Thanksgiving is that special day for friends, family and a smorgasbord of football. It is a day to be happy and thankful for what we have.
Here's a partial list of what yours truly is thankful for today, and it is an incomplete list because of space limits.
I'm thankful:
• That all the elections are over, especially the presidential one that seemed very unpresidential at times. This is just one person's observation, but we are all blessed to live in the greatest country. Democracy may not be perfect, but it is far better than anything else, though the next four years could be a wild ride.
• That the Arkansas Razorbacks have pretty good rivalries and none of them yet include Missouri. In fact, not sure if the Tigers really fit the SEC. However, when the Hogs play LSU for the boot, there is something competitively special, just like the games with old Southwest Conference opponent Texas A&M and longtime rival Ole Miss. Missouri will get there; it's just going to take some time.
• For this statewide newspaper, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and its management team that has worked hard to maintain its role as a watchdog for the people. While other, larger newspapers were having a knee-jerk reaction to the Internet, this one worked harder at being a newspaper. Now, a strong blend between newspaper and Internet is in progress.
• That this is an even-numbered year. This is very personal, but on even-numbered years my friend and tax attorney Ed Daniel breaks out his huge smoker and smokes turkeys for all his friends.
• That we live in a country that still respects freedom of religion. My choice is to worship under my friend Chuck Monan, who also is known as the "Pigskin Preacher." He and my old pastor and friend Robert Lewis have many similarities.
• For my mom, who at 93 is still kicking pretty good, although bless her heart she doesn't always remember it. And the family will surround her today with love and great food.
• For all the people who put out this newspaper today and Friday. While most of the country is off work, news never takes a day off, and these folks come in and put out a great product. I'm especially thankful for the guys who put out this sports section, but honestly, that is every day.
• For KABZ-103.7 FM, The BUZZ, and its all-day sports talk format, and for allowing yours truly to be a part of The Zone on Thursdays and Out of Bounds on Tuesdays.
• That Arkansas and Arkansas State will most likely be playing in the postseason. It seems a lock right now, but one never knows. I'd especially be thankful for bowl games that start during the day. The Hogs had eight night games this season, and that is ridiculous. I'm also thankful UCA is in the playoffs. The Bears had a great season.
• For the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and the humbling honor of being inducted on March 3, 2017. Yours truly is only the third journalist to receive this honor. Orville Henry was the first and Paul Eells was second.
• For Dak Prescott, quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. From the time Cliff Harris made his first tackle as a Cowboy until recently, yours truly was a Cowboys fan, but then lost interest until now, as the former Mississippi State quarterback has created an all-new fever for the Cowboys. Ezekiel Elliott helps, too, but he played for Ohio State. Definitely thankful for the Cowboys' offensive line, as well.
• For the College Football Playoff, but hopefully it is expanded to eight teams sooner than later.
Sports on 11/24/2016