At another very well-attended workshop panelist attorney Tony Kushnir of Patton Boggs, LLP, said in an interview the governments are being squeezed for funds and here is an ability to exchange, up-grade, redevelop at costs that give a better return, and put property into better use....”The government cannot miss and the future will see a great increase in government leasing of both real and personal property.”

Several attendees told me the full workshop attendance was quite common. They

come to learn from each other, not play golf. At night, several told me they did

partake at the tables. Another comment would be how well dressed the attendants

were, almost as if they all had gone to Nordstroms. Many jackets, several wearing

ties, and the women were wearing business attire. This was definitely a different

group than others conference I have seen held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The comradre was most evident at the Equipment Leasing Forum: The

Big Gamble for Funding Sources, the last workshop of the day at 3:45pm.

Five minutes into the meeting and the room was packed. The focus was

on small ticket leasing. This figure to those in the room was $250,000.

While they may do an accommodation of small amounts, this amount was considered “small ticket.”

There were bankers, originators, funders, attorneys, and it was not a question

and answer session, but more a conversation involving maybe 40 to 50

people, as if we were around a table at the bar: very relaxed, informative,

let your hair down, and a lot of truth about the reduced interested rates

and refinancing taking place. Who wins and loses as the broker takes another

commission and the investor does the lease.

This is a very sophisticated business. On more common topics, it appeared everyone believed that it was “talk” about what rates will go; most think

it will continue to go, and at worst, stay the same. No one was talking positive

about the future. No favorable view, and while they were doing transactions,

they were spending more time completing them.

I did not know anyone before I attended the conference, although I had spoken

with the executive director Graham Haulk, who’s Executive Assistant Brian J. Mandrier was also present. This was a very well-run, great handouts and

material, smooth operation. Haulk thought the attendance was small for

being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, but you had the serious and successful

attendees from all over the country, many from the Chicago area, Washington, DC, and the SouthWest.

There were several workshops I could not attend as I was attending others. Perhaps from my viewpoint the best was held with Jim Chritis of Convest Ltd.,

as moderator with Michael Gallo, CIT/Equipment Financing, John Merchant,

Peck Shaffer & Williams, LLP, along with Cambden P. Siegrist,Bowles Rice McDonald Graff & Love, PLLC.

“Are Hospitals a Risky Bet?” The panel discussed the pros, cons, current trends

and the pitfalls in engaging in hospital leasing and financing. Again, this

was one were the panel sat in chairs with the audience, not in front of a table,

and it was quite informal and got everyone involved. And while each panelist

did make a presentation, it really became an excellent open discussion with participation by all.

Mike Gallo of CIT really had it together. I talked with him afterwards, and

the statistics he was using came from the Equipment Leasing Association

report on healthcare and also other facts. I found out he was the chairman

of the ELA Municipal Committee.

This industry is going to go from $5.8 billion in 2002 to $7.4 billion in 2005

with 25% of the acquisition in leasing. It is a $1.3 trillion industry

with 80% HMO/PPO with great change in the growth of sub-acute centers,

outpatients (75%) and the fact 60% of hospitals are non-profit with 20%

being municipal.

While this sounds perfect for tax-exempt transactions, there will be a healthy

segment of “taxable” lease transactions due to consideration, timing, advantage,

and credit. Turn around time and the dynamics will also be a factor.

As a side-note, none of the attendees ever heard of Leasing News. The daily industry newspaper most often read is the ELT News from the Equipment

Leasing Association. I did get the distinct impression, the municipal-federal sector look down upon the commercial side. And this group is definitely

different from the rest of us. This is the top fraternity in the money college.

One more day. While Jeff Taylor and Mark McQuitty wrote some personal

conferences, I don’t take that approach, so I won’t write about the Blue Man

Group ( the AGLF bought tickets and we went as a group in our own section---

it was great) or that I had dinner with my high school sweetheart, we went

to the prom together and her husband who is a singer-musician, but the

story is I haven’t seen her in 42 years ( she was more gorgeous than I

remembered and still had the great personality in my memory. She still

had the smile that could light up a room and the great sense of humor. We became

fast friends. I hope to introduce she and her husband to my Sue.)

Friday is the last day of the conference, and maybe on Monday will

have a wrap-up.

[Headlines]

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Bank of New York Is Part of Inquiry into RW Leasing

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Bank of New York and some of

its employees are subjects of a continuing investigation by federal authorities

into the activities of RW Professional Leasing Corporation, according to the

company’s quarterly Security and Exchange Commission Filing.

There are several other law suits, community banks, brokers, and the

American Express. Leasing News was about to publish the inside

story, but the lawyers for American Express asked for a motion to

wait for the FBI lawsuit as theirs may be mote. Perhaps in the

near future, we may give you the inside scoop about the famous

Thomas J. Depping memo ( we have all parties, except American

Express, who have told us their side.)

According to the Wall Street Journal article on May 15^th, “several federal

criminal charges have been filed against RW Professional Leasing Services

and its principals, alleging they concocted elaborate schemes using rented mailboxes to borrow money from banks by sending phony checks, invoices,

leases and other false documents ( similar to the other lawsuits, including

American Express.)

The Securities Exchange Commission report notes the U.S. attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York has informed the Bank of New York that it and

certain of its employees are subjects of the office’s continuing investigations relating to RW. It also noted that the Bank of New York said it is cooperating

fully with the investigation.

The Wall Street Journal picked up two other civil lawsuits ( if they had run

a Pacer report, they would have found the American Express). The Journal

notes one is “...seeking $46 million over its ties to RW, a former customer

of the Long Island branch...These actions allege Bank of New York

breached certain obligations and engaged in certain misrepresentations...Bank

of New York said it believes it has meritorious defenses to these actions.”

Here are some of the stories Leasing News has written about RW Professional

Leasing: http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/RW_stories.htm

[Headlines]

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Please pass on to a friend and ask them to subscribe. We have two editions,

one for free, and the other a paid subscription with an easier format to read.

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May 20th Fresno, California Brokers Meeting

Ladies, Gentlemen and others: Things have come together

nicely for the Fresno Area Brokers Meeting.

We plan to meet on Tuesday, May 20 at Tony Roma's located at 2003

W. Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA. The meeting will start with no-host

cocktails in the waiting room with liquid (the bar) at 6:30pm. We will

adjourn to a private room for dinner around 7:00 to 7:15. The total cost is

$30.00 per person. Three entrée choices are available; Top Sirloin Steak or

Marinated Breast of Chicken both served with baked potato

and mixed seasonal vegetables. The third choice is a vegetarian dish of Penne pasta tossed with Garlic, basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese and sautéed

mushrooms.

Please let us know your entrée preference when you make your

reservations. Rich Featherstone, a local leasing lease broker, who is also a CPA

will talk to us about the pros and cons of having a California

Finance Lenders License. His presentation will leave time for questions, so come

prepared. He has a long history in the leasing business. He founded

LeaseMark in Santa Rosa in 1986 and currently is with the

local firm Accountants Financial Services which is associated with Baker,

Peterson & Franklin, CPAs. Please call or return

e-mail your intentions to join us. Thanks

to the many of you have already committed to being there. Also, it is

important to tell us your entrée preference.

Archie Julian JulianA@ExchangeBank.com

707)521-5027

[Headlines]

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May 21^st—EAEL Luncheon

EAEL wants to remind everyone that it is holding a luncheon and industry

gathering, hosted by Bruce Smith, in Morristown New Jersey Wednesday, May 21.

In addition, the EAEL annual crab feast, hosted by Nancy Pistorio, Dennis

Horner and Scott Wheeler, will be held in Hanover Maryland June 10. For

additional information check the EAEL website at eael.org or call the EAEL

office at 914 381 5830.

Alison Pryor

Amfnyc@aol.comCome join us at our

[Headlines]

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May 28^th ELA to Hold Free Workshop in Washington, DC

ELA will host a free, one-day workshop on May 28 in Washington, D.C. exclusively for ELA members interested in sending new and/or used equipment to Iraq, or leasing directly to contractors responsible for reconstruction projects. The workshop is designed to familiarize members with the opportunities, business methods and support programs from OPIC and complementary products from the Exports-Import Bank (Ex-Im), and the procedures to follow to participate in the reconstruction of the Iraq economy. The topics covered will be fairly broad, including, for example, legal issues such as the body of law under which contracts are to be executed/adjudicated, and special insurance coverage for fire, postwar damage, etc.

The U.S. Government is committed to supporting, directly and indirectly, the rebuilding of Iraq. The needs are widespread--transportation and utilities infrastructure, communications and industrial facilities and equipment, and more. Recognizing the value of equipment leasing in the reconstruction endeavor, the Bush Administration has instructed the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to reach out to the U.S. leasing industry to provide U.S.-owned equipment and/or equipment financing programs.

ELA President Michael Fleming and International Committee Chairman Don Paynter held meetings recently with the U.S. Agency for International Development (US Aid) and OPIC to see how lessors can participate and to present an example of a way the industry might assist.

In these discussions OPIC noted that, to motivate leasing companies to participate, the U.S. Government (USG) is able to support lease obligations. OPIC said supported obligors would be both prime contractors (such as Bechtel Corporation) and sub-contractors. U.S. lessors would likely either lease directly to the prime or sub-contractors, or establish leasing entities using existing equipment inventory or off-lease equipment to capitalize the entity for the special purpose of leasing the equipment to these contractors. This method could leverage up the limited available contractor budgets for equipment while revitalizing U.S. lessor balance sheets to support economic growth and development.

OPIC offers various risk management products to provide USG support to lessors. Further, to assist in the funding of the hypothetical "Iraq Rental" activity, OPIC noted that if the rental equipment was concentrated in some form of special purpose entity, OPIC could lend directly to that entity to handle transport, marketing and similar developmental expenses.

For more information on the May ELA workshop please contact International Committee Chairman Don Paynter (212) 750 4600.

To confirm your attendance at the workshop, please contact Ginger Koch at ELA (703) 516-8360, gkoch@elamail.com.

To learn more about the contracts being awarded (particularly helpful for parties wishing to bid as sub-contractors) visit

http://www.usaid.gov/iraq www.usaid.gov%2Firaq>

where there is also information on how to register to provide services. For small business members only, especially those owned by veterans, your attention is directed to an exclusive small business set of two registration databases located at

http://www.tda.gov/pipeline/section1

www.tda.gov%2Fpipeline%2Fsection1>

Finally, via Commerce Department, Iraq investment conferences will be established in various cities and OPIC will keep the ELA advised and this information will be available to the members shortly thereafter in the ELA electronic newsletters.

Sites of Reference:

http://www.usaid.gov/iraq

http://www.tda.gov/pipeline/section1

[Headlines]

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2003

UAEL NORTH BAY REGION NETWORKING EVENT

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Great View, Great Hors d'oeuvres,

Great Company

Meet with your leasing peers and friends, and exchange ideas and plans for the future. Kit Menkin will be there, so if you want to complain in person,

or see what I am really like, here is your opportunity.

Valhalla Restaurant

201 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA

Tel: 415-331-9463

No-host bar

( Maybe we’ll go over to the “No Name Bar” later. And stay

at Casa Madrona Hotel, if you don’t want to drive home.)

Members of UAEL and other leasing organizations $35.00

Non-Members $45.00

Registration: UAEL 760-564-2027 or on-line at www.uael.org

[Headlines]

Rates on 30-year mortgages fall to record low

The average interest rate on a fixed-rate 30-year mortgage fell to 5.45 percent, down from 5.62 percent the week before, Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, reported Thursday in its weekly nationwide survey.

This week's rate surpassed the previous low of 5.61 percent, set the week ending March 14. The new rate is the lowest since Freddie Mac began tracking 30-year mortgages in 1971. Records that reach back earlier indicate that the rate is the lowest in more than four decades, economists said.

Low mortgage rates propelled home sales to record levels last year. This year is shaping up to be the second-best on record for sales of existing homes and new ones, economists say.

The housing market is one of the few bright spots of the lackluster economy.

For 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, a popular option for refinancing, rates declined to 4.84 percent this week, compared with last week's 4.97 percent rate.

Rates for one-year adjustable mortgages, however, nudged up to 3.67 percent, from 3.66 percent last week.

Low mortgage rates also pushed home-mortgage refinancing activity to a record level last year, something that has played a key role in supporting consumer spending. Consumers, the main force keeping the economy going, used the money saved on their monthly mortgage payments to make other purchases.

The Mortgage Bankers Association of America said that applications for mortgages jumped last week as mortgage rates dipped. Refinancing activity accounted for 72.4 percent of all mortgage applications filed last week, up from 68.7 percent the week before, the association said.

"Strong purchase and refinance indexes reflect consumers responding to those low (mortgage) rates," said Phil Colling, an economist with the association.

This week's mortgage rates do not include add-on fees known as points. For 30-year mortgages and one-year adjustable mortgages, each loan type carried an average fee of 0.6 point this week. Fifteen-year mortgages carried an average fee of 0.7 point.

A year ago, rates on 30-year mortgages averaged 6.89 percent, 15-year mortgages were 6.37 percent and one-year adjustable mortgages stood at 4.81 percent.

––

On the Net:

Freddie Mac: www.freddiemac.com

[Headlines]

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

Fitch Doesn't See Good Third Quarter for Commercial Lending

Fitch Ratings- A slow economic recovery, performance divergence between prime and subprime borrowers, regulatory presence and intervention with issuers, seller/servicer strength and capitalization continue to be key items of concern in 2003 for the asset-backed securities (ABS) market, according to a new report by Fitch Ratings.

Commercial assets that have been weak are not expected to improve nor are trends in subprime consumer lending. The aircraft, franchise, and small business loan sectors continue to experience negative rating activity, while the equipment sector, on the other hand, is emerging from a long-term period of negative news. The aircraft finance sector remains the hardest hit, and Fitch's negative outlook on rating volatility in sector is unchanged. Although the war with Iraq was swift, its implications on travel were felt and compounded by the outbreak of SARS.

An issue that has recently surfaced again is the economic viability of the underlying servicer and the risk that becomes apparent when a financially weak servicer and a high volatility asset are mixed, as with First Consumers National Bank (FCNB). Fitch believes that this issue deserves serious attention and will continue to emphasize it in evolving rating criteria.

The new report also details key issues in the term asset-backed securities (ABS) market during the first quarter of 2003. It includes performance commentary, specific issuer and asset class concerns and outlooks for future rating volatility by sector.

The new report titled 'First Quarter 2003 Term ABS Recap and Outlook' dated May 9, 2003 can be found on Fitch's web site at 'www.fitchratings.com' by selecting 'special reports' corresponding with the 'ABS sector' or by contacting the Ratings Desk at 1-800-893-4824.

Contact: Chris Mrazek, +1-212-908-0667 or Kevin Duignan, +1-212-908-0630, New York.

Media Relations: Matt Burkhard +1-212-908-0540, New York.

[Headlines]

#### Press ################################################

ORIX Financial Services Promotes Thomas L. Hidder

to Group President, Business Credit Group

ATLANTA – Jay S. Holmes, chairman and CEO of ORIX Financial Services (OFS) today announced the promotion of Thomas (Tom) L. Hidder to group president, Business Credit Group (BCG).

Hidder has more than 20 years of experience in the commercial finance industry. He joined ORIX USA in 2001 and most recently held the position of executive vice president of the Recovery Portfolio Group at OFS.

"Since joining ORIX, Tom's insight and expertise have proven invaluable. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable in our business facets, Tom has proven himself to be an effective leader who is dedicated to his staff and his customers. He is also deeply committed to our core values," said Holmes. "Tom's experience in credit, operations and origination make him the ideal candidate to lead BCG to new performance heights. We are confident that he will make an immediate impact on the business."

Prior to ORIX, Hidder was president and CEO of Hanover Financial Corporation, located in Chicago. In addition, he held various positions during his 13 years at Sanwa Business Credit Corporation, Chicago, including executive vice president and division manager of the Structured Finance Division. Hidder spent the early years of his career at Continental Illinois National Bank and Arthur Andersen & Co.

Hidder is a C.P.A. who holds an M.B.A. from the University of Iowa.

ORIX Financial Services offers an array of financing products through four groups: the Business Credit Group, the Equipment Finance Group, the Public Finance Group and the Structured Finance Group. The Business Credit Group offers asset and cash flow based loans to companies that need funds for acquisitions, growth, working capital, capital expenditures, recapitalization and other unique situations. The Equipment Finance Group provides equipment financing to dealers, distributors, national manufacturers and end-users in industries such as construction and transportation. The Public Finance Group offers equipment, real estate and project financing for state and local governments as well as for federal agencies. Lastly, the Structured Finance Group provides capital equipment financing, “turnkey” financing and other non-tax operating lease products for businesses serving the medium- to large-ticket market.

ORIX Financial Services is an indirect wholly owned operating subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, a leading diversified financial services organization with assets in excess of $49 billion. ORIX Corporation is based in Tokyo, Japan with operations in 23 global markets. ORIX is a publicly traded company listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York Stock Exchanges (Ticker: IX).

[Headlines]

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

Comdisco Announces Fiscal Second Quarter and Six-Month Financial Results

ROSEMONT, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2003--Comdisco Holding Company, Inc. (OTC:CDCO) today reported financial results for its fiscal second quarter and six months ended March 31, 2003. Comdisco emerged from Chapter 11 on August 12, 2002. Under its Plan of Reorganization, Comdisco's business purpose is limited to the orderly runoff or sale of its remaining assets.

Operating Results: For the three months ended March 31, 2003, Comdisco reported net income of approximately $37 million, or $8.67 per common share (basic and diluted). Revenue for the three-month period totaled $121 million. For the six months ended March 31, 2003, Comdisco reported net income of approximately $45 million, or $10.76 per common share (basic and diluted). Revenue for the six-month period totaled $283 million. The per share results for Comdisco are based on the 4.2 million shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2003.

As a result of bankruptcy restructuring transactions, adoption of fresh-start reporting and multiple asset sales, Comdisco Holding Company Inc.'s financial results are not comparable to those of its predecessor company, Comdisco, Inc. Please refer to the company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 14, 2003, for complete financial statements.

Information on Contingent Distribution Rights: The company is required to provide certain information to holders of contingent distribution rights (OTC:CDCOR) distributed to holders of the cancelled common stock of Comdisco, Inc. The company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q discloses that, as of May 14, 2003, the percentage recovery to certain former creditors of Comdisco, Inc. will be approximately 87.2 percent, after giving effect to all prior distributions made to the relevant creditors and the payment on May 22, 2003 of the common stock dividend declared by the company on May 2, 2003. Please refer to the section titled "Contingent Distribution Rights" contained in the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a complete discussion and important details.

About Comdisco

The purpose of reorganized Comdisco is to sell, collect or otherwise reduce to money in an orderly manner the remaining assets of the corporation. Rosemont, IL-based Comdisco (www.comdisco.com) provided equipment leasing and technology services to help its customers maximize technology functionality and predictability, while freeing them from the complexity of managing their technology. Through its former Ventures division, Comdisco provided equipment leasing and other financing and services to venture capital backed companies.

CONTACT:

Comdisco Holding Company, Inc.

Mary Moster, 847/518-5147

mcmoster@comdisco.com

[Headlines]

The List Up-Date

Matsco Financial (5/2002) Reliable sources report commercial and broker

division shut down, people let go, company to work solely on captive vendor,

dentistry, veterean,CPA marketplace. President Matt Shieman was to

give a statement on this at the beginning of this week, but has

apparently changed his mind. (12/2000 purchased by Greater Bay Bank)

Microfinancial/Leasecomm (5/2003) Files $0.8 million quarter loss http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/May%202003/05_08_2003.htm#micro

(4/2003) delays filing for 15 days with SEC (3/2003) to be de-listed (3/2003) Net loss for year-end was $7.7 million. http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202003/03-11-03.htm#micro (2/2003) Stocks Falls to .73 cents on Friday, 12/2002-----The Board of Directors of MicroFinancial Inc. (NYSE:MFI) has suspended its dividend to comply with the Company's banking agreements. (11/2002) Leasecomm closes, shuts off all brokers, won't fund deals approved "Goes Down---CEO Sells $500,000 Stock Before the News." ( Microfinancial Stories )Waltham, MA (8/2001) Leasecomm, Attorney General investigating, many complaints on line.

Fisher-Anderson/Firerock Capital (4/2003) Bob Fisher becomes sales manager

for Douglas-Guardian, leasing service company. He remains a partner

in Firerock Capital. Scott Anderson is president.

http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/April%202003/4_29_03.htm#bob

(2/2002) Bob Fisher Resigns to form Fisher-Anderson; Scott Anderson stays behind to wind down portfolio; company was sold to MarCap, Fisher reveals; MarCap reportedly having problems with many of its leasing portfolio's and wants to get out of small ticket marketplace (8/2001) Many sales people let go the last few months, company cuts back, Don Shadel, former Commercial Vehicle Division Manager of Fisher Anderson L C, and several CVD staff members, have started a new company named Mark III Credit Corp. The focus will continue to be new and used work oriented vehicles in the small ticket range from $15,000 to $150,000. Our prior company, Atlas Funding Group, Inc. was acquired by Fisher Anderson L C in September of 1998 to market a national titled vehicle program for brokers and lessors.” Our affiliation with Fisher Anderson L C the last three years has been a pleasant experience, however recent changes in the transportation industry dictated that we both move in different directions. “ dshadel@markiiicredit.com

The List in both Alphabetical and Chronological order:

http://www.leasingnews.org/list_alpha_new.htm

[Headlines]

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News Briefs---

Wholesale Prices Fall 1.9%, the Biggest Drop Since 1947

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/16/business/16ECON.html

Economy not getting boost from consumers

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20030515-9999_1b15economy.html

Bush Doesn't Want to Help States with Internet Tax

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2003-05-15-internet-taxes-ban_x.htm

[Headlines]

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Highlights This Day in American History

1775-the first constitution adopted by a state was that of Massachusetts by the Provincial congress of Massachusetts. the motto of the state was Ense Petit placidam sub libertate quietem ( “with the sword she seeks peace under liberty.”) The constitution was temporary. A new one was framed in Boston on September 1,1779, and was completed on March 2, 1780, and ratified by a two thirds vote. John Hancock served as the first governor under the permanent constitution.

1777-birthday of Button Gwinnett, signer of the Declaration of Independence, born at Down Hatherly, Gloucestershire, England, about 1735 ( exact date unknown). Died following a duel at St. Catherine’s island, off of Savannah, GA. http://www.colonialhall.com/gwinnett/gwinnett.asp

1804-birthday of Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, born at Billerica, MA. Peabody opened a bookstore that quickly became the intellectuals’ hangout. With her own printing press, Peabody became the first woman publisher of Boston and possibly the US. She published three of her brother-in-law Nathaniel Hawthorne’s books. For two years, she published and wrote for The Dial, the literary magazine and voice of the Transcendental movement. Peabody’s enduring accomplishment was the establishment of the first kindergarten in the US, in 1860, at Boston. She created a magazine, Kindergarten Messenger, in 1873.Died January 3, 1894, at Jamaica Plain, MA.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may16.html

1862-,General Benjamin Butler, military governor of New Orleans, issued what became known as the “Woman Order.” The text of General Order Number 28 read, in part, ‘As the officers and soldiers of the United States have been subjected to repeated insults from women (calling themselves ladies) of New Orleans.

• . when any female shall . . . show contempt for the United States, she shall be regarded as a woman of the town plying her avocation.” This order typified Butler’s attitude toward the captured city and its populace and, along with other controversial acts, set the stage for his dismissal as military governor in December of 1862. It was not uncommon for a stupid, rude person to be called a Benjamin Butler in New Orleans He was also known as “Spoons,” for reportedly stealing silver from estates in the area. He was also known as “Beast.” Jefferson Davis branded him an “outlaw” and put a bounty on his head. He then botched up his next assignment and resigned to run for Congress and was elected five times, serving once as Governor of Massachusetts.

http://7-12educators.about.com/blcwphmilfed18.htm. http://www.swcivilwar.com/butler.html

1863- after a standoff of nearly a year around the strategic Mississippi River city of Vicksburg, MS, Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant defeated Southern forces under General John Pemberton at Champion’s Hill, MS. on this date. Pemberton’s forces withdrew into Vicksburg, and the siege of Vicksburg began. Gettysburg was only a few months away. http://www2.cr.nps.gov/abpp/battles/ms009.htm

1866-Issuance of the nickel, a new five-cent coin, was authorized by Congress. It was minted of copper and nickel with not more than 25% nickel.

1868- the U.S. Senate failed by just one vote to convict President Andrew Johnson of "high crimes and misdemeanors," as he was charged under the articles of impeachment. A second vote, taken on May 26, also fell short, by just one vote, of the two-thirds majority required to convict the president. ( lower half of http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may16.html)

1888-Emile Berliner of Washington ,DC. first publicly demonstrated before the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA the first modern disk he called a “phonograph.” Berliner’s “Gramophone” record was a flat disk in which the grooves were cut in a lateral spiral, making it much easier to duplicate for the mass market than Edison’s recording cylinder.

1893-Herman L. Wagner of Brooklyn, NY obtained a patent on a typewriter, which produced a line of writing visible as it was being type. This machine went through an experimental period with the Wagner Typewriter Company and then was sold to John T. Underwood, who had been associated with Wagner’s father in the ribbon and carbon business of John Underwood and Company. The Underwood Typewriter Company, incorporated in March 1895, undertook the manufacture of Wagner’s machine in New York City.

1913- bandleader Woody Herman was born in Milwaukee. He had joined Isham Jones' band in 1934 and took over that orchestra two years later when Jones retired because of ill health. The band became the first Woody Herman Herd, and was known as "The Band That Plays the Blues." The band's fortunes began to grow following the release of their recording of "Woodchopper's Ball" in 1939.

By the following year, the Woody Herman band was beginning to score in the popularity polls. Herman changed the direction of his band in the mid-1940's - it's music became louder and more and more dependent on a screaming brass section. The change found favor with the public - the Herman Herd was number one in polls conducted by national music magazines. Woody Herman continued to lead a big band long after the swing era ended. In the 1960's, the band moved in a jazz-rock direction, but in the following decade moved to a more pure jazz style. Herman died in Los Angeles of congestive heart failure on October 29th, 1987.

http://www-music.duke.edu/jazz_archive/artists/herman.woody/01/

1913 Woody Herman Birthday http://www.woodyherman.com/

http://www.nyjam.com/content/artists/herman.html

1914-The Grand League of the American Horseshoe Pitchers Association was formed. The league set its first championship for October 23, 1915, at Kellerton, IA.

1919-pianist Liberace, whose full name was Wladziu (VLA'-JAH) Valentino Liberace, was born in West Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His overly sentimental pop tunes and frilly, condensed versions of the classics built him into one of the hottest show business personalities in the 1950's. Liberace's trademarks included candelabra on the piano and outlandish costumes that weren't matched until some of the rock groups of the '70s came along. His audience consisted mainly of middle-aged women, some of whom behaved much as rock groupies did a decade later. Liberace died on February 4th, 1987 from conditions related to AIDS.

http://www.liberace.com/liberace/bio.cfm

1928-birhday of Billy Martin, baseball player and manager born at Berkeley, CA. Billy Martin’s baseball career included managerial stints with five major league teams, the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers and the Oakland Athletics. After a successful playing career, he compiled a record of 1,258 victories to 1,018 losses in his 16 seasons as manager. His combative style both on and off the field kept him in the headlines, and he will long be remembered for his on-again/off-again relationship with Yankees’ owner George Steinbrenner, for whom he managed the Yankees five different times. Martin died in an auto accident near Fenton, NY, Dec 25, 1989.

1929-about 270 people attended a dinner at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. at which the first Academy Awards was given in 12 categories. It was hosted by Douglas Fairbanks, Sr and Cecil B. De Mille. The silent film Wings won Best Picture. (The statuette we know so well as Oscar was not included in this first presentation for films made in 1927-1928. Oscar didn’t make an appearance until 1931.) Janet Gaynor was named Best Actress for her performance in "Seventh Heaven", which also won the Best Director/Dramatic Picture for Frank Borzage, and the Best Writing/Adaptation for Benjamin Glazer. Lewis Milestone was named Best Director/Comedy Picture for "Two Arabian Knights". Emil Jannings received two Best Actor awards, one for the 1927 ,"The Way of All Flesh", the other for "The Last Command" (1928) . A second Best Film award was presented to "Sunrise" for Unique and Artistic Production. It also won for Best Cinematography (Charles Rosher and Karl Struss). A committee of only 20 members selected the winners that year. The first included 1927-28 awards plus

some 1928 again and 1929, which also was splint into 1930. By the third year, the entire membership of the Academy voted. The Academy Awards were first televised in 1953. http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0147914.html

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0147930.html

1929- singer Betty Carter birthday. Died September 26, 1998

http://home.att.net/~timcramm/biograph.htm

http://www.jazzsingers.com/BettyCarter/

http://elvispelvis.com/bettycarter.htm#bio

http://park.org/Sponsors/NBC/carter.html

http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/jazz/jazzahead/

1930—birthday of singer Betty Carter ( Lillie Mae Jones), Flint, MI Died Sept. 26, 1998. http://home.att.net/~timcramm/betty.htm http://www.jazzsingers.com/BettyCarter/

1937-Dizzy Gillespie records first solo with Teddy Hill’s band on King Porter Stomp, NYC ( Bluebird B-69888) http://www.duke.edu/~fdp/bio.html

http://www.bowdoin.edu/~aboisver/jazz/dizzy.html

http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Square/9063/index/gillespie.html

1943- a major turning point of World War II occurred when the Royal Air Force Lancasters began bombing three dams in the Germany Ruhr Valley. This lasted two days and was the start of the strategic bombing effort to end the war. They dropped 4.5 ton bombs designed specifically for this mission. The Mohne and the Eder ( the largest dams in Europe a the time) were both damaged. These two dams provided drinking water for four million people and supplied 75 percent of the electrical power for industry. Widespread flooding and many deaths resulted. The planned raid also greatly affect military production. It began the assault on Germany, who's population until this time was not affected as France, England, Russia and other countries were experiencing from the Nazi's.

1946 - The Irving Berlin musical, "Annie Get Your Gun", opened at New York’s Imperial Theatre. Once of the most successful shows presented on a Broadway stage, the show ran for 1,147 performances.

1947- Barbara Lee of the Chiffons was born in New York City. The group had several hits in the early 1960's, including "He's So Fine," which went to number one in 1963.

http://www.history-of-rock.com/chiffons.htm

1952—Top Hits

Blue Tango - The Leroy Anderson Orchestra

Kiss of Fire - Georgia Gibbs

Blacksmith Blues - Ella Mae Morse

The Wild Side of Life - Hank Thompson

1953 - Bill Haley and His Comets made it to the "Billboard" music charts for the first time with "Crazy Man Crazy". The tune went to number six and became the first rock ’n’ roll record to make the pop music chart. 1965 - "The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd", a Broadway musical starring Anthony Newley, made its premiere at the Shubert Theatre in New York City. Cyril Ritchard appeared in the production which entertained audiences for 231 performances. http://www.rockhall.com/hof/inductee.asp?id=116 http://www.rhull.freeserve.co.uk/

1959-Sam Snead shot an 11-under-par round of 59 at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV. He became the first golfer to break 60 for 18 holes in a major tournament( 31 out, 28 coming home), 11 strokes under par, in the third round of the Sam Snead Festival Golf Tournament. He had a score of 196 for 54 holes and won $4,500. The tournament was originally named the Greenbrier Open. http://www.themasters.cc/samsnead.htm http://www.golfeurope.com/almanac/players/snead.htm

1960—Top Hits

Stuck on You - Elvis Presley

Cathy’s Clown - The Everly Brothers

Night - Jackie Wilson

Please Help Me, I’m Falling - Hank Lockin

1966- the Beach Boys album "Pet Sounds" was released. Although it only barely made the top 10, the album has since become regarded as a classic and the Beach Boys' best. "Pet Sounds" is gaining new fans through its 1990 release on CD.

http://www.epinions.com/musc_mu-81264

1966-singer Janet Jackson birthday.

http://www.janet-jackson.com/

http://missjanet.xs4all.nl/

http://www.askmen.com/women/singer/14_janet_jackson.html

1968—Top Hits

Honey - Bobby Goldsboro

Tighten Up - Archie Bell & The Drells

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - Hugo Montenegro

Have a Little Faith - David Houston

1971 - An ounce of first-class mail rocketed to eight cents for delivery -- two cents more than the previous stamp

1972-Goal posts offset from the goal line, pained bright yellow, and with uprights 20 feet above the crossbar were made standard in the NFL. 1976—Top Hits

Boogie Fever - Sylvers

Silly Love Songs - Wings

Fooled Around and Fell in Love - Elvin Bishop

What Goes on When the Sun Goes Down - Ronnie Milsap

1980- Dr. George C. Nichopoulous, known to his patients as Dr. Nick, was indicted in Memphis on 14 counts of illegally prescribing drugs to Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and others.

1981 - "Bette Davis Eyes", by Kim Carnes, climbed to the top spot of the pop music chart and stayed there for five straight weeks, took a week off (replaced by "Stars on 45 Medley" by Stars on 45) and came back to number one for four more weeks! It was, obviously, a gold record winner and was played over and over and over for 20 weeks before becoming an instant oldie but goodie. "Bette Davis Eyes", incidentally, was written in part by Jackie DeShannon, who had two top ten hits in the 1960s: "What the World Needs Now is Love" in 1965 and the million-seller, "Put a Little Love in Your Heart", in 1969. 1985 - Michael ‘Air’ Jordan was named Rookie of the Year in the National Basketball Association. Jordan of the Chicago Bulls was the number three draft choice. At the time, he was third in league scoring with a 28.2 average and fourth in steals with 2.39 per game.

1984—Top Hits

Hello - Lionel Richie

Hold Me Now - The Thompson Twins

Let’s Hear It for the Boy - Deniece Williams

To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before - Julio Iglesias & Willie Nelson

1993—Top Hits

That s The Way Love Goes- Janet Jackson

Freak Me- Silk

Love Is (From "Beverly Hills, 90210")- Vanessa Williams/Brian McKnight

Informer-Snow

2002-Top Hits

Foolish- Ashanti

What's Luv?- Fat Joe Featuring Ashanti

I Need A Girl (Part One)- P. Diddy Featuring Usher & Loon

U Don't Have To Call- Usher

NBA Finals Champions This Date

1980 Los Angeles Lakers

Stanley Cup Champions This Date

1976 Montreal Canadiens

1982 New York Islanders

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