Reminder: 2021 California Financing Law
Annual Report Due March 15, 2022

All licensees under the California Financing Law must submit an Annual Report to the Commissioner of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).  The Annual Report form and instructions are now available on the DFPI’s California Financing Law webpage. (1)  The deadline to submit the Annual Report electronically is March 15, 2022.

You are required to have a registered DFPI portal account to submit the Annual Report.  To sign in or register for a portal account, go to this DFPI webpage.  We strongly encourage licensees to start gathering the data to ensure they can timely file the Annual Report.

Failure to submit the Annual Report by the deadline may result in the revocation of your license pursuant to Financial Code section 22715(a) or money penalties pursuant to Financial Code section 22715(b).

Specifically, Financial Code section 22715(a) provides as follows:
The commissioner may by order summarily suspend or revoke the license of any licensee if that person fails to file the report required by Section 22159 within 10 days after notice by the commissioner that such report is due and not filed.  If, after an order is made, a request for hearing is filed in writing within 30 days and the hearing is not held within 60 days thereafter, the order is deemed rescinded as of its effective date.

Click here for a penalty matrix reflecting the penalties assessable based on late-filing date.
If you have any questions, please email CFL.Inquiries@dfpi.ca.gov or call (866) 275-2677.

Authority:  Financial Code sections 22159(a), 22715(a), and 22715(b).

(1) CFL Webpage
https://dfpi.ca.gov/california-financing-law/

(2) DFPI Webpage
https://docqnet.dfpi.ca.gov/

 

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Leasing News Funder List “A”
Updated

This list was created a number of years ago and when a business changes, merges, or goes out of business, it is deleted. This list is updated by the funder and may not be up-to-date.
Leasing News relies primarily on the companies themselves to keep the list current of who to contact, email, telephone numbers, and other information provided on the list, including:
A -Accepts Broker Business | B -Requires Broker be Licensed | C -Sub-Broker Program |
D -"Private label Program" | E - Also "in house" salesmen

There is no advertising fee or charge for a listing. They are “free.” Leasing News makes no endorsement of any of the companies listed, except they have qualified to be on this specific list.
To qualify for this list, the company must be a "funder" and not a "Broker/Lessor" or "Super Broker/Lessor." The company may sell off its portfolio from time to time, but the definition is for a company or financial institution where 50% or more of its business is from actually "funding" transactions themselves, where they are on "recourse." Every non-public company's banker and/or investor(s) are contacted to verify this.

Leasing News reserves the right to not list a company who does not meet these qualifications.
We encourage companies who are listed to contact us for any change or addition they would like to make. Adding further information as an "attachment" or clarification of what they have to offer would be helpful to readers are very much encouraged.

(To apply to be listed, please fill in our Funder Form  and you may e-mail to:kitmenkin@leasingnews.org.)

Alphabetical list - click on company name to view more details
	First American Bank Leasing	National City Comm Capital
360 Equipment Finance	First Bank of Highland Park
Advantage Funding	First Citizen Bank & Trust	Navitas Lease Corp
		NewLane Finance
Agstar Financial Services	First Continental Leasing	NexTier Leasing
AIG Commercial	First Credit Corporation
AIG Comm. Equip. Fin., Inc.	First Federal Leasing	Norlease, Inc.
		North Mill Equipment Finance
All Points Capital	First Financial Corporate Services, Inc.
	First Foundation Bank
Allegiant Partners Inc.	First Hawaiian Leasing	OnePlace Capital
	FirstLease	Orix--Capital Markets
	First Midwest Equipment  Finance Co.	Orix Financial Services, Inc.
	First National Equipment Financing	Orix USA Corp.-Comm Finance
	First Western Equipment Finance
Amsouth Leasing Corporation	Forsythe Technology Leasing
	Forum Financial Services, Inc.	Pacific Mercantile Bank
Applied Financial	Frost Bank
Arrow Capital	GATX Corporation	Padco Financial Services
	Global Financial &  Leasing Services, LLC
Atel Capital Group, Inc.	GreatAmerica Financial Services	Park National Bank
Atlas Copco Customer Finance USA, Inc.	Harris Leasing Company
Balboa Capital Corporation	Hewlett-Packard Fin Srvcs	Pawnee Leasing Corporation
Banc Leasing		People's Capital and Leasing Corp.
BancorpSouth Equipment Finance	Highline Capital
Bank of America	Home Savings Bank
Bank of Hawaii	Icon Capital
	International Financial Services Corporation
Bank of Ozarks Leasing	International Lease Finance	PNC Equipment Finance, LLC
BankFinancial FSB	Jules and Associates	Providence Equipment Finance
Bankers Capital	Key Equipment Finance	Puget Sound Leasing
Barrett Capital Corporation		Pullman Bank & Trust
Baycap, Inc.	Leasing Technologies Int'l, Inc.	Quality Leasing Co., Inc
Baystone Finance Group	LFC Capital
Baystone Government Finance/ KS StateBank		RBS Asset Finance
Baytree Leasing Company, LLC	Liberty Leasing	Regions Leasing
BB&T Leasing	M&I Equipment Finance	Republic Financial Corp.
	M&T Commercial Equipment Leasing	Regions Financial Leasing, Inc.
BNY Capital Funding	Mag Capital	Resource Leasing Company
Blue Bridge Financial, LLC	Madison Capital
Boston Financial & Equity		Reyna Capital
BSB Leasing, Inc	Marlin Capital Solutions	Rockwell Finance Group
BTMU Capital	Maxim Commercial Capital, LLC	Royal Bank America Leasing
C Leasing Company		RLC Funding
California First Leasing	MB Financial Bank	Sentry Financial Corporation
Calfund	MBNA	SL Financial Services
		SLIM Capital, LLC
Capital Markets Group U. S. Bank Equipment Finance	Microfinancial/Leasecomm	Sovereign Bank
Cashmere Valley Bank		Specialty Leasing Group, Inc.
CBI Leasing
Celtic Bank Leasing & Equipment  Finance Group		Stearns Bank
CFC Investment Company		Sterling Bank Leasing a division of Sterling National Bank
C.H. Brown Company
Chase Equipment Leasing
CHG-Meridian
CIT Group		Suntrust Leasing
CitiCapital
		Susquehanna Patriot Commercial Leasing
Coamerica Leasing Corp.		Targeted Lease Capital, LLC
Comdisco		TCF Equipment Finance
Commerce Commercial Leasing		TEAM Funding Solutions
		Textron Financial Corporation
Continental Bank		Timepayment Corp
Corporate Leasing Associates		Tokyo Leasing U.S.A.
CSI Leasing		Town & Country Leasing
Dakota Financial		Tri County Bank
		Trans Lease
De Lage Landen US
Dedicated Leasing
Dext Capital		Unicyn Financiel
Diablo Capital
Diamond Leasing		US Bancorp Business Leasing
Emigrant Business Credit		Vision Financial Group, Inc.
Exchange Bank Leasing		Varilease Technology Group
Farm Credit Leasing Services		Varion Capital Corp
Fifth Third Leasing Company		Verizon Capital Group
Financial Federal		VGM Financial Services
Financial Pacific Leasing		Wachovia Leasing
Financial Pacific Leasing Commercial		Wells Fargo Bank
		Wells Fargo Equipment Finance
		Wells Fargo Practice Finance
		Willis Lease
		Zions Credit Corporation
		Hillcrest Bank Leasing

Full Leasing News Funder “A” listings:
https://leasingnews.org/Funders_Only/Funders.htm

Help Wanted Ads

 

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The Two Reasons Why You Get Hired

The Ultimate Hire by Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners

We live in a world that is focused on results. No matter what you do or where your go, your results dictate whether or not you get hired or fired, make the team or not, or separate yourself from the crowd. Your results follow you everywhere and are what we are gauged on (grades, sales numbers, cost savings, etc. We can be the best, nicest, and hardest working person in the world but if your results don’t show progress or growth, you will not be hired or you will be the first to be fired.
The truth about getting hired in today’s world comes down to two things:  Are you making the company money or are you saving the company money? If you are not doing either of these things, you are expendable. You will be the first to let go at a downturn and will be the last to get hired. Make sure you have quantifiable results that show that you excel in your profession, because this is the only true way to job security.

If you have any questions and would like to chat, email me at klubin@zrgpartners.com

Ken Lubin
Managing Director
ZRG Partners, LLC
Americas I EMEA I Asia Pacific
C: 508-733-4789
https://www.linkedin.com/in/klubin/

"What is the Ultimate Hire? The Ultimate Hire is the professional that every business, team or leader needs in their organization. This is the high performance individual that always rises to the top, brings the team to the next level and can significantly add to the bottom line. The Ultimate Hire is the person that you can't afford to be without. Finding, Attracting, Hiring and Retaining these professionals is critical to the success of your business. We have identified these traits and can help you find these top professionals."

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ELFA Reports January Business Up YtoY
Plus The Truth About How Many Participants

(Chart: Leasing News).

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s (ELFA) Monthly Leasing and Finance Index which reports economic activity from 35 companies was $8.3 billion, up from $8.1 in January, 2021.

click to make larger
(Chart: ELFA)

As the chart that follows indications, Credit approvals totaled 78.4 percent, down from 78.6 percent in December. Total headcount for equipment finance companies was down 11 percent year-over-year, a decrease due to significant downsizing at an MLFI reporting company.

click to make larger

click image to make larger

click image to make larger

click image to make larger
(Chart: ELFA)

35 Participants from the Survey, as noted by ELFA

Bank of America Global Leasing
Bank of the West
BB&T Bank
BMO Harris Equipment Finance
Canon Financial Services
Caterpillar Financial Services
CIT
Citizens Asset Finance
Dell Financial Services
DLL
Fifth Third Bank
First American Equipment Finance,
    a City National Bank Company
Frost Equipment Leasing and Finance
GreatAmerica Financial Services
Hitachi Capital America
HP, Inc.
HPE Financial Services Company
Huntington Equipment Finance
John Deere Financial
Key Equipment Finance
LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.
M&T Bank
Marlin Capital Solutions
Merchants Bank Equipment Finance
PNC Equipment Finance
Societe Generale Equipment Finance
Siemens Financial Services
Stearns Bank
Stonebriar Commercial Finance
TCF Capital Solutions, a division of TCF National Bank
TD Equipment Finance
TIAA Commercial Finance, Inc.
US Bancorp Business Equipment Finance
Volvo Financial Services
Wells Fargo Equipment Finance

There hasn’t been 25 participants for years as ELFA claims in their press releases. They also have changed participants many times.

Here is the list from November, 2006
(since Leasing News has been collecting them):
ELFA MLFI-25 Participants
ADP Credit Corporation
Amsouth Leasing Corporation
Bank of America Leasing
Bank of the West
Canon Financial Services
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
CIT
De Lage Landen Financial Services
First American Equipment Finance
GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation
Hitachi Credit America
HP Financial Services
Irwin Financial
John Deere Credit Corporation
Key Equipment Finance
LaSalle National Leasing Corporation
Marlin Leasing Corporation
National City Commercial Corp.
RBS Asset Finance
Siemens Financial Services
US Bancorp Leasing & Financial
US Express Leasing
Verizon Capital Corp/Verizon Credit
Volvo Financial Services
Wells Fargo Equipment Finance
(Source: ELFA)

https://leasingnews.org/archives/November%202006/11-06-06.htm#grow

Previous Surveys from November 2006:
https://leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/ELFA-Survey.htm

 

Just Added to CLFP Academy Schedule
March 21 – 23, 2022

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the equipment finance industry. There are currently 1,097 active Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates in the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, India, Africa, and Australia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Schedule Published February 22, 2022
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2022/02_22.htm#academy

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Reid Raykovich, CLFP
Leasing News Advisor

Reid Raykovich, CLFP
Chief Executive Officer
Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation
(206) 535-6281
P.O. Box 146, Northbrook, IL 60065
reid@CLFPFoundation.org
www.CLFPFoundation.org

Reid joined the Leasing News Advisory Board January 1, 2019

Reid Raykovich, CLFP, is the CEO at the Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation. Reid took over the Foundation in 2012 and has grown the membership by over 630%. In 2014, she was honored with the Foundation’s Cindy Spurdle Award of Excellence.

Reid began her career in the commercial equipment finance industry at Great American Insurance where she obtained her CLFP designation. She has also held various positions at McCommon Leasing, Irwin Commercial Finance and Financial Pacific Leasing where she was presented the “Above and Beyond Leadership” Award. She was also given the Leasing News Person of the Year Award in 2016, was named as one of the top 50 most powerful and influential women in the industry by Monitor magazine in 2019, and also named as the 2020 Pioneer Icon by Monitor.

Reid has authored and co-authored several articles regarding certification and continuing education and has spoken on various panels and presented at many industry conference sessions. In 2018, she traveled to Australia and spoke in three cities regarding the certification.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with minors in Classics and Business from the University of Washington where she graduated magna cum laude in two and a half years.

In her spare time, she loves crafting and making gifts for others. She has a daughter Milla, a purebred mutt Sophie, and a loving cat Toonces who all keep her on her toes. 

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Top Ten Leasing News Read by Readers
February 22 to February 24

(1) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2022/02_24.htm#hires

(2) If you wait
for green lights…
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2022/02_22.htm#lights

(3)  AACFB 2022 Conference 54 Exhibitors
"Navigating the Future” May 11 -13
Charlotte, North Carolina
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2022/02_24.htm#aacfb

(4) The Russia-Ukraine Military Imbalance - Graphic
Comparison Military Statistics Russia & Ukraine
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2022/02_22.htm#milatary

(5) NEFA 2022 Finance Summit Venue Change
  Huntington Beach, CA
Waterfront Beach Resort, March 23 -25, 2022
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2022/02_22.htm#nefa

(6) Do Some Originators Resist Automation and Why
Sales Makes it Happen by Scott Wheeler, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2022/02_22.htm#do

(7) Reminder: 2021 California Financial Law
Annual Report Due March 15, 2022
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2022/02_22.htm#reminder

(8)  TransUnion to acquire Verisk Financial
Services for $515 Million
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2022/02_24.htm#transunion

(9) Who is liable when bank accounts are used in fraud?
That’s a lawsuit question after Marin County Ponzi case
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/article/who-is-liable-when-bank-accounts-are-used-in-fraud-thats-a-lawsuit-questi/

(10) For White-Collar Workers
It’s Prime Time to Get a Big Raise
https://www.wsj.com/articles/for-white-collar-workers-its-prime-time-to-get-a-big-raise-11645439400#refreshed?mod=business_lead_pos1

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

Arvest Equipment Finance Continues Growth Trajectory
Division of Arvest Bank Enjoys 49 Percent Jump in Production

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arvest Equipment Finance announced today it closed more than $418.6 million in gross production in 2021, a record total for the division of Arvest Bank. That represents a year-over-year increase of more than 49 percent.

Additionally, Arvest Equipment Finance’s total portfolio jumped more than 33 percent year-over-year, from $513.7 million in 2020 to $685 million in 2021.

Arkansas Equipment Finance President Eric Bunnell said, “We are proud of the growth we saw last year and, more importantly, pleased we were able to help so many customers.

“The credit goes to our associates. They are the ones who stay focused on finding solutions for our customers and providing top-notch service.

“We’re also excited to see what this year holds. We continue to see great opportunities in the marketplace and have made technology upgrades that will help in the form of automation and other efficiencies. Again, our main focus is to continue to be innovative as we look for new and better ways to serve our customers.”

Arvest Equipment Finance also announced key personnel moves. Katie Crawford and Rick Dierks have been promoted to regional sales manager positions, Suzzanne Salsbury has been promoted to SalesForce product development manager and Clark Parker has been promoted to asset manager supervisor. Chris Massanelli has been hired as an equipment finance specialist for Kansas and Missouri.

Arvest Equipment Finance Director of Sales John Bradford said, “The growth we have enjoyed is allowing us to expand our division, which in turn results in substantial opportunity for attracting new talent and advancement opportunities for those who already are part of our team.

“Just as we continue to make investments in technology and innovation, we also are investing in new positions such as compliance officers, data analysts and product developers. It’s an exciting and dynamic time at Arvest Equipment Finance.”

Additionally, Anna Matthews has been hired as a regional account manager. Matthews has more than 15 years of industry experience, most recently working in a sales capacity for Siemens Healthineers.

Arvest Equipment Finance Regional Sales Manager John Raymond Pitre said, “We are thrilled to add a dedicated medical equipment program to our division and Anna will be instrumental in leading the charge,” said.

Arvest Equipment Finance is headquartered in Fort Smith, Ark., with locations in Little Rock, Kansas City and Tulsa, and does business throughout Arvest’s four-state footprint.

About Arvest

With more than $26 billion in assets, Arvest Bank is a community-based financial institution serving more than 110 communities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Established in 1961, Arvest Bank is committed to meeting the needs of its more than 830,000 retail and business customer households by continually investing in the digital tools and services customers expect. Arvest was recently recognized by J.D. Power for its outstanding mobile banking experience. Its extensive network of more than 200 banking locations provides loans, deposits, treasury management, credit cards, mortgage loans and mortgage servicing as a part of its growing list of digital services. Arvest is known for its commitment to the communities it serves and to attracting, hiring and retaining a diverse group of talented people. Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. To learn more please visit www.arvest.com.

About Arvest Wealth Management

Arvest Wealth Management offers wealth management, trust services and insurance products. Investments and Insurance Products: Not a Deposit, Not Guaranteed by the Bank or its Affiliates, Not FDIC Insured, Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency, May Go Down in Value. Trust services provided by Arvest Bank.

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

Mixed Bred (puppy)
Illinois Adopt-a-Dog

Franny

Female
3 Months Old
12 Lbs.
Lincoln Park Adoption Center

Franny's Story
If days full of puppy dog eyes, constant entertainment, and just a little bit of mischief sound like a plan to you, a puppy might be your perfect match! You’ll get to see them enjoy all of the new things that the world has to offer and build a lifelong bond with them through training and adventure. Puppies need time, energy, and patience to help them become the best family pets they can be, so if you’re up for a bit of a challenge—and a lot of fun—a puppy is the one for you!

Meet Franny

Franny can’t wait to meet you!

If you’re interested in adopting this pet, there are few steps you must complete before scheduling an appointment at our Lincoln Park Adoption Center:

1.   Please start by taking our ComPETibility Quiz to make sure they’re a good fit for your home. Your ComPETibility Score will help you compare your home to their needs!

2.   After completing your ComPETibility Quiz, you will be emailed a link to complete your Adoption Application.
https://www.pawschicago.org/our-work/pet-adoption/adoption-process/

3.   Finally, schedule an appointment at our Lincoln Park Adoption Center! During your appointment, you’ll be able to meet all currently-adoptable animals at our Lincoln Park Adoption Center and walk through the adoption process with our staff and volunteers.

Please note that while we can’t place holds on adoptable animals for your scheduled appointment, there are always plenty of homeless pets looking for a home! If you don’t meet the perfect pet during your first visit to the Adoption Center, please feel free to schedule another appointment.

Please note that due to current COVID restrictions, to meet or adopt an available animal, you will need to schedule an adoption appointment for animals located at our Lincoln Park Adoption Center or complete a Foster Pet Adoption Inquiry Form for animals in a foster home.

Paws Chicago
Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center
1997 N. Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL 60614 - Map it
773-935-7297 (PAWS)
Monday - 12pm-7pm
Tuesday - Closed
Wednesday - Friday - 12pm-7pm
Saturday - Sunday - 11am-5pm

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50 Top Funding Sources as of 02/22/2022

Atlantic Union Equipment Finance
Balboa Capital Corporation
Bank of the West
BankFinancial, NA
Baystone Government Finance/KS State Bank
BciCapital, Inc. (BciC)
BMO Harris Equipment Finance
Channel
CIBC
CIT
Citizens Asset Finance, Inc.
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC
ECS Financial Services, Inc.
Equipment Leasing Group of America, LLC
Fifth Third Bank
First American Equipment Finance, an RBC / City National Company
First Commonwealth Equipment Finance
First Foundation Bank
First Horizon Equipment Finance, a division of First Horizon Bank
Fleet Advantage, LLC
Flushing Bank
Fuyo General Lease (USA) Inc.
Hanmi Bank
Huntington Equipment Finance
J.P. Morgan Equipment Finance
JA Mitsui Leasing Capital Corporation
Key Equipment Finance
LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.
Mitsubishi HC Capital (U.S.A.) Inc.
Mitsubishi HC Capital America, Inc.
Pacific Western Bank
Peapack Capital Corporation
People's Capital and Leasing Corp.
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.
Presidential Bank, FSB
Prime Alliance Bank
Providence Equipment Finance, A Division of Providence Bank & Trust
SCG Capital Corporation
Securcor Financial Group
Signature Financial
SLR Equipment Finance
Societe Generale Equipment Finance
Stonebriar Commercial Finance
Truist Equipment Finance Corp.
U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
VFI Corporate Finance
Wells Fargo Equipment Finance
Wintrust Commercial Finance
Wintrust Equipment Finance
Wintrust Specialty Finance

List of Registered Attendees:
https://cvdata.elfaonline.org/cvweb/cgi-bin/Registrationdll.dll/List

Registration Fees
https://cvdata.elfaonline.org/cvweb/cgi-bin/eventsdll.dll/EventInfo?SESSIONALTCD=FUND2022

Full Brochure
https://cvdata.elfaonline.org/cvweb/cgi-bin/documentdll.dll/view?DOCUMENTNUM=3201

News Briefs---

Ruble's Plunge Is Expected to
    Drive Surge in Russian Inflation
https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-02-26/card/GMz1Z1wtWswDAPme44GV

Corporations Raise Prices as Consumers
   Spend ‘With a Vengeance’    
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/27/business/economy/price-increases-inflation.html

Why the Chinese Internet Is Cheering Russia’s Invasion
     Summary of the Day's Events
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/27/business/china-russia-ukraine-invasion.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage&section=Business

Construction faces over half-a-million-worker shortage
    "needs 650,000 additional workers"
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-hiring-abc-half-billion-workers-behind-demand/619269/

UPS and FedEx halting shipments
    to Russia and Ukraine
https://www.stltoday.com/business/national-and-international/ups-and-fedex-halting-shipments-to-russia-and-ukraine/article_16d14e3e-76b6-5ac1-881a-cae6965dd6a3.html

Russian vodka pulled from shelves in US, Canada bars,
    liquor stores: ‘Every small thing makes a difference’
https://www.foxnews.com/us/russian-vodka-us-canada-bars-liquor-stores-shelves

Key Learnings for Financial Brands
    To Use In 2022
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2022/02/22/key-learnings-for-financial-brands-to-use-in-2022/?sh=3419b5575105

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You May Have Missed---

Truckers can haul in upwards of $20,000 a week.
     So why is there a serious driver shortage?
https://www.dallasnews.com/business/local-companies/2022/02/22/truckers-can-haul-in-upwards-of-20000-a-week-so-why-is-there-a-serious-driver-shortage/

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Sports Briefs---

After shocking Saudi remarks, Phil Mickelson removed
     from hosting Palm Springs tournament
https://ktla.com/news/after-shocking-saudi-remarks-phil-mickelson-removed-from-hosting-palm-springs-tournament/

Ukraine invasion puts Russia’s elite sports status at risk
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-kamila-valieva-winter-olympics-sports-8ebd4dc0dc1b1112859106fc94837eb2

Euro backlash: FIFA refuses to expel Russia
    from soccer over Ukraine invasion
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/sports/euro-backlash-as-fifa-refuses-to-expel-russia-from-football/

Steph Curry isn’t merely top NBA 75 material,
     try top 15 all-time
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/jenkins/article/Steph-Curry-isn-t-merely-top-NBA-75-material-16950040.php

Why the March 18 deadline is vital for Colts QB Carson Wentz
https://www.theredzone.org/Blog-Description/EntryId/21231/Why-the-March-18-deadline-is-vital-for-Colts-QB-Carson-Wentz

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California Nuts Briefs---

Silicon Valley office mega lease deals
    are near the top nationwide
https://www.siliconvalley.com/2022/02/25/silicon-valley-office-mega-lease-deals-top-u-s-real-estate-tech-covid/

Condos, river views and French wine: How the
    Sacramento region’s coolest city has arrived
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/sacramento-tipping-point/article258616753.html?ac_cid=DM611732&ac_bid=-934653001

Major hurdle cleared in plan to demolish 4 California dams
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Major-hurdle-cleared-in-plan-to-demolish-4-16948613.php?IPID=SFGate-HP-CP-Spotlight

Millennium Tower’s sinking and tilting creates
    1-inch gap with 12-story podium structure
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/Millennium-Tower-s-sinking-and-tilting-creates-16942587.php

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"Gimme that wine"

Naked Wines to reduce weight of 3.5 million bottles
https://harpers.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/29991/Naked

North Coast California sinking
    back into ‘Extreme Drought’
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/news/north-coast-sinking-back-into-extreme-drought/

How the Internet Has Left Its Mark on Terroir
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/24/dining/drinks/terroir-wine-culture.html

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Opens
    Its Library at Heritage Auctions
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/256206

Wineries are luring top chefs with better work conditions
   — competing with Wine Country's finest restaurants
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/article/Wineries-are-luring-top-chefs-with-better-work-16947787.php

Where to Taste Natural Wines in Sonoma County
https://www.sonomamag.com/where-to-taste-natural-wines-in-sonoma-county/

Petaluma winemaker pairs wine, Girl Scout Cookies
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/entertainment/petaluma-winemaker-pairs-wine-girl-scout-cookies/

Illinois wine industry pushes to change Prohibition-era distribution law. ‘We make really good wine in the state of Illinois, and we’re not allowed to self-distribute a single gallon.’
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-illinois-wineries-distribution-20220224-52b2etvxjfgojmao24lqozspaq-story.html

“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

     1778 - The Rhode Island General Assembly authorized the enlistment of slaves during the American Revolution. About 200 blacks soon joined the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, the only all-black regiment of the war. In August 1778, they defended Newport during the Battle of Rhode Island. In 1750, more than 10 percent of Rhode Island's population was black -- the highest concentration of blacks in New England. Rhode Island was the first colony/state to establish a public school for blacks (1773), to outlaw the importation of slaves (1774), and to declare free the children born of slave mothers (1784). Segregation in Rhode Island's public schools was outlawed in 1866, and a law forbidding interracial marriage was repealed in 1881. 
    1793 - The Senate election of Abraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin of Pennsylvania presented his credentials this day, but his election was declared void.  He was born in Switzerland and immigrated to the United States in 1780. On December 2, a petition was presented alleging that he had not been a citizen of the United States for the nine years required by the Constitution. The trial began on February 28, 1794, after he had served a year, and on February 28 the Senate declared his election void. Gallatin was later elected to the House of Representatives, where he served from March 4, 1795 to March 3, 1801. A motion passed on the first day of the trial required that the Senate chamber “ be provided with gallery, which shall be permitted to be open every morning so long as the Senate shall be engaged in their legislative capacity, unless in such case as may in the opinion of the Senate require secrecy.” Born in Geneva, Switzerland, January 29, 1761. Democrat. Delegate to Pennsylvania state constitutional convention, 1790; member of Pennsylvania state house of representatives, 1790-92; U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, 1793-94; U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania 11th District, 1795-1801; U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, 1801-14; U.S. Minister to France, 1815-23; U.S. Minister to Great Britain, 1826-27. His portrait appeared on the $500 U.S. Note in the 1860s. Died in Astoria, Queens, Queens County, N.Y., August 12, 1849. Entombed at Trinity Churchyard, New York, N.Y. Gallatin counties in Ill., Ky. and Mont. are named for him. See also: congressional biography. Books about Albert Gallatin: John Austin Stevens, Albert Gallatin: An American Statesman; L. B. Kuppenheimer, Albert Gallatin's Vision of Democratic Stability.
http://currencygallery.org/vignettes/gallatin.htm
http://gallatinky.tripod.com/Gallatin.html
    1797 - Mary Lyon (d. 1849), born near Buckland, MA, became a pioneer in the field of higher education for women. She founded Mount Holyoke Seminary (forerunner of Mount Holyoke College) in South Hadley, MA, in 1837 at a time when American women were educated primarily by ministers in classes held in their homes. Mount Holyoke was one of the first permanent women's colleges.
    1827 - The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad became the first commercial railroad for passengers and freight.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/feb28.html
    1844 - During an official inspection tour of the U.S.S. Princeton, a 10-inch gun (the Navy's largest at the time) blew up, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy Thomas W. Kilmer, and 10 others. President John Tyler, who at the time of the explosion was in a cabin below with Miss Julia Gardiner (the daughter of one of those killed) was unharmed. They subsequently married. Tyler was the first of the three presidents to be married while in office. Between his two wives, he fathered 14 children- seven by each woman.
http://www.exploredc.org/index.php?id=82
http://www.bcpl.net/~etowner/rodman.html
    1849 - During the California Gold Rush, the first shipload of prospectors arrive in San Francisco Bay from the East Coast via South America's Cape Horn. The prospectors join the thousands of gold-seekers who had already traveled to California by land to reap the rewards of California's newly found riches. Over a year earlier, near Coloma, California, gold was discovered on the property of Johann A. Sutter by James W. Marshall. After the find was assayed in Sacramento, modest prospecting in the area showed favorable results, and in the summer of 1848, eastern newspapers published the first reports of the newly discovered gold fields. As there had been false claims of gold in California before, the majority of the US public treated Sutter's claims with skepticism. 
However, in December of the same year, President James K. Polk corroborated "the accounts of the abundance of gold" found in the recently acquired territory, and the California Gold Rush began. By the spring of 1849, tens of thousands of prospectors had set out for El Dorado, often abandoning their farms, their jobs, and their families. By the end of 1849, some 55,000 people had arrived by land and another 25,000 had made their way by sea. In 1850, California's rapidly increasing population encouraged Congress to grant statehood to the territory. Although many of California's original "Forty-Niners" returned to their home states empty-handed, tens of thousands made a living in California, and by 1852, the population at the time of Marshall's discovery — 14,000 non-Indians — had grown to 250,000 Californians.
    1861 - The Confederate government bond was authorized today “to raise money for the support of the government and to provide for the defense of the Confederate States of America.” The bond issue limit was $15 million.
    1861 - Congress creates Colorado Territory. In July 1858, a band of prospectors working streambeds near modern-day Denver found tiny flecks of gold in their pans. Since the gold-bearing streams were located in the foothills not far from the massive mountain named for the explorer Zebulon Pike, the subsequent influx of hopeful miners was termed the Pike's Peak gold rush. By the spring of 1859, an estimated 50,000 gold seekers had reached this latest of a long series of American El Dorados. The Congressional designation of new western states and territories had been bogged down for several years as southern and northern politicians fought over whether slavery would be permitted in the new western regions. By 1861, the South had seceded, clearing the way for the northern politicians to begin creating free-labor states. On this day in 1861, Congress combined pieces of Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico to make a large rectangle of land it designated Colorado Territory.
    1876 - American composer John Alden Carpenter (d. 1951), born Park Ridge, IL.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/ihas/composer/carpenter.html
http://www.teachervision.com/ce6/people/A0810557.html
http://www.press.uillinois.edu/f01/pollack.html
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1560984007/inktomi-bkasin-20/
102-1682336-8966565
    1882 - Birthday of Geraldine Farrar (d. 1967), born Melrose, MA American-born opera singer who studied in Europe and became the toast of the continent before being offered a contract at the Metropolitan Opera in 1906. She overworked her voice which broke in a performance in 1913. She returned after a rest and amassed a record of 493 performances of 29 roles including 95 as Butterfly. She and Arturo Toscanini were reportedly lovers for seven years and before that she and Crown Prince Frederick Wilhelm of Germany had been lovers. For her verve and modern life-style she drew a legend of "Gerry-flappers" women fans.
http://search.eb.com/women/articles/Farrar_Geraldine.html
http://www.cantabile-subito.de/Sopranos/FarrarBio/farrarbio.htm
http://www.silentsmajority.com/PhotoGallery3/farrar.htm
    1894 – Birthday of Ben Hecht (d. 1964), New York City.  His newspaper column, "1001 Afternoons in Chicago," popularized human interest sketches. His play The Front Page, written with Charles MacArthur, was a hit on Broadway (1928) and on film (1931). He was a successful reporter and his first novel Eric Dorn, resulted partly from his time reporting from Berlin after World War I. Hecht wrote or co-wrote a number of successful movie scripts, including Notorious and Wuthering Heights.
    1900 - A massive storm spread record snows from Kansas to New York State. Snowfall totals ranged up to 17.5 inches at Springfield IL and 43 inches at Rochester NY, with up to 60 inches in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State.
    1903 - Ford hires the Dodges: Henry Ford hired John F. and Horace E. Dodge to supply the chassis and running gear for his 650 Ford automobiles. They were originally bicycle manufacturers. In providing car bodies for Henry Ford and Ransom Olds, they became largest parts-manufacturing firm in the U.S. by 1910. In 1914, the brothers founded the Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company and began work on their first automobiles. Dodge vehicles were known for their quality and sturdiness. Soon they were among the richest men in America. The influenza epidemic that swept the country in 1920 claimed their lives. Their company was sold to a New York bank, before eventually being purchased by Chrysler in 1928. 
    1932 - The last Ford Model A was produced, ending an era for the Ford Motor Company. The successor to the Model T, the Model A was an attempt to escape the image of bare bones transportation that had driven both the Model T’s success and its ultimate failure in the market. The vastly improved Model A boasted elegant Lincoln-like styling, a peppy 40 horsepower four-cylinder engine, and, of course, a self-starting mechanism. The Model A was as affordable as its predecessor, however, and with a base price at $460, five million Model A’s would roll onto US highways between 1927 and 1932.
    1934 - Percussionist Willie Bobo was born William Correa (d. 1983), New York City, NY
http://www.spaceagepop.com/bobo.htm
    1936 - Louis Prima records his composition “Sing, Sing, Sing” for Brunswick.
    1939 - Guitarist John Fahey (d. 2001) born Takoma Park, MD. http://www.furious.com/perfect/johnfahey.html
http://www.johnfahey.com/
http://www.musicfringe.com/store/fahey-john/index.htm
http://www.countryjoe.com/fahey.htm
http://www.guitarvideos.com/interviews/fahey/core.htm
http://www.netmagic.net/~snake/fahey/voyager1.htm
    1939 - Tenor Sax player Charles Gayle born Buffalo, NY 
http://www.creativemusicarchive.com/artistList_query.asp?artID=
168&artName=Charles%20Gayle
http://www.theiceberg.com/artist.html?artist_id=30947
http://www.jazzpages.com/scheiner/gayle.htm
http://www.furious.com/perfect/charlesgayle.html
    1939 - Singer/song writer/arranger General Crook born Mound Bayou, MS.
http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/General%20Crook.html
    1941 - Happy birthday Alice Brock, Brooklyn, NY. 
http://www.answers.com/topic/arlo-guthrie
http://www.guthriecenter.org/main.shtml
http://www.wgbh.org/cainan/article?item_id=1081316
    1942 - Guitarist and creator of rock styles Brian Jones (d. 1969) birthday, best known as an early guitarist with the Rolling Stones, was born in Cheltenham, England. Jones began playing with Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated in the early 1960's, and it was here that he met Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The three began to play on their own and by 1962 were calling themselves the Rolling Stones, after a Muddy Waters song. With the addition of bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts in 1963, the Rolling Stones were complete. By their third single, "It's All Over Now," the band was a sensation in Britain. And in late 1964, they had their first top ten hit in North America, "Time Is on My Side." During the British invasion of 1964, the Stones were promoted as rock 'n' roll's bad boys, an image that has remained with them for more than 30 years. By the late '60s, the Stones were billing themselves as the "World's Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band." In June 1969, Brian Jones announced he was leaving the group because of musical differences (he was getting heavier into drugs.) He said he was going to form his own band, but less than a month later was found dead in the swimming pool at his home. The coroner's verdict - death by misadventure, July 3, 1969.
http://home.earthlink.net/~hobhead/ 
http://www.angelfire.com/rock2/faithlessjones/
http://www.classicrockpage.com/rrheaven/jones.htm
    1945 - The first Charlie Parker-Dizzy Gillespie record date on Guild. “Groovin’ High,” “All the Things You Are,” “Dizzy Atmosphere.” Clyde Hart on piano, Slam Stewart on bass, Cozy Cole on drums, Remo Palmieri on guitar.
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/052297/article014.shtml
http://www.rhino.com/features/tracks/72260trx.lasso
    1947 - Top Hits
For Sentimental Reasons - Nat King Cole
The Anniversary Song - Dinah Shore
Oh, But I Do - Margaret Whiting
So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed - Merle Travis
    1951 - The US Senate committee, headed by Estes Kefauver, D-Tenn., issued a preliminary report saying at least two major crime syndicates were operating in the US.
    1955 – Top Hits 
Sincerely - McGuire Sisters
Melody of Love - Billy Vaughn
The Crazy Otto (Medley) - Johnny Maddox
In the Jailhouse Now - Webb Pierce
    1959 – Chicago Cardinals halfback/receiver Ollie Matson was traded to the LA Rams for NINE players in one of the biggest trades in NFL history.  When Matson retired in 1966, he was second to Jim Brown in total yards gained.  The architect of that trade was Rams GM, Pete Rozelle.
    1960 - Richard Petty won the first grand National (later Winston Cup) stock car race of his career in Charlotte, NC. The victory earned him $800 and set him on the road toward 200 wins on the NASCAR circuit, including seven triumphs in the Daytona 500 and seven NASCAR driving titles.
    1960 - The US hockey team defeated Czechoslovakia, 9-4, to win the gold medal at the VII Winter Olympic Games at Squaw Valley, CA. 
    1963 - Top Hits
Hey Paula - Paul & Paula
Ruby Baby - Dion
From a Jack to a King - Ned Miller
The Ballad of Jed Clampett - Flatt & Scruggs
    1967 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “Ruby Tuesday,'' The Rolling Stones. The song is released as the B side to the single, “Let's Spend the Night Together.'' Most American radio stations play “Ruby Tuesday'' because the other song is so blatantly sexual.
    1968 - General Earle Wheeler, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, returns from his recent round of talks with General William Westmoreland in Saigon and immediately delivers a written report to President Lyndon B. Johnson. Wheeler stated that despite the heavy casualties incurred during the Tet Offensive, North Vietnam and Viet Cong forces had the initiative and were "operating with relative freedom in the countryside."
    1970 - Simon and Garfunkle's “Bridge Over Troubled Water” zoomed to the Number 1 spot on Billboard's record charts on this date and remained there for 6 weeks. The album and the single went on to win six Grammy awards. 
    1970 - Bicycles permitted to cross Golden Gate Bridge.
http://www.inetours.com/Pages/SFNbrhds/Golden_Gate_Bridge.html
http://www.blazingsaddles.com/about.html
http://www.infohub.com/TRAVEL/SIT/sit_pages/3900.html
    1971 - Top Hits
One Bad Apple - The Osmonds
Mama’s Pearl - The Jackson 5
Sweet Mary - Wadsworth Mansion
Help Me Make It Through the Night - Sammi Smith
    1971 - For the second time, Jack Nicklaus, ‘The Golden Bear,’ won the Professional Golfers Association Championship after completing the cycle of winning golf’s four major titles twice. The Big Four in golf are: The United States Open, the Masters, the PGA Championship and the British Open.
    1972 - Radical Angela Davis trial starts, San Jose, California. Davis worked to free the Soledad (Prison) Brothers, African-American prisoners held in California during the late 1960s. She befriended George Jackson, one of the prisoners. On August 7, 1970, during an abortive escape and kidnap attempt from Marin County's Hall of Justice, the trial judge and three people were killed, including Jackson's brother Jonathan. Although not at the crime scene, Davis was implicated when police claimed that the guns used had been registered in her name, plus she had visited the prisoners as an attorney with her briefcase never being searched. Davis fled underground. She was captured in New York City in August 1970 but was freed eighteen months later and cleared of all charges in 1972 by an all-white jury. She teaches today at UC Santa Cruz.
http://voices.cla.umn.edu/authors/AngelaDavis.html
http://www.disinfo.com/pages/dossier/id91/pg1/
    1974 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “Seasons in the Sun,'' Terry Jacks.
    1977 - Orca was born in captivity, a six-foot, 125 pound calf, at Marineland, Los Angeles, CA. She was the off-spring of Cork, a 16-year-old, 11-ton orca. Orcas are also known as killer whales.
    1979 - Top Hits
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? - Rod Stewart
Fire - Pointer Sisters
I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
Every Which Way But Loose - Eddie Rabbitt
    1982 - The J. Paul Getty Museum receives a $1.2 billion bequest left to it by the late J. Paul Getty. The American oil billionaire died in 1976, but legal wrangling over his fortune by his children and ex- wives kept his will in probate until 1982. During those six years, what was a originally a $700 million bequest to the museum nearly doubled. By 2000, the endowment was worth $5 billion--even after the trust spent nearly $1 billion in the 1990s on the construction of a massive museum and arts education complex in Los Angeles.
    1983 - “M*A*S*H: The Final Episode: concluding a run of 255 episodes, this 2 1/2-hour finale, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," was the most-watched television show at that time.  77 percent of the viewing public was tuned in, topping the "Who Shot JR.?" revelation on "Dallas." The show premiered in 1972. The series was based on the 1970 Robert Altman movie and a book by Richard Hooker. Set during the Korean War, the show aired for 11 years (lasting longer than the war). It followed the lives of doctors and nurses on the war front with both humor and pathos. The cast included: Alan Alda as Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce, Wayne Rogers as Captain John "Trapper John" Mcintyre, McLean Stevenson as Colonel Henry Blake, Loretta Swit as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan, Larry Linville as Major Frank Burns, Gary Burghoff as Corporal Walter "Radar" O'Reilly, William Christopher as Father Francis Mulcahy, Jamie Farr as Corporal Max Klinger, Harry Morgan as Colonel Sherman Potter and Mike Farrell as Captain B.J. Hunnicut.
http://timstvshowcase.com/mash2.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/rickstvshows/mash.html
    1984 - Singer Michael Jackson won a record eight Grammy Awards at the presentation ceremony in Los Angeles. But he lost the best song award to "Every Breath You Take," written by Sting for the Police. Jackson's Pepsi commercial - the one in which he was injured when his hair caught fire - premiered that day on MTV. He broke the previous record of six awards set by Roger Miller in 1965. The reason: the biggest selling album of all time, "Thriller," which sold more than 35 million copies around the world soon after its release in 1983. 
    1987 - Top Hits
Livin’ on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
Jacob’s Ladder - Huey Lewis & The News
You Got It All - The Jets
I Can’t Win for Losin’ You - Earl Thomas Conley
    1987 - A powerful storm produced severe thunderstorms in Louisiana and Mississippi early in the day. About mid-morning, a monstrous tornado touched down near Moselle, MS and grew to a width of two miles as it passed near Laurel, MS. The tornado traveled a distance of 40 miles killing six persons, injuring 350 others, and causing $28.5 million damage. The tornado swept homes right off their foundations and tossed eighteen wheel trucks about like toys. Strong straight-line winds associated with the powerful storm system gusted to 70 mph at Jonesboro, AR and Carbondale, IL.
    1991 - IBM announced it would cut up to 10,000 workers from its payroll. IBM struggled to keep up with small, fast-moving technology firms but its tremendous size and inertia weighed it down. In another effort to turn the company around, IBM hired former chairman of R. J. R. Nabisco, Lou Gerstner, as CEO in 1993. Gerstner was IBM's first leader brought in from outside the company.
    1991 - The Record Plant in Hollywood closes. Among the albums recorded at the recording studio and rock hangout were the Eagles' “Hotel California,'' Fleetwood Mac's “Rumours'' and Stevie Wonder's “Songs in the Key of Life.''
    1992 - The “Star Trek” television series exhibit opened at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., an exhibit honoring the original “Star Trek” television series.
    1993 - United States Federal agents battled it out with members of an armed religious cult in Waco, Texas. Four agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and two cult members were killed and 12 agents were wounded during the shootout. The agents planned to arrest Branch Davidian cult leader, David Koresh, on federal firearms charges, but were taken by surprise when cult members began firing on them with heavy weapons.
    1994 - Hewlett-Packard announces a new line of ink-jet printers. The resolution of the printers doubled from 300 to 600dpi and the cost went down, instead of up. An economic color ink-jet printer was in the works.
    1994 - Canadian singer Celine Dion made her New York debut at Town Hall. Reviews were mixed. New York Newsday reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli described Dion as "a classy, upscale alternative for people who think of Mariah Carey as a shopping mall superstar." The New York Times' Stephen Holden was less kind, dismissing Dion's songs as "the kind of generic pop anthems that win international song competitions and that Olympic athletes use to accompany their routines."
    1996 - Canadian singer Alanis Morissette won four major Grammy Awards, including album of the year and rock album of the year for "Jagged Little Pill." She also picked up trophies for best rock song and best female rock vocal performance, both for her single "You Oughta Know." Canadians picked up a total of 11 Grammys, including two by Joni Mitchell for her album "Turbulent Indigo." Faith Hill won the best country album Grammy for "The Woman In Me." Hootie and the Blowfish are named Best New Artist
    1997 - The Food and Drug Administration implemented restrictions on retailers that required them to check the ages of all customers younger than 27 to prevent persons under 18 years of age from buying tobacco. Store owners caught selling cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors faced federal fines of $250 per violation. All states already had laws banning the sale of tobacco to persons under 18, but enforcement was erratic.
    1997 - Netscape announced it had created alliances with VeriFone and CyberCash, a developer of Internet-payment software, to foster secure online purchases.
    1998 – “My Heart Will Go On,” Celine Dion's runaway hit single from the film “Titanic,” went to Number 1 on the pop charts, and was in the top spot for 2 weeks.