Andy Thibault's Blog, page 27

Strong finish ‘14 @cooljustice: 3 books & more news to come

It’s hard to make sense of any year, or era, especially when you’re in it. Anyhow, here’s a quick shot:

Louis The Coin’s memoir has been about eight years in the making. Thanks to a collaboration with Franz Douskey and IceBox Publishing, “You Thought It Was More” is now an EBook, soon to be out in print.

Dr. Joe Bentivegna’s reflection on a year of service in Haiti continues to bewilder him, his family, friends and colleagues. The seventh edition of “The Neglected and Abused … ,” also via IceBox, is available in both electronic and print editions. I was happy and honored to edit the seventh edition.

“more COOL JUSTICE,” my second collection of columns, brings me to new crossroads. What next? This fork in the road has many prongs, and the view is not so clear.

Stay tuned.



Note: All three* books are available via Amazon Kindle and IceBox [links below] as well as your local bookstore. Special thanks to Todd Wood, principal of IceBox Publishing.


*Louis The Coin print edition scheduled for January 2015.





“You Thought It Was More” is a profane and raucously funny memoir from the world’s greatest counterfeiter, Louis ‘The Coin’ Colavecchio.

Colavecchio, who created mass quantities of undetectable slot machine tokens, writes with commanding vigor about his wild adventures throughout the US and Europe His talents as a jeweler, manufacturer and man of romance are part of the historical record – as seen on The History Channel and The BBC. It might be an understatement to say Colavecchio changed the face of casino gambling forever.

Ride with Louis The Coin at 160 mph in his Lamborghini making score after score. From Providence to Atlantic City and Vegas to Rome, Milan, Florence and Geneva, he’s the genuine article. As one of the cops who arrested Louis notes in the introduction, “He was very creative, an artist.” Who knew metallurgy could be riveting? What? You thought it was more …

Louis The Coin EBook

Louis The Coin print edition



An eye surgeon remains filled with happiness and despair two decades after his year of volunteer service in Haiti.

Dr. Joe Bentivegna still confronts questions that have no answers, including whether volunteer service simply takes the pressure off governments.

Here you will see young children revived from the brink of death and dying in Bentivegna’s arms. The writing is compelling. His chronicle of the diseases generated by poverty should be used as a textbook in disciplines including medicine, history economics and sociology.

Bentivegna confronts unvarnished and basic questions of existence. He is plain-speaking and direct, often frustrated and sometime politically-incorrect.

Joe Bentivegna EBook

Joe Bentivegna print edition



"more COOL JUSTICE" shows that the odds can be beaten.

I was inspired to compile this second collection of columns when – after decades of banging my head against the wall – I actually got a good result: Freedom for Bonnie Foreshaw.

Beyond that I’m grateful for the chance to express my views on subjects including the politics of justice, good and bad cops and prosecutors and judges, poets, writers, boxers, musicians and artists.

"more COOL JUSTICE" takes the reader into the depths of major stories including the Woody Allen sex assault case, the Michael Skakel appeal, the imprisonment of a transgender teen without charges, struggles in girls sports to establish equal rights via Title IX and the widespread assault on a bedrock of democracy – the public’s right to know.

I continue to pursue several stories that involve law enforcement corruption and demand resolution, in particular the Caporino, Badaracco and Smolinski missing person / homicide cases.

Thank you readers, sources, colleagues and especially all those who labor for Bonnie and other victims of injustice.

more COOL JUSTICE EBook

more COOL JUSTICE print edition

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Best book review ever

Courant Sunday Book Page 12-21-14 has 'more COOL JUSTICE' in good company

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Courant Sunday Book Page 12-21-14 has 'more COOL JUSTICE' in good company

Courant listing by Carole Goldberg

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Recent appearance at Gateway Community College

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Also available @ yr local bookstore



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Flashback: 'The joint was jumpin' -Bob Thiesfield photo gallery #HickoryStickBookshop #moreCOOLJUSTICE 10-10-14

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Best book review ever

Cool Justice Blog

Praise for Louis The Coin’s new memoir, ‘You Thought It Was More’

UPDATE, 12-14-14:

'You Thought It Was More' Live on Kindle

Look inside






Print pre-order via IceBox Publishing

Print publication scheduled for early 2015


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“Louis ‘The Coin’ Colavecchio won a name for himself by being able to make anything, and now he has made a profane and raucously funny memoir of his life of crime. This is a world of hot cars, hot jewels, hot women, a wad of cash in your pocket and a handmade silencer on your Ruger automatic pistol. Bookies and loan sharks, enforcers and counterfeiters, con men and scam artists: ‘You Thought It Was More’ evokes a bygone era, treating us to a wise-guy crime romance that's part ‘Law & Order’, part ‘Guys & Dolls.’ ”
-Novelist / Essayist Rand Richards Cooper, author of “Big as Life,” is a restaurant critic for the New York Times.

“Louis came up with a brilliant plan. We The Cops did, too. I do not condone his criminal behavior, but I understand it; he was very creative, an artist. I assisted in some small way with him going to jail and he served his time ... After spending time together after the case closed, we have developed a friendship. That’s OK with me. I am no longer a trooper, having retired in 2003. He’s retired, too, right?”
-CT State Police Det. Sgt. (Retired) Jerry Longo, now a senior investigator for a major casino.

“Remarkably crafted. Who would have thought Louis the Coin could be a vivid storyteller? He writes with commanding vigor. Reminiscent of ‘Honor Thy Father,’ the gracious portrait of the Bonanno crime family by Gay Talese.”
-James H. Smith, a New England journalist for nearly 40 years and author of “A Passion for Journalism.”

“So much sets this book apart – the extraordinary tales it tells, its insider’s look at organized crime, and Louis Colavecchio's enormous affection for his characters. But the biggest surprise? I was held in total suspense by the technical sections. I never expected to be riveted by metallurgy . . . but I was.”
-Novelist Pam Lewis, author of “Speak Softly, She Can Hear” and “Perfect Family.”

“Riveting! Raises the bar for all future storytellers in this genre of wise guys and their adventures.”
-New York trial attorney Bruce Baron, frequent media commentator on outlets including MSNBC and Fox News.

“You Thought it Was More is not – thankfully – literary. It is, however, a tale told in a voice that rings true, very much in the aesthetic tradition of our best oral histories. Louis ‘The Coin’ Colavecchio would probably be right at home in a Studs Terkel book."
-Poet Jon Andersen, Professor Of English, Quinebaug Valley Community College, and author of “Stomp And Sing.”

“First off, how can you not love a book written by someone named Louis the Coin? It’s worth reading just to enjoy the names of the wiseguys! This is a must-read for anyone who loved Goodfellas, Casino and Bronx Tale! Louis took me so far into the Providence Mob that I thought I was a snitch! I’m still looking over my shoulder!”
-Mickey Sherman, criminal defense lawyer, CBS legal analyst and author of "How Can You Defend Those People?"

“It is fortunate … that he lived to tell the tale … Louis The Coin offers the novice the genuine article …”
-Lionel Bascom, Professor of Writing at Western Connecticut State University and author of “Rubouts” (Avon 1991) and “A Renaissance in Harlem: The Voices of a Lost American Community” (HarperTrade, 2001).

“Louis has nailed Rhode Island In The 1960s and 70s: Raymond, National Vending, the wise guys, the cars, the cash-carrying habits of certain individuals, travel tips in Italy and more.”
-Ed Dunn, retired newspaper editor, USA Today and The Norwich Bulletin.

“This tale gives you an unblinking look straight into the criminal mind.”
-Novelist Denning Powell, author of “Monkey Trap” and “Hiding Hand.”

Cool Justice Blog

Advance praise for Louis The Coin’s new memoir, ‘You Thought It Was More’

Watch for Kindle version soon





Print pre-order via IceBox Publishing

Print publication scheduled for early 2015


Tweet




“Louis ‘The Coin’ Colavecchio won a name for himself by being able to make anything, and now he has made a profane and raucously funny memoir of his life of crime. This is a world of hot cars, hot jewels, hot women, a wad of cash in your pocket and a handmade silencer on your Ruger automatic pistol. Bookies and loan sharks, enforcers and counterfeiters, con men and scam artists: ‘You Thought It Was More’ evokes a bygone era, treating us to a wise-guy crime romance that's part ‘Law & Order’, part ‘Guys & Dolls.’ ”
-Novelist / Essayist Rand Richards Cooper, author of “Big as Life,” is a restaurant critic for the New York Times.

“Louis came up with a brilliant plan. We The Cops did, too. I do not condone his criminal behavior, but I understand it; he was very creative, an artist. I assisted in some small way with him going to jail and he served his time ... After spending time together after the case closed, we have developed a friendship. That’s OK with me. I am no longer a trooper, having retired in 2003. He’s retired, too, right?”
-CT State Police Det. Sgt. (Retired) Jerry Longo, now a senior investigator for a major casino.

“Remarkably crafted. Who would have thought Louis the Coin could be a vivid storyteller? He writes with commanding vigor. Reminiscent of ‘Honor Thy Father,’ the gracious portrait of the Bonanno crime family by Gay Talese.”
-James H. Smith, a New England journalist for nearly 40 years and author of “A Passion for Journalism.”

“So much sets this book apart – the extraordinary tales it tells, its insider’s look at organized crime, and Louis Colavecchio's enormous affection for his characters. But the biggest surprise? I was held in total suspense by the technical sections. I never expected to be riveted by metallurgy . . . but I was.”
-Novelist Pam Lewis, author of “Speak Softly, She Can Hear” and “Perfect Family.”

“Riveting! Raises the bar for all future storytellers in this genre of wise guys and their adventures.”
-New York trial attorney Bruce Baron, frequent media commentator on outlets including MSNBC and Fox News.

“You Thought it Was More is not – thankfully – literary. It is, however, a tale told in a voice that rings true, very much in the aesthetic tradition of our best oral histories. Louis ‘The Coin’ Colavecchio would probably be right at home in a Studs Terkel book."
-Poet Jon Andersen, Professor Of English, Quinebaug Valley Community College, and author of “Stomp And Sing.”

“First off, how can you not love a book written by someone named Louis the Coin? It’s worth reading just to enjoy the names of the wiseguys! This is a must-read for anyone who loved Goodfellas, Casino and Bronx Tale! Louis took me so far into the Providence Mob that I thought I was a snitch! I’m still looking over my shoulder!”
-Mickey Sherman, criminal defense lawyer, CBS legal analyst and author of "How Can You Defend Those People?"

“It is fortunate … that he lived to tell the tale … Louis The Coin offers the novice the genuine article …”
-Lionel Bascom, Professor of Writing at Western Connecticut State University and author of “Rubouts” (Avon 1991) and “A Renaissance in Harlem: The Voices of a Lost American Community” (HarperTrade, 2001).

“Louis has nailed Rhode Island In The 1960s and 70s: Raymond, National Vending, the wise guys, the cars, the cash-carrying habits of certain individuals, travel tips in Italy and more.”
-Ed Dunn, retired newspaper editor, USA Today and The Norwich Bulletin.

“This tale gives you an unblinking look straight into the criminal mind.”
-Novelist Denning Powell, author of “Monkey Trap” and “Hiding Hand.”

Cool Justice Blog

Thank you @FranzDouskey @GatewayNewHaven & great library/ media staffs for hosting #moreCOOLJUSTICE

- photos by Aimee Fanning via Gateway CC



Gateway Prof Franz Douskey with Bonnie Foreshaw Dec. 1 following a presentation on The Politics of Justice. In her first speaking engagement since gaining freedom 12½ months ago, Foreshaw spoke about mistreatment of cancer patients and long-standing mold problems at the Niantic jail, aka York Correctional Institute. She urged students, faculty and staff to speak up for the voiceless. Discussions included Ferguson and the NYPD's fatal chokehold case.


Franz Douskey, Bonnie Foreshaw, Andy Thibault, Wilbert Guy, Sylva Greene and Dr. Clara Ogbaa, Gateway Library Director





Background







CBS Report on Bonnie Foreshaw case




WTIC podcast RayMan show 12-1-14

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Hartford Public Library event, developing ...


Jan. 29*, 2015, 7 p.m., Oliver Wolcott Library , Litchfield.
*Rescheduled from Jan. 15



moreCOOLJUSTICE Signed copy

Also available @ yr local bookstore



and

via

more COOL JUSTICE website

Flashback: 'The joint was jumpin' -Bob Thiesfield photo gallery #HickoryStickBookshop #moreCOOLJUSTICE 10-10-14

more COOL JUSTICE Facebook page

more COOL JUSTICE YouTube

Best book review ever

Cool Justice Blog

Boston Court Update via WhoWhatWhy.com Tsarnaev Tries To Move Bombing Trial Again

WhoWhatWhy Editor’s Note: The Boston Marathon bombing is much more important than has been acknowledged, principally because it is the defining domestic national security event since 9/11—and has played a major role in expanding the power of the security state …

It is highly unlikely that U.S. District Judge O’Toole will agree to a change of venue.

Complete Article

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WTIC 1080 Mornings With Ray segment on #moreCOOLJUSTICE gets into muckraking & notes upcoming appearances at Gateway CC, Oliver Wolcott Library, Hartford Public Library

This morning with Ray Dunaway, 12-1-14.

6:20- Jill Schlesinger, CFP® CBS News Business Analyst talks Money Week Ahead for 11-30-14

7:20- Mark Pazniokas, CT Mirror.org Political reporter is on the air… The Final Numbers are in and Malloy Won!

7:50- Denise Hornbecker, Channel 3 Kids Camp’s CEO is here to talk about this year’s Holiday Lights Fantasia.

8:50- Andy Thibault, will discuss his new book of witty, biting, on-the-mark columns, more… Get a look at [more] COOL JUSTICE.



WTIC more COOL JUSTICE Podcast today, 12-1-14

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Gateway CC event tomorrow, 12-2-14



Hartford Public Library event, developing ...



moreCOOLJUSTICE Signed copy

Also available @ yr local bookstore



and

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Cool Justice Blog

Developing: #moreCOOLJUSTICE working w/ @HPLCT on #MartinLutherKingDay – related event in January 2015

Watch the Hartford Public Library website

HPL

in coming weeks for details

HPL Facebook page

HPL Twitter

Special thanks to Jeff Mainville and Matt Poland



Some thoughts about The Politics of Racial Justice
In Hartford, CT

The racial component for the administration of justice in Hartford Superior Court is manifest in the Bonnie Foreshaw case.

Foreshaw, a native of Jamaica, had settled in Hartford where on her own she bought a house working as a shop steward at a factory in Bloomfield.

As noted in this CBS 880 News clip Foreshaw was grossly overcharged for an accidental shooting.

In addition, upon her arrest law enforcement authorities raided her some, found baking soda, said Rastafarians were present and were able to seize her house even though no drugs were present. These actions and others eliminated any chance for a fair trial.

This black mother who supported her children despite a lifetime of suffering sexual violence was given the longest sentence of any Connecticut woman – 45 years – for the premeditated murder of someone she had never met.

Experts including Judge Jon Blue, who presided over the Cheshire homicides, concluded the proper charge would have been manslaughter.

If Foreshaw had been convicted and sentence fairly, she might have gotten 20 years, out in 10.

Instead, she got out after 27 ½ years following published documentation of her unfair trial.

This would not have happened to a white person.


moreCOOLJUSTICE Signed copy

Also available @ yr local bookstore

and

via

more COOL JUSTICE website

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UPCOMING



Ray Dunaway @WTIC1080 8:50am Mon., Dec. 1
Followed by Gateway CC appearance with Bonnie Foreshaw





The Politics of Justice, Gateway Community College, Tues., 12-2-14




Jan. 15, 2015, 7 p.m., Oliver Wolcott Library , Litchfield.

Flashback: 'The joint was jumpin' -Bob Thiesfield photo gallery #HickoryStickBookshop #moreCOOLJUSTICE 10-10-14

more COOL JUSTICE website

more COOL JUSTICE Facebook page

more COOL JUSTICE YouTube

Best book review ever

Cool Justice Blog

Beardsley’s 1st impressions of #moreCOOLJUSTICE

From Beardsley:

“The dog programs were started in prisons so we could be the eyes and ears on behalf of those in the prison system. Teaching, nurturing and healing. Even dogs believe in more COOL JUSTICE!”

COOL JUSTICE EDITOR'S NOTE:

Beardsley initially shared these thoughts with author Barbara Parsons, winner of the PEN American/ Newman’s Own First Amendment Award and contributor to “Couldn’t Keep It To Myself” and “I’ll Fly Away.”


moreCOOLJUSTICE Signed copy

Also available @ yr local bookstore

and

via

more COOL JUSTICE website

Tweet

UPCOMING



Ray Dunaway @WTIC1080 8:50am Mon., Dec. 1
Followed by Gateway CC appearance with Bonnie Foreshaw





The Politics of Justice, Gateway Community College, Tues., 12-2-14




Jan. 15, 2015, 7 p.m., Oliver Wolcott Library , Litchfield.

Flashback: 'The joint was jumpin' -Bob Thiesfield photo gallery #HickoryStickBookshop #moreCOOLJUSTICE 10-10-14

more COOL JUSTICE website

more COOL JUSTICE Facebook page

more COOL JUSTICE YouTube Cool Justice Blog

more COOL JUSTICE to Byrd’s Books: I’ll be back

Cool Justice Editor's Note: After 3 seconds of deliberation, it was decided The Beatles were more mellow than Arnold ...






Byrd's Books Facebook page
Byrd's Books website

- Caption & photo 11-19-14 by Dave Bonan --

Andy's long awaited new book. "Is it okay if my lips move when I read out loud?"


Alice Hutchinson, a great host and owner of this fine indie bookstore


Donna DiMaio Rooney, a writer, publicist and former network TV producer, has been a friend of Cool Justice for many years


Donna joined her pal, marketing consultant Andee Reda, for some serious discussions and a few laughs

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UPCOMING



Ray Dunaway @WTIC1080 8:50am Mon., Dec. 1



The Politics of Justice, Gateway Community College, Tues., 12-2-14


Jan. 15, 2015, 7 p.m., Oliver Wolcott Library , Litchfield.

Flashback: 'The joint was jumpin' -Bob Thiesfield photo gallery #HickoryStickBookshop #moreCOOLJUSTICE 10-10-14

more COOL JUSTICE website

more COOL JUSTICE Facebook page

more COOL JUSTICE YouTube Cool Justice Blog