The many white-collar scams of Alfonso “Fonso” Gravenese finally brought him to his knees. He hired the best lawyers money could buy, and built a simple defense. “Sorry about that judge. You got me.” Since nobody could prove that any of the people that disappeared on his rise to the top, and his... Learn More

Alfonso “Fonso” Gravenese obsession with the accumulation of wealth knew few bounds. By the 1950’s he had scammed more than a half a billion dollars from government do-good programs. With that war chest, he would create the “Mona Lisa” of white-collar scams. Fonso traveled to developing third world countries like Egypt, Argentina,... Learn More

In 1939, at the age of 19, Lt. Lilia Litvyak did the unimaginable in the male-dominated. She became the world’s first female fighter pilot, was assigned to Russia’s elite, 73rd Air Squadron where she completed 268 missions, recorded 15 solo kills, and assisted on 22 others—records which stand to this day.   Lt. Lilia Litvyak,... Learn More

    “Fonso” Gravenese, a high school dropout from New York’s Little Italy, created a series of creative white-collar scams that ultimately manipulate the worldwide price of vegetable oil futures and shuts down the New York Stock Exchange. Before Fonso’s magnum opus, he and his buddies spent 30 years amassing a multi-billion-dollar chest by shortchanging... Learn More

During World War II every American contributed to the war effort by receiving and using ration stamps to ensure everyone shared the pain. But, there were those like Alfonso “Fonso” Gravenese and his Mafia cronies who made a handsome profit in the black marketing of goods and services through the use of... Learn More

Critically-acclaimed author, M.G. Crisci, Main Reception Hall, San Diego, CA M.G. Crisci’s debut selection at San Diego’s 53rd annual Author Showcase was Project Zebra—the top-secret story of a joint Russian-American military mission intentionally buried as classified. This year, Crisci’s latest book titled, She Said. He Said., has been made a featured selection at... Learn More

It was a simple, despicable, immoral, elegant scheme. Alfonso Alfonso” Gravenese, AKA The Salad Oil King, paid off government officials to get awarded contracts to provide underprivileged kids with a balanced free lunch. Then to reimburse himself for the bribes, and make a crapload of “bonus” profits, Fonso reduced his operating... Learn More

Alfonso “Fonso” Gravenese AKA The Salad Oil King, loved to gamble...on sure things. Growing up Yo-Yo contests were held daily in Little Italy. The entry fee was 5 cents per play. Fonso knew his opponents were bigger and older, but he had a streak of larceny in his ice water veins. Minutes... Learn More

Our wedding was a grand affair in Westchester County with over 200 family and friends. The best part? Our guests gave us over $4,000 in cash (which was a lot of money in 1964). It was off to island of Jamaica for our honeymoon the next day. So, the 22-year old... Learn More