicci/

Trish Thiele was hired as Financial Advisor Assistant, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Nashville, Tennessee. She has more than 20 years of financial services experience and comes to Pinnacle Financial Partners most recently from Camber Road. Her prior roles included serving as an equipment finance lead account manager at Wells Fargo and as a sales representative at Alta Technologies.

Brad Wolf was hired as Director, National Accounts, GreatAmerica Financial Services, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is located in the Greater Chicago, Illinois Area.  Previously he was HP Integrated Financial Services A3 Program Manager, HP (March, 2018 - April, 2022); Senior Account Executive, De Lage Landen (December, 2010 - April, 2022); Account Manager, EverBank (March, 2008 - April, 2010); Lease Sales, GE Capital (1989 - 1993).  Education: Western Illinois University, BS (1989 - 1993). Societies: Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-wolf-03505723/

Thomas "Tom" Zettwuch was hired as Vice President of Business Development, SLR Equipment Finance, Wilson, Connecticut. He is located in the Greater Tampa Bay Area.  Previously, he was Director, Truist Securities (September, 2020 - April, 2022); Director, SunTrust Equipment Finance and Leasing Corporation, sun Trust Robinson Humphrey (November, 2017 - September, 2020); Senior Vice President, Bank of America (March, 2010 - November, 2017); Senior Vice President, General Electric Capital Corporation (February, 2008 - February, 2009); Director, Wachovia Equipment Finance (March, 2005 - February, 2008); Vice President and Senior Account Manager, General Electric Capital Corporation (January, 1998 - January, 2005); Vice President, First Union National Bank, International Corporate Banking (January, 1992 - January, 1998); Assistant Vice President, Norddeutsche Landesbank (March, 1989 - January, 1992); Assistant Treasurer, Commerzbank AG (July, 1984 - March, 1989); Senior Credit Analyst, Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company (June, 1981 - July, 1984) Education: State University of New York College at Plattsburgh, BS, Business Management (1979 - 1982). https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-zettwuch-77a34612/

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

Help Wanted Ads

Why You Should be Active on LinkedIn.com

FinTech #102 by Alex Vasilakos

When it comes to social media in business, we find that many believe it is necessary to post and engage on their business pages, but this is simply not true. There are many reasons as to why branding oneself as a business to do trust is important.

Here are the top three reasons why you should get active on LinkedIn.

Reputation Management
Your LinkedIn profile is your online reputation, your digital resume, and your virtual footprint. When building your profile, it is imperative that you remain honest, consistent, and strategic, utilizing industry-specific language. Highlighting experiences and accomplishments, as well as sharing informative and engaging content will also aid in managing your professional reputation.

Establish Credibility
Through skill endorsements and pulse articles, LinkedIn is an excellent way to establish yourself as an expert in your field. The idea of becoming credible works hand-in-hand with what you’ve posted and that helps to manage your reputation. For example, if you write in your LinkedIn summary that you have 15 years of experience in human resources, you have the ability to validate that statement by publishing an article on your page about talent recruiting that showcases that knowledge. Similarly, if you decide that “leadership” is one of your skills, your connections will be able to endorse that skill, allowing the element of social proof to come into play.

Networking
LinkedIn has evolved into a platform that goes far beyond “connecting with people you know,” or finding a job. LinkedIn has become a way for professionals and business owners to virtually network with anyone, from any industry, from anywhere.

LinkedIn allows you to search for professional individuals in any specific niche, and instantly send them a connection request followed up by a message, opening the door to a phone conversation which can quickly turn into a referral partnership.

Using LinkedIn as a networking tool at least three times per week, better yet once a day,  will not only increase your connections, but may increase your number of referral sources as well.

Alex Vasilakos
Director of Marketing
The Finance Marketing Group
Alex@financemarketing.com 

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

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

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

Computing Interest Rates Programs
For Use in New State Commercial Finance Laws

Source:
https://www.nav.com/business-loan-calculators/merchant-cash-advance-apr-calculator/

In the old days, late 1960’s and early 1970’s, companies would issue their buy rate for the term and amount for sales representatives’ calculations. They then add the factor to 1.00 and multiply it times the company buy rate. For instance, .0331 and the salesman wanted five points, multiply 1.05 times .0331 and it would be .034755. Then multiply this to the amount being financed to get the monthly payment.

Brokers were taught to tell prospects the rate in add on, not APR. Five year factor of .025 was 18% APR; 10% add on.  First and last would increase the interest rate, as well as a balloon or residual at the end.

Today, the most popular calculator software is TValue, available online or software for your computer of smartphone:
https://www.timevalue.com/tvalue-products

You can also purchase the calculator to put on your website by going to: https://www.timevalue.com/tcalc-financial-calculators

There are other financial portals and calculation tools:
Bankrate.com
Kiplinger.com
The Motley Fool

Merchant Cash Advance APR Calculator
Kabbage, OnDeck, plus Term Loan APR Calculator
(upper left on site below, plus add below site to your website)
https://www.nav.com/business-loan-calculators/merchant-cash-advance-apr-calculator/

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

Survey: Economic Soundness Means Owning a Home
Front and Center in the American Dream

As a whole, the latest survey by Bankrate and conducted by YouGovPlc found that respondents very much value the stability of owning a single-family home and view it as a key indicator of economic soundness. It also found that for respondents that did not own a home, they felt that soaring prices amid an environment of rising interest rates were holding them back from achieving homeownership.

Greg McBride, Bankrate’s Chief Financial Analyst, said, “Non-homeowners cite insufficient income, high home prices and not being able to afford a down payment or closing costs as the most common barriers to becoming a homeowner. “High—and rising—home prices can contribute to the feelings of not having enough income or savings accumulated to buy a house.”

While many during the pandemic re-evaluated their living situation, the majority of respondents confirmed that they are happy with their current situation.

“Nearly three in four homeowners say they would still buy their current home if they had it to do all over again,” continued McBride. “Paying down debt, building savings and knowing the limits of what you can afford all provide the stable financial foundation on which no-regrets homeownership is built.”

Homeownership is front and center in the American dream

According to the survey, 74% of respondents ranked owning a home first as the highest hallmark of economic prosperity. This is followed by being able to retire (66%); a successful career (60%); owning a car (50%); having children (40%); and getting a college degree (35%).

Further, the data on owning a home was relatively consistent across all age groups above 26-year-old. The only generation to not view home ownership as the top spot was Generation Z (now aged 18-25), but they still ranked it at a close second; their first choice as having a successful career (60%).

Most homeowners would buy the same home again

The majority of homeowners like their current living situation enough that 72% responded that they would buy their current home again if given the chance and had no intention of moving. 18% responded that they would seek other accommodations, while 10% were undecided.

Source: DSNews.com

Among the megalomaniac yachts detained in Europe are some of the biggest known to be owned by now sanctioned Russians. This is according to information by the Russian Asset Tracker and several media reports by Forbes and others. The Crescent, currently being held in Tarragona on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, is linked to sanctioned Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin. At an approximate value of $600 million and a length of 443 feet, it is one of the largest yachts in the world and is said to feature a large glass-bottom pool, a helicopter hangar and a two-story glass atrium.

Another enormous vessel - nabbed by authorities while undergoing repairs in Hamburg, Germany – is the Dilbar, owned by Metalloinvest’s Alisher Usmanov. It is the world’s largest yacht measured by interior volume and has a staggering length of 511 feet. The yacht is believed to have been even more expensive upon delivery in 2016 than the Crescent, which was finished in 2019. Finally, the world’s largest sailing yacht, three-master SY A, was detained in Trieste, Italy. It is owned by Andrey Melnichenko of EuroChem and coal company SUEK.

But several more of the biggest boats owned by sanctioned Russian oligarchs are currently out of reach of Western authorities. These vessels have been sighted in the Maldives, Dubai or Turkey - all countries that haven't imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and have no extradition agreements with the West. The latter nation is currently hosting two boats of yacht aficionado and soon-to-be former Chelsea F.C. owner Roman Abramovich.

Other highly publicized detainments of superyachts included Alexey Mordaschov’s Lady M and Gennady Timchenko’s Lena, both held up in Italy. The vessels are valued at comparably low $27 million and $8 million, considering loss of value after delivery. The only other yacht of a value of more than $50 million belonging to a sanctioned Russian billionaire was detained in the islands of Mallorca – Victor Vekselberg’s Tango. The latest catch was a $38 million superyacht belonging to an unnamed Russian businessman, who was frozen by British authorities in London’s Canary Wharf in connection with sanctions, The Guardian reported Tuesday.

By Katharina Buchholz, Statista

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

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

Mitsubishi HC Capital America Identifies 5 Trends in Commercial Finance for Remainder of 2022
Expert cautions that ‘bad loans happen in good times’

NORWALK, CT.  As the first quarter of 2022 wraps up, the commercial finance industry continues to deal with inflation, supply chain issues and war in Ukraine. Considering this constantly shifting environment, Mitsubishi HC Capital America has identified five relevant commercial financing trends that are emerging for the balance of the year.

In a year shaping up like no other, commercial lenders will benefit by staying on top of these five emerging trends, outlined by Jim Giaimo, Chief Credit Officer – Commercial Finance, Mitsubishi HC Capital America.

1. Abundant liquidity in the marketplace. With plenty of money available to lend, competition for deals will increase, and in large part will be based on interest rates. In effect, squeezed margins will have lenders chasing more deals for lower yields. “When there’s a lot of money on the street, there can be a tendency to take shortcuts,” Giaimo warns. That can lead into a cycle of treacherous decisions.
2. Loosening of credit standards. While it’s tempting to get deals done quickly in a highly competitive market, lenders should remain wary of loosening credit standards, says Giaimo. Liquidity in the marketplace lends itself to competitive pricing, then moves to lowered standards when structuring deals, and then on to credit. “Lenders may start lending to companies they normally would not – and with higher amounts than usual,” he continues. “Lenders need to be on the lookout when standards start to drop on all three points: pricing, deal structure and credit.”
3. Boom in clean energy markets. The tremendous potential for clean energy products and services has more players entering the sector, including more banks and financial institutions. And as rates rise this year, the market could see even further interest in the sector from banks. “It’s easy to let standards down in light of growth opportunities,” reminds Giaimo. He cautions lenders to remain consistent in risk appetite and credit approval practices as they try to gain a foothold in the green space.
4. Need for renewed risk evaluation. The confluence of factors including inflation, rising interest rates, ongoing supply chain disruptions and international conflicts will require credit officers to increase vigilance. “In times of uncertainty, it’s critical to place more attention on risk evaluation,” states Giaimo.
5. Increased competition throughout the commercial finance sector. For all the reasons stated here, commercial finance lenders can expect increased competition in all areas the remainder of this year, according to Giaimo. Mitsubishi HC Capital America, for example, is closing transactions for companies of various sizes and at different growth stages of company development. “We’ve found that working with small to medium-size companies and growing with them is core to long-term relationships and business stability.”

“Bad loans happen in good times,” says Giaimo. In 2022, he stresses, the lure of a quick deal based on price alone can wind up costing far more than expected in the long run. “Staying true to proven standards, with an eye on flexible and customized deals will help lenders weather the ups and downs of the year.”

Giaimo and members of Mitsubishi HC Capital America’s Structured Finance division will be attending ELFA’s 33rd Annual National Funding Conference in Chicago, April 12-14.

About Mitsubishi HC Capital America
Mitsubishi HC Capital America is a specialty finance company that brings a consultative approach and expertise to customers of all sizes to help their businesses grow every day. Serving as a collaborative partner, we provide customized financing solutions for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, work trucks/transportation, IT, staffing, healthcare and clean technology/mobility. We are committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to improve the communities where we operate. Visit https://www.mhccna.com/en-us

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

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

Watch at Home:
by Fernando Croce

A comedy specialist for decades, director Ivan Reitman (1946-2022) could bring genuine sweetness to blockbuster laughter. So check out our list for some of his most beloved films.

Meatballs (1979): After briefly trading in low-budget horror, Reitman scored his first breakthrough hit with this cheerful summer-camp comedy, which marked his first teaming with Bill Murray. Murrayplays Tripper,the goofy head counselor at a dilapidated camp named Northstar. Though surrounded by young misfits, Tripper never acts above them, preferring to help them through their insecurities with humor. Chief among his adolescent charges is Rudy (Chris Makepeace), a neglected boy who gradually gains confidence with his new friend. For his own part, Rudy becomes an unlikely matchmaker in the romance between Tripper and the girls’ head counselor, Roxanne (Kate Lynch). Though predictable, this warm-hearted trifle gets a huge boost from Murray, who, fresh off “Saturday Night Live,” already displays his inimitablyscruffy, generous charm.

Stripes (1981): The funny side of the Army is the subject of Reitman’spopular comedy, which updates classic barrack hijinks for the early Eighties. BillMurray plays John Winger, a wise-guy New York taxi driver who, after a streakof bad luck, decides to try a new direction by enlisting in the armed forces. Together with his roommate Russell (Harold Ramis), he enters basic training and joins a gaggle of assorted misfits and goofballs. Promptly locking horns with tough-as-nails Sgt. Hulka (Warren Oates), John and his friends get a chance to show their patriotic skills when they find themselves behind enemy lines in Czechoslovakia. Boasting crowd-pleasing gags and a supporting cast that includes John Candy, the film should tickle the funny bone of hawk and dove alike.

Ghostbusters (1984): Reitman reaches back into his early horror experiences for this colossally popular blockbuster, which seasons its laughs with chills. The eponymous spook-hunting group are a batch of New York scientists, Peter (Bill Murray), Ray (Dan Aykroyd), Egon (Harold Ramis) and Winston (Ernie Hudson), who offer their services in dealing with supernatural beings. Their business booms to a dangerous degree when one of their clients, Dana (Sigourney Weaver), begins to have visions of an encroaching apocalypse. With an ancient demon named Zuul lurking in the wings, it’s a matter of time before their skills are put to a world-saving test. A childhood favorite of many a movie buff, the movie deftly balances improvisational humor with state-of-the-star special effects. Rick Moranis and Annie Potts also shine in the cast.

Twins (1988): In the tradition of mismatched comic stars, Reitman teams up towering Arnold Schwarzenegger and diminutive Danny DeVito in this energetic romp. As part of a government genetic experiment, two very different brothers are separated at birth. One, Julius (Schwarzeneger), is a gentle giant living in Austria, while the other, Vincent (DeVito), is a sarcastic Los Angeles conman. Upon learning of his beginnings, Julius heads out to America to meet his long-lost sibling. Though at first the two have little in common, they gradually bond during their search for their mother (Bonnie Bartlett). Filled with gangsters and hit men, not to mention family secrets, their journey is a bumpy one. A sort of modern-day tall tale, the film remains engaging thanks to the fusion of Schwarzenegger’s sweetness and DeVito’s abrasiveness.

Dave (1993): “The Prince and the Pauper” goes to Washington in Reitman’swarm and appealingly earnest satire. Kevin Kline is terrific in a dual role as Dave Kovic, a small-time business owner, and the U.S. President himself. Dave is hired as a double for a photo op, but when the President suffers a heart attack, the masquerade has to continue for longer than expected. At first, he’s merely a pawn in a scheme by the opportunistic chief of staff (Frank Langella). However, the plan becomes complicated as Dave learns about how he can change things—and starts to fall in love with none other than the First Lady herself(Sigourney Weaver). Full of charm and hope, the film genially reimaginesThirties comedies like “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”

Boxer/Pit Bull Mix
West Cornwall, Connecticut  Adopt-a-Dog

Bently

Male
5 years old
75 lbs.
Neutered
Estimated DOB: 5/08/2016
Good with Kids: No
Good with Dogs: Selective
Good with Cats: Yes

Bentley is having a peaceful recovery from his leg surgery and can’t wait to be in a home! He can be slow to trust but it’s easy to be earned, especially if you have his favorite treat…Milkbones! Once he bonds with you, he will show you his happy-go-lucky, affectionate side. We have been working with him closely since he came to us and has been a very sweet and loving boy.  Bentley needs someone to work with him daily and provide structure. He is such a smart boy who enjoys having a leader in his life. Bentley is fine with other animals, children 12 and up will be the best fit for him only because of his size and strength. Bentley has so much potential and will strive in a home environment. He can’t wait to meet his new family and show them everything he has to offer!

The Little Guild
285 Sharon Goshen Turnpike
West Cornwall, CT 06796
860-672-6346
https://www.littleguild.org/

VISITING HOURS
Monday/Tuesday - Closed
Wednesday- Friday - 12 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday - 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

DOG ADOPTION APPLICATION
https://www.littleguild.org/dog-adoption-application

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

Trader Joe's Oak Knoll District Reserve Merlot 2020
Oak Knoll Valley, Napa, California
By Kevan R. Wilkinson, Leasing News Wine Reviewer

When I was at Trader Joe's and saw the words "Oak Knoll District" on a bottle of wine for only $9.99, I had to do a double-take. It is virtually impossible to find a merlot from that area in Napa Valley for that price point.

This reserve merlot, available exclusively at Trader Joe's, is a high-caliber wine packed with black currants, cherries, and cassis and topped off with a dash of spicy oak.

My wife and I enjoyed a glass of this wine with a homemade ravioli dish and a watercress salad with lemon dressing.

I would classify this merlot as a notch above the medium-body category, but it is not a full-bodied wine. But it has a very tasteful Merlot flavor. I highly recommend you try this wine yourself.

It is worth well more than $9.99, so pick up a bottle (or two). Available at Trader Joe's for $9.99/bottle.

Kevan R. Wilkinson | Digital Content Manager | BALBOA CAPITAL | kevanrw@balboacapital.com| www.balboacapital.com

Previous Wine Reviews
https://leasingnews.org/Pages/wine_reviews.html

News Briefs---

Relying on Google Maps to Verify a Merchant’s
    Business? Be Careful
https://debanked.com/2022/04/relying-on-google-maps-to-verify-a-merchants-business-be-careful/

Yellen calls for cryptocurrency regulations
    to reduce risks, fraud
https://nypost.com/2022/04/07/janet-yellen-calls-for-crypto-regulations-to-cut-risks-fraud/

Elon Musk’s missed Twitter deadline made him millions,
    experts say
https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/04/07/elon-musks-missed-twitter-deadline-made-him-millions-experts-say/

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

You May Have Missed---

They were spending all their income on rent.
A garage turned ADU saved them
https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2022-04-05/garage-turned-adu-los-angeles?utm_id=52320&sfmc_id=1646692

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

Sports Briefs---

Tiger Woods’ impressive 2022 Masters return
    was a unique Augusta spectacle
https://nypost.com/2022/04/07/tiger-woods-has-impressive-2022-masters-return/

Round 2: Braves hope 2021 magic continues
    as new season starts
https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-celebrate-world-series-title-one-more-time-before-beginning-2022-season/ERR3ODQO3BDT7BQKS656BM3M5Q/

Steph Curry reacts to LeBron James’ comment
    about teaming up: ‘Fantasy world’
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/warriors/article/LeBron-James-says-he-d-pick-Steph-Curry-as-a-17062673.php

49ers sign WR Marcus Johnson
https://www.theredzone.org/Blog-Description/EntryId/22183/49ers-sign-WR-Marcus-Johnson

Ray Horton, Steve Wilks join Brian Flores' discrimination
    lawsuit against NFL
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2022/04/07/brian-flores-lawsuit-ray-horton-steve-wilks-nfl/9493568002/

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

California Nuts Briefs---

More gray whales, including a baby,
    spotted in the San Francisco Bay
https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/Gray-whales-appearing-in-San-Francisco-Bay-17058931.php

Report: Homeless man shielded bystanders
during Sacramento mass shooting
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Sacramento-coroner-identifies-shooting-victim-17056342.php

Plans for up to 3,600 homes at two Berkeley BART stations
move ahead with vote on 12-story buildings
https://www.sfchronicle.com/eastbay/article/Plans-for-up-to-3-600-homes-at-two-Berkeley-BART-17064841.php

S.F. teachers are resigning in big numbers.
The payroll fiasco likely isn’t helping
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/bayarea/heatherknight/article/S-F-teachers-are-resigning-in-big-numbers-The-17060195.php

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

"Gimme that wine"

Big Basin Vineyards Debuts in Santa Cruz, California
https://www.ediblemontereybay.com/blog/big-basin-vineyards-debuts-in-santa-cruz/

Winners announced for the 10th North Coast Wine Challenge
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/winners-announced-for-the-10th-north-coast-wine-challenge/

Wildfires destroyed these Napa wineries.
Rebuilding has been another nightmare
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/California-wildfires-napa-wineries-17059466.php

“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/

This Day in History

      1726 – Birthday of Lewis Morris (d. 1798) at Westchester County, NY.  Signer of the Declaration of Independence.  He purchased the first tract of land in The Bronx that became the basis for his Morrisania Manor, much of which is still the Morrisania section of The Bronx.  All of the Morris property and nearly all of his wealth had been destroyed in the Revolution.  Morris should have left Congress to ward off an impending British attack on New York which, by the end of June, had not occurred. Instead, Morris was on hand to sign the Declaration, even though he knew that a large British army had landed within a few miles of his estate, that their armed ships were lying within cannon shot of his homestead, and that his extensive possessions would probably be pillaged. "Damn the consequences, give me the pen," Morris is said to have shouted. Soon after, more than a thousand acres of woodland, all located on navigable water, were burned, his house was ransacked, his family driven away, his livestock captured, his domestics and tenants dispersed, and the entire property laid to waste and ruined. For the next six years, he and his family suffered many privations, until the evacuation of New York City. Early in 1777, he relinquished his seat in Congress to his half-brother, Gouverneur, on which occasion that body passed a resolution complimenting him and his colleagues "for their long and faithful services." http:www.lewismorris.com/
    1731 - William Williams (d. 1811) was born at Lebanon, CT.  Signer of the Declaration of Independence.  http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/williams.htm
    1823 - Marines chased pirates east of Havana, Cuba.
    1832 - Some 300 American troops of the 6th Infantry left Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, to confront the Sauk Indians in what would become known as the Black Hawk War.
    1834 - Previously, mayors had been chosen by a board of the Common Council but the first city mayor was elected in New York City when Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence, a Democrat, defeated Gulian Crommelin Verplanack, a Whig, in the three-day election which ended April 10.  There were 34,988 votes cast, of which 17,573 were for Lawrence, 17,393 for Verplanck, and 22 for others.  Seven other municipal officers were also elected.
    1855 - Stonemasons were laying the foundation of Ft. Point in San Francisco. Massive granite blocks were coming from Monterey for the construction. A top tourist destination today.
    1865 - General Robert E. Lee's retreat was cut off near Appomattox Court House. Lee requested to meet with General Ulysses Grant to discuss possible surrender.
    1872 - The "Father of Canadian Rodeo," O. Raymond Knight (d. 1947) was born at Payson, UT. His father, the Utah mining magnate Jesse Knight, founded the town of Raymond, Alberta in 1901. In 1902, Raymond produced Canada's first rodeo, "Raymond Stampede." He also built rodeo's first grandstand and first chute in 1903.
    1873 - Alfred Paraf of New York City, who organized the Oleo-Margarine Manufacturing Company, obtained a patent on his process for purifying and separating fats.  In 1886, Congress imposed a tax regarding the manufacturer, importing and exporting of oleomargarine.  In 1877, New York enacted “an act for protection of dairymen and to prevent deception in sales of butter.”
    1886 - Alice Throckmorton McLean (d. 1968) was born in NYC.  She was president of the American Women's Voluntary Services in World War II with a working membership of more than 325,000 who did everything from selling bonds to teaching, to mechanical work, to air raid defense management.  Her mother was one of the founders of the day nursery school movement. (Studied the British, Finnish, and Swiss volunteer organizations and founded the AWVS in 1940 as a private organization.)  At first, no one knew what to do with the organization since the U.S. was still at peace, there was a prevailing belief of isolationism among many politicians, and, of course, women were thought to be worthless except as mothers and housekeepers. The AWVS gave first aid classes and women joined by the thousands. They were involved in defense photography, map reading, child care, workshop, conservation, salvage, canteens, rehabilitation and motor transport, even fruit pickers. They sold a billion dollars’ worth of War Bonds. They took photographs of men and women in the service for their families back home, made and reconditioned clothing for children and babies, and chauffeured almost 400 military cars. They knew what to do even if the politicians didn't.  
    1892 – “America’s Sweetheart,” Mary Pickford (d. 1979) was born in Toronto, Canada.  She is widely recognized as the world’s first movie star and acted in such films as “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm,” “Pollyanna,” and “Poor Little Rich Girl.”  With Charlie Chaplin, D.W. Griffith and her second husband, Douglas Fairbanks, she founded United Artists.  She was also one of the original 39 founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.  She was awarded the Oscar for Best Actress, the second ever, for “Coquette” (1929).
    1904 - Hirsch Jacobs (d. 1970), thoroughbred trainer and owner, was born at New York, New York.  Jacobs became a trainer in 1923 and was particularly adept at selecting horses in claiming races.  He saddled 3,596 winners and earned $15,340,354.  In 1958, Hirsch Jacobs was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.  
    1909 - Birthday of novelist John Fante (d. 1983) in Denver.
http://www.canongate.net/people/pep.taf?_p=2154
    1912 - Sonja Henie (d. 1969), Olympic gold medal figure skater, was born at Oslo, Norway. Henie competed in the 1924 Winter Olympics when she was just 11 but finished last in ladies' singles. She won gold medals at the Winter Games of 1928, 1932 and 1936. She became a professional skater and an actress “Sun Valley Serenade.”
    1913 – The 17th Amendment was ratified and established the popular election of Senators by the people of the states. The amendment supersedes Article 1, Section 3, Clauses 1 and 2 of the Constitution, under which senators were elected by state legislatures. It also alters the procedure for filling vacancies in the Senate, allowing for state legislatures to permit their governors to make temporary appointments until a special election can be held. The advent and popularity of primary elections during the last decade of the 19th century and the early 20th century, and a string of senatorial scandals, most notably involving William Lorimer, an Illinois political boss in 1909, forced the Senate to end its resistance to a constitutional amendment requiring direct popular election of senators.
    1918 - A big spring snowstorm buried the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia with 34 inches of snow at Wardensville, 30 inches at Moorefield, and 29 inches at Romney.
    1918 – Former First Lady, Betty Ford, was born Elizabeth Ann Bloomer (d. 2011), Chicago.  The wife of the 38th President, Gerald Ford, she spoke out openly on social issues, was a strong women’s advocate and supported legalized abortion.  She used her 1974 mastectomy to educate women on breast cancer and, after her struggles with alcohol and prescription drug addictions, she opened an addiction center for treatment.  The Betty Ford Center opened in 1982 and remains one of the nation’s premier treatment centers.
    1919 - A tornado swarm in northern Texas resulted in the deaths of 64 persons
    1921 - Guitarist Leroy Holmes born Woodbine, FL
    1922 - Singer Carmen McRae (d. 1994) birthday, Harlem.  Considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century, it was her behind-the-beat phrasing and her ironic interpretations of song lyrics that made her memorable.  McRae drew inspiration from Billie Holiday but established her own distinctive voice. She went on to record more than 60 albums, enjoying a rich musical career, performing and recording in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
http://www.ddg.com/LIS/InfoDesignF96/Ismael/jazz/1950/McRae.html
http://www.gallery41.com/JazzArtists/CarmenMcRae.htm
    1926 - The lightning-set oil depot fire near San Luis Obispo, CA boiled over and engulfed 900 acres. Many tornado vortices resulted from the intense heat of the fire. One such tornado traveled 1000 yards, picked up a house and carried it 150 feet, killing the two occupants inside.
    1933 - Broadway lyricist Fred Ebb (d. 2004) was born in NYC. He is best known for the musical "Cabaret," which opened in New York in November, 1966 and ran for 1,166 performances. The original cast included Joel Grey, Jill Haworth and Lotte Lenya. Grey reprised his role in the 1972 film version of "Cabaret," which also starred Liza Minelli. The film won a number of Oscars.
    1935 - Congress approved the Works Progress Administration (WPA). It was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to help relieve the economic hardship of the Great depression.   http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/apr08.html
1939 - The first Intercollegiate Rodeo was held at historic Godshall Ranch, Apple Valley, CA. The student cowboys and cowgirls, who hailed from California and Arizona colleges and universities, were assisted by world champion professional cowboys including Harry Carey, Dick Foran, Curley Fletcher, Tex Ritter and Errol Flynn from Hollywood. Collegiate rodeos had been held since 1919 at Texas A&M University. College cowboys and cowgirls organized a national association in Texas in 1949 named National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, which continues today as the only national college rodeo organization.
    1943 - Wendell Willkie’s "One World" was published for the first time. In less than two months, sales reached a million copies.  In 1940, he lost the presidential race to Franklin D. Roosevelt by almost five million votes.
    1945 - CREWS, JOHN R., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company F, 253d Infantry, 63d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Lobenbacherhof, Germany, 8 April 1945. Entered service at: Bowlegs, Okla. Birth: Golden, Okla. Citation: He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 8 April 1945 near Lobenbacherhof, Germany. As his company was advancing toward the village under heavy fire, an enemy machinegun and automatic rifle with rifle support opened upon it from a hill on the right flank. Seeing that his platoon leader had been wounded by their fire, S/Sgt. Crews, acting on his own initiative, rushed the strongpoint with 2 men of his platoon. Despite the fact that 1 of these men was killed and the other was badly wounded, he continued his advance up the hill in the face of terrific enemy fire. Storming the well-dug-in position single-handedly, he killed 2 of the crew of the machinegun at pointblank range with his M 1 rifle and wrested the gun from the hands of the German whom he had already wounded. He then with his rifle charged the strongly emplaced automatic rifle. Although badly wounded in the thigh by crossfire from the remaining enemy, he kept on and silenced the entire position with his accurate and deadly rifle fire. His actions so unnerved the remaining enemy soldiers that 7 of them surrendered and the others fled. His heroism caused the enemy to concentrate on him and permitted the company to move forward into the village.
    1946 - James Augustus ("Catfish") Hunter (d. 1999), Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, born at Hertford, NC.   Hunter was the first pitcher since 1915 to win 200 career games by the age of 31.  He was also considered the first big-name free agent. After a contract violation on an annuity by Oakland A’s owner Charlie Finley in 1974, Hunter won arbitration in December and he was allowed to leave the Athletics as a free agent.  Hunter's statistics while he was with the Athletics were impressive: four consecutive years with at least 20 wins, and four World Series wins without a loss.  Two weeks after he won his arbitration, Hunter became the highest-paid player in baseball when he signed a five-year contract with the New York Yankees, worth $3.35 million.  For his career, he was a member of five World Series champions.  He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in his early 50s. He died of the disease about a year after his diagnosis.
    1949 - What television does today, radio did in 1949, drawing our full attention to three-year-old Kathy Fiscus of San Marino, CA.  While playing, she fell into an abandoned well pipe 14 inches wide and 120 feet deep. Rescue workers toiled for two days while national attention was focused on the tragedy. Her body was recovered Apr 10, 1949. An alarmed nation suddenly became attentive to other abandoned wells and similar hazards, and "Kathy Fiscus laws" were enacted in a number of places requiring new safety measures to prevent recurrence of such an accident.
    1950 - J.D. Salinger's story “For Esme—For Love and Squalor” appears in the New Yorker magazine.
http://www.levity.com/corduroy/salinger.htm
    1952 - President Harry S. Truman seized control of the nation's steel mills by presidential order in an attempt to prevent a shutdown by strikers. On Apr 29, a US District Court declared the seizure unconstitutional and workers immediately walked out. Production dropped from 300,000 tons a day to less than 20,000. After 53 days the strike ended on July 24, with steelworkers receiving a 16¢ hourly wage raise plus a 5.4¢ hourly increase in fringe benefits.
    1954 - Top Hits
“Wanted” - Perry Como
“Cross Over the Bridge” - Patti Page
“A Girl, A Girl” - Eddie Fisher
“Slowly” - Webb Pierce
    1955 - The first Medal of Honor to a helicopter pilot was conferred posthumously upon Lieutenant (j.g.) John Kelvin Koelsch of Hudson, NY.   On July 3, 1951, Koelsch and Aviation Machinist Mate George M. Neal volunteered to rescue James V. Wilkins from North Korea.  They took off in a helicopter without fighter escort.  The helicopter was shot down and the three men were captured a few days later.  Koelsch died of malnutrition and dysentery in a Korean prisoner-of-war camp on October 16, 1951.
    1956 - The Johnny Burnette Trio makes its TV debut, performing "Train Kept A-Rollin'," on ABC's Ted Mack's Amateur Hour. They will appear two more times on the show, but never win.
    1957 - Buddy Holly records "Words of Love," "Mailman, Bring Me No More Blues."
    1962 - Top Hits
“Johnny Angel” - Shelley Fabares
“Good Luck Charm” - Elvis Presley
“Slow Twistin'” - Chubby Checker
“She's Got You” - Patsy Cline
    1963 - Steve Brooks became only the fifth race jockey to ride 4,000 career winners.
    1963 - The 35th Annual Academy Awards at Santa Monica's Civic Auditorium (Los Angeles). Frank Sinatra hosted.  Seven Oscars including the #1 award for Best Picture went to "Lawrence of Arabia" (Sam Spiegel, producer).  The epic production earned Oscars for David Lean (Best Director); Freddie Young (Best Cinematography/Color); John Box, John Stoll, and Dario Simoni (Best Art Direction/Set Decoration/Color); John Cox with Shepperton SSD (Best Sound); Anne V. Coates (Best Film Editing); Maurice Jarre (Best Music/Score - Substantially Original).  Films of 1962 included "The Manchurian Candidate,” "Mutiny on the Bounty," "Walk on the Wild Side," "The Longest Day," "The Music Man," "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," "Birdman of Alcatraz," and "Taras Bulba." Those that won the top awards other than "Lawrence of Arabia" were "To Kill a Mockingbird" (Best Actor - Gregory Peck; Best Art Direction/Set Decoration/Black-and-White - Alexander Golitzen, Henry Bumstead, Oliver Emert; Best Writing/Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium - Horton Foote); "The Miracle Worker" (Best Actress - Anne Bancroft, Best Supporting Actress - Patty Duke); "Sweet Bird of Youth" (Best Supporting Actor - Ed Begley); and "Days of Wine and Roses" [title song] (Best Music/Song: - Henry Mancini (music), Johnny Mercer lyrics). http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0148906.html
    1963 - John and Cynthia Lennon become the proud parents of a baby boy who they name Julian, after John's late mother, Julia. The lad would grow up to have a music career of his own, scoring Top Ten hits with "Valotte" (#9 in 1984) and "Too Late for Goodbyes" (#5 in 1985).
    1964 - The Supremes record "Where Did Our Love Go."
    1965 – Sixteen-year-old Lawrence Bradford of NYC became the first black page appointed by the Senate.
    1966 - In the last of a series of moves to abolish poll taxes, a three-judge federal court at Jackson, MS, outlawed Mississippi's $2 poll tax as a voting requirement for state and local elections.
    1966 - At the Astrodome, the Astros and Dodgers play baseball's first game on synthetic grass. Thanks to the Monsanto chemical company, who proposed using an experimental playing surface of nylon grass, the plan to play on an all-dirt field, necessitated by the need to paint the dome's glass panes to reduce the glare which prevented natural grass from growing, was alleviated by the use of 'Astro Turf.'
    1966 - The Beatles, "Got To Get You into My Life.”
    1966 - In San Francisco, The Jefferson Airplane opened at California Hall on Polk Street.
    1967 - *MICHAEL, DON LESLIE, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 4th Battalion, 503d Infantry, 1 73d Airborne Brigade.  Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 8 April 1967. Entered service at: Montgomery, Ala. Born: 31 July 1947, Florence, Ala. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Michael, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving with Company C. Sp4c. Michael was part of a platoon which was moving through an area of suspected enemy activity. While the rest of the platoon stopped to provide security, the squad to which Sp4c. Michael was assigned moved forward to investigate signs of recent enemy activity. After moving approximately 125 meters, the squad encountered a single Viet Cong soldier. When he was fired upon by the squad's machine gunner, other Viet Cong opened fire with automatic weapons from a well-concealed bunker to the squad's right front. The volume of enemy fire was so withering as to pin down the entire squad and halt all forward movement. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sp4c. Michael exposed himself to throw 2 grenades, but failed to eliminate the enemy position. From his position on the left flank, Sp4c. Michael maneuvered forward with 2 more grenades until he was within 20 meters of the enemy bunkers, when he again exposed himself to throw 2 grenades, which failed to detonate. Undaunted, Sp4c. Michael made his way back to the friendly positions to obtain more grenades. With 2 grenades in hand, he again started his perilous move towards the enemy bunker, which by this time was under intense artillery fire from friendly positions. As he neared the bunker, an enemy soldier attacked him from a concealed position. Sp4c. Michael killed him with his rifle and, in spite of the enemy fire and the exploding artillery rounds, was successful in destroying the enemy positions. Sp4c. Michael took up pursuit of the remnants of the retreating enemy. When his comrades reached Sp4c. Michael, he had been mortally wounded. His inspiring display of determination and courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and successfully eliminated a destructive enemy force. Sp4c. Michael's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
    1968 - The Beatles went gold again, receiving a gold record for the single, "Lady Madonna."
    1968 - Petula Clark's first (and only) TV special, entitled simply “Petula,” airs on NBC, featuring guest star Harry Belafonte performing a duet on an antiwar song she'd written called "On The Path Of Glory." During taping, Clark had reached out to touch Belafonte's arm in a spontaneous gesture, causing the show's sponsor Chrysler to protest, fearing the interracial contact would upset viewers in the American south. As a result, the show is infamous even before it airs: Petula and the show's executive producer, her husband Claude Wolff, respond to the pressure by having all other takes of the duet destroyed so that the gesture would have to be aired. It was, historically, the first interracial contact to be broadcast on American television. (Director Steve Binder would go on to helm Elvis Presley's "'68 Comeback Special" later that year.)
    1969 – The Montreal Expos, a National League expansion team, played their first regular season game, beating the New York Mets, 10-9, at NY's Shea Stadium.  The Expos finished the year in sixth place in the NL East with a record of 52-110. They won their first division title in the strike-shortened 1994 season.  The aftermath of the 1994 strike, during which season the Expos were in first place, initiated a downward spiral as the Expos chose to sell off their best players, and attendance and interest in the team declined.  Major League Baseball purchased the team prior to the 2002 season after the club failed to secure funding for a new ballpark. In their final two seasons, the team played 22 home games each year in Puerto Rico. On September 29, 2004, MLB announced the franchise would relocate to Washington, D.C. for the 2005 season, becoming the Nationals, and the Expos played their final home game in Montreal.   
    1969 - Neil Diamond becomes the first performer to sell out the Forum in Los Angeles for nine nights consecutively.
    1970 - LITTRELL, GARY LEE, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Advisory Team 21, 11 Corps Advisory Group. place and date: Kontum province, Republic of Vietnam, 4-8 April 1970. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 26 October 1944, Henderson, Ky. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SFC. Littrell, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Advisory Team 21, distinguished himself while serving as a Light Weapons Infantry Advisor with the 23d Battalion, 2d Ranger Group, Republic of Vietnam Army, near Dak Seang. After establishing a defensive perimeter on a hill on April 4, the battalion was subjected to an intense enemy mortar attack which killed the Vietnamese commander, 1 advisor, and seriously wounded all the advisors except SFC. Littrell. During the ensuing 4 days, SFC Littrell exhibited near superhuman endurance as he single-handedly bolstered the besieged battalion. Repeatedly abandoning positions of relative safety, he directed artillery and air support by day and marked the unit's location by night, despite the heavy, concentrated enemy fire. His dauntless will instilled in the men of the 23d Battalion a deep desire to resist. Assault after assault was repulsed as the battalion responded to the extraordinary leadership and personal example exhibited by SFC. Littrell as he continuously moved to those points most seriously threatened by the enemy, redistributed ammunition, strengthened faltering defenses, cared for the wounded and shouted encouragement to the Vietnamese in their own language. When the beleaguered battalion was finally ordered to withdraw, numerous ambushes were encountered. SFC. Littrell repeatedly prevented widespread disorder by directing air strikes to within 50 meters of their position. Through his indomitable courage and complete disregard for his safety, he averted excessive loss of life and injury to the members of the battalion. The sustained extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by SFC. Littrell over an extended period of time were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the U.S. Army.
    1970 - Top Hits
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” - Simon & Garfunkel
“Let It Be” - The Beatles
“Instant Karma (We All Shine On)” - John Ono Lennon
“Tennessee Bird Walk” - Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan
    1971 - New York City changed the “Sport of Kings” irrevocably by opening the nation's first off-track betting system.  Horseplayers were now able to patronize OTB parlors throughout the five boroughs instead of going to the track to place their wagers.
    1971 – “Chicago” became the first rock group to play Carnegie Hall in New York City. Through the 1970s and 1980s, Chicago scored big with these hits: "Make Me Smile," "25 or 6 to 4," "Saturday in the Park," "Old Days," "Baby, What a Big Surprise," "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" and many others.
    1973 - Gilbert O'Sullivan scored his second UK #1 with "Get Down." It reached #7 in the US.
    1974 - Henry (“Hammerin' Hank”) Aaron hit the 715th home run of his career, breaking the Major League record set by Babe Ruth. Playing for the Atlanta Braves, Aaron broke the record at Atlanta in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He finished his career in 1976 with a total of 755 home runs. This record remains unbroken, save for the PED-enhanced record of Barry Bonds. At the time of his retirement, Aaron also held records for first in RBIs, second in at-bats and runs scored and third in base hits.
    1974 - Elton John earns another gold record. "Bennie and the Jets" has John smiling even more as it's a big hit on the R&B charts as well.
    1975 - After a weeklong mission to South Vietnam, Gen. Frederick Weyand, U.S. Army Chief of Staff and former Vietnam commander, reports to Congress that South Vietnam cannot survive without additional military aid.
    1975 - Frank Robinson became the manager of the Cleveland Indians and the first Black manager of a Major League team.  Robinson hit a home run in his first at bat as the Indians' designed hitter, and Cleveland beat the New York Yankees 5-3.
http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/cle/history/cle_history_ti
meline.jsp?period=4
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers_and_honorees/hofer_bios/rob
inson_frank.htm
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/mgrtmci.shtml
    1975 - Minnie Riperton receives her only gold record for "Lovin' You," her recent Number One record.
    1975 - "The Godfather: Part II" won half of the top six awards at the 47th Annual Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. It won for Best Picture: (Francis Ford Coppola, Gray Frederickson, Fred Roos, producers); Best Director (Francis Ford Coppola); and Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro); plus Best Writing/Screenplay Adapted from Other Material (Francis Coppola, Mario Puzo); Best Art Direction/Set Decoration (Dean Tavoularis, Angelo P. Graham, George Nelson; and Best Music/Original Dramatic Score (Nino Rota, Carmine Coppola). The other three crowd- pleaser awards went to Best Actor Art Carney for his "Harry and Tonto" role; Best Actress Ellen Burstyn for her part in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore;" Ingrid Bergman as Best Supporting Actress in "Murder on the Orient Express." Hosts Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Shirley MacLaine, and Frank Sinatra livened up the party, even though murder, intrigue and disaster were in the run. The award for Best Music/Song went to Al Kasha & Joel Hirschhorn for "We May Never Love Like This Again" from the "Towering Inferno." "Inferno" also won for Best Cinematography (Fred J. Koenekamp, Joseph F. Biroc) and Best Film Editing (Harold F. Kress & Carl Kress); while Best Sound went to "Earthquake" (Ronald Pierce and Melvin M. Metcalfe, Sr.) and Robert Towne's "Chinatown" won for Best Writing/Original Screenplay.http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0149298.html
    1978 - Top Hits
“Night Fever” - Bee Gees
“Stayin' Alive” - Bee Gees
“Lay Down Sally” - Eric Clapton
“Ready for the Times to Get Better” - Crystal Gayle
    1982 - An act of heroism was credited with holding the death toll to seven in the firestorm that engulfed the Caldecott Tunnel in the Oakland hills. When an AC Transit bus collided with a truck what was towing two trailers of gasoline in the westbound lanes, Steve Rutledge ran back to the tunnel entrance, stopping cars that would otherwise have driven into the fire. Rutledge's mother, June M. Ruthledge, tried to call for help from an emergency phone inside the tunnel and was consumed by the explosion and flames.
    1985 - The Ellie Greenwich tribute musical “Leader of the Pack” opens on Broadway at the Ambassador Theatre.
    1986 - Facing Nolan Ryan of the Astros, Giant rookie Will Clark homers in his first Major League at bat.
    1986 - Top Hits
“Rock Me Amadeus” - Falco
“R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” - John Cougar Mellencamp
“Kiss” - Prince & The Revolution
“100% Chance of Rain” - Gary Morris
    1986 - It took 18 years of singing the U.S. national anthem, but on this day, at long last, baritone Robert Merrill of the Metropolitan Opera became the first person to both sing the anthem and throw out the first ball at Yankee Stadium for the Yanks’ home opener.
    1987 - For the first time in modern Major League history, two 300-game winners pitched for the same team in the same game. Phil Niekro and Steve Carlton combined their pitching talents to lead the Cleveland Indians to a 14-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.  Niekro started for the Indians and earned his 312th career victory. Carlton pitched four shutout innings of relief.
    1989 - 26-year-old David Hirsch replaced 59-year-old Dick Clark on "American Bandstand." His debut also marked "Bandstand's" move to the USA cable network from national syndication. Clark had been the host of the program for 33 years, introducing teenagers to Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five and Madonna, as well as to such dance crazes as the Twist and the Jerk. The program debuted on a Philadelphia TV station in 1952, and Clark took over in 1956, the year before "Bandstand" went on the ABC network.
    1989 - Two dozen cities in the southwest reported new record high temperatures for the date. Phoenix, Arizona hit 104 degrees which tied its record for the month of April set only the day before.
    1990 - While we celebrate birthdays, it is perhaps fitting to remember Ryan White today. This young man, born Dec 6, 1971, at Kokomo, IN, put the face of a child with AIDS and helped promote greater understanding of the disease. Ryan, a hemophiliac, contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion. Banned from the public school system in Central Indiana at the age of 10, he moved with his mother and sister to Cicero, IN, where he was accepted by students and faculty alike. Ryan once stated that he only wanted to be treated as a normal teenager, but that was not to be as media attention made him a celebrity. A few days after attending the Academy Awards in 1990, 18-year-old Ryan was hospitalized and on Palm Sunday, lost his valiant fight at Indianapolis, IN. His funeral was attended by many celebrities who wanted to honor him.
    1990 - Twenty-two cities reported record low temperatures for the date as readings dipped into the 20s and 30s across much of the eastern U.S. Freezing temperatures severely damaged peach and apple orchards in West Virginia, where prolonged mild weather since January had caused an early blooming of spring vegetation. State and Federal agencies estimated a 50 percent loss in production for peaches and "Delicious Red Apples".
    1996 - The first of two late season heavy snowfalls in only three days over the northeast dumped 12 inches of snow at Slide Mountain, New York, 10.2 inches, at Ashburnham, Massachusetts, and 7 inches at Falmouth, Massachusetts. The 6.1 inches at Binghamton, New York brought its seasonal snowfall total to 131.8 inches -- its snowiest winter ever.
    2000 - Santana performs at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium with people who collaborated with him on his Supernatural album including Dave Matthews, Lauryn Hill and Everlast.
    2003 - In a frigid 35-degree home opener, with the fans chanting his name, Hideki Matsui hit his first Major League home run, a grand slam into the right field bleachers. After being greeted with a warm reception in the pre-game ceremonies and a standing ovation after making a great defensive play, Godzilla receives a thunderous applause and curtain call from the sold-out Yankee Stadium crowd after his fifth inning bases-full poke against the Twins.
    2011 – The Obama Justice Department admitted and defended its probe of Wikileaks-related Twitter accounts, dismissing privacy and freedom of speech concerns.      
    2013 - Wikileaks released 1.7 million diplomatic and intelligence documents from 1973-76 when Henry Kissinger was Secretary of State.  Julian Assange worked on the project while he was inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.
    2015 – The world’s oldest living person, Gertrude Weaver of the US dies at age 116 just five days after the death of the previous record holder, Misao Okawa of Japan, 117.

Stanley Cup Champions:
1943 - Detroit Red Wings.