Sad news.  My favorite story about Carlin came from one of his album covers:

In ancient times, there was a country whose harvest came in and it was poisonous. Those who ate of it became insane. "There is but one thing to do." said the King. "We must eat the grain to survive, but there must be those among us who will remember that we are insane." -anon. 

From Vietnam to its reincarnation as Iraq, Carlin was one of those who reminded us time and again that we as a nation are insane. 

He was funny and smart.    As I got older, however,  I found that his irreverance, foul language and bitterness was too much for me. 

Audrey, I think he got better.  I too thought he'd swapped bitterness for humor, especially in his books, but I caught a few minutes of a recent bit and he seemed to have his groove back.

Maybe age finally caught up to him and mellowed him out a little.

Another great one gone. I think in his honor, everyone should use the seven dirty words today.

I think I can guess one or two of them, but SEVEN? 

S
P
F
C
CS
MF
T

(There are also three more he once said couldn't be said, but they're second-tier.  As is the "T" in the above list, he pointed out.)

For the life of me I can't figure out T.   As in women's breasts?  Who says that anymore?

I use every one of those words whenever I watch the Giants.

I used to drive around in my dad's 1968 Dodge and listen to my George Carlin 8-track comedy tape. He came to Bakersfield in 1970 I think and did a stand up show in the gym at BC. It was great.

You've got it right, Audrey.  And as Carlin put it, "T doesn't even belong on the list, man...it's such a *FRIENDLY* word...sounds like a snack!"

Thats riht RF there's  nothing like a tit to get the day going............

Photo of a great one here: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

One of my favorite Carlin recollections: Recall Janice Jackson's exposed boob on the Super Bowl break? George Carlin on Today pointed out that there  was a commercial talking about a four-hour erection just prior to the "wardrobe malfuntion." He was the only public figure who mentioned that.

He was good at pointing out our contradictions and muddled attitudes.

Glad to see you back posting Steve. You had us worried here since you have been haven't posted in a very long time.(2 months)

Job duties reassigned?

George and I had alot of good times back in the late 60's and early 70's when I first discovered him..his wit and humor were  bar none..if he was on TV it didn't matter what else was on because he won hands down..along with Johnny Carson and Johnathan Winters..whatta crew... I'm proud to say I grew up with all their comedic influence..He will be missed..

RIP~ always an unique voice.

Why is the use of the word "boob" OK but not "tit".  I don't get it.

"boob" is an another word for idiot,whereas tit is..well tit for tat...heck i have no idea where i am going with this.

Boob is funny.  Tit is not.  Don't ask me why.  I love the word "boob."  But I hate the word "tit."  Maybe because it's used too frequently by dirty rednecks.

Besides, who ever heard of a "booby twister?"

PAX~ I do not believe there is a hell~ but wish you would....*shuts mouth* arrogant zealot!

Old Blue

The upper crust say "mammy gland twister".  .

In the highly unlikely event that there *IS* a God, he's got a front-row seat to Carlin's celestial concert, and he's rolling in the aisles.

As Robin Williams observed, "He's *GOT* to have a sense of humor, look *AROUND* you!"

Check out the "America is Tyranny" You-Tube. His last line is my favorite.

"It's called the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it."

George Carlin