Carlin’s the kind of guy I disagreed with in at least 2/3rds of all the cases and statements he spewed during a stand-up routine. It might’ve been more than 2/3rds but I was laughing so hard at the bits I disagreed with that I couldn’t hear the rest.

Outside of paternal influence, he was probably the first time I’d heard filthy language, and he was almost assuredly — with Dennis Leary — one of the first times I’d heard “fuck” used as a noun, verb, exclamatory, etc. etc. by someone who obviously had a brain in their head and wasn’t just cursing to piss someone off.

Here’s hoping that wherever you are, George, you’ve got a comfy chair and a good view — and that we’re all able to prove you wrong.

For the first time in my life, I understand why Steve Martin’s jokes eventually make me laugh, but not always immediately. Of course, it won’t make any sense from me (as I can’t tell a joke), so you should hear it from him.