So Long, George

Current Location: Maloya, Norway (poor weather, forced to stop)

Current Coordinates: 61° 56' 18 N, Longitude: 5° 6' 48 E

Next Stop: Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Listening: "Deacon Blues," by Steely Dan off of 1976's "Aja," ABC Records

George Carlin died today. Though he was most well known for his controversial comedy routines about religion, politics, and sex, there is another less popular dimension to the man that I hope you will join me in celebrating today. George Carlin was a decent man, an honest man, a human being of rare and good will who never hesitated to speak his mind or express what was in his heart with the simplest and most direct (and often offensive) language. Carlin battled drugs and alcohol his whole life, but managed to get ahold of himself in his final years on earth which ultimately made him a more intense, honest, and hilarious person. Carlin's choice of material was fearless, carefully deconstructing, criticizing, and poking fun at the flaws and quirks of the human condition.

Much of what I wrote in my last entry was inspired by an essay Carlin wrote in the wake of his wife's death. In fact, I almost incorporated it into the body of what I was writing. Here it is now.

This is the George Carlin that I'd like to remember. A passionate man who had a quick wit, a way with words, and an honest charm.

Rest Peacefully, George. Heaven is a funnier place.

"The Paradox of Our Time," by George Carlin

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete... Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Amen George.