APPRECIATION

In the Words of George Carlin...

The comedian taught me much more than naughty language.

Newsweek Web Exclusive
Jun 23, 2008 | Updated: 4:36  p.m. ET Jun 23, 2008

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  • Posted By: Scribblermom @ 12/17/2008 5:37:34 PM

    I grew up listening to Carlin when I was a kid. I have records of his. He was a genius, and he helped instill in me a love of the English language in all its complexity, that I carry to this day. I'm sure heaven is a much funnier place now.
    Dee Thompson

  • Posted By: 123Olivia @ 12/17/2008 11:15:49 AM

    I saw Carlin live in LA and loved every F!!@%$ word that came out of his mouth! Genius! We miss him.

    Olivia Mbabazi
    Cincinnati, OH

  • Posted By: rmatossian @ 06/24/2008 2:44:51 PM

    Isn't it ironic how an article like this, which, aside from reporting the news of Carlin's death, is primarily about the seven words you can't say on TV and yet fails to mention what those seven words are? I guess I'll have to go elsewhere to get my news uncensored.

  • Posted By: THE RAVEN @ 06/23/2008 5:06:17 PM

    Comic genius. Second only to Richard Pryor.

    • Posted By: C. MacLean @ 06/24/2008 12:48:08 PM

      George and Richard were good friends. One of my favorite off-the-cuff Carlin routines was about his relationship with Pryor.

      "Richard Pryor had a heart attack - I had a heart attack. Richard Pryor had another heart attack - I had another heart attack. Richard Pryor set himself on fire - I said f*** you! I had another heart attack!"

      I think Carlin always knew his heart troubles would eventually get him - that's why he put them in a comedy routine. Honesty was his mantra, hypocrisy his enemy, and laughter his weapon. I try to emulate Carlin whenever I can and quote him whenever the situation could use one of his quotes (which is often), which frequently lands me in trouble, but people always know where they stand with me.

      He was convinced that J. Edgar Hoover had his phone tapped, so he started all his phone conversations with, "Hello, f*** Hoover." As in, 'I'm not going to censor anything I think or say, not even for the FBI, and I'm not going to pretend I'm something I'm not, even for the FBI. So take that, J. Edgar.'

      George's philosophy is why I use my real name on this blog.

      Thanks, George - my life was richer for having you in it. But you never did answer the philosophical question you asked so many years ago: "If you have 23 odds and ends on a table and 22 fall off, what do you have left - an odd or an end?"

      Somewhere in heaven, god is laughing his ass off.

  • Posted By: steve6f8eh @ 06/23/2008 7:01:59 PM

    George had the unique ability of being able to make you laugh just by his mannerisms, expressions and pronunciation. Coupled with a razor sharp wit and the ability to truly observe the world around him, he was a one-of-a-kind entertainer and human being. Hypocrisy was his favourite target.....something that needs to have the light shined on as often as possible. He will certainly be missed by many; especially those who grew up listening to him. God bless you George.

  • Posted By: steve6f8eh @ 06/23/2008 6:56:31 PM

    His timing and facial expressions alone could make me laugh so hard I could almost (and sometime did) cry. His observations and commentaries made you think.....what more could you want in an entertainer? We will miss you George; another great one gone a little too soon.

  • Posted By: Marine#1 @ 06/23/2008 6:34:20 PM

    Seems God has the last laugh....Ha Ha

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