A ‘pro’ joins the Senate

Tip of the Firecracker!

To, Jim Kerschner, The ‘Voice of the Valley.’ He raised more than $55 big ones or this year’s Operation SweetTooth, the big fund-raiser that sends a touch of home to some 30 military units overseas. Via local radio station KUBC-580. Nice work, Jim.

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One more shot of ink for the Montrose Summerfest:

• 4th of July Parade: 10 a.m., downtown, Montrose.

• Great American Summer Salute. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. River Landing. Games, exhibits, contests.

• Prize Drop. 3 p.m. River Landing. More than $50,000 in gift certificates from Montrose merchants. Balls filled with gift certificates will be dropped from a helicopter.

• Fireworks. Dusk/9 p.m. Best seen from Sunset Mesa, Baldridge Park, Cerise Park. Fireworks sponsored by Montrose Rotary Club.

For more information, see the map on the Daily Press Web site: www.montrosepress.com.

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Recommended reading…..recommended movie…….

The Notebook tried to time the finishing of  a book, ‘Dillinger’s Wild Ride’ to coincide with the new film, ‘Public Enemies.’ A few observations.

John Dillinger, writes author Elliott Born, was a genius compared to his counterparts of the period-era crime sprees and criminals: Bonnie Parker/Clyde Barrow, ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd, George ‘Babyface’ Nelson, the Barker Gang, others. Born’s book is thoroughly researched, written well and illustrates how Dillinger was successful because of planning — the purchase of a bank’s blueprints, better organization of the bank robbers, paying off local officials. It’s a good story that lasted about two years. The “legend” of the FBI owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Dillinger, his “molls” and his gang members because time and again, the FBI screwed it up until they got it right, shooting him dead as he walked outside a movie theatre in Chicago.

That said, I’m not as sure Dillinger deserves a movie star of Johnny Depp’s gravitas or good looks. Or a film that’s so well made, in digital, no less. ‘Public Enemies’ gets it pretty much right story-wise, and after a slew of films with way-cool, space-age zip guns, it’s good to see the machine gun take another star turn in a major motion picture.

It’s showing in the friendly confines of the San Juan Cinema, on east Main.

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So Al Franken, the comedian, is now Al Franken, the U.S. senator, as per the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Minnesota voters. Sen. Norm Coleman now has the ignominy of not only losing to a professional comedian (Franken), but also to a professional wrestler, Jesse ‘The Body Ventura’ when the two squared off for the Minnesota governor’s race in 1998.

It’s about time the Senate had a professional comedian. Some would say they’ve had a good number of amateurs. To wit:

• In 1984, Rep. Morris Udall of Arizona (whose sons represent Colorado and New Mexico in Congress) swore off any intent to run for president: “If nominated, I shall run to Mexico. If elected, I shall fight extradition.”

• Also in 1984, Barney Frank, who is Jewish and a Democrat, complained about a Republican who declared the U.S. a “Christian nation.” “If this is a Christian nation, how come some poor Jew has to get up at 5:30 in the morning to preside over the House of Representatives?”

• Sen. Al Simpson of Wyoming, among the tallest to serve in the Senate at 6-6, was prone to answering his own office phone. “Where’s that skinny bastard,” the caller demanded one morning in 1980. “Speaking,” Sen. Simpson replied.

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Shop Montrose, this weekend! Have a safe & happy Fourth of July.