MOB TRUFFLE

Volume 1, Part 2

All Due Respect

Mob Truffle, Redefined

S. Cavelli

First and foremost, I would like to apologize to @Melvin for "apparently" stepping onto his toes. That is not my goal. And I'd like to apologize a second time because I don't know when to stop. Mob Truffle will go on - just like an overpriced truffle that grows under the right conditions. Thanks, democracy!

Anyway, let me digress. What is Mob Truffle? Why the fuck did I pick an overpriced and very rare ingredient as part of the magazine's name? Well, truffle is my personal favorite. It drives me mad. It makes me wanna punch people and hug them at the same time. Cook a truffle viand right and you have a real winner. Mob Truffle is a rare delicacy. It's your Sunday Magazine. It's that simple magazine that you tuck away every night. You may or may not like it. Just like truffle - not everyone likes it.

A more technical angle: Mob Truffle aims to delve deep on the gray areas of this thing of ours. The unexplored stories, possible character arcs, the politics of the world, the Great Depression, the KKK - oh man! Just the thought of these things make me shiver. Of course Mob Truffle will cover present events as well, but we offer a different perspective. We are just 'speculating things.' 

To give respect to the official Mafia Newspaper and the Fucking Newspaper, I'll just stick to my areas: the stories and angles that must be told, and the Mafia lifestyle that we all love. Competition is good, but collaboration is better. I am in no other way focused on mere competitions. There are so many things to do, so many stuff to write about.

And so, let's move forward.

Rekindling the Streets

S. Cavelli

The Streets - this is the place where we all grow, thrive, hustle, and die. The moment we hit the Streets, the coldness of the world sets in and we're left to our own devices. Apparently, we have support from the plethora of friends that we've made. Plus, there's always a clear opportunity to find a home. But then again, look deeply. In the Streets, you're alone to make a name for yourself. It's possible to run the course of a mobster's life without any street presence, but where's the fun in that? 

It's important to know that the Streets are more challenging than ever now. People have serpentine memories, no matter how many identities they have undertaken. Or how many poor folks they've buried. Any speech left in the Streets - whether in a lone corner or in an abandoned milk box - will leave an imprint. Quality over quantity - the Streets are yelling for this. You can't just stand there and piss on the ground, for it will haunt you and everything you hold dear in this world. But we all have the privilege of walking proud on the Streets. The Gods that be, all powerful on their thrones, gave us an eternal sandbox to wield our destinies. Such privilege must not be wasted. 

If you have a story or idea, be in the Streets. Spit it out. Make it worthwhile, but be ready for searing criticism. Hah, even the Mob Truffle had its fair share of critiquing delights. And there'll be more! But will the Truffle Train stop? Hell, no! Everyone deserves their Sunday Magazine. This is one of the million ways of rekindling the Streets.

Think of the Streets as the love of your life...cold and ready for the warmth that you can bring. It already had its share of blood, countless times. Even now, the Streets bathe upon the blood pool of LA. Funeral parlors are very happy again.

Get your milk crate and say something. Or perhaps tell us the story of how you started out as an immigrant and became part of this Life of Ours. It's interesting now, really. In case you're bored, tons of newspapers and digests are waiting for you. There's Melvin and Wagner, all gleaming with their business suits, typewriters, and cigars. Kate Logan has multiple tales as well. And if you have time to chill and be fancy, grab the Mob Truffle. Remember, after everything else, you deserve a Sunday Magazine.

Valathus even made a clear point about the dilemma of the Streets. It's worth the shot!

Key takeaway: Start something meaningful. It's good for you and good for everybody as well.

Truffle Spotlight

A Concise Interview with The One and Only

FRANKIE MESSINA

So, the great Frankie Messina. How are you doing?

Frankie pushed a long black strand of hair from her eyes and smiled.  "I'm doing great, thank you for asking and thank you for choosing to interview me.  I'm really flattered!"

It seems you're busy as usual. Can you tell us a brief information about your current project/s?

"Oh goodness, since your paper is in the streets I need to watch my language - but I'll do my best."  Frankie reclined slightly, her arms across the low back of the chair. 

"Right now, my most visible project is with Don @Shaggs - I can't get into a lot of the finite details in your publication due to some restrictions, but contenders make a prize purse of $1,000,000 every match and, of course, there will be open betting allowed as well.  Your readers are welcome to contact me directly for more details."

"I've got @Jones and @SullivanBlack working with me on something which will help us better get to know that most mysterious family to have influence in Las Vegas, the Dragna Crime Family.  You might be familiar with them as the family who took over the third district of Las Vegas?  I suspect you'll be hearing a lot more of their stories on the streets and in the Las Vegas Business district throughout the spring.  And we’ll be digging up details on other families, in other cities, who have also settled into the third districts – as time goes on.  It’s a big project finding all that information and if your readers want to help us; they should also reach out to me."

"Speaking of Spring, I've taken up the mantle of my mentor and predecessor – LuckyLucy.  With the blessing of Don Dovahkiin and the help of the Ivory Tower descendants, we are taking lessons learned from the Winter Festival which took place in Chicago this past year and we're putting those into action with a Spring event.  This event will extend from sea to shining sea.  We're in the planning phases now and if someone would like to help out on that project – just drop me a line!”

Neat! Lots of things have happened in the streets lately. What can you say about these events?

"Goodness there has been a lot said and done in the streets recently.  My favorite things, of course, are the sharing of stories.  I feel that's the primary purpose for the Streets, but I know that's not the only opinion.  Most folks come out to participate in debates and discussions or to pick up a paper from time to time.  These things tend to get more attention than the stories being told.  The reason for that is simply that papers and discussions require a very small commitment of time to engage with."

"But I think that's why we've seen some of the satire that’s been happening. I'll get into that later in the interview. Something tells me you're going to ask me my opinions about it..."  She smirks. 

In your lifetime, what are the things that you wish to achieve?

"As a young woman who was raised by a Don in Sicily, I learned a lot; and I hope to pass that on to others.  I think, in this thing of ours, there's a view that you'll be remembered for titles or even the enemies you destroy, but I’ve learned that the stories most often share aren’t about war or accolades... the most beloved stories shared by people are ALWAYS about people & interactions in our community, and the friendships made."

"I think when we're all trying to climb to the top, for whatever reason we have, the reason for being involved in something like this gets lost.  I continue to uphold the tenants of The Ivory Tower and try to shine a light on that truth.  I hope that this thing of ours is healthy and strong for years to come.  If, when I die, I have contributed something worth remembering then I will have lived a successful life.”

“As LuckyLucy says in her notes to me - it's not the titles or guns by which you can measure your success in this life ... but by the number of people who bothered to come by your funeral when it’s all done.  Then and only then can you see the true power and measure of a man’s work in this thing of ours."

Splendid. Out of curiosity, what is your Power Animal? Why'd you pick that?

"Slow Loris."  She didn't hesitate in answering, as if she’d given this thought before. 

"As a child, I had a friend who saw one of these being smuggled through a black-market exchange.  She pitched an absolute fit to have one.  Her father, a man of some influence, sent for one and it arrived in short order.  The girl in question taunted all of us because we did not have a wide-eyed and adorable furry little-monkey-thing of our own."  

Frankie smirked.  "I have to admit that I pouted for one until my Grandfather, Don Messina, gave in and sent for one as well.  However, before my Slow Loris could arrive, we got to see the REAL Pickles... my friend's pet.”

“You see, the Slow Loris is not only adorable, but she's one nocturnal tree climbing bad ass.  Most people don't realize this, but they are actually very good groomers - fastidious really.  Little bastards also have those weird eyes that collect, and shine light, at night.  They’re like soulless little fur covered demons that you can't help but love!  Of course, this is so that they can see their food better at night.  Which is exactly how that adorable little assassin managed to get around Maria's room in the pitch dark and find its way into her bed."

"Most kids would be happy to have an adorable wide-eyed little money in their bed at night.  So, I often imagine that Maria spent her last joyful moments delighting at the amusing little money-thing; as it did human stuff with its deadly little clawed hands.  Making funny faces with its unusually long tongue, but alas, the Loris apparently lets off this oil from the inside of its elbow.  You see it uses the oil to mark trees and things in the wild, but turns out it's deadly.  The Slow Loris is the only venomous primate we know of.  They found poor Maria bloated up like a two-week old corpse on a shore.  They say she suffocated and that it was probably a long and terrible death."

"When my Slow Loris arrived, I used it for target practice and then my Grandfather had it stuffed.  Damn, I love that cute little bugger.  He sits on my desk in my office to this very day." 

Cool enough. Now, let's turn to a more serious issue. What do you think is the MAIN PROBLEM in the Streets today? Why do you say so?

"I think that there is a call for more stories – a real desire for a revival of some of that old-world flair that used to thrive here on these shores.  It's easy to laugh and point at some of the satirists who have said hurtful things about the storytellers among us - but they are making a point.”

“It's not that these stories are bad... we ALL know they're good and yet, look at what gets our time and attention.  It's not how I would choose to make the point, but I'm not trying to be a court jester either." She shrugs.  "Believe it or not the point is heard by some of us - the problem is, changing the culture in this thing of ours is going to take a whole lot more than any single person can do."

Frankie pulled out and lit a cigarette, "I know it's a generalization, but I really do think there are there are two types of people on our streets ... well, maybe three.  There are the ones who come to share and to be entertained by stories.  Then there are the ones who wants the intellectual stimulation of a good debate, though there haven't been a lot of those since my family line got to these shores – but I’ve heard tales of a time when such things did happen." 

She raised an index finger and shook it slightly, "The third sort tends to be looking for the quick laugh.  They are more interested in the scandals and insults, in the reasons for war and the salty responses to those reasons, than they are in the rest of what happens in the streets daily.  And because they aren't involved in the stories being told – and because the stories aren’t about them, in their mind the streets are ‘dead.'  It's a phrase I hate because it sells short the contributions of the many talented people who are in the streets daily."

"I think a fair number of people come here for the wars and verbal conflict which takes place in our streets and I suppose that's fine.  Many men have made a fine career out of learning to use their guns and sharp wit to get by in the world.  They work to prepare for wars, they eagerly try to instigate and engage in wars, and when we're not engaged in war or the immediate aftermath... they're on the streets: bored.  There is nothing more frightening and devastating to a community than a bored man with the power to kill and an itch to use that power."

She took a drag off her cigarette to calm her nerves.  "I think that's why the Ivory Tower, and many other groups like it in the past, are really important in this thing of ours.  By providing other forms of entertainment and trying to build that sense of community - respect even for your enemies – that’s how we make things better and give it longevity.  I hope to contribute in that way as well."

If you become a Godfather someday, which I'd definitely support, how are you going to improve this Thing of Ours?

"I bet you say that to all the people who you think could become Godfather."  She winks. 

"As I said, I grew up in Sicily.  There things aren't so progressive as they are here in America.  In Sicily, they would remind you there is no such thing as a Godmother - nor women in this thing of ours.  I've already reached far greater heights among our friends than I ever expected, and I am honored to be Caporegime to Don Dovahkiin."

"Prerequisite ass kissing aside," She said clearly joking, "I want to take a moment to speak on Godfathers.  It’s something that my bloodline has a bit of a different take on and I’m not sure most of your readers know how I feel about it."

"Godfather is a thankless job.  One with no real desirable qualities to it.  I know that throws people for a loop when I say that... but there it is."  She smashes out her cigarette. 

"I'm sure some Godfathers have been loved for a time ... but in truth, they are usually resented, feared, hunted and all of them, in time, die.  Once someone becomes a Godfather, they have little left to aspire to since they are at the top.  Many end up caving to the weight of paranoia in an effort to stay in power or the murderous expectations of ungrateful people who surround them.  People who want the title, and perceived power which it grants, seldom realize how hard it was to get and stay where there and what manner of monster they will need to become to do so."

"Godfathers tend to be hated by most everyone, if they stay alive long enough because to survive they eventually have to kill people who respected and supported their rise to the top.  Worst of all, they need to do it BEFORE those people become powerful to take a shot at them.  If they do, it’s very easy for the children of the dead to claim innocence... and play the role of victim when we all know the point of this thing of ours is to rise to the top, stay there, and knock down all your enemies both real and imagined.  If a Godfather doesn’t strike at their would-be competition BEFORE they have the power to hit them first, their trusted friends usually end up putting a bullet in their back."

"Godfather's only come in two flavors - Hated and soon to be dead, or Loved and dead even sooner.  There's a short while between the two where the community cheers for their rise to power, but in my limited experience, you're far better off cultivating respect as a lower man on the totem pole.  After all, you and I are destined for the same fate as Godfathers anyway... a grave.  None of the grind to the top means shit once you're there - the worms eat us just the same.  So, why take on all the stress and loathing of the general population?  What, other than giving power to others (and even that's limited due to politics) can a Godfather do which YOU cannot do right now?"

"Here's a secret," Frankie leaned forward.  "- nothing.  Sure they're rich beyond imagining, but that's assuming they aren't constantly buying off hits or paying for new crews to launch... FUN FACT did you know to launch a full-sized crew in a major city with a Crew Leader who has as many bodyguards as they can possibly stand... fully trained will cost you well over $500 million?  True Story and that's to say nothing of that crew leader's hands.”

“I have yet to meet a crew leader, whose financials I've seen, that wasn't paying out FAR MORE than they ever took in.  Most wise guys don’t know this though because crew leaders generally only share income information and not what they pay out.  That’s if they share financial information with their crew at all and many don’t.  Godfathers are a good part of the reason that there are new crews at all.  The clear majority of crew leaders - Lucky Lucy included - simply don't have that sort of scratch and they need to look for it elsewhere.  Money doesn't grow on trees after all."   

Frankie shrugged.  "But what good is the wealth and power to make and destroy crews, if everyone hates you anyway?  What good is all that power, if every time you speak in the streets the masses call you a liar or shout for your death?  Titles do not grant you respect.  Anyone fighting and clawing their way to the top to get the title Godfather in the hopes of having people respect them is in for a very harsh dose of reality when they get there.  Lucy's notes from her time as the right hand to Godfather Varys speak MOUNTAINS on that topic.  And as for your topic... changing this thing of ours is beyond the power of any single Godfather."

"I'll say it again just in case it's lost in the text ... THE POWER TO CHANGE OR IMPROVE THIS THING OF OURS IS BEYOND ANY SINGLE GODFATHER.”

“In truth, even a lowly gomba can have more honor and respect from the masses than a Godfather - if they do what they do well, and with humility.  And with that respect and honor comes power to change.  I suspect, if change happens in this thing of ours, it won't be due to some singular action by a well-loved Godfather; it will be lifetimes of work - done again and again - tirelessly by the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of people who were simply too committed, too stubborn, or too stupid to give up on the idea that what have here is worth working for.”

“Right now, the only people who have shown that level of commitment, are rogues.  People whose children, like the children of terrorists, pick up and carry a banner after their fathers fall in the name of the cause."

"Me... I'm just one generation of people too stupid to give up on the idea that we can do and be better.  Either my descendants will succeed, or one of them will get tired of trying and walk way.  I don't yet know how that will play out.  For me - today - I'm here until the end.   Should the unlikely series of events necessary to land me in the position of Godfather take place this would be my plan...”

She drew a long steadying breath.  "If I was the Godfather Chairman of my city my first order of business would be a meeting of the crew leaders and their hands.  It would be held in the back allies and a full transcript would later be provided to the entire population – no redactions.  I would host such a meeting publicly, but things like that turn into a zoo and nothing gets accomplished.  No one has time for that shit – we’re all busy making money and preparing for the next war.  So, no time to pussy foot around."

"At the meeting we would establish clear expectations of me.  First and foremost, the buck stops here. I would outline what it is I will do for the families of my city and why they are even supporting me with their money and instead of shooting me.  Additionally, I would outline the ways I expected to be held accountable to them.  I would be prepared to offer financial reports to show how the money coming up is being used to benefit our operation... after all, if I expect them to pay taxes they deserve to know what the hell it's going towards.  And if I expect them to tell me how good their hitters are so I can use them in wars, then I fucking owe them respect because it’s their families who will live and die daily for me and my vision.  Those wise guys write my dinner check with their blood and sweat, and the day I forget that is the day one of them needs to put hot lead into me."

Frankie drew a deep breath.  She hated talking about her own death, even in the hypothetical, "After outlining my own expectations for my office I would hear any additional requests form the Dons who would hence forth serve as my advisory council on all matters – we would meet weekly going forward and I would seek their council and advise on all matters that effected the lives of those in our city.”

“Then, in exchange for that respect, I would provide clear expectations of my Dons and of their crews - and those expectations would be invasive, perhaps more so than any previous Godfather before me.  I would outline consequences for failure to meet those expectations - this would include basics such as financial expectations, time dedicated to their crews and their education, expectations on behavior in the streets, and communication within their crews.  Becoming a crew leader isn't a reward - it's a job.  You don't get to be top dog and kick off your damn shoes, disappearing for days on end... not in the operation where I'm a Godfather at least.  And if you do, you know where that will lead – the obituaries." 

"Part of the problem most folks have with Godfathers and Crew Leaders is a lack of communication and an appearance that decisions made from the top are based on whim.  They aren't, most of the time, but without good communication the perception is there none the less.  It breeds contempt and in turn the contempt creates rogues.  I would rather be viewed as a micromanaging tyrant who communicates well, than be viewed as someone who makes decisions, such as going to war, based on my whims of the moment."

"I would also establish some sort of city-wide system for recognition of made men – probably for all promotions Made and above really... and a very heavy set of requirements for our crew leaders to place upon their people before allowing them to become friends of ours.”

“I can appreciate the strong silent type as much as the next girl... but if you want a place in my family - a seat at *MY* table; you engage with your family.  No buts about it.  If you don't engage, then I start to wonder what you're hiding.  That's the game no one wants to admit that all leaders play... the game of 'how long can I let you fuck off and risk this entire family.'  The answer when I'm responsible for the whole damn city is this:  you get one warning.  That's it.  After that it's a plane ticket out or a grave... usually the later as I don't like sending my problems to the homes of my friends in other cities."

"All this, in the first meeting.  Then I must enforce it.  Sadly, people will fall short.  A lot of people will die.  That may be the end of my time as Godfather...  I could be seen as a murdering tyrant and put down like a rabid dog; but, if I live long enough to teach my people what they need to know about respect, and about being a TRUE family, then whoever comes after me will have a considerably easier time.  The children of the people who I gave a button to, will bleed for the next guy and serve as none before them served." 

Great, great! Let's play a bit. How romantic are you? I mean, are you sweet, cutely sweet, or passionately daring? Why so?

"I think I'm sweet.  I only have had one significant romance in my life and that probably plays a part in that attitude.  But I haven't heard any complaints out of my fiancé @Tony-Dicaprio - so I think that's probably good? Right?"

Any message you have for the GODS in our Life?

Frankie thinks about this for a moment. "Personally, I have only one prayer and I say it every day in this thing of ours - let me build myself and my family well, give me the strength to play hard... and when my time comes, grant me the serenity to die with class.  May my daughters return to these shores enriched and supported by the hand of God; as HE has always been merciful and generous to me and those who came before me.  HE has always given to the cause of the community, a cause which I now take up.  So, I greatly appreciate all that GOD does for us here in the streets."

I think we've wasted enough of your time. What message can you say to the new mobsters and hustlers in our shores?

"Just because we're here, doing very bloody business, doesn't mean we have to be assholes to each other.  Even the man we shoot in the face, or who storms into our homes without knocking to disrupt our stories, is worthy of respect. Please note that respect is far different than mercy.  If we claim we want a better caliber of gangster on the streets, it starts with each of us."

So, there you have it folks! The verbose, inspiring, semi-tale of THE Frankie Messina. She hit home run with her points, and I'm sure we can learn lots of things from her.

Consume this Interview well. Let it simmer in your heart. Let the true flames of Cosa Nostra live on.

SLIGHTLY SPECIAL AD SPACE

Because we care for your business

Really, we do!

🥊 Contenders Wanted 🥊
$1,000,000 guaranteed prize purse to winning competitor EVERY match.  On site betting for every match!  Come see what all the excitement is about and, if you think you got what it takes, get in the ring today.  Contact: Messina-Shaggs Promotions For Details

🏡 Ready To Make Your Move? 🏭
Want a home or business that will be the envy of every other man on the block?  Are YOU ready to experience TRUE luxury in this thing of ours?  We've got what you're looking for - businesses and homes w/ motion picture tours! 

                                                       View Our Listings by stopping in to:  Seattle Luxury Realty Inc.

🍺🍀 Buy Our Drinks & We Tip YOU! 🍀🥂
Through the end of January celebrate the new year at Brennan's Cellars in Las Vegas.  Anyone visiting January 25th through the end of the month and buys one drink of their choice will be tipped by our bartender!  That's right, you buy the beer and WE tip YOU!  Come on by and grab a pint or glass of one of our vintage wines at Brennan's Cellars.

WANT YOUR OWN AD SPACE IN MOB TRUFFLE? It's simple, really. Send me a Mobmail, and let's talk!

Make your business or operations shine with glory!
 

The Antechamber

S. Cavelli

Welcome to the Antechamber! This is the Editor's main lounge/conclusion area. I'm really thrilled by the direction of the streets. Things are shaping up well, and I believe that there will be more stories in the coming weeks. 

And to top it off, we have multiple papers distributed per week. This is a great time indeed. 

But my heart sank when Kate Logan shot herself. One of my friends in the past (rest her soul) had a short run-in with Keats. It was cool, and we all know that Kate Logan really immersed herself in this World of Ours. 

For Part 3, we'll have another Truffle Spotlight and perhaps a bit of 'surprises.' 

And as I've mentioned in the first page, I just don't know when to stop. 

Mob Truffle - Cavelli Printing Press

Ligambi Crime Family

Good read, Stefano_Cavelli.

Can I send in a letter from someone that I think would be a good addition?

Stefano had just finished counting the packs of Bacon that he'll put to his business when he was approached by Wagner.

"Wagner, thanks. Kudos to your paper too, I love to read and re-read it. I'd love to see the letter."