Both Sides of the Fence

A Tosa resident since 1991, Christine walks the dog, cooks but avoids housework, writes and reads, and enjoys the company of friends and strangers. Her job takes her around the state, learning about people's health. A Quaker (no, they don't wear blue hats or sell oatmeal or motor oil), she has been known to stand on both sides of the political and philosophic fence at the same time, which is very uncomfortable when you think about it. She writes about pretty much whatever stops in to visit her busy mind at the moment. One reader described her as "incredibly opinionated but not judgmental." That sounds like a good thing to strive for!

Make mine vicarious

If you're looking for a polar bear plunge that doesn't involve getting cold or wet this New Year's weekend, stop in at the Rosebud to see Feed the Fish. It's a low budget up nort' movie filmed in Door County. Sweet and funny in a broad, undemanding kind of way, it makes those of us who've spent time in the tip of the Door feel right at home.

Most of us will recognize and enjoy the characters. Tony Shaloub plays the cranky and possibly crazy sheriff, Barry Corbin (Maurice for all of us Northern Exposure fans) his cranky but heart-of-gold father. The younger actors, involved in a conventional love triangle, are sort of adorable. And Joe, the blocked young writer, has a really nice butt. I'm just sayin'. . .

If you're looking for existential angst or dramatic special effects, this isn't your baby. Journal reviewer Chris Foran didn't like it.   He's from the Let's Transcend Laverne and Shirley school of critics who want Wisconsin portrayed as more like Manhattan and less like Fargo. Which is fine if you think there's something wrong with the quirks of country folks and something endlessly fascinating about the quirks of urbanites.

Me, I like a movie where no one gets maimed (well, not for long anyway) or raped. Where people behave in the silly and noble ways real people sometimes behave. And one that follows the old conventions of a story: something happens, and people change. And in the old romantic comedy tradition, some people are a little happier for it.

Uff da!

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