HarryTheHorse - Angeles City Expat Newsletter for October 2002

I thought that letting you read this article that was published in the Wall Street Journal was a good way to start off the month of October, after all, it is getting close to Halloween time and that is when folks do allow themselves to be a bit silly and unbelievable. The sad thing about this speech is that it is not silly, only sad that it had to come from such a respected person as Richard Gordon. It would be nice if this could convince the many thousands of Filipinos applying to get into the States to change their minds and stay home, especially those hundreds intending to stay there illegally but that will not happen. Why? Because no matter how "corruptive" the United States might be, the lure of jobs and the almighty dollar is far stronger.

An expat Australian had just changed money at Norma's store in Santa Maria at 10 AM and proceeded to walk away. After walking one block and turning the corner a tricycle pulled up beside him and two Filipinos jumped out, one with a gun, the other with a knife and "requested" that he pass over his money which, of course, he did. He did not bother to report this to the police and that is another example of the lack of confidence the foreign community has of the local law enforcement officials or because there was the fear element as well. This incident happened at the very end of August but it may be wise, if changing money at Norma's or any other money changer, even the bank, to be accompanied by another individual. These places are being watched by criminal elements and foreigners are a bit vulnerable. Be careful, be alert, and be safe!

ADDED: In the beginning of September a Korean tourist was stopped and forced into a tricycle shortly after leaving Norma's store, again around the 10 - 11 AM time frame and was relieved of his money. He returned to the Swagman, packed his bags, and as he left town vowed not to return anymore.

Sometimes the old reliable "finger salute" can get you in trouble, especially here in the Philippines. One expat while driving a car through the mess of traffic at the Checkpoint was cut off by a motorcycle and a collision was narrowly averted. In anger the driver of the car flipped the finger sign at the Filipino riding the motorcycle and drove on home. The Filipino followed him all the way home, got the police, and lodged a complaint against the foreigner. Despite no witnesses being present for this incident, the expat had to pay P5, 000. Just another day in the Philippines!

On 2 Oct stop by Hidden Vale and watch the wind down of their social lawn bowls league that has been ongoing since 21 Aug. Teams from Sunset Valley Mansions (two teams), Tae Kwon Do Kickers, American Legion, Hidden Vale (two teams), EZ Maps, VFW, Timog Park, Powder Keg, Hensonville Homes, and Super Star (don't know who these are) have been battling it out on the greens every Wednesday. This is a mix of players, many of whom who had no experience in lawn bowls and were testing their skills for the first time. The idea was to get the teams as evenly matched as possible by combining newbies with the experienced players so it should be interesting to see which team comes out on top but regardless of the results the bottom line is that they had a lot of fun and socially, it has been a great success.

There have been some rumors floating around that the Orchid Inn has been sold or in the process of being sold. It is not true, what is true is that there have been some South African investors that have been talking to the Orchid Inn management about whether a deal could be made but at this stage of the game, there is absolutely nothing definite. This does not mean that the situation might not change but then, you will just have to stand by and see what happens.

Meanwhile, the Flamingo bar, under the watchful eye of Shanno, is attracting its fair share of customers, especially on Friday nights when a bit of entertainment are provided and some tasty snacks are put out for the customers enjoyment. On a recent visit this Horse ran into Peter (Robber) O'Donnell and his pretty wife Priscilla (no relation to Mrs. Horse) and was treated to seeing Pat Lynch doing his famous dance routine with Priscilla. I regret to say that the picture I took of this spectacle was lost to the whims of a buggered floppy disk but I managed to salvage a fine picture of Priscilla. Additionally, I am happy to present a picture of the beautiful Jhelyn, 19 years old, from Dau, Pampanga, one of the charming dancers employed at the Flamingo. She is single, no boyfriend, etc., and can be reached through her E-mail at jfaries@hotmail.com

Previously I featured pictures of Dave White (Hangout) with full beard and then with his elaborate moustache and now today, you can see his new clean and mean look. Many have asked why he got rid of his full beard and for an answer I must quote this limerick, which is very applicable to Dave's previous "mess" (that is what Priscilla the Horse called it):

As a bit of a challenge, who can identify the author of this limerick? Contact me with the answer via E-mail (Lacasa@ag.triasia.net) or in person, a free hamburger and local drink at the Blue Boar Inn for the first one to do so.

Another face is that of John Bast, the Kiwi from Davao that pops into town quite regularly to relieve the boredom of living in Davao. You will notice that John has big ears and Dave White's explanation for this is that the Maori's, over generations, shrunk so many of John's ancestor's heads that Bast babies, in more modern times are born with small heads and big ears. I didn't know they shrunk heads in New Zealand was requested.

It was a beautiful day for a wedding and Harley Milsop happily took Agnes for his wife on 14 Sep under the watchful eyes of a large crowd of well-wishers. The Fiesta Garden's venue was beautifully decorated and there was a ton of food laid out that was more than enough to fill up everyone in attendance. Thanks for the invite Harley and may you and Agnes enjoy many years of happiness together.

Clarkton manager Ingo has indicated for months that the Mirrors Bar will project a family type atmosphere where one can comfortably take his wife or children to enjoy a nightclub atmosphere. To achieve this objective there are no longer any dancers employed but attractive waitresses remain to serve the drinks and food. On Friday nights live music is provided by the "Wildhearts", a three-person group featuring two lovely songbirds, Melanie and Baby with Jay on the keyboards from 8 PM to Midnight. During my visit I was reminded why I always liked this club with its very comfortable seating, classy look and pool table in the rear of the bar and appreciate the objective of providing a location where a family can feel comfortable in such a setting. My one negative observation is that the music is too darn loud. While sitting with friends it was impossible to carry on a conversation without leaning over and talking directly into one's ear. That is the problem with live music, the performers, for some ridiculous reason always want the music to be loud, maybe in an attempt to cover up vocal mistakes. Repeated requests to lower the volume entered deaf ears (guess the music prevented them from hearing) but, not to worry; surely during the combo's break there would be a chance for normal conversation - wrong! The piped in music was just as loud so by the end of my visit I was wishing that I knew sign language so I could communicate without straining my vocal cords. At the time Ingo was in Manila so the staff figured that they did not have to listen to anybody but the good news is that the boss is back and has promised to provide a lower volume in the future. There are some attractive hostesses who will willingly sit with you and enjoy a ladies drink but they are not required to go out with a customer but for an escort fee of P300, if they so desire, can leave with you for further barhopping, etc. Further remuneration must be negotiated between the customer and the lady. An added incentive to visit Mirrors is that one can enjoy their excellent buffet that changes every night then drop into Mirrors to allow time to digest all that food provided by Chef Oliver.


Melanie & Baby	Waiting to greet you

Lets give a five horseshoe rating to the newly renovated Misty's bar as the new layout is fantastic and the large nightly crowds testify to its popularity. I was really impressed as I toured the place one afternoon prior to its opening. It is a fun bar, not only because of the ladies, the music, congenial staff but because it offers so many things to look at. The figures on display are great, the ceiling is interesting so if you get so drunk that you fall down you can spend time reading the names of golf clubs on the ceiling, if you feel sick and have to puke in a wastebasket, check out the unique one with the carving as a lid and finally, while rushing to the bathroom, stop and look at the carving on the wall there. Richard has done it again, but this time with a little assistance from Girard (creating the figures on display) and I think it is fantastic. It appears that Richard remains at the top of the heap for bar design in this town and folks are wonder what ideas he will pull out of his hat for the "White House". Already many queries have been made about the old Woody's location and this is before any plans have been made. Sources have informed me that this project will have to wait for a while as the construction of the new club atop the Chic & Rib restaurant nears completion. After that is up and running and Richard has a chance to take a few deep breaths, then the White House plans will be developed. I suspect that construction will not start until sometime in 2003. When I get a chance to interview Richard I can get a more definite reading on this. Meanwhile, check out Misty's, you will be impressed.


He is Not The Bathroom Attendant!	New Look

Darling - I Said "Grab the "GOLF" balls"!

Last month I was pleasantly surprised when stopping by Hidden Vale to find a mellow, friendly Greg McDougal who indicated that his new objective was to be friendly to all members and do his best to please one and all. Now, we both realized that this is impossible but with his new approach and the latest letter from the Hidden Vale Board of Directors I would venture to say that he has gone a long way to achieving that goal. This letter spells out that the Board of Directors has withdrawn the proposed membership charges (P20, 000 & P7, 500) and done away with the buy back option. All Greenland members are "members in good standing" at Hidden Vale Sports Club! The membership dues will increase from P500 to P1, 000 effective October 1, 2002. However, the entire increase amount - P500 - is fully consumable! Club members residing in the Philippines have the flexibility to accumulate and consume their P500 per month any time during the billing quarter. Club members living outside the Philippines will have the option to accumulate and use their consumable amount on an annual basis. There is more to the letter explaining planned construction but the bottom line is that this is the BEST letter this horse has ever received from Hidden Vale. It is positive, specific and very member friendly. Now it is time for members to support Hidden Vale by using the facilities available and not wait for promised construction projects to be completed. Now, things could change in three months or so, but for now, pay those dues and this Horse will see you at Hidden Vale.

A new look is taking place at Southern Star. They are developing a sports field that will accommodate horseshoes, ruby, soccer, beach volleyball and a small 4-hole chip and putt golf patch. They have a 3,500 sq. meter. Lot to play with and it was interesting to see all that space. Additionally, the back bar is being renovated to allow for more space and improve customer service. This is quite an undertaking and the end result will be a location where sporting events can be held at a convenient location and old time ex-football players can get together and try to remember how fit they were a few years back. Nico has a good idea here so lets wait to see how successful it is, at the very least, it should be fun for participants as well as old duffers such as this horse who just want to sit on the sidelines and watch.

The Exotica reopened its doors on 14 Sep and now provides a convenient place for patrons of the Orchid Inn to continue their barhop after starting off in the Flamingo. This a nice small bar that brings the dancers up close and allows a customer to survey the entire scene whether sitting at the bar or in the seats around the walls. It was interesting to see one of the dancers in body paint that camouflaged the strategic locations on her body, the one pictured, by the way, is Jocalyn. My "I would if I could lady" is Anna, 24 years old, from Boracay. I was enjoying all the beautiful faces until I ran into Beverly the Vest, and after looking at Jocalyn and Anna I really had to do some visual adjustments. Surprisingly, Beverly did not have on his vest, and seriously, I was pleased to see him and find out that he will be managing the Exotica. Bev is well known around town and I am sure many folks will be dropping in to say hello. For those of you that remember the large, wasted interior space of the original Exotica will be surprised to know that it has been turned into two separate bars now. Bev showed me the second half that is under construction but is expected to be completed and opened sometime in October. At the time of my visit a name had not been chosen but I will be looking forward to the October opening and must say that turning this location into two bars was a good idea.


Jocalyn	Beverly

Last month I really screwed up the name of the Hana Hotel (formerly Las Vegas) as I must have used three different spellings. I was not drunk when I wrote it, I was just tired and my mind knew what to do but my fingers did not cooperate. I was able to finally meet the owner's wife, Agnes and enjoyed a few moments with her and the staff. She is presently attending college majoring in Information Technology and at the same time running the Hotel with the assistance of manager, Nelson and Mayette. Of course husband Yoshihisa Shimizu is by her side to lend a bit of assistance and experience. Yoshihisa owned a coffee shop in Malati but as a kid always dreamed of owning a hotel. Not many of us realize our dreams but Mr. Shimizu has and I wish him and Agnes good fortune in the years ahead. (Official grand opening is supposed to take place during the first week of October).

(L-R) Nelson - Mayette - Agnes

The Clarkton Hotel will present their Oktoberfest 2002 activities during the period 25 - 27 Oct. This is a first for new manager Ingo Holtz and he is determined to make this event not only memorable, but one in which the everyone can enjoy themselves, especially families. Day one will feature a dart tournament, fun & games, beer garden, traditional music and live music. Day two will see the finals of the dart tournament, beauty contest, fun & games and live music. Day three is family day with a clown show, raffle draw, awarding of prizes for the dart competition, mother and daughter contest and father & son contest. There will be lots of fun & prizes.

Registration for the dart tournament will commence on 1 Oct and will close on 20 Oct. Late entries will not be considered. Entry fee will be P150 with each player getting a t-shirt and one local drink. Format will be blind draw doubles with first place worth P5, 000 and second, P2, 500. Additional prizes for lower finishes will be available.

Further details about the raffle (with some fantastic prizes for the winners) and other contest details can be reviewed at the Clarkton after 1 Oct. The raffle tickets will be P200 each but I can guarantee that the chance to win a free trip to Hong Kong and other great prices makes the cost of this ticket a bargain.

A new pool league for anyone that has been rated as an "A" player in either Sunday or Tuesday night league play or is considered to be an "A" player by others is being formed by Vegas Dave Hamilton. By the time interested parties read this you will have missed the 28 Sep general meeting but you still have time to sign on prior to the 6 Oct start up date. To sign on or to get further details contact Vegas Dave at 0919-459-1244.

Michael "Pig" Evans, Phoenix Hotel, submitted a few bar names to be added to last month's list. How about Thor's bar, which is now the Welcome Inn. Two bars that used to be where the Volcano is now - trade Winds & Showboat. Trophy Room used to be upstairs next to the Barking Fish. Smut Hut a vacant lot now down Blow row. Captain Beefhearts about where the Cambodia is located now. Thanks Mike, anyone else have any more to be listed?

Ten new apartments have been built next to the DM Residente Apartelle in Santa Maria. They are a bit small but convenient for a single person or for two with no kids. Mrs. Timbol is the owner and my two objections are that they only have one bath and the view is shitty but they will go fast as new apartments are at a premium. Sorry, was not able to find out how much will be charged monthly but if anyone is interested, contact me and I will enquire for you.

Those apartments have nothing to do with DM Residente folks but in the not too distant future plans are being drawn up to build a three-floor apartment complex just a few meters away from the DM and I have been told that there will be a Jacuzzi bath in each room. Construction should start this year and be complete around the middle of next year. The DM Residente rooms have been quite popular with some customers renting year round despite not being here all the time so I am sure that the new complex, when complete, will be just as popular.

To the Blue K last 25 Sep to provide a fun filled evening and challenges for his many pool fans in this town. Mika "Iceman" Immonen, world champion pool player that has been seen on TV many times, for the first time, agreed to meet and play all challengers in a bar on Fields Ave. What better place than the Blue K that has become a gathering place for the better ex-pat pool players in town. For me there were two highlights to the evening. The first was when 7-year-old Steven Lowe got up and challenged his idol, Mika and won one game! OK, I know, Mika went out of his way to let him win one but it showed what a class guy he is. Steven made some damn good shots as his Dad, Bob, proudly looked on and everyone in attendance was cheering little Steven on. After the match I was taking a picture of Steven and Mika went out of his way to pose with him and I am sure that this picture will be part of Steven's memories for many years. The second highlight was when Dave Baker won the race to two and did it without any help from the "Iceman". He was the only one to do so while I was there, but Lewie told me that some lady did so after I had left but I suspect that Mika helped that along. Vegas Dave played after Dave Baker and won the first game, Mika the second, and Dave had a good chance to take the third but blew a crucial shot that allowed Mika back on the table. Those were the closest games of the evening. A very fine evening it was and many thanks to Mika for sharing his time with us, please do so again Mika, you are a champion and a gentleman.


The "Iceman"	Steven Lowe w/ his Idol

Dave Baker - A Winner	Gathering For the Show

The Orchid Inn has published a letter to guests of their hotel that effective 1 Dec their Resort room rates will rise as follows: Standard room, USD $29.00 per night, Superior Deluxe Room, USD $45.00, Family rooms USD $50.00 per night; at 52 pesos to the dollar that works out to around P1508, P2340, and P2600 local currency. Now I was planning to quote their letter here but it was too darn long as it went into a lot of detail explaining why they had to raise their rates. One sentence did amuse me though, and that is where they wrote "At the new rates the Orchid is still $7 - $8 dollars per night cheaper than a junior suite at the Oasis Hotel. The Oasis does not provide in-room safes or in room Internet connections for their guests and the Oasis is a long way from the Fields avenue entertainment area". Boy, now I wonder who in the Oasis Hotel pissed off the folks at the Orchid Inn? Folks should appreciate that the Orchid Inn management has tried to explain their rationale for raising their rates; a lot of Hotels would just announce an increase without any explanation. I figure that those that can afford to stay at the Orchid Inn will continue to do so and those that can't, well there are plenty of choices in town. I can't pass up the opportunity to let those budget minded folks know that they can stay at the Hotel La Casa for P540 a day, (nah, we don't use the dollar, we're just a simple place to stay, too much trouble to do all that converting stuff) aircon room, and then there is our weekly/monthly rates as well. If that is still too much to pay you can have the same room with just fan for P360 a day, again with weekly/monthly rates. You know, even at these low rates we still get people asking for discounts. I do think that some visitors feel they should nearly get to stay for free, just for showing up! Now, the Orchid Inn is first class with a fine location, and the Hotel La Casa is way down there in class, but funny, we have one thing in common, no matter what, customers still want to complain about our rates! For reservations at the Hotel La Casa you can e-mail Lacasa@ag.triasia.net, but be quick, we fill up quick, but that is because we only have six rooms. When we are full, we refer people to the Orchid Inn.

On July 5 Total Life Care Medical Center (TLC), owned by Health Visions Corporation of Olongapo City was awarded a 25-year contract by the Subic Bay Management Authority (SBMA) to operate the Subic Bay Medical Center (SBMC), the ex-Navy Hospital at Cubi Point previously operated as the Subic Legend Health and Medical Center. SBMC will include a hospital, a wellness center, a research center, and a medical and nursing college. The facility will provide health services to military retirees, expatriates, employees and residents of the Freeport and neighboring communities. Ultimately this ISO-certified facility will be the largest, most modern and most complete medical facility in the area. The Medical Director is Dr. Harry E. Badion, who is also the Director of TLC. The Administrative Officer is Gene Gann, also the Commander of VFW Post 11447 in Barrio Barretto.

The structures required extensive renovation after three years of minimum maintenance, commencing with repair of the badly leaking roof. Hospital operations commenced in September with the Emergency Room and Dental Clinic. By mid-October 2 wings totaling 15 rooms and 2 Operating Rooms will be available for services. When fully operational at the end of October the hospital will provide over 30 private/semi-private rooms, 160 beds in 4 wards, 3 Operating Rooms (OR) and 1 minor surgery clinic, 7 Intensive Care Units (ICU) and an Outpatient Clinic.

In Angeles City the Philippine International Medical Center, previously referred to as TLC II, on Malabanias Road will be open partially in November or December and fully operational in early 2003.

Dave Fisher (Mo) is always thinking. After closing down the Lollipop and King of Diamonds what was there to do with all the dancers and waitresses? For sure he did not want to lose them to the other bars so Mo had another of his bright ideas. Put a dance floor over a pool table, install shutters over the windows and bring the T-Twister show to Kokomos. Is it a success, well it depends on who you talk to? Mo is happy, he is holding on to the ladies and states that business is booming. The couple of times that I have been there I did not think the "booming" was quite accurate but it is achieving the objective set out by Mo. For me, I like the way it was before as I looked forward to going to a place to get away from the loud music, Mamasans and ladies drinks. Some folks I talk to love it, others do not but for sure, the ladies are there and are very available and I can't really knock an idea that was so original. The bottom line is "whatever works" and for Mo, this really works so go by and check it out and let me know where I went wrong! Yeah, I know, I should be much younger, and single instead of older (old?), married and crippled and be able to stay up past midnight. I did find the energy to take a picture of Vanessa, 19 years old, from Samar who claims to be virgin. OK fine!

First there was the Iron Horse Gym at Friendship that introduced a nicely equipped, air-conditioned gym to this area but now, just along the Friendship road a new gym (A.C.1) has opened under the management of Willie, who is also part owner along with three Australians who live out of country and wish to remain quite silent. The 1 Sep opening was quite successful and during the week prior to the opening 62 members had already signed on. A familiar trainer is Art, past owner of the 7^th Street Gym that has signed on to work and is providing much valued advice along with a wealth of experience. It is a fully equipped health and fitness center with a sauna room and also a lounge for relaxing with a cool drink after a hard workout. There are no membership fees but there are daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual rates that range from P250 to P10, 000. For details call Willie at 63-45-893-1214.

Gym Entrance - Friendship Hi-way

While at Hidden Vale one Saturday afternoon I was lucky enough to see all these lovely ladies having a photo shoot for the Mutya Ming Angeles Beauty Pageant to be held during the Angeles Fiesta in October. For sure you won't see these ladies on Fields Ave but at least you will get the idea that there is life and beautiful women beyond the bars on Fields. Feast your eyes on these beauties lads, and the picture of the two ladies by themselves was my pick to be in the top three.


My Choices	Charming Collection

Wally Unger, previously the manager of the Clarkton Hotel (A minor share holder Wally?), and the Exotica will now be managing the Music Box.

Thommo will be leaving the Dirty Duck and moving to Barrio Barretto (Olongapo) as owner/manager of the Blue Rock. I've been told that guests can enjoy the fun of using their private beach. There will be a F_ _ _ _ Off Thommo party @ the Flamingo bar (Orchid Inn) on 1 Oct with pig on the spit a featured delicacy. Will Thommo be ringing the bell?

Mustang Sally's Paul is taking it a bit easier since he closed the place but has set up a food facility outside of the Honey Ko's bar to feed all the hungry drinkers that frequent the Thi-Hi, Hang-out and Honey Ko's. Now when someone says they are "eating" at Honey Ko's one can assume they are referring to food.

There will be more than enough publicity about the forthcoming body painting (22 Oct) and wet t-shirt contest (29 Oct) at the Swagman without me repeating it all here. By the way, for this year the Babae.com folks have exclusive rights to video the wet t-shirt contest so patrons, no videos but still cameras will be allowed. I have been told that this video policy may be changed next year. In addition to the events mentioned please remember that there will be other activities each day from 20 Oct to 29 Oct and 25 Oct will be the Miss Bininbining Barangay contest. Did you know that the Swagman is now delivering their delicious Italian medium and large pizzas to the bars along Fields Ave and Perimeter road? The medium is P235, and the large P285, two types only, the Hawaiian and Deluxe Combination. For the Hot Line delivery call 322-5133 and I suspect that they will even make house calls. Drop by the Swagman and say hello to the new men in charge, Bill and Des, nice folks and easy to talk to.

Dave Hamilton and Ace played a race to 10-pool match at H. T. Gees bar last month; Vegas Dave won 10 to five.

Sorry Lewie, this horse liked the old waitress uniforms better than the new ones but one thing that cannot be beat in town is the Blue K curry. It is FANTASTIC! Check it out.

I keep hearing some vibes about some big plans for the building on Clark that used to be the Bobbitt Theater when the Base was here and then after Pinatubo, housed the night club "Forbidden City". Will provide more details after I do so digging around for details.

This Horse is not a wine aficionado but when George Brown asked me if I want to buy a ticket for an Ex-pat only evening at the Yats International Wine Club Inc. located on Clark (the CSEZ) at the Clearwater Resort Site I jumped at the opportunity. For P500 pesos the ten of us in our group enjoyed two glasses of wine and one superb buffet prepared by Executive Chef Chris Locher (from Switzerland). In addition to the wine a bit of beer was consumed as well but I am guilty of drinking one beer and one coke. I made up this by making around three trips to the buffet that offered superb spareribs and strips of Scottish Black Angus beef. I did not take notes of what we ate because Chef Chris promised to send me an E-mail describing all the dishes offered but regretfully, I am still waiting for it. It was a beautiful meal in a very beautiful setting, most impressive. Nowhere else could you get such a wonderful gourmet for just P500 pesos. This treat is available to anyone who would like to book a party of from 50 to 70 people and I hope someone I know does this so I can go again. For booking arrangements and additional information contact Chef Locher at 045-599-5600 or FAX 599-5791.


We Need More Wine!	Chris Locher

A couple of months ago I received a letter from Hans Braun that read as follows:

I have finally giving up managing bars and returned to my original trade: the designing and marketing of modular kitchens. For that I have teamed up with Darren Rothnie who is producing the cabinets. We are very competitive, compared to kitchens you could buy in Manila we are about 50 to 65 % cheaper!!! We also carry built-in-appliances and -sinks. Another line of merchandize is bathrooms, bathtubs and spas imported from Australia.

Hans and Darren are providing a product that I think must be considered when homeowners are considering a new kitchen design. They make a good team and I did break down and order some cabinets for Priscilla's kitchen at the Hotel and the price was right and the quality right on. It was a simple design, nothing like the designs Hans has on file, maybe one year I can do a complete face lift and you can believe I will call on Hans and Darren to create our "dream kitchen".

I do believe I have gone through all my notes and can get this off to the Duck for publication, hopefully early enough for him to get it out by the first of October. This month should be interesting with all the festivities planned and then, the presence of all the US troops for their exercise will no doubt see more demonstrations at the main entrance to the CSEZ. That means we can look forward to more traffic jams as they close the entrance to traffic and Perimeter Rd./Fields Ave becomes backed up. Good news for the Holiday Inn as 500 Army troops will be billeted there and for sure the McDonalds on base will be extremely happy as all those burger starved troops will be aching for those big Macs. May you all have a happy Halloween and I will be dusting off my "Igor" mask in order to terrorize the kids and adults on my second favorite evening. Oh yes, be kind to horses, they scare easily!