The week of Thanksgiving is upon us. Most people use the holiday as a chance to take in twice their normal calories, take in a football game and take a break from work. For all the "taking" that is done each fourth Thursday of November, it is easy to forget that "giving" is actually in the name of holiday.
There is a purpose to this day of celebration, other than football, food and freedom from the nine-to-five. The day is about expressions of appreciation. While we certainly give thanks to our stomachs, rewarding them with gifts of turkey (poultreats, if you will), there are multitudes of deserving people that go un-thanked each year.
I'm not here to tell you to thank your mother, nor am I telling you to thank your teachers, friends, employers, or the food on the table in front of you.
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This is less fowl-centric than it is foul-centric.
Today, Takoma Park, we're thankful for sports. It's Monday, what did you expect?
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With a combined 32-65 record since last Thanksgiving, it's hard to thank the Wizards or the Redskins. Join me as we find the silver lining.
1. John Wall, Washington Wizards
Wall was drafted by the Wizards with the first overall pick in June's NBA Draft. Sprained foot aside, he has not disappointed in his first several games. If he sticks around Washington, expect Wall to make this list every year. Thank you, John Wall.
2. Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Ovechkin is the unquestioned leader of the Capitals, and helped them regain playoff stature over the last several seasons. As a perennial top-five player in the NHL, he is the Washington area's most consistent sports star. Thank you, Alexander Ovechkin.
3. Santana Moss, Washington Redskins
As the one consistent piece on a circus of a team, Moss is among the top ten in the NFL in receiving yards. This might be because McNabb has no one else to pass to, but top ten is top ten. Thank you, Santana Moss.
4. Mike Wise, Washington Post, 106.7 The Fan
Wise is a columnist for the Post, but he really shines on his daily morning-afternoon radio show on 106.7 with Holden Kushner. Wise is truly the only tolerable personality on the station. You want intelligent sports commentary? Listen to this guy. Thank you, Mike Wise.
5. Ryan McDermott, Takoma Park Patch Local Editor
Ryan McDermott, ladies and gentlemen, will be my partner in crime this year giving you in-depth Blair basketball coverage from now until February. Together we will give you more than game recaps. Thank you, Ryan McDermott.
To keep up with local sports, visit www.twitter.com/patchsportsmd.
