George Carlin

It is the very rare occasion that I do tributes. That tasks is better left to Malcolm of Pop Culture Dish, who does a much better job at it than I. Nonetheless I felt compelled to say something about comedian George Carlin because his commentary always struck a chord with me. He said things that I wish I had thought of or been brave enough to say. He not only made us laugh, he made us think.

From time to time HBO would air specials showcasing his talents pretty regularly and I always try to catch him whenever I could because dude was hilarious. Carlin displayed the type of genius that made Richard Pryor iconic. In fact they both appeared in one of my favorite classics from the 1970's "Car Wash". He had a great scene as a cab driver transporting a hooker.

Carlin was also responsible for coming up with the "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television". He is arguably the best stand-up comedian after Pryor and before Lenny Bruce. He remained relevant until today when he passed away. He material was always on point and his take on the world was fresh and thought-provoking. Here is George's official website with a very informative time line created by George himself. I am going to miss this guy. RIP George!

Check out this clip of the "Seven Words". Warning! Language might be offensive to some.

Ruby Dee Gets Her Very First Oscar Nod at 83

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The Academy Awards nominations were announced this morning, and among the nominees was Ruby Dee, who after 50 years in the business finally grabbed a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as 'Mama Lucas' in ‘American Ganster’. Mama Lucas was the mother of Harlem drug kingpin Frank Lucas played by Denzel Washington.

Dee, 83, is the second oldest Oscar nominee for acting ever. Gloria Stuart, nominated for 'Titanic' in 1998, was 87 at the time of her nomination. Ms. Dee’s role in the movie was small, but pivotal to the storyline of the film. It’s been a long time coming after over a half a century of brilliant film roles starting in the 1950’s. Even after the death of her beloved husband and often co-star, Ossie Davis in 2005, she has kept at her craft. She was also seen recently along side singer/actor Alicia Keys on the Sundance Channel’s Iconoclast, a series which pairs mature and young artist together.

In 2004 she along with Ossie Davis, Elton John, Joan Sutherland, John Williams, and Warren Beatty became the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors. In 1995 she and Ossie Davis were awarded the American National Medal of the Arts from the National Endowment of the Arts in Washington, DC. In later years she has performed mostly in films written and directed by actor/director Spike Le

Check out this clip with Ms. Dee and Denzel Washington.