|
|
|
Johnny Carson |
|
|
Johnny Carson - The loss of a brilliant comedian, but also a truth-driven thinkerHaving been a fan and admirer along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened by the news of Johnny's death. I'm saddened for all the reasons expressed by the myriad of celebrities and Tonight Show viewers - the memories we feel like we shared with him over 30 years, the guests, the way our parents connected with the show, etc - but also because of the little known fact that science and reason lost a big advocate. Didn't know that? Well neither did I, really, until I interviewed the Amazing Randi (James Randi) for my video (now included in my book) several months ago. It appears Johnny and I had at least one thing in common in addition to loving to laugh, and that was an admiration for James Randi, science, and reason. Indeed as Mr. Randi noted in our interview, Johnny was both his friend and ardent supporter of the James Randi Educational Foundation. Indeed his name came up at the Amazing Meeting III (see below) just last week, as he had previously sent the gathering his well wishes. I read just last week that Mr. Carson had been quietly feeding jokes to Letterman and Leno, in that classy, behind the scenes fashion that was emblematic of the grace with which he stepped aside at the top of his game. In the same fashion, he had a lasting and active involvement in the "skeptic community" that will be equally missed (please visit www.skeptic.org lest you misunderstand the definition of skepticism - not the same as cynicism). Of course I didn't know Mr. Carson at all, other than feeling like I did know him extremely well after so many years of enjoyable late evenings together. What a loss, but what a gain the world experienced through his life. My condolences to his family, his friends (certainly including Mr. Randi), and a nation he so powerfully influenced. - Steve Gibson (1/24/05) |
|
Send mail to
sgibson@truthdriventhinking.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
|