New York, New York - Like scene out of Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone" the world silently witnessed in the still photographs and brief video footage what can only be described as a surreal moment as Venezuela's socialist president, Hugo Chavez, handed a book to a visibly startled Barack Obama at a gathering of South American countries.
"It is a gesture of friendship," said a spokesman for the White House. "President Obama looks forward to reading its English translation."
So far the State Department has only been able to translate the titled of the Spanish-language book.
"To Serve Man'," said a spokesman for the State Dept. "That what we have been able translate as of today."
Preliminary advanced readings of the book "To Serve Man" are encouraging, says the State Dept. Believing the title is an optimistic call to all world leaders to serve their fellow man.
Meanwhile, President Obama has agreed to join President Chavez for dinner at his palace Venezuela. Obama had already accepted the invitation and was boarding Chavez's private jet when the state department finished its translation of the book.
"Don't get on that airplane, Mr. President," yelled out a member of the State Dept. from the airport tarmac.
"What? Why?" replied President Obama as he continued walking the flight of stairs boarding the airplane
"The title of the book: 'To Serve Man'...," screamed out the State Department officer over the din of the twin turbine jet engines. "It's a cook book!"
"Oh yeah, I know," replied the President. "Oprah gave me an advance copy months ago, when she went off her diet."
