I am sure he is wondering what you all think he passed!  Was it gas or what?  With the price of oil, we can all afford to PASS gas--just pass right on by the "service" station (remember when they called it that?) and lease a Honda Hydrogen car.

     I was stunned when I heard that George died.  What a giant!  I really enjoyed and was impressed by his love for words, his love for language, and his fascination with all the phrases we use.  I just heard a portion of his recent HBO special where he talked about the phrase, "God Bless America."  Really funny stuff.

     As my life and writing progresses, I sometimes think of George as a mentor as such although I never met him personally.  I love his "relationship" with the infamous F word.  I used to torment my mother with this question.  "Mom, what is that word that begins with F and ends in CK?  She would get quite upset with me especially when I asked her in front of our holy friends!  I would finally end the torment with the revelation that the word is FIRETRUCK.  I'm not blaming George for my "sadistic" streak, but I think any of us who love words and language can't resist being touched by his humor and his love for words and language.  I'd love to see his face when he finds out that maybe there is something else after you pass!  Can you see his eyes and the expression on his mouth?

     I will miss you, George, but your influence will live on through me and many many other writers and humorists.

     Give God a good laugh, George!