General: What I'm thankful for

Thanksgiving is upon us. It is a time to reflect and be grateful for what he have.

I really enjoy the beginning of the holiday season. While I hope all my readers (all four of you out there) count their blessings, I hope they don't forget to consider the one thing all of us here have a passion for. I'm talking about sports, or course.

Now some people might think it's shallow to consider sports to be something to be thankful for. I'm not one of those people. The way I see it, sports enrich people's lives. I know it has had a positive influence in my life. It's nice to know that there are still some good things like sports in an unsure world.

Now without further delay, here are some sports-related things for which I am truly thankful for.

* Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey.

* Mike Tyson for being himself.

* Instant replay in the NFL (except for last year's Patriots-Raiders game).

* Vin Scully, Chick Hearn and Bob Costas for their unique and brilliant broadcasting.

* Robert DeNiro's performance in "Raging Bull."

* The designated hitter rule. (Yes, the designated hitter rule!)

* That Tim Hardaway isn't on television everyday, just every other day.

* The XFL for proving that image means jack$#&% to football fans. (And also for costing Vince McMahon millions.)

* Internet access (something we all take for granted) that enables everyone to read sports information and analysis via ESPN, eSports Media Group and Sports Central.

* NFL games on Thanksgiving.

* Seeing Lou Piniella fly off the handle a few times every season.

* "Pardon the Interruption" on ESPN.

* Augusta National for not giving in (at least not yet) to Martha Burk's demands.

* Sean Elliot, Alonzo Mourning and Lance Armstrong for inspiring people all over the world to never give up.

Well that's my list. I hope everyone out there has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.