On this Date- Anya Slepyan

"Live from New York, it's Saturday night!"

Today (October 11), is the fortieth anniversary of Saturday Night Live, commonly known as SNL. Created by Lorne Michaels, SNL is a comedy show that consists of guest hosts participating in a series of live skits with the show's regular cast. One of the qualities that makes SNL so unique is the fact that no topic is off limits; the expression of controversial thoughts and opinions, as well as  political impersonations are not only common, but expected. SNL is one of the most celebrated shows on television (it has received more Emmy nominations than any other show), and is known for jump-starting careers of actors such as Eddy Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Chris Rock, Kristen Wiig, Amy Poehler, Tracy Morgan, and Andy Samberg. SNL has been a major comedic force in the United States for decades, and has contributed heavily to American popular culture. Sketches such as "More Cowbell," performed by Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken have achieved immense popularity, even inspiring merchandise.

The first time that I watched SNL was in 2008. I remember it because the 2008 presidential election was the first time I was politically engaged. SNL arguably reaches its highest points during the election season, and it can always be depended on for satirical political commentary. I remember two sketches in particular, both focusing on GOP Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin. The first was a speech that brought together women from both parties: Sarah Palin (Tina Fey) and Hillary Clinton (Amy Poehler). The premise was that Clinton and Palin were giving a joined speech on the glass ceiling and the role of women in politics.  As a satirical representation of the politicians' less desirable qualities (Palin's ineptitude and Clinton's power-hungryness), the sketch included memorable lines such as "I can see Russia from my house."  The second sketch included the the actual Sarah Palin as a guest, and an eight-month pregnant Amy Poehler, who energetically performed what is known as the "Palin Rap." I was so taken with the rap that I taped the lyrics to my wall, and memorized it in its entirety (I still know all of the words). Thus, SNL indirectly fed my political involvement, which is still one of my defining interests.

PS:  My great uncle, Marshall Efron, was invited to be an original SNL cast member. He turned down the opportunity, apparently because he didn't think the show was going to go anywhere. I'm still bitter about that.

PPS: I'll include the lyrics to the Palin Rap below.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/39808

My name is Sarah Palin you all know me
Vice prezzy nominee of the GOP
Gonna need your vote in the next election
Can i get a 'what what' from the senior section
Mccain got experience, Mccain got style
But don't let him freak you out when he tries to smile
Cause that smile be creepy
But when I be VP
All the leaders in the world gonna finally meet me

How's it go eskimo
(eskimos)
Tell me what you know eskimo
(eskimos)
How you feel eskimo
(ice cold)
Tell me tell me what you feel eskimo
(super cold)

I'm Jeremiah Wright cause tonight i'm the preacha
I got a bookish look and you're all hot for teacha
Todd lookin' fine on his snow machine
So hot boy gonna need a go between
In Wasilla we just chill baby chilla
But when i see oil lets drill baby drill

My country 'tis a thee
From my porch i can see
Russia and such

All the mavericks in the house put your hands up
All the mavericks in the house put your hands up
All the plumbers in the house pull your pants up
All the plumbers in the house pull your pants up

When i say 'Obama' you say 'Ayers'
Obama. (Ayers) Obama (Ayers)
I built me a bridge - it ain't goin' nowhere
(ohhh)

Mccain, Palin, gonna put the nail in the coffin
Of the media elite
(she likes red meat)
Shoot a mother-humpin' moose, eight days of the week


[three gunshots]
Now ya dead, now ya dead
Cause i'm an animal, and i'm bigger than you
Holdin' a shotgun walk in the pub
Everybody party, we're goin' on a hunt
La la la la la la la la
[six gunshots]

Yo i'm Palin, i'm out!