american

Rick Porrello: Mr. Pistone, I would like to thank you for spending some time with us at AmericanMafia.com. Before we get started I’d like to update our records. May I have your current address, phone number, description of your car and a current close-up photo. Seriously, it is a privilege to have you with us. And as police officer it is indeed a honor to interview a law enforcer whose courage, skill and success in the war against organized crime are legendary and whose movie about his life, Donnie Brasco, has a permanent place as one of the legendary mob films and of course stars Al Pacino and Johnny Depp.

Congratulations on the release of your latest book, The Way of the Wiseguy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Though it certainly doesn’t read like one, it’s like a textbook, or better yet, a field manual about the mobster mentality. And written from the inside! With a lot of tense moments, shock and humor. Definitely a lot of funny moments in your experiences. I got a real kick out of the wiseguy who visited you on the Donnie Brasco set to ask a favor for his kid, a budding actor. And it’s facscinating how, as The Way of the Wiseguy details, your law enforcement career continued with dangerous undercover roles in the Mafia despite that fact that you were in hiding from a $500,000 contract on your life as a result of Donnie Brasco. Why don’t you start by telling us a little about your life before the FBI. Where did your interest in a law enforcement career come from?

Joe Pistone: I grew up around wiseguys on the streets of Paterson, New Jersey, but I never got involved with them. I always worked all kinds of blue-collar jobs: in construction, in bars, driving tractor trailers. But for some reason, I had this idea that I could be an FBI agent. There were no cops in my family, and no role models who suggested I get into law enforcement. It was just this thing of mine. My first government job was with the Office of Naval Intelligence, investigating drug, theft, and espionage cases. Then I passed the FBI’s entrance exams and became a special agent in 1969. Very quickly, my specialty became clear: undercover.

RP: How did the assignment to infiltrate the mob happen? Was it something you were working on more yourself, as opposed to an assignment? And how was the specific Bonanno crew chosen as a target?

JP: The job to infiltrate the Bonanno crime family started out as a six-month operation and ended up lasting about six years. I talk all about the beginnings of this operation in my new book The Way of the Wiseguy.

RP: Where did the name Donnie Brasco come from? It’s got a nice ring to it but isn’t exactly dripping with algio olio. You were penetrating a La Cosa Nostra crew, mostly Italian-Americans. Why not Vinny Tagliatelle, Geno Badalamenti or Nunzio Giacolona?

JP: I heard the name in a book or movie somewhere and remembered it at the start of the operation. It sounded like a good enough name, and it worked out for me in a previous undercover operation busting up a truck hijacking ring. But most of the Bonanno wiseguys called me Donnie the Jeweler anyway.

RP: You have highly praised Johnny Depp for his portrayal of you. In the movie, Donnie Brasco’s FBI role blurs and he becomes dangerously close with Lefty Ruggiero, played of course by Al Pacino. Did the movie embellish this friendship?

JP: I was very close to Lefty and his family. If he wasn’t a killer and a complete criminal, he would have been a good guy. I spent many hours with Lefty just shooting the shit about all kinds of things. Ate dinner at his house. But in the end I was not sorry about helping put him or any of the others in jail. After all, if any of them, including Lefty, knew I was with the FBI, they would have put two in my head without thinking twice.

RP: Set straight what happened to Lefty. The movie makes it look like his murder was inevitable.

JP: We picked up Lefty on other charges the day after my identity was revealed. If we didn’t do it, he would have surely been whacked. He spent a few years in prison and after he got out he died of a heart attack.

RP: What happened when you were pulled out of the Donnie Brasco role? And talk about edge-of-the-seat suspense? Were you actually that close to having to whack someone? If so, did you have a plan B?

JP: By the time the Bureau decided to pull me out, I had been proposed to become a member of the Mafia - the only federal agent ever to infiltrate the family to that level. The Bonannos did want me to make a hit, and I was probably a day or two away from doing so, though I never would have carried it out, no matter what the circumstances.

RP: Who were the men killed as a result of having been duped by Donnie Brasco? How did you feel knowing that your role contributed to their murders? And how did the mob further deal with this unprecendened penetration of their secret society?

JP: A few wiseguys were hit very soon after Donnie Brasco was uncovered, and there’s no doubt that it was their connection with Donnie that got them whacked. The way they were murdered shows this, and I give the details in the book.

RP: Tell us about the CD that’s included with The Way of the Wiseguy.

JP: The CD includes the content of several surveillance tapes that were recorded during the Donnie Brasco operation. They are conversations between myself and Lefty Two Guns Ruggiero discussing a sit-down that took place with the Bonanno crime family regarding me, my identity, and my life. If the wiseguys ever knew that I was recording these conversations, I would have been whacked. These tapes provided damaging evidence in court that helped put these guys away.

RP: In Way of the Wiseguy you mention how mobsters love Mafia movies. Tell us about this.

JP: There’s a whole section in the book called “Why Wiseguys Love Donnie Brasco” that says it all. But these guys don’t go around talking like they do in “The Godfather” moives. You won’t hear them quoting Shakespeare or even speaking in complete sentences half the time. When you hear the audio tape between Lefty and me, you’ll hear how disjointed the conversations can be.

RP: Many people ask if the Mafia is dead. Do you still keep tabs on La Cosa Nostra? What is your take on their current status?

JP: Sure I keep involved and remain interested and aware of what’s going on. And I can tell you that the Mafia has clearly changed for the worse. The “organized” part of organized crime became a shadow of what it once was. But it’s not dead and probably never will be. There’s a chapter in the book called “Old Wiseguys, New Wiseguys” that talks all about the current state of the mob.

RP: Joe, you’re success is multi-faceted. I thank you for being with us at AmericanMafia.com. This interview will be no doubt be a hit. No pun intended. And we will feature it for months to come. I encourage readers to check out The Way of the Wiseguy which is available through the AmericanMafia.com-Amazon.com bookstore and of course Donnie Brasco, the book and movie are also available. Joe, I wish you success with The Way of the Wiseguy and all your future endeavors.

JP: Thank you. I’ll be touring through the US and Canada at the end of April and hope to see a lot of fans and interested readers while I’m on the road.

April, 2004

About the Author:

A cop in suburban Cleveland, Rick Porrello, serendipitously began his writing career when curiosity about the mysterious murder of his grandfather along with the deaths of several uncles led to penning his first true crime saga, The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia. Porrello went on to write a second book, To Kill the Irishman: The War That Crippled the Mafia which recounts the story of Irish-American racketeer Danny Greene who took on the Cleveland Mafia and was murdered in 1977. The tale was heralded by Midwest Book Review as “…”must” reading for anyone with an interest in the workings of organized crime. Here is a true-life story more dramatic than anything to ever come out of a Hollywood movie.” To Kill the Irishman has subsequently been optioned for a major motion picture. His most recent title, Superthief - A Master Burglar, the Mafia and the Biggest Bank Heist in U.S. History won a ForeWord Magazine true crime award has also been optioned for a film.

See http://www.superthief.com and http://www.americanmafia.com

Tags: americanmafia.com, Donnie Brasco, Joe Pistone, Johnny Depp, Mafia, Rick Porrello, Way of the Wiseguyamericanmafia.com, Donnie Brasco, Joe Pistone, Johnny Depp, Mafia, Rick Porrello, Way of the Wiseguy

Share This

While Americans and Australians may appear similar in language and culture, the two nations are actually quite different. Understanding these idiosyncrasies will ensure Australian businesses are better equipped to negotiate deals and develop long-term business relationships. Below are some primary aspects to consider:

For Australian businesses, it often seems that Americans are more likely to build personal relationships through business deals, rather than build business deals through personal relationships. This means Australian businessmen and women, need to focus on getting the details of the deal right first, with the idea that a relationship might develop later.

In a somewhat related them, active selling in the US is expected, often to a degree that may be regarded as over-the-top or overly agressive in Australia. You cannot be shy or timid in the US, be clear of your advantage and be prepared to “sell it” strongly.

In addition, time is money, so you must not waste time. Be well preapred with samples, packaging, sales sheets, ROI calculations or sales forecasts and be able to answer detailed questions on pricing, marketing and logistics.

Be prepared to be direct, its seen as a virtue. Ask for what you want, say what you mean and do what you say. Americans seldom take offence to a well-phrased, direct question because they always reserve the right to say “No”. Likewise, they expect you not to take offence if they cleraly outline their reservatiosn with your proposal or simply say “no”.

Be positive. The Australian tendancy to be self-effacing or to downplay achievements so as not to be seen to be “boasting” can clash with American’s can-do attitude. However, it is also important to watch the use of Australian humour that can often be inappropriate in the US. In general, business conduct in the US is conservative, polite and succinct - keep the Australian sense-of-humour in check until you know your contact very well.

Be persistent, effective follow-up is essential. In Australia you would most probably be considered as someone who is extremely annoying after 2 - 3 follow-up attempts. In the US there is so much “noise” and competitive activity in the marketplace that your target contact may not have had time to hear and absorb your message. Be persistent - 10 - 12 attempts to make contact can be very normal in the US.

Lastly, be very, very clear on your competitive advantage and be able to articluate that advantage in a brief marketing message - often called the 30 second elevator pitch. Americans were the inventors of the 30 second elevator pitch and whether you like or loathe the idea, you need to have one. What problem does your product or service solve, what benefit does it deliver, who are you better than and how can you prove it.

America is an amazing country of opportunity and innovation. It is Australia’s largest trade and investment partner and the recent Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) ensures our two countries continue to strengthen their economic and political ties. Within this broader context however, its important for both sides to realise that while some of our cultural differences might be subtle, mis-understandings can easily occur. Hopefully, some of the practical advice provided here and in the Australian Trade Commisison’s free guide - “Doing Business in the United States” can help businesses on both sides of the ocean to avoid unnecessary faux pas.

Kylie Hargreaves is the Senior Trade Commissioner for the Australian Trade Commission in Los Angeles. She has over 14 years experience in international trade in both the US, Europe and Australia. The Australian Trade Commission is the Australian Government’s primary agency responsible for helping more Australians succeed in export and international business by providing advice, market intelligence and support to Australian companies to reduce the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets. The Commission also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities and has offices in more than 60 countries around the globe.

Tags: American, Australia, Australian, business, cross culture, culture, difference, tips, understanding, USAmerican, Australia, Australian, business, cross culture, culture, difference, tips, understanding, US

Share This

The American Saddlebred is a breed of horse developed in the state of Kentucky. Today they are featured in many showring competitions, and they are also used for racing, parades, and hunting. These horses have a disposition which make them good for virtually any task in which they are needed. They are well known for their stamina and the ability to learn quickly.

The Saddlebread is very alert and keen. It is flashy and steps high, and they are referred to as the “peacocks of the horse show world.” The preferred Saddlebred is one that has excellent proportions and is beautiful. They have large eyes which are sharp and ears which have an excellent shape. The Saddlebred is known for having a head which is well proportioned to its body. These horses are also known for their prominent withers and muscular shoulders.

Saddlebreds are also known for being five gaited, and this is a trait which was passed down from their ancestors. This breed was first developed in the 18th century by Americans who bred the Thoroughbred with the Narragansett Pacer. The Pacer was a well known breed at the time, though many people have not heard of it today. Many people who lived on plantations enjoyed using these horses because they were comfortable and also had an excellent gait. It would go on to become a very stylish horse. These horses are very popular in the state of Kentucky.

Saddlbreds work well with harnesses and have enough strength to perform work on a farm. They are also fast enough to be used in certain types of races. By the middle of the 18th century, the genes from the Morgan horse breeds were added to give the Saddlebred more power and speed. It was this combined with the Thoroughbred that allowed the American Saddlebred to be developed. These horses begin to become very popular after 1940. A stallion named Denmark was born in 1939, and about 60% of all American Saddlebreds today are descendants of this horse.

Saddlbreds are some of the most popular breeds of horses in the world, and have been owned by presidents, generals, and other prominent people. They have also been featured in many movies. These horses are well known for competing in show horse tournaments. American Saddlebreds are one of the most well known and popular breeds in the US. The looks and personality have made them sought after by many horse enthusiasts.

Michael Colucci is an experienced horse competitor and writes articles for HorseGathering.com and HorsePasture.net

Tag: horseshorses

Share This