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 Why in the world did I put a picture of rain showers here? One reason is that on 1 Apr it is April fools day so I thought that maybe I could get some of you to think it is raining here now. Not true!! It is still bright sunshine and hot, hot, hot but I love it. Yet I remember, in New York when I was a kid, April did bring those rain showers and that meant my mom would not let me go out and play which also meant, since we were living in a three room apartment with no view at all that it meant one hell of a boring day. To this day, when it rains, I sometimes go out in it just to remind myself that I can do so but the memories of those dull, gray days on 32nd Street, Astoria LI, still haunt me. It's funny, I could not go out and play but I never missed a day of school for rain, and I had to walk to school. Somehow, to my young mind, very young, that did not seem fair. Of course, now, I tell my son he can not go out and play in the rain but then we do drive him to school. So much for memories but now let me pass on a couple of comments I received from readers of this column last month. I always enjoy hearing from folks so keep those emails coming: "Mate Coffs Harbour is in New South Wales in Australia.Great little spot to sink a few Schooners of ice cold Ausy beer, not up to the standard of the Blue Boar Inn of course, love the bit about the resident cockroaches, agree with you and your mate over the Muslim shit and sell your scooter before it claims you.
Regards John the Kiwi
PS catch you later in the year" - Hey now, just as I am trying to get my ass moving to finish this month's column I get a envelope from Lew Stokes from Sunnybank Hills, Queensland, Australia who noted my comments in previous columns about how I did not know where Coffs Harbour was and also, Moonee Ponds, a suburb in Melbourne. Would you believe it, he sent me two maps from NRMA covering most cities and towns in New South Wales and Victoria. I loved it, now I have two good reference maps but it distracted me from writing this column. From now on, when someone drops by to visit me from Australia I am going to take out these maps and put their names on where they are from. I want to fill up my maps with names. Bloody hell mate, I did not realize how far Darwin is from Sydney, it way up at the top of this map but it looks like there is some main highway, # 87, that gets you there but it looks like one hell of a long drive. Now, I am curious to know why I have never met any visitors from Western Australia, an area with a lot of strange names. I want to meet someone from Koolyanobbing, or Lake Disappointment, or Monkee Mia, and so many other strangely named places. Maybe the lads from that area are so far away from the action that they just never heard of the Philippines and are stuck with all those Australian woman who won't let them experience the good life of Angeles City. It was fun to look at the maps Lew, thanks a lot and I will surely use them quite often.
 "Damn Harry ... I just read your March column and it sounds like you have been in self-destruct mode this past month. Didn't anyone ever tell you that shit takes longer to heal at our age? I read with interest your lead-in tirade re: Muslims. Gee, you should quit trying to be so politically correct and say what you really feel. ~Grin~ I lived in the Mideast (Bahrain) and Indonesia for almost 6 years and I was one of those who tried to be the voice of reason when my friends began blasting the Muslims. I often talked about all the wonderful Muslims I knew and reminded them that Islam is NOT a violent religion. Or at least, no more violent than Christianity. The vast majority of Muslims were not like that and did not support the radicals. I said this again and again. But unfortunately, about 6 months ago, I began to come to the same conclusion as you. Where is the outrage? I get outraged when those dickheads, Jerry Falwell or Pat Robertson spew forth some new stupidity in the name of Jesus. So where is the Muslim outrage for the acts of their own dickheads? I seriously do not know where the world is headed with this religious violence but I am becoming pretty pessimistic.
Take Care ... Jim Beckham ...Still enjoying Vegas and retirement"
 "Harry: I liked your lead article in the March 06 newsletter. Only thing is, the word "infidel" is actually a Middle French word, from Late Latin infidelis unbelieving, from Latin, unfaithful, from in- + fidelis faithful. Basically it's someone who is not a Christian or who opposes Christianity. The word has been misused by Muslims, Muslims are infidels, not Christians.
I'll be retiring from the Air Force next week, flying off to live in Angeles with my wife and son, hope to run into you sometime. David
Harry, I saw your recent column where you share your pain about the war.. I am an ex-GI with a great fondness for all things Filipino. I spent a lifetime (in four weeks) learning to love the tropical version of heaven. I want you to know that I love your column. Please keep writing that beautiful music that I have come to love. You are the greatest now, and forever.
Dan Dunn
SSgt USAF.
Believer.No Shit."
Dear Harry,
I'm a German and reading your monthly AC news and related topics since some months and like your simple attitude about what's going on in Angeles and about other concerns with regard to us expats living in Philippines. But this month comment and view of muslim uproar is somewhat which is hitting the nail on the head. Same issue is bothering me a long time and frustration is getting more and more as how soft we non-Muslims are reacting to the daily confrontation with this bustards, supporting this people with funds and understanding (f.... human right activists) etc. etc.
Having worked for many years in middle east I'm used to their intolerant world and ignored it because I did not see it as a threat, but by now I'm getting allergic of any news of attacks against the rest of "infidels" world.
When will the western politicians wake up (specially some European countries like Germany and France) and stopping their bla.. bla.. and take some hard-line actions. Muslims are in war with us and we should defend ourselves, punishing them economically and if this does not help then by more drastic measures, like Bush did in Iraq, or one day we will just go to hell. I'm not booking any ticket from middle-east airlines anymore even their fares are low, my way of boycott, and many friends of mine doing the same. Hope you will continue your web side as long as possible, take care, enjoy life in AC and good health wishes from Josef (an old horse as well)
Harry, My name is Paul an American living in La Union. In February 2000 I had my knee replaced in Redmond Washington. I had done a very bad thing to it on a dirt bike back in 1968. The pretty little Chinese lady doctor who did the replacement did about 40 knees a month. Before the replacement I was barly able to get around and it had hurt 24/7 for 32 years. I will not say the first 3 months afterward were not hard, they were, but after that it has been great. I walk with a group in the hills every Wednesday for 4 to 6 hours, Hash on Saturdays, and a couple of weeks again made it to the summit of Mount Santo Thomas. At age 66, I may be the oldest white man to hike to the top. Get that knee replaced you will love it. Good luck... (Paul, introduce me to that good looking Chinese lady doctor and I may get it done).
This next message is from O.M. in Japan:
Harry, How's it going? I read your monthly articles quite often and say thanks for the info. I have a honey-ko that I'm concerned about who lives in Balibago,Angeles City. We have been in a relationship since August 2005. She lives with an older sister who has 1 kid living with them there in Balibago. She says she is faithful and would never cheat on me(???????) with anyone else. She never worked in a bar but did work overseas in Japan as an entertainer. She is a good hearted woman but I have a gut feeling, that there is a boyfriend or she's turning tricks for money. Is there a way to investigate my doubts? Hire a detective? Any advice would be appreciated. Ex-pat in Japan. (OK, send me her name and address and I will look her up and see if she will go out with me. If she refuses and gets mad I will let you know right away; if she agrees, well, then it might take me a bit longer to get back to you. On a more serious note, you could contract the services of "The Expat Help Hot Line" which has an office next door to the DMZ. This company offers up some true blue, professional private eyes that can snoop for you, tail your quarry, take pictures and submit a nice written report all for the low price of P2,500 for eight hours and a full 24 hours will cost you P7,500. When I spoke to the one employee available she indicated that their surveillance services were in great demand. Since you are in Japan, you can Email the office at closers@comclark.com or call them at 45-8920083 / 09167190003.)
Remember the "Rodman and Jackie Soul Food Restaurant" on Fields Ave? I wrote about the place when it opened and then after a few months mentioned that it had to close. It has reopened recently under the name "Jackie and Bull Soul Food Bar and Restaurant" and the services of "Rodman" was no longer needed. Jackie, after learning a few hard lessons decided to take a second chance and has given us all the opportunity to, once again, enjoy some great meals at a reasonable price. Priscilla and I will be trotting down there this month to enjoy their tasty ribs and bar-b-q chicken. They are open from 0900 to 2100 seven days a week and the address is 993-6 Fields Ave, located opposite the Chic & Rib Restaurant. The manager is Bob Oldknow who I did not get to meet as he was busy chewing the fat with the one customer present when I checked out the place. Give this place a try, I'm pretty sure you will enjoy the food and the folks in charge.
I heard that Jerry's Cafe has been sold to the owner of Limited Edition but have not confirmed that bit of news yet. It is true that Rick's Cafe has been sold to the owner of the Pasha Club which means that it will be converted into another Club with dancers and GRO's. I always liked Rick's Cafe but it has outlived it's uniqueness as it seems that visitors just are not all that keen on quiet places to have a meal and watch old movies and there are so many Internet Cafes on fields Ave compared to when Rick first opened his studio that business has dropped off a bit. Could it be though, that Rick has just gotten the urge to move on to something different? Somehow, I think that the quiet man with a thousand ideas will still heard from, least wise I hope so. Rick, thanks for the memories, many will remember the monkeys and the chicken shit contests and so many other innovations - see you around the neighborhood.
Willie Smith sent me an Email to tell me that he continues to like this column but was a bit disappointed that I did not mention his visit to my stable. My only explanation was my old age and fading memory. No way should I have forgotten that visit because way back in 1978 Willie was a member of the Choice Connection Band that competed at the United States Air Force World Wide Talent Contest held at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. This brought back memories as I competed in the comedy category with my partner TSgt Harper who was one funny guy and we did a "Stick Ball" routine that was developed by Harper and was funny as hell. Willie, it was good to meet you again after all these years and hope you enjoy life in North Carolina. My first assignment way back in 1957 was Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, North Carolina and I have a lot of memories of that place. Willie, you said you will be returning to the PI in Jun or Jul this year to enjoy the good life so stop by my stable for a drink and some chit-chat.
If you are ready for the adventure of a lifetime, TRY THIS: (This was sent to me and I figured someone must have overheard me talking about US Immigration policies and took notes.)
Enter Mexico illegally. Never mind immigration quotas, visas, international law, or any of that nonsense.
Once there, demand that the local government provide free medical care for you and your entire family.
Demand bilingual nurses and doctors.
Demand free bilingual local government forms, bulletins, etc. Procreate abundantly.
Deflect any criticism of this allegedly irresponsible reproductive behavior with, "It is a cultural U.S.A. thing. You would not understand, pal."
Keep your American identity strong. Fly Old Glory from your rooftop, or proudly display it in your front window or on your car bumper.
Speak only English at home and in public and insist that your children do likewise.
Demand classes on American culture in the Mexican school system.
Demand a local Mexican driver license. This will afford other legal rights and will go far to legitimize your unauthorized, illegal, presence in Mexico.
Drive around with no liability insurance and ignore local traffic laws.
Insist that local Mexican law enforcement teach English to all its officers.
Good luck! You'll be demanding for the rest of time or soon be dead. Because it will never happen. It will not happen in Mexico or any other country in the world except right here in the United States, Land of the naive and stupid, idiotic politically correct politicians.
If you agree, pass it on. If you don't, go ahead and try the above in Mexico or Iraq.
 G'day Mr Horse....
Thanks for posting the great photo from Kevin, Ric and myself. We certainly had a great time meeting you. Things have certainly changed in AC as you've mentioned in previous newsletter. Ric and Kevin experienced some real non-performers at ziggys and emotions. Despite this, they still had a great time and enjoyed themselves. On our way home, we made a brief visit to Baloy Beach, Olongapo, which certainly has changed as well. Its much better now, accommodation -wise and nightlife. By the way, comments to the gentlemen, seeking a cherry girl, tell him to grow more brain cells because the ones he has are very lonely! regards. (HARRY BIG H)
"Harry
As a visitor to Angeles on a glorious couple of occasions and a regular reader of your monthly letters I just wanted to let you know (in case you didn't already) that Angeles has this week just been put on the map by "SKY NEWS" in the UK and around the world thanks to the infamous GARY GLITTER case in Vietnam! It was talking about child abuse and under age sex etc in Vietnam and then flicked onto the Philippines direct live onto Fields Ave showing geckos, ziggys bar area etc and inside Doll house where it reported that under age sex was rife due to fake I.D's etc etc. As you can imagine this wont have done our little parade any favours! Cheers and keep up the good work.
Mike B from Spain (friend of Stirland)" -------- Thanks for the info Mike, actually I was not aware of the Gary Glitter case in Vietnam and did not see the Sky News bit about Fields Ave. It is a shame that these TV folks that come over here do not take the time to get all their facts straight. They are not interested in the hard work City Officials and the Angeles Clarkfield Tourist Association (ACTA) is undertaking to prevent the hiring of underage employees. Every Club owner is cooperating as the Mayor has a zero tolerance policy whenever an employee under 18 is discovered. All Mamasans have been warned to check and double check all documentation submitted by an applicant and even then, if the lady looks young, she is sent back to the NBI or City Health for a confirmation. The word is out, if you are a tourist looking for underage ladies, go to some other country, not the PI and especially not Angeles City.
Harry,
Always enjoy your monthly columns! I read in the March edition your comments about Moons Bar in Diamond. I used to go there quite often, a few years back when Bob was still running the place. You might want to stop in one of these days--as I've been doing more and more myself, lately--and check the place out again. The new owner--Bill, from Australia--is a good guy, and has some interesting ideas (including an extensive renovation), shuttle bus service (for his pool team and also to/from the new SM on the base, when it opens) etc. etc.
The Staff are good folks, and include some reasonably cute girls. Basically, a good place to unwind, have a cold San Mig or three, without the nonsense that seems to be SOP in many venues (especially on Field Ave!) these days. Oh, and the food is SUPERB. Try the chicken dinner (with actual real potatoes, not the dehydrated kind!) or a sub sandwich. Incidentally, I have no connection to the place, other than as a customer. Cheers. Big Al. (OK, who am I to argue with anybody named "Big Al" so I guess I better get my horses ass over to Moons and check it out. My comments were based on old memories so I will make the effort to get updated)
TIDBITS
The Iron Works Gym at Friendship has been sold to an American investor. Willie, the previous owner will stay on to manage the gym until the end of the year and then will head home to Austria. I don't know what changes, if any will take place when Willie leaves but for now it is business as usual.
 I can't remember who told me this but it was with my notes regarding the Iron Works Gym and those notes were two months old. Yep, my memory is fading fast, I better carry my tape recorder with me all the time. Anyway, in previous columns last year I wrote about Clearwater Resort located on Clark but I have not visited there in a long time. It is a membership Club and a bit expensive but I was told, I think, by Willie, that an outdoor aerobics class for men and women is offered and for P150 one can use all the facilities at Clearwater all day to include swimming in the beautiful lake. If time permits, and I don't forget, I will drive over there to try and obtain more details and add the information here.
Last month I put in a notice about Orchid Inn's shareholder, Neal, putting his shares on the market and provided a contact address for enquiries. I have had a number of emails telling me that they could not contact Neal so, after my notifying Neal he provided the following information:
Thanks Harry, if they go to the orchid website they will see the link on the opening page.. http://www.orchid-inn.com Sorry about this, I must have given you the wrong link for the newsletter. Cheers Mate, Neil.
I can't imagine that anyone living in Greensboro, Kentucky reads this column but just in case, I have a question. Has anyone heard of 7 year old Landon Shuffet from Greensboro? Jim Sebree, from Cottage Kitchen, sent me an Email video featuring this pool playing whiz kid and I thought it was pretty amazing. His father started teaching him how to play pool when he was still in diapers and now he not only beats adults at the game but has a bag full of trick shots that boggles the mind. I would love to hear from someone that has actually seen him play and I hope he appears on TV one of these days. He said he wants to turn pro when he gets old enough and that should be interesting.
I hate to say this but Jerry's Cafe is no more. Three investors have joined together to convert it into a cocktail lounge, bar, restaurant and a second floor with 14 rooms. I believe the investors come from England, Australia and one Yank but more on that next month. It is under construction now. Those old landmarks keep disappearing. I don't even see toothless Jerry around anymore. Guess I have to get out more.
IMPORTANT - This is an excerpt from the RAO 1 Feb newsletter, compiled by Jim Boyd: "All issued ACR I-Card shall be valid until April 15, 2007, provide the visa of the card holder is still valid and effective. To reiterate, the deadline for compliance of the ACR I-Card is April 15, 2006. Thereafter, any registered alien found in possession of the paper-based ACR shall be deemed not properly documented and shall be proceeded against under pertinent provisions of the Philippine Immigration ACT and/or Alien Registration Act, both as amended." - This information came directly from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. This is only a small portion of the letter sent to Jim Boyd, for full text or clarification contact Jim Boyd at the Retired Affairs Office (RAO) on MacArthur Ave, before you get to the American Legion, Tel 45-888-8079.
Here's a good one from Jim, maybe one of his most important announcements - "The Philippines has a generic equivalent of Viagra at 65% LESS COST, ANDROS has the same generic name (SEDENAFIL) as Viagra. Suggest you contact your physician the next time you may need a refill". Hey guys, that is much safer than buying those phony pills from the street hustlers where you are gambling whether they are legitimate or not.
I finally made it to my first Monday evening "Perimeter Bars Exposed" party as it was being held at the Stampede Club. I could not make it before because of the 5 PM time but once they changed it to 6 PM it was more convenient to me. I got there just in time to get in and the place was packed with 81 paid attendees who were looking forward to the action. Ladies representing the Gentlemen's Club, T-Times, Stampede and Limited Edition took turns on the stage and for the first time, the ladies from Emotions were represented as well. I hear that Ted had a reality check and now wants to jump on the bandwagon. His ladies did well but old grumpy Ted just sat at the bar thinking of how much money he could make if the original group of four lets him join the action. One thing going for Ted is the convenient location of his Club and of course, the ample room with a stage allowing a good view for one and all. The snacks were provided by Rosalina's Restaurant on MacArthur Highway and they were quite tasty. The action on stage never let up and the event was well organized. The open bar does not start until the 6 PM start time and terminates exactly at 8 PM so those that come early in order to get a seat will pay for their drinks until 6 PM. The entrance fee of P350 is paid at the door and everyone is given a number. I will not go into detail of what takes place but it is very entertaining and well worth the fee and the two hours of one's time. Some folks get there as early as 3:30 PM to get their favorite seat and at one event a few weeks ago the attendance reached 100 very happy customers. I'll say this, it is one hell of a great way to start off the week - don't miss it!
Australia has a new Ambassador to the Philippines, his Excellency Tony Hely who took up his position on 7 Mar. He was born in 1949 and educated at Sydney Boys High School and then went on to Sydney University. (I threw in this information for those Australian lads in AC that never watch the news after a full day of beer and entertainment)
Hey folks, here is another example where going to the Tourist Police for assistance paid off:
22 Mar 2230 Hours
An American national came in the office to report a cell phone technician (name unknown) working at a schedule of 10:00PM to 10:00AM at I & R Cell phone Shop located in front of Mr. JJ Supermarket-left side when entering and right side when exiting the store, near the firewall of the store and Margarita Restaurant. The complainant whose named JOSEPH VON BASTON (a.k.a Baba) 64 years old, temporarily billeted at Room 207, Europhil Hotel, told TAP that he let his NOKIA 6260 unit be fixed by the technician since it has a power failure. When the complainant arrived the following day to get his cell phone he was overcharged by the technician; by asking/canvassing to other Repair Shop, the complainant discovered that the spare parts the technician at I & R allegedly replaced from the cell phone is not compatible to the unit he owned, that the other spare parts costs only a minimal price and so on. To conclude, he was actually being defrauded by the technician. He was forced to pay a sum of P 4,400.00 for the supposedly minimal and minor repair that was expected.
Mobile 1 headed by Area Sup. Jaime Flores, Raymond Lumanlan and Primo Cunanan, Jr. accompanied him at COMPAC 42; Mobile 1 with PNP Officer, PO3 Butones went to the shop to confront the technician who later paid back the money he overcharged to the foreigner.
TAPS - I am very sad to report that "Neek" the great tailor/owner of Neek's Tailor shop located next to the Cottage Kitchen passed away on the morning of 26 Mar from cancer. I first met Neek back in the 70's and he has been a friend to me and many of his hundreds of GI customers, as well as tourists, over the years. His passing took us all by surprise as we did not realize he was sick. He complained about pain in his legs and back but delayed going to the hospital when he noticed that he was getting a bit fat and that one side of his stomach was a bit hard. Immediately after entering the hospital tests indicated that he had a mass in his stomach and they performed an operation. They discovered a mass equal in size to a baby's head and it was deemed inoperable, they sewed him up. He hung in there for another month but developed water in his lungs. He finally passed quietly in his sleep. Neek owned a number of buildings on Perimeter Road and he was a very fair landlord with a sense of humor and a great guy to know. He did not drink or smoke yet that damn cancer bug sought him out and took him away from us. He will be missed.
TOURIST OF THE MONTH
 This has to be one happy Irishman, 61 year old Graeme O'Regan, with a cold San Miguel in hand, finishing a bit of a feed and getting ready to explore the Clubs on Perimeter Road as well as Fields Ave. Now, being Irish he has to be a good lad and then coming over from Sydney, Australia he has to have just enough mischief in him so that he knows how to have a good time while in Angeles City. Wouldn't you know now that he has a 21 year old daughter named Tasha that puts a bit of a frown of disapproval on her face when Graeme announces that he is off to the Philippines. But we must forgive her for she is an Australian lady and many of them know not what they speak of. But then again, they might know and hope their husbands and boyfriends never discover what Graeme and thousands of lads before him have. Dear Tasha, be kind to your old Dad, after all, look at the smile of contentment on his face. Now a word to son Nicholas, 20 years of age - your dad tells me that you have a girlfriend there in Sydney. A suggestion young lad, go with you Dad on his next visit to Angeles City before you get too serious with the young lady there. You deserve a bit of fun before you get shackled for life! Whatever you do, don't ask permission from your sister or your girlfriend. Graeme first visited the Philippines in 1969, then 78, 82 (with his wife), 86, 87 and in 2001 he discovered Angeles City for the first time and said "he had never seen anything like it before" and now he can't get this City out of his blood. He is staying at the America Hotel and enjoys the Perimeter bars more than Fields Ave as they are less expensive and more fun. Well Graeme, thanks for dropping by to see this old Horse and buying me a drink and I hope the next time we meet you will be accompanied by your son
AUSTRALIA DAY PHOTOS
For two months I promised to put in the remaining pictures I took of the Australian Day Curry Cook-off on Fields Ave. I already did the story so I don't have to give any more details except that this was a wonderful event, a fun day and many of the curry samplings were great, but of course, one was better than all the rest, for the second year in a row. Hopefully, the next event will see the La Union team getting a bit of competition. If only Pat Lynch can find a better recipe.
LONG LIVE CADDY SHACK
 Caddy Shack was the first Club on A. Santos Street to be torn down but demolition did not stop the action for very long. Just like the name "Illusions" is still alive on Perimeter Road, so joins the name "Caddy Shack" to be kept alive for those that have, over the years, become steady customers who do not want to see that comfortable drinking spot of theirs become part of the Fields Ave history. More and more Clubs are discovering Perimeter Road and it is becoming "Fields Ave West" where the entertainment and drinks are a bit less expensive. Welcome aboard Caddy Shack, may you be with us for many more years.
I WOULD IF I COULD
 I caught Papasan Mark sitting in front of the Rhapsody Club one night and while chatting with him he mentioned that he had one very pretty lady inside that would more than qualify for my monthly dream girl. Regretfully, I did not have my camera with me but I wanted to see if this lady lived up to the compliments heaped upon her by Mark. After meeting this charming lady named Jennalyn, 19 years old, hailing from Leyte I had to tell Mark that I definitely agreed with his observations. Needless to say, I was determined to return with my camera in hand and get her picture. She had only been working for one week and was a bit shy and is quite innocent. She did not finish High School, has three brothers and three sisters, enjoys reading and thinks the ideal man for her will range in age between 30 and 40 years old, of course, she might even go for a 50 year old if he has something to offer. I did ask if she could stretch the limit to one who is 68 - I believe she is still laughing. (It took me a few days but I did return with my camera - she was still laughing and she is now the door girl for the Rhapsody (Guess they decided she looked better than Mark)
SOME HAPPY TOURISTS
Happiness is definitely when four lads from Melbourne, Australia can get together in Angeles City to celebrate a birthday and be surrounded by beautiful ladies and, of course, lots of beer. So, I was able to catch up with these partying animals at the Flamingo Club located in the Orchid Inn compound one evening as they were enjoying some reverse body shots with one of the group being thankful that his wonderful Australian wife had divorced him. He was hoping that she would see his picture with the two ladies demonstrating the body shots so she could see how miserable he is. It was a good birthday get together for Ossie, Zoltan, Alf and Mike but only three posed for a picture as one of the group begged off because of business interests. Two were staying at the Orchid Inn, one at the Central Park and the other at the Swagman so we had a variety of hotels represented.
AN ANNOYING ARTICLE
On 13 March the Sun Star published a story that really annoyed the hell out of me for its distortion of the facts as presented by a reporter who no doubt was fed some misinformation. Parts of the article were accurate but certain portions pertaining to Tom Deasey and his wife Vergie were not. By the way, the article was titled "Arrest warrant served vs. American cyber-porn leader" and focused on James Paul Kelly as well as Tom and Vergie. One of the items of the story I disagree with are: "Reports said that Deasey and his wife FLED recently to the United States". This is not exactly true! Yes, they have both been relocated to the US but with the assistance of the US Embassy's Homeland Security officials and the FBI and not both at the same time. Tom was assisted in his departure shortly after the conclusion of his abduction by certain law enforcement elements and the payment of a rather large sum of money. It was felt that his life was in danger and US Official's assisted in his departure. His wife and child were not able to get out of the country until quite a few months later despite the fact that US Officials kept her incommunicado and in a safe house because her safety was in question as well. The reason for the precautions is that the FBI has submitted a case against the accused abductors and extortionists. There are a lot of other inaccuracies in the article but the bottom line is that thanks to US officials the Deasey family is safely settled in the US, together, but, of course, quite bitter about the way they were treated by law enforcement here and the trumped up charges against them that cost them their home in the Philippines and a lot of money that went into the pockets of some rather unscrupulous personnel. The latest information that I have is that the case filed by the FBI has not been dropped and is still ongoing but of course, no doubt nothing will ever become of it.
CALL 625-9999 (Tourist Police)
 That is the number to call when you encounter a problem in the entertainment area of Fields Ave and need police assistance or advice. Even residents at their homes can avail of this help and with the Tourist Police working in tandem with the PNP you can be assured that equal justice will prevail. One British National, 29 year old Paul Edwards, happened to be in the Tourist Police Office submitting a report when I happened to be there at the same time. It seems that he and his girlfriend Sheryl were in the Dirty Duck the night before and his girlfriend got into an altercation with six other ladies outside of the Club and Paul, while trying to break up the melee was hit over the head with a hard object by one of the ladies. Anyway, the PNP showed up and hauled Paul, Sherly, one Janice Dungca and two other ladies over to Station 4 for investigation. To Paul's surprise they put him in the jail cell there that was already occupied by some other personnel and would not allow Paul to make any statement. To make a long story short, Paul felt that he was mistreated and that also indicated that a policeman asked for money from him to be released from the cell. Upon hearing this I immediately called the Station 4 commander, Major Imperial and informed him as to what Paul was saying. At the time the Major was in Manila but set up an appointment with Paul for the next morning at which time Paul and Sheryl attended the meeting along with a Tourist Police representative. Major Imperial was extremely helpful and even held a second meeting with Paul until the matter was settled to Paul's satisfaction. It appears that there was no monetary transaction but Paul and Sheryl were assisted in submitting a complaint to the Barangay Captain and they found out that Janice Dungca had already submitted a complaint against them as well. A bit of drama here but Paul was happy with the help of the Tourist Police and also the attention and assistance shown to him by Major Imperial and his staff. In the old days Paul would not have had anyone to turn to for assistance but now, remember, call 625-999.
DUTCH NATIONAL DAY
My good Dutch buddies at the Orange Lion Hotel wanted me to pass on the following information: "Harry, just like last year we are organizing the festivities for Dutch National Day, our Queen's Birthday on April 30, 2006. The events this year are the same as last year: Pool pillow fight at Kokomos, The Soap Hill, Jeepney pulling, Egg throwing, Sack race, Ski walking, Goal shooting and the Wheel barrow race. Maybe you could let your readers know about this event. As usual it will be a fun filled day. By the way there are team prices to be won of: P 6000 for the first placed men's and women's teams, P3000 for second place, and 1200 for third place.
 This year we will have events for the kids as well: clowns with face painting, the air castle, electric shock game, marble board, etc. There are also individual games for the adults with which they can win prices like a trip to Boracay, dinner at "C" Italian Restaurant and cash. There will be food stands with Dutch food. The event starts at 12:00 and the prize giving will be at the Orange Lion at 18:00 right after the finals. There will be a live band during the event.
Peter Everaert is one of the organizers of this great fun filled day and it was my pleasure to pass on his words. Believe me folks the Dutch lads know how to organize a big blow up party and this is one day for the whole family to come out and enjoy.
A TRICARE OPTION
 For the US Military Retirees residing in Angeles City and the adjoining towns the Dee Hwa Liong Foundation Medical Center is now a TRICARE certified health care provider and they have an office at the Hospital near the Emergency Room entrance. I was able to visit the office and speak to the two lovely ladies shown here who were most helpful in giving me the information I needed to pass on to those interested. In order to avail of the TRICARE service one must pay the $150 deductible up front and this is applied to outpatient care only. For families the fee is $300. Once that deductible fee is used up then the patient will pay the 25% co-pay. As it stands right now this does not apply to medicines on hospital services. For in-patients you will pay the 25% co-pay until you reach the $3000 catastrophic cap at which time TRICARE pays the full 100% of your care. All paperwork will be submitted by the Dee Hwa Liong TRICARE staff. Boy, I hope that I have all those details right because I was distracted by the big smiles of Beth (seated), single, 23 years old and Alice, single, 28 years old. See I can't resist mixing business with pleasure. Guys, these are two lovely eligible ladies which goes to prove, if you look hard enough, you can meet some very nice ladies in this town. Back to business, if you do sign up please mention the names of Doctor Froi Canlas or Mark Smith as referrals because Timmie Dee has promised medical equipment assistance to ONA General Hospital for any referrals. It is for a good cause and it is nice to see cooperation between a private hospital and a Government Hospital that is working hard to take good care of indigents. The Dee Hwa Hospital is located in Sapang Maisac , Duquit, Mabalacat, Pampanga (going towards Magalang) but they are in the process of establishing another hospital on MacArthur Highway, Balibago which should be completed by June or July this year. For further information you can call Beth or Alice at 323-7777, Loc 1129. The office is open from 0800 - 1700 five days a week.
GUESS WHAT DAY THIS WAS
 Now if I was a betting man I might say it was the day of the little guys in green, yep - old St. Patties Day. Now who would be out spreading the green cheer that day and even took the time to drop by the Blue Boar Inn? Why none other than Patrick Magill from Bauymena and Paul (Soupy) Campbell from who knows where. I wonder how many of the lads in dear old Ireland will see this picture and be proud of their two ambassadors to Fields Avenue. Later in the day I did see Soupy staggering down the street near Margarita Station tipping his hat to the ladies but he was without Patrick at the time. Now, I have never seen these lads before and maybe will never see them again but they did bring a bit of cheer to my poor establishment for a short while and for that I must give a word of thanks. To all the good lads in Ireland, this McCabe wishes them all good health and enough money to get them a pint of beer or more a day.
LOVE THOSE COSTUMES
I stopped in at the Insomnia one evening to have a chit chat with Dennis (the menace) Mitchell who continues to do a great job managing this Club and I was really impressed with the waitresses uniforms, so much so that I told Dennis that I would return with my camera. Well it took me a few days to get back but I finally made it and I do not think I have to say anything else. The pictures alone should make everyone want to stop in at the Insomnia.
PUTTING THE MONEY TO WORK
 Some folks might wonder where all the money goes to that is raised by the Australian Returned Servicemen's League during their week long Australian Day fund raising activities. Recently I joined Harley Milsop, Doug Girkington (Pres), Bob Young (Tres) and Shaun Leong (Sec) of the RSL at the Fiesta Garden as they distributed funds to various charities. The ONA hospital received P20,000, Phil Terrel's medical mission - P40,000, the ACTA - P5,000 and the Tourist Police - P5,000. Each year the fund raiser helps various charitable causes in the City and they do one hell of a job. It takes a lot of work to organize the annual Australian Day activities and I take my harness off to salute the hard working volunteers that make it all work.
 Here it is late at night on 29 March and I have to close out for this month because I have meetings on Thursday and Friday that will take up my time. I do have a few items that I will have to carry over to next month because of lack of time. I lost all last weekend when my knee swelled up on me and I could not walk with the pain. I took a few oxycodone pills for the pain and that kicked me in the ass, all I wanted to do was sleep. On Monday I went to the Doctor and he removed 50cc of fluid from my knee and the eased the pain and I went off the medication. Now, I think I am running out of time and must seriously start thinking about my knee replacement surgery. So gang, be prepared for this old Horse to be off line for a few months in the near future. Not right away though so for all of you that sent me good advice about my knee, thank you and remember, be kind to horses, especially old ones.
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