THE SEVEN WORDS YOU CAN'T SAY IN HEAVEN

George Carlin, the Grammy-Award winning standup comedian and actor who was hailed for his irreverent social commentary, poignant observations of the absurdities of everyday life and language, and groundbreaking routines like “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television,” died in Santa Monica, Calif., on Sunday, according to his publicist, Jeff Abraham. He was 71.

The cause of death was heart failure. Mr. Carlin, who had a history of heart problems, went into the hospital on Sunday afternoon after complaining of heart trouble. The comedian had worked last weekend at The Orleans in Las Vegas.

Richard Pryor was sitting outside a Starbucks in heaven, when he heard someone behind him say in a matter of fact manner, "Uh, have you seen a tall, black blonde, lady around here?" a famous George Carlin line from the Pryor film, "Car Wash". Upon hearing this, Pryor knowingly turned to find George. Pryor sternly responded, "Motherf****r, I told you not to be hanging around a pool room after dark with a pocket full of money." Carlin responded, "I wish. It was heart failure." Pryor scoffed, "I had three heart attacks before I got here. Ni**a, impress me." They laughed, drank coffee and talked trash the rest of the day.

At least that is what I'd like to think happened, after George Carlin's death was reported today. Carlin was of a generation that didn't conform but made you think and still laugh. There are many, who are fan of the Dane Cooks or Def Jam comedians, who are certainly successful via high profile and money, but they can't touch Carlin talent wise, if you embeded a Carlin box set in their rectums. Ironically, there are a number of comedians today with college degrees or at least a high school diploma, who couldn't craft a joke like Carlin did with his ninth grade education. Yes, ninth grade and he made us think more than a generation of comedians. I believe it is because when Carlin, Pryor, Dick Gregory and Lenny Bruce performed they spoke from a counter culture that wanted to prove the previous generation that they had something intelligent to say, but in a different manner. Today's comedian wants to launch a film career or at least have a sitcom based off their material, so they ride into the sunset on residuals. Now I'm not saying there are no comedians of that ilk out here today, we just have one less with the passing of this comedic legend.

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