President Barack Obama...reporter probes Barry "O" Bomber! Jump shot shakey...

With his feet planted firmly on the court at the White House, the President chatted with a reporter one-on-one seemingly without a care in the world.

The interviewer was keen on getting a glimpse of a Barack Obama that is rarely in plain view over the news airwaves.

When the reporter mentioned Barry "O" Bomber - Barack's nick-name in High School - it brought a smile to his face.

The President was bestowed with the awesome moniker because of his sizzling jump shot.

Barack Obama allegedly hung out with a posse of kids known as the "Rat-ballers" who were obsessed with basketball.

The President noted that when he enrolled in University he placed his focus on his studies - hence - his basketball skills fell by the wayside a tad.

"When I got back to the court, I'd lost my jump shot," he joked in so many words.

 in recent days, Mr. Obama has endeavored to stay on top of his "game" (time permitting).

"He just had something about him. He had this charismatic nature," noted of the rat-ballers after looking-back.

In spite of the fact he dresses elegantly, and walks the corridors of power, old friends joke that he's just Barry to them.

"Barry is skinnier, though. He looks good," another pal chirped in.

The faded photograph above reveals "Barry" in his former incarnation.

The yearbook entry captures a chubby Obama shoulder-to-shoulder with his basketball team mates.

Barrack attended Punahou - the largest private school in the country in Honolulu - which caters to the high-and-mighty (cultural elite) of Hawaii.

The tuition was beyond Barack Obama's reach; but fortunately, the President landed a sholarship which afforded him the opportunity to pursue a quality education.

Honolulu

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Ajumma! Are you crazy? Light-hearted spoof on K-drama phenomenon! Hawaii offering...

Recently, a series of shorts shot in Hawaii - by emerging filmmakers - screened locally to a packed house at the DGA.

One of the stand-out projects - in the comedy genre - was a hilarious tale about middle-age women (known as Ajummas) in hot pursuit of a soap star who lands in their backyard on a promotional tour for a popular TV soap.

"Ajumma! Are you crazy?" is well-crafted little gem - which suffers occasionally due to poor production values (the restraints of a low-budget, I expect) - but it’s easy to overlook those ragged edges because at the heart of the robust flick is a joyous celebration of life that resonates - and subsequently - touches.

Director Brent Anbe struck gold when he lined up three of the female leads (actresses Thea Matsuda, Tessie Magaoay & Cari Mizumoto) to camp it up in this amusing little yarn that leaves audiences exiting the theatre with a smile on their face.

The actor inhabiting the role of the studly heartthrob also turns in a finely-tuned performance which signals he’s ripe to be elevated to loftier status in mainstream feature-film releases of a more commercial nature with more widespread appeal.

The handsome Asian actor - Michael Park - has great screen presence!

Although this film is flawed, and appeals to a limited audience, I expect the director to land future projects (no problem) because he has demonstrated in Ajumma! that he is a capable craftsman with oodles of potential.

The entertaining spoof on the "K-drama Phenomenon" and the soap fantasy dream factory is a delightful way to wile away an hour or so.

Director Brent Anbe 

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Richard Chamberlain...back on mainland in Hollywood! Tribute @ Aero Theatre!

Dr. Kildare is back on the mainland and ready to take your pulse - or send it soaring!

Handsome matinee idol, Richard Chamberlain, played the part of the good (sexy) doctor on the old boob tube a few decades ago - if you recall - when I was a mere lad not even on the fringes of show business.

Ultimately, the part was a bit of fluff, but turned out to be the vehicle that launched the talented actor  to superstar status.

Chamberlain - who has been residing in his permanent digs in exotic Hawaii for the past twenty years - has taken up residence once again in his West Hollywood apartment.

The likeable actor with the infectious grin is also receving a career tribute this weekend at the Aero Theatre.

Peter Weir's thriller - "The Last Wave" - is scheduled to screen on Friday (the plot that twists turn on an aboriginal murder).

In addition, Playwright/director - Neil LaBute - will discuss Chamberlain's career one-on-one on Saturday afternoon.

Richard's fans will have the opportunity to catch two additional films that day - Petulia (1968) - and "The Music Lovers" (1970).

According to the profile, Chamberlain is also slated to hit the boards live in a stage production in the near future.

Unforunately, the publicity still didn't do Mr. Chamberlain any justice.

Personally, I'd string the dude - who snapped the pic - up by the ba**s!

The photographer set the popular star against a basic plain backdrop, in the center of portrait-style frame, staring straight into camera with arms crossed in a boring fashion at the waist.

Talk about unflattering!

Mr. Chamberlain looked all skin and-bones-and like death warmed-over.

If I had undertaken the shoot, I would have asked the respected actor to laze back in a comfortable arm chair in a cosy den or an inviting living-room setting (with soft light filtering in from a nearby window, a coffee table stacked with obects d' art such as art tomes, asian artifacts, and the like) with his distinctive face turned slightly into camera.

The details, folks, that's what matters if you want to get it right!

In the informative interview, Chamberlain poignantly recalled fond memories of working with Kate Hepburn (who he starred opposite in "The Madwoman from Chaillot").

For example, the demanding perfectionist requested that the Thornbirds star meet her in person first,  before she would give the green light for casting.

The actor, who came "out" years ago, appears to be comfortable in his skin, even if the LA TIMES had difficulty fleshing it out.

I expect you'll spy Mr. Chamberlain around the neighborhood as he plucks up a few groceries now and then, or turns heads when he pops up at the local laundry with a handful of soiled linen dress shirts to be cleaned and pressed.

Happy Hunting if you're into celebrity sightings!

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Barack Obama...the anti-Christ? Murky birth info raises questions...

A handful of die-hard Mayflower Americans are questioning whether Barack Obama has the right to sit on the "throne" come January.

In fact, a couple of plaintiffs have lodged papers with the court over the past few months, in a bold-faced effort to thwart his upcoming installment as 44th President of the United States.

Issues pertaining to the matter were placed on the December (2008) docket - to be considered for review or rejection - by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The main thrust of the argument?

Obama was born in Kenya, and hence, is precluded from taking a seat in the Oval Office because he is allegedly not a natural U.S. born citizen.

On record, Kenya is recognized as the birthplace of Barack Obama.

However, a thorough investigation of the facts have determined that Barack holds a birth certificate that was issued in Hawaii, for some inexplicable reason.

In view of the fact the circumstances around the birth of Obama are murky, I am surprised no one has conjectured yet that he is actually 666 (the anti-Christ referred to in Revelations) risen up from the dark side to fulfill the prophecies.

In view of the plans the president-elect has set forth to address the citizens of the world over the Internet in future matters - one has to wonder if that is how Barack Obama intends to realize his dream of a new "World Order" - and thereafter - succeed in a much-orchestrated behind-the-scenes grab for global dominance.

Amusing thoughts to ponder, eh?

Additional info: scandals, threats, political scuttlebutt

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