2007 Turkey Day Hall of Fame

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and the remembrance of those people that have shaped who we are today, I proudly announce the first inductee into the Turkey Day Hall of Fame—Dr. Bill Cosby. This year I honor a man that has enriched life in the areas of fashion, food, and family dynamics.

Cosby's Life Lessons:

1. Fashion Icon- Cosby is the inspiration for 85% of my fashion sensibility. I wear either some form of a college t-shirt/sweatshirt, or if it’s cold enough, a sweater. I’m bit more reserved in the sweater styles than the master, but I hold firmly to the sound doctrine of style mixed with comfort. Cosby started wearing collegiate gear on his show as sign of his dedication to education. Following in that same mindset, I display the schools that I feel some degree of affiliation.

2. Submarine Sandwiches are the perfect reward food- I believe the submarine sandwich has been marginalized in American society due to its distribution in fast food restaurants and roadside carts. When a wager is made with a meal as the prize, a steak or seafood dinner is typically the redeemed prize. Cosby showed that that when rewarded with a vacation at home or the opportunity to pick your own meal, the submarine sandwich should always be selected. Unlike a steak or seafood dish which must be cooked perfectly for maximum enjoyment, a submarine sandwich is a work of art that can be customized to each individual. The addition of toppings will tailor the experience to an individual’s preference, sandwich to sandwich. There are only so many ways you can cook a steak. The true secret to happiness is founded in customization and the availability of diverse condiments.

3. Mortimer Ichabod Marker—This marker is the coolest writing devise, ever. Can you imagine the level of envy if you pulled this out of your bag during a meeting or even at a stop to sign a check? This is a must have for everyone’s Christmas list.

4. Work close to home- There is nothing that compares to a short commute to work. Heathcliff Huxstable understood this and was always able to slip down the secret, unseen hallway opposite the stairs and end up in his small office in the base of the building. He wound never have a coat on upon his return, so you had to assume that it was connected to the building. Occasionally there would be a late night call that required him to go to the hospital to deliver a baby, but for the most part, he saw his pregnant patients in his office. No commute, no traffic, and not even a need for a table with stirrups.

5. Silly is a good avenue for teaching life lessons- The Cosby Show portrayed a family environment where serious issues were addressed, but the humor of life and love for one another was never lost. The show was a great example that an action doesn’t define a person and the two shouldn’t be lost inside of one another.

6. Frozen Pudding Pops- Damn it if he wasn’t right, there really is always room for Pudding. The king of all pudding was the frozen strawberry pudding pops that were a staple in at my grandma’s in the summer. I don’t know why these delicious treats disappeared, but if anyone knows of a supplier, I have room.

Here’s to you Dr. Cosby-- thank you for showing us the way to a better tomorrow.