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Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Headlines---

Classified ads---Sales Manager
    Lease Police---Now Gathering Repo/Write-off Data
        PFF expects $120 Million loss
Marlin Business Service Stock
    CIT holding its own
        FTC files to halt class action settlement
Sales makes it Happen—by Linda P. Kester
“Lease Platform Review”
    Lease Platform Review---Expanded
        Leasing Assoc. Events-Meetings Open to All
            Classified Ads---Help Wanted
    Advantage Software Users/Pioneer System
Bob Tiechman, CLP,
Leasing News Advisory Board Chairman
    Alter Moneta New U.S. Syndications Mgr
UBS to Write Down another $19 Billion
    Feds release subprime maps
        Omni Financial delays filing
            Willis Lease s Private Placement $233MM
    CoActiv Capital Construction & Industrial Division
News Briefs---
    You May have Missed---
        "Gimme that Wine"
    Calendar Events
Snapple Real Facts
    Today's Top Event in History
        This Day in American History
Spring Poem
    SuDoku
        Daily Puzzle
GasBuddy
    Provence, France-Vacation
News on Line---Internet Newspapers
Houston, Texas

######## surrounding the article denotes it is a “press release”

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Classified ads---Sales Manager

Atlanta, GA
Strong sales and leadership skills; demonstrated with sales training and sales performance. Lead team in both regional and national operations and developed marketing programs.
Email: mll1946@comcast.net
[Resume]
Chicago, IL
Sales Executive or Senior Manager, with responsibility for leasing capital equipment in support of transactions based on current market values, market potential and economic trends.
tomvolk53@hotmail.com
Resume

For a full listing of all “job wanted” ads, please go to:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

To place a free “job wanted” ad here, please go to:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm

[headlines]

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Lease Police---Now Gathering Repossession and Write-off Data

In addition to an alert system, the data Lease Police is collecting includes "early terminations." This has value as LeasePolice has introduced an algorithm which includes write-offs and early terminations into its new "Vendor Score". A Vendor Report can rate the vendor from 1 to 100 and give historical performance information on how the vendor's leases have performed. The score is very sensitive to repossessions in the first year of a lease. Lease Police records and collates write-off data of equipment sellers by many different means including name of the company, phone number, addresses, individuals owners, etc... By utilizing this information, users can now identify vendors which produce leases which result in high repossessions and write-offs.

"It is our history that most of the frauds come from the sellers of the equipment, and furthermore, we believe that even in non-fraudulent transactions the vendor component is 40% responsible for a successful transaction", Lease Police Chief Bernie Boettigheimer told Leasing News." Many lessors do not check out the vendor thoroughly or the equipment may be too small for a Dun & Bradstreet or PayNet report, since both are expensive. Our reports will uncover poor vendor performance in a very inexpensive, quick report.

"We have 3,000 repossession records now, and shortly it will jump to 5,000 as five new additional funders/subscribers are beginning to report and provide information regarding their early terminations, " he said. We currently have data on 10,000 vendors and we hope to reach 20,000 vendors by the end of the year. We expect to continue the extended free trial in order to continue to build the database, and further tweak our systems to increase its usefulness to our users." The value of this system is to rate and verify vendors not just for fraud, but to examine their transactional history. This allows the user to avoid vendors who experience a high number of write-offs. The Lease Police Vendor Score, like a credit bureau score, will allow users to instantly spot vendors who fit the overall high risk profile we have identified.

"Our Early Unsatisfactory Termination' data base is growing," Boettigheimer explains. "As our early termination database grows, the quality of our reports should rise immeasurably and become more useful in its predictions." The main thrust of the program is aggregate vendor performance information on industry wide basis and expose trends and relationships on vendors that otherwise would not have been apparent.

The no charge period on all inquires has been extended to June 30, 2008.

For more information, please contact:

Bernie Boettigheimer, CLP
President
Lease Police, Inc.
972-361-8111
972-692-8091-fax
214-549-3426-cell
bernieb@leasepolice.com

[headlines]

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PFF expects $120 Million loss

PFF Bancorp, Rancho Cucamonga, California, who supplies both direct and indirect financing for the leasing industry, expects a $120 million plus loss for its March 31, 2008 quarter...In the good news, PFF announces its subsidiary, Diversified Builder Services, Inc. ("DBS") has completed the sale of substantially its entire loan portfolio.

Their stock turned slightly up on the good news:

“The risk profile of this portfolio was significantly greater than that of the Bank's loan portfolio, with second trust deeds and unsecured loans comprising a significant portion of the portfolio. As part of its overall risk reduction strategy, the Company undertook an accelerated disposition program that included negotiated payoffs and principal reductions, culminating in the sale of substantially all remaining loans in a single transaction on March 31, 2008. DBS recorded a provision for loan losses of approximately $48 million in the March quarter, reflecting the write-downs associated with the expedited disposition of the portfolio. The proceeds from the payoffs, principal reductions and sale of the portfolio, together with refunds of prior year income taxes arising from the carry back of net operating losses, will be utilized by the Company principally to retire short-term debt."

Kevin McCarthy, PFF Bancorp President and CEO commented: "This transaction marks a significant milestone in our proactive efforts to reduce the risk profile of the Bancorp and all but eliminates the uncertainty that was surrounding the DBS portfolio."

"On March 26, 2008, at the request of the Office of Thrift Supervision (the "OTS"), the Company's Board of Directors passed a resolution requiring, among other things, that the Company obtain the OTS's non-objection prior to declaring or paying any dividends or permitting the Company or its subsidiaries (other than the Bank) to incur or rollover any debt. The Company had previously announced the suspension of the Company's cash dividend in January 2008 due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of the recovery in residential real estate and the impact of credit on the Company's operating results. The resolution also states that the Company will reduce the level of problem assets at DBS, which has been addressed with the expedited disposition program described above.

"The Company's bank subsidiary, PFF Bank & Trust (the "Bank"), is continuing its process of completing a comprehensive quarterly review of its loan portfolio, including the updating of appraisals on properties securing loans that have been previously identified as classified or criticized. This review will not be completed for several more weeks. However, based upon preliminary results of this review, the Company believes that the Bank's provision for loan and lease losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, may exceed $120 million. The provision is attributable principally to the residential construction and land segments of the Bank's portfolio, and reflects changes in the valuation allowances assigned to previously criticized or classified assets as a result of reductions in collateral values based upon updated appraisals, and to a lesser extent, the identification of additional problem credits and the migration of previously identified criticized or classified assets within classification categories.

"The Company currently expects to complete its review of the Bank's loan portfolio and issue a press release announcing its results of operations for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2008 in early May 2008."
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=61353&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1124517&highlight=

[headlines]

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Marlin Business Service Stock

You had to ask? Dow Jones was up 391.47 on Tuesday. Marlin last trade was $7.40. The 52 week range is $7.53 - $24.29. . It appears investors don't have much confidence in the move to an industrial bank, including working capital plans. Stock may best be described as being in the toilet.

[headlines]

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CIT holding its own despite wall street news

The 52 week range: $6.45 - $61.47. Today's Range: $12.00 - $13.03. Close: $12.97

It appears CIT vendors are looking elsewhere, afraid from media reports. What ever happened to loyalty? You mean you are only as good as your last deal?

It seems almost two years ago, April 26, 2006, New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Jeffrey M. Peek, Chairman and CEO of CIT dedicated "CIT Global Headquarters" at 505 Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, New York. The 300,000 square foot, 28-story glass-encased office tower was designed by architects Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates.

It may soon be available for sub-lease.

[headlines]

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FTC files to halt class action settlement

Leasing News reported attorneys concerned about class action settlements and funds available as the FTC-IFC Credit, Morton Grove, Illinois bench trial moves to April 28, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. before United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole.

"FTC respectfully moves for leave to intervene or, in the alternative, to participate as amicus curiae for purposes of filing the Objection to Proposed Settlement Agreement being lodged with this motion. The FTC respectfully requests that if its motion to intervene or participate as amicus is granted, its Objection be timely filed, on or before March 31, 2008. The FTC also respectfully requests permission to speak at the fairness hearing in this matter on April 18, 2008.
FTC's."

Copy of FTC filing:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/FTC_Memo_to_Intervene.pdf

IFC Credit continues to press for settlements
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202008/03-24-08.htm#ifc

[headlines]

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Sales makes it Happen—by Linda P. Kester

“Lease Platform Review”

Here is an idea to help your lessees, it's called a 
        Lease Platform Review.

Begin by asking yourself the question:

What are the biggest mistakes lessees are making?

  • Are they not getting their purchase option in writing?
  • Are they not aware of when their lease ends?
  • Do they have too many leases spread out among different lessors?
  • Are they missing out on tax advantages?

I suggest that you meet with your lessees (either on the phone or face-to-face) and offer to review the lease they have with your company, then offer to help with their other leases.  The intention is to go beyond reacting to a customer's problems.  Anticipate problems before they occur. Try to understand your customer's situation so you can make recommendations that will be valuable to them in the future.

Another idea is to write a short article entitled "The Biggest Mistakes Lessees Make".  Send it out to your prospects and you will be truly helping your customers.

The goal is not to act like a salesperson.  No one wants to buy from a person who is interested in selling them something.  We want to buy from people who are concerned with what is best for us.

I'm concerned with what is best for you.  Give the Lease Platform Review a try, it will help your lessees.

Linda Kester helps leasing companies obtain more volume. For more information please visit
www.lindakester.com

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

[headlines]

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Lease Platform Review---Expanded

by Christopher Menkin

• Are they not getting their purchase option in writing?

This is the number one complaint that Leasing News receives, more than advance rental or deposits not returned. Often the proposal contains the residual, but the lease contract has a different residual. It is also not uncommon that the salesman "said" one thing, but the contract was "different," which the lessee did not realize until the end (or the salesman said to "ignore” Fair Market Value as it is 10%---or worse, really "Fair Market Value."

It is also common for a lessee to have a copy of a residual page of a contract, but not signed by the lessor.

There are also complaints that they either never received a residual or purchase option, or if they did, it is lost as well as the actual lease contract itself. In some instances, the broker has kept a copy and helped the lessee.

It is not unusual for a lease to be sold and/or re-sold more than once. Each time, less and less paperwork is forwarded, so a funder at the end believes it is "fair market value" or "10%," when the lessee believes it is $1.00.

This purchase option problem occurs in both large, small, and also banks that wind up receiving the stream of payments and believe they are entitled to a residual.

Protect your lessee by making sure a "residual" letter is signed and received in advance. If you are a broker, keep a copy of the contract so you can help your lessee at the end. They will stay with you as you will "protect" them

• Are they not aware of when their lease ends?

One of the most active practices in both small and middle-sized tickets is the "Evergreen Lease," which requires the lessee to inform the lessor they wish to exercise their purpose option, even if $1.00.

Even when an invoice with the number of payments made is supplied, often a 36 month contract winds up 48 payments as the lessee often does not count the payments made, particularly a problem if the lease is sold to other parties.

It is recommended that lessees not only count the payments made, but put a photocopy of the check in a folder (better yet, a photocopy of the front and backside of the check after it is cashed.) Lessees who have been burned do this.

Several leasing companies offer to split extra lease payments with brokers, and often the higher commission at the beginning is because it is a Evergreen contract or "Fair Market Value" residual, especially on collateral that has good value at the end of the original term.

As a broker, put in a calendar a few months before you think the term ends, and contact the lessee and the original funder, too, to make aware the lessee is to notify the lessor. You will keep a customer for a long time if you show you want to protect them.

Better yet, understand the funders "extra payment" procedures regarding charging for payoffs, insurance lapses, termination fees, and if you ask your lessee to let you know any changes, or if they have any questions, to utilize your services---even if you were the direct salesman and are at a new company. Customers will follow you if you go the extra distance to be concerned about the lease you were involved in arranging.

• Do they have too many leases spread out among different lessors?

This is how extra payments occur, when the lessee gets confused in the selling of a lease, or getting double billing for a short period from two entities. It happens more than you suspect. Many catch it at the end and it becomes part of the "Evergreen Clause."

If you are a direct salesman or a broker, providing service by keeping in contact with your customer will insure repeat business.

• Are they missing out on tax advantages?

Don't sell a "true lease" or what appears to be a non-capital lease to a customer who will discover at the end of the year they would prefer to declare the depreciation. Their accountant or IRS may discover that you misrepresented what was "best" for them and certainly you have lost a customer, and perhaps even the vendor, especially if your vendor gets more than one complaint about your "service."

Often higher commissions are earned or lessors present a lower monthly payment as they will be taking the depreciation or charging a higher residual at the end. An early payoff figure may bring this to light before the end of the term, or more importantly, you not only will wind up losing the customer, but might be in a law suit, and certainly your vendor will not be happy with you when he finds out you were taking of yourself over his client.

The key to building up your income is repeat business. Who funds the transaction is not the deciding factor, but who has the lessees best interest and follows through to protect the relationship of providing value.

[headlines]

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Leasing Association Events-Meetings Open to All

Thursday, April 3, 2008
UAEL Northern California Spring Mixer
Walnut Creek, CA
Northern California Region

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Friday, May 16, 2008
Networking in the Fast Lane
Indianapolis, IN
Midwest Region

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Eastern Association of Equipment Lessors  
Chapter Meeting Schedule for more information: www.eael.org
EAEL
Tel : 212 809-1602
Fax : 212-809-1650
62 William Street,  4th Floor
New York, NY  10005

April 6 th - 9 th Amelia Island, FL EAEL Spring Conference
April 8 th Atlanta Chapter Meeting
May 1 st Philadelphia Chapter Meeting
June Baltimore Crabfeast
June 5 th New Jersey Chapter Meeting
June 10 th New York City Chapter Meeting
June 12 th Boston Chapter Meeting
June 17 th Charlotte Chapter Meeting
June 19 th Buffalo Chapter Meeting
July 8 th Atlanta Chapter Meeting
July 21  EAEL Night Yankee Stadium
August New York City Golf Outing
October 14 th Atlanta Chapter Meeting
November 4 th Buffalo Chapter Meeting
November 6 th Connecticut Chapter Meeting
November 12 th Philadelphia Chapter Meeting
November 13 th Long Island Chapter Meeting
November 18 th New Jersey Chapter Meeting
December 2 nd Boston Holiday Party
December 3 rd Buffalo Holiday Party
December 4 th Baltimore Holiday Party
December 8 th New York City Holiday Party
December 9 th Charlotte Holiday Party

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To view Leasing Association Conferences in 2007, please click here.

[headlines]

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

Collector


Collector
Lake Success, NY

Full time, entry or jr. level collector, auto and/or equip collection exp. preferred. Resume: fax 718-392-5427
attn: Ed Kaye/Eric Coolbaugh

About the Company: Advantage Funding is the leader in automotive and equipment lease financing, Lake Success, NY.

Document Processor


Documentation Processor

New York, NY.

Mid-Town New York office seeking Documentation Processor with approximately 3 years experience. Click here for details.

Send all resumes in confidence to: nkimani@easternfunding.com

Senior Credit Analyst


Senior Credit Analyst

Westport, CT.

Captive construction equipment finance background preferred;flexible adaptive team player w/8 years  underwriting exper. For more info/to apply click here.

A Fortune 500 construction equipment manufacturing company.

[headlines]

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***Announcement*****************************************

Advantage Software Users Can Now Instantly
Send Applications into Pioneer's System

Pioneer Capital Corporation and Preferred Business Solutions (the maker of Advantage Software) are pleased to announce that all Advantage Software Users can now automatically send applications directly into Pioneer's order system (ZapLease). Advantage Software is one of the leading software programs and is widely used by brokers nationwide. Brokers who currently have Advantage software should call Preferred Business Solutions to get an update for their program which will enable them to send transactions to Pioneer with the push of a single button!

For more information on Pioneer visit www.PioneerFunding.com (800) 521-1308

For more information on Advantage Software visit www.pbs4u.com (866) 352-8665

*******Announcement*************************************

[headlines]

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Bob Teichman, CLP,
Leasing News Advisory Board Chairman

Bob Teichman, CLP, joined the Leasing News Advisory Board July 7, 2000. He was actually involved in the "perception" of the newsletter before this date, making many contributions before we went “on line.” He still does.

He is also a statesman, as evidenced at his activities as well as his reporting on leasing association conferences and events representing Leasing News. Throughout the years of his service, he would get calls from those in the leasing industry with complaints or observations that evidently they did not want to talk directly to the editor. He doesn't use the e-mail on these, but calls on the telephone. He has been a very good friend for almost thirty-five years.

Bob was appointed chairman May 8, 2005.

In up-dating the advisory boards' biography, Leasing News asked each advisor to answer four questions. Here is our chairman's response:

1. What is the biggest issue you face in your business?

The biggest challenge is, and always has been, to keep the business fresh and exciting. In my 45 years in leasing I learned that it is critical to be flexible and willing to change the business model to suit changing times and conditions. And to have fun while you are doing it.

2. What advice would you give to a young person entering the business today?

Learn, learn, learn. Leasing is a great business. You can make money and enjoy yourself. But even though some skills are transferable from other fields, you have to acquire the specialized skills that make leasing creative and entrepreneurial.

3. To what do you attribute your success?

Persistence, flexibility and a genuine love of the business (or else I would not have lasted for 45 years!) I still have fun and, yes, each day I learn something new. And most days there are some interesting problems to solve.

4. What is one big thing that you hope to do before you die?

Lose 50 pounds!

Robert Teichman, CLP
Teichman Financial Training
3030 Bridgeway, Suite 213
Sausalito, CA 94965
Tel: 415 331-6445
Fax: 415 331-6451
e-mail: BoTei@aol.com

Bob Teichman, CLP, was born in New York City. After attending the High School of Music & Art and the New York College of Music, he received his undergraduate degree from Columbia College.

“I studied music for a lot of years. I even played piano professionally while in college (local 802, American Federation of Musicians, James C. Petrillo presiding!), “he added. “I have kept up my interest in music by singing in a local chorus for the past 24 years. There are about 100 of us and we give concerts several times a year, mostly pre-20th century composers like Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven. But we do get away from the 18th and 19th centuries. At a recent concert we performed 15th and 20th century music.”

He pursued his graduate studies in Geneva, Switzerland.

"50 years ago, when I was a graduate student in Geneva, I met my wife Patricia," he wrote. "She was working at the UN and she and I were members of a group of expatriates- Americans, British, Russians, Swedes, mid-Easteners- who all hung around the same cafes.

"It was the late 1950's and Switzerland was affordable for students like me. The ski slopes were close and most of the rest of Europe was less than a days drive away.

"But sooner or later reality sets in. We were married in New York and came to California in the early 1960's, driving cross-country in a 1957 Bristol sedan my father had picked up on one of his many trips. The car had right-hand drive, so it was real challenge maneuvering on the two-lane roads (yeah, they were paved; it was the middle of the 20th, not the 19th, century.) Still, it was an adventure when we had car trouble on a couple of occasions.

"Patty is an avid gardener and an excellent watercolorist. The two interests coincide in her botanical paintings. Here is an example of a flower from our garden:

"We spend our vacations at a small and very primitive cabin in the Sierra backcountry. Summers only; the roads aren't plowed in the winter. Nice country in summer, though. Pines, firs, granite outcrops, streams, meadows. Also coyotes, bears and deer. We don't bother them, they don't bother us. A bear did chew on my neighbor's cabin. Probably liked the taste of the wood stain.

"Thanks for your friendship over all these years. After having been in the leasing business for almost 45 years, I really appreciate all the wonderful people I have met, and the lasting friendships I have formed. I still enjoy the business immensely. There is always something new around the corner."

Bob started in automotive leasing in 1963 in sales, then moved into equipment leasing in the late 1960's. For over 20 years he provided funding for leasing companies as an officer of both bank and non-bank lenders. Along the way, he started several successful leasing companies. His company, Teichman Financial Training, located in Sausalito, California, was founded in 1998 and provides lease education and consulting services to lessors, funders, brokers, government and international agencies, and other members of the financial community.

He is active in the United Association of Equipment Leasing (“UAEL”), having served on its Board of Directors for four years. For three years he was the Chairman of their Education Committee with responsibility for the Certification Program and Educational Programs. He was also a member of other committees including the Standards Committee.

Bob is a frequent speaker at leasing industry events, and has written articles for UAEL's Newsline and other industry publications. He is a co-author of the Certified Leasing Professional's Handbook.

He currently serves as President of the Certified Leasing Professional Foundation Board, plus serves as Chairman of the Education Committee. He is also a member of the National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers.

Editorial from Bob:
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202006/12-20-06.htm#lam

ELFA Conference report:
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/October%202006/10-27-06.htm#elfa

Sales makes it Happen article:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Legacy/Middle_market.htm

[headlines]

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

Alter Moneta Hires New U.S. Syndications Manager

BUFFALO, NY.—Alter Moneta’s is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Vannucci as U.S. Syndications Manager. Vannucci is responsible for U.S. Capital Markets activities, both buying and selling equipment finance transactions.

“Steven has already started out of the gate buying and selling deals,” commented Mark Lempko, US general manager. “His prowess in understanding and securing clients is perfectly aligned with our goal of further expanding the Capital Market function within Alter Moneta.”

Prior to joining Alter Moneta, Vannucci most recently worked as vice president for national accounts syndication buy desk activities at M&I Equipment Finance Company. His 21 year career in syndications management, included tenures with Lease Plan U.S.A., Inc., CIT, and GE Commercial Equipment Finance.

Vannucci came to Alter Moneta because of the strength of its strategic business plan and the long term growth it will provide. He states, “It takes a solid infrastructure and a strong direct originations culture to provide success in the Capital Market arena. Alter Moneta’s management has a proven track record of ensuring both while providing the guidance for long term growth.”

He received his Bachelor and Master’s degree of business administration, finance at the University of Wisconsin. He will be located out of our Duluth, Georgia satellite office at 3235 Satellite Blvd., Building 400, Suite 300.

About Alter Moneta

Alter Moneta, established in 1998, is one of the fastest growing independent financial services firms in North America, with significant market presence in both Canada and the United States. The company provides funds to purchase or lease new and used revenue producing equipment for middle-market firms in trucking, warehousing, construction, passenger transport, manufacturing and waste management industries. Through its Vendor Finance Group, Alter Moneta also provides financing programs for manufacturers and dealers. Its Lutex subsidiary in Quebec provides auto-leasing services. For more information visit www.altermoneta.com.

[headlines]

### Press Release ###########################
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News Briefs----

UBS to Write Down Another $19 Billion
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/02/business/worldbusiness/02ubs.html?_r=1&ref=
business&oref=slogin

Feds release subprime maps (url included)
http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/other/20080401a.htm

Omni Financial delays filing, expects "substantial lost"
http://www.iii.co.uk/news/?type=afxnews&articleid=6632515&subject=general&action=article

Willis Lease Closes Private Placement of $233 Million
http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=139292

CoActiv Capital Partners Launches Construction & Industrial Division
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=836117

Economy dents new-car sales
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-wed-auto-sales-decline-apr02,0,7633578.story

Mortgage defaults force Denver exodus
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2008-04-01-foreclose_N.htm

[headlines]

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You May have Missed---

Superhacker convicted of international cyber crime

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10501518

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“Gimme that Wine”

After the leap: His celebrated winery sold, Warren Winiarski ponders his legacy - and his next move
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/28/WI13VQ5FQ.DTL

The Taste of Cool in a Pinot Noir --by Eric Asimov
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/02/dining/02wine.html?_r=1&ref=dining&oref=slogin

Major wine importer detained in China
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080331/NEWS/381899823/1033/
NEWS&template=kart

International tin capsule prices soar
http://www.busjrnl.com/article/20080331/BUSINESSJOURNAL/791226213/1207/
BUSINESSJOURNAL02

Wine Prices by vintage
http://www.winezap.com
http://www.wine-searcher.com/
US/International Wine Events
http://www.localwineevents.com/
Winery Atlas
http://www.carterhouse.com/atlas
Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/wnensprts.htm
The London International Vintners Exchange (Liv-ex) is an electronic exchange for fine wine.
http://www.liv-ex.com/

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Calendar Events This Day

Argentina: Malvinas Day
Public holiday. Full name is “Day of the War Veterans and the Fallen in the Malvinas Islands.” Commemorates the Argentine dead and wounded during the attempt to regain the Falkland Islands in 1982.

International children’s Book Day
Observes Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday and commemorates the international aspects o children’s literature.

National Day of Hope
During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, this day asks all Americans to keep victims of abuse and neglect in their thoughts and prayers, to seek to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect, and to give victimized children hope for the future.
www.childhelp.org

Pascua Florida Day
A legal holiday in Florida, designated as State Day. When it falls on a Saturday Sunday, the governor may declare either the preceding Friday or the Following Monday. Commemorates the sighting of Florida by Ponce de Leon in 1513. He named the land Pascua Flordia because of its discovery at Easter, the “Feast of the Flowers.”

Peanut Butter And Jelly Day
http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/pbandjday.htm
http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/unitssubjhol/qt/apr2a.htm

Reconciliation Day
Columnist Ann Landers wrote, “Since 1989, I have suggested that April 2 be set aside to write that letter or make that phone call and mend a broken relationship. Life is too short to hold grudges. To forgive can be enormously life enhancing...”
http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/reconciliationday.htm

Saint feast Days

http://www.catholic.org/saints/f_day/apr.php

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Fried chicken is the most popular meal ordered in sit-down restaurants in the US. The next in popularity are: roast beef, spaghetti, turkey, baked ham, and fried shrimp.

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Today's Top Event in History

  1829-the Bank deposit insurance law was enacted in the state of New York, assessing banks one-half percent of capital stock until 3 percent was set aside " ...for the benefit of the creditors. Banks, their officers, and their servants were required to be examined under oath at least once every four months.

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This Day in American History

    1513- Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida, landing at the site that became the city of St. Augustine. He claimed the land for the King of Spain. In 1521, he returned to Florida in an effort to establish a Spanish colony on the island. However, hostile Native Americans attacked his expedition soon after landing, and the party retreated to Cuba, where Ponce de Leon died from a mortal wound suffered during the battle. Successful Spanish colonization of the peninsula finally began at St. Augustine in 1565, and in 1819 the territory passed into U.S. control under the terms of the Florida Purchase Treaty between Spain and the United States.
    1781 - Frigate Alliance captures 2 British privateers, Mars and Minerva.
    1792-the first US Mint was established at Philadelphia, PA, as authorized by an act of Congress. Copper coins were authorized in one cent and half-cent ( coined until 1857). Gold coins in $10 Eagles, $5 half-eagles, and quarter eagles $2.50. It was not until 1849 that $20 double eagles and $1 gold pieces were authorized. All gold coins were discontinued by the Gold Reserve Act of January 30, 1934 that stated “ no gold shall hereafter be coined.” Silver coins were the half dollar, quarter dollar, dime, and half dime, until 1873, when Congress enacted what was known as “the crime of 73”, that made gold the sole monetary standard. The first paper money was issued by Native Americans in Oregon, the Araphos. Paper money was not authorized until July 17, 1861 and August 5, 1861 by Congress.
    1829-the Bank deposit insurance law was enacted in the state of New York, assessing banks one-half percent of capital stock until 3 percent was set aside " ...for the benefit of the creditors. Banks, their officers, and their servants were required to be examined under oath at least once every four months.
    1863- Richmond, Virginia Bread Riot: The women who marched through the streets of Richmond, Virginia, demanding food. Facing them, Confederate President Jefferson Davis was equally adamant: If the protesters did not disperse, they would be shot. Indicative of conditions in the Confederate capital of Richmond, VA, an angry mob's demands for bread from a bakery wagon escalated into the destruction of nearby shops. Confederate president Jefferson Davis, in a bold move, stepped into the angry crowd and stated, "We do not desire to injure anyone, but this lawlessness must stop. I will give you five minutes to disperse, otherwise you will be fired upon." The mob dispersed without bloodshed.
http://americanhistory.about.com/library/prm/blrichmondbreadriots1.htm
    1865-the evacuation of Richmond, VA, was urged by General Robert E. Lee, who informed Confederate President Davis that he himself must withdraw from Petersburg, VA. Davis left the city that night with his cabinet, retreating to Danville. The now small Confederate army begin evacuation of Petersburg. Many believe it was General Grant and his troops that burned Richmond down, but that is not correct, according to historians and records of the time. Retreating Rebel troops set ablaze several huge warehouses to prevent them from being captured by the Federals and the fires soon spread. With the army and government officials gone, bands of thugs roamed the streets looting what was left. “http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/apr02.html
    1866- Civil War Officially Ends. The state of “insurrection” was declared over by presidential proclamation in Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Florida. It was not until August 2 that the president announced that the “insurrection” was at an end in Texas, and that civil authority existed in the United States.
    1908-the first professional to manage a city, now called “City Manager” and the most prevalent form of city government in the United States, was Charles Edward Ashburner of Richmond, VA. He was elected general manager by the city council of Staunton, VA. Prior to this time, the mayor was the manager of each city. This was the first “professional city manager”, who’s first year salary was $2,000; the second year salary, $2,500. He served until July, 1911.
    1909-Birthday of 1909 Hymie Schertzer Birthday ( alto player with Bunny Berrigan, Benny Goodman )
    1918- birthday of the renowned African-American artist, Charles White, who began his professional career by painting murals for the WPA during the Depression. He was influenced by Mexican muralists Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siquieros. Among his most notable creations are: J'Accuse (1966), a series of charcoal drawings depicting a variety of African-Americans from all ages and walks of life; the Wanted posters (c.. 1969), a series of paintings based on old runaway slave posters; and “homage to Langston Hughes” 1971.
    1928-vocalist/songwriter Marvin Gaye born Washington, DC. Sang in his minister father's church. With Harvey Fuqua in re-formed Moonglows. To Detroit in 1960. Session work as a Motown studio drummer. First recorded for Tamla in 1961. To Columbia in 1982. Fatally shot by father during quarrel on 4/1/84 in Los Angeles. Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
http://www.rollingstone.com/
http://www.soul-patrol.com/soul/marvibd.html
    1931-Jackie Mitchell, 17, became the first woman to pitch in a professional baseball game after she was signed to a contract by the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern Association. In an exhibition game against the New York Yankees, Mitchell struck out Babe Ruth ( who took strike three) and Lou Gehrig ( who gallantly missed three straight pitches) before Tony Lazzeri walked.
    1932- Charles Lindbergh pays over $50,000 ransom for his kidnapped son.
    1939--- Motown hitmaker Marvin Gaye was born in Washington, DC. "Stubborn Kind of Fellow" was his first hit, in 1962. He's best remembered for his 1969 chart-topper "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." Gaye also recorded a number of duets with Mary Wells, Tammi Terrell and Kim Weston. And in 1971, he produced a landmark in black music - the album "What's Going On." Marvin Gaye was shot to death by his father during a domestic dispute in 1984.
    1942-Glenn Miller records patriotic “ American Patrol.”
    1947-- country singer Emmylou Harris was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She first hit the country charts in 1975 with a remake of the Louvin Brothers "If I Could Only Win Your Love," which went all the way to number one. Her other number-one country songs include "Together Again" and "Sweet Dreams," both from 1976. Although her early albums contained a mixture of country, ballads and rock, Harris has never been able to register a significant pop hit. In 1979, she began concentrating on pure country material, much of it produced by her husband, Brian Ahern. Harris was part of the hit "Trio" album with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt in 1987.
    1948---Top Hits
Now is the Hour - Bing Crosby
I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover - The Art Moonie Orchestra
Beg Your Pardon - Francis Craig
Anytime - Eddy Arnold
    1956-“As the World Turns” premiered on TV, one of the longest-running soaps currently on the air, "ATWT" premiered on CBS. The series is set in Midwestern Oakdale and revolves around the Hughes family and their neighbors. Irma Phillips was the show's creator and head writer. Some of its cast members who made it big are: Meg Ryan, Julianne Moore, Michael Nader, Steven Weber and Swoosie Kurtz.
    1956-"The Edge of Night" premiered on CBS . Though the plots initially revolved around crime and courtroom drama, the serial's format soon developed along more conventional soap story lines of romance. The soap shifted to ABC in 1975 but was cancelled in 1984. Larry Hagman, Dixie Carter, Lori Loughlin, Willie Aames and Amanda Blake were some of the show's most prominent players.
    1956---Top Hits
The Poor People of Paris - Les Baxter
Heartbreak Hotel - Elvis Presley
Rock Island Line - Lonnie Donegan
Blue Suede Shoes - Carl Perkins
1958--Birthday of American composer Joe Wiedemann, born Gary, Indiana.Wiedemann has scored music for film, news specials, documentaries, and commercial videos. His unique style of blending electronic and orchestral instruments became known as Orchestronics
    1961- Trial of Adolf Eichmann begins in Jerusalem
http://www.us-israel.org/jsource/Holocaust/eichmann.html
1963--Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King begins the first non-violent campaign in Birmingham, Alabama.
    1964---Top Hits
She Loves You - The Beatles
Twist and Shout - The Beatles
Suspicion - Terry Stafford
Saginaw, Michigan - Lefty Frizzell
    1969 - The Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association signed Lew Alcindor for a reported $1,400,000 five-year contract. Alcindor soon changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabar and his team to the Los Angeles Lakers.
    1971-Ringo Starr releases his solo hit, "It Don't Come Easy." It would become his first top-10 hit.
    1972---Top Hits
A Horse with No Name - America
Puppy Love - Donny Osmond
Mother and Child Reunion - Paul Simon
My Hang-Up is You - Freddie Hart
    1974 - 46th Annual Academy Awards presentation at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles! Hosting the film industry celebration were John Huston, David Niven, Burt Reynolds, and Diana Ross. Pictures this year included: "Serpico", "The Exorcist", "Jonathan Livingston Seagull", "The Day of the Jackal", "American Graffiti", "Papillon", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Last Tango in Paris", "Live and Let Die", "Cinderella Liberty". And this list doesn’t even include The Best Picture of the Year, "The Sting" (producers: Tony Bill, Michael Phillips, Julia Phillips). "The Sting" won six additional Oscars: Director (George Roy Hill); Art Direction (Henry Bumstead)and Set Decoration (James Payne); Costume Design (Edith Head); Film Editing (William Reynolds); Scoring/Original Song Score/Adaptation: (Marvin Hamlisch); Writing/Original Story/Screenplay based on Factual Material or Material Not Previously Published or Produced (David S. Ward); plus three additional nominations. Nor does it include these Oscar winners: Best Actor: Jack Lemmon for "Save the Tiger"; Best Actress: Glenda Jackson for "A Touch of Class"; Best Supporting Actor: John Houseman for "The Paper Chase"; Best Supporting Actress: Tatum O’Neal for "Paper Moon"; and Best Music/Song: "The Way We Were" -- Marvin Hamlisch (music), Alan and Marilyn Bergman (lyrics) from the movie of the same title.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0149268.html
    1975 - The northeastern U.S. was in the grips of a severe storm which produced hurricane force winds along the coast, and two to three feet of snow in Maine and New Hampshire. Winds atop Mount Washington NH gusted to 140 mph.
    1975 - The biggest snowstorm of record for so late in the season paralyzed Chicago, IL. Up to 20 inches of snow fell in extreme northeastern Illinois, and 10.9 inches of snow closed Chicago's O'Hare Airport.
    1977 - "Sir Duke," Stevie Wonder’s tribute to Duke Ellington, was released.
    1978-“Dallas” premieres on TV: Oil tycoons battled for money, power and prestige in this prime-time CBS drama that ran for nearly 13 years. The Ewings and Barneses were Texas's modern-day Hatfields and McCoys. Larry Hagman starred as the devious, scheming womanizer J.R. Ewing. When J.R. was shot in the 1980 season-ending cliffhanger, the revelation of the mystery shooter was the single-most watched episode of its time (it was Kristin, J.R.'s sister-in-law, played by Mary Crosby). Cast members included Jim Davis, Barbara Bel Geddes, Donna Reed, Ted Shackelford, Joan Van Ark (who, along with Shackelford, starred in the spin-off "Knots Landing"), Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Charlene Tilton, David Wayne, Keenan Wynn, Ken Kercheval, Victoria Principal and Steve Kanaly.
http://timstvshowcase.com/dallas.html
    1979-Nickelodeon, the cable TV channel for kids owned by MTV Networks, debuted on this date.
    1980---Top Hits
Another Brick in the Wall - Pink Floyd
Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl - Spinners
Call Me - Blondie
I’d Love to Lay You Down - Conway Twitty
    1982 - Severe thunderstorms spawned fifty-six tornadoes in the central U.S., including seventeen in the Red River Region of Texas and Oklahoma. The tornadoes claimed thirty lives, and injured 383 other persons. A violent tornado near Messer OK left only the carpet tack strips on the slab of a house it destroyed, and carried a motel sign thirty miles.
    1984 - John Thompson became the first black coach to lead his team to the NCAA college basketball championship. Georgetown’s Hoyas defeated Houston 84-75 in Seattle for the win. Thompson’s team in 1982 had finished second to North Carolina for the championship.
    1985 - One day after its release, the album, "We are the World" was certified gold, when its sales reached an excess of 500,000 copies.
    1985 - The NCAA Rules Committee adopted the 45-second shot clock for men’s basketball, to begin in the 1986 season. It was an effort to thwart the end-of-game stalls that kept opposing teams from scoring in close contests.
    1987 - Eleven cities in Florida reported record low temperatures for the date, including Tallahassee with a reading of 31 degrees. The low of 48 degrees at Key West smashed their previous record for the date by 13 degrees
    1988---Top Hits
Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson
Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car - Billy Ocean
I Want Her - Keith Sweat
Love Will Find Its Way to You - Reba McEntire
    1989 - Strong and gusty winds prevailed from California to Colorado and Wyoming. Winds gusted to 50 mph at Lancaster CA, and reached 85 mph at Berthoud Pass CO. Snow and high winds created blizzard conditions in the Colorado Rockies.
    1990 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather in North Carolina and Virginia during the afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms produced golf ball size hail, and spawned a tornado near Chester VA which caused half a million dollars damage. A storm system produced snow and gale force winds across northern Michigan, with 8.3 inches of snow reported at Marquette. Temperatures in the north central U.S. soared from morning lows in the 20s and 30s to afternoon highs in the 60s and 70s. Eight cities reported record highs for the date, including Havre MT with a reading of 77 degrees.
    1996- Tiger first baseman Cecil Fielder steals the first base of his eleven-year career. The swipe of second comes in the 1,097th game 'Big Daddy's' has played in the majors establishing the longest duration a player has ever gone without a stolen base.
    1996-In a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball game, St. Francisco of Illinois humiliated Robert Morris, 71-1, in a game that Robert Morris coach Gerald McNamara declared over after four innings. St. Francis scored 26 runs in the first inning, 22 in the second, 4 in the third, and 19 in the fifth. The Fighting Saints broke a dozen NCAA Division II records and tied four others.
2001 On Opening Day, Yankee fireballer Roger Clemens becomes the all-time AL career strike out leader passing Walter Johnson as he Ks Royals Joe Randa for his 3,509 Junior circuit victim. Passing the 'Big Train, the 'Rocket' now takes over the seventh spot in major league history.
    2001- For the first time in major league history, a Japanese-born position player participates in
a regular-season major league game. Ichiro Suzuki, hitless in his first three at-bats, singles in the seventh inning to ignite a two-run rally and bunts for a hit in the eighth in his Mariner debut at Safeco Field.
    2001—Duke University wins the NCAA Basketball Championship
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/college/2001/ncaa_tourney/news/
2001/04/02/final_gamer_ap/

    2003- Mike Bordick's record streak for games and chances without an error by a shortstop ends as Yankee outfielder Bubba Trammell's third inning grounder tips off his glove. After converting a fielder's choice in the first inning he misplays his second chance of the game establishing 544 chances and 110 consecutive games without an error a new major league mark for shortstops.
    2003- Todd Zeile homers in first at-bat as a Yankee becoming the only major leaguer to hit a home run for ten different teams. In addition to homering with the Bronx Bomber, the infielder has also gone deep for the Cardinals, Cubs, Phillies, orioles, Dodgers, Marlins, Rangers, Mets, and Rockies.

NCAA Basketball Champions This Day

    1984---Georgetown
    1990—UNLV
    2001---Duke

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Spring Poem

Written in early spring

        by William Wadsworth

I heard a thousand blended notes
While in a grove I sat reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What Man has made of Man.

Through primrose tufts, in that sweet bower,
The periwinkle trail'd its wreaths;
And 'tis my faith, that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopp'd and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure, -
But the least motion which they made
It seem'd a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature's holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What Man has made of Man?

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SuDoku

The object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. What could be simpler?

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Daily Puzzle

How to play:
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Refresh for current date:
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Provence, France-Vacation

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Houston, Texas

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