Wow, what a year! November has been the most stressful month I can remember in a long, long time. But is it over or just beginning? It depends on your point of view. I know the folks at the FDA are a bit nervous, as well as those at the NIH, CDC, and other federal health agencies. The prospect of significant changes in the way that the FDA does business plus staffing issues and worry about independent decision-making at the Agency have a lot of our colleagues at the Agency a bit on edge. Several questions come to mind, such as “Will policy and approval decisions become more political?” “Will the FDA have the resources it needs to do its job?” “Will the revolving door slam shut and could these issues result in a brain drain at the FDA?” and, of course, “How will politics play into drug development and will it impact the way that industry operates and chooses products to develop?” There is nothing more uncertain than uncertainty. However, now that the election is over, we all want the new administration to succeed because if it succeeds then we do too! But what cost to science will be borne out over the coming months and years?

On the bright side, Thanksgiving is just three days away and it is one great holiday! How can you not like the feast, the football, the parades, and the food coma that comes with it all? But before falling asleep on the couch, here are some things to consider:

  • There is always “thyme” to get things done.
  • A percussionist always likes one part of the turkey better than the others—the drumstick, of course!
  • On Thanksgiving Day, you can dance the “mashed potatoes” or eat them plain or with gravy.
  • How do you like your stuffing? During or because of the dinner experience?
  • Remember, sometimes a turkey is just a turkey, but a Butterball is too!
  • Last Thanksgiving, I spilled creamed corn all over my lap. My wife said it was corn on the Bob!
  • When I get my favorite part of the turkey, I feel like it can “thigh” me to the moon!
  • Do you like cranberry sauce homemade with whole berries or the jelly kind in the shape of a can?
  • I like turkey sandwiches the next day because I love the tryptophan feeling when I am “on a roll.”

 

Look, there is no charge for this comedy routine so you can’t really complain! I was “winging” the jokes when I realized that I’d almost forgotten my vegetarian friends so I bought 24 carrots! Okay, I’m at the bitter end even though I tried to quit cold turkey.

So, Happy Thanksgiving to all our colleagues, friends, and readers. May the season bring you joy and happiness. And don’t forget—do something nice for someone who is not as lucky as you!