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Andy Bumatai finishing
TV comedy special

Comedian Andy Bumatai and television producer Jeff DePonte are putting together a local TV special and DVD called "Part Time Comics" featuring comics who appeared in Andy's comedy showcase at the Palace Showroom in Waikiki in September.

I was one of the victims / comics who took to the stage for that show, which is why Andy and Jeff dropped by my house yesterday to film interview segments for the DVD.

The big question, of course, is why any rational person with a day job would subject themselves to the perils of standup comedy. In my case, I've used standup as a way to get over the jitters of talking to various community groups, like the Rotary or Young Anarchists Association.

Once you've tried to make a room full of drunken tourists who paid good money for a show laugh, the rubber chicken lunch circuit holds no terror. But among others who will be featured in the special is Kaleo Pilanca, a very funny and talented future professional comedian whose day job is rehab work with children at Kapiolani Hospital.

Also featured will be KHON morning news anchor Kirk Matthews, possibly the only guy in Hawaii who goes to the beach in a suit and tie. The DVD should be out in time for Christmas present buying.

Now the news ...

Bandits bag implants

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) » Armed bandits robbed a postal van carrying more than 400 breast implants, setting off a crisis in this city known for busty babes in itty-bitty bikinis.

A director of one silicone implant manufacturer said clients are complaining because "this is the hottest period of the year for implant sales."

The stolen implants are expected to be sold for clandestine surgeries.

(Look for the special "three-for-two" ads in the classifieds.)

Hanging up her boots

BERLIN, Germany (The Bild Newspaper) » A Berlin grandmother who worked the city's diplomatic quarter as a prostitute for the last 49 years plans to retire next year when she turns 64.

Renate Dolle is one of 400,000 prostitutes in Germany, where prostitution is legal. She said she recently has been chased out of a popular red-light district by younger competitors.

(Kids. They just don't respect their elders anymore.)

Honolulu Lite on Sunday

The jailing of a New York Times reporter for refusing to reveal her sources in a federal CIA investigation brought back memories of when I was brought face to face with both incarceration and some very unpleasant Colombians for refusing to reveal my sources on a major international drug smuggling story. Ahhhh, those were the days. See Honolulu Lite on Sunday for details.

Quote Me On This:

'I never knew what real happiness was until I got married. And by then it was too late." -- Max Kauffmann