Around the newsroom today, more than a few people have said, “You know, his last HBO special wasn’t that good. He was pretty angry and bitter at the end.”

But to appreciate George Carlin and his talent, look no further than this classic routine from nearly two decades ago, comparing two great sports.

As my news editor said a short time ago, “He didn’t have to ‘go blue’ to be funny.'”

Indeed. Enjoy.