A series of articles by Brandon "Blankman" Cavanaugh.

Words of Thanksgiving 2K4

Over my brief but somewhat experienced stay on this populated little piece of home we call Earth, I have had several instances where I have accomplished a lot. In these times, I would often look back and think fondly of the steps taken and those who helped me take them. I was hesitant at time to just out and mention names because I never wanted to make someone feel like they were not appreciated when it wasn’t the manner of effort they gave, but rather my memory, or lack thereof in a few cases. This season, I have, as mentioned in the past, grown as a fan of the University of Nebraska much more than any previous and the thing is? There’s still room to grow even more. I come to you today with words of thanksgiving for some, not all because I don’t have the room to host them all, but some of the people who have taken their time to help me achieve that which I wished to achieve.

Firstly, I would like to thank the Red Clad Loon. I was as upset as anyone when I heard that RCL was hanging up his cyber-pen for good, at least when it came to the Droppings, but he told me a while back, after smacking me upside the head for some vague 1950s reference, that once it stopped being fun and more of a job, he’d call it quits. It saddens me that it came to that for him, but let me tell you, that man is one of the funniest, genuinely kind, truest gentlemen I have ever met. He has been there this year to help tutor me in the ways of penmanship, of editorializing, of being a writer that quite a few people read. He has been my mentor in this endeavor and he gave me reason to believe in what I could do. Thank you, Loon.

Next, I would like to thank everyone and I mean EVERYONE associated with the Husker Power Hour. Harold, Kelly, Nitin, Ryan, John, Paul, all of you. I have found within your walls not only a family where I can discuss my life’s true passion, Nebraska football, but one where I can be me and be loved for being me. I know it probably sounds mushy or what have you, but these people have genuinely helped and would do so again without even thinking. Harold, Kelly and Bryan, thank for your show as it is the ONLY recap show I watch and or listen to without fail. Nitin, thank you for sitting with me at Clancy’s and watch me smirk as you ripped a little more of your hair out. Ryan, thank you for helping me get another dream off of the ground, that of my multimedia packages. I think I can honestly look back to your aid and say it may have been the start of something big. I know I’ll forget to name others here, but trust me, if you know me there and we’ve had a kind word, I thank you.

I would like to thank David Max and The Loon, once more, for giving me the chance to display my talents over the World Wide Web. It is with their faith and risk that this column even had a chance to succeed. Otherwise, it’d be one fanatical Husker typical into the abyss. David owns one of the finest sites around when it comes to accessibility as his site, Huskerpedia.com, gets hits from all over the globe. You can find just about anything you need on the site be it scores, information, news articles, whatever. Now, this year and hopefully for many more in the future, you can find Shooting Point Blank there as well. Unfortunately, SPB will no longer be hosted at the Loon’s site for obvious reasons, but I appreciate, so much, the opportunity he gave me for an even broader audience.

I would like to thank the guys who showed up to the Troy State game this year. Sure, they were probably drunk off of their ass, but I can honestly say I had the most fun at that game bar none. There were laughs, cheers, a bawdy joke or two and in the end, my friend Mike and I left with smiles on our faces. Matter of fact? Thanks goes out to every fan in the South Stadium who followed a lead or got a wild hair and took one of their own, stood up and yelled. You know, made life miserable for the QB. Thank you for the effort, because it seems to be sorely missed sometimes. Know that it was never lost on me, at least.

I would like to thank the 2003-2004 edition of the University of Nebraska footballing squad. From Jammal down to the scout team, I appreciate everything that you do. Be it workouts, practices, film study, you give me the one and only time on an autumn Saturday afternoon where I can truly be at peace. Even when I have no voice left to scream with, even when NU may lose, you guys are my nirvana and I find true happiness when I see the Tunnel Walk, the band play and my Huskers, because I truly feel they are in part MY Huskers, take the field. I feel a bond with the team and every team that has ever carried the banner of Dear Old Nebraska U. I know, there were some times worth forgetting this year, but you all persevered and carried on, just like true champions. Sure, the hardware’s nice, but I’ll tell you what’s better and that’s being a champion in life. Let those around you be your crystal footballs and championship rings. Let your friends be the true measure of your success.

Finally, I would like to thank you, the reader. As I mentioned earlier, without you, there would be a column because there would be no one to write to. For those curious, I put my tagline down there for a reason and I read every e-mail that wasn’t blatantly malicious and, in most cases, responded to them. If I didn’t, it’s not that I don’t like you, it’s just because I’m a rather busy guy these days, but I do read and appreciate the commentary. I’ve even kept several e-mails for those cloudy days. So again, thank you reader, you are the lifeblood of this undertaking and when it comes down to it, you will be there at the end, whenever that may be.

So, there you have it, some of the people who have given me pride, hope, honor and glory. The people who went out and gave a guy his own article to write every week win or lose, who encouraged him and gave him advice. Some of the people who fought with and against, but were always respectful in either regard and were always willing to make amends in the event of the unfortunate. Thank you, thank you, one and all for giving me something that I hadn’t been afforded as of late: Thank you for giving me a chance.

Questions, commentary and Bill Callahan autographed mini helmets can be sent to [email protected]

===Brandon a.k.a. Blankman #71===

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