I'll definitely skip the bowdlerized A&E version. I've heard so many good things about the series that I think it's worth holding out until I can see it on DVD or someone sends me VHS tapes from HBO.

Case in point: I have the book Donnie Brasco. Thought it was superb - one of the best Mob books I've ever read. Never saw the movie. Then, a few days ago, it aired on CourtTV (a commercial station). Well, believe me, they absolutely eviscerated it! Dialogue redubbed, scenes ending abruptly with fadeouts added, the whole Japanese restaurant scene missing, etc.

I was so upset (read: foaming at the mouth) that I went onto Half.com and found a very good deal on the Special Edition DVD. And, for good measure, I bought Pistone's other book The Way of the Wiseguy.

You see, I do not buy DVD's (though maybe I should start). The only DVD player I have is my computer. But, I was that enraged. I was a real schmuck on wheels for watching Donnie Brasco on a commercial TV station.

So, I guess I'll wait a little longer and see The Sopranos as it was meant to be seen.

Signor V.

"For me, there's only my wife..."

"Sure I cook with wine - sometimes I even add it to the food!"

"When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?"

"It was a grass harp... And we listened."

"Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?"

"No. Saints and poets, maybe... they do some."