The Coin Store: A True Story of Drug Cartels, Mobsters, Cops and Agents
Patrick Burns , Special Agent (Ret.) - 2016
He was the King of Cocaine, the wealthiest and most violent criminal in the world. By the 1980s his Medellin Drug Cartel was responsible for smuggling several tons of cocaine into America each and every day, killing thousands of people along the way. The end result was hundreds of millions of dollars in cash profits. In response, and as part of President Reagan’s War on Drugs, Congress created the Money Laundering Act of 1986. The goal was to take the profit out of Escobar’s business. And the plan was working. Drug Money seizures went up. But as U.S. Agents became more and more efficient at finding the dirty cash, stashed inside ship bellies and truck beds at America’s ports and land borders, Pablo and other Cartel leaders sought a more efficient method to get their money back to Colombia. They found the solution in an unlikely place, a dusty back room of a tiny, rare coin shop in the small town of Cranston, Rhode Island. The shop owner was a young, local mobster who had already been laundering much of the Mob's stolen gold. With a few minor adjustments, his coin shop evolved into a springboard for a new venture, a billion dollar money laundering scheme. The Italian Mafia's stolen gold was used to dispose of the Colombian Cartel's dirty cash. It was the perfect scheme, brilliant. As his customer base grew, the young mobster, known as Fat Man, a.k.a. Mr. Cash, set up a string of phony gold shops crisscrossing America. The end result was one of the world's largest, most efficient money laundering networks. By some accounts, Fat Man laundered more than a billion dollars of drug profits for Pablo Escobar and the other Cartel leaders. This is the true story of how it all happened. It is a step –by- step view of how the scheme worked and how it was ultimately uncovered. This story reveals conventional and at times unconventional tactics used by the government in its three-year, worldwide investigation. It is also a behind-the-scenes look at Fat Man himself and his crew, as well as the agents and cops who pursued them. It was unlikely that Fat Man, a small town gangster, would ever become an international money launderer for the Colombian Drug Lords. But what was more unlikely was the fact that it took a rookie agent to finally uncover the scheme. And more unlikely than that was the fact that the rookie agent was Fat Man’s neighbor. Both were born within just a few days from each other, grew up just a few miles from each other, lived in similar blue-collar neighborhoods and even lived in all but identical homes. And both were influenced, in very different ways, by the New England Mob, which was headquartered nearby on Federal Hill in Providence, RI. While Fat Man relished a life of crime, I dreamed of becoming an agent. In 1987, while his scheme originally went unnoticed, I was at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy in southern Georgia. One year after the new Money Laundering Law was created, I began work as a new U.S. Treasury Agent. My first post of duty was Providence, RI. My first assignment was to follow a lead, a suspicious cash deposit at a local bank. It was originally considered to be a dead end, “keep busy” work for a new, inexperienced agent with little to do. But that changed when I followed the lead to Fat Man’s Coin Store. This is how it all happened.
Summary: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo|Key Concepts in 15 Min or Less
La Moneda Publishing - 2017
This summary is concise and can be read in 15 minutes or less.
Amplify your knowledge, gain new perspectives and become a better, smarter you!
The Wright Brothers: by David McCullough | Summary & Analysis
aBookaDay - 2015
The Wright Brothers is an historical narrative that draws on extensive archival materials, personal journals, and public records to tell the story of the Wright brothers as men of incredible character and determination along the road towards their significant contributions to aviation history. The summary parallels the structure of the book which is divided into three parts. The first part explores the period of the boys’ childhood through their work on flight testing various models of gliders. The second part picks up with the addition of the engine to the Wright planes and traces the brother’s work through the early stages of powered flight, roughly 1903 to 1908. Part three follows the brothers, now globally famous, through the years when they captured the most attention for their accomplishments. A central aspect of this historical account is the development of Orville and Wilbur Wright as individuals who showed fierce determination in the face of relentless setbacks. It also sheds light on their private nature and their deep bond as brothers. McCullough is a two time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for other historical works, Truman and John Adams. He also won the National Book Award twice and is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His educational background includes a degree in English Literature from Yale University. He is also a well-known narrator, as well as previous host of American Experience. Read more....
Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace
Joseph M. Williams - 2012
A guidebook for those who want to write well.
Welcome to New Orleans...How many shots did you hear?: True stories working as a medic and a cop in and around the Big Easy
B.J. Schneider - 2015
Schneider recounts one hundred of the most remarkable events in his career. You will take a ride with him and his partners experiencing the highs of life saving action, the lows of losing friends on the job as well some of the most hilarious moments experienced by the men and women in EMS. Be there for major events such as Hurricane Katrina and Andrew, the crashing of the Ship Bright field and spend time with the medics of the New Orleans Health Department during some of the bloodiest years of the city’s history. In the end you will have laughed, cried and gained a deep respect for those that put their life on the line to save yours.
Knights of Black Swan, Books 13-15
Victoria Danann - 2019
Ever!" COURAGE NEVER GROWS OLD. Danann adds a tale of trial and triumph that proves two things once again. Black Swan heart can be expressed in four legged form. And there's no place like home. The Hawking family is at home at the Northern Ireland farm and wolf-dog kennel for Yuletide when Blackie goes missing. Instead of a joyous celebration of family and friends, Ram’s mate and elflings are beside themselves with fear and worry. As Song and Litha join the search, the story takes a turn into the dark world of dog fighting and the kidnapping of adult male dogs that match promoter criteria. Black Swan rarely gets involved in the mundane affairs of the world because that’s simply not their purpose, mission, or directive. But when Simon’s office is drowned in messages from retired knights insisting that Blackie is unofficially one of them and that an exception must be made, he relents and orders available personnel to assist B Team with a rundown. BOOK 14 TRESPASS Winner BEST SCI-FI FANTASY ROMANCE novel of the year!- The Paranormal Romance Guild Formerly published as Simon Says. New York Times bestselling author, Victoria Danann, introduces a new Black Swan series with this enchanting novella that will make you want to pack your bags and move to the world of Black Swan. "Adore this book." - Night Owl Reviews TOP PICK Rosie Storm is about to get the chance to head up a new Black Swan unit, D.I.T. The Department of Interdimensional Trespass. "Heart-warming, witty, quirky, a little racy and completely engaging!" - Amazon Reader Twenty years ago Sir Simon was a vampire hunter. He took three month's bereavement leave to go wild camping in the far north of Scotland following the death of his team leader. He expected solitude and fresh air to clear his mind and heart. He did not expect to fall in love. While wild camping on the stark landscape of the Orkney Islands, she disappeared into the standing stones. She faded into nothingness, a look of panic frozen on her face. As she reached out and silently called his name, he lunged to grab her an instant too late. Her memory has haunted him every hour since. Simon channeled his sorrow and loneliness into work until he eventually rose to the most powerful position ever held by an ex Black Swan knight. With tireless dedication, he built a congregation of talented misfits, watching and waiting for the one who could find Sorcha. BOOK 15 IRISH WAR CRY Torn Finngarick has finally met his match. CRAP IN A CAULDRON >b>What if you woke up to find you're no longer human? New York Times bestseller, Victoria Danann, author of Best Paranormal Romance Series the past four years in a row, continues the fast paced and breathlessly sexy adventures of D.I.T. Rosie hired Irish elf twins, Sheridan and Shivaun O'Malley for the newly formed Department of Interdimensional Trespass. They were wild and nearly feral, raised in the New Forest Preserve with no contact with the modern world until Black Swan made them the only female hunters other than Lady Elora Laiken. When Sher was assigned as Finngarick's partner, they were both stunned to find they weren't only partners, but fated mates.
Hands of an Angel, Mind of a Demon, Heart of a Saint: True Stories from a 10 Year Paramedic
David Chase Stone - 2017
This tell-all story will put you on the front line of the reality of street paramedicine. From gruesome and violent encounters to making split-second decisions which may have cost a life, experience the emotional struggle our responders have to deal with on a daily basis. Through the highs and lows of his career, ten-year Paramedic David Stone doesn't hold back as he tells of the circumstances which haunted him and eventually drove him out of the career... and why it was all worth it in the end. Ride front seat with this thrill-packed memoir encompassing over a decade of true stories from the medic who experienced it.
PREGNANCY: What You Need To Know When You're Expecting - The Complete Pregnancy Guide For Moms And Dads (Pregnancy Books) (Pregnancy Books for First Time Moms Book 1)
Jyothi Shenoy - 2016
Jyothi Shenoy explains EXACTLY what you need to do, why you need to do it, and when you need to do it...all in an easy to understand, step-by-step fashion. Inside this complete pregnancy guide, you will learn: - The 11 most important facts about pregnancy that all mom's and dad's need to know - The top 10 pregnancy myths - The most recent developments in obstetrics that will save you time and energy - The physical symptoms you will experience and the solutions - Dangerous pregnancy symptoms that should not be ignored - Diet and nutrition tips for a pregnant woman - Guidelines for safe exercises during pregnancy - How to handle the emotional roller coaster during pregnancy - The most current lifestyle trends in the pregnancy world - What’s hot and what's not for sex during pregnancy - How to juggle a busy career with your pregnancy - Travel tips for pregnant women - What a man needs to know about pregnancy - Safe skin-care products during pregnancy - What clothes you should and shouldn't wear during pregnancy - The packing list for the hospital or birth center
Worst Case Scenario - Book 3: The State
G. Allen Mercer - 2015
But, there is a greater danger to the two families than the deadline. The enemy is closer than they think, and the enemy is watching. The Burrows and the Tillers thought that they had eliminated the enemy at the battle for the pipeline terminal…but they were wrong.
AN OXFORD MYSTERY & ROMANTIC SUSPENSE FIVE-BOOK BOX SET five utterly gripping page-turners (Totally Fabulous Mystery and Suspense Box Sets 1)
Faith Martin - 2021
The Rule-Free Golf Swing: Improve your game with four simple pictures
Chris Riddoch - 2017
If you want to stop struggling with endless mechanical swing rules, and instead harness the power of your innate skill-learning systems, this book shows you how. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why trying to obey mechanical swing rules blocks your improvement Why forcing your body through endless angles, positions and movements is unnatural and ineffective That the swing is a skill performed by a human, not a set of mechanics performed by a machine How a skill-based approach is more effective than a mechanics-based approach How focusing on your skill allows improved mechanics to fall into place How to swap dozens of swing positions for just a handful of more effective images How to transfer the skill you develop during practice to the course How you will improve whatever your level: beginner, intermediate or expert
Stop fighting against millions of years of evolution!
The Burnside Mystery Series, Box Set # 3, Books 7-9 (The Burnside Mystery Series Box Set)
David Chill - 2019
Parker’s biting humor. Set in Los Angeles, the critically acclaimed and award winning Burnside Series delivers clever plots, crackling dialogue and fascinating characters! The 3 Novels In the next Burnside Mystery Series, Books 7-9 (Box Set # 3) Include: DOUBLE PASS TAMPA TWO FLEA FLICKER DOUBLE PASS (Book 7): Funds have been stolen from an elite Pasadena private school, and after bringing in P.I. Burnside to investigate, he uncovers far more. In addition to finding a tangled web of long-held secrets, a seemingly straightforward case of embezzlement suddenly evolves into a brutal series of killings. From seething rivalries to old resentments to sordid affairs, many suspects have a shady past to hide -- and a desperate reason to commit a capital crime. And through it all, a sordid betrayal from Burnside's own past continues to haunt him, waiting for an opportune moment to materialize. Double Pass leads readers down a trail of theft, murder and deceit, with sharply honed banter and strikingly original characters. It is a tightly written story that is loaded with both suspense and humor, as well as some jaw-dropping surprises! TAMPA TWO (Book 8): The teenage runaway who P.I. Burnside arrested a decade earlier for prostitution has returned to L.A. – and trouble is following her. Burnside made an enormous mistake in helping her, and he wound up losing his job as an LAPD officer as a result, along with his honor and reputation. But Judy has returned, and is desperate for Burnside’s help. Her life is in jeopardy, and she tries to persuade him to accompany her into a dangerous situation. While Burnside isn’t fooled this time, she still manages to involve him, and he quickly becomes a person of interest in a grizzly Santa Monica homicide. Tampa Two continues to showcase Burnside at his wise-cracking best, exchanging quips with an assortment of terrific characters. This well-crafted novel is the embodiment of the classic Southern California noir mystery. It is set against a Los Angeles backdrop, a city that many think they know, but few really do. With sharply honed dialogue and a compelling plot, this is a riveting story that is both captivating, and laugh-out-loud funny! FLEA FLICKER (Book 9): When a young football coach doesn’t come home one night, his beautiful young wife turns to Private Investigator Burnside to locate him. But things are not the way they seem in this marvelous page-turner, and a simple missing persons case evolves into a shocking murder. There are no shortage of suspects in this intricately woven story, and P.I. Burnside must overcome the many obstacles in his path to get to the truth that no one seems eager to learn. The 9th Burnside novel is a treat to read, as the story brings back some fascinating characters from Burnside’s past – as well as adding a host of new ones. And it wouldn’t be a Burnside novel without the smart mouthed gumshoe engaging in the sharp and cutting banter that has come to define this award-winning series. Read the entire Burnside Mystery Series: Book 1: POST PATTERN Book 2: FADE ROUTE Book 3: BUBBLE SCREEN Book 4: SAFETY VALVE Book 5: CORNER BLITZ Book 6: NICKEL PACKAGE Book 7
DOUBT: The Madeleine McCann Mystery (Gone Girl Book 1)
Nick van der Leek - 2017
We also know the original lead investigator, Goncalo Amaral’s, counter-narrative, now a legally defensible matter of public record. The questions that arise from these opposing narratives are dead simple: Which narrative is more credible? Which narrator is more credible? What was the motive behind all the publicity? Neither Madeleine nor her abductor ultimately benefited from the ongoing media barrage, so who did? True crime maestro, Nick van der Leek, plumbs quagmires of confusion and a thicket of thorny inconsistencies to probe what lies beneath: the psychologies. What is the significance of "doctors" as suspects? Did it matter or mean anything that the McCanns and their cabal of friends in the Algarve were mostly doctors? Peeling away the gossamer threads, over the course of just four days [April 29th – May 2nd], van der Leek intuits that very little was routine: not the weather, not where meals were eaten, not where or when they slept and not what they did as a family. But what were their routines when it came to other, murkier things, like sleeping patterns, cell phones and sedatives? Drawing intangibles out of the darkness, van der Leek sews the vexing loose ends from several conflicting stories into a definite - if not definitive - end-result.
Live While You Can: A Memoir of Faith, Hope and the Power of Acceptance
Tony Coote - 2019
Just a few short months later, he found himself confined to a wheelchair. But rather than succumbing to the darkness that threatened to overwhelm him in the days after his diagnosis, he drew on his powerful faith and unwavering belief in life and found a way to light, hope and acceptance.From growing up in Fairview, to serving in the dioceses in Ballymun and later Mount Merrion and Kilmacud, and his charity work while in UCD, Fr Tony takes us on the journey of his life and shows us how, through this devastating illness, he came to know the true meaning and nature of God's love.Sadly, Tony passed away on the 28 August 2019 but his memoir and his message of hope, strength and unwavering faith live on.'Our lives will never be measured in words spoken or success achieved but rather how we live and how our life has affected those around us.' Fr Tony Coote