Serendipity

It's a well-established fact that talk radio host Hugh Hewitt bears striking resemblance to Ralphie Parker from the classic film "A Christmas Story."

Hugh is also a native of Ohio and big booster of all things Cleveland. Now, in what can only be described as delicious case of karmic convergence, the two threads are intertwined.

Fan Gives 'Christmas Story' House Another Shot at Fame:

CLEVELAND -- Ralphie Parker and Brian Jones know what it's like to want something.
For Ralphie, the object of desire was an official Red Ryder, carbine-action, 200-shot, range model air rifle. (Go ahead, say it: "You'll shoot your eye out, kid.")

For Jones, the gotta-have-it item was Ralphie's house -- the one in "A Christmas Story," the quirky film that's found a niche alongside holiday classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street."

Jones has restored the three-story, wood-frame house to its appearance in the movie and opened it for tours beginning this past Saturday. His hope is that it will become a tourist stop alongside the city's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and other destinations.

He's unsure whether he'll make enough money to cover his $500,000 investment, but as sure as a kid's tongue will stick to a frozen flagpole, he's committed to the project.

"I just want people to come and enjoy it as I have," said Jones, a 30-year-old former Navy lieutenant.

I think I smell a divine radio remote promotion the next time Hugh is in Cleveland: "Hugh Hewitt Live From Ralphie's House!" Life is indeed beautiful.