State by State…and a Movie review

Some of my favorite blurbs continue to be in the State by State section of the USA Today.  Here are some recent doozies.

Ashland, Ohio: “Authorities say the mother of an 8 year old boy who repeatedly shot  his four year old sister delayed seeking medical help for fear that the guns they use to hunt food with would be taken away.”  I almost don’t know where to start.  That a parent would be more concerned about keeping guns as opposed to seeking medical help for their 4 year old, or that they have raised an 8 year old boy that would, “repeatedly” shoot his little sister.  Let’s hope those children end up in a loving home void of guns and maniacal parents.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota:  “State officials are working with a Chinese marketing company to try and attract tourists who visit the United States.”  See, this is what people are complaining about.  Are there really no marketing companies within the State of South Dakota, or for that matter, in the entire United States, that are capable of achieving this same goal?  Remember, “Made in the USA”?  Flip that over and on the back it now reads, “Made in China”.

Sarasota, Florida:  “A couple woke up to find a 300 pound alligator in their swimming pool.”  And I’ve had a difficult time preventing pool crashers from coming over to our house during the warm weather.  I never realized the solution was so simple.  So, do you think Rush Limbaugh is still available?

Federal Way, Washington: “An overturned semi spilled 40,000 pounds of feathers onto Interstate 5.  It took four hours to clean the road.”  It was suggested that twenty tons of tar be brought in as well as every member of the House and Congress and clean up would have taken longer, but have been much more gratifying.

Salt Lake City, Utah: “Bryan Brandenburg, co-founder of the city’s annual comic convention, is taking a leave of absence amid a backlash for appearing insensitive about a sexual harassment complaint.”  Bryan eventually issued a video statement from his mother’s basement stating he had done nothing wrong.  His mom could be seen in the video bringing back his clean laundry along with a nice snack of Oreos and milk.

Carson City, Nevada:  “Dennis Huf plans to open an anti-aging rejuvenation center next to his famed Moonlite Bunny Ranch.”  This one is too easy.  I’ll let you insert (oops, bad taste) you’re own reply here____________________________.

Movie Review: “The Station Agent”.  This comedy drama, from 2003, stars Peter Dinklage, well before his Game of Thrones fame, along with Patricia Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale.  It was directed by Tom McCarthy.  The story centers around Fin, a dwarf enamored with trains who inherits a train station in New Jersey and decides to move there to live.  It is beyond a fish out of water story.

Talk about a wonderful little film.  It is funny, touching, heart-wrenching and above all, satisfying.  Another film that you will be glad you have seen it once you have seen it.  Dinklage is terrific, as is Clarkson as a grieving mother who has lost her only child.  Cannavale is charming and together, the three of them mix like a good stew.  If you haven’t seen it, see it.  You won’t regret it.

Happy viewing.  And Happy 8th Birthday to Murphy, our border collie!  All healed and happy.