It’s Thanksgiving. We are all thankful for various things. Besides the typical friends, family and health, I thought I’d take a minute to post a few journalistic things that I am thankful for. You should also be thankful for these things because they help me do my job and get you news.

•    The First Amendment – It gives us free speech. Because of this journalists and anyone can question the government and public officials and hold them accountable. Enough said.
•    Coach that give open access – It sounds simple but some coaches / sports information directors (SIDs) tell reporters when they can and can’t go to practice. I understand that coaches don’t want the media printing game plans or trick plays, but it’s hard to fairly judge a team without seeing them in practice. Because of the Internet and 24-hour news cycles, readers want more and more information about college and high school athletics (especially in terms of recruiting), but without access we can’t do our job. Well, we can, just not as good as we could if we had better access. I’m new here, but from what I’ve heard UW has great access for basketball and football, at least compared to the Big 12 schools I’m used working worth.
•    Coaches and players who don’t speak in clichés, or at least, coaches / players who say clichés but who also give you great quotes. I enjoy quotes that I can’t predict someone will say before the game. That is why when I covered the Big 12 basketball tournament last year I stuck around an extra few hours to see a Bob Knight press conference. You never know what he is going to say and it’s usually something you know you want to put in your paper. Clichés are boring and that’s why I don’t like them. Coaches are known for “coach speak,” and that isn’t a good term. Coach speak usually includes such key phrases as “give credit to ______,” “Tip your to _____,”  "One game at a time" and “110 percent.”
•    Editors -- We’re all human and make mistakes. Some more than others. Without editors I wouldn’t be where I am today. Copy editors have caught many mistakes that I’ve put in stories including statistical, spelling and any other kind you can think of. My editors have also challenged me to be a better writer, allowed me to experiment with different methods of telling a story, defended me when it needs to be done, and most importantly, tell me when I’m doing something stupid and need change.
•    Working as a sports writer as a living-- Growing up I always loved sports and I enjoyed writing. I’m not talented enough to be a professional athlete, so I decided covering sports would be a good second choice. I get to go to games for a living and get paid for it. Sure, the hours are odd and while you are at a game cheering, I have to work, but it’s a great job. The sports department is often called the toy department of a newspaper and I have no problem with that. Who says you have to give up toys when you grow up. I’d rather play with toys and cover games than report on criminals or bureaucracies (though sometimes athletes make me cover crime).
•    Co-workers: Journalists in general are a different kind of folk, and that’s what makes us great. It takes a certain drive and passion to be a journalist and I’ve be lucky to have some great co-workers in college, at internships and now here at the Star-Tribune. I’ve found sports desks are often the most fun and entertaining places to hang around in an office and that’s because of the people. Sports people know how to have fun and don’t take themselves as serious as others. It makes for a great environment and a lot laughs that makes work seem like you’re a toy department. Special thanks to my current sports-department cronies who have saved my butt multiple times in my first few weeks on the job.

I’m also thankful for food and football. The Packers-Lions game is back on from halftime, so I should get back to my mashed potatoes and start paying attention to the game. Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to all.

Dave