Ex-Philadelphia mafia boss "Skinny Joey" Merlino -- who served 12 years in federal prison for racketeering -- says the guys from "Jersey Shore" are a big, fat "disgrace to the Italians" ... seriously.
Merlino -- who was released from the slammer last year -- was at LAX yesterday, where he was picked up from the airport by Howard Stern's favorite mob family member Johnny Fratto.
It's unclear why Joey is in L.A. -- but as Johnny drove off with Merlino riding shotgun, he picked an interesting song choice to bump in his car ... Elton John's "Philadelphia Freedom."
FYI -- Merlino was rumored to have been a heavy gambler before he got locked up ... and when we asked if he had any advice for Harvey (who's been getting killed with his NFL picks) ... "Skinny Joey" had one solid piece of advice ... and it involves one Thomas Edward Patrick Brady.
Thanks to TMZ.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
NCTC Praises Service of IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman
As expected, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced last week that commissioner Doug Shulman would be stepping down when his term expires next month.
On Thursday, the National Community Tax Coalition (NCTC) -- the nation’s largest membership organization of groups offering free tax preparation and asset-building services for low-income families -- praised the dedication to diversity and inclusion that Shulman showed in his administration of the federal government’s tax-collection and -enforcement agency.
“The community tax preparation field has long been able to count on Commissioner Shulman’s commitment to quality and efficiency in the IRS’ operations,” said Jackie Lynn Coleman, executive director of NCTC. “Commissioner Shulman was dedicated to inclusion – inviting individuals from all across the spectrum to discuss the impact of any policy changes and offering ideas on how best to serve American taxpayers. Low- and moderate-income families, in particular, could count on the commissioner’s consideration while moving the IRS forward.”
Commissioners are nominated by the President, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Shulman, who was confirmed in 2008, will officially leave the IRS on Nov. 9. Steven Miller – who currently is deputy commissioner for services and enforcement – was named acting commissioner.
“NCTC wishes to congratulate Mr. Shulman on his effective years as IRS commissioner and wish him good luck in future endeavors. We look forward to continuing our work with acting Commissioner Miller to further serve low- and moderate-income taxpayers.”
The National Community Tax Coalition is the nation's largest, most comprehensive membership organization for community-based organizations offering free tax and financial services to low-income working families. The coalition and its national network of members are dedicated to strengthening economies, building communities, and improving lives through tax assistance and asset building activities that produce financial security, protect families and promote economic justice.
On Thursday, the National Community Tax Coalition (NCTC) -- the nation’s largest membership organization of groups offering free tax preparation and asset-building services for low-income families -- praised the dedication to diversity and inclusion that Shulman showed in his administration of the federal government’s tax-collection and -enforcement agency.
“The community tax preparation field has long been able to count on Commissioner Shulman’s commitment to quality and efficiency in the IRS’ operations,” said Jackie Lynn Coleman, executive director of NCTC. “Commissioner Shulman was dedicated to inclusion – inviting individuals from all across the spectrum to discuss the impact of any policy changes and offering ideas on how best to serve American taxpayers. Low- and moderate-income families, in particular, could count on the commissioner’s consideration while moving the IRS forward.”
Commissioners are nominated by the President, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Shulman, who was confirmed in 2008, will officially leave the IRS on Nov. 9. Steven Miller – who currently is deputy commissioner for services and enforcement – was named acting commissioner.
“NCTC wishes to congratulate Mr. Shulman on his effective years as IRS commissioner and wish him good luck in future endeavors. We look forward to continuing our work with acting Commissioner Miller to further serve low- and moderate-income taxpayers.”
The National Community Tax Coalition is the nation's largest, most comprehensive membership organization for community-based organizations offering free tax and financial services to low-income working families. The coalition and its national network of members are dedicated to strengthening economies, building communities, and improving lives through tax assistance and asset building activities that produce financial security, protect families and promote economic justice.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Mob Hit Site "Purple Hotel" to Get Extreme Makeover
There are plans for a major makeover at the site of one of the most infamous mob hits in Chicago history. 
A development company recently purchased Lincolnwood's famous "Purple Hotel", and plans to make it the anchor of a new restaurant and retail complex. The building has sat empty for five years.
"It'll be attractive, and because it has such great heritage with having this iconic structure behind it, it should do pretty well," Mayor Gerald Turry said.
Part of that heritage is rooted in Chicago Outfit history. Teamsters lawyer Allen Dorfman was gunned down by two men in the Purple Hotel's parking lot in January of 1983. The month before, Dorfman was convicted along with Chicago Outfit leader Joey "The Clown" Lombardo of trying to bribe a Nevada U.S. Senator, as part of the mob's takeover of several Las Vegas casinos.
Art Bilek of the Chicago Crime Commission was a detective who worked dozens of mob cases. He says Dorfman was assassinated because the Outfit feared he'd talk to get a lighter sentence. "Of course he was going to talk. There was no question about it, so he had to go," Bilek said.
Now, nearly 30 years later, the Purple Hotel may soon be back in business. But, it may have one more mob story to tell, first. The new owners say they've been contacted by location scouts for the FOX series "The Mob Doctor" about possibly using the hotel in an upcoming episode.
Thanks to Dane Placko.
A development company recently purchased Lincolnwood's famous "Purple Hotel", and plans to make it the anchor of a new restaurant and retail complex. The building has sat empty for five years."It'll be attractive, and because it has such great heritage with having this iconic structure behind it, it should do pretty well," Mayor Gerald Turry said.
Part of that heritage is rooted in Chicago Outfit history. Teamsters lawyer Allen Dorfman was gunned down by two men in the Purple Hotel's parking lot in January of 1983. The month before, Dorfman was convicted along with Chicago Outfit leader Joey "The Clown" Lombardo of trying to bribe a Nevada U.S. Senator, as part of the mob's takeover of several Las Vegas casinos.
Art Bilek of the Chicago Crime Commission was a detective who worked dozens of mob cases. He says Dorfman was assassinated because the Outfit feared he'd talk to get a lighter sentence. "Of course he was going to talk. There was no question about it, so he had to go," Bilek said.
Now, nearly 30 years later, the Purple Hotel may soon be back in business. But, it may have one more mob story to tell, first. The new owners say they've been contacted by location scouts for the FOX series "The Mob Doctor" about possibly using the hotel in an upcoming episode.
Thanks to Dane Placko.
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Former FBI Agent, Robert Whitman, Discusses "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures" on Crime Beat Radio
October 11, In a command appearance, Robert K. Whitman,
former FBI agent discusses his book, Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures, on Crime Beat Radio.
The Wall Street Journal called him “a living legend.” The London Times dubbed him “the most famous art detective in the world.”
In Priceless, Robert K. Wittman, the founder of the FBI’s Art Crime Team, pulls back the curtain on his remarkable career for the first time, offering a real-life international thriller to rival The Thomas Crown Affair.
On the air since January 28, 2011, Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. 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.
Crime Beat is currently averaging 130,000 listeners plus each week, and the figure is growing. Crime Beat is hosted by award-winning crime writer and documentary producer Ron Chepesiuk (www.ronchepesiuk.com) and broadcast journalist and freelance writer Will Hryb.
The Wall Street Journal called him “a living legend.” The London Times dubbed him “the most famous art detective in the world.”
In Priceless, Robert K. Wittman, the founder of the FBI’s Art Crime Team, pulls back the curtain on his remarkable career for the first time, offering a real-life international thriller to rival The Thomas Crown Affair.
On the air since January 28, 2011, Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. 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.
Crime Beat is currently averaging 130,000 listeners plus each week, and the figure is growing. Crime Beat is hosted by award-winning crime writer and documentary producer Ron Chepesiuk (www.ronchepesiuk.com) and broadcast journalist and freelance writer Will Hryb.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
