I've been watching the last season of the Sopranos and am curious about the mob in NYC and NJ today. Can you recommend a book or website that details the modern day Mafia? Or, if power has changed hands to a group other than the Italian one, a book about that group? Thanks.
posted by Sully on Dec 13, 2009 - 5 answers

My mother spends a good deal of her day playing Mafia Wars and has accumulated hundreds of people she doesn't know on Facebook through the game. She is definitely not street savvy or tech savvy in any way and I'm worried that she may be taken advantage of. I don't play Mafia Wars, but I just don't trust that its taken up such a large part of her life right now. Is it just a way for her to pass the time? Or do I need to be concerned?
posted by Unred on Nov 6, 2009 - 16 answers

IdentifyThisMovie: In a shop, a little girl sees a briefcase that she thinks a man has forgotten, picks it up, and runs to return it to its owner. It explodes. [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena on Apr 26, 2009 - 5 answers

What websites and magazines should I read to remain up-to-date about national (USA) and international (organized) crime trends and stories? [more inside]
posted by Bookhouse on Nov 6, 2008 - 7 answers

Ever notice the fish tanks with koi carp near the entrance in many Chinese restaurants? A friend told me that they are actually there to indicate (perhaps through the number or type of fish?) whether the restaurant owner has paid up to the local Chinese mafia (triad). Is there any truth to this or is it just another urban legend?
posted by sour cream on Aug 25, 2008 - 21 answers

How likely is it that the unfair judging in Olympic gymnastics is mafia related? [more inside]
posted by mintchip on Aug 19, 2008 - 36 answers

I'm craving detailed information about the Russian Mafia/Eurasian Gangs that operate in Russia and abroad. I would appreciate any information no matter how small or large. [more inside]
posted by carefulmonkey on Apr 1, 2008 - 8 answers

Anyone know where online I can find the Adam Gopnik essay on playing the game Mafia? It's from the book "Through the Children's Gate," but I need an electronic version, not a hard copy. [more inside]
posted by Ollie on Jan 15, 2008 - 8 answers

I'm looking for a good NON text based Gangster/Mafia themed Strategy game, similar to (but hopefully better than) Gangsters or Gangsters 2. Single player preferred but Online game acceptable. [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac on Jul 28, 2007 - 1 answer

Does the mob/mafia still operate in Chicago? If so, at what level? Does the Chicago Outfit still exist?
posted by allthewhile on Jul 22, 2007 - 5 answers

So, what can you tell me about the Bosnian mob? [more inside]
posted by Bookhouse on Oct 27, 2006 - 6 answers

Do the mafia actually control the garbage-collection racket in New York City? Do they even still exist? If so, what other, uh, services are they involved in?
posted by swift on Sep 29, 2004 - 31 answers

How do I donate to the Beslan families while guaranteeing that my money does not pass through the hands of the Russian government or organized crime groups? Specifically, are these guys legit?
posted by PrinceValium on Sep 5, 2004 - 2 answers