Some actors from The Sopranos have won awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, et. al. At least one has achieved another kind of infamy. Federico Castelluccio, who played the Italian hit man Furio, has sold a painting inspired by the show for $175,000. The image, a variation on the famous 15th century dual portrait, Duke and Duchess of Urbino, is called The Duke and Duchess of North Caldwell. That would be Tony and Carmela Soprano of Caldwell, New Jersey.

Federico, who has no less that eight film roles to his credit for release this year, doesn't need to paint to pay the rent. He paints because he's an artist and -- clearly -- a good one. This original work was created after his appearance on the show. As Furio Giunta, the Italian made the mistake of becoming a wee bit too enamored with his boss's wife. Rather than stay in Jersey and potentially have an affair with Carmela, Furio returned to Italy and never came back -- as far as we know. David Chase may have a whole other story that was written and never filmed involving Furio. Chase is funny that way.

The countdown is under way; after almost two years, The Sopranos new season will be upon us in a scant 18 days (Yes, I'm counting, I'm having a party with a huge italian feast). Like most fans of the series, I devour every bit of  "The Sopranos knowledge" that HBO wants to drop on us. The past couple of seasons, the release of that season's poster has been the catalyst for massive amounts of speculation. Who's gonna die this year? Who's going to turn on the family? Look at the way the salt has spilled in front of Paulie! So, I'm sure it will be no different with the new poster that we've been sent by HBO. You may have seen it around so far, but check out our high quality version and let the speculation begin. A couple of things that I notice right off the bat, are obviously: A) Dr. Melfi, very ghostly in the reflection of the door. B) Silvio glaring and Christopher out of the corner of his eye, seem to be the only two looking at Tony and C) Bobby is the only person sitting  besides Tony. Does any of that mean anything? Probably not. It sure is fun to wonder though. Let's hear what you have to say.