RIP George Carlin

My NY Times and WaPo news alerts have just announced the death of George Carlin.

I remember the first time I saw George Carlin. It would have been an HBO Special when I was in the 4th Grade. Yes, I probably should not have been watching it. However, I loved IT. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Yes, I was an 8 year old that knew that George Carlin was her favorite comedian.

So, here's one of his bits that I've always liked, from MAD TV

Touched By An Atheist

Mr. Carlin, thanks for making us think, offending us, and keeping us entertained.

RIP William F. Buckley Jr.

I loved watching Firing Line on PBS. A show where people were encouraged to think and discuss big ideas, in a civil manner. Wow! Even in the early eighties, we didn't see much of that in the MSM, and we sure as heck don't see it at all today.

Buckley's vocabulary - glorious.
Buckley's politics - for the most part, not my own.

Mostly, I like that he didn't take himself too seriously.

Thank you Mr. Buckley. You helped open the mind of a kid from backwoods Alaska, and I have always been grateful

NYT - William F. Buckley Jr. is dead at 82