And away we go ...

Games tonight! Games that mean something. Isn't that odd?

It means more fights for the clicker (after wresting control for a few days of Glorious Red Sox Victory) to see the Spurs get their rings and then to watch Mike James and Rafer Alston fight for playing time (wonder if there'll ever be a game where Rafer won't pass to Tracy, ala the good old Rafer-Jalen days over here).

AARON LYNETT/TORONTO STAR

Top Raptors rookies this season: Jamario Moon and Doug Smith's blog.

But first ...

This may tick off tens of you but, remember, there'll be no Nothing But (Inter)Net today, you get this instead.

But because we are truly a public service blog, how's an hour-long chat tomorrow sound to kick off the Raptor season, look ahead to the NBA season and, most likely, answer a Why Doesn't Jose Start Over T.J. question.

Just click here to send it along. But, remember, "Neither team would do it and it wouldn't fit under the salary cap, but what about" questions are virus producers.

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All you many Garbo lovers out there take heart.

Noticed when we got into practice yesterday that Garbo was, um, garbed in the same practice jersey as the rest of the second unit while Kris Humphries, he of the unCousy-like fast break, was with the third stringers.

That may mean nothing, but it could mean something and I'm told by people who were in the gym that Garbo was indeed ahead of Hump, for one day at least.

"More energy, looks like his old self"

was how one teammate described Garbo's work in practice of late, presume Sam and the coaching staff have noticed as well.

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Thanks for the myriad comments yesterday, soon as I can figure out how to make snarky comments in retort, I will.

Seriously, though, they are appreciated, sorta makes this getting-up-early thing worth it. Oh, that and getting to listen the offspring practice piano (Greensleeves repeatedly sure gets the morning off to a rousing start) and be bugged by the Energetic Puppy, that is.

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Plenty of you are wondering what the game ops situation's going to be like this year and, if you recall, the big news is Kanye West's 'Stronger' seems to be the intro music, as least as far as my good and cool young friend from The People's Wire Service has deduced.

But the Axe Dance Pak is done.

No, the Dance Pak's still there -- and it looks like they've got way more of them this year, unless they were just in pre-season mode and have to cut down before tomorrow night (don't imagine there are too many guaranteed contracts they've got to worry about buying out) -- it's just now The Irish Spring Dance Pak.

Yes, everything is for sale.

I figure the stuffed animal affectionately known as The Chicken will jump off a tramp and dunk, the four dudes in the corner will spin some platters and there will be hoopla to end all hoopla.

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There must be a few Phoenix Suns fans out there, right?

You might have more to cheer about this year if you've got a Raptor connection in your heart as well.

Sean Marks seems to have worked himself into the rotation there, he's got shooting range, energy and the Suns are apparently going to play more than six guys this year. Jalen was just a season too late, I guess.

Marks is a personal fave not because of anything he did on the court. During his stint in San Antonio, he gave us a fine restaurant recommendation during the finals one year -- at the Quarry Market way away from the over-crowded riverwalk -- and when representatives of Toronto, Philly, Minneapolis and New Jersey ended up there one night, a round of drinks presented itself, courtesy of Mr. Marks, who was at a table in the corner.

Booze from NBA players always makes the evening go better.

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Okay, time to make sure the backpack's packed, lunch is made including something that's remotely healthy and shuffle the offspring out the door.

Should check back in after practice to let you know if anyone's wearing any different colour jersey from yesterday

Smith