Unvarnished

Truth, liberty, language and the occasional freakish buzz -- George Carlin always aimed high.

And talked low, brilliantly, and by doing so invigorated the language and the debate, and spurred a remarkable Supreme Court decision (yes, it's "unquestionably 'speech' within the meaning of the First Amendment") and gave me some of the heartiest laughs of my life.

Since he hated euphemism, I'll just say I'm sorry he's . . . he's . . .

E's not pinin'! 'E's passed on! This parrot is no more! He has ceased to be! 'E's expired and gone to meet 'is maker! 'E's a stiff! Bereft of life, 'e rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed 'im to the perch 'e'd be pushing up the daisies! 'Is metabolic processes are now 'istory! 'E's off the twig! 'E's kicked the bucket, 'e's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisibile!! . . . .