NY Times today has long, interesting article on the Russian "Mafia." Says Russian organized crime in America is neither as big, nor as tightly knit, nor as secretive, as was generally thought. Nor do they have close ties to what remains of the Italian Mafia. RICO has caused them to break ranks and squeal as loudly and frequently as any other mobs. Their looseness is exacerbated by having no formal structure, no initiation rites, no vows, etc.--just a bunch of street thugs who happen to be Russian.
In an earlier story, the Times reported that the Apalachin, NY, estate formerly the property of Joe Barbara sold at auction for $305k, below an earlier estimate of >$400k. The household possessions and artifacts did bring in about five times earlier estimates because, said the auctioneer, they had "celebrity value." I guess $305k for an 11-room home on 42 acres is a good price in that part of NY State (Camillus???). But whoever bought it probably has to contend with all kinds of tourists and Mob fans ringing their doorbell and demanding tours, souvenirs, etc. (though it could be a business for an enterprising type).