For the past few months … anytime a discussion has turned to the city of New Orleans … and the NBA returning to the Crescent City after a brief stint in Oklahoma City … I stated emphatically that I thought the league made a mistake in coming back. 

However, now that I have actually visited New Orleans … I think I’m singing a different tune.

While I still believe that Oklahoma City is a better market for basketball (economically, if nothing else) … it’s nice to know that folks in N.O. have reason to “believe” again. 

After Hurricane Katrina … businesses left … families left … a city all-but left. 

And while folks may not have a lot of disposable income to spend on basketball or football tickets, teams like the Hornets and Saints (NFL) give a small sense of hope … and a brief escape from “reality” a few times each week. 

I’m sure a lot of people in New Orleans have MUCH greater worries than whether or not the Saints or Hornets win or lose, but their presence in both the NFL and NBA gives the city a bit of an identity again.  It puts the Louisiana city back on the map again … and it gives potential tourists a reason to continue to come here as well — other than simply to experience Bourbon Street!

Unfortunately, the team may be relocated again in a few short years … because … afterall … this is still a BUSINESS … and ownership can’t continue to invest in the Hornets and get no bang for their buck.  Feel-good story or not, nobody is in business to lose money.  So if the community can’t support their team … they will risk losing them. 

But as long as the NBA *IS* in town … I’ll now throw my support behind the cause.  I don’t want this to be my last trip to New Orleans.  I want to be coming here long enough to see the city rise again.

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

Following a great win on Friday night in San Antonio … Toronto was hoping for 2-straight in Texas … and a big boost of momentum going into their final game of 2007 – in New Orleans – on New Year’s Eve.

But that storyline didn’t play out for the Raps … as their offense looked … well … offensive … on Saturday night. 

Toronto coughed-up a 5-point lead late in the first half – allowing Houston to score five points in less than :20 seconds – and they walked into the break knotted-up at 40. 

And that was it.

The Rockets came out in the 2ND half with a much more determined effort.  Yao Ming – after struggling to get going in the 1ST half (thanks to some solid D off Toronto’s bench by Rasho Nesterovic) – was a one-man wrecking crew at times … finishing the game with 25 points and 11 rebounds.  And though the big man had a whopping 8 turnovers in the game, he showed off a pretty decent handle as well … passing out of double-teams time and time again … tallying 3 assists in just under 42 minutes of action.

Those double-teams – and Yao’s passing – proved even more dangerous given the way the Rockets were shooting from the outside.  They finished at 46% from 3PT range – including 5 of 6 from distance from former Raptor, Rafer Alston.  Alston had 18 points, 5 assists, and 1 turnover in 33 minutes.

The Raptors were outscored 51-39 in the 2ND half of the ball game … and though they held the Rockets to under 40% from the field, Toronto went on to lose … 91-79.

With Friday’s win over the Spurs, the Raps have guaranteed themselves of a record no worse than .500 heading into 2008.  16-16 or 17-15 would be a solid start for T.O. given the injuries and issues they’ve had to deal with over the first two months of the season. 

But Chris Bosh has got to get it going.  That’s not to say “it’s all on him right now” … but the All Star forward has struggled mightily over his past two games.  Though he had a double-double against the Rockets (19 points, 12 rebounds) … CB4 was just 7 of 20 from the field and he couldn’t seem to get anything off against Houston’s Chuck Hayes.  After posting a career-high 42 points in Phoenix just before Xmas, Bosh has shot 12 of 36 over his last 2 games … a mere 33% from the field.

After the loss to the Rockets, Bosh went into Sam Mitchell’s office for a private 1-on-1 that last a good 20+ minutes.  And that meeting followed a 30+ minute team ‘meeting’.  Normally Mitchell chats with the media about 15 minutes after a ball game, but last night it was 50+ minutes before he held court with the scribes … after lecturing his team about their effort.

Both Mitchell and Bosh said the meeting(s) was good … as they cleared the air about the lack of aggression that seems to be plaguing the Raps’ offense this season.  And Bosh said he knows he has to start carrying more of the load as the “leader” of this team … not only offensively … but … “vocally” as well — both on and off the floor.

We’ll see how it translates in New Orleans tomorrow.

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

With every year that passes … there are more and more “former Raptors” scattered around the NBA … and this week provides T.O. with a chance to catch-up with some old faces.

Last night … it was Matt Bonner.  And what a pleasure it was to sit down with Matt for a few minutes prior to the game … and chat about his Championship run last year with the Spurs.  Post-game … despite the surprising loss for San Antonio … Bonner was still in good spirits … joking with me about his run-in with official Bob Delaney.  Delaney slapped a technical foul on Bonner after he elbowed and then stared-down Raptors’ forward, Andrea Bargnani.  Bonner told me he was merely ‘telling’ Bargs … “hey, I’m not backing down from you” … after Andrea got a little physical with the Red Rocket on the previous possession at the other end of the floor.  Anyway, Delaney didn’t like Bonner’s retaliation … so he issued the “T”.  In fact, based on the way Matt told the story, it sounds like he almost got run from the game … ’cause Delaney felt that Bonner was going to fight Andrea!  However, any worries of a potential dust-up were squashed by Bonner ASAP … when he told Delaney “I just bought a new house man … I can’t AFFORD an ejection!”

Tonight, “Old Home Week” continues with Rafer Alston, Tracy McGrady, and Mike James.  I just chatted with James at the Toyota Center and he was smiling from ear to ear when talking about his new daughter — his fourth girl — and his “boys” … the clan of pit-bulls that roam around his Houston mansion.

James – never at a loss for words … and never shy on ‘confidence’ either – admitted that he’s “very surprised” by the Rockets’ record this year and he figured the team would be a lot better than what they’ve shown thus far.  He also hinted that while he’s not thrilled about his playing time being down a bit this year … he knows he has to stay positive and remain a professional … while trying to learn the ropes under a new coach (Rick Adelman) as well.

The New York native said he still has fond memories of Toronto and the breakout season he had with the Raps.  He still keeps in touch with some of his former T.O. teammates … including All Star, Chris Bosh.

Finally, the road trip will be capped-off by a showdown with Morris Peterson and the New Orleans Hornets on New Year’s Eve.  It’ll be the first time the Raps and Bugs have hooked up since Mo left Toronto this past summer. 

I always had a great relationship with Peterson – one of the few Raptors that knew me from Day 1 – so I’m looking forward to catching up with the Michigan State grad. 

Mo was – and is – an approachable, likable kind of guy … and it’s that personality that I think won him over with the media just as much as it did with the fans.  Given the sour note that things ended on with Vince Carter, I would argue that Mo Pete may be the most “popular” Raptor in franchise history …. and I expect he’ll be given a loud ovation (probably a STANDING ovation) when he comes back to Toronto with his Hornets in 2008.  Other than Jerome Williams, Peterson could be the first former Raptor to not be “booed” in his return to T.O.!

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

If you’ve been to any arena, stadium, or park around the NBA, NFL, NHL or MLB … you’ve probably noticed certain sections in the stands that are labeled under a player’s name.  For example:  “Mo’s Maniacs” … or … “Ben’s Buddies”.  Basically, an athlete – like Morris Peterson or Ben Roethlisberger – will buy a certain amount of seats for each game … in a certain section … and donate those tickets to a local charity or youth group.

Well, in San Antonio, one of those sections is “Fabri’s Friends” – an area of the arena funded by the generosity of Spurs forward Fabricio Oberto.

However, just beside Oberto’s seats … is something you’d probably only see from one-time Raptor, Matt Bonner.  There is no play-on-words for Bonner’s tickets.  There is no alliteration.  If you’re lucky enough to be a guest of the Red Rocket at a Spurs’ game … you’re sitting in “BONNER’S WICKED AWESOME SECTION”.

Hilarious.

Given that his favorite movie (or at least ONE of his favorites) is “Napolean Dynomite”, I’d expect nothing less from Bonner.  And it’s that sense of humor that I miss.  There are some great personalities on the Raptors’ roster … and some good guys to deal with overall … but none are quite as quirky as the redhead from Concord, New Hampshire.

Bonner was used sparingly during the Spurs’ championship run last year.  He averaged just over 11 minutes per game – well below his career average of 18:00 … and the 20:00+ his tallied during his two years in Toronto.

But this season … despite how well they continue to play as a team … the Spurs have been ravaged by injuries … and as a result … Bonner has been thrust into duty that much more.  He’s rebounding the ball better than he ever has (3.8 per game) and his scoring (6.4 PPG) is just off his career average of 6.7.

Bonner should see those totals increase a bit more as well … given that he’ll likely play a greater role for the Spurs for at least the next couple of weeks … with Brent Barry sidelined with a left calf injury.

When I see Matt at the arena tonight, I will not only ask him about the “Wicked Awesome” section, but I will also find out why he finally decided to shave off his god-awful red beard; a beard (a ‘look’) he admittedly stole from me.

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

We started with a bang last Thursday – in the first-ever edition of “E’s Mail“.   

Well, the new tradition continues.  Every Thursday I will answer 3 of the top inquiries I’ve received over the last week.   

The only thing I ask is:  (a) Try to keep your comments/questions as brief as possible, (b) include your name and location, and (c) be respectful. 

Let’s get rolling … 

QUESTION:  Everyone knows we need to get play in the paint but Sam Mitchell just pays it lip service.  In as long as I have watched Sam Mitchell and the Raptors we get almost no easy baskets.

Andrea Bargnani could change all of that. 

We will never have a great team until we have plays that use all the talents of the players we have … including Kris Humphries - our wonderful BEAST who gives us the physicality we need and love.If Andrea simplified his game to a Humphries game … we would have a much better team.    (Note:  This email was edited due to its length.  No pertinent information was deleted though) 

Miles from Toronto 

ANSWER:  As a guy that follows this team on a daily basis … I can say … Sam Mitchell rarely pays mere ‘lip service’ to anything.   But you make some valid points otherwise.  Bargnani has a lot of talent … and I won’t judge him on this funk that he’s been in.  He can and will do more.  And the opportunity is knocking for him … now that he’s been re-inserted into the starting line-up.   

He’s only 27 games into his second season.  The leash should be a lot longer for this guy … but many people aren’t giving him that kind of slack. 

—– 

QUESTION:  I am worried about Anthony Parker like everyone else.  He just doesn’t seem to be the same player as he was.  I think it’s a combination of his losing a slight step and players figuring him out a bit.  I actually noticed that a bit in last year’s playoffs where Vince pretty much had his way with AP.  I think AP is an OK defender but he’s not a physical defender which hurts him sometimes.  I think either he’s enduring an injury we don’t know about or he’s lost something.  I hope it is the latter for sure.    

(Note: This email was edited due to its length.  No pertinent information was deleted though) Colin from Calgary 

ANSWER:  I think you’re being hard on AP.  He’s a legit, Top-10 3PT threat in the NBA.  He can slash.  He has a decent handle.  And on “D” … he may not be a lockdown guy … he may not be the same kind of defender as a guy like Jamario Moon or Carlos Delfino … but … I’d put him amongst the top 3 defenders on the Raps … and I don’t think his defense LOSES any games for the Raps.

Your hunch about his health is right though.  Parker is not 100%.  Bryan Colangelo stated about a week ago – and I can confirm this as well – that AP is dealing with a slight groin strain.  He’s been playing with his upper-leg wrapped for the better part of a few weeks now.  Obviously the injury isn’t TOO bad though … considering Parker has been able to play through it and stay on the floor for significant minutes for the Raptors.   

Statistically, AP is down about a point-and-a-half per game this year (12.4 in 2006-07 versus 10.7 this season) … and about a half-an-assist (2.1 in 2006-07 versus 1.6 this season).  His rebounding numbers (3.9 per game) are exactly the same.  And it should be noted that in 29 games thus far this season … Parker is averaging more than 4 minutes LESS per game.   

—–

QUESTION:  I was at the game last night (Friday Dec. 21) and I left disappointed.  It’ll probably be the only Raps game I see in person this year, and living in a Vancouver without an NBA team sucks … Bad.  Hopefully one day they bring a team back here. 
 
Anyway, we were sitting near you and Jones last night when my girlfriend observed how well the “radio guys” dressed.  Typical of a woman to make that kind of observation.  We then got in to a whole discussion about best-dressed Raptors, and we had you pegged number 3 behind Sam, and BC.  Not bad for a “Radio Guy”.  LOL.  Merry Christmas and keep up the great work.
 
Mark from Vancouver 

ANSWER:  You should have come over and said Hello.  Tell your girlfriend … thanks!  Not bad company for me … behind Sam and BC.  I’ll take that!  And I know their budget for suits is more than mine.  But I’ve got to give a big shout-out to not only Korry’s on the Danforth, but my main man – John Mathioudakis – as well.  John runs “Westbrooke of Ancaster” (283 Wilson Street East, Ancaster) and he’s primarily responsible for my look.  I’ll take credit for the ties though!   

You’re bang-on about wanting the NBA back in Vancouver.  As I wrote in a blog earlier in the week, it’s a travesty that BC lost its Grizzlies franchise.  The worst trade in NBA history was Memphis for Vancouver.   If the NBA can “go back” to Charlotte and New Orleans for a 2^ND time … I see no reason why – one day – the league can’t return to Vancouver as well!  I hope it happens.   

—–

Thanks for the emails folks.  Keep them coming at ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com and check back next Thursday for more of E’s Mail. 

If your question/comment doesn’t appear in this space, know that I read and respond to every submission I receive.  Don’t forget to include your name and location. 

Thanks.

 E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com 

Blogging on Christmas Day.  I need my head checked. 

How happy do you think the Lakers are right now?  Not only are they 18-10 (just one game behind the Phoenix Suns (19-9)), but LA is witnessing Andrew Bynum’s coming out party this season. 

Not long ago, many (including me) were criticizing the Lakers’ management team for not pulling the trigger on a deal with the NJ Nets that might have brought Jason Kidd to town – in exchange for Bynum.  And while LA’s reluctance to trade the big man may have angered Kobe Bryant at first, even the Black Mamba has to admit that the young center is looking pretty damn good these days!

Bynum is averaging a double-double this season and he’s coming off a career-day on Xmas Day versus Phoenix.  With a star swing man and an emerging stud in the middle … the Lakers seem to be headed down the right path. 

Factor-in the somewhat surprising performance of Jordan Farmar and the veteran presence and experience of Derek Fisher, and the point guard situation in Los Angeles isn’t looking so bad anymore.

Thus, despite the rumors that are still swirling out there RE: Kidd being on the market and eying a deal with the Lake-Show, LA’s brass has got to be even more gun-shy about a trade now.  The older Kidd gets … the less attractive he becomes — because of injury concerns and a potentially-declining return. 

If the Lakers wanted Kidd, the Nets would certainly still be asking for Bynum in return.  Why would they want somebody like Lamar Odom if they already have Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter?  And who else on LA’s roster would interest New Jersey if they were dealing a player of Kidd’s calibre? 

Luke Walton?  Sasha Vujacic? 

Not likely.

The Lakers would be better-served to hold on to Bynum and continue to roll the dice with their PG slot as-is.  Perhaps they could get Kidd at a cheaper price next season – when he’s in the final year of his contract – or wait til the following season and go after him as a free agent … if he still has anything left in the tank.

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

Blogging on December 24TH — THAT is dedication, baby!

Just a quick note to pass along a Merry Christmas … to those that celebrate.  And for those of you that aren’t celebrating Xmas … well … Happy Holidays!

The Raptors are off for a few days … and that may just be what the doctor ordered for this club … after suffering through a disappointing 1-3 road trip.  With many people (including me) thinking the last west-coast swing was a chance to put a nice string of wins together … losing 3 of 4 had to be a big letdown for Sam Mitchell and his crew.

And the task won’t get any easier for the 15-14 Raptors after Xmas … as T.O. will travel to Texas on Boxing Day to face the Spurs on the 28TH and the Rockets on the back-to-back on the 29TH.  They’ll then close-out 2007 with a game against the New Orleans Hornets on New Year’s Eve.

If Toronto can get at least 1 win in those 3 games … they’ll finish no worse than .500 (16-16) for the first 2 months of the season and they’ll be in decent position in the East for their final 50 games of the season.  As I’ve said before, with the injuries to Garbo, Bosh, Nesterovic, and Ford … that wouldn’t be a bad spot for the Raps to be in entering 2008.

Hopefully by the time those games roll around … Santa will have left some defence under the tree for the Raptors … ’cause they need it!  T.O. has gone from a top-10 “D” to a crew that is now in the bottom half of the league … after getting greased in Portland, Seattle, and Phoenix.

Again, Happy Holidays folks.  All the best.

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

I’m the first one in line; in a line full of those that are guilty of getting ahead of themselves … assuming that the Raptors would have an ‘easier’ time with the likes of Portland and Seattle … as opposed to the tougher games that come later in this trip against Phoenix (tonight), San Antonio, and more.

Sam Mitchell called the Raptors defence “awful” last night … and I can’t think of a better word.

While I was impressed with the Sonics’ overall talent, there’s no disguising the fact that this was the 2ND worst team in the NBA – a *7* win team – and Toronto let one get away. 

I love the young core of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and even folks like Wally Z, Johan Petro, and Nick Collison.  Seattle has a solid nucleus.  But if the Raptors want to be a top-tier team in the East (or even in the NBA) they cannot afford to have defensive lapses like last night – and Wednesday night in Portland as well.

On paper, this team should be 3 and 0 right now.  A 3-1 road trip was entirely plausible.  However, the REALITY now is that Toronto could go into the Xmas break with 3 losses in 4 games out west.  That’s not exactly the ‘Christmas Cheer’ this team was looking for.

The only way the Christmas spirit could return to this club is if they pulled off some sort of minor miracle tonight against the Suns.  But given the fact that Toronto has been blitzed by the Blazers and Sonics in their past two games … and … given the fact that T.O. checked-in to their hotel at 4am last night (well, this morning) … the odds seem stacked against them against the high-octane Suns.

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

Well, the theory of winning the first three games of this current road trip is out the window … given the unfortunate result in Portland on Wednesday night.  But Toronto still has a chance to finish this 4-game swing at 2 and 2 at the very least.  Tonight’s game against the Sonics is definitely winnable … despite the presence of future star, Kevin Durant.

If the Raptors can get this game tonight, they’ll put themselves in position to be no worse than .500 heading into 2008.  As I stated in my previous entry the other day, given the injuries to Chris Bosh, Jorge Garbajosa, Rasho Nesterovic, and TJ Ford … a .500 record after 32 games would be more-than-acceptable in my eyes. 

And in a way … the above comment is based on a rather pessimistic approach.  Despite the fact that – after tonight – Toronto faces 4 tough games in Phoenix, San Antonio, Houston, and New Orleans … there’s no reason to think that the Raps couldn’t squeeze a split out of that 4-game stretch as well.  If the Rockets have to go at it without Tracy McGrady, that bodes well for T.O.  Heck, the Raptors have beaten Houston already this season so why not make it a 2-game sweep?

Plus, the Hornets have come back down to earth a little bit.  They’re not striking fear in opponents as much as they were in the early parts of the season.  Chris Paul is a monster talent and New Orleans has a lot of size up front with David West and Tyson Chandler, but I think Toronto can match-up well against the Bugs.  It might all come down to which team is more focused — not looking ahead to the New Year’s Eve bashes!

But the key is tonight’s game against the Sonics.  This game could make or break this pre-Christmas trip.  T.O. cannot afford a letdown in this game. 

And personally, it’s good to be back in Seattle … despite the rain.  I love this city.  It would be terrible if the Sonics had to pack-up and move from here.  However, if they do … I’d love (in a dream world) if they simply traveled about 3 hours north and set-up shop in Vancouver.  BC deserves to have a team back and a potential move of the Sonics makes too much sense!

There are rumors flying around now that Seattle could be moved to Oklahoma City and then the New Orleans Hornets would eventually be relocated to Seattle.  And the constant rumblings of Las Vegas and Kansas City won’t go away either.  But why Vancouver isn’t mentioned in those conversations is beyond me.  It’s a world-class, multicultural city … with a strong base and passion for basketball.  Factor-in the strong state of the Canadian dollar as well … and there’s no reason why Vancouver wouldn’t work the second time around.

If the NBA can “go back” to cities like Charlotte and New Orleans … they should really look closely at returning to western Canada as well.

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

Here it is folks … the 1^ST ever edition of “E’s Mail”.  Thanks to emailer, Richard, for the brilliant suggestion on the name! 

I’ll still be blogging for the FAN every day in this space – bringing the online, written version of The Rap to you as often as possible.  But starting today, a new tradition begins.  Every Thursday I will reach into the mailbag (okay – the Inbox) and respond to three of the top inquiries I receive over the course of the week. 

Let’s get started …  

QUESTION:  Hey Eric….. Calderon is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. Can the Raps afford to resign him? He’s sure to cash in huge somewhere. Do you think they’ll trade him before the deadline? Jeff N. 

ANSWER:  No, I don’t see the Raptors trading Jose Calderon.  Even if their socks were blown off by some sort of incredible, outrageous deal … Toronto has to be concerned about unloading a PG while TJ Ford is still sidelined.  Until such time as Ford is health and back in the line up, Calderon is going nowhere. 

Plus, I don’t think Jose is going anywhere, period.  At any point.  Calderon is a RESTRICTED free agent (not UNrestricted) and I can’t imagine the Raptors not matching any offer that comes in for him. 

QUESTION:  Hey Eric … big fan … keep up the great work.  What’s your opinion on the Western Conference teams having an advantage on eastern road trips because of the time difference?  They always play at a time that they would otherwise normally be awake anyway (except for afternoon tip offs). On the flip side Eastern teams play out west when their bodies are saying it’s time to relax. What if the league flipped conferences one year, do you think there would be a difference? Chaminda from Richmond Hill 

ANSWER:  I’m not really sure what you mean by “flipping conferences”.  You can’t switch time zones, right!  We can’t just pack up LA and move it to NY.  And we can’t tell Portland to pretend it’s 7pm Eastern instead of 4pm Pacific.  So I’m not sure what you mean exactly.  However, you do make a solid point about the East teams having a bit of a tougher time.  I can tell you – first hand – how tough the travel is for the first couple of days of a west coast trip.  The body doesn’t adjust to the 3-hour time difference all that quickly.  It takes a few days.  And when there are back-to-backs involved (as Toronto has this week) it takes an even greater toll on the body ’cause there is truly NO time to rest and reset the clock (literally and figuratively).   

That said, 1pm games on Sunday – when Toronto is hosting a team from the west – are HUGE advantages for T.O. … so I think it all evens out in the wash. 

QUESTION:  Hi Eric.  I enjoy your work.  Long time listener.  I must say, I am VERY disappointed with Andrea Bargnani. His progress has been down hill almost all season.  It doesn’t even look like he wants to play! He’s scared and lost on the court Eric. I swear I’ve seen better amateurs then this guy as of late. He has easily been the worst raptor all season.  Andrea is really looking at becoming one of the worst ever 1st overall picks. Right now, I’d rather have a 2nd rounder from that same draft than this scrub. Theo. 

ANSWER:  Personally, I think there are two things at play right now – and I think they both coincide with one another.  (1) Andrea may not be 100%.  He’s healthy enough to play, no doubt.  The doctors and trainers wouldn’t let him on the floor if he was doing any damage to himself or to the team.  However, I think the hyper-extended knee is still causing him some issues … even if it’s only ‘mental’.  And that leads me to my second point.  (2) Bargnani’s confidence has taken a hit.  As he has struggled to find his game since returning from injury … he has struggled to find (and make) his shots as well.  And as he struggles to get his head straight and contribute offensively … he starts thinking instead of playing. 

That’s my two cents.  I don’t know if Bargs needs a sit-down with Dr. Phil but I truly believe his issues aren’t on the floor … they’re in his mind.  It’s completely unfair to call this guy a “bust” when he’s only 20-odd games into his second season in the NBA!  And your comments about having a second round scrub instead of Andrea are way off base. 

However, there’s nobody – including Bargnani – that can deny that he hasn’t looked good for the better part of two weeks now … and Toronto NEEDS him to bust out of his funk in a HURRY.  T.O. is craving a reliable 2^ND option on the offence and without TJ Ford around … the opportunity is there for taking.  It could and should be Andrea. 

Thanks for the emails folks.  Keep them coming at ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com and check back next Thursday for more of E’s Mail. 

If your question/comment doesn’t appear in this space, know that I read and respond to every submission I receive.  Don’t forget to include your name and location. 

Thanks, E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com