Carlin's clean humor was also hilarious

Posted: Monday, June 23, 2008 1:34 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under: Tributes

Everyone’s writing about George Carlin’s famous “Seven Dirty Words” routine as we mourn him. I heard that routine again on satellite radio this morning, and yes, it had me laughing. But I don’t want to forget that Carlin could also set a room of nuns and prudish grandmas to laughing with humor that you COULD say on television. (Carlin quotes paraphrased—just assume I got the gist right but he was much funnier.)

He once suggested an invention: Kleenex with targets printed on them! You could blow your nose and then brag to your pal, “Hey, Pete, look! I got an 85!” (I still think this would be a smart design.)

He had another bit about sentences you didn’t want to hear people say (your doctor: “You’ll live another 20-30 years, but you’ll be constantly bleeding from both eyes.”) or sentences that no one would ever think to say (“Dad, you don’t drink enough.”)

He had a hilarious routine about “stuff,” saying that your house was really just a place for your stuff, and how difficult it was to go on vacation and stay in a room full of someone else’s stuff. You get offended: Their stuff is already here! There’s no place for MY stuff.

But my favorite routine has to be Carlin’s amazingly accurate “Football vs. baseball.” Football, he points out, has helmets, gridirons, penalties, sudden death! Baseball has caps, diamonds, errors, and extra innings. Football is a mini-war, with the quarterback its field general leading an aerial assault on the other team. Baseball’s purpose, on the other hand, is simply to get home and be safe.

Carlin’s home and safe now, bless him. Share your favorite memories in the comments.

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I first saw George Carlin as the hippy, dippy weatherman. I heard his "7 words ..." routine many times and I think I still own that record. One negative, at some point he started telling his audience not to vote "it just encourages them". Since G. Bush thinks his narrow election wins give him a mandate from god, not voting seems to encourage "them" far too much. I wish George Carlin had not gone down that road.

Paul Kohlmiller, Gilroy, CA (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 6:33 PM)

What a funny Guy! I'll miss him. I've used his lines all of my life.

Tim Doyle- Eighty Eight Kentucky (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 7:03 PM)

I have followed George Carlin for many years. I saw him I think even before he was the Hippy Dippy Weatherman, and followed him through his entire career - all the way until now (even through his short-lived Sunday evening sitcom). His humor was so intelligent and proved that we could do better. He was the court jester of the generations - pointing out our faults and the ironies in our lives while making us laugh at ourselves and giving us that bug-eyed look knowing we could improve ourselves, which movitated us to do so. I so loved his humor that I have had my children listen to him from the time they were young teens, to show them a good way to fight back from those things that didn't make sense or seem fair. George showed us how to be fair and in your face at the same time. Go George Go. You were truly the Twain of our age... We'll miss you!

Terry Ives, Marietta, GA (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 7:09 PM)

He was a master with words.He got your attention and never lost it throughout his routines. He was a genius.After watching, listening, and laughing until I had pains in my stomach..........I was always wanting more but the program was over until the next special. He died much too young but that is the sad thing about life.....most of the really good people on this earth who have much to give pass to soon. It's a pity....life such ain't fair!

Alan Cohn Chandler Arizona (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 7:15 PM)

George and I go back a long ways Back to before I had really hit my stride in fact. As an innocent teen in the mid 70's, George would be the unlikely and erreverent light to help guide me thru the long dark tunnel years that I had survived in catholic school. His brand of humor was neither applauded nor even tolerated in the houshold of my youth. But there it was! Hidden in the closet like some old french post card only to be brought out in the most secretive of circumstances. The only reason I was able to keep my collection of George's works in the first place was that I had stuffed the ebony anthologies in other jacket covers that were seldom listened to?! Sad to say his record jackets (possibly pretty valuable now!!?) had gone the way of so many orange peels and egg shells. Out with the rest of the garbage. Little did my hispanic catholic mother and father that I had already made the switch before hand!
George's influence upon me was to rendor me something of an outcast with the rest of my genuflecting alterboy peers but there was on occasion a few capitualators, usually likely future smalltime criminals like myself, and we would revel in our humoristic tastes when ever possible. Again only at the most secretive opportunity.Heaven forbid the nuns of St Dominic's ever discovered where we were getting our new sentence enhancers and streetwise colloquielisms.
Well George, I want to tell you thanks for all you givin me including my extreme outlook on my life as I see it. I did have the pleasure to shake your hand once at the Paramount theator in Seattle Wa. It didn't matter that you only briefly shook my hand like a politician making a bid for office. I knew you had other more important things to do. Even still, It was my pleasure.
Thanx, you will be missed

David A Castaneda Otis Oregon (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 9:01 PM)

A moment of silence if you please....the greatest comedian since Lenny Bruce, has passed away.

Clark (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 9:26 PM)

My favorite thing about George Carlin was how he always pointed out the silly things in life: Why are there locks on 7-11 if it's open 24 hours? How do you pre-board a plane, by the time you get on your boarding so you can't pre-board? And he always insisted he would get IN the plane, not ON the plane, it's far too windy outside.

He was truly a man who made you think about life and your everyday routines and how to laugh at the most common things.

To me he was a man who gave you something to take away from his shows.

He was truly a unique and incredibly creative individual.

Brett, Tulsa, OK (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 10:01 PM)

The greatest American of all time. He saw through the BS. One of my personal heroes. He will be very missed.

Rest in Peace George Carlin.

Tony, Buffalo, NY (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 10:09 PM)

He was very simply the greatest comedian of the 2nd half of the 20th Century. Let others fight over the first half. Lenny Bruce might have challenged if he'd lived longer, but Carlin took up Bruce's cause for Free Speech and ran with it a lo-ong way. But he did so much more... some of my favorite "clean" Carlin quotes (cut and pasted directly):

"No comment" is a comment.

When someone asks you, A penny for your thoughts, and you put your two cents in, what happens to the other penny?

What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Cloud nine gets all the publicity, but cloud eight actually is cheaper, less crowded, and has a better view.

As soon as someone is identified as an unsung hero, he no longer is.

Isn't it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do 'practice?'

Most people work just hard enough not to get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit.

If it's true that our species is alone in the universe, then I'd have to say that the universe aimed rather low and settled for very little.

(I have some other Carlin-related content on my blog, talkingwithmyself.com.)

Wendell Wittler, San Luis Obispo, CA (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 10:46 PM)

"Joe Pecsi is my god." One of the most awesome routines ever in comedy history. /bow

Marty Cox, Moline, IL (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 10:50 PM)

I am seriously mourning the loss of George Carlin. My dad would let me watch his shows when my mom wasn't around; it was a wonderful bond we shared, in addition to the same sick sense of humor that Carlin brought about. I have frequently used his lines to defuse tense situations in our house--and with four sisters, that's not always easy! I have even used his tips for dining out. If you don't know what I'm talking about, pick up Braindroppings and you'll see what I mean.

See you up there, George. (Or is it down there?)

Julia, Denton, Texas (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 11:01 PM)

One of my heroes, for sure. Not without his darker times--I remember his asking the audience when he hosted Saturday Night Live, "Have I told these jokes before?" Likely too stoned to remember where he was in his routine. But when he didn't have that junk in his life? Wow, so smart and so funny. He could make you question everything you found meaningful in your life and fall over laughing in the process.

He said that when he died, he didn't want to be buried. He didn't want to be cremated, either. He wanted to be blown up. "Boom! There he goes! God love him. . ."

I'm sorry, George. I tried to laugh today, but it was hard.

Carl, Raleigh, NC (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 11:13 PM)

My first memories of George Carlin was as the Hippy Dippy Weatherman. There are too many memories list, but one of my favorite was Georges descprition of a cat. I am a cat lover but I have to say that he described a cat better than any one else.

Johna Jeffries, Robinson, IL. (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 11:14 PM)

George Carlin was not only a brilliant commedian, but I think a very forward, and before his time human being. I just learned of his death and and deeply saddened. What an amazing command of launguage, thanks for the laughs babe, love you, god speed, and see ya up there~! where ever that rainbow is~! xoxoxx LULU

susan ridolphi griffin (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 11:17 PM)

Always my favorite, always on target, really made you look at things in a different way. I would sometimes come up with a " Carlinism " for a situation. He really made you think, not just laugh. Rest in peace old friend

AL, Linden, NJ (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 11:40 PM)

When I was in high school in the late 80's, my dad took me to see George Carlin live. I distinctly remember him telling a joke that was sexual in nature, and I thought to myself, "Oh GREAT, my DAD is sitting right THERE! Now my DAD knows that I know about SEX!" Well as soon as the laughter died down, George's next line was something like, "Oh don't act like a bunch of prudes, half of you are gonna go home and go down on each other after the show." I had no idea what "go down" meant, but I was sure it was sexual in nature... and my DAD was still sitting right next to me.... laughing his butt off. I, on the other hand, was too mortified to even muster up a giggle! So thank you, George Carlin, for an unforgettably uncomfortable father/daughter moment, but also for many many years of laughter.

Nicole, Grants Pass, Oregon (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 11:52 PM)

Such a loss...too soon. I guess George's sudden passing reminds us all to say our goodbyes -- yes, have the "deathbed conversation -- now...before it's too late! We'll miss you, George!
-- Louise Lewis, author, No Experts Needed: The Meaning of Life According to You!
www.noexpertsneeded.com

Louise Lewis, So. Calif. (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:05 AM)

Feels like I lost a friend. A friend who wasn't afraid to say what I was feeling inside AND with humor! I grew up listening to AM/FM, Class Clown, Occupation Foole, etc. Even during this sad time he brings a smile to my face. Carry on George...on to the next adventure! Your humor will forever go on as you once said, like you name...ge-or-ge-or-ge-or-ge....

Richard F (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:12 AM)

Thank you George, you are truly the BEST!! We'll miss you, especially me! Thanks.

Jeff Seaton Kalamazoo,mi (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:18 AM)

carlin did a lot of things in his life, but one thing he never did was wear business casual...

http://thebizcazblues.wordpress.com/2008/06/23/george-carlin-never-wore-biz-caz/

diddy (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:32 AM)

I used to love the routines he did with the late Flip Wilson on his show. I loved his oxymoron routine "military Intelligence" "jumbo Shrimp" and the rest. He was the kind of guy who could be funny even without thr famous 7 words. He was an original and will be missed.

Clair East Strousdsburg Pa (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:34 AM)

8th grade and a few of us "bad kids" are sitting there after school with the teacher everyone thought was soooo strict - and he's playing the just released "seven dirty words you can never say on television"! It made my day, my week, my year and obviously had an impact on my life. George Carlin and Mr. McGill - Who would have thought! PS - 8th grade was a great year for all of us as Mr. McGill found out how to reach the "bad kids".

Bob McMorrow, Harrington Park, NJ (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:41 AM)

To be the winner of the newest Mark Twain Humor Award is quite an honor. One well deserved George. . Mark Twain and you in the same room would really be something special.........

cyborg1939, los angeles, california (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:43 AM)

George Carlin- You Rocked! We'll miss you but NOT forget all the laughter you have given to so many of us!!! Thank-You for that...

~~Thoughts & Prayers for the Family~~

M. Williams, Show Low, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:54 AM)

George Carlin will be missed deeply. He was a man who told it like he saw it about every ridiculous thing in life. He made us think about the world in a way that always opened our eyes, because he used humor, which breaks down barriers. He didn't believe in an afterlife, so if there is one, I hope he is pleasantly surprised. I know those of us in this life will find less to laugh about without him.

Stephanie, Hammond, LA (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:55 AM)

I first heard George when I was in the 8th grade 1971. I still have that record. 70 is way too young. George, you made a lot of people laugh, smile and think. You will be remembered and enjoyed but as you wish it, not revered.

Garp, Durango, Colorado (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:56 AM)

I remember him as Mr. Conductor on the "Thomas The Tank Engine And Friends" series for children. RIP George.

Coleen E. Mesa, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 1:01 AM)

When I was a teenager, I couldn't afford to buy albums. I used to go to the public library and listen to George Carlin's first comedy albums at the listening station. I'd be laughing hysterically and doing everything I could not to make noise. People would sure look at me wierd. Looking back, it seems like a very Carlinesque irony. Just the funniest comedian of this generation. No one even close.

Bob Paine, Goodyear AZ (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 1:26 AM)

I saw George in Las Vegas in the mid 80's which wound up on an HBO special. I can still remember that act. His timing was impeccable,his delivery was always on point, and not to forget those wonder facial expressions to go along with the punch line. God, I still rattle off the 7 words you can't say on t.v. What a genius. We were blessed to have such a gifted individual cross our paths. Funny funny man. His shoes will never be filled. Someone like him only comes around once in life. God Bless you George. You will be missed terribly, but your legacy will live on. If we can only sort out the "stuff", I think we might have a chance...

Nancy Lofton, Woodland, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 2:01 AM)

I have been a George Carlin fan all of my life. He always made you think. I would laugh so hard that my stomach would cramp. I can listen to the same routines over and over and never stop laughing. I feel like I've lost a good friend. I was lucky enough to see him in concert. I'll miss you George.

Debbi Reynolds Groveland, Florida (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 2:44 AM)

George Carlin has been the 'voice' in my head at all the perfect moments in life - while standing in line at the movies and making my kids keep a straight face while I said. "3 senior citizens for Batman" George is a GOD, his words will be worshipped for many years to come. RIP George I love you Angie

Angela Mashpee, MA (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 3:22 AM)

George Carlin was a lazy bum. The only time he tried to put on a good show was at a gig that was very important to his carrier or when he was on TV. I saw him at the Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary Alberta, he was so lazy that he brought a chair on stage which he sat in the whole show, he did not even try to put on a good show. Nobody in the audience laughed even once and Carlin didn't care. May he rest in turmoil.

biggerbrain (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 4:29 AM)

Why do we drive on a parkway and park in a driveway? Just one of those little things in life that George Carlin reminded us was a little off-center. The world is a little duller without him.

Cricket, TN (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 7:26 AM)

If I'm having a bad day, I know I can turn to the comedy of George Carlin to cheer me up. Reading his books can make a person literally laugh out loud. Watching his routines may even cause one to pee his/her pants. (Not that I would know.) We'll miss you, George.

Julia, Horses Unite! Texas (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 9:15 AM)

George has made my life a happier place. It is difficult to imagine a world without George Carlin in it. And God is lucky to have him. Treat him well God. You know, maybe God will lend George to The guy downstairs once in a while so he's not such a @#!@x all the time. How bout it God?

Jay Michael Haisley Mason Ohio 45040 (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 9:23 AM)

I think one of his funniest pieces was as the hippy dippy weatherman on Carson when he said "Radar was picking up a line of thunderstorms over Secaucas but it was also picking up a squadrin of Russian IBM missles, so don't sweat the thunderstorms"

In the dictionary under funny it says "see Carlin"

maryellen winthrop,ma (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 10:33 AM)

The first George Carlin bit I ever heard was "Ice Box Man." I was 10 years old and listening to it on vinyl played on my grandma's "victrola". 30 years later, I can remember every phrase, every inflection, every subtle vocal nuance that made Ice Box Man come alive in that recording. There will simply never be another George Carlin.

Gayle, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 10:54 AM)

a great loss.who else can tell it like it is,especially in today's world.no one can put so much truth in comedy and still be funny.the world of comedy lost a great embassodor.

ct south philly (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:40 AM)

His observations about driving were also clean but hilarious. Whenever I see a car in the fast lane on the freeway with their right turn signal on, I think of George saying, "Maybe they are going around the world... to the right." On Looky-Loos: "Can you bring the body a little closer to the car? My wife has never seen someone shaped in quite that manner." A driver going slower than you is an "Idiot" while one whizzing past you is a "Maniac". He went on and on... Thank God. Makes me laugh just thinking of it. Thanks George...

Alison V, Los Angeles (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:48 PM)

George Carlin was a comedic genius. A talent not to be surpassed anytime soon.

Joe White, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 2:09 PM)

i saw george at ISU in 1977, and absolutely loved him. i am feeling rather bummed out right now although i have not heard any of his routines for years. you were terrific, what a loss.

mary larter, port elizabeth, south africa (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 2:35 PM)

The first joke I remember from Carlin's lips was the dreaded phone call where this girl calls up this guy and says "remember me we met about nine months ago and you called me a good sport." He says "yeah, how are you doing?" "I'm pregnant and I'm going to jump out the window." "Gee, you are a good sport." Well, George, ole' buddy you were the best "sport" of all. Enjoy it up there on "cloud eight!"

DMILLS, NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 2:51 PM)

He was here just a minute ago!

Mike Monahan, West Point, VA (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 3:07 PM)

George did not die, he "passed away"! We'll miss you.

Aggie Preston, Oaklyn NJ (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 3:14 PM)

I feel very fortunate that I got to see George at Penn State in the early 90's. Even though I had heard most of the material, it was still gut-busting funny.

Even earlier than that, I remember one of his HBO specials where he asked for "a moment of silence for the 43 mentally-retarded, Bolivian, senior-citizen, volleyball fans, who tragically lost their lives in a roller-coaster accident. I could always keep a straight face up until the moment he hit you with the punchline. I won't spoil it - hopefully it's out there on the internets for you to find.

Rest in Peace, George. You will be missed.

Matthew, La Center, WA (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 3:28 PM)

what a piece of work you were George. You will be missed by so many and you are loved by all who had the
pleasure of hearing you whether on tv, live or on an album. you made the 60's great and you made us think. even though thinking was difficult back then. George Carlin and Richard Pryor, you guys were the best. See you on the other side, where ever that is.....

patti g (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 4:11 PM)

George Carlin was not only a greatly talented, literate, funny man, but he was an atheist and unafraid to say so. He's not "gone home," or "passed on to the other side," or whatever. He's dead. It's a great loss, but his precious life, like all of ours, had to end sometime. He will be missed.

M (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 5:07 PM)

The first thing that came to mind when I heard he passed away was his famous plane sketch, my absolute favorite. To quote as best I can
"Why do they always tell you to get ON the plane?"
"Fuck you, I'm gettin IN the plane!"

Teri, Edmonton, Alberta (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 6:17 PM)

I first was introduced to George when I was a kid on "Shining Time Station" with Thomas the Tank Engine. I had no idea at the time what he was going to really teach me when I found out his true vocation. He was the funniest and most truthful comedian I have ever heard. I will mourn his loss for a long, long time.

Godspeed, Mr. Conductor. You will be missed.

Caleb, St Louis, MO (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 7:39 PM)

I think of George Carlin every time I fly and the captain makes a comment like "we'll be on the ground in 20 minutes." As George said..."well, that's a little vague!" He was my favorite comedian and apart from how hard he made me laugh, some of his observations were almost profound. I'm glad to see a blog posting like this that highlights aspects of his comedy that weren't edgy or profane (not that there's something wrong with the bits that were, mind you), but just damned funny and observant.

Steve, Middleton, WI (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 8:38 PM)

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Carlin's clean humor was also hilarious

Posted: Monday, June 23, 2008 1:34 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under: Tributes

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Carlin's clean humor was also hilarious

Posted: Monday, June 23, 2008 1:34 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper Filed Under: Tributes

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Posted: Monday, June 23, 2008 1:34 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under: Tributes