Today we banish Barry Bonds, Michael Vick and the turkeys from the headlines for a moment to celebrate some of those who have enriched their corners of the sports world over the past year and appreciate what we have — and don't have — before us.

So, step back from the table, put aside the TV remote for a moment, raise a drumstick and give a hearty thanks that:

Not only quarterback Colt Brennan returned to the University of Hawai'i football team for this season, but so, too, did defensive coordinator Greg McMackin.

The big-game atmosphere is back and Aloha Stadium will be sold out and rocking again tomorrow. Everything the late Gov. John Burns imagined when he put his weight behind the project more than 30 years ago.

Brennan has had a first-rate training and medical staff at UH looking out for him.

UH didn't — despite some suggestions — consider dropping down a level in football before June Jones arrived.

Bob Nash got the chance to pursue his dream of coaching his alma mater's basketball team. Just in time to coach his son, too.

A lot of people have Janevia Taylor in their prayers.

The 2008 UH football schedule is completed.

Isiah Thomas isn't running your business or employing your daughter.

Work is under way on the new field at Les Murakami Stadium.

You aren't behind the UH offensive line at a buffet today.

The Bowl Championship Series will take an undefeated Western Athletic Conference team any year. Well, won't it?

Michael Lafaele has a pain tolerance as remarkable as his ability to find ballcarriers.

Tadd Fujikawa doesn't know that 5-foot-1 teenagers aren't supposed to hang with the pros for 72 holes at Waialae Country Club.

Jim Bolla has his health and is back on the sideline again.

Boise State has represented WAC football well and set a high standard these past five years.

Nevada coach Chris Ault thought he could "ice" the unfreezeable Dan Kelly.

The Rainbow Wahine's sleepwalk came against Utah State, not New Mexico State.

You don't have to justify paying Alabama coach Nick Saban's $4 million salary after that loss to Louisiana-Monroe.

You didn't have Notre Dame or Nebraska in the office BCS pool.

UH track coach Carmyn James has the strength of her convictions.

Don and Marion Murphy are on UH's side.

Jeff Law is still at UH-Hilo.

Fresno State linebacker Marcus Riley isn't flying at you.

Presidential elections aren't decided by BCS formula.

Dueling radio stations provide a choice of sports talk shows.

You didn't ask a certain ESPN sideline reporter to keep a secret.

Ben Yee is back with the Warriors after a health scare.

Nevada-Las Vegas didn't decide to buy its way out of the schedule, too.

You aren't responsible for covering Ryan Grice-Mullins one-on-one tomorrow.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.