Stand-up comedy isn't for everyone. I know several people who just can't tolerate it at all. Personally, I love stand-up comedy when it's done well. Unfortunately, the "done well" part seems to be less common these days.

George Carlin was someone it took me a long time to warm up to. Early on, I knew him primarily as "yet another toilet humor comedian." It wasn't until much later I discovered this guy was clever. And intelligent. And, unlike many comedians these days, this guy actually had something to say.

I still think of him literally every time I fly in an airplane. Every time I hear the captain or flight attendant say, "We'll be on the ground shortly," I can hear George replying, "Isn't that a little vague?"

George Carlin died of heart failure yesterday at the age of 71. I'm saddened by the loss, but happy for all the laughs he's brought to the world.