R.I.P.

While I wouldn't count George Carlin as one of my idols, I am greatly saddened by his passing. He was definitely a thinking man's comedian - and even the word "comedian" seems inadequate to describe his unique brand of observation and dignified umbrage against the numerous idiocies of life.

Not unlike my inexplicable penchant for mutton-chopped, white jump suit Elvis, it is the latter-day Carlin that really resonated with me. His HBO specials and TV appearances of the last few years found him in excellent form, adding a macabre tinge to his acerbic delivery.

Never one to suffer fools gladly, Carlin once offered a riff on people the world would be better off without, noting they "oughta be beaten with heavy clubs and left bleeding in the moonlight."

That image—left bleeding in the mooonlight—is sheer poetry! And, God help me, hilarious!

Many of the obituaries mention cynicism and bitterness, but he never really struck me that way. George Carlin, to my mind, was always about calling a spade a spade. Sometimes he took an exaggerated route, perhaps, to make his point—but he was nothing if not on point.

Remembering Liam Rector

The End of an Era

Yesterday marked the last day at my place of employ for the man pictured to the right, Jake Duffy. For almost exactly two years we sat side by side, sharing a cubicle, MFAs in writing (his is in fiction), and all varieties of culture.

A dull day was never had in the place unless Jake was on vacation, which was hardly ever. His knowledge of film, literature and music were unusually well-developed as compared with the average person, and head and shoulders above practically everyone else at the job.

One of the first things I overheard upon arriving for work my first day was a debate raging among my colleagues as to which constituted the greatest film of all time: Braveheart or Gladiator. I had barely managed to contain the look of horror that surely must have crossed my face when I saw Jake's similarly aghast look.

Instant bond.

8-word poem

But like
All good popsicles—
Eventually it's gone.

* * *

For Jake Duffy.