Raymond Johnson @ downclimb.com

It's not difficult to find Iowans in Colorado. We're everywhere. Even more, I'm sure more Iowans are getting ready to move to Colorado right now. As an Iowan-turned-Coloradoan myself, I thought I should provide this translation guide. Coloradoan says... Iowan hears... Denver Des Moines Boulder/University of Colorado Iowa City/University of Iowa Ames/Iowa State University Fort Collins/Colorado State University Durango Decorah Skiing Wrestling Olathe Sweet Corn Any sweet corn you can buy at a street corner from a couple of kids in the back of a pickup The Post The Register The Gazette The Courier "I spent a winter as a ski bum in Leadville." "I spent a summer as a detasseler in Osage." Denver Broncos Football Aplington-Parkersburg Football (based on fan loyalty and news coverage) Pueblo Chile Frijoles Fest Ackley Sauerkraut Days Mt. Elbert Hawkeye Hill Castle Rock Story City Park Meadows Jordan Creek Vail Oko...

Somehow, I could feel this coming. In the days following Tim Russert's death a little over a week ago, I repeatedly got this feeling like George Carlin would be soon to follow. I wonder if he got the two-minute warning? I wonder if he'll get blown up? (Listen to "Death and Dying" from Carlin's 1977 album On the Road .) I can't think of any other single person in popular culture that has done more to influence my sense of humor and personal philosophies than George Carlin. It's strange, really, since I'm nothing like Carlin - I don't use profanity, have never drank or used drugs, and I generally avoid controversy. I've always liked stand-up comedy, however, and Carlin has been my favorite ever since I heard Playin' With Your Head when I was in middle school. (Big thanks to Phil Walters, who borrowed the tape from his brother so he could share it with me and others while we detasseled corn.) I understand those who think Pryor was f...