George Carlin May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008

The 1st George Carlin CD I ever bought was "Parental Advisory Explicit Lyrics" in 1990. I was already a big fan of stand up comedy and at that time George was my favorite in a profession I have always loved, followed, and admired. Mr. Carlin was more than just a funny guy, he worked lessons and intelligent thought into his work. While you laughed you learned and to me he was one of the greatest professors of stand up comedy for all time. There just aren't any comedians left that challenge you to question the standards around you and do in an entertaining way. He didn't need catch phrases or a gimmick in any form, he just spoke about what interested him and the absurdities of this world we used to share. I believe as George did that we are merely all forms of energy that come from stars and will return one day. He said he didn't fear death as it was merely the next step but would miss the ones he loved and left behind. I haven't the eloquence to express my admiration for the teacher who made me smile and think but I think the seven famous words on his official website say it the best, "We love you and we miss you."

11 CD's later I'm still a fan though I have yet to see his final HBO stand up performance, "Its Bad For Ya" back in March. George was to receive the Mark Twain Prize, the nation's highest honor for humorists in November. George Carlin was 71 years old. May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008

"There are an awful lot of taboos. ... I just enjoy squashing them and stepping on them and peeling them apart and trying to expose them to people. For some reason, it makes me happy." - George Carlin

I will personally miss the pioneer and there will never be another like him. Sleep well sir.