MAILBAG:

Well heck, he just appeared in Vegas last week, and now the restless witty wit of George Carlin has been put to rest for eternity.

I can’t remember not seeing him making funnies and tearing into everyone and everything. I had my own name for him, which I called the “Word Guy” because of his mastery of the language and penchant for speaking his mind. And I’m sure through the years a plethora of feathers had their share of ruffling via his choice of words and wit.

Speaking of words, and I think he would have approved of this list that could describe him, here are some that come to mind: sardonic, caustic, mordant, acrid, scathing, sarcastic, satiric, biting, pungent and piercing.

As long as we are doing the word thing, here are some that do not describe him: mundane, typical, commonplace, ordinary, regular, conforming and average.

Whatever words you chose to describe Carlin, we most certainly have lost a rare talent that no doubt will be missed by some, and possibly not by others.

BILL SPITALNICK

Newport Beach