New Jersey mobster dies in prision

Robert Bisaccia, formerly of Belleville, NJ, passed away.

From the Star-Ledger, Newark, NJ

Iconic 'Goodfella' Robert Bisaccia dies in prison
Thursday, December 04, 2008
BY GUY STERLING
Star-Ledger Staff

Before state and federal prosecutors clipped his wings, Robert Bisaccia was considered one of organized crime's most feared and unpredictable figures, a New Jerseyan with a wit as quick as his temper and a murderous streak immortalized by his childhood friend Joe Pesci in the movie "Goodfellas."

Convicted of running the Gambino crime family operation on this side of the Hudson for mob boss John Gotti, as well as for a New York hit, he was sentenced to life in prison in 1993.

The New York Times also covers this story, adding quotes worthy of a Soprano's episode.

Mr. Gotti, in a videotaped jailhouse conversation, once talked about how Mr. Bisaccia could find humor in a negative biopsy from prison. “He said, ‘Sure, if I was out on the street they’d tell me I got two weeks to live. I’m doing life, so it’s benign.’ ”

On becoming a "Recessionista"

Apparently the Brits were on the same buying binge as we Americans.

According to a New York Times article

"One-third of consumer debt in all of Europe is held by people in Britain, said Chris Tapp, director of Credit Action, which counsels people about how to handle debt."


I especially liked this quote from the same article, offering tips on how to save money.

"...people were remembering that they could often get free coffee at work (not as good as Starbucks, but coffee nonetheless)"

Witching for Water

Witching for water. That's what my dad used to call it. He did it. My family seemed to think it was normal, but then my family's view of normal is sometimes a bit different.

That's how they found water in Kansas. My dad had several wells drilled, and I never heard of a time they didn't hit water, after he had "witched" for it.

I am sure Gary will have something to say about this.

The folks at the NY Times find it amusing.