Pizzaboy, as a side note, I'm curious when you say that you speak Italian; I have always been interested in the broader Italian-American culture as well as the mob aspects.
As a part of the Italian diaspora, I also personally speak Italian, but I was wondering what the levels/rates of fluency really are in the north-east US and amongst the IA community? For example, did the kids in your neighbourhood speak the language, where did you pick it up from etc.?