Update: When Do the New Commercial Laws Take Effect?
Kenneth C. Greene, Leasing News Legal Editor (March 2022)

As promised in February, this provides updated information on the new laws and regulations impacting the equipment finance industry.

NY: The NY Dept. of Financial Services determined it needs to begin again with its proposed regulations. The updated proposal is expected by March 31, 2022, which is three days from now and seems unlikely. The law will take effect 6 months after the proposed regulations are finalized and approved.

CA: The regulations are still awaiting final approval. I would expect this law to take effect this fall at the earliest.

NJ: SB 233 is dead and buried. In its place is SB 819, proposed last week, which will undoubtedly be under review for months. I would be surprised if this bill became law before 2023.

CT: SB745 was introduced in February 2021. There is scarce authority on the status of that bill but it appears to be legislatively “dead” at this time. Whether it will be resurrected in another form is anyone’s guess.

NC: The Small Business Truth in Financing Act was introduced on 5/11/21 and appears to have passed in its first round of voting. It is slated to take effect on 5/1/22.

MO: Just recently introduced a commercial financing disclosure bill, SB 963. If passed, this will become effective on 8/28/22.

VA: Also just introduced an initiative, HB1027. It is mostly aimed at merchant cash advances. Like other states, it may need operational regulations, which will undergo a review and comment process. That may take most of this year to finalize, so there is no predictable start date.

MS: On February 1, 2022, Mississippi’s commercial disclosure bill died in committee. No projected effective date for this.

UT: Utah passed Commercial Financing Disclosure Law, to begin January 1, 2023.

MD: In February, HB 664l was introduced that would require disclosures in commercial transactions, and, like Virginia, mostly deals with MCA’s. No projected effective date for this.

We will continue to keep you posted as we learn of new developments in this area.    

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

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National Equipment Finance Association Summit
Big Success! Reaches Record-Breaking Attendance
By Don Cosenza, CLFP, North Mill Equipment Finance SVP

Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel
Huntington Beach, California

This year’s National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) Finance Summit March 23 to March 25 at the Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach, is proof positive that it never rains in Southern California.  The sun shone bright all week, literally and figuratively, as attendance hit an all-time high. Close to 400 equipment finance brokers, lenders, service providers and industry authorities joined forces.

The event is one of two annual conferences NEFA hosts to keep its members well-connected and well-informed. The NEFA team, led by CEO Chad Sluss, uses new and inventive approaches to further the organization’s mission of cultivating growth through networking and education.

Chad Sluss, CEO, NEFA, said, “The 2022 NEFA Finance Summit achieved record-breaking attendance, a goal we set for ourselves at the very first planning session.

“Members got a chance to meet, learn from each other, and conduct business all in a sun-soaked, fun-filled atmosphere along the Pacific Coast Highway.  It doesn’t get much better than that.”

The event comprised educational breakout sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and a keynote address.

Particularly notable was the keynote presentation by Jake Olson, a 23-year old California native.  Olson was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer that claimed both his eyes as a child. Despite the monumental setback, his athletic prowess – underscored by sheer will, tenacity, and an unshakeable faith – earned him a walk-on spot with the University of Southern California football team. He is the first completely blind Division I college football player and he’s used his experience to inspire others as a motivational speaker and author.

The conference’s overarching theme was “bridging the gap.” Educational breakouts carried the premise throughout the week, covering topics ranging from business tips from industry experts to timely legislative issues.  For example, “Bridging the Gap on Broker Business” was led by a panel that shared marketing ideas, tips on how to find new business, and ways to leverage existing clients.  The group that presided over “Bridging the Gap on Commercial Financing Disclosures” reviewed legislation proposed in California and New York requiring new disclosures to borrowers in commercial loan transactions.

Participants enjoyed an evening along the beautiful California coast aboard a party vessel where guests dined on a rich buffet with complimentary wine and beer.

Additionally, Thursday’s outdoor luncheon was the perfect platform to recognize industry luminaries as Jim Merrilees, CLFP, was awarded NEFA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Laverne Gordon, CLFP, was awarded 2021
 Leasing News Person of the Year.

Chad Sluss, CEO, NEFA, Lovern Gordon, CLFP, Shari Lipski, CLFP,
also Chair of Leasing News Advisory Board

(Hopefully more photos in Thursday’s News Edition. Editor)

To become a NEFA member, please contact Chad Sluss at csluss@nefassociation.org or call 616-204-9599.

Donald S. Cosenza, CLFP
Senior Vice President
Chief Marketing Officer
North Mill Equipment Finance
DCosenza@northmillef.com

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NEFA Women in Leasing Luncheon Meeting
 By Reid Raykovich, CLFP, CEO CLFP Foundation

BLK Earth Sea Spirits, 300 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, California 92658

On Wednesday, March 23rd, 83 women with ties to the commercial equipment finance industry, gathered for lunch at BLK Earth Sea Spirits in Huntington Beach, California, hosted by ECS Financial Services and Financial Pacific Leasing, an Umpqua Bank Company. It was the 10th anniversary of the first Women in Leasing Luncheon when there were only six attendees. 

Host Shari Lipski, CLFP, Principal, ECS Financial Services
Standing, wearing sunglasses

The entire atmosphere was warm, with temperatures in the high 70s and welcoming attitudes from everyone.

Amy Spragg, CLFP, Managing Director, Pacific Capital, was one of the attendees at the first luncheon for Women in Leasing Luncheon and also the Co-Chair for the 2022 National Equipment Finance Association Finance Summit and stated, “I was one of the six women who attended the first luncheon held over 10 years ago.  To see how much our group has grown is just so inspiring.  It was an honor to be surrounded by so many brilliant, ambitious, and influential women who are not only incredible colleagues but also lifelong friends.”

As is always the case at these luncheons, many conversations were held, but the biggest takeaway is that the women in leasing community continues to grow and there are so many veterans who are eager to support those newer to the industry.  I am looking forward to the next luncheon which will be held in May at the AACFB conference in Charlotte, NC and urge any woman in the industry, whether a conference attendee or not, to join a group of women that truly foster a positive and encouraging environment.

Reid Raykovich, CLFP
Chief Executive Officer
Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation
reid@CLFPFoundation.org
www.CLFPFoundation.org

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Help Wanted Ads

 

CLFP Foundation Adds 18 New CLFP's
from first Virtual Proctor Exam in March

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the commercial equipment finance industry. There are Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates located throughout 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.

Channel (formerly known as Channel Partners) hosted the first Virtual in March.  Here are the 18 individuals who recently sat through the 8-hour online proctored CLFP exam and passed:

 

Jean Blakeley-Cook, CLFP
Loss Mitigation Recovery Specialist
Channel

Brian Bourne, CLFP
Business Development
KLC Financial, Inc.

Jodi Brockman, CLFP
Funding Coordinator
Channel

Jordan Brown, CLFP
Senior Collateral Services Specialist
Key Equipment Finance

Anita Carew, CLFP
Senior Director of Professional Services
FIS

Samantha Knight, CLFP
Credit Analyst
North Mill Equipment Finance

Joseph Knobbe, CLFP
Collections and Loss Mitigation Analyst
Channel

Kevin Law, CLFP
Senior Account Executive
Key Government Finance, Inc.

Desire’ Leaf, CLFP
Senior Paralegal
Key Equipment Finance

Andrea Moreno, CLFP
Manager – Funding
North Mill Equipment Finance

Michael Peterson, CLFP
Director of Syndication
Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance LLC

Nicole Rice, CLFP Associate
Affiliated Financial Services

Alex Ruderman, CLFP
Senior Business Architect
Odessa

Steven Schroeder, CLFP
Vice President
Fifth Third Bank

Brittany Simonsen, CLFP
Analytics Engineer
Orion First Financial

Eduardo Sobrino, CLFP
USA Sales Manager
Commercial Equipment Finance, Inc.

Denise Steinberger, CLFP
Vice President, Western Region
North Mill Equipment Finance

Paula Summers Murphy, CLFP
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Vision Financial Group, Inc.

Brian Bourne, Business Development, KLC Financial, Inc.,
who recently attended the online Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals, stated, “The CLFP is the highest level of certification in our industry, and being in sales, I feel it is very important that I have a robust knowledge of every aspect of our industry.

“I am very happy to be able to call myself a CLFP and take that knowledge with me throughout my career!”

For further information, please contact Reid Raykovich, CLFP, Chief Executive Officer , reid@clfpfoundation.org or visit: www.clfpfoundation.org

New CLFP "Frequently Asked Question" Guide
https://clfpfoundation.org/faqs/

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Congratulations to the CLFP Graduates
But Why Not More Originators?
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP, Wheeler Business Consulting

There are over 1,000 professionals in the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry who have their CLFP certification. The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) designation is the preeminent credential for equipment leasing and financing professionals throughout the world who have demonstrated competency through testing of knowledge, continuing education, and a commitment to their business practices and dedication to the industry. This credential was previously known as the Certified Lease Professional (CLP) designation.

The question is - Why are there not more originators who have obtained certification as industry professionals?

The CLFP designation is widely known and rewarded throughout the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry. There are countless testimonials of how the CLFP certification has helped originators to win larger relationships, win more transactions, and to be leaders in the industry.

Over the past twenty-five years, I have heard multiple excuses of why individuals have postponed obtaining their CLFP. However, everyone who has studied, tested, and been rewarded their CLFP is instantly and consistently more confident and successful in the industry. Obtaining your CLFP is an investment in yourself - there is no greater opportunity than when we invest in our own advancement.

I highly recommend originators who want to advance their careers to obtain their CLFP. I highly recommend originators who want to be leaders in the industry to obtain their CLFP. What are YOU waiting for? Today is the time to start the process of obtaining your CLFP by visiting the Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation website:

How to Become a CLFP – Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation (wordpress.com):
https://clfpfoundation.wordpress.com/how-to-become-a-clfp/

Scott A. Wheeler, CLFP
Wheeler Business Consulting
Comments, questions and suggestions are welcome.
Phone: 410-877-0428
email: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

Wheeler Business Consulting works with banks, independents, captives, origination companies, and investors in the equipment leasing and finance arena. We provide training, strategic planning, and acquisition services. Scott Wheeler is available to discuss your long-term strategy, to assist your staff to maximize outcomes, and to better position your organization in the market.

 

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

(1) Leasing Company Turns it Down, but Then Gives to
  Direct Salesperson Who Puts it Together
By Kit Menkin, Editor
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2022/03_22.htm#turns

(2) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2022/03_24.htm#hires

(3) Signs of Spring
Photo
https://leasingnews.org/items/presshat-notext.gif

(5) Current Silicon Valley Gas Prices at Pump
Photo
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2022/03_24.htm#current

(6) These charts show how much it costs to charge
an EV vs. refueling a gas vehicle
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/19/cost-of-charging-ev-vs-gas-prices.html

(7) What Tom McCurnin Learned from 40 Years
in Banking and Leasing  - Sixth and final part
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2022/03_22.htm#what

(8) High-stakes trial could complicate BMO’s deal
for Bank of the West
https://www.crypto-press.today/high-stakes-trial-could-complicate-bmos-deal-for-bank-of-the-west/

(9) John Donohue, Leader at Direct Capital,
Now Leads Customers Bank
Commercial Finance’s New Small Ticket Business
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2022/03_24.htm#john

(10)  Superior Originators
Sales Makes it Happen by Scott Wheeler, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2022/03_22.htm#superior

Part 2
( 6 through 10)

6. Write Engaging, Consistent Content
Getting creative with your LinkedIn updates can help you craft the most compelling content possible and stand out from your competition. Exciting content draws your readers in and gives them information that can't be replicated by any other page due to your unique angles. Your own professional experiences can be used to write new content, as every individual has different life perspectives that can be of value. Adding company videos, calls to action that promote engagement and responses to your audience can all improve your credibility and build your potential customer base. Remember that quality trumps quantity. If you can only manage to post a few good updates each week, don't get discouraged. Stick to a schedule that keeps you from being overwhelmed. What's most important than adding a large amount of content to your page is showing your LinkedIn followers that you have an active presence and that you care about them as people and professionals.

7. Make Room for LinkedIn in Your Schedule
It can be hard to remember to keep your LinkedIn page up and running when you have what feels like one million to-dos on your list. Scheduling time to post each day or a few times every week can help you remember to keep the content flowing. Adding calendar reminders with notifications that remind you to work on your LinkedIn presence can help you stay on-track, whether you use your phone or your computer. Even if you can only log in to like a few posts from connections, make them time to do so in order to keep your page as active and engaging as possible week after week.

8. Utilize LinkedIn Groups
Did you know that there is a Groups feature for businesses and individuals on LinkedIn? Groups are great tools for networking within your industry and growing your company page in an organic way. Make sure you only join high-quality groups within your industry. That way, you have the ability to easily see what your competition has been up to, exchange ideas with like-minded professionals and network with prospective customers and colleagues. As you would with your company page, keep your interactions authentic and engaging. The more relevant your communication is to your target audience, the more likely people will be to visit your company page and consider your company a credible member of the B2B community. Groups also open you up to a world of ideas and possibilities made possible by your network and your competitors.

9. Implement Group Conversations
Now that you know how important it is for your employees to share your company updates on LinkedIn, it's time to learn how to take things one step further. You can encourage your employees to participate in various group conversations on LinkedIn. Doing so spreads your brand presence far and wide, which can help boost your visibility on LinkedIn over time. It also helps your business to look more credible and positions your employees as intelligent thought leaders who are valuable additions to your professional community. Boosting employee engagement, improving morale and giving your company the idea to create new ideas and initiatives are other benefits that can arise when you implement group conversations on LinkedIn.

10. Get Serious About Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, needs to be considered during every stage of development for your LinkedIn growth strategy. Utilizing SEO best practices can help boost growth by allowing you to rank more highly within LinkedIn's own search engine. You can optimize your company LinkedIn page in line with SEO best practices in a few ways. First, make sure that you keep your profile up-to-date with relevant, current company information. Next, do some research on the keywords that fit your industry and business so the individuals who stand to benefit the most from your content can easily find it. You may need to research your target LinkedIn audience and see what type of content they want and need. Include your keywords naturally throughout your page and updates to retain credibility and readability. Taking special care to optimize your description, specialties and company overviews can help you boost your overall visibility within LinkedIn's search results pages and enhance your reputation as a company. You may even get a boost within external search engines, such as Google and Bing.

When it comes to sharing information with your potential customers in the most efficient and powerful way possible, there is no better social media outlet than your company's LinkedIn page. Whether you want to connect with your existing audience, engage your employees or reach new eyes, LinkedIn has a way to help. Utilizing some or all of the ten important tips above as part of your overall social media communications strategy can help you boost your audience and your profits in a relatively sim

Part 1  LinkedIn Presence
(1 through 5)
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2022/03_24.htm#ten

Alex Vasilakos
Director of Marketing
The Finance Marketing Group
Alex@financemarketing.com
Office: 518-591-4645x102 / Fax: 518-677-1071
90 State Street, Suite 1500, Albany, NY 12207
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexvasilakos

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Millennials (ages 26 – 41) Make Up Nearly 50%
of Homebuyers Nationwide

The share of millennial home buyers increased significantly over the past year, according to the latest study from the National Association of Realtors 2022 Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends report.

The NAR report found that the combined share of younger and older millennial buyers rose to 43% in 2021, up from 37% in 2021. Approximately 65% of younger millennials found the home they ultimately purchased on the internet, a number that gradually decreases with older generations.

Overall, buyers expected to live in their homes for 12 years, down from 15 years from 2021. For younger millennials and the silent generation, the expected duration was only 10 years, compared to 20 years for younger boomers.

Data also found that younger generations were likely to move shorter distances when relocating. Among all ages, there was a median of 15 miles from the homes where recent buyers previously resided and the homes that they purchased.

All generations of buyers agreed using an agent alleviated anxiety about finding the right home to purchase, as well as providing a resource for them to lean on during the negotiation process. Some 87% of all buyers purchased their home through an agent, although numbers were highest among younger millennials.

Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR's VP of Demographics and Behavioral Insights, said, "Some young adults have used the pandemic to their financial advantage by paying down debt and cutting the cost of rent by moving in with family. They are now jumping headfirst into homeownership.

 "While young buyers use new tech tools, they also use real estate agents at higher rates than other buyers to help find the right home and negotiate the terms of the transaction."

Generation X (ages 42 to 57) had the highest median household income of all generations at $125,000. They bought the most expensive and second-largest homes at a median price of $320,000, and an average size of 2,300 square feet. Older millennials (ages 26 -41) purchased the largest homes at 2,400 square feet, and the silent generation bought the smallest at 1,800 square feet. Across all generations, the largest share of buyers purchased in suburban areas and small towns.

Three out of five of recent buyers were married couples, 19% were single females, 9% were single males, and 9% were unmarried couples. The highest share of unmarried couples were younger millennials at 21%. Single-female buyers significantly outnumbered single-male buyers across all generations. The highest percentage of single-female buyers was in the silent generation at 27%.

The study also found that first-time home buying among younger generations is on the rise, with 81% of younger millennial homebuyers purchasing for the first time. Just under half of older millennial buyers were first-time buyers at 48%.

"While the pandemic allowed many potential buyers to save for a down payment, demographics played a key role," Lautz said. "There is a wave of millennial buyers who are aging into the traditional first-time buyer age range." Boomers made up the largest share of home sellers at 42%, although the percentage of millennial sellers is on the rise, increasing from 22% to 26% over the past year. Lautz noted that for the first time it is now more likely for an older millennial to be a first-time seller than a first-time buyer”

Source: MRreport.com             

Cattle Dog, Australian (Blue Heeler)
Houston, Texas  Adopt-a-Dog

Ozzy Osbourne

HPA-A-11752
Male
38 lbs.
2 Years, 3 months
Location: Foster Home
Adoption Fee: $199

Adult-Only Home Preferred
Dog Friendly
Cat Friendly - Unknown

Looking for the Ozzy Osborne to your Sharon??
Just like his namesake, Ozzy is a true ladies man! He definitely prefers women to men, but who could blame him? When you're as good looking and handsome as he is, you can afford to be picky. Ozzy was listed as a "bad boy at the city shelter due to a minor altercation with the male animal control officer who tried to bring him in and the fact that he was HW+ (treatment fully covered by HPA at no cost to you). So when we saw he was at risk for euthanasia, we knew we had to scoop him up!

This 35 pound floof ball has been doing very well in foster care! He has proven to be dog friendly (with proper introductions), absolutely loves to lay on his back for belly rubs, and will run over and sit pretty for ice cubes as treats. Recently, he even had his first positive interaction with a man where he let himself be pet! This guy is 100% ready to steal your heart and home, so apply now to make Ozzy your new best friend!

Application Form:
https://www.houstonpetsalive.org/find-dogs/#sl_embed&page=shelterluv_wrap_1601325966061%2Fmatchme%2Fadopt%2FHPA-A-11752%3Fspecies%3D%26intakeType%3D

For questions about the adoption process or about a particular dog, email adopt@houstonpetsalive.org.

Houston Pets Alive
Adoption Center/Mailing Address
2800 Antoine Drive, Suite 2854
Houston, TX 77092

General Phone: 832-786-9310
For the fastest response, please email us using the addresses below.

Questions? Email us!
Adoptions & Animal Records: adopt@HoustonPetsAlive.org

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AACFB 2022 Annual Conference May 12-13
Exhibit Hall Almost Sold Out! Charlotte, N. Carolina

Grab Your Spot Today!

The exhibit hall at the American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers 2022 Annual Conference  May 12 - 13 is almost SOLD OUT! REGISTER TODAY to grab one of the last four spots and get your company a seat at the table.

The top funders and service providers in the commercial finance industry will be there and so should you!

57 Exhibitors

4 Hour Funding
360 Equipment Finance
AACFB Benefits
American Capital Group
American Lease Insurance
AMUR Equipment Finance
Ascentium Capital LLC
AvTech Capital LLC
Balboa Capital
Bankers Capital
BankFinancial Equipment Finance
Banleaco
Baystone Government Finance/KS StateBank
Blue Bridge Financial
C.H. Brown Co. LLC
Channel
CLFP Foundation
Commercial Funding Partners LLC
Corporate Freight Savers/Discounted Overnight Envelope Air Labels
CreditBench Powered By BayFirst
Dedicated Funding, LLC
East Harbor Financial
Entegra Capital LLC
Equipment Leasing Group of America, LLC
FileInvite
Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc.
First Business Bank
First Federal Leasing
First Foundation Bank
FirstLease
Fountainhead Commercial Capital
Gulf Coast Business Credit
instaCOVER
MAKO Equipment Finance
Marlin Capital Solutions
Maynards Capital
Meridian Equipment Finance
National Business Capital
Navitas Credit Corp.
NCMIC/Professional Solutions
NewLane Finance
NFS Leasing
North Mill Equipment Finance LLC
North Star Leasing
Orange Commercial Credit
Pawnee Leasing Corporation
Providence Equipment Finance, a Division of Providence Bank & Trust
Quality Leasing Co., Inc.
ROK Financial
SCJ Commercial Financial Services
SLIM Capital LLC
The Monitor
TimePayment
TradeRiver USA
Universal Finance
VFI Corporate Finance
Y.E.S. Leasing

Agenda
https://annualconference.aacfb.org/agenda/at-a-glance

Registration (Early Bird, before 4/29/22)
https://annualconference.aacfb.org/registration

Hotel (Cut-off special rate expires April 19, 2022)
https://annualconference.aacfb.org/travel-hotel/about-hotel918740

Airport Information:
https://annualconference.aacfb.org/travel-hotel/about-charlotte

News Briefs---

deBanked Sets Record With Miami Broker Event
    "nearly 700 attendees in Miami this past Thursday"
https://debanked.com/2022/03/debanked-hosts-record-setting-event-in-miami/

Only one U.S. county saw a larger share of people
leave last year than San Francisco
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/Only-one-U-S-county-saw-a-larger-share-of-people-17026658.php

Doordash Food Delivery Dominating
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/doordash-is-dominating-the-u-s-food-delivery-market/

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You May Have Missed---

Veteran owned sandwich company reopens
https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2022/03/28/veteran-owned-patriot-sandwich-co-reopens-in-denton-after-government-failed-to-grant-86000/

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Sports Briefs---

NFL makes adjustments to Rooney Rule to aid minority hiring
https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2022/03/nfl-makes-adjustments-to-rooney-rule-to-aid-minority-hiring.html

The 49ers quarterback job is Trey Lance’s to lose
https://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/the-49ers-quarterback-job-is-trey-lances-to-lose/

Bills’ new stadium deal carries $850 million
taxpayer tab, governor says
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/28/sports/bills-new-stadium-deal-carries-850-million-taxpayer-tab-governor-says/

Mike Vrabel’s creative two-point proposal to settle NFL
overtime issue facing a goal-line stand | Opinion
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/bell/2022/03/28/nfl-overtime-rule-proposals-titans-two-point-conversion/7194457001/

Vikings sign three on Monday in slew of roster moves
https://www.theredzone.org/Blog-Description/EntryId/21995/Vikings-sign-three-on-Monday-in-slew-of-roster-moves

Josh McDaniels hopeful team, Derek Carr can
find 'sweet spot' on contract extension
https://www.theredzone.org/Blog-Description/EntryId/21988/Josh-McDaniels-hopeful-team--Derek-Carr-can-find--sweet-spot--on-contract-extension

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California Nuts Briefs---

San Francisco Bay Area, California rocket to big job gains
     in February, post-COVID rebound widens
https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/03/25/bay-area-california-big-job-gains-february-covid-rebound-economy-tech/

Another California city is now one of the least
affordable places to live in
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Yet-another-California-city-becomes-unaffordable-17030893.php

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"Gimme that wine"

North Coast grape growers ramp up for
    new growing season as bud break arrives
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/business/north-coast-grape-growers-ramp-up-for-new-growing-season-as-bud-break-arriv/

French Vintners Buy Wineries from
Sanctioned Russian Oligarch
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/french-vintners-buy-wineries-from-sanctioned-russian-oligarch

Burgundy Wine Auction Highlights Vintage 2021 as a Winner
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tmullen/2022/03/27/burgundy-wine-auction-highlights-vintage-2021-as-a-winner/?sh=2148c50b369e

Finding the Right Words for the Red Wines of Languedoc
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/24/dining/drinks/wine-school-red-wine-languedoc.html

Annual Paso Robles Rotary Club Winemakers’
Cook-off returns Aug. 13
https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/annual-paso-robles-rotary-club-winemakers-cookoff-returns-aug-13/141417/

 

What Is Regenerative Grape Growing?
Plus 3 Sonoma Wines to Try
https://www.sonomamag.com/what-is-regenerative-grape-growing-plus-3-wines-to-try/

“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

     1638 - The first permanent white settlement in Delaware was established. Swedish Lutherans who came to Delaware were the first to build log cabins in America. The first English colonists did not know how to build houses from logs but those who lived in the forests of Scandinavia, Germany and Switzerland did. German pioneers who settled in Pennsylvania built the first log cabins there in the early 1700s. The Scot-Irish immigrants who settled in the Appalachian highlands after 1720 made the widest use of log cabins and by the time of the American Revolution, log cabins were the mainstay among settlers all along the western frontier.    
    1756 - The first stage route linking Philadelphia and New York City was completed. The roads were poor in Colonial times and affected meetings in Philadelphia. By 1766, the Flying Machine, a box wagon that ran from Camden to what is now Jersey City, was the fastest way to travel. The 90-mile trip took two days and passengers had to use a ferry at each end. The first major turnpike in America was completed in 1794 between Philadelphia and Lancaster, Pa. The large profits that could be realized by sponsoring such a company led to the construction of many such roads throughout America, often in areas where they were not necessary. Lancaster Turnpike, 62 miles long, was the first macadam road in the U.S. In 1806, the first appropriation by Congress was made to build the Great National Pike, also known as the Cumberland Road as it linked Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois (see below).
    1790 - John Tyler (d. 1862), tenth president of the US (Apr 6, 1841-Mar 3, 1845), was born at Charles City County, VA, Tyler succeeded to the presidency upon the death of William Henry Harrison. Tyler's first wife died while he was president, and he remarried before the end of his term in office, becoming the first president to marry while in office. Fifteen children were born of the two marriages. In 1861, he was elected to the Congress of the Confederate States but died at Richmond, VA, Jan 18, 1862, before being seated. His death received no official tribute from the US government.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/jt10.html
    1806 - Congress appropriated $30,000 as part of a program to build national highways, starting with what was called the Great National Pike, later to be known as the Cumberland Gap, built in sections from 1806 to 1940 between Cumberland, MD, and Vandalia, IL. Its primary purpose was to connect the Potomac and Ohio Rivers.  Total cost was $6,821,246. In 1856, the road was turned over to the states though which it passed.  Today, much of the alignment is followed by US Route 40, with various portions bearing the alternate US Route or various state-road numbers.
    1814 - In the Battle at Horseshoe Bend, Alabama, Andrew Jackson beat the Creek Indians.
    1847 - Some 12,000 US forces led by General Winfield Scott occupied the city of Vera Cruz after Mexican defenders capitulated.
    1848 - Ice jam in Niagara Falls. For the first time in recorded history, Niagara Falls stopped flowing. An ice jam in the Niagara river above the rim of the falls caused the water to stop.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/mar29.html
    1852 - Ohio legislated that children under 18 and women cannot work more than 10 hours a day.
    1856 - Clipper ship "Nightingale" sailed from London to San Francisco in 121 days, a world record.
    1865 - The final campaign of the war begins in Virginia when Union troops of General Ulysses S. Grant move against the Confederate trenches around Petersburg. General Robert E. Lee's outnumbered Rebels were soon forced to evacuate the city and begin a desperate race west. Eleven months before, Grant moved his army across the Rapidan River in northern Virginia and began the bloodiest campaign of the war. For six weeks, Lee and Grant fought along an arc that swung east of the Confederate capital at Richmond. They fought some of the conflict's bloodiest battles at Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor before they settled into trenches for a siege of Petersburg. Lee's army was dwindling in size to about 55,000, while Grant's continued to grow--the Army of the Potomac now had more than 125,000 men ready for service. On March 25, Lee attempted to split the Union lines when he attacked Fort Stedman, a stronghold along the Yankee trenches. His army was beaten back, and he lost nearly 5,000 men. Grant seized the initiative, sending 12,000 men past the Confederates' left flank and threatening to cut Lee's escape route from Petersburg.  Two days later, the Yankees struck at Five Forks, soundly defeating the Rebels and leaving Lee no alternative. He pulled his forces from their trenches and raced west, followed by Grant. It was a race that even the great Lee could not win. He surrendered his army on April 9 at Appomattox Court House.
    1867 - Birthday of Denton True “Cy” Young (d. 1955), Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, at Gilmore, OH. Young is baseball's all-time winningest pitcher, having accumulated 511 victories in his 22-year career. The Cy Young Award is given each year in his honor to the best pitcher in each league. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1937.  In addition to wins, Young still holds the Major League records for most career innings pitched (7,356), most career games started (815), and most complete games (749).  He also retired with 316 losses, the most in MLB history. Young's 76 career shutouts are fourth all-time. He also won at least 30 games in a season five times, with ten other seasons of 20 or more wins. In addition, Young pitched three no-hitters, including the third perfect game in baseball history, first in baseball's "modern era.” As a result, his average year was 23-14, 334 innings pitched, 37 games started, 34 complete games, 3.5 shutouts, with a career ERA of 2.63.  In 1999, 88 years after his final appearance and 44 years after his death, editors at “The Sporting News” ranked Young 14th on their list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players."  That same year, baseball fans named him to the MLB All-Century Team.
    1867 - Congress approved the Lincoln Memorial.
    1867 - The North American Pact: this act of the British Parliament established the Dominion of Canada, uniting Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The remaining colonies in Canada were still ruled directly by Great Britain until Manitoba joined the Dominion in 1870, British Columbia in 1871, Prince Edward Island in 1873, Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1905 and Newfoundland in 1949. Union was proclaimed July 1, 1867.
    1882 - The first Knights of Columbus charter was granted by the state of Connecticut. Founded by Father Michael J. McGovney in New Haven, it was named in honor of the Christopher Columbus. This Catholic family fraternal service organization has grown into a volunteer force of Knights and family members totaling nearly six million who annually donate tens of millions of dollars and volunteer hours to countless charitable projects.
    1886 - Coca-Cola is created (with cocaine—legal at the time).
    1886 - Atlanta was drenched with a record 7.36 inches of rain in 24 hours.
    1893 - US Congressman James Blount arrived in Hawaii to investigate the change in government. He later reported to Congress that annexation to the US was being forced and that the people of Hawaii supported their queen.  After a coup overthrew Queen Lili’uokalani of Hawai'i in early 1893, the new government sought annexation to join the United States. President Benjamin Harrison was supportive and sent a treaty to the Senate. His successor, President Grover Cleveland, a Democrat like Blount, opposed annexation and sent Blount, now a private citizen, to investigate. The report he issued on July 17, 1893 is known as the Blount Report.  Blount recommended the rejection of annexation and stated that the natives should be allowed to continue their Asiatic ways. When Blount blamed the U.S. consul for providing assistance for the overthrow, Cleveland proposed to use American military force to overthrow the new government by force and reinstall Liliuokalani as an absolute monarch. When the deposed Queen refused to grant amnesty as a condition of her reinstatement, she was accused of telling an American official she would "behead" the current government leaders and confiscate their property, Cleveland washed his hands of the matter by referring it to Congress.  The U.S. Senate, under Democratic control but angered at being shut out of a major foreign policy issue by Cleveland, then produced its own report, written by Senator John Tyler Morgan, a Democrat. It completely contradicted Blount's findings and found the revolution in Hawaii was a completely internal affair.
    1906 - E. Power Biggs (d. 1977) was born at Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, England.  He came to the US in 1930 at the age of 24, naturalized as an American citizen, and became a well-known Baroque organist who helped establish the organ as a concert instrument. Biggs refused to perform on electronic organs but sought out and recorded on organs surviving from the era of Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frederick Handel. After arthritis forced him to retire, he published early organ music.
http://web.wt.net/~pallas/BiggsSite.htm
    1918 - Singer Pearl Bailey (d. 1990) birthday, Southampton County, VA.  A star of stage, screen and television, she won a Tony Award and Daytime Emmy Award.
http://www.wic.org/bio/pbailey.htm
http://womenshistory.about.com/library/bio/blbio_bailey_pearl.htm
    1918 – Birthday of Sam Walton (d. 1992), Kingfisher, OK.  A business executive, he revolutionized retailing with his discount mega-store chain, Walmart, begun in 1962.  As of January 31, 2021, Walmart has 11,443 stores and clubs in 27 countries, operating under 56 different names Walmart is the world’s largest company by revenue, with $548.743 billion, according to the Fortune Global 500 list in 2020. It is also the largest private employer in the world with 2.2 million employees. It is a publicly traded family-owned business, as the company is controlled by the Walton family. Sam Walton's heirs own over 50 percent of Walmart through both their holding company Walton Enterprises and their individual holdings.  Walmart was the largest United States grocery retailer in 2019 and 65 percent of Walmart's $510.329 billion sales came from U.S. operations.
    1920 - Clear Spring, MD, received 31 inches of snow in 24 hours to establish a state record.
    1925 - Black leaders protest the showing of D. W. Griffith's “Birth of a Nation,” scheduled to open at the Rialto Theatre in Charleston on April 1, on the grounds it violated a 1919 state law prohibiting any entertainment which demeaned another race. Mayor W. W. Wertz and the West Virginia Supreme Court supported their argument and prevented the showing of the film.
    1936 - Birthday of Judith Guest, author, Detroit. Her novel, “Ordinary People,” was the first unsolicited manuscript accepted by Viking Publishers in 30 years. The movie version won four Academy Awards, including best picture.
    1940 - Frank Sinatra with the Tommy Dorsey Band cuts “Fools Rush In.”
    1944 - Top Hits
“Besame Mucho” - The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra (vocals: Bob Eberly & Kitty Kallen
“Mairzy Doats” - The Merry Macs
“Poinciana” - Bing Crosby
“So Long Pal” - Al Dexter
    1945 - Providence, RI, hit 90 degrees to establish a March record for the New England area
    1945 - DIETZ, ROBERT H., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 38th Armored Infantry Battalion, 7th Armored Division. Place and date: Kirchain, Germany, 29 March 1945. Entered service at: Kingston, N.Y. Birth: Kingston, N.Y. G.O. No.: 119, 17 December 1945. Citation: He was a squad leader when the task force to which his unit was attached encountered resistance in its advance on Kirchain, Germany. Between the town's outlying buildings 300 yards distant, and the stalled armored column were a minefield and 2 bridges defended by German rocket-launching teams and riflemen. From the town itself came heavy small-arms fire. Moving forward with his men to protect engineers while they removed the minefield and the demolition charges attached to the bridges, S/Sgt. Dietz came under intense fire. On his own initiative he advanced alone, scorning the bullets which struck all around him, until he was able to kill the bazooka team defending the first bridge. He continued ahead and had killed another bazooka team, bayoneted an enemy soldier armed with a panzerfaust and shot 2 Germans when he was knocked to the ground by another blast of another panzerfaust. He quickly recovered, killed the man who had fired at him and then jumped into waist-deep water under the second bridge to disconnect the demolition charges. His work was completed; but as he stood up to signal that the route was clear, he was killed by another enemy volley from the left flank. S/Sgt. Dietz by his intrepidity and valiant effort on his self-imposed mission, single-handedly opened the road for the capture of Kirchain and left with his comrades an inspiring example of gallantry in the face of formidable odds.
    1945 - GARMAN, HAROLD A., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company B, 5th Medical Battalion, 5th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Montereau, France, 25 August 1944. Entered service at: Albion, Ill. Born: 26 February 1918, Fairfield, Ill. G.O. No.: 20, 29 March 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 25 August 1944, in the vicinity of Montereau, France, the enemy was sharply contesting any enlargement of the bridgehead which our forces had established on the northern bank of the Seine River in this sector. Casualties were being evacuated to the southern shore in assault boats paddled by litter bearers from a medical battalion. Pvt. Garman, also a litter bearer in this battalion, was working on the friendly shore carrying the wounded from the boats to waiting ambulances. As 1 boatload of wounded reached midstream, a German machinegun suddenly opened fire upon it from a commanding position on the northern bank 100 yards away. All of the men in the boat immediately took to the water except 1 man who was so badly wounded he could not rise from his litter. Two other patients who were unable to swim because of their wounds clung to the sides of the boat. Seeing the extreme danger of these patients, Pvt. Garman without a moment's hesitation plunged into the Seine. Swimming directly into a hail of machinegun bullets, he rapidly reached the assault boat and then while still under accurately aimed fire towed the boat with great effort to the southern shore. This soldier's moving heroism not only saved the lives of the three patients but so inspired his comrades that additional assault boats were immediately procured and the evacuation of the wounded resumed. Pvt. Garman's great courage and his heroic devotion to the highest tenets of the Medical Corps may be written with great pride in the annals of the corps.
    1951 – 23rd Annual Academy Awards at the RKO Pantages Theater in Los Angeles was hosted by Fred Astaire. Best Picture (of 1950) was "All About Eve" (“It's all about women --- and their men!”), produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. It won six Oscars in all, including Best Supporting Actor for George Sanders, Best Director and Best Writing/Screenplay for Joseph L. Mankiewicz; Best Costume Design/Black-and-White for Edith Head and Charles Le Maire; and Best Sound/Recording (20th Century-Fox Sound Dept.). "All About Eve" also was nominated eight other times. The Best Actor award went to José Ferrer for "Cyrano de Bergerac" and the Best Actress was voted to be Judy Holliday for "Born Yesterday." Best Supporting Actress was Josephine Hull for "Harvey." Best Music/Song prizes were awarded to Ray Evans and Jay Livingston for the Nat King Cole classic, "Mona Lisa," from "Captain Carey, U.S.A."
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0148477.html
    1951 - The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "The King and I" opened on Broadway. "The King and I" starred Yul Brynner, age 31, in the role of the King of Siam, the king who, along with his subjects, valued tradition above all else. Anna, the English governess hired to teach the King's dozens of children, was portrayed by Gertrude Lawrence. Ms. Lawrence and Mr. Brynner acted, danced and sang their way into our hearts with such memorable tunes as: "Getting to Know You," "Shall We Dance," "Hello, Young Lovers," "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "We Kiss in a Shadow," "I Have Dreamed," "Something Wonderful," "A Puzzlement," and "March of the Siamese Children." "The King and I" ran for a total of 1,246 outstanding performances at New York's St. James Theatre.  http://www.geocities.com/crawfordgirl/yulramses.html
    1951 - In one of the most sensational trials in American history, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are convicted of espionage for their role in passing atomic secrets to the Soviets during and after World War II. The husband and wife were later sentenced to death and were executed in 1953.
    1951 - The Chinese rejected MacArthur’s offer for a truce in Korea.
    1952 - Top Hits
“Wheel of Fortune” - Kay Starr
“Anytime” - Eddie Fisher
“Please, Mr. Sun” - Johnnie Ray
(“When You Feel like You're in Love”) “Don't Just Stand There” - Carl Smith
    1953 - U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel George L. Jones, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, became the 30th ace of the Korean War.
    1954 - Born at Scranton, PA, Karen Ann Quinlan (d. 1985) became the center of a legal, medical and ethical controversy over the right to die. She became irreversibly comatose on Apr 14, 1975. A petition filed by her adoptive parents in New Jersey's Superior Court, Sept 12, 1975, sought permission to discontinue use of a respirator, allowing her to die "with grace and dignity." In 1976, the petition was upheld by New Jersey's Supreme Court. Quinlan lived nearly a decade without the respirator, until June 11, 1985. Her plight brought into focus the ethical dilemmas of advancing medical technology--the need for a new understanding of life and death; the right to die; the role of judges, doctors and hospital committees in deciding when not to prolong life. Make sure you have written documents, properly executed in conformance with your state's law, to express your intentions regarding medical decisions (including "life support" systems that only prolong death), which may need to be made under circumstances in which you may no longer be able to make them for yourself.
    1958 – Oilers running back Earl Campbell was born in Tyler, TX.  Known as the Tyler Rose, he was a punishing, straight-ahead runner who gained recognition as one of the best power running backs in NFL history.  Campbell played college football for the University of Texas, where he won the Heisman Trophy and earned unanimous All-America honors in his senior season, as well as numerous other accolades. He was drafted first overall by the Oilers in 1978 and had an immediate impact in the league, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors. He was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year in each of his first three seasons, during which he averaged nearly 1,700 rushing yards per season. He was the NFL MVP in 1979 after leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns.  He was traded to the Saints six games into the 1984 season, where he spent his final season and a half before retiring. Campbell was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame (1990) and Pro Football Hall of Fame (1991). In 2019, he was named to the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. His jersey number is retired by the University of Texas and the Tennessee Titans who succeeded the Oilers when they moved to Nashville.
    1958 - Connie Francis enjoys her first chart success as "Who's Sorry Now?" reached Billboard's #4 spot. Over the next ten years she will place 55 more songs on the Billboard hit parade.
    1959 – “Some Like It Hot,” starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, premiered.
    1960 - Top Hits
The Theme from "A Summer Place" - Percy Faith
“Wild One” - Bobby Rydell
“Puppy Love” - Paul Anka
“He'll Have to Go” - Jim Reeves
    1961 - District of Columbia residents were given the right to vote in presidential elections under the 23rd Amendment.
    1962 - Jack Paar left his highly successful late night TV talk show after five years. He left behind a salary of $250,000 and an estimated audience of eight-million people, including my family. My father and I would stay up late every night, watching this show together. It was our favorite. On Friday nights, we had poker games and watched it while we played. Fill-in hosts were used, including one who would ultimately win the coveted position of host of "The Tonight Show." He was Johnny Carson before Johnny Carson.
    1964 - 534 Broadway, San Francisco. Comedian Lenny Bruce, wearing only his birthday suit fell out of the Swiss American Hotel’s second story window into the parking lot. He landed on his feet, breaking both ankles and smashing his bones into his hips. But he was conscious. The hospital attendants taped his mouth shut as his language was disturbing to them.
    1968 - Top Hits
(Sittin' On) “The Dock of the Bay” - Otis Redding
“Love is Blue” - Paul Mauriat
“La - La - Means I Love You” - The Delfonics
“A World of Our Own” - Sonny James
    1971 - Lt. William Calley is convicted of the premeditated murder of at least 22 Vietnamese civilians at My Lai 4. He was paroled in November, 1974.
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/mylai/
myl_bcalleyhtml.htm
    1971 - Led Zeppelin registers all six of its albums on the charts simultaneously, a feat never before made in pop history.
    1971 - Charles Manson is sentenced to life imprisonment after 9 1/2-month trial, the longest in California history until then.  On January 25, 1971, the jury returned guilty verdicts against the four defendants, Manson and his ‘family,” on each of the 27 separate counts against them.  On April 19, 1971, Judge Older sentenced the four to death.  In February 1972, the death sentences of all five parties were automatically reduced to life in prison, where he remains today, by the California Supreme Court which abolished the death penalty in that state. He died in prison at the age of 83 in 2017.
    1973 – The US withdrew from Vietnam.  Two months after the signing of the Vietnam peace agreement, the last U.S. combat troops left as Hanoi freed the remaining American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam. America’s direct eight-year intervention in the War was at an end. In Saigon, some 7,000 U.S. Department of Defense civilian employees remained behind to aid South Vietnam in conducting what looked to be a fierce and ongoing war with communist North Vietnam.
    1973 - The "Alert Orange Baseball" was used for the first time in Major League history. An invention of Oakland A’s owner Charlie Finely, it was used in a spring training game. Finley contended the ball, painted the color of a construction worker's hat, will be easier for both players and fans to see. But pitchers complained that the ball was slippery and hard to grip, while batters were unable to pick up the spin of the ball without seeing the seams. Although Finley pushed for the use of colored baseballs during the regular season, the idea will never come to fruition.
    1975 - Last U.S. troops flee Vietnam. Saigon would fall a month later. The Vietnam War was the longest and most unpopular foreign war in U.S. history and cost 58,000 American lives. As many as two million Vietnamese soldiers and civilians were killed.
    1976 - 48th Academy Awards were held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. Hosts for the gala were Goldie Hawn, Gene Kelly, Walter Matthau, George Segal and Robert Shaw (Saul Zaentz, Michael Douglas, producers) selected as the Best Picture of 1975 "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." It also scored the Best Director prize for Milos Forman, the Best Actor honor for Jack Nicholson and the Best Actress Oscar for Louise Fletcher, plus the Oscars for Best Writing to Bo Goldman and Lawrence Hauben. The Best Supporting Actor nod went to eighty-year-old George Burns for "The Sunshine Boys" and Best Supporting Actress was Lee Grant in "Shampoo." The Best Music/Song winner was Keith Carradine for "I'm Easy" from "Nashville." Other favorite winning and nominated flicks from the year 1975 include: "Dog Day Afternoon" which won the Oscar for Best Writing/Original Screenplay (Frank Pierson); "Jaws" which was awarded gold statuettes for Best Sound (Robert L. Hoyt, Roger Heman, Earl Mabery, John R. Carter), Best Film Editing (Verna Fields); and Best Music/Original Score (John Williams); "The Day of the Locust;" "Funny Lady" and "Tommy."
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0149329.html
    1976 - Jennifer Capriati, tennis champion: Olympic gold-medalist [1992], Wimbledon [1990], born New York, New York.
    1976 - Top Hits
“December 1963” (“Oh, What a Night”) - The Four Seasons
“Dream Weaver” - Gary Wright
“Lonely Night” (“Angel Face”) - Captain & Tennille
“Til the Rivers All Run Dry” - Don Williams
    1979 - The House Select Committee on Assassinations released the final report on its investigation into the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy on this day. Based on available evidence, the committee concluded that President Kennedy was assassinated as a result of a conspiracy, although no trail of a conspiracy could be established. They also concluded that on the basis of scientific acoustical evidence two gunmen fired at the President, although no second gunman could be identified. [Note: In December 1980, the FBI released a report discounting the two-gunman theory, stating that the distinguishable sounds of two separate guns were not proven scientifically.] In addition, the committee concluded that the possibility of conspiracy did exist in the cases of Dr. King and Robert Kennedy, although no specific individuals or organizations could be pinpointed as being involved.
    1982 - The oldest soap opera on network television, "Search for Tomorrow," made a big change. It jumped from CBS, where it grew in popularity for 30 years, to the daytime schedule on NBC. During the change, the program, owned and sponsored by Proctor and Gamble, continued right along with the soap, going from one network to the other the following day. The company wanted to maintain its regular 12:30 p.m. time slot, but CBS had other plans for "Search." NBC agreed to the 12:30 time and "Search" became an NBC property. Lots of celebrities have been featured on "Search for Tomorrow" including: Don Knotts, Sandy Duncan, Lee Grant, Tom Ewell, Roy Scheider and Hal Linden.
    1982 - The 54th Annual Academy Awards, presented this day at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles. Johnny Carson acted as host for the party. Two of America's most revered performers, Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn scored as Best Actor and Best Actress in "On Golden Pond." The Best Picture (1981) and Best Writing/Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Colin Welland) was "Chariots of Fire" (David Puttnam, producer). It also won the prizes for Best Costume Design (Milena Canonero) and Best Music/Original Score (Vangelis). The Best Director Oscar went to Warren Beatty for "Reds." Best Supporting Actor, John Gielgud, won for his work in "Arthur." The Best Supporting Actress was Maureen Stapleton for "Reds" and Best Music/Song prizes went to Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Christopher Cross and Peter Allen for "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" from "Arthur," of course. One of the night's biggest winners (four Oscars -- Art Direction, Sound, Film Editing, Special Effects -- and four more nominations) was "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0149517.html
    1984 – The Yankees traded one of the key members of their last World Championship teams of the 1970s when they dispatched Graig Nettles to the San Diego Padres.  Nettles, who had angered Yankees owner George Steinbrenner by criticizing him in a book, hit 20 home runs and helped the Padres reach the 1984 World Series that they eventually lost to the Detroit Tigers.  Nettles’ timely hitting in both the 1977 and 1978 Series helped win both for the Yanks against the Dodgers.  His acrobatic fielding in the ’78 classic is still shown in highlight film that left the Dodgers in awe.
    1984 - Top Hits
“Jump” - Van Halen
“Somebody's Watching Me” - Rockwell
“Footloose” - Kenny Loggins
“Roll On” (“Eighteen Wheeler) – Alabama
    1989 - The 61st Annual Academy Awards ceremony was presented at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles. There was no host. "Rain Man" (Mark Johnson, producer) was awarded the Best Picture Oscar with its star, Dustin Hoffman, scoring as Best Actor, Barry Levinson getting the Best Director prize, and Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow picking up the award for Best Writing/Original Screenplay. Best Actress (of all the movies of 1988) was Jodie Foster for "The Accused." The Best Supporting Actor Oscar was won by Kevin Kline for "A Fish Called Wanda" and the Best Supporting Actress was Geena Davis in "The Accidental Tourist." Carly Simon won Best Music/Song for "Let the River Run" from "Working Girl." Other popular movies from 1988 including Oscar winners and non-winning nominees were: "Dangerous Liaisons,” "Mississippi Burning," "Big,” "Gorillas in the Mist," "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "Beaches," "Die Hard," "Beetlejuice," et al.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0149738.html
    1989 - Thunderstorms produced torrential rains in northeastern Texas and southwestern Arkansas. Longview, TX reported 14.16 inches of rain. More than eleven inches of rain at Henderson, TX caused a dam to give way, and people left stranded in trees had to be rescued by boat. Total damage in northeastern Texas was estimated at 10 to 16 million dollars
    1990 - Top Hits
“Black Velvet” - Alannah Myles
“Love Will Lead You Back” - Taylor Dayne
“I Wish It Would Rain Down” - Phil Collins
“I'll Be Your Everything” - Tommy Page
    1993 – 65th Annual Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles. Comedian/actor Billy Crystal hosted the show for the fourth straight year. Clint Eastwood was honored with Best Picture and Best Director Oscars for his "Unforgiven." He starred, directed and produced the gritty Western which also won an award for Best Film Editing (Joel Cox) and Best Supporting Actor (Gene Hackman). Best Actor was Al Pacino for "Scent of a Woman" and the Best Actress prize went to Emma Thompson for "Howards End." Marisa Tomei took home the award for Best Supporting Actress for "My Cousin Vinny." 'Toons winning tune awards was a popular 1990s event at the Oscars and this year was no different. "Aladdin" picked up two: Best Music/Song awarded to Alan Menken (music), Tim Rice (lyrics) for "A Whole New World" and Best Music/Original Score (Alan Menken).
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0149864.html
    1994 – Jimmy Johnson, having guided the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories in his five years, announced that he was resigning as Dallas’ head coach.  After the Cowboys had won their first Super Bowl under Johnson, Owner Jerry Jones told the media that any coach could have led the Cowboys to a Super Bowl. This infuriated Johnson. Another incident happened in December, 1993, when Johnson had said he would be interested in the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching position. This led to Jones telling the media that he alone would decide Johnson's coaching future. They agreed to part on March 28, 1994, after the Cowboys had won their second straight Super Bowl.  After winning in the year after Johnson departed, the Cowboys drought is ongoing, although they finally reached the playoffs in 2016.
    1997 – The Atlanta Braves opened new Turner Field with a 2-0 exhibition victory over the Yankees.  It served as the Braves’ home ballpark until their final season there in 2016, moving to a new stadium in nearby Cobb – as in Ty – County, SunTrust Park.  Turner Field was sold to Georgia State University to be converted to a football-only venue
    1998 - The Indiana Pacers, coached by Larry Bird, set an NBA record for fewest points scored in a game by one team since the advent of the 24-second clock in the 1954-55 season. The Pacers, without their two top scores, Reggie Miller and Rik Smits, managed on 55 points, losing to the San Antonio Spurs, 74-55. Indiana shot 27 percent for the game. The previous record for fewest points was 57 held by three teams.
    1999 - The Dow-Jones Index of 30 major industrial stocks topped the 10,000 mark for the first time.
    2004 - Top Hits
“Yeah!” - Usher Featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris
“One Call Away” - Chingy Featuring J. Weav
“Tipsy” - J-Kwon
“Solitaire” - Clay Aiken
    2008 - The Dodgers celebrated the 50th anniversary of their move to LA by playing an exhibition against the Boston Red Sox in their original home, the LA Memorial Coliseum. A crowd of 115,300 is present, the largest ever assembled at a baseball game anywhere.
    2011 - James Bullard, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis calls for the Federal Reserve to limit its purchase of U.S. Treasuries because they 'feed the fire' of inflation.
    2020 – Dr. Anthony Fauci warned America that as many as 200,000 may die from COVID-19.  As of March, 2021, US deaths from the virus have exceeded 500,000.
   
NCAA Basketball Champions:
    1943 - Wisconsin
    1976 - Indiana
    1982 - North Carolina  
Stanley Cup Champions:
    1929 - Boston Bruins