Also, I'd Like to Request Anything by Desi Arnaz or Celia Cruz

HAVANA (Reuters) Fidel Castro, who has not been seen in public for seven months, unexpectedly called in to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's radio talk show on Tuesday night, telling his closest ally he feels stronger and more energetic.

Havana Cuba, hello.

Hello, Hugo? {Hello, Hugo?} I'm a... {I'm a...} Hello? Hugo? {Hello? Hugo?}

Si, caller, como no. Turn down your radio.

Okay, hang on. (Sound of clattering and things breaking.) Sorry, Hugo. I had to run outside. My radio's in a '56 Chevy.

Esta bien. Go ahead, caller.

Yes. Hugo, hello. Long-time Marxist firebrand, first-time caller. Love the show.

Thank you, comrade. Do you have a question?

Si, Hugo. A question and a comment.

Go ahead, caller.

First of all, I want to say...

(Speaks for six hours and fifty minutes.)

...as surely as the jackals of the imperialist Yanqui state will succumb to their own greed and fecklessness!

Okay. Is that the comment or the question?

That's the comment, Hugo.

Okay. And what's your question?

Oh. My question is, umm... How about that Castro? Is he a lion of Socialism or what? Man, I sure hope nothing bad ever happens to that guy. You know what I mean? I mean, Raul's okay, don't get me wrong, but he's no Fidel. He's like the Fredo Corleone of the Caribbean.

Okay. Fidel, cut it out.

...Que?

I know this is you, Fidel. I know you're bored, and you're feeling a little forgotten. But you can't keep calling like this. Okay?

(Long pause.)

Umm... Ba ba booey?

Nice try, Fidel. Take care now. Give me a call when you're up and around, we'll catch the early bird at the Nacional.

Viva la Revolucion!

Whatever. We'll be right back.