Article

2008-06-23 -Short Attention Span Theater-

Archived material is restricted to Rantburg regulars and members. If you need access email fred.pruitt=at=gmail.com with your nick to be added to the members list. There is no charge to join Rantburg as a member.

Posted by gorb 2008-06-23 06:15|| || Front Page|| [1 views ] Top

#1 I recall his clean cut comedy period. Although he embraced the sixties counter-culture, he was closer to the libertarian position in his later years. His stuff was observational, rather than vulgar. Yah, he did the first Saturday Night Live. I saw that one. I recall that the Ford administration tried to use the show to get votes. The President's press secretary - Ron Nesson - was an early host, and the President did some recorded bits. Then again, Nixon uttered this line on "Laugh In": "Sock it to me!" Believe it or not. See yah, George.

Posted by McZoid 2008-06-23 06:52|| 2008-06-23 06:52|| Front Page Top

#2 He spoke the truth, in a funny, funny way. God bless him and comfort his family.

Mike

Posted by Mike Kozlowski 2008-06-23 07:33|| 2008-06-23 07:33|| Front Page Top

#3 Interesting that he was treated at Saint John's.

He went through a several decade period where he was so angry at Catholicism that he couldn't be funny.

Posted by mhw 2008-06-23 08:17|| 2008-06-23 08:17|| Front Page Top

#4 Interesting that he was treated at Saint John's.

He went through a several decade period where he was so angry at Catholicism that he couldn't be funny.

Posted by mhw 2008-06-23 08:18|| 2008-06-23 08:18|| Front Page Top

#5 He was basically a classless jerk. He had no value system and what philosophy he did have was weak and aberrant to the point of nihilism. He will only be missed by the sophomoric Porky's among us.

Posted by Jack is Back!">Jack is Back! 2008-06-23 08:50|| 2008-06-23 08:50|| Front Page Top

#6 And yet, didn't he play one of the main characters on a PBS children's show for many years?

Posted by trailing wife ">trailing wife 2008-06-23 09:48|| 2008-06-23 09:48|| Front Page Top

#7 He prematurely aged, and his humor took a nose dive thanks to his profound addiction to cocaine.

To his credit I will note something said by Joan Rivers, that comedy can be 49% anger and 51% humor, but if it becomes more than 50% anger, it stops being funny.

Lenny Bruce clearly crossed the line into bitter anger and meanness, but Carlin never did. I suppose that is the dividing line between a Democrat and a Libertarian, and why Democrats aren't funny.

Posted by Anonymoose 2008-06-23 10:14|| 2008-06-23 10:14|| Front Page Top

#8 I liked him.

Posted by Deacon Blues">Deacon Blues 2008-06-23 10:22|| 2008-06-23 10:22|| Front Page Top

#9 In his prime, there was nobody better. But his prime was about 30 years ago.
Just the same, so long George.

Posted by tu3031 2008-06-23 11:11|| 2008-06-23 11:11|| Front Page Top

#10 Yes, TW. He, along with Ringo Starr, were conductors on "Thomas the Tank" in the '80's.

Posted by GORT 2008-06-23 11:43|| 2008-06-23 11:43|| Front Page Top

#11 @#6, TW: And yet, didn't he play one of the main characters on a PBS children's show for many years?

Carlin narrated "Thomas the Tank Engine". I can't tell my 4yo boy that he's dead now ... he'd cry. ;-)

Posted by ExtremeModerate 2008-06-23 11:47|| 2008-06-23 11:47|| Front Page Top

#12 Comedy: Communication by other means. :-)

Posted by gorb 2008-06-23 13:23|| 2008-06-23 13:23|| Front Page Top

#13 Not many men are willing to go the SCT just to prove a point. Carlin did. Say what you will about his humor. The man had balls, and in today's world that's distinction enough.

Rest in peace.

Posted by Iblis 2008-06-23 14:12|| 2008-06-23 14:12|| Front Page Top

#14 He was funny, but turned to be too bitter/angry-at-the-world for my tastes after his wife died.

Posted by OldSpook 2008-06-23 14:31|| 2008-06-23 14:31|| Front Page Top

#15 Alec Baldwin (douchebag as a person but a damn funny actor) also narates for "thomas" - as I have 2 little ones - thomas is on occasionally. I thought Carlin had his funny moments - he had a skit back in the 80s w/his daughter IIRC - pretty funny.

Posted by Groting Bucket6626 aka Broadhead6 2008-06-23 16:59|| 2008-06-23 16:59|| Front Page Top

#16 I agree with Jack on this one. No sympathy here, glad he's gone. Carlin was just another foul-mouthed, culture-destroying lefty. At least now he can't do any more harm in person. Let's hope his crap disappears as quickly and thoroughly as Lenny Bruce's did.

Posted by Thaimble Scourge of the Pixies4707 2008-06-23 19:01|| 2008-06-23 19:01|| Front Page Top

23:53 RD
23:49 Groting Bucket6626 aka Broadhead6
23:43 Groting Bucket6626 aka Broadhead6
23:32 JosephMendiola
23:27 Dopey Ebbimble9291
23:24 3dc
23:15 Spike Uniter
23:12 JosephMendiola
23:03 JosephMendiola
23:01 g(r)omgoru
22:58 g(r)omgoru
22:45 trailing wife
22:44 RD
22:38 trailing wife
22:36 g(r)omgoru
22:35 g(r)omgoru
22:10 Nimble Spemble
21:42 Pappy
21:32 Pappy
21:26 Robert M Kraus Sr
21:19 gorb
21:11 JosephMendiola
20:56 JosephMendiola
20:44 JosephMendiola