The List

What was the best year of Saturday Night Live? Over its three decades long run, this late-night comedy television show has become a cultural touchstone with each ensuing group claiming our own cast and memorable catchphrases and skits at the heart of their a shared self-definition. Like the question of whether the Tonight Show belongs to Carson or Leno, these public figures have come to frame our shared community.

Ultimately these common memories are devices used to enhance communication with our peers. Recently, I made reference to a Dana Carvey moment on SNL. Carvey's character, upon his death, found himself the gate to heaven with the angel of God. Like a fine hotel’s busboy, the angel outlined each of the amenities one could expect as a new resident of heaven. “The buffet is open 24 hours and the pool, just down the path, is always warm and filled with beautiful girls. Moreover, in heaven we have omnipotence – the answer to all of our human life’s unanswered questions.”

Since that day years ago, I have maintained a list of questions to ask, should I be so lucky as to find myself similarly disposed. Was there a second shooter? Are ghosts real? Who stole my favorite shirt in college? What is the most disturbing thing I've ever eaten without my knowledge? I wonder if it is better not to know. But then again, how could the afterlife be complete without knowing the secret ingredient of the seven herbs and spices? Do we all keep lists of things for which we seek answers? And if we do, do we really expect those questions ever find resolution? Or is our interest only a part of our natural curiosity as humans? Could it be that the pursuit of responses is more important than the answers?

This column was published on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 in the Current in Carmel, Current in Westfield, Current in Fishers , and Current in Noblesville - http: //youarecurrent.com/

Photo taken from http://www.templestudy.com