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| George Carlin's been working the crowd since "the counterculture" became "the over-the-counter culture" around 1967 or so; his new book, Brain Droppings, surfs on three decades of touring-in-support. It's the purest version of book-as-candy that one could imagine, serving up humor in convenient, bite-sized packages. Snack on chewy one-liners like "A meltdown sounds like fun. Like some kind of cheese sandwich." Or: "If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten." Brain Droppings also contains highlights from Carlin's concert repertoire, and that more than makes up for the occasional spray of pointless nihilism. Tell us, George, what exactly were you going for with "Kill your pet" and "Satan is cool"? Quick--hide the paper before Daddy sees it! Still, if you're a fan of this sarcastic semanticist who's given Bad Attitude not necessarily a good name, but at least a comfy bank account, by all means rush out and snag Brain Droppings. Carlin's book melts in your mind, not in your hand. |
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Not so great actually : Powered by Amazon
Posted on 2008-11-09 |
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| I love George Carlin, but this book is only so so. It's just not his greatest work and I find most of his fans will find it disappointing. There are the occasional funny parts, but it's just not that good. |
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SOMETIMES THOUGHT PROVOKING, AND AT OTHER TIMES LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY ! : Powered by Amazon
Posted on 2008-06-24 |
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As a long time George Carlin fan (in the early 1970s I owned George's then new Class Clown album on vinyl, and I saw him live in the 1990s), I couldn't wait to read his first hardcover book, so I went out and bought a brand new copy of Brain Droppings when it was first released in 1997. I wasn't disappointed at all with the book then, and still occasionally read that same copy for a good laugh.
Brain Droppings is a sometimes hilarious, sometimes mildly amusing, collection of George's maverick hippie stand-up comedy routines, peculiar personal opinions, and random thoughts on the English language and human behavior. Some of his famous and most popular routines like "A Place For Your Stuff" and "Baseball And Football" are included along with several lists of his favorite redundancies (foreign imports), favorite euphemisms (police clubs = batons), favorite oxymorons (original copy), and people he can do without (anyone who refers to Charles Manson as "Chuck"). It's Carlin, so the languange is definitely R-rated, but not vulgar or unreasonably profane. It's completely off the wall and out of leftfield. He finds humor and absurdity even in the most mundane:
If you ever have chicken at lunch and chicken at dinner, do you ever wonder if the two chickens knew each other?
Poor confetti. It's useful life lasts about two seconds. And it can never be used again.
I think it would be fun to go on "Jeopardy" and never buzz in. Just stand there for half an hour, never talk, and then go home.
Brain Droppings is a carefree and interesting read, and because it's full of one liners, lists, and short essays, it's easily readable in bits and pieces from time to time after the first read. It's an amusing and quirky look at life from a great, much loved, and widely respected comic genius who's original and unorthodox style inspired millions to think for themselves and laugh at the absurdity of life.
I AM NOT IN COMPLIANCE
George Carlin
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A world without George Carlin sucks : Powered by Amazon
Posted on 2008-06-23 |
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"Sympathetic contempt" from the master of thoughtful comedy
Carlin: "I am a personal optimist but a skeptic about all else. What may sound like anger is really nothing more than sympathetic contempt. I view my species with a combination of wonder and pity, and I root for its destruction. And please don't confuse my point of view with cynicism; the real cynics are the ones who tell you everything's gonna be all right."
I highly recommend this hilarious book. It won't just make you laugh, however. It is also filled with thought-provoking ideas and observations.
Yeah, George was funny but it was his honesty and intelligence that made him special. No one was better at following up a fart joke with a stabbing insight about how twisted our perceptions of reality are. He skewered our empty icons. He revealed the evil within those who abuse their power at the public's expense. He also rightly condemned all of us for putting up with so much ignorance and insanity.
George Carlin was easily one of the greatest comedians of all time, the best in my opinion. Apart from Richard Pryor, I can't even think of anyone who comes close to his talent, relevance and longevity.
But Carlin wasn't really a comedian. He was more than that. He was a philosopher in the truest sense. He challenged us to think. He challenged us to see beyond the fog of cultural lies. And, despite his "I don't care" image, George Carlin challenged us to care.
I would say, "rest in peace, George." But he would think that is so trite, meaningless and lame, so I won't.
--Guy P. Harrison, author of 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God
A few lines from Carlin's book, Brain Droppings
I like sports because I enjoy knowing that many of these macho athletes have to vomit before a big game. Any guy who takes a job where you gotta puke first is my kind of guy.
Some see the glass as half-empty, some see the glass as half-full. I see the glass as too big.
If you love someone, set them free; if they come home, set them on fire.
Some favorite oxymorons:
assistant supervisor
new tradition
original copy
plastic glass
uninvited guest
Most people are not particularly good at anything.
Those who dance are considered insane by those who can't hear the music.
I never eat sushi. I have trouble eating things that are merely unconscious.
The only good thing to come out of religion was the music.
There ought to be at least one round state.
In comic strips the person on the left always speaks first.
Why can't there be more suffering?
Unnecessary Words
There is a tendency these days to complicate speech by adding unnecessary words.
The following phrases all contain at least one word too many.
emergency situation
fear factor
peace process
shower activity
free of charge
intensity level
surgical procedure
knowledge base
belief system
boarding process
forest setting
seating area
floatation device
beverage items
sting operation
hospital environment
prison setting
facial area
Where does the Dentist go when he leaves the room?
I almost don't feel the way I do.
There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls.
Human beings are kind of interesting from birth until they reach the age of a year and a half. Then they are boring until they reach fifty. By that time they're either completely defeated and f***ed up, which makes them interesting again, or they've learned how to beat the game, and that makes them interesting too.
The bigger they are, the worse they smell.
No one can ever know for sure what a deserted area looks like.
Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror.
Some favorite redundancies:
added bonus
total abstinance
young children
exactly right
subject matter
revert back
true fact
honest truth
sum total
join together
ferryboat
free gift
general public
bare naked
unique individual
new initiative
end result
--Guy P. Harrison, author of 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God
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Like some one else said: "George speaks the truth!!!" : Powered by Amazon
Posted on 2008-06-23 |
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| All I can say is that there arent too many people out there that can get this guy to like to read!!!George was a love him or hate him kinda guy!I Love him!Although,it is better to hear him to get the full effect,he doesn't disappoint!RIP George!!!You will be missed!!! |
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Friggin Hilarious! : Powered by Amazon
Posted on 2008-05-12 |
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| Short quick read. Open to any page - no need to read straight from start to finish. Very funny. Worth the purchase! |
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