A dear friend passed on a tip to me, that the New Years article I so enjoyed reading and posted here for all to enjoy, was not written by George Carlin.
Rather, it has been one of those strange internet stories passed around as such.
Here is the truth of the story, as posted on the internet at the truth or rumor website.
The Paradox of Our Time--George Carlin's Tribute to His Late Wife- Fiction!
Summary of the eRumor
A message said to have come from George Carlin on the occasion of his wife's death and his commentary on the nation after the Attack on America on September 11, 2001.
It has also circulated as having been written by a surviving student of the Columbine high school massacre in Colorado
The Truth
This has been circulating on the Internet for quite a while...long before September 11, and is not from George Carlin.
Those who know George Carlin's views would immediately know that the comments in "The Paradox of Our Time" do not match those of Carlin.
On his website at georgecarlin dot com he denies authorship and criticizes the piece.
The rumor that these words were spoken on the occasion of the death of his wife are a recent addition to the eRumor, which began circulating about 1999.
There are many websites that quote from this now classic eRumor and identify it as having been written by Jeff Dickson in 1998. Thanks to a tip from one of our readers, we have found the original author, however.
It is a minister, author, and former pastor of Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, Washington.
In a response to an inquiry by TruthOrFiction dot com, Dr. Moorehead said he wrote it in 1990. It was later published in 1995 in his book WORDS APTLY SPOKEN.
** Please note** A good friend just passed on a tip that this article was not writen by George Carlin at all. In fact, he disclaims it quite loudly on his website and critizes it.
I have put more info into another blog "Interesting..truth or rumour" if you would like more info.
I still think it beautiful, but wanted to make the correction.
Hi All
I found myself in quite the introspective mood this New Years, and came across this article and thought I would share it with you all.
I was particulary moved by the last statement - and if I am tempted to make a new year' resolution, it will be to live this coming year, with as many moments possible - that absolutely take my breathe away - it is time. *smile*
Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - the mouthy comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.
A wonderful Message by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it.
A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breathe away.
I was visiting with my daughter the other evening, and we were going back over family stories, and sharing funny "remember when" moments.
How about you? Got any really embarrassing or "was my face red" moments you would like to share with us?
I think one of my most embarrassing moments ever was easter weekend about 1990. My son was 4 years old and had gotten a kite for easter.
We were at my mother's farm, and he and I were outside trying to fly this kite together. I was still dressed in my dress, (and had no underwear on) my whole family (three sisters, two brothers, and their families and my mom) were all on the front porch watching, as my son and I and the other little ones were trying to fly kites.
As you may know, when you run, trying to fly a kite, you run backwards, looking at the kite.
Well my son and I were running.
And laughing.
And we had a big yellow lab dog, who was also joining in the fun.
Running along beside us.
But then she decided to get behind me and then just stop dead in her tracks.
I went rear over tea kettle over her back, my dress right up over my head, my lovely bare white backside exposed for my entire family to laugh at.
And laugh they did. For many years to come. Every easter weekend. It is still to this day "Remember when ..... "
I am sure, that if we had of video taped it, we would have won the $100,000. on America's Funniest Home Videos.
How about you? What is your "Was my face ever red moment!"
I found this really amazing website for plus size women's clothing. Stunning evening wear and dresses, as well as beautiful blouses and shirts and casual.
Not so hot for lingerie - but there was another blog listed here for some really beautiful plus size lingerie.
They even tell you what body shape the outfit is flattering on.
I think they've really hit on an excellent new idea/feature - they have added a new photo verified - you can find the link for it on your home page.
This should eventually help in outing those many Nigerian scamsters.
If those of us who have posted photos, send by fax or email a copy of our ID, we will be listed as being verified - which means that our photos match our ID, and our ID matches the info large friends has for us on file.
I found a Large Friend member on google - and it isn't good. Of course, he says he is in Africa, he is divorced, and has a son living in England with his ex. If the story sounds familiar, check the link and see if the photos match.
You might want to check it out, if he has been in contact with you, you will certainly recognize the photos.
You will read the stories of some of the other women who have fallen in love with him.
