Another impressively researched book by Gus Russo is "Supermob".

This book details the exploits of the lawyers who played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the Outfit and legitimate business.

Russo's in-depth research uncovers the complex web of relationships and activities that these lawyers were involved in.

Readers will be fascinated by the inside look at how the criminal underworld and the business world intersected.

The book provides a detailed account of the strategies and tactics used by these lawyers to facilitate illegal activities while maintaining an appearance of legitimacy.

"Supermob" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime and the role of lawyers in that world.

It offers a unique perspective on a topic that has intrigued and fascinated people for decades.

With its engaging narrative and detailed research, this book is sure to be a hit with both casual readers and serious scholars alike.

Film industry legend Robert Evans called Sid Korshak "The Myth" because he was a crucial figure in various aspects such as the US industry, labor relations, organized crime, politics, and the film industry. Korshak and Lew Wasserman were important in the rise of people like Ronald Reagan and Frank Sinatra, yet most Americans don't know about Korshak. Except for some press in the mid-1970s, long after his influence peaked, not much has been written about him. Gus Russo tries to change that with "SuperMob".

The book attempts to summarize all the complex aspects of Korshak's life and times to show how he and his associates were at the center of building America in the mid-20th century. "SuperMob" follows SK's ascent from a better-than-average mob lawyer to the Chicago Mob's representative in Hollywood. Russo shows how important SK was in diverting Mob money from Prohibition to California from the mid-30s to 50s. Although Capone was gone, the empire he and others like Lansky built still stood. Bootlegging provided them with wealth, and that money was used to finance a significant part of California's boom during and after WW2. SK's role as a labor lawyer was also key to his power. In the 20s, corporate America allied with organized crime to control labor unions, but within a few years, men like SK used their position as Union lawyers to blackmail corporate America.

Russo does a good job of showing how corruption was at the heart of mid-century America. However, one of the book's weaknesses is that he doesn't深入研究 any one racket. While some details are provided, like how much the Mob profited from sweetheart deals buying underpriced Cali assets seized from interned Japanese during WW2, the corruption is presented one after another without fully exploring the details. Dozens of the events described in the book could each be the subject of a lengthy book. In the end, that's why I overlook this shortcoming. Russo's book simply ties together a series of events that I've read about in many other books like Connie Bruck's "When Hollywood had a King", Robert Evans' "The Kid Stays in the Picture", and the book/movie "Casino". Although Sid Korshak is only briefly mentioned or not at all in these books, he was a key player.

I had wanted to read this book for a while.

Once I finally picked it up and started reading, I found myself completely engrossed and simply couldn't put it down.

The content within its pages was so captivating and thought-provoking.

After finishing this book, I have only two words to describe the situation for us middle-class Americans: we're screwed.

It seems that the challenges and difficulties we face are numerous and overwhelming.

The economic uncertainties, the rising costs of living, and the lack of job security all contribute to this feeling of helplessness.

It makes me wonder what the future holds for us and how we can possibly navigate through these troubled times.

Perhaps we need to start looking for solutions and taking action before it's too late.

But for now, all I can do is hope and pray that things will somehow get better.

Among other things, this is one of the most enlightening Chicago histories one can ever read.

It offers a comprehensive and detailed account of the city's past, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a major global metropolis.

The author delves into the various aspects that have shaped Chicago, including its architecture, culture, politics, and economy.

Through vivid descriptions and engaging narratives, readers are transported back in time and given a unique perspective on the events and people that have made Chicago what it is today.

Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating city, this book is a must-read.

It provides valuable insights and lessons that are relevant not only to Chicago but also to cities around the world.

Overall, it is a remarkable work that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

Well-documented tale of post-war American history

which, by the way, will make you sick. It's the story of power, influence, money, the mob (not that one, the REAL one)

and their dominance over American business, particularly Hollywood and Vegas

and, by the way, labor unions, manufacturing industries, states, cities, and the nation. Yeah, I hate conspiracy theories, too

but every once in awhile you get slapped with the real deal and it hurts. This is that. The book is tough to get through

and like much history, a little too much "this happened, then this happened" without some big-picture analysis

which would make it easier to digest, but a stellar effort nevertheless. Read it and weep. (Yes, Donald Trump is mentioned.)

This account delves deep into the complex web of post-war America. It reveals the shadowy forces at play, with the mob exerting its control over various aspects of the country's business landscape. Hollywood and Vegas are just two of the prominent arenas where their influence is felt. But it doesn't stop there; labor unions, manufacturing industries, and even entire states and cities are not immune. The book presents a detailed chronicle of events, but at times, it lacks the broader context that would help readers better understand the significance of it all. Despite this flaw, it is still a remarkable effort that offers a disturbing look at a side of American history that is often overlooked. So, if you're brave enough, pick up this book and prepare to be shocked.

California and Las Vegas have a rich and complex history that is intertwined with labor.

In the early days of California's settlement, labor was crucial for the growth and development of the state. Workers from all over the world flocked to California to seek their fortunes in industries such as mining, agriculture, and construction.

Las Vegas, on the other hand, was originally a small desert town that relied on ranching and mining. However, with the legalization of gambling in the 1930s, the city's economy boomed, and labor became an essential part of the casino and hospitality industries.

The history of labor in California and Las Vegas is also marked by struggles and achievements. Workers have fought for better wages, working conditions, and the right to unionize. Their efforts have led to significant improvements in the lives of workers and have contributed to the growth and prosperity of these regions.

Today, California and Las Vegas continue to be major economic centers, and labor remains an important factor in their success. As the economy evolves, it is essential to ensure that workers are treated fairly and that their rights are protected.

A better rating would be 3 1/2. This is a truly fascinating account that intricately ties together a group of mainly Jewish lawyers and their connections with the mob in Chicago. The resulting influence they exerted was mainly felt in California and Las Vegas, especially within the entertainment industry.

The main influence peddler was Sidney Korshak, who operated behind the scenes and earned the nickname "the fixer". While the account is captivating, it does jump around, making it at times difficult to keep all the characters straight.

What is very interesting is the ties between politics and the mob, particularly with Ronald Reagan. It provides a unique perspective on the intersection of these two worlds and how they interacted during that time period.

The story delves into the complex web of relationships and power dynamics that existed, shedding light on a hidden side of history that is both intriguing and thought-provoking.

This is a truly challenging book to rate. On one hand, certain aspects of it are truly remarkable. The extensive volume of research that Russo has conducted is truly impressive, and the connections he makes between various events and individuals deserve a rating of 4 or even 5 stars. His dissection of the Ashkenazic Jewish diaspora and their second generation experience in Chicago, along with their subsequent success in shaping American society, is an excellent and eye-opening analysis.

However, as the book progresses, Russo's challenges in handling such a broad subject matter become increasingly evident. The book seems to struggle between being a biography of Sidney Korshak and an expose of the so-called "Supermob," a loose-knit and somewhat exaggerated entity.

Russo even goes so far as to include Ronald Reagan as a member of the Supermob, which is a highly partisan and unfounded claim. His clear disdain for Reagan leads him to go on lengthy and off-topic diatribes that detract from the overall focus of the book.

Moreover, Russo's anti-Reagan agenda causes him to make several inaccurate statements and rely on dubious sources. For example, he quotes a mobster's unsubstantiated claim about a suitcase full of cash without providing any corroborating evidence.

There are also other inaccuracies throughout the book, although they are usually more trivial. These small errors, however, can become annoying as they accumulate.

Despite these flaws, Russo does deserve credit for documenting the Supermob in a well-researched and engaging manner. However, the book would have been much stronger if he had been able to control his bias and reduce the word count.

Hollywood and Politics have always had a complex and intertwined relationship. However, recent events have led many to believe that this relationship will never be the same again.

In the past, Hollywood has often been seen as a place where celebrities could use their platform to advocate for political causes. Many actors and actresses have been outspoken about their political beliefs, and some have even used their star power to raise funds for political campaigns.

But in recent years, the political climate in the United States has become increasingly polarized, and this has had an impact on Hollywood. Some celebrities have been criticized for being too political, while others have been praised for using their platform to make a difference.

As a result, the relationship between Hollywood and Politics is evolving. Some believe that celebrities should stay out of politics altogether, while others think that they have a responsibility to use their influence to effect change.

Only time will tell how this relationship will continue to develop, but one thing is for sure: Hollywood and Politics will never be the same again.

The original article: The news of the accident was horrifying. People were shocked and saddened.

Expanded article:

The news of the accident was truly horrifying. It sent shivers down the spines of everyone who heard it. People were not only shocked but also deeply saddened. The magnitude of the incident was such that it left a profound impact on the community. The details that emerged were enough to make one's blood run cold. The thought of the lives lost and the suffering endured by the victims and their families was simply unbearable. It was a tragic event that will be remembered for a long time.

I read this at the office over several months as professional reading.

It is a fascinating and well-researched expose. It delves into the world of a group of Chicago lawyers of Russian Jewish ethnicity. These lawyers initially represented mob figures. Eventually, they moved west and became deeply involved in Las Vegas gambling and California politics.

The story contains some truly interesting revelations about Ronald Reagan. It provides unique insights into the complex web of relationships and activities that were happening behind the scenes during that time period.

Overall, this reading has been both educational and engaging, offering a different perspective on a particular era and the individuals who played significant roles within it.

This work is more enjoyable and less reproachful compared to Caro's The Power Broker.

At the beginning, the spicy scandals are extremely intense for a certain period, being quite wild and captivating.

However, as the narrative progresses and the focus gradually shifts to issues such as tax evasion, money laundering, and influence peddling, the excitement level starts to decline.

Nonetheless, it still remains a solid form of edutainment. It manages to combine elements of entertainment with educational value, presenting complex topics in a way that is accessible and engaging to the reader.

Overall, it offers a unique reading experience that is both interesting and informative.