Friday, April 14, 2006
Good Friday commemorates the anniversary of Jesus Christ's death on the cross. Christians, who believe that Jesus died for our sins, remember his sacrifice by spending the day in mourning and penitence. Observed in commemoration of the crucifixion. Oldest Christian celebration. Possible corruption of “God's Friday. Observed in some manner by most Christian sects and as a public holiday or part holiday in Canada, and in Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Tennessee (See other calendar events ) Headlines--- Classified Ads---Operations ######## surrounding the article denotes it is a “press release” “A Crisis in Sales Management” by Steve Chriest should not only be read by those in sales, but senior management, particularly human resource. Part 1 of a three part series. editor
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Noah's sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, along with their wives. Each figure is carrying the tool which kept him/her busy for the time aboard the Ark. "All people on Earth are descendants of Noah's three sons" Genesis 9-19 * Orange County, CA. East Windsor, NJ. New York, NY. Wayne, NJ. For a full listing of all “job wanted” ads, please go to: http://64.125.68.91/AL/LeasingNews/JobPostings.htm To place a free “job wanted” ad, please go to: http://64.125.68.91/AL/LeasingNews/PostingForm.asp * The completed Noah Family is sold as a set only. http://www.mendocinoark.com/index.html
In addition to the Noah's Arks, the animals created may also be ordered separately. http://www.mendocinoark.com/animals/index.html -------------------------------------------------------------- Pictures from the Past—Bernie Boettigheimer-1989
Western Association of Equipment Leasing “Newsline” --------------------------------------------------------------
Bernie Boettigheimer Retirement Party
"My father, Bernie Boettigheimer, is retiring after 24 years in the business on April 28th. We will be having a retirement party for him on April 29th. He has so many friends in the industry - many that have requested that they be told when his retirement party will be. I am afraid that I will leave someone out. I would be very appreciative if you could make mention of it. “The party will be held at my house in Plano, Texas at 4 pm. Those interested in attending can email me at johnb@pioneerfunding.com." Sincerely, John Boettigheimer
-------------------------------------------------------------- The era of cheap money may finally be nearing its end. Investors pushed up the yield on the 10 year Treasury bill to over 5 percent on Thursday, its highest point in nearly four years and a signal that many borrowers will soon be paying more on mortgages and home equity loans. The Mortgage Bankers Association said its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage application activity for the week ended April 7 fell 5.5% to 579.4 from the previous week's 612.8. "The index is noisy on a week-to-week basis, but it is painting a broad picture of a cooling housing market," said John Shin, senior economist at Lehman Bros. Borrowing costs on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, excluding fees, averaged 6.50%, up 0.01 percentage point from the previous week, highest level since it reached 6.53% the week ended June 14, 2002. See “News Briefs” for more information -------------------------------------------------------------- Classified Ads—Help Wanted Account Executive
Business Development Officer
Chief Credit Officer
Lease Coordinator
Portfolio Collection & Customer Service
Sales Manager
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Jeffery Taylor---“Three Year Chip” by Christopher Menkin (his good friend) Many know Jeffrey as an educator, who also was a certified public accountant, certified lease professional, and lease trainer and educator for over twenty years. He also had a daily e-mail to 18,000 in the equipment leasing industry for several years, perhaps the first “blog” in our industry.
“I will celebrate three years of continuous sobriety on Saturday, April 15, 2006,” he e-mailed his friends. “In order to share my recovery with others and to continue my 12 step work, Toby and I will fly into Bountiful, UT where I got sober three years ago and speak at the Saturday Night meeting. Stop by for dinner at 6:00 and enjoy a relaxing evening at the BackStreet Club. “For details, please call Don, the Club Manager, at 801-397-0450 or e-mail Don or me for more information.” Leasing News asked him for a comment on this three year achievement: “The longer I stay sober the less I know. I guess it has to do with throwing away my old beliefs and values and establishing new ones. In a way, I feel like I am living my childhood all over again. Except this time I am living it without drowning my cares and sorrows in alcohol and drugs. “I continue to exercise more, eat better and take better care of my body. I feel like a 24 year-old in a 55-year old body. I continue to go to AA meetings. However, I only go 2-3 times a week instead of daily when I first got sober. “I have been interviewed dozens of times on radio and television and try to spread some simple concepts: “Alcoholics are born and not made You cannot drink yourself into becoming an alcoholic You either are or are not. There is no in-between One cannot recover from alcoholism. You can die from untreated alcoholism To stay sober you need to help another alcoholic. It takes your mind off of your own troubles. There is nothing I have experienced that others have not. No one is unique. “I get closer to God every day and ask him for guidance. Thanks for asking. “Jeffrey “ JeffreyArizona@aol.com (602) 708-4981 (cell) http://www.executivecaliber.ws/sys-tmpl/jeffreytaylor/ Jeff and his wife now live in Arizona, where Jeff now spends full time as a real estate broker. He also appears on radio and is the author of a “Gentleman Drunk.”
The book reads like an inside diary: frank, truthful, and “tell all,' from his days in leasing to working for Sudhir Amembal and then going on his own. This web site tells more about the book, including containing the first seven chapters: I could not put the book down as it explains Jeffrey, the world of equipment leasing, and how he has achieved sobriety. I recommend it to anyone who knows someone in our industry who has an addiction that is controlling their life. Readers are invited to send a greeting to Jeffry (JeffreyArizona@aol.com )at: http://www.recoverygreetings.com/cards/cjachips.html ----------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------- (This article should not only be read by those in sales, but senior management, particularly human resource. Part 1 of a three part series. editor)
“A Crisis in Sales Management” by Steve Chriest When I first became a sales consultant, and began working with clients, I was surprised at the lack of basic sales skills and business knowledge of most of the sales groups we encountered. Whether we consulted with multi-billion dollar corporations or middle market businesses, the story was always the same - The salespeople lacked basic skills and knowledge, and the overall skill level and knowledge of sales management was worse. As I thought about why this appeared to be the case, I encountered a woman who recruited senior sales managers during the last twenty-five years. I told her what I had observed, and asked her two questions: First, were my observations valid? And second, if they were valid, how did this happen? Without hesitation she told me that during most of the 1990's business was generally good and getting better each month. Salespeople in a great many industries had only to make sure they answered the telephone to take orders from customers anxious to buy. Selling skills and business knowledge weren't needed to meet and exceed sales quotas. And sales managers, again in many industries, had little managing to do as their teams met and exceeded expectations. That all changed, of course, as the economy began to slow in 2000. All of a sudden things changed for salespeople and for sales managers. The phone stopped ringing off the hook, and salespeople and managers found themselves competing in a cruel world against increasingly more desperate competitors. According to the sales recruiter, many experienced salespeople lost their selling skills, and those new to selling never acquired even basic sales skills. The same things happened to experienced sales managers and those new to management during this good economy. When times get tough, and companies begin to lose customers and market share, senior managers want quick fixes. They often ask, “How can we gain more of our customer's mindshare? How can we differentiate ourselves from our competitors? How can we sell value and avoid caving into customer demands for more service and lower prices? How can we upgrade our selling skills? How can we motivate our sales teams?” As they turn to sales managers for answers, many senior managers discover that the sales managers cannot deliver comprehensive solutions, let alone quick fixes. The executives come face to face with the crisis in sales management. Next week we'll take a look and what I think senior managers and sales managers must do to end the crisis in sales management. Copyright © 2006 Selling Up TM . All Rights Reserved. About the author: Steve Chriest is the founder of Selling Up TM (www.selling-up.com), a sales consulting firm specializing in sales improvement for organizations of all types and sizes in a variety of industries. He is also the author of Selling Up , The Proven System for Reaching and Selling Senior Executives. You can reach Steve at schriest@selling-up.com.
### Press Release ########################### Attorney John Lee Joins Main Street Bank
KINGWOOD, TEXAS, – Main Street Bank, Kingwood, Texas, announced the appointment of John Lee as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Lee, whose legal career spans over 35 years in the equipment leasing industry was graduated from the Harvard Law School. Lee previously worked in private practice at Shearman & Sterling in New York and Nixon Peabody LLP in Boston. He also has served on the in-house legal staff at Xerox Corporation, First Sierra Financial and American Express. Tom Depping, Chairman of Main Street National Bank stated: “John is a recognized legal expert in the equipment leasing industry and brings a wealth of legal knowledge to our bank. John will be a big part of increasing Main Street's national presence in the leasing industry and helping Main Street Bank become “America's Small Business Bank.” Lee said: “I am excited to be part of Main Street's management team as we continue to grow our bank and provide lease financing nationwide.” Main Street Bank, established in 1984 maintains two banking offices in the Houston, Texas market and eight national equipment lease sales offices. John Lee can be contacted at jlee@msnbank.com . ### Press Release ########################### Lakeland Bancorp Reports $4.7 Million in First Quarter
(The Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses totaled $13.2 million at March 31, 2006 and represented 0.98% of total loans.) OAK RIDGE, N.J., -- Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. LBAI reported first quarter Net Income of $4.7 million, compared to $4.6 million for the same period in 2005. Earnings Per Share of $0.22 compared to $0.21 for the first quarter 2005. Annualized Return on Average Assets was 0.86% and Annualized Return on Average Equity was 10.00% for the first quarter 2006. Lakeland Bancorp also announced that it has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per common share. The cash dividend will be paid on May 15, 2006 to holders of record as of the close of business on April 28, 2006. Roger Bosma, Lakeland Bancorp's President and CEO said, "Net Income for the first quarter of 2006 was the highest first quarter in our history. While the interest rate environment continues to be challenging and loan and deposit acquisition is competitive, we are actively pursuing all markets in which we operate. As we closely monitor strategies to help improve margins, we continue to pursue ways to increase fee income, as well as control our operating costs." Full press release here: http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.asp?feed=PR&Date=20060413&ID=5642043 ### Press Release ########################### GE Reports Record First-Quarter Financial Results with
FAIRFIELD, Conn.-----Financial Highlights (Continuing Operations): -- Revenues of $37.8 billion, up 10%; organic revenue growth of 9% GE announced today record first-quarter 2006 earnings from continuing operations of $4.0 billion or $.39 per share, up 14% and 18%, respectively, from first-quarter 2005. Revenues from continuing operations were also a record $37.8 billion, up 10% from last year's first quarter. Cash flow from GE's operating activities was a record $6.7 billion. "We had a strong performance in the quarter highlighted by double-digit growth in earnings, revenues and cash flow," said GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt. "Driven by demand for our industrial equipment, momentum in healthcare and continued performance in our financial services businesses, we achieved 9% organic revenue growth. Five of six of GE's businesses delivered double-digit earnings growth. "Importantly, orders were strong across the company, growing 33%. Our orders for equipment and services were particularly robust, growing 67% and 20%, respectively. This gives us good visibility going forward," added Immelt. "Our solid fundamentals are delivering strong cash flow growth. For the quarter, we generated $6.7 billion in CFOA, an increase of 132% over the first quarter of last year, bolstered by the proceeds from the sale of our remaining stake in Genworth. With our healthy cash position, we acquired 88 million shares of GE common stock, which accounts for $3 billion of the $7-9 billion stock repurchase we have planned for this year. We also increased ROTC by 1.4 percentage points over the first quarter of 2005 to 17% - good progress toward our long-term goal of exceeding 20%," said Immelt. "The first quarter results are a good reflection of our strategic execution," added Immelt. "Our products are winning in the global infrastructure markets, creating a high-margin installed base. We have sustained our high-return growth in financial services in an increasing interest rate environment. Our diversified healthcare franchise is winning globally with technical leadership that is providing consistent growth. We improved our operating performance in the Industrial segment. And we are improving NBC Universal's performance based on a diversified business mix and quality programming," added Immelt. Full press release with financials at: ### Press Release ########################### Merrill Lynch Capital Announces Equipment Financing and
Toronto, – Merrill Lynch Capital announced that it will begin offering equipment financing and business aviation financing for qualified customers in Canada. Dan Porter, a 20-year veteran of the equipment finance industry, has been hired to lead the effort and will be based in Toronto. Merrill Lynch Capital provides equipment financing up to $75 million for public companies and private corporations in a broad range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, transportation, energy, automotive, marine, mining services, food processing, and technology. In Business Aviation Finance, innovative and flexible business aviation financing solutions are offered to both corporations and individuals. The primary focus is to provide financing for turbine-powered business jets, helicopters and turboprops. The size of the business aviation transactions typically range from $5 million to $50 million. “This expansion is viewed as an important step in bringing the capabilities of Merrill Lynch Capital and our expertise in equipment and business aviation finance to the Canadian market while accelerating the continued growth of our equipment finance platform. The industry experience and knowledge that Dan brings from working in the Canadian market provides a natural fit for this timely expansion further enhancing Merrill Lynch Capital's position as a significant player in the broader equipment finance industry.” said Rick Remiker, Managing Director, Merrill Lynch Capital, Equipment Finance Group. "Merrill Lynch Canada is pleased to now offer Canadian companies a broad range of structured financing solutions," said Lynn Patterson, President, Merrill Lynch Canada. "Dan will be a welcomed addition to the ML Canada team." Merrill Lynch Capital is a leading commercial finance business providing a broad range of structured financing solutions to private and public companies within the middle market. Merrill Lynch Capital is focused on four major market segments – corporate finance, equipment finance, healthcare finance and real estate finance. Commercial financing generally offered by Merrill Lynch Capital, a division of Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services Inc., except in Canada where financing is offered by Merrill Lynch Capital Canada Inc. Merrill Lynch is one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies, with offices in 36 countries and territories and total client assets of approximately $1.8 trillion. As an investment bank, it is a leading global trader and underwriter of securities and derivatives across a broad range of asset classes and serves as a strategic advisor to corporations, governments, institutions and individuals worldwide. Through Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, the company is one of the world's largest managers of financial assets. Firmwide, assets under management total $544 billion. For more information on Merrill Lynch, please visit www.ml.com. Sites of Reference: ### Press Release ########################### The Alta Group Conference Expands Demonstrations
to Include Origination Systems, International Decision Systems to Present
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., - International Decision Systems announced that The Alta Group conference, "Creating IT Solutions in Leasing" will include a demonstration of Rapport(tm), a software solution that supports re-engineering and best practices in origination. In announcing the conference Shawn Halladay, Alta Group principal and event moderator said, "There are technology platforms available in North America now, all of which offer features that claim to help lessors operate more efficiently and grow profits. We've invited representatives from select lease accounting software companies to present the pros and cons of these applications and present their products' real functionality using actual lease transactions and business requirements. We promise substance in their demonstrations and no fluff." "During the last decade, origination emerged as a strong factor in lost efficiency across the leasing industry," said Tom Dawson, product marketing manager at International Decision Systems. "Strategically, we listened to and observed the industry to understand the depth of the origination challenge. We now have a solution designed to bolt on to any industry back-office system to allow for re-engineering and regained efficiencies from origination through booking. We've virtually eliminated the tedious re-entry of data, plus created organizationwide, real-time visibility to each transaction. We're pleased to demonstrate Rapport(tm) during the conference." There will be numerous functionality demonstrations and two program tracks-- one focused solely on IT systems and the other on portfolio management. For details go to www.thealtagroup.com for the agenda and registration details. People interested in attending the conference, to be held at the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook Hotel, should call The Alta Group at 801-322-4499 or email Bonnie Johnson at bjohnson@thealtagroup.com. (A few free seats are available to executive “in between” and wanting to stay on top of the latest developments in lease software accounting. About International Decision Systems International Decision Systems is the global leader in developing asset finance portfolio management software and services. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, International Decision Systems also has offices in London, Sydney, Singapore and Bangalore, India. International Decision Systems offers the largest and most experienced global development, consulting, implementation, and technical support teams in the asset financing industry. For additional information about International Decision Systems, visit www.internationaldecisionsystems.com or call 1-866-465-9393 or 1-612-851-3200 for the global headquarters or the European office at ++44 (0)1256-302000. About The Alta Group The Alta Group is a global consultancy serving equipment leasing and finance companies, investment professionals, manufacturers, banks and government organizations. Founded in 1992, The Alta Group supports clients in North America; Latin America; Western, Central and Eastern Europe; Australia and China. For more information, visit www.thealtagroup.com. ### Press Release ########################### Structured Finance Executives Combine Firms; Will Partner as Quintessence Financial
(New York ) – Four senior executives in the insured structured finance arena have combined their two firms and have formed Quintessence Financial, LLC (QF) to expand their services as arrangers, advisers, consultants for credit enhancements and debt service guarantees for the real estate and commercial equipment structured finance sectors. Jamie R. Anthony, Jr. and William M. Blankinship, principals and owners of Financial Risk Strategies, LLC (FRS), have joined with Thomas A. Orofino and Paul D. Dean, III, principals and owners of Collateral Guaranty LLC (CG), to establish Quintessence Financial, the new firm. CG and FRS's principals have worked closely together for many years to provide unique insurance-backed products for real estate finance, commercial equipment leasing and finance corporate debt transactions, financial insurance and environmental financial guarantees. Financial Risk Strategies, a financial advisory firm, was formed by Mr. Blankinship in 2002 to focus on credit enhancements, financial guarantees and insurance products for structured finance transactions. Mr. Anthony joined him in 2004. The firm's clients include banks, investment banks, real estate investors and operators and major developers. Collateral Guaranty was formed by Mr. Orofino and Mr. Dean in 1995 and has specialized in arranging balloon note guarantees (residual value) for commercial real estate, commercial aircraft, marine and rail assets. The firm's clients include global banks and investment banks, equipment lenders and lessors, and manufacturers of large commercial assets. The principals of Quintessence Financial have arranged in excess of $6.0 billion of credit enhancements for transactions from multiline and monoline insurers to support transactions involving various asset classes including real estate, corporate debt and commercial equipment. They have also structured environmental financial guarantees, captive insurers as well as unique financial coverages designed to facilitate capital markets transactions. Quintessence Financial, LLC will provide a broad range of services to both U.S. and international clients in commercial real estate, structured finance, equipment lending and leasing and reinsurance industries. The combined firm will offer strategic advisory, transaction structuring and capital placement services. Drawing on its relationships in real estate, capital markets, real estate finance, equipment finance and insurance, the firm can deliver a full range of insurance and financial solutions to its clients. “We believe the significant experience of FRS and CG with insurer-supported structured finance, coupled with our knowledge of global insurance and reinsurance markets, will be enhanced by joining together as Quintessence to leveraged our expertise and help our clients to increase their productivity, profitability through more efficient financial transactions,” stated Bill Blankinship. Jamie Anthony adds, “The structured finance industry is a vital business sector that demands creative solutions. The partners of Quintessence have demonstrated they can provide the knowledge and creativity, as well as the combined insurance and financial resources, to help investors and lenders better allocate capital and manage risk.” Orofino and Dean believe “the joining of the capital markets experience and insurance capabilities of CG and FRS principals should provide unique solutions for the structured finance industry.” The firm's principals will operate from offices in New York, Westport, CT and Atlanta, GA. For information, please contact: Jamie R. Anthony, Jr. William M. Blankinship bill@qfllc.com Thomas A. Orofino CONTACT: thomas orofino ### Press Release ########################### Farmers Capital Bank Corporation Has Reached an
FRANKFORT, Ky., -- Farmers Capital Bank Corporation (Nasdaq: FFKT) ("Farmers") has announced the signing of an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement") with Citizens National Bancshares, Inc. ("Citizens") whereby Citizens would be merged into a subsidiary of Farmers in a cash and stock transaction valued at $30,000,000. Citizens is the parent corporation of Citizens National Bank of Jessamine County, Nicholasville, Kentucky which following the transaction will continue operations under the same name. Commenting on the proposed acquisition, Tony Busseni, President of Farmers, stated, "We are pleased and excited with the opportunity to become affiliated with the Citizens management team and Board of Directors and become partners with them in the growth of this vibrant organization in an expanding banking market." Ben Brown, President of Citizens, said, "We have enjoyed a truly beneficial banking relationship with Farmers since our opening in July 1996. We are enthused about the merger and excited with the opportunities that will be available to our customers through a broader range of new and enhanced services. We believe that this strategic partnership will offer both our shareholders an enhanced value for their investment and our employees an improved benefit program. Most importantly, our customers will continue to see the same quality service that they have become accustomed while still being provided by the same dedicated staff." Pending the required approvals from the appropriate regulatory authorities and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the definitive agreement, this transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2006. As of March 31, 2006, Citizens had total deposits of $138,000,000. Farmers is a financial holding company headquartered in Frankfort, Kentucky. The company operates 34 banking locations in 23 communities throughout Kentucky, a mortgage company, a leasing company, a data processing company and an insurance company and had total deposits of $1,347,000,000 as of March 31, 2006. Its stock is publicly traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (NASDAQ) Capital Markets under the symbol FFKT. Citizens is a bank holding company headquartered in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Citizens National Bank of Jessamine County operates four offices located in Jessamine County, Kentucky. SOURCE Farmers Capital Bank Corporation Web Site: http://www.farmerscapital.com/ ### Press Release ###########################
News Briefs---- Treasury Rate Signals Burdens for Borrowers Mortgage Rates Nearly at Highest in 4 Yrs. G.E. Stock Falls After Earnings Report GE Burned by 8 percent profits drop at NBC Earnings fall at three major newspaper publishers Danaher Buys Dental Equipment Company Oil Prices Rise Above $69 Per Barrel Wal-Mart CEO to Take Long Vacation in May Ford to Shut Plants in Minn., Va. in 2008 Creativity class from a master Sushi and Rev. Moon ---------------------------------------------------------------
You May have Missed--- ---Best Wrap-up: Wal-Mart Industrial Bank Hearing http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/12/business/12bank.html ---------------------------------------------------------------
Sports Briefs---- MRI reveals USC's White has torn hamstring Madden thinks Favre could be traded Grand jury investigating whether Bonds committed perjury ----------------------------------------------------------------
“Gimme that Wine” The Great Quake: 1906-2006 A new Wine Country rose from the ruins Washington state Wine country with something to prove Which French vintages to drink in 2006 Wine Prices by vintage US/International Wine Events Winery Atlas Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page --------------------------------------------------------------
Restaurant Review Afghani House (Near AMD, Intel, and many semiconductor facilities in this city, Santa Clara, and San Jose) (408) 248-5088 Lunch: Monday to Friday (right off of Lawrence Expressway, next to the Fish Market near a small shopping center by Highway 280 and Lawrence Expressway) This is an up-scale, but casual restaurant. Very nice furniture and décor with authentic Afghan Cuisine. Zephyr Jafri, former President of Telo Electronic took us there with his wife for dinner. He has been going there since they opened. He brings clients and friends here all the time. Zephyr was born in Pakistan, developed business there, but his main family and business interest is in the United States. My lamb shank was delicious over white rice. We also had ka-bobs. The lamb was the most tender I have ever had; almost a filet tenderness, and very tasty. We had several appetizers and a Grand Marnier after dinner. Very comfortable and many tables for private conversation for business or pleasure. Tell the owner, Ali, that a very close friend of Zephyr Jafri recommended you, and hopefully you may receive some special attention. San Jose Mercury gave this restaurant three and a half stars (four is the top) and Metro rated it "A+"; especially for their service. (for other reviews: please go here: http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/rstrnt.htm 0 ----------------------------------------------------------------
Calendar Events This Day Children with Alopecia Day If you are a child (or have a child) who is losing hair because of the disease Alopeica Areata, today is your day to stand up and be proud of not having hair. www.childrensalopeciaproject.com Good Friday Good Friday commemorates the anniversary of Jesus Christ's death on the cross. Christians, who believe that Jesus died for our sins, remember his sacrifice by spending the day in mourning and penitence. Observed in commemoration of the crucifixion. Oldest Christian celebration. Possible corruption of “God's Friday. Observed in some manner by most Christian sects and as a public holiday or part holiday in Canada, and in Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Tennessee United Kingdom: Good Friday Bank Holiday Bank and public holiday in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Houduras: Dia de las Americas Honduras Pan-American Day, a national holiday International Moment of Laughter Laughter is a potent and powerful way to deal with the difficulties of modern living. Since the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of laughter are widely accepted, this day is set aside for everyone to take the necessary time to experience the ower of laughter. www. izzyg.com Pecan Day Pan-American Day Presidential Proclamation 19121, of May 28, 1030, covers every April 14 ( required by Governing Board of Pan-American Union.) Proclamation issued each year since 1948. Commemorates the first interntional Conference of American States in 1890. Pan American Day in Florida A ceremonial day in Florida which is observed in the public schools as a day hnoroing the republics of Latin America. When April 14 does not fall on a school day, the governor may designate the preceding Friday or the following Monday as Pan-American Day. Stock Exchange Holiday Tamil New Year India: Vaisakhi Sikh holiday that commemorates the founding of the brotherhood of the Khalsa in 1699. A larger fair is held at the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the central shrine of Sikhism. While the date may vary in different parts of India, this holiday always falls in April or May. ----------------------------------------------------------------
Today's Top Event in History 1865- President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theater in Washington,D.C. He died the following morning. John Wilkes Booth, a well-known actor, was allowed upstairs at Ford's Theatre; giving him access to United States President Abraham Lincoln's private box as Lincoln watched "Our American Cousin". Just after 10 p.m., Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, shot Lincoln in the head, leaped to the stage below, and shouted, “Sic semper tyrannis!” Which means, "Thus always to tyrants!" the state motto of Virginia. In the fall, he broke his leg, but managed to escape the Washington, D.C. theatre, mount a horse, and flee to Virginia. Booth was tracked down and shot as he hid in a barn near Port Royal, Virginia. The next day, Lincoln died at 7:22 a.m. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/apr14.html ----------------------------------------------------------------
This Day in American History 1775- the first abolition organization was formed today as the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage in Philadelphia, PA. The first president was John Baldwin. Stanley Cup Champions This Date 1928 New York Rangers --------------------------------------------------------------
Spring Poem THE POOL PLAYERS. We real cool. We Lurk late. We Sing sin. We Jazz June. We From The Bean Eaters by Gwendolyn Brooks, published by Harpers. © 1960 by Gwendolyn Brooks. |
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