George Carlin – cherished comic legend and counterculture hero – passed away Sunday, June 22 of heart failure. He was 71.

Carlin had a history of pushing the boundaries of verbal comedy in his long and brilliant career and is revered alongside the late Lenny Bruce and the late Richard Pryor as an unequaled master of so-called "blue humor". Indeed, much of George's mid-2000s routines focused on various topical issues in contemporary American culture, among them: consumerism, obsession with fame and/or celebrity, parenting, Christianity (and organized religion in general), patriotism and sexual taboos. George Carlin's passing is made all the more tragic by the fact that all of these issues have since become all the more pressing.

George Carlin appeared on 14 HBO specials, released 23 comedy albums and won four Grammys for Best Spoken Word Comedy Album. He also had the singular distinction of being the first-ever host of NBC's Saturday Night Live, which debuted in October of 1975.

Aria mourns the passing of this brilliant man. George Carlin – via his art and the uncompromising style with which he exercised it – made us think. More – he made us QUESTION! The man will be sorely missed....

Categories: George Carlin; Richard Pryor; Lenny Bruce; blue humor

The upcoming July issue of Vogue Italia – or Italian Vogue – will exclusively feature black models. The magazine's editor, Franca Sozzani, spoke about the upcoming issue at length:

"This idea came about as a reaction to the models of today," Sozzani said. "I go to a fashion show and every girl is blond and blue-eyed and they all walk the same and look the same." He continued: I thought we needed to break away from this type of thing," she said. "There are so many beautiful black women not being used."

Sozzani also expressed that the time seemed optimal for an all-black issue, given the fact that Barack Obama is to be the first black nominee for president of the United States.

The all-black issue of Vogue Italia will drop next week and will include actors, models and singers. Among the well-known luminaries to be showcased will be Naomi Campbell, Iman, Tina Turner and Jody Watley.

Aria salutes Vogue Italia for breaking new ground!

Categories: Vogue; Vogue Magazine; Italian Vogue; Vogue Italia; Iman;  Naomi Campbell; Tina Turner; Jody Watley