http://www.mafia-international.com/

Despite some who claim to find it useful, i am not personally a huge fan of this site, Mafia International, aka RealDeal.

Their forum, however, is not too bad, epecially the "MOB NEWS" section. They have some interesting topics up there. Also, there seems to be a guy on there who posts the new "This Week in Gangland" regularly, by which he means Capeci's site's columns. Great for us deadbeats who aren't too keen on paying. Im bad, i know.
http://realdeal-forum.com/forum/index.php

Interestingly according to one of these posts, Anthony Merola (the NJ Gambino member known for his recent bust) is said to have earlier convictions under another name, that is, Knapik.
Apparantly Merola is his mothers name, which he now uses. The implications of this are funny. Anyway i'll do my best to find out the veracity of the claim.

thanks for this!

The Mafia International site has been run for years by a poster named David. Not too long ago the old administrator for the Real Deal forum, Kenny, handed over the administrator spot to David.

In terms of information about real world mob stuff, as opposed to books, movies, etc., the Real Deal forum is the #1 board on the web. You'll find more information, more varied and knowledgeable posters there than anywhere else. I've always been surprised more people here don't also post over there.

Incidentally, the current Real Deal forum will expire some time in April. The new board will be located at -

http://www.makephpbb.com/gangstersincrea/index.php?mforum=gangstersincrea



It wouldn't be the first time. John Veasey was made in Philadelphia even though he was only Italian on his mother's side. Same for Chucky Porter in Pittsburgh. Over all it's very rare but it has happened. But there has never been anyone made that didn't at least have some Italian blood.