So, I've heard the economy isn't so hot right now? I'm kidding. In fact, I recently found out that I could be unemployed by the middle of January (http://www.courant.com/business/hc-jr1112.artnov12,0,3402099.story). Yes, that is the same New Britain Herald that I currently am employed by. And it also seems that every time I turn on the news, there is a new report of a major company announcing all-time lows, or even worse, layoffs (Starbucks, DHL, etc.). The times are certainly rough, to say the least. But rather than dwell on the pending doom (and unemployment, if you are like me), I have turned once again to my eternal friend, my shining light in a dark time, my rock, if you will. I'm of course talking about sports. Whenever you get down about life, just remember that you will always have sports by your side. And with Thanksgiving just a few days away, I figured now is as good a time as any to offer up some things I'm thankful for in sports (in no particular order).

1. College basketball is back. Come on, just how great is college basketball? More so than ever the teams are balanced and the competition is wide open. I have tried to convince myself that North Carolina won't win this season, but I'm starting to come around. The Tar Heels are just loaded with so much talent, it's really kind of unfair. That being said, I think there are a handful of teams that could knock them off. It is, of course, a very long season, so to make a prediction now is nearly impossible. But, if I had to pick my Final Four now, I'd go with: North Carolina, Michigan State, Duke and Oklahoma. My Spartans are deep and talented, and Tom Izzo is a perfect college coach. Duke and Oklahoma may come as surprises, but I see Coach K's kiddies growing up this season. And for the Sooners it's quite simple: give the ball to Blake Griffin and get out of his way. The kid is just a beast and, barring an injury, should be the top pick in the NBA Draft. But hey, it is only late November here. Three weeks from now everything could be upside down, and that's exactly why I'm thankful for college basketball.

2. Fantasy Football. Nothing special here, just offering thanks to one of the best creations ever. In this awful season I am suffering through as a Seahawks fan, I can take solace in my fantasy football team, which just improved to 9-3 and clinched the top overall seed in my league. It's time to ride Peyton Manning, Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss and Co. to a league title.

3. The RIDICULOUS amounts of NFL mock drafts on the internet. Seriously, just Google "2009 NFL Mock Draft" and be prepared to kill two hours reading every football fan's take on the upcoming draft. The consensus top picks seem to be: Matt Stafford, Michael Crabtree, Michael Oher, Andre Smith and Eugene Monroe. Three tackles, a wideout and a quarterback. Of course it's doubtful these five will actually be the top five selected in April. But hey, it's worth killing some time, right?

4. Sports Illustrated. It's just the greatest source of the best sports writing. I have been thankful ever since I first laid eyes on this publication.

5. ESPN.com's Streak for the Cash contest. So, I'm actually scared to be writing this right now, because I'm nervous I will jinx myself. But ever since posting about the contest a week or so ago, I haven't lost. My streak is now up to 14, after only twice reaching six. Do I still have a long way to go to reach 25? Of course. But it hardly seems as impossible as it did a few weeks ago.

6. My alma mater, Ithaca College. I think I speak for anyone that's ever called the South Hill home (cough, Justin, cough) when I say that Ithaca athletics do not get nearly the credit they deserve. Ithaca is one of the premier Division III athletic institutions in the country. A handful of our teams are consistent National Championship contenders. The football team made the playoffs again this season after winning the Cortaca Jug for the second year in a row. The men's basketball team is already 4-0, and should go down as the best squad that's ever taken the floor at Ben Light Gymnasium. But enough with the specifics. I'm thankful for my Bombers, and hopefully all of you reading this can say the same about your college, high school, etc.

7. The NHL. Yup, I just love hockey.

8. Baseball's offseason. This doesn't rank as highly on my list, simply because I'm not as nutty about baseball as most. But the winter tends to be an interesting time, especially in baseball. I could do without the exorbitant contracts and salaries, but I guess professional sports aren't really feeling the economic crunch.

9. Sports video games. When I'm not watching or reading about sports, I'm simulating them with my own two hands. I'll play anything from Madden to Rugby (seriously, try it some time). Nothing beats a good game of college basketball on my PlayStation 2.

10. The Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Buffalo Sabres, Michigan State football and basketball. Minnesota Lynx. My favorite teams. What more could I be thankful for? Though overall I'm having a tough year (Seahawks, T'Wolves and D'Backs will all miss playoffs), they are the reason I stay so interested in sports. Everyone has a favorite team or two (or three, or four ... or more), and the relationship they have with them is one only a sports fan can understand.

I can seriously go on all night about what I love and am thankful for about sports, but I think ten is probably a nice round number to end at. So, in conclusion here, when you are eating turkey and potatoes on Thursday, make sure you think about what you're thankful for in the sports world. There's plenty to choose from.