Wow. George Carlin died today at age 71, of heart failure.
I remember my brother had a recording of his "Dirty Words" routine - so shocking at the time! Yet it would seem quite mild to today's youth.
RIP, George!
Cyrus
06.23.08, 12:24 AM
Although raised in the Roman Catholic faith, Carlin has often denounced the idea of God in interviews and performances, most notably with his "Invisible Man in the Sky" and "There Is No God" routines. In mockery, he invented the parody religion Frisbeetarianism for a newspaper contest. He defined it as the belief that when a person dies "his soul gets flung onto a roof, and just stays there", and cannot be retrieved.
Carlin has joked that he worships the Sun, because he can actually see it, but prays to Joe Pesci (a good friend of his in real life) because "he's a good actor", and "looks like a guy who can get things done!"[39]
Carlin also introduced the "Two Commandments", a revised "pocket-sized" list of the Ten Commandments in his HBO special Complaints and Grievances, ending with the additional commandment of "Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself."[40]
Some of his best work appeared near the end of his life imo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KReZyAZLI0
TheStatutoryApe
06.23.08, 05:53 AM
Awwwww.... And my bro and I were just making a Carlin joke earlier today.
Bye George.
GeorginaS
06.23.08, 07:52 AM
A Place For My Stuff was one of my all-time favourite routines of his. He's the sort of performer, for some reason, I didn't ever imagine wouldn't be around.
Sad news.
Moonbear
06.23.08, 07:56 AM
Oh, horrible to hear this. I was looking forward to hearing his latest act too. I love his routines...truly timeless jokes that get to the core of what society is all about. It's easy to write topical jokes, but takes real talent to do what he did and write jokes that remain relevant across generations.
Astronuc
06.23.08, 08:12 AM
I remember him from 30+ years ago, and my kids grew up with him, as Mr. Conductor on Shining Time Station.
He was a great social critic.
Thanks, George, RIP.
turbo-1
06.23.08, 08:26 AM
I loved his "hippie-dippy weatherman" routine from 'way back. He'll be missed.
morphism
06.23.08, 08:31 AM
Carlin wasn't only hilarious, but very insightful too. That's what I loved about him. No other comedian can tell it like it is the way Carlin did.
Here's a nugget from one of his more recent HBO specials, which I'd already posted in the Favorite Quotes thread:
"I could never understand ethnic or national pride, because to me pride should be reserved for something you achieve or attain on your own -- not something that happens by accident of birth."
And on a more humorous note:
"Hello, my name is George Carlin, and I am a professional comedian. As opposed to the kind you see at work all day long."
RIP, George.
Doc Al
06.23.08, 08:39 AM
When he was on his game, he was the best. Adios, brother! You will be missed.
And he was just chosen to receive the 2008 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/specialevents/marktwain/).
jimmysnyder
06.23.08, 08:50 AM
George Carlin was a very funny guy. (Seven words that got past the obsenity filter)
OmCheeto
06.23.08, 09:23 AM
Here's a nugget from one of his more recent HBO specials, which I'd already posted in the Favorite Quotes thread:
"I could never understand ethnic or national pride, because to me pride should be reserved for something you achieve or attain on your own -- not something that happens by accident of birth."
I think listening to him for much of my life must have had a profound effect.
When people ask me; "What the hell do you mean you ain't proud to be an American?"
Om; "hmmmm..... Stating such would imply that, say I'd been born in Mexico, I should be ashamed. Let me ask you a question; Are you proud to have 5 fingers on each of your hands? What's that? You don't understand the question? ...hmmmmm....."
RIP, George.
ditto.
LordofDirT
06.23.08, 10:25 AM
R.I.P
I wonder what he would of said about peoples reaction to his death. :(
mattmns
06.23.08, 10:55 AM
WOW! Not something I was expecting to see today. Sad to see him go, great comedian. RIP
Evo
06.23.08, 11:04 AM
I couldn't believe it this morning when I read that he had died. I remember watching him on the Smother's Brothers show, he was so different and refreshing.
He will be missed
Math Is Hard
06.23.08, 11:07 AM
John Edward channelling Carlin: "I am seeing the letter F...again, and again, and again..."
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
edward
06.23.08, 11:34 AM
A Place For My Stuff was one of my all-time favourite routines of his. He's the sort of performer, for some reason, I didn't ever imagine wouldn't be around.
Sad news.
Here is a reaonably clean version of Carlin's "My Stuff" (the S**T word is used)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLoge6QzcGY
Danger
06.23.08, 04:11 PM
I absolutely could not believe that when W got up this morning and saw the news of Carlin's death, she said, "Who's that?" I handed her my 'Toledo Window Box' album, and she still didn't recognize him. I'm definitely playing the link that Edward posted tonight when I'm done work.
It was also very cool that Jeff Hutchison, who is the 'Canada AM' weather man, comic, and field reporter played Carlin's 'Hippy Dippy Weatherman' bit as a tribute this morning.
I just put Carlin up there in the top five, along Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, and the like. Thats exactly my kind of humor.
Hes not just good, hes damn good.
GeorginaS
06.24.08, 12:00 AM
He was that, Cyrus, and even more too. He wasn't just funny, he was incisively insightful. His was smart, intelligent comedy. And man, could he make me laugh!
He was one of the greats and will be missed. Rest in peace.
arunbg
06.24.08, 02:16 PM
Damn, had no net connection for 2 days now, and the news was not even in the local papers! I had no idea whatsoever.
George Carlin was and still is my all time favorite stand up comedian, and I have seen a few. I loved the way he talked, fast and smooth. Most importantly, he always made me go, "now why didn't I think of it like that"? Always chose intelligent topics. I particularly loved "The invisible man up in the sky" gig.
He is immortal, Carlin forever.
kaos
06.24.08, 03:04 PM
A true legend, R.I.P .
LordofDirT
06.24.08, 03:11 PM
Always chose intelligent topics. I particularly loved "The invisible man up in the sky" gig.
heres the link: http://www.rense.com/general69/obj.htm
Moridin
06.27.08, 08:42 AM
Westboro Baptist Church responds to Carlin's death.
XwCeT4dxw0o
moe darklight
06.27.08, 12:52 PM
Westboro Baptist Church responds to Carlin's death.
[...] and fellow filth-monger Jerry Seinfeld.
Seinfeld? a filth-monger? ... O dear ... I didn't know Heaven was PG-TV exclusive :rofl:
WarPhalange
06.27.08, 01:09 PM
Seinfeld? a filth-monger?
I think that's his word for "jew".
Cyrus
06.27.08, 02:49 PM
Westboro Baptist Church responds to Carlin's death.
XwCeT4dxw0o
Lets pray that Joe pesci straightens out this c***sucker, its amazing what you can accomplish with a simple baseball bat.
Moridin
06.27.08, 02:55 PM
Very true.
Cyrus
06.27.08, 03:01 PM
Very true.
Is this the same cookie-sucker that pickets dead US soldiers funerals?
Ivan Seeking
06.27.08, 03:12 PM
Westboro Baptist Church responds to Carlin's death.
My response:
Judge not or you will be judged.
I don't understand how someone can call themself a Christian yet ignore one of the most basic tenets of faith - it is not our place to judge others; esp when it comes to matters of eternity.
Speaking as a Christian, I did find some of Carlins stuff offensive. What's more, the link provided by Cyrus shows that Carlin's humor was often pedestrian. He clearly possessed the theological sophistication of a five year old. So he made childish jokes that entertained the haters of faith. But, that said, at times he was damned funny.
kaos
06.27.08, 03:35 PM
Is this the same cookie-sucker that pickets dead US soldiers funerals?
Yup , same dude
Cyrus
06.27.08, 05:15 PM
Yup , same dude
Excuses the pun but, christ!
Moonbear
06.27.08, 05:20 PM
Westboro Baptist Church responds to Carlin's death.
He's getting up in years too. I guess he'll find out how right or wrong he was soon enough too.
Ivan Seeking
06.27.08, 06:17 PM
Heh, Phelps and Carlin represent the Yin and Yang of Christianity.
edward
06.27.08, 06:17 PM
If the idiot pickets Carlin's funeral he may find that George's friends are not as passive as the grieving parents of slain soldiers.
B. Elliott
06.27.08, 06:25 PM
Lets pray that Joe pesci straightens out this c***sucker, its amazing what you can accomplish with a simple baseball bat.
Cracking jokes is one thing, but most of the more 'serious' people that seem to be filled with hate and discrimination, are the religious fundamentalists themselves.
B. Elliott
06.27.08, 06:29 PM
If the idiot pickets Carlin's funeral he may find that George's friends are not as passive as the grieving parents of slain soldiers.
That same "church" picketed the funeral of a soldier that grew up here in Chattanooga. Lets just say that it at all didn't help the head count of those attending their cyclic rituals.
Ivan Seeking
06.27.08, 06:38 PM
Cracking jokes is one thing, but most of the more 'serious' people that seem to be filled with hate and discrimination, are the religious fundamentalists themselves.
Yes, this has been my point about all of these types: They are antithetical to their own alleged philosophy. From my point of view, this guy has more in common with the Grand Wizard of the KKK, than he does Christian philosophy or beliefs. The essential message of Christinity is Love - love God, and love all other people, including your enemies. Any message to the contrary is by definition not a Christian message.
In very literal terms, many fundamentalists are in fact followers of the old Testament, which predates Christianity, and is, according to Christinity, null and void. So in spite of what they say to the contrary, their message does not meet the technical definition of Christianity. They are following the creed of Pre-Christians.
This is why, for example, as a Catholic kid, I wasn't taught that I would go to hell for shaving. And indeed, we see many well shaved Christians of all creeds.
B. Elliott
06.27.08, 06:42 PM
Yes, this has been my point about all of these types: They are antithetical to their own alleged philosophy. From my point of view, this guy has more in common with the Grand Wizard of the KKK, than Christian philosophy or beliefs. The essential message of Christinity is Love - love God, and love all other people, including your enemies. Any message that violates this message is, by definition, not a Christian message.
Excellent point. I also wish more religious people out there followed the school of thought.
Cyrus
06.27.08, 08:52 PM
Yes, this has been my point about all of these types: They are antithetical to their own alleged philosophy. From my point of view, this guy has more in common with the Grand Wizard of the KKK, than he does Christian philosophy or beliefs. The essential message of Christinity is Love - love God, and love all other people, including your enemies. Any message to the contrary is by definition not a Christian message.
In very literal terms, many fundamentalists are in fact followers of the old Testament, which predates Christianity, and is, according to Christinity, null and void. So in spite of what they say to the contrary, their message does not meet the technical definition of Christianity. They are following the creed of Pre-Christians.
This is why, for example, as a Catholic kid, I wasn't taught that I would go to hell for shaving. And indeed, we see many well shaved Christians of all creeds.
Ultimately though, then it becomes whose interpretation of religion is right. Yours, or mine? I say Im more christian than you. You say im not a true christian. The argument is tautological.
Ivan Seeking
07.01.08, 02:03 AM
Ultimately though, then it becomes whose interpretation of religion is right. Yours, or mine? I say Im more christian than you. You say im not a true christian. The argument is tautological.
Actually, from a technical pov, I don't think that is true. It may be true if a person defines religion by his own preferences, but there are specific concepts that are either accepted or not. In other words, there are a million arguments to be made about interpretations of scripture, but there are still logical boundaries within any doctrine. Beyond that you can call a religion whatever you want - Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, or Voodoo for that matter - but that doesn't make it so. There is no way to logically justify the selling of hate within the context of Christianity. It is antithetical by definition. It may be that people have done this for centuries, but we find crackpots, power mongers, and hate mongers, in all walks of life.
I was listening to a few interviews with Carlin, and one thing that came out is that he wasn't really against the idea of an afterlife - a continuation of some kind - it seems that he just objected to the traditional old man with a beard.
Something else caught my ear as I have made the same argument. Loosely quoted, he asked why it is that when some UFO believer talks, people tend to laugh, but when a religious person talks, people tend to act with reverence. Which is the more likely of the two; UFOs [ET vehicles] or God?
Cyrus
07.01.08, 02:18 AM
Actually, from a technical pov, I don't think that is true. It may be true if a person defines religion by his own preferences, but there are specific concepts that are either accepted or not. In other words, there are a million arguments to be made about interpretations of scripture, but there are still logical boundaries within any doctrine. Beyond that you can call a religion whatever you want - Christianity, Islam, Hindu, or Voodoo - for that matter, but that doesn't make it so.
Sure its true. Catholic or Christian. Now, both a basically the 'same thing' but a Catholic and a Christian DONT believe in the same things. Its exactly all these variations that lead to different subsets of religions. Sunni v. Shiite. And ask both sides and they will both give you the same answer. THEY are the ones with the correct version. Its the OTHER guy that has bastardized the religion.
I was listening to a few interviews with Carlin, and one thing that came out is that he wasn't really against the idea of an afterlife - a continuation of some kind - it seems that he just objected to the traditional old man with a beard.
Well, I wouldn't be against the idea of an afterlife either. I dont think any sane person would be. But that does not mean there actually is one, or that there are religious conditions as to how that afterlife will be (Heaven or hell) based on how you live while alive. But without any form of proof of its existance, this is merely an idea.
Something else caught my ear as I have made the same argument. Loosely quoted, he asked why it is that when some UFO believer talks, people tend to laugh, but when a religious person talks, people tend to act with reverence. Which is the more likely of the two; UFOs [ET vehicles] or God?
I think thats a fair statement. Although, I think people should tend to laugh at both because most people claiming to see UFOs are quacks as well with no real proof of anything. I like how sagan addressed this in COSMOS, saying where is one single shred of evidence from all these UFO people?
Ivan Seeking
07.01.08, 02:28 AM
Sure its true. Catholic or Christian. Now, both a basically the 'same thing' but a Catholic and a Christian DONT believe in the same things.
Frankly, you are arguing nonsense. Catholics are Christians. You don't know what you're talking about. But I will say no more as this has gone farther than was intended.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations
Cyrus
07.01.08, 10:27 AM
Frankly, you are arguing nonsense. Catholics are Christians. You don't know what you're talking about. But I will say no more as this has gone farther than was intended.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations
Not really. Yeah, I know catholics are christians. I should have made that more clear. Perhaps the better word would have been denominations?
I'd like to know exactly what part of what I said you think is 'nonsense' though.