The Chicago Syndicate
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Friday, November 30, 2012

"Reporting the Revolutionary War: Before It Was History, It Was News" Showcases Unparalleled Collection of 18th Century Media and Its Historical Impact

Social media is often credited with igniting and organizing the Arab Spring revolution in the Middle East, yet this is not the first time that we have seen media act as a catalyst for such large-scale change.

Two hundred years ago, it was during the American Revolution that real-time reporting was responsible for uniting colonists looking to break free from British rule. Colonial newspaper reports kept the colonists motivated and informed; without them, it’s quite possible the revolution might not have happened.

For the first time, readers can experience the American Revolution as it was reported in Reporting the Revolutionary War: Before It Was History, It Was News . Author Todd Andrlik has compiled one of the most significant collections of colonial papers published between 1763 and 1783 and is among the nation’s leading authorities on 18th-century newspapers.

Reporting the Revolutionary War features vivid eyewitness accounts, battlefield letters, and breaking news compiled from hundreds of newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic, starting with the Sugar Act of 1764 and spanning three decades through the war to President George Washington’s farewell address in 1796.

Essays from 37 historians and American Revolutionary experts guide the reader through the initial dissent of the Boston Tea Party to the battlefields of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill to independence. They also provide insight on how newspaper accounts impacted each step of the revolution.

Reporting the Revolutionary War is also available as an enhanced eBook ($14.99) available on NOOK Color™ by Barnes & Noble that contains videos from contributing historians and an interactive timeline that allows readers to jump to newspaper articles related to a specific event.

Todd Andrlik is among the nation’s leading authorities on 18th century newspapers. He has built one of the most significant collections of American Revolution era newspapers – containing the earliest printed reports of practically every major event and battle from 1763 to 1783.

Andrlik estimates that 15% of his 18th century collection is made up of newspapers with less than five originals known to exist. About 100 newspapers, dating as far back as the 17th century, from his larger collection are currently housed in the Library of Congress.

Andrlik is also the curator and publisher of RagLinen.com, an online museum and educational archive of historically significant newspapers dating back to the 16th century.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Raise a Glass at The Mob Museum's Repeal Day Party

Guests to Celebrate Our Constitutional Right to Drink with Live Music, Vintage
Costumes and—of Course—Lots of Alcohol

WHAT: Step back in time and raise a glass Raise a Glass at The Mob Museum's Repeal Day Partyat The Mob Museum as it celebrates our nation’s constitutional right to imbibe at its Repeal Day Party. Explore both sides of the story in this unique historical setting with live music, vintage costumes, classic cocktails and other surprises.  For only a few “clams,” guests can throw down cocktails at a Roaring 20s after-hours party that is guaranteed to be the  “bee’s knees.”

WHY: On Dec. 5, 1933, Prohibition was lifted and Americans could once again legally drink. Resulting from a major reform govement in the United States, on Jan. 16, 1920, the 18th amendment was added to the constitution prohibiting the “manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors…within the United States.” Although alcohol consumption declined as a result, crime dramatically rose and the Great Depression hit. In December of 1933, the 21st amendment was drafted allowing states to create their own laws for alcohol and with that, the bars were open!

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m.

WHERE: The Mob Museum
300 East Stewart Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101

TICKETS: A special price of $19.33 (signifying 1933, the year prohibition was lifted) and $15 for museum members. Admission to Repeal Day includes:                                                            

  •     Full access to The Mob Museum
  •     Prohibition-era cocktail samplings and libations
  •     Hosted by the “Big Cheese,” former Mayor Oscar Goodman
  •     1920’s fashion contest, costumed characters and prizes
  •     Live hot jazz music

Tickets available by calling the box office at 702-229-2743 or online at www.themobmuseum.org.

ABOUT MOB MUSEUM: A 501 (c) 3 non-profit, The Mob Museum is a world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas that tells the compelling story of organized crime  and law enforcement in Las Vegas and throughout America. Opened in February in the former federal courthouse and U.S. Post Office in downtown Las Vegas, this interactive Museum presents a bold and authentic view of organized crime’s impact on Las Vegas history, as well as its unique imprint on America and the world. For more information, visit www.themobmuseum.org.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Mafia Prince: Inside America’s Most Violent Mafia Family and the Bloody Fall of La Cosa Nostra

Mafia Prince is the first-person account of one of the most violent eras in Mafia history —“Little” Nicky Scarfo’s reign as boss of the Philly family in the 1980s—written by Scarfo’s underboss and nephew, “Crazy” Phil Leonetti.

The youngest-ever underboss at the age of 31, Leonetti was at the crux of the violent downfall of the traditional American Mafia in the 1980s when he infiltrated Atlantic City after gambling was legalized, and later turned state’s evidence against his own. His testimony directly led to the convictions of dozens of high-ranking made men including John Gotti, Vincent Gigante, and his own uncle, Nicky Scarfo—sparking the beginning of the end of La Cosa Nostra.

Just as The Godfather and Boardwalk Empire defined the early 20th century Mafia, and Wiseguy and Casino depicted the next great era through the ’70s, Mafia Prince concludes this epic genre revealing the Mafia’s violent final heyday of the 1980s— straight from the horse’s mouth.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Killer on the Road: Violence and the American Interstate, on Crime Beat Radio

On November 29th, Ginger Strand discusses her book, Killer on the Road: Violence and the American Interstate, on Crime Beat Radio.

Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST., on the Artist First World Radio Network at artistfirst.com/crimebeat.

Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Stars from "The Sopranos" Join "The Westchester All Stars Christmas for Wounded Veterans" Concert

Former Yankee outfielder and Latin Grammy nominated jazz guitarist Bernie Williams will join "Sopranos" stars Vincent Pastore and Tony Darrow to lend their talents to "The Westchester All Stars Christmas for Wounded Veterans," a holiday concert to be held Friday, November 30th at 7:30 p.m. at the Irvington Town Hall Theater. The star-studded holiday spectacular will spotlight original holiday music performed by 13 Westchester County based bands and musicians. The proceeds from the event will benefit wounded veterans organizations, including The Gary Sinise Foundation, Veterans Adaptive Sports Inc, and The Montrose Veteran's Administration Hospital.

"November 30th will be an evening to remember in support of a noble cause," said Westchester All Stars founder Bill Edwards. "These extraordinary musicians, actors and recording studios jumped at the chance to record the 'Christmas For Wounded Veterans CD' and are volunteering their time to help make the concert a night of spectacular to raise money for wounded veterans. So many people in Westchester County have asked, 'What can I do to help veterans?' This is an event the whole family can attend that will benefit those brave men and women who have given everything for their country."

In addition to Mr. Williams, other performers scheduled to perform include: Vaneese Thomas, Jon Cobert, Tom Dudley Blues Buddha, Stolen Moments, Bill Edwards, Buried In Blue, Duchess Di and Dave Keyes, Scott and Mia Staton, Johnny Feds And Da Bluez Boyz, Gary Adamson, Chuck St. Troy, and Kristen Capolino. The artists and celebrities are donating all performances and appearances.

According to the Defense Department, more than 50,000 Americans have been wounded in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. Equally insidious unseen wounds of war - post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other forms of combat trauma - have affected nearly 42,300 patients. The health care bill for these veterans could reach half a trillion dollars over the next several decades, yet there is no money set aside to pay for their future health care costs. Veterans are dependent on appropriations approved by Congress. Without the tireless efforts by organizations such as The Gary Sinise Foundation,Veterans Adaptive Sports, Inc. and The Montrose Veteran's Administration, the road back for these veterans would be even more difficult.

Tickets for "The Westchester All Stars Christmas for Wounded Veterans" concert are $25, $30 and $50 and are tax deductible. Tickets can be ordered online here, or by calling the Irvington Town Hall Theater box office at: (914) 591-6602. Photos, artist bios and sponsor information for the "Christmas for Wounded Veterans" CD are available at the Westchester All Stars Christmas website, www.westchesterallstarschristmas.com.

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