We don't get to see as many games in person as we did a few years ago: moving from Minnesota to Boston will do that. We did, however, take in the Sun's big win on Opening Day. Whalen looked as good as ever, and Barb Turner really can stick around in this league.

Not as good as ever, and in fact worse than we've had it before: cigarette smoke in our part of the arena. See, Mohegan Sun has no smoking in the arena-- but it's a casino, so people light up just outside the arena, and if you're sitting in sections 118 or 119, next to the main entrance, the chemicals just blow up and in. Perhaps the tribe could invest in a few giant fans? In the meantime, if you are taking a smoke-sensitive child or adult to a game, we advise that you sit in any sections but those.

Speaking of fans, the arena was not-- to our surprise-- sold out, though it came pretty close except for the very worst seats. Ned wasn't kidding about the full-color newspaper program for Opening Day.

Speaking of in-arena experience, rumors accumulate: everyone wants to see Candace Parker. If you plan to attend a Sparks away game, you may want to purchase your tickets now.