Victor Boski's Publications

• The Soprano State: New Jersey’s Culture of Corruption November, 2010 by Victor Boski As a longtime resident of New Jersey, I have a strong interest in the often questionable politics that go on in our state. To learn more about my state’s political scene, I sometimes read political books. Published in 2010, and reviewed in journals such as the Economist, Bob Ingle and Sandy McClure’s The Soprano State: New Jersey’s Culture of Corruption, serves as a must-read for any New Jersey citizen. A New York Times bestseller, The Soprano State offers a lively glimpse at the real-life businessmen, politicians, and mobsters who have given politics in New Jersey its unique reputation. More than that, the book provides a no-holds-barred expose of politics, business, and economics in the Garden State, revealing a system perceived as beyond dysfunctional. In particular, the work traces long-standing connections between Mafia figures and political leaders since the 1960s. Unsurprisingly, The Soprano State features chapters with titles such as: “Lots of Power, Less Common Sense,” “All Aboard the Gravy Train,” and “Speaking Authoritatively: No Oversight.” Authors Bob Ingle and Sandy McClure both work as well-respected investigative reporters. Veteran journalist Bob Ingle has worked for The Associated Press, The Atlanta Constitution (now The Atlanta Journal-Constitution), and currently for the Gannett News Service. For more than 30 years, Sandy McClure has written New Jersey political stories for news organizations such as The Trentonian newspaper and the Gannett News Service’s New Jersey state bureau. In my opinion, The Soprano State’s website, at thesopranostate.com, provides a good introduction to New Jersey politics. In particular, the “update” section indicates that the political situation has not changed since the book debuted, and indeed, 2010 served up more allegations of bribes, fraud, and corruption. In late 2010, filmmakers released the first part of a documentary based on The Soprano State.

• Popular Types of Recreational Boats, Victor Boski November, 2010 By: Victor Boski To the boating enthusiast, few things prove more enjoyable than heading out on the open water. Recreational boating covers a wide range of activities, each with its own specialized type of watercraft. The following list includes a few common types of recreational boats: Fishing Boat – A perfect choice for seasoned fisherman and amateur anglers alike, the fishing boat proves ideal for a relaxing day on a lake. Because fishing involves a considerable amount of waiting, fishing boats are designed for optimum levels of comfort. Complete with ample leg room and comfortable seating, fishing boats also contain a large volume of storage space, ideal for extra tackle, bait, equipment, and even the occasional cold beer. Although most recreational fishing boats extend no longer than 50 feet long, commercial fishing boats can measure up to 100 feet in length Pontoon boats – An ideal choice for recreational boaters looking for a fun day on the water, pontoon boats are flat-bottomed vessels supported by floats on either side. While a pontoon boat can technically match the size of a raft or a houseboat, most recreational pontoons reach around 30 feet in length. Currently one of the most popular rental boat types in American freshwater, the pontoon boat contains a flat surface with ample storage and seating, making it a perfect choice for parties and casual boating. Sailboats – A classic symbol of romance and freedom, the sailboat requires a high level of skill to operate. Because the sailboat uses only the wind to power its journey, it requires a constant level of attention to navigate successfully. For those with the appropriate training, the sailboat represents the ultimate in relaxation and escape. Houseboats – Designed for extended lengths of time on the water, houseboats essentially act as a home on the water. Fully equipped with bathrooms, bedrooms, and a kitchen, houseboats can serve as a floating home for days or years at a time. Popular among families and college students, many wealthy retirees also choose to travel the world on houseboats during their golden years.

• David Cay Johnston's Free Lunch, Victor Boski December, 2010 by Victor Boski As Co-Owner and Founder of National Industry Supply, LLC, it is important that I remain educated about changes in the financial climate, economic principles, and general state of monetary affairs. I try to read about these topics in both periodicals and informative non-fiction books. Both insightful and well-written, Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Americans Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (and Stick You with the Bill) is a valuable read from author and Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter David Cay Johnston. Free Lunch is informative and thought provoking. The book raises valid questions about the distribution of wealth in our society, as well as how the people at the “top” are using those funds. The piece begins in the Reagan years, and provides a close examination of financial manipulation on many levels. Each argument is supported by data, and David Cay Johnston covers a host of topics, among them unfair business subsidies, untaxed off shore profits, unregulated industries, and immoral outsourcing practices. A shocking read, Free Lunch reveals questionable behavior within a number of American industries, from health care to professional sports. I recommend Free Lunch because it provides a thorough portrait of American finances and socio-economics; the book urges readers to educate themselves on the ever-widening disparities between the middle and upper class. In addition to providing countless facts, David Cay Johnston offers a well-formed solution to the current issues in the United States. A regarded journalist, David Cay Johnston formerly acted as a tax reporter with The New York Times and presently writes a number of columns including “By the Numbers” in The Nation and “Johnston’s Take” in Tax Analysts.

• Popular Types of Recreational Boats, Victor Boski December, 2010 Victor Boski To the boating enthusiast, few things prove more enjoyable than heading out on the open water. Recreational boating covers a wide range of activities, each with its own specialized type of watercraft. The following list includes a few common types of recreational boats: Fishing Boat – A perfect choice for seasoned fisherman and amateur anglers alike, the fishing boat proves ideal for a relaxing day on a lake. Because fishing involves a considerable amount of waiting, fishing boats are designed for optimum levels of comfort. Complete with ample leg room and comfortable seating, fishing boats also contain a large volume of storage space, ideal for extra tackle, bait, equipment, and even the occasional cold beer. Although most recreational fishing boats extend no longer than 50 feet long, commercial fishing boats can measure up to 100 feet in length Pontoon boats – An ideal choice for recreational boaters looking for a fun day on the water, pontoon boats are flat-bottomed vessels supported by floats on either side. While a pontoon boat can technically match the size of a raft or a houseboat, most recreational pontoons reach around 30 feet in length. Currently one of the most popular rental boat types in American freshwater, the pontoon boat contains a flat surface with ample storage and seating, making it a perfect choice for parties and casual boating. Sailboats – A classic symbol of romance and freedom, the sailboat requires a high level of skill to operate. Because the sailboat uses only the wind to power its journey, it requires a constant level of attention to navigate successfully. For those with the appropriate training, the sailboat represents the ultimate in relaxation and escape. Houseboats – Designed for extended lengths of time on the water, houseboats essentially act as a home on the water. Fully equipped with bathrooms, bedrooms, and a kitchen, houseboats can serve as a floating home for days or years at a time. Popular among families and college students, many wealthy retirees also choose to travel the world on houseboats during their golden years.

• Crossroads Christian Academy February, 2011 As a former board member and volunteer at Crossroads Christian Academy, Victor Boski of Middlesex, New Jersey, upholds the private Christian school’s ideals and beliefs in his everyday life. Having led Crossroad’s Parent Teacher Fellowship and instructed Bible studies at the school some 30 years ago, Victor Boski continues to pass on the lessons of Crossroads Christian Academy to his grandchildren. Crossroads Christian Academy belongs to an international family of learning centers through its affiliation with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). In recent years, ACSI has partnered with leading companies and non-profit organizations to appoint experienced academic directors in order to offer more programs and opportunities to Christian students around the globe. In November 2010, ACSI announced partnerships with i-SAFE, a nonprofit developer of Internet safety guides, and Konica Minolta, a manufacturer of office equipment. California-based i-SAFE now provides ACSI’s 5,300 member schools with print and digital lesson materials outlining responsible Internet usage. Through the Japanese firm Konica Minolta, ASCI schools have access to high quality bizhub printing platforms. Since the founding of ACSI, the organization has relied on the leadership of top-performing education administrators. ACSI named Jerome Bowen as the new director of the Rocky Mountain Region in 2010. Bowen earned the promotion after operating as the region’s associate director for 11 years. In early 2009, ACSI selected Dr. Brian Simmons, former vice president of university relations at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), to serve as the association’s new president. In addition to overseeing IWU’s government, alumni, and church affiliations before joining the ACSI, Dr. Simmons headed fundraising for the university and taught graduate courses, all of which made him a prime candidate for the job.

• Activities to Do While Boating, Victor Boski's Blog on Bigsight March, 2011 What can you do on a boat besides sail? Plenty. Plan one or more of these fun activities for the next time you cast off. 1. Do Other Hobbies Boating is a fine hobby in and of itself, but why not engage in other pursuits while out on your boat? Find a quiet place to settle, drop the anchor, and read a book, do some writing, or listen to music. You can also bring along friends and play cards or chat. 2. Go Swimming Wear a bathing suit under warmer clothes to make it easy. Find a good place to anchor your boat, pull off your outer clothing, and hop into the water for a dip. Make sure you are familiar with the region first, as some waters prove too dangerous in which to swim. 3. Explore Different Places Some people like to roam on the water, while others prefer getting out of the boat and exploring the terrain. Plan a trip with the purpose of finding a place you have never visited. Then pack your gear, ready your boat, and set sail for your destination. If your itinerary involves heading ashore, find a safe spot at which to moor before disembarking and seeing what the land offers. 4. Plan a Date Sitting on the water and partaking in wine and dinner by candlelight makes for a quiet, romantic getaway. Put together a picnic, buy your significant other’s favorite vintage, and then invite him or her for a date. (Make sure you know your state’s boating laws, especially about the use of alcohol while on the water.) 5. Catch Fish Bring along fishing gear, find a good spot, and then cast your line and kick back for relaxation and a good time.

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