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

Business Development for Originators Has Changed
By Josh Feinberg, President/CEO, Everlasting Capital

The business development landscape has changed rapidly over the past 10-20 years in Equipment Finance, with new sales techniques and technology coming to dominate. Business development teams are being forced to upgrade their skills and technology, although many veterans in the industry are hanging onto older techniques, and no technology. This could be causing more friction now, than ever.

Here's why:

Lessee’s Attitudes Have Changed

My generation (Millennials ages 23 to 38) have changed a lot of things in the industry, including the most important part: acquiring new business. According to research, Millennials are empowered and self-reliant. You can see this in millennials’ attitudes toward not knowing something: We will whip out our phones and look it up.

This generation takes the same independent attitude toward their equipment purchases, searching Google and comparing rates and terms across different companies before they ever go with an inexperienced cold caller, or talk to someone they have never spoke with in the past. More than that, millennials want to take the initiative. They’ll reach out to you when they’re ready or when their research has stalled, unless you have technology and follow up to battle it.

Lessee’s Can See Through You

2000’s Initial Pitch VS 2010’s Initial Pitch Vs 2022 Initial Pitch

Back in 2000 when my father first started in the industry, the lessee introduction on the first phone call was a lot different than it is today.

Example:

Back then, every equipment finance broker’s business name had leasing or financing in the name. Then, the market got so saturated, and prospects would hang up because they would hear leasing in the name. In 2010 when I first started, in the industry was different than it is today.

Example:

At this point, companies changed their name to have capital in it, because that made an impact and helped with conversions.

In 2022, YES this year, if you say capital or funding in within the first 10 seconds, you will get hung up on.

If you mention equipment financing, like we do, “Everlasting Equipment Finance,” you will increase your conversions drastically.

Potential lessees aren’t exactly predisposed to listen to your sales pitch if you call them up out of the blue. Based on our own research, sometimes it takes upwards of 7-12 follow ups to reach the warm leads. Cold leads are more likely to ignore your call than to pick up. And if they do answer? You might get hung up on or even yelled at.

Josh Feinberg 
President/CEO | Everlasting Capital

M: 603-973-6195 Feinberg
P: 603-379-1890
E: Jfeinberg@everlastingcapital.com
A: 27B Sterling Drive, Rochester, NH, 03867

www.everlastingcapital.com

 

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

New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Carl Appollina was announced Senior Vice President, Director of Loan and Lease Accounting, CIT, a Division of First Citizens Bank. Morristown, New Jersey.  He is located in Annandale, New Jersey.  He started the position January, 2022. He joined the firm as Director, Corporate Finance Controller's Group, January, 2012.  Education: Moravian University, BA, Financial Economics (1992 - 1996). https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-appollina-b0977010/

Geoffrey Black was promoted to Managing Director and Group Head, Lender Finance at CIT, a division of First Citizens Bank and Trust Company, Jacksonville, Florida. He is located in Ponte Verdra Beach, Florida.  He previously was Vice President, National Accounts at CIT Global Vendor Finance, CIT, November, 2010, promoted to Director January, 2016; Resolutions Specialist, FDIC (2010); Vice President, Operations, Fidelity National Capital (June, 2009 - October, 2009); Program Manager, CIT (September, 1996 - September, 2006). Education: George Mason University, School of Business, MBA, Finance (2002 - 2006). James Madison University, BS, Government (1992 - 1996). https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-black-0744b115/

Kirstin Elmer, CLFP, was hired as Vice President of Business Development, Orion, Gig Harbor, Washington. She is located in the New York Metropolitan Area. Previously, she was at BARK, starting October, 2017, Senior Merchandise Planner, promoted November, 2019, Director of Merchandise Planning, Multichannel, promoted January, 2021, Senior Director of Ecommerce and Lifecycle Marketing, Upsell and Cross Sell.  Previously, she was Wine and Ecommerce Planning Manager, Blue Apron, (January, 2016 - September, 2017); Brand, Operations and Production Manager, Flint and Tender (May, 2014 - December, 2015); Owner and Designer, Silk and Cyanide (June, 2010 - May, 2014); Director of Designer Relations and Incubator Strategy, Manufacture New York (February, 2013 - July, 2013); Assistant Buyer, Lord & Taylor (October, 2009 - November, 2010). She began her career at Macy's.com, April, 2008, as Merchant Assistant, promoted December, 2008, Assistant Buyer, promoted Assistant Buyer, Active Department, June, 2009). Certifications: BarSmarts Advanced Certification, Pernod Ricard USA, Issued June, 2011. Volunteer, Sewing Instruction, Restore NYC (August, 2011 - March, 2012). Distribution Captain, Greenwood Heights, CSA (May, 2015 - Present).  Education: Tulane University, A.B. Freeman School of Business, BSM, Finance, German, History. (2004 - 2007). Activities: Theater Costume Department.  WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) (2006).  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2005). https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenelmer/

  
Donna Hamel was promoted to Senior Vice President, Capital Markets, Dext Capital, Lake Oswego, Oregon. She is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. She joined the firm April, 2019, as Vice President, Indirect Originations. Previously, she was Vice President, Healthcare Finance, PNC Equipment Finance (March, 2004 - March, 2018). Prior, she was at DVI International, starting 1996 as Director Marketing & Sales; promoted, March, 1997, Managing Director International Sales; Vice President, US Concord (1993 - 1996); VP, National Programs, Citicorp (1984 - 1986); Manager, Business Development, Pitney Bowes Credit Corp. (1977 - 1983). https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnahamel/

Jim Hines was hired as Vice President of Business Development, Apex Commercial Capital, Horsham, Pennsylvania. He is located in Maynard, Massachusetts. Previously, he was Business Development Manager, Univest Capital (March, 2018 - January, 2022. He began his career as Credit Supervisor, Firestone Financial, May, 1994; promoted to Sales Executive, June, 1966; promoted August, 2001, Vice President, Sales. He is a member of the American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation. In addition, he is the president of Friends of Maynard Soccer and serves on the Maynard Recreation Commission. Education: Stonehill College, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Business Administration and Management, General (1986 - 1990). https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-hines/

Bob Kennedy was hired as Vice President, Marketing Data Analyst, Ascentium Capital, Kingwood, Texas.  He is located in Gilbert, Arizona. Previously, he was TIAA Commercial Finance Director, TIAA Bank (2004 - 2020); Pricing and Bid Manager !093-`996, Asset Mgr. 1996-1998, Sales Mgr. 1999-2000, asset Mgr. & Pricing 2000-2004) CIT (1993 - 2004) FKA Newcourt Credit  Group/AT&T Capital Corporation). Certifications: Learning R, LinkedIn (March, 2022). Sales Operations, LinkedIn (January, 2022). Lean Six Sigma Foundations, LinkedIn (March, 2021).  Education:  Fairleigh Dickinson University, BS, Business Management. Becton.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-kennedy-2049993/

Kim King, CLFP, was hired as Senior Relationship Manager, Bank Financial Equipment Finance, Columbia, South Carolina. Previously, she was an Entrepreneur, Self-Employed (March, 2022 - April, 2022); Sales and Marketing Representative, Navitas Credit Corporation (December, 2018 - March, 2022). Previously, she was Operations Manager, UAEL (January, 2005), promoted to Membership Manager under new name National Equipment Manager, 2009, promoted to Senior Association Coordinator/Meeting Manager. Certification: Certified Lease and Finance Professional. Education: California State University, San Bernardino, College of Business and Public Administration, Business Management, Public Relations, Marketing (2009). College of the Desert, Association of Arts in Business Management, Finance and Marketing (2007 - 2009). https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimkng/

Noah Massman was hired as Account Executive, Jules and Associates, Los Angeles, California. Previously, he was Sale Executive, Regents Capital Corporation (august, 2021 - April, 2022); Account Intern Garrison Real Estate Yield, Apprenticeship (September, 2020 - June, 2021); Service, Multiple Companies (February, 2015 - August, 2020).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-massman-269037219/

Deirdre McLaughlin was announced as Credit Analyst, Univest Capital, Inc., Bensalem, Pennsylvania. She joined the firm February, 2022.  She is located in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.  Previously, she was Administrative Manager, 264 Canal LLC (February, 2020 - February, 2021; Credit Analyst, NewLane Finance (September, 2021 _ February, 2022); Credit Analyst, Beneficial Equipment Finance Corporation (September, 2015 - December, 2019); Credit Analyst, FirstLease, Inc. (January, 2016 - September, 2016). She began her career at De Lage Landen, starting January, 2004, Senior Contract Specialist, promoted January, 2005, Business Support Officer, promoted January, 2006, Account Manager).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deirdremclaughlin/

Donald Wampler, CLFP, was promoted to Chief Revenue Officer, Apex Commercial Capital (a FirstTrust Bank subsidiary), Horsham, Pennsylvania. He joined the company when it was originally called FirstLease, Inc, October, 2006, promoted Sales Manager, Equipment Finance Division, August, 2008, promoted September, 2015, Chief Strategy Officer (CS)), Equipment Finance Division, promoted July, 2017, President, Equipment Finance Division, promoted October, 2019, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Commercial Mortgage Division (fka) Apex Mortgage Corp.; Vice President, Business Development, Willow Financial Bank (acquired by First Niagara) (May, 2005 - October, 2006); Senior Credit Analyst, Partners Equity Capital (Acquired by Element). (May, 2004 - May, 2004); Senior Credit Analyst, Canon Financial Services, Inc. (June, 2004 - May, 2004); Commercial Loan Officer, Yardville National Bank (Acquired by PNC Bank) (January, 1999 - June, 2003).  Education: University of Phoenix, Philadelphia Campus, Business Administration (2005 - 2006); Thomas Edison State College, Commercial Lending Certificate, Commercial Lending (2001 - 2002); Bucks County Community College, Business Management (1999 - 2000). Octorara High School. https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-wampler/

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

Help Wanted Ads

He was Top Producer for 15 Months

Sales Makes it Happen by Scott Wheeler, CLFP

A successful originator approached me at a recent industry conference and stated that he was a top producer for his company 15 months ago. He has subsequently doubled his production numbers in 2021 and expects to double his production again in 2022.

He is still the company's top producer and a leader that others are emulating. Below are a few items that he shared which he believes has made the most difference:

• He never uses the words generalist or salesman.
• He considers himself an equipment specialist and project manager who expedites financing and leasing products for growing companies.
• He defined specifically the two industries and the equipment that he is best equipped to provide funding, and he refers other transactions to co-workers or external sources.
• The more he is focused on those transactions which he is best suited to fund, the larger his database of golden accounts becomes.
• He claimed to have taken my advice to go deep rather than wide and to become a "player" in his chosen niche.
• He is working smarter, more efficiently, and providing greater value to his clients and his company.

He reminded me that two years ago, I had described him as a work horse, running 100 miles an hour - seven days a week. He was a Jack-of-all trades, master of none, whose top production was difficult to sustain.

Today, this originator is a "player" whose activities are strategic and purposeful. His consistent activities are repeatable and highly sustainable.

This young originator with just five years of experience is a unique industry leader with a lucrative career path forward in the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry.

Order via Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Call-Action

Scott A. Wheeler, CLFP
Wheeler Business Consulting
1314 Marquis Ct.
Fallston, Maryland 21047
Phone: 410 877 0428
Fax: 410 877 8161
Email: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com
Web: www.wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

Sales Makes it Happen articles:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Legacy/index.htm

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

The number of newly created Twitter accounts almost tripled on the day Russia invaded Ukraine, according to a new report by the University of Indiana’s Observatory of Social Media (oSoMe) and the Polytechnic University of Milan. The whitepaper, titled “Suspicious Twitter Activity around the Russian Invasion of Ukraine”, reveals that more than 38,000 new accounts were created on February 24, the day Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine, up from just 13,500 the day before.

According to the report, several networks of accounts appear to have posted “suspiciously similar content” around the same time, including pro-Russian propaganda by inauthentic accounts. Campaigns on the Ukrainian side also appeared, with messaging asking the West to set up a no-fly zone and supporting other military escalations. But not all of it was related to the conflict. Researchers found that Ukraine-related keywords were also used to spread spam, including a cryptocurrency scam pretending to support the Ukrainian resistance.

Social media has become the latest frontier for war. When exploited and used to amplify the voices of bad actors and to spread false information, it can become a powerful tool for manipulating public opinion. This has already been seen in the Russia-Ukraine context, with Russian news organizations and government representatives propelling conspiracy theories that the Bucha massacre was a hoax, among numerous other falsehoods, as Politico reports.

oSoMe concludes, “With public attention focused on the tragic war, some see an opportunity to exploit social media to spread propaganda, spam, and scams.” Statista and oSoMe will continue to monitor the social media field as events unfold.

By Anna Fleck, Statista

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

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

AP Equipment Financing Posts Record First Quarter
50% in Year-over-Year Funding Volume

BEND, OR. – AP Equipment Financing funded a record $63.5 million in Q1, a 50% year-over-year growth increase from Q1 2021. AP funded 906 transactions in Q1 2022, with an average transaction size of $70,040.  

Chris Lerma, CLFP, President of AP, said, “Our continued focus on providing superior personalized service and flexible financing options has contributed to impressive quarter over quarter growth.

“In this competitive environment, small business owners and dealers have several options to turn to for their financing needs, so we are proud to be able to grow our existing programs and relationships while continuing to expand into new segments.” 

A significant contributor to this year’s Q1 growth is AP’s expanding vendor division.

Al Steinhaus, AP’s SVP of Business Development & Sales, stated, “AP’s Vendor group continues to partner with, and work closely with our OEM and dealer partners. By working together as a team, we have been able to assist with selling more equipment and closing sales that were delayed due to supply chain challenges.

“The AP Vendor group continues to grow our business and is adding new relationships with key OEM/ Vendors where we can add real value to their sales and marketing strategies. We expect steady growth for the remainder of 2022, despite any economic challenges in the marketplace.” 

AP Equipment Financing is looking forward to what the rest of 2022 will bring as AP continues to streamline front and back-end efficiencies to prepare for more high-volume quarters. 

About AP Equipment Financing 
AP Equipment Financing was founded in 1998 to provide businesses with a fast, easy, and more personalized way to access and finance the specialized equipment financing they need. In 2019, AP Equipment Financing became a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century USA. 

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

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

APPROVE Releases Chrome
Extension for Easy Finance Quoting

Wilmington, NC – APPROVE announces the launch of a new tool that allows equipment sellers to embed financing estimates and application links in sales quotes with just a few clicks. 
The APPROVE for Equipment Vendors Chrome extension is the latest tech-based solution that APPROVE has brought to the market as it seeks to help equipment buyers and sellers more easily access the financing that is crucial to these transactions.

APPROVE CEO Robert Preville, said, “We believe financing options should be proactively presented next to product sale prices at the beginning of the sales process. Promoting financing lets buyers know they can opt for an affordable monthly payment and helps businesses increase their revenue through improved sales conversion rates.

“This new Chrome extension allows sellers to provide financing estimates and share a link to a pre-filled digital application in seconds, while they are on a call or exchanging e-mails with a potential buyer.”

APPROVE’s SaaS solution uses advanced technology to match equipment finance applications with the ideal lending solutions from its curated network of lenders. In a matter of seconds, APPROVE can provide estimated monthly financing costs that can help equipment buyers better understand their buying power.  

The Chrome extension allows sales associates to quickly and easily create custom finance applications with a few mouse clicks and without leaving their browser window. APPROVE’s technology integrates seamlessly with Salesforce, QuickBooks, HubSpot and other web-based sales and quoting tools.  

This is the latest tech-based solution that APPROVE has developed to ensure financing information is part of the sales conversation at every point along the buyer journey. APPROVE also offers its clients a customer-facing financing application builder that allows customers to create their own custom financing quotes while browsing an equipment dealer’s website. 

These new capabilities reflect the fact that B2B equipment sales are increasingly moving to e-commerce in ways that mirror the consumer buying process. To succeed, this digitization of B2B sales must include ways for buyers to understand their various payment options and easily apply for financing if they so choose. APPROVE makes it easy for equipment sellers to provide this, which can lead to more and larger transactions. 

“We are building tools to make it easier for sellers to present—and for buyers to see—financing information at the most important points of influence in the equipment sales process,” Preville said.  
The APPROVE for Equipment Vendors Chrome extension is available exclusively for APPROVE customers and requires an APPROVE account.

About APPROVE
APPROVE is a SaaS solution that enables equipment manufacturers and distributors to integrate financing at every point of influence in an equipment buyer’s journey. APPROVE leverages a curated network of lenders and uses sophisticated technology to match customer finance applications with the ideal lending solutions. APPROVE was launched following the success of KWIPPED Inc., a technology company that maintains a B2B equipment marketplace where suppliers and lenders compete to serve the needs of equipment buyers. APPROVE and KWIPPED are based in Wilmington, N.C. 

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

 

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

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

New Foundation Study Examines Funding, Securitization
and Syndication in the Equipment Finance Industry

Washington, DC – The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (Foundation) released a new study, “Equipment Finance Funding, Securitization & Syndication: Best Practices for Today and Tomorrow,” designed to analyze and report on COVID-19’s impact on the funding markets for the equipment leasing and finance industry. Prepared for the Foundation by The Alta Group, the study reveals that the equipment finance industry performed considerably better than expected through the pandemic due to factors including the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program, unanticipated dividends from supply chain issues, and increased availability of capital.
The comprehensive study draws on a series of surveys and in-depth interviews conducted with senior industry executives of independent, bank, and captive finance companies; industry lenders; securitization issuers; and ratings agencies. Among the details provided in this wide-ranging study are:

•   How the pandemic’s impact differed from the Great Recession of 2008-2009;
•   What funding tools are available to industry participants;
•   How the funding, securitization, and syndications markets have performed since the pandemic;
•   What to expect from emerging funding opportunities; and
•   Which best practices industry peers utilized to optimize their funding models.

Tom Ware, Foundation Research Committee Chair, observed, “Resiliency is a long-standing characteristic of the equipment finance industry, and the results of this study reinforce that reputation.

“Readers will benefit from the experience of industry participants and insights about potential risks and opportunities to best position their organizations for the future.”  

Two of the study authors, Gary LoMonaco and Patricia Voorhees of The Alta Group, will present highlights of the findings at ELFA’s National Funding Conference on April 13.

Download the full report at https://bit.ly/ELFFFunding. All Foundation studies are available for free download from the Foundation’s online library at http://store.leasefoundation.org/.

https://leasingnews.org/PDF/elff42022.pdf

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeaseFoundation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeaseFoundation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10989281/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/elffchannel

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that propels the equipment finance sector—and its people—forward through industry-specific knowledge, intelligence, and programs that contribute to industry innovation, individual careers, and the overall betterment of the equipment leasing and finance industry. The Foundation is funded through charitable individual and corporate donations. Learn more at www.leasefoundation.org.

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

German Shepherd Dog Mix
Wilmington, North Carolina  Adopt-a-Dog

Randy

Male
Color: White
Coat Length: Medium
Characteristics:
Friendly
House Trained
Neutered Vaccinations up to date

Meet Randy

Randy is a 2.5 yr. old neutered German Shepherd mix. He has his basic vaccinations and is house trained. Randy tested positive for heart worms and is currently under treatment. His new family must be committed to his follow-up care. Randy is a friendly boy, enjoying being around people. His tail always has a 'happy wag' when folks stop by to see him. He seems unreactive to other dogs. We do not know how he views cats. Come spend some time with this handsome boy. He may be your new best friend.

Quiz on how You and Randy Match:https://www.petfinder.com/user/profile/create/

New Hanover Humane Society
2405 North 23 Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
916-76306692
Contact Us:
 http://newhanoverhumanesociety.org/contact/
E-Mail: nhumanesoc@aol.com
Web: www.newhanoverhumanesociety.org

News Briefs---

Twitter bots helped build the cult of Elon Musk
     and Tesla. But who’s creating them?
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-04-12/musk-is-off-the-twitter-board-of-directors-the-tesla-twitter-bot-army-marches-on

The Top 10 Most Valuable U.S. Banking Brands in 2022
    Report by The Financial Brand
https://thefinancialbrand.com/135119/the-most-valuable-u-s-banking-brands-in-2022/?edigest1

Intel Factory in Oregon Opens $3B Expansion
    Article with slideshow
https://www.industryweek.com/technology-and-iiot/article/21181846/texas-instruments-to-build-new-chip-manufacturing-campus-in-sherman-texas

Kmart store closings 2022: Just three Kmarts remain
    after new round of closures
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2022/04/11/kmart-store-closings-2022-final-stores/7274962001/

Gov. Kemp signs bill allowing concealed carry
    of handguns without a license in Georgia
https://www.ajc.com/politics/gov-kemp-to-sign-bill-allowing-concealed-carry-of-handguns-without-a-license/KO7EQUS3IVGWNDISVAKBGOMZOA/

Chinese-controlled aluminum importer owes
    $1.8 billion for scheme to dodge tariffs
https://www.courthousenews.com/chinese-controlled-aluminum-importer-owe-1-8-billion-for-scheme-to-dodge-tariffs/

Atlanta airport has reclaimed its title
    as the world's busiest
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-busiest-airports-2021/index.html

Why This Coastal County Has the Highest
    COVID Death Rate in Its State
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/10/nyregion/ocean-county-new-jersey-covid.html

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

You May Have Missed---

What Bobby McIvaine left behind
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/09/twenty-years-gone-911-bobby-mcilvaine/619490/

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

Sports Briefs---

Lakers fire Coach Frank Vogel after season
    burdened by injuries and turmoil
https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-04-11/lakers-fire-coach-frank-vogel-after-disappointing-season

NFL owner Dan Snyder ‘engaged in unlawful
    financial conduct’: House committee
https://nypost.com/2022/04/12/nfl-owner-dan-snyder-engaged-in-unlawful-financial-conduct-congress/

Longtime Packers assistant coach Tom Clements thought his
    NFL career was over. Then Aaron Rodgers called.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2022/04/12/tom-clements-green-bay-packers-aaron-rodgers-call/7294173001/?gnt-cfr=1

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

California Nuts Briefs---

PG&E to pay more than $55 million to avoid
    criminal prosecution for starting two wildfires
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-04-11/pg-e-avoids-criminal-prosecution-for-starting-two-wildfires

Graton Resort & Casino proposes hotel,
     gaming floor expansion
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/hotel-gaming-floor-expansion-planned-graton-resort-casino/

Napa Valley College nears construction
     on student-housing project
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/article/napa-valley-college-nears-construction-on-student-housing-project/

Yelp will pay for employees to travel for abortion access
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/business/yelp-will-pay-for-employees-to-travel-for-abortion-access/

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

"Gimme that wine"

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

Napa Valley Micro Winery Ordinance Receives Final OK
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/257660

Constellation’s Sales Hit $8.8 Billion In Full Fiscal Year
https://www.shankennewsdaily.com/index.php/2022/04/07/30771/constellations-sales-hit-8-8-billion-in-full-fiscal-year/

Weekend at a Winery: See the Vineyards Sidecar
Style in Napa & Sonoma
https://patch.com/california/napavalley/weekend-winery-see-vineyards-sidecar-style-napa-sonoma

May 1 Wine Week  3-6pm Santa Cruz, Ca
At Check-in Receive Glass and Map for Pouring
https://mailchi.mp/ediblemontereybay.com/spring-wine-walk-special-offer-for-emb-readers?e=836bafba54

“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

      1721 - John Hanson (d. 1783), first President of the US under the Articles of Confederation, was born in Port Tobacco, MD. He was the heir of one of the greatest family traditions in the colonies and became the patriarch of a long line of American patriots.  His great-grandfather died at Lutzen beside the great King Gustavus Aldophus of Sweden; his grandfather was one of the founders of New Sweden along the Delaware River in Maryland; one of his nephews was the military secretary to George Washington; another was a signer of the Declaration; still another was a signer of the Constitution; yet another was Governor of Maryland during the Revolution; and still another was a member of the first Congress; two sons were killed in action with the Continental Army; a grandson served as a member of Congress under the new Constitution; and another grandson was a Maryland Senator. Thus, even if Hanson had not served as President himself, he would have greatly contributed to the life of the nation through his ancestry and progeny.  The new country was actually formed on March 1, 1781 with the adoption of The Articles of Confederation. This document was actually proposed on June 11, 1776, but not agreed upon by Congress until November 15, 1777. Once the signing took place in 1781, a President was needed to run the country. John Hanson was chosen unanimously by Congress (which included George Washington). In fact, all the other potential candidates refused to run against him, as he was a major player in the Revolution and an extremely influential member of Congress.
He was the first President to serve a full term after the full ratification of the Articles of Confederation.  Like so many of the Southern and New England Founders, he was strongly opposed to the Constitution when it was first discussed.  The Articles of Confederation only allowed a President to serve a one-year term during any three-year period. He remained a confirmed anti-federalist until his untimely death. Six other presidents were elected after him:  Elias Boudinot (1783), Thomas Mifflin (1784), Richard Henry Lee (1785), Nathan Gorman (1786), Arthur St. Clair (1787), and Cyrus Griffin (1788) - all prior to Washington taking office. George Washington was the first President of the United States under the Constitution we follow today. And the first seven Presidents are forgotten in history.
    1787 – “The Contrast,” by Robert Tyler, became the first professional United States play to be presented on the stage.
    1813 - The first federal government mandate of factory standardization was made with a contract specifying interchangeable parts. The contract was with Colonel Simeon North of Berlin, CT. The contract was for 20,000 pistols at $7 each to be produced within five years. It stipulated that the “component parts of the pistols are to correspond so exactly that any limb or part of one pistol may be fitted to any other pistol of the 20,000.” Colonel North established his pistol factory in 1810 in Saddle Hill, a suburb of Middletown. The factory produced about 10,000 pistols a year.
    1818 - The US Senate ratified the Rush-Bagot amendment to form an unarmed US-Canada border.
    1849 - A severe freeze from Georgia to Texas killed cotton while snow lay on the ground at Charleston, South Carolina.
    1850 - California Legislature passed the Foreign Miners Tax that required non-American born miners to pay a monthly $20 tax. This was the first anti-Chinese legislation in California. It was a lot of money in its day.
    1851 – Famous lighthouse storm occurred in New England, a massive tidal flooding with storm-force winds. Gigantic waves destroyed Minot Light at Cohasset, Massachusetts with two keepers lost. Great shipping losses and coastal erosion occurred.
    1854 - Birthday of Lucy Craft Laney (d. 1933), Macon, GA.  A free black woman opened what became the Haines Normal and Industrial Institute in Augusta, Georgia that grew from five students in a basement to a four-acre campus of almost 1,000 students.
    1860 – The first ride of The Pony Express reached Sacramento, CA.
    1861 - President Abraham Lincoln made a call for volunteers to serve three months, the day after the surrender of Fort Sumter, South Carolina. His call was for 75,000 volunteers. The first regiment to respond to the call was the Ringgold Light Artillery of Reading, PA, known as the "First Defenders," commanded by Dr. John Keys. Their first engagement took place on September 24, 1861, at Hanging Rocks, West Virginia. When men were not volunteering, a draft was called with a fee if you did not join. More than one hundred thousand soldiers were hired to fight for the North. Many of these were immigrants, expressly brought over, says Shelby Foote,” by companies newly formed to supply the demand.”  More than eighty-five thousand Americans who were drafted in the war got out of going by paying a $300 commutation fee. Among these were banker J.P. Morgan and Theodore Roosevelt, Sr., father of President Theodore Roosevelt. So many young men with means remained civilians that northern universities were able to enroll about as many students from the North during the war as they had before when students came also from the South. No doubt the people who stayed home later suffered guilt feelings, but the fact is they did stay home. And more than two hundred thousand Americans who joined the Union Army subsequently deserted. (Shelby Foote, “The Civil War: A Narrative” (1863).
    1863 - Congress abolished slavery in the District of Columbia. One million dollars was appropriated to compensate owners of freed slaves and $100,000 was set aside to pay District slaves who wished to emigrate to Haiti, Liberia or any other country outside the US. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/apr16.html
    1865 - Birthday of Grace Livingston Hill (d. 1947), Wellsville, NY.  She was an author who published more than 78 novels from 1887 to 1947 that sold more than four million copies. Almost all of the books use a girl protagonist, usually in a rural environment, who faces a series of moral and physical challenges and solves them with great moral fortitude and certainty. They are being reprinted today.
    1867 - Birthday of Wilbur Wright (d. 1912), born at Millville, IN, aviation pioneer.  The Wright brothers are considered the "fathers of modern aviation."  They followed the research of German aviator Otto Lilienthal and when Lilienthal died in a glider crash, the brothers decided to start their own experiments with flight. Determined to develop their own successful design, Wilbur and Orville headed to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, known for its strong winds.  On December 17, 1903, they succeeded in flying the first free, controlled flight of a power-driven airplane. An extraordinary achievement, Wilbur flew the plane for 59 seconds over 852 feet.  The Wright brothers soon found that their success was not appreciated by all. Many in the press, as well as fellow flight experts, were reluctant to believe the brothers' claims. As a result, Wilbur set out for Europe in 1908, where he hoped he would have more success convincing the public and selling airplanes. In France, Wilbur found a much more receptive audience and, in 1909, Orville joined his brother in Europe, as did their younger sister, Katharine. The Wrights became huge celebrities there, hosted by royals and heads of state, and constantly featured in the press. The Wrights began to sell their airplanes in Europe, and then returned to the United States in 1909.  The brothers went on to become wealthy businessmen, filling contracts for airplanes in both Europe and the United States.
    1868 - The Senate voted on one count in the impeachment proceedings of President Andrew Johnson. The vote fell one short of the two-thirds majority needed to take action. On May 26, further charges similarly failed and he was acquitted.
    1869 - The first African-American US Consul was Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett, Consul General to Haiti, where he served until November 27, 1877.
    1870 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC was chartered.   "for the purpose of establishing and maintaining in said City a Museum and Library of Art, of encouraging and developing the Study of the Fine Arts, and the application of Art to manufacture and natural life, of advancing the general knowledge of kindred subjects, and to that end of furnishing popular instruction and recreations."[88] This legislation was supplemented later by the 1893 Act, Chapter 476, which required that its collections "shall be kept open and accessible to the public free of all charge throughout the year."[89] The founders included businessmen and financiers, as well as leading artists and thinkers of the day, who wanted to open a museum to bring art and art education to the American people. 
    1873 - In the Colfax Massacre in Grant Parish, Louisiana, 60 blacks were killed. The dispute over the government of Louisiana continued to escalate. Republican officers of Grants Parrish were holed up in the city of Colfax. Blacks from the surrounding area feared an attack, so they entrenched themselves in front of the courthouse. A huge white mob attacked. The day was a massacre, as somewhere between 60 and 100 local blacks were killed even as they tried to surrender. The white mob suffered only 3 casualties. The battle for the courthouse of Colfax, Louisiana has been renamed the Colfax Massacre. All of the blacks in the area and Governor Kellogg were spared only because the President ordered the federal troops to intercede and stop the white mob before they moved to another area, killing all the blacks and their white sympathizers. The New Orleans Times' headline the next day read, "War at Last!!" They also warned other white sympathizers to beware. The majority of the white people in Louisiana supported the "Colfax Massacre," and the systematic annihilation of blacks and the white sympathizer governments.
    1880 - A tornado near Marshall, MO, carried the heavy timbers of an entire home a distance of twelve miles.
    1889 - Birthday of Charles Spencer Chaplin (d. 1977), better known as “Charlie Chaplin,” famed film comedian, who portrayed “The Little Tramp,” born in London, England. Film debuted in 1914. Knighted in 1975. In his autobiography Chaplin wrote: “There are more valid facts and details in works for art than there are in history books.”
http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~pringle/silent/chaplin/filmography.html
    1900 - The first book of postage stamps was issued, selling two-cent stamps in books of 12, 24 and 48 stamps.
    1905 - An endowment for a college teachers’ pension fund was established by Andrew Carnegie, who donated $10,000,000 of personal money to create the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
    1900 - Birthday of Polly Adler was born Pearl Adler (d. 1962) in Russia.  She was the operator of the most famous New York house of prostitution. After having been raped while working as mill girl in a Brooklyn factory, she had an illegal abortion from the resulting pregnancy. She then abandoned her orthodox Jewish life and sought the bright lights of show business. Almost accidentally she began procuring women for gangster friends to avoid poverty. She vowed "to be the best goddamn madam in America." With a combination of panache, publicity, and bribery she did so, hosting the sensual pleasures of government officials, actors, business tycoons, and gangsters for several decades. Arrested a number of times, she served only 24 days in jail (her male clients none) from 1924 to 1943 when she retired and moved to Los Angeles. Even "reformer" Thomas Dewey, the New York city district attorney who parlayed crime into a bid for the presidency, was unable to close her down. Her autobiography “A House is Not a Home” (1952) was an international best seller translated into most languages and it was made into a movie.
    1908 - The first Oakland car is sold to a private owner. The Oakland Car Company was the creation of Edward Murphy, the founder of the Pontiac Buggy Company. Murphy was one of the most respected designers in the carriage industry. He decided to enter the car business, and invited Alanson Brush, the designer of the Brush Runabout, to join him. Brush had been a chief engineer at Cadillac; his contract with Cadillac included a no-competition clause that had just ended when he met Murphy. Anxious to get back into the design race, Brush built a car for Murphy that was ready in 1908. Oakland ran independently for less than a year before it was purchased by William C. Durant and absorbed into Durant's holding company, General Motors. Durant's purchase of Oakland is often regarded as mysterious, considering the company had enjoyed little success and had produced less than a thousand cars at the time Durant purchased it. Often accused on "intuitive" business practices, Durant claimed that his purchase of Oakland, while exhausting his cash flow, provided GM with a more impressive portfolio on which to base their stock interest. Nevertheless his decision to purchase Oakland, later called Pontiac, forced Durant out of control of GM.
    1908 - Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah was established. 
 http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/natural_bridges/national_monument.html
    1909 - Birthday of Eudora Welty (d. 2001), Jackson, MS.  Short story writer and novelist, her stories focus on small town Mississippi. She won the 1973 Pulitzer Prize in fiction for “The Optimist's Daughter.”
    1914 – The Baltimore Terrapins hosted the very first game in Federal League history, defeating Buffalo, 3 - 2, behind the strong pitching of Jack Quinn. A crowd estimated at 27,000 stands 15 rows deep in the outfield to witness the return of big league baseball to Baltimore whose Orioles were taken over by the American league after the 1901 season, then moved to New York as the Highlanders.  The Federal League began play in 1913 as a six-team minor league. The league expanded to eight clubs for the 1914 season and declared war on the other two major leagues. Federal League clubs lured away stars from the established leagues.  In January, 1915, the Federal League filed an antitrust suit against organized baseball.  After the season, a peace treaty was signed between the Federal League and Major League baseball. The Federals' lawsuit, which had been stalled by Judge Kenesaw Landis in the hopes of provoking a settlement, was dropped. In exchange, owner Charles Weeghman of the Whales was allowed to purchase the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Terriers owner Phil Ball was permitted to buy the St. Louis Browns. The other owners were offered a cash settlement. The players from the other six clubs were sold to the highest bidders.  The only holdouts in the settlement were the owners of the Baltimore Terrapins, who desperately wanted to return Major League baseball to their city. They launched a separate anti-trust lawsuit against the established major leagues and the other Federal League owners who had accepted the settlement. This resulted in the famous Federal League ruling, in which the Supreme Court ruled that baseball did not constitute interstate trade and consequently wasn't subject to federal anti-trust law.
    1919 - Birthday of American composer Arthur St Germaine (d. 2010), Worcester, MA.
    1919 - Singer and actor Howard Keel (d. 2004) was born in Gillespie, Illinois. Keel's strong baritone was featured in such 1950's movie musicals as "Annie Get Your Gun," "Show Boat, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Kismet." His career was revived in the 1980's with a featured role on the television series "Dallas."
     1924 - Birthday of Henry Mancini (d. 1994), born Enrico Nicola Mancini at Cleveland, OH. Mancini made his mark in Hollywood composing film scores and songs. Newly discharged from World War II service, Mancini entered the music industry in 1946, becoming a pianist and arranger for the newly re-formed Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by 'Everyman' Tex Beneke. After World War II, Mancini broadened his skills in composition, counterpoint, harmony and orchestration during studies opening with the composers Krenek and Tedesco.  In 1952, Mancini joined the Universal Pictures music department. He was a perennial winner at the Oscar and Grammy award ceremonies.
    1929 - The New York Yankees become first Major League team to wear numbers on uniforms.
    1933 - Franklin Falls, New Hampshire was buried under 35 inches of snow.
    1935 - The radio comedy program, “Fibber McGee and Molly,” starring Jim and Marian Jordan, premiered on the NBC Blue Network.
    1937 - One of Stan Laurel's and Oliver Hardy's best features, “Way Out West,” opened in theaters. Critics liked it, saying the film moved well, and the comic duo performed a charming soft-shoe dance. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Film Score.
    1935 - On snowy day and near freezing day as the band plays Jingle Bells at Boston's Braves Field, Babe Ruth makes his National league debut as he homers and singles off Giants' legend Carl Hubbell. Although the Braves beat New York, 4-2, the team will go on to win only 37 more games this season.
    1938 - Gene Krupa’s first big band debuts at Steel Pier, Atlantic City.
    1939 - Dusty Springfield, Britain's leading female vocalist in the mid-1960's, was born Mary Isobel Catherine O'Brien (d. 1999) in London. She took her stage name from a folk group called the Springfields, which she formed with her brother Tom. After the Springfields broke up in 1963, Dusty had a successful solo career, with such hits as "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" and "Wishin' and Hopin'." She also sang the original theme song for "The Six-Million-Dollar Man," but the song was later dropped from the television series.  In 1987, Springfield combined with the Pet Shop Boys for a top-ten hit, "What Have I Done To Deserve This?" The Pet Shop Boys later co-wrote and produced tracks for her 1990 album 'Reputation' - which included the PSB penned hits “In Private” and “Nothing Has Been Proved,” the latter included in the Bridget Fonda film, “Scandal.”
    1940 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit:  “In the Mood,'' Glenn Miller Orchestra. It topped the charts for 13 straight weeks in 1940 in the U.S. and one year later was featured in the movie, “Sun Valley Serenade.” The recording receives a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1938.  In 1983, the Glenn Miller recording from 1939 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.  In 1999, NPR included the 1939 Glenn Miller recording on RCA Bluebird on the NPR 100, the list of "The 100 most important American musical works of the 20th century".  In 2004, the 1939 Glenn Miller recording on RCA Victor was inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry which consists of recordings that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
    1940 - The first Major League no-hitter on Opening Day.  Bob Feller of the American League Cleveland Indians retired 15 men in a row from the fourth inning to the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox, winning 1-0.  This remains the only Opening Day no-hitter ever thrown.
    1940 - On Opening Day, Franklin D. Roosevelt's errant ceremonial first pitch smashes a Washington Post camera. The Chief Executive is not charged with a wild pitch as Red Sox hurler Lefty Grove blanks the Senators, 1-0.
    1941 - German troops entered Sarajevo and the city's main synagogue was destroyed.
    1943 - Hallucinogenic effects of LSD discovered in Basel, Switzerland, Albert Hoffman, a Swiss chemist working at the Sandoz pharmaceutical research laboratory, accidentally consumed LSD-25, a synthetic drug he had created in 1938 as part of his research into the medicinal value of lysergic acid compounds. After taking the drug, formally known as lysergic acid diethylamide, Dr. Hoffman was disturbed by unusual sensations and hallucinations.  Widespread use of the so-called "mind-expanding" drug did not begin until the 1960s, when counter-culture figures such as Albert M. Hubbard, Timothy Leary, and Ken Kesey publicly expounded on the benefits of using LSD as a recreational drug. The manufacture, sale, possession, and use of LSD, known to cause negative reactions in many of those who take it, was eventually made illegal across the United States.
    1944 - The destroyer USS Laffey survives horrific damage from attacks by 22 Kamikaze Japanese aircraft off Okinawa.
    1944 - An F4 tornado tracked 40 miles through Franklin, Hart, and Elbert counties in Georgia and through Anderson and Abbeville counties in South Carolina. 25 were killed and 120 were injured. Damage totaled $1 million.
    1944 - Jack Casady, bass player with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, was born in Washington, DC. The Airplane was one of the most important groups to emerge from the San Francisco area during the 1960's. "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit" were their big hits. Jack Casady and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen from the Airplane formed the group Hot Tuna in 1970.
    1945 - Troops of the United States 7th Army entered the German city of Nuremberg.
    1945 - The Nazi concentration camps at Belsen and Buchenwald are liberated by British and American forces respectively. Jena is captured by US 3rd Army units. To the south, US 7th Army forces take Bamberg.
    1946 - Singer Al Green was born in Forrest City, Arkansas. Such hits as "Let's Stay Together," "I'm Still In Love With You" and "You Ought To Be With Me" made him one of the leading soul music stars of the 1970's. Many of his later recordings were gospel records, and he became a minister in a Memphis Pentecostal church.
    1946 - The musical, “Annie Get Your Gun,” featuring songs by Irving Berlin and starring Ethel Merman, debuted on Broadway.
    1947 - Considered the worst industrial disaster in US history, the French-owned Grandcamp, docked at the oil and port town of Texas City, TX, and carrying a load of ammonium nitrate, was discovered to have a smoldering fire in her hold. At 9:12am, as onlookers gathered and a small firefighting team attempted to extinguish the blaze, the ship exploded with tremendous force, immediately killing everyone at the dock area. The resulting fires destroyed the nearby Monsanto Chemical Company and spread through oil pipelines into the city. At 1:00am, another ship, the High Flyer, exploded. The city was left defenseless due to the deaths of almost the entire fire department. There were 576 known casualties, but the most estimate that at least 100 more died in the conflagrations. Thousands were injured. The fires burned for a week. The disaster prompted new regulations on handling chemicals. With thousands of lawsuits, the US Congress passed a special act to settle claims in 1956.
    1947 - Bernard Baruch coins the term "Cold War." Multimillionaire and financier Bernard Baruch, in a speech given during the unveiling of his portrait in the South Carolina House of Representatives, describing relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, says: "Let us not be deceived — we are today in the midst of a cold war."  He called for longer workweeks, no-strike pledges from unions, and no-layoff pledges from management. It was imperative that US business and industry pull itself together, Baruch warned. His complete statement:  "Let us not be deceived-we are today in the midst of a cold war. Our enemies are to be found abroad and at home. Let us never forget this: Our unrest is the heart of their success. The peace of the world is the hope and the goal of our political system; it is the despair and defeat of those who stand against us. We can depend only on ourselves."  The phrase stuck, and for over 40 years, it was a mainstay in the language of American diplomacy. Baruch had served as an advisor to presidents on economic and foreign policy issues since the days of Woodrow Wilson. In 1919, he was one of the US advisers at the Paris Peace Conference that ended World War I. During the 1930s, he frequently advised Franklin D. Roosevelt and members of Congress on international finance and issues of neutrality. After World War II, he remained a trusted adviser to the new administration of Harry S. Truman.
    1947 – Zoomar, a device that create close-up and long-distance camera shots from a stationary camera lens, was demonstrated by NBC-TV in New York City. The lens would later be scaled down to be used by regular photographers and not just for television. Today there are many kinds of close-up/long distance lenses, including the zoom lens which was named after the original Zoomar.
    1949 - Birthday of American composer Robert E. Cucinotta, Brooklyn.
    1951 - Peabo Bryson is born Robert Peabo Bryson in Greenville, S.C. He scores several top 10 hits on Billboard's R&B and Soul charts, the biggest of which is the No. 2 song “I'm So into You,'' a 1978 release by Michael Zager's Moon Band featuring Peabo Bryson. Bryson's biggest pop hit is the top 10 song “If Ever You're in My Arms Again'' in 1984.
    1953 - Bill Haley and His Comets made it to the "Billboard" music charts for the first time with "Crazy Man Crazy." It is notable as the first recognized rock and roll recording to appear on the national American musical charts, peaking at #12 on the Billboard Juke Box chart for the week ending June 20, 1953, and #11 for two weeks on the Cash Box chart beginning for the week of June 13. It is also believed to be the first rock and roll recording to be played on national television in the US.    
    1953 – “Titanic,” starring Clifton Webb, Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Wagner, and Thelma Ritter, opened in United States theaters. Filmed in black and white, this gripping film about the sinking of the mighty ship Titanic won an Oscar for Best Script for producer Charles Brackett, Walter Reisch, and Richard Breen.
    1954 – Rookie Henry Aaron of the Milwaukee Braves went 0-for-5 in his Major League debut.
    1956 - CBS unveiled the first national rock & roll show, ABC airs its own: "Rhythm on Parade," which is broadcast live from the Flam Show Bar in Detroit.
    1957 - Polly Bergen starred in "The Helen Morgan Story" in CBS television's presentation of "Playhouse 90."
    1957 - For the first time, television showed an annual stockholders’ meeting. Shareholders of the American Machine and Foundry Company (AMF) watched TV screens in New York City and Chicago, Illinois.
    1957 - Elvis Presley's "All Shook Up" went to #1 on the Cash Box best seller list and The Billboard Pop chart, where it would stay for the next eight weeks.
    1958 - Van Cliburn became the first American to win the Tchaikovsky International Piano Contest in Moscow. As a result of his success, Van Cliburn's debut album, a recording of Tchaikovsky's "Piano Concerto Number One," became the first classical LP to sell a million copies.
    1959 - Five weeks after it entered the Billboard Hot 100, "Pink Shoelaces" by 13-year-old Dodie Stevens tops out at #3. She would go on to sing with Sergio Mendes and Brazil '77 as well as Mac Davis, but never had another Top 40 hit.
    1960 - A research study reported that TV commercials “in living color” were over three times more effective than black and white commercials.
    1962 - Top Hits
“Johnny Angel” - Shelley Fabares
“Good Luck Charm” - Elvis Presley
“Slow Twistin’” - Chubby Checker
“She’s Got You” - Patsy Cline
    1963 - "Surfin' USA" by the Beach Boys was released in the US, where it will become the group's second Billboard chart-maker, reaching #3. The song was a note-for-note copy of Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen" with new lyrics. After Berry sued, he was granted royalties and all further issues of the song gave him writing credit.
    1964 - The Mets new home, Shea Stadium, is christened with Dodgers' Holy Water from the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn and Giants' Holy Water from the Harlem River at the location where it flowed past the Polo Grounds.
    1965 - The Hollies began their first US tour at the Brooklyn Paramount in New York. It wasn't until the following year that the group cracked the US top ten with "Bus Stop." The English group has had only one very minor hit in America, their Hot 100 cover of Doris Troy's "Just One Look."
    1965 - "Dang Me!" Roger Miller wins in five categories at the seventh annual Grammy Awards.
    1965 - Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" is released.
    1967 - Random House published Ira Levin's controversial novel “Rosemary's Baby.” The best-selling novel was about satanic worshippers and how they involved an innocent woman to bear the child of Satan. The novel was later adapted into a successful film, with ingenue actress Mia Farrow cast in the role of Rosemary. The Catholic Church condemned the film, which contained a disturbing rape scene with the Devil. During its filming, her husband, Frank Sinatra, filed for divorce.
    1968 - Although he had written many of his earlier hits, Bobby Goldsboro enjoys his only US number one record with "Honey," a song composed by Bobby Russell.
    1968 - Baseball’s longest night game came to a close after 24 innings. The game, won by the Houston Astros, took six hours, six minutes to play.
    1970 - Top Hits
“Let It Be” - The Beatles
“ABC” - The Jackson 5
“Spirit in the Sky” - Norman Greenbaum
“Tennessee Bird Walk” - Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan
    1971 - Birthday of famed Tejana singer, Selena, born Selena Quintanilla at Lake Jackson, TX. Died March 31, 1995 at Corpus Christi, TX, murdered by the president of her fan club.
    1972 - Apollo 16: Astronauts John W. Young, Charles M. Duke, Jr and Thomas K. Mattingly II (command module pilot) began an 11-day mission that included 71-hour exploration of moon (Apr 20-23). Landing module (LM) named Orion. Splashdown in Pacific Ocean within a mile of target, Apr 27.
    1972 - US resumes bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong after 4 years. In an effort to help blunt the ongoing North Vietnamese Nguyen Hue Offensive, the United States resumes bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong after a four-year lull. In the first use of B-52s against both Hanoi and Haiphong, and the first attacks against both cities since November 1968, 18 B-52s and about 100 US Navy and Air Force fighter-bombers struck supply dumps near Haiphong's harbor. Sixty fighter-bombers hit petroleum storage facilities near Hanoi, with another wave of planes striking later in the afternoon.
    1972 - The orchestral rock ensemble known as the Electric Light Orchestra played its first live show at the Reading Festival in England. Their debut album, released in 1971, featured guest soloists from the London Symphony Orchestra.
    1973 - Ex-Beatle, Paul McCartney, with the group, Wings, starred in his first television special, "James Paul McCartney." The show featured the new group, which included Paul’s wife, Linda on keyboards and backing vocals.
    1974 - Paul McCartney's LP "Band On The Run" topped the Billboard album chart. It went on to sell over 6 million copies world-wide.
    1975 - A single storm brought 119 inches of snow to Crater Lake, Oregon, establishing a state record.
    1976 - The ban on women attending West Point is lifted with the admission of 119 female cadets.
    1977 - Stevie Wonder enters the soul chart with what will be another of his many Number One hits. "Sir Duke" is a tribute to Duke Ellington which will top the charts next month.
    1977 - Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" is released
    1978 - St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bob Forsch tossed a no-hitter, downing the Phillies 5-0. A year later, his brother, Ken, would repeat the feat with the Houston Astros, making them the first brothers to pitch Major League no-hitters. Bob tossed a second no-hitter in September, 1983, setting a record for Cardinal pitchers.
    1978 - Top Hits
“Night Fever” - Bee Gees
“Stayin’ Alive” - Bee Gees
“Lay Down Sally” - Eric Clapton
“Someone Loves You Honey” - Charley Pride
    1978 - At the first US power-lifting championships held in Nashua, NH, Jan Todd, a teacher from Nova Scotia, broke her own world record with a dead lift of 453 ¼ pounds. Cindy Reinhoudt won the award for best lifter after squatting 385 pounds, bench pressing 205 pounds and dead-lifting 385 pounds for a 975-pound total.
    1979 - The first female Coast Guard ship commander was Lieutenant (j.g.) Beverly Gwin Kelley, who was appointed to command the 95-foot cutter Cape Newhagen, with a crew of 14, based in Maalaea, Maui, HI. Her assignment included search missions, boating safety, antipollution patrols, and law enforcement.
    1979 - Gloria Gaynor earns a platinum 45 for her hits "I Will Survive." It's the biggest hit of her career and a Number One record for three weeks in March.
    1981 – “Bette Davis Eyes,” by Kim Carnes, rocketed to the Number 1 spot on Billboard's record charts on this date, and remained there for 9 weeks. Carnes received a personal thank-you letter for the song from actress Bette Davis, saying that it had impressed her young grandson.
    1980 - US boycotted the Summer Olympics in Moscow.  The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December, 1979 spurred President Jimmy Carter to issue an ultimatum on January 20, 1980: If Soviet troops did not withdraw from Afghanistan within one month, the United States would boycott the Moscow Olympics in summer, 1980.
    1980 - The 1950s musical “Grease” finally closes its Broadway show after 3,883 performances and earning over $8 million. To this day, it is twelfth on the all-time appearance list.
    1982 - Queen Elizabeth proclaimed Canada's new constitution, severing the last colonial links with Britain.
    1985 - Mickey Mantle, banned for several years from baseball for taking a job as a greeter for an Atlantic City casino, was reinstated. His first act was to throw the first pitch at a home game in New York between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. Mantle was given a standing ovation.
    1985 - "We Are The World," the Quincy Jones produced effort that raised millions to help feed starving people in Africa, topped the Billboard singles chart. The 45 artists that recorded the effort on January 28th were asked to "check their egos at the door."
    1986 - Jack Nicklaus won his sixth Masters Tournament with a 9 under par 279.  At the age of 46, Nicklaus claimed his 18th and final major championship, becoming the championship's oldest winner.
    1986 - Top Hits
“Rock Me Amadeus” - Falco
“Kiss” - Prince & The Revolution
“Manic Monday” - Bangles
“She and I” – Alabama
    1987 - A slow moving storm system produced heavy rain over North Carolina and the Middle Atlantic Coast States. More than six inches of rain drenched parts of Virginia, and flooding in Virginia claimed three lives. Floodwaters along the James River inundated parts of Richmond, VA.
    1987 - It was a grand day in New York Harbor. "Bobro 400," a huge barge, set sail within eyesight of the Statue of Liberty with 3,200 tons of garbage that nobody wanted. The floating trash heap soon became America’s most well-traveled garbage can as it began an eight-week, 6,000 mile odyssey in search of a willing dumping site. "Bobro 400" returned to New York Harbor after the lengthy journey - and brought all that garbage back with it!
    1987 - Twist king Chubby Checker, jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and conductor Leopold Stokowski were among the first ten inductees of the Philadelphia Music Foundation Hall of Fame. The others honored for making their mark on music in Philadelphia were singers Pearl Bailey, Mario Lanza and Bobby Rydell, jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, rock 'n' roll pioneer Bill Haley and blues singer Bessie Smith.
    1990 - Thunderstorms developing along a stationary front produced large hail and damaging winds across Oklahoma, with 99 reports of large hail and damaging winds during the evening and early nighttime hours. Thunderstorms produced baseball size hail south of Carney, and wind gusts to 100 mph in the Oklahoma City area which swept away many Federal tax returns being transported from a mail cart to a waiting truck about the time of the midnight deadline. Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City reported a record wind gust of 92 mph.
    1991 - Queen Elizabeth, on a tour of the United States, became the first monarch to address Congress.
    1993 - The quirky film “Benny and Joon,” starring Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, Aidan Quinn, and Julianne Moore, opened across the country. Depp received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance.
    1995 - The European Union and Canada ended a bitter dispute over fishing rights in the north Atlantic with a deal both sides said would protect threatened fish stocks.
    1996 - The Chicago Bulls became the first NBA team to win 70 games in the regular season by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, 86-90. After this game, Chicago’s record stood at 70-9. The Bulls finished the year at 72-10 and won their fourth NBA title in six years.
    1989 - Madonna's hit single “Like a Prayer” was certified platinum.
    1996 - France Telecom starts Web service. France Telecom unveils a new consumer Internet service, Wanadoo, designed to bring the Internet to a mass audience. Some fourteen million French customers already used the Minitel, a national online system introduced in 1984, which allowed customers to view train schedules, book tickets, and perform other transactions. The company said it would work with Microsoft to develop the network but would distribute both Netscape and Microsoft Internet browsers. France Telecom hoped to avoid cannibalizing its Minitel online service by building Minitel access into Wanadoo. Contrary to popular belief, over 20 countries have a better internet system with a higher percentage of users, including a very high percentage of users with high speed capabilities.
    1997 - Extending their losing streak to 12 with a 4-0 loss to the Colorado Rockies, Cubs set the record for worst start in league history surpassing the overall NL record of 0-11 established by the Detroit Wolverines 1884.
    1998 - Pentagon computers found vulnerable to hackers. The Pentagon announces that a team of ethical hackers discovered security flaws in Defense Department computers. After two weeks of hacking, the security team accessed a US electric power grid that would let the hackers shut down power across the country. The previous February, the Pentagon's unclassified computers had been hit with an organized hack attack targeting personnel records. The Pentagon said it planned to spend about $1 billion a year for several years to improve its computer security.
    1998 - Apple outpaces profit expectations. Apple bounced back from two years of losses: Quarterly reports, released on 16 April 1998, showed that Apple exceeded analysts' profit expectations for the second straight quarter. For the first time in two years, Macintosh shipments began to increase. Apple's recovery would continue with the introduction of the popular iMac the following May.
    1999 - VH1 debuts an Internet radio station, VH1 atWork, with the exclusive live webcast of the "Divas Live" concert. The 24-hour service at www.vh1.com and America Online (keyword: VH1) is the first major branded audio service from MTV Networks.
    2001 - First Union Corp., the 6th largest US bank, announces that it is buying competitor Wachovia Corp. for $13.4 billion in stock, to make under the Wachovia name the 4th biggest US banking company, with $324 billion in assets, trailing only Citigroup Inc., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America. In 2010, it was merged into Wells Fargo.
    2005 - Switchfoot, the Crabb Family and Casting Crowns are the big winners at the 36th annual Gospel Music Assn. Dove Awards, held at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. Switchfoot is named artist of the year and wins honors for rock contemporary song and shortform video for "Dare You to Move."
    2011 - After four days of deliberation, the jury in the trial of Barry Bonds returned a guilty verdict on the charge of obstruction of justice, while failing to reach a decision on the three charges of perjury the slugger was also facing. Bonds faced up to 10 years in jail for the felony conviction, although probation is a more likely.  Bonds admitted to using the ‘cream’ and the ‘clear’ but said he did not know they were banned substances.
    2012 - Owner of the New Orleans Saints, Tom Benson, purchased the New Orleans Hornets from the National Basketball Association for an estimated $338 million.  They would change their name to the New Orleans Pelicans beginning with the 2013–14 season.
    2013 - China and the U.S. agree to work towards eliminating nuclear weapons in the Korean Peninsula…how’s that working out?
    2014 - Bubba Watson won the Masters Tournament for the second year in a row.

Stanley Cup Champions:
1939 - Boston Bruins
1949 - Toronto Maple Leafs
1953 - Montreal Canadiens
1954 - Detroit Red Wings
1957 - Montreal Canadiens
1961 - Chicago Blackhawks