‘Christmas Story’ house to open as museum

Cleveland – “A Christmas Story” has come true.

Brian Jones has restored the three-story, wood-frame house from the quirky film to its appearance in the movie and will open it for tours beginning Saturday.

Jones’ 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 flag pole, 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.

Jones has a business selling the leg lamp made famous in the film.

Ripa rips Rosie O’Donnell

New York – Barbara Walters said Wednesday all is now “well with the world” following a flare-up earlier this week between Rosie O’Donnell and Kelly Ripa on “The View.”

Ripa called in to the ABC daytime talk show after co-host O’Donnell accused her of making a homophobic comment to Clay Aiken, a guest host on “Live With Regis and Kelly.”

Aiken covered Ripa’s mouth with his hand during an interview on Friday’s show. Ripa, 36, pushed his hand away.

“Oh, I’m in trouble,” said the 27-year-old “American Idol” star, to which Ripa responded, “No, I just don’t – I don’t know where that hand’s been, honey.”

O’Donnell said Tuesday on “The View”: “If that was a straight man, if that was a cute man, if that was a guy that she didn’t question his sexuality, she would have said a different thing.”

Ripa said O’Donnell misunderstood her remark.

“He’s shaking hands with everybody in the audience. I mean, it’s cold and flu season. That’s what I meant,” she said. “And to imply that it’s anything homophobic is outrageous, Rosie, and you know better.”

“I understand cold and flu season,” O’Donnell replied. “I’m just saying from where I sit as a gay person in the world, I have to tell you, that’s how it came off to me.”

Aiken has been the target of speculation about his sexuality. Tabloid reports earlier this year suggested he had a gay affair.

Aiken has never directly addressed the rumors.