The

Independence Day Festival at the US embassy saw the unveiling of enormous hidden

talents by a number of individuals.

The American Embassy Singers staged a musical revue that had the crowd roaring with

approval while clarion calls were heard that the embassy should send the singers

on a goodwill tour throughout the provinces.

Deputy Chief of Mission Piper Campbell surprised the audience with her vocal talents,

while her Doris Day-like freshness and sparkle warmed the hearts of onlookers.

Public Affairs Officer Jeff "Twinkle Toes" Daigle's dance talents were

so impressive that murmurs of "Oooh, like Fred Astaire" swept through the

crowd.

Mike Krutsch easily shook off a host of timid, cud-chewing competitors to grab victory

in the Sharky's Hot Dog Eating Contest. In 12 minutes Krutsch managed to jam nine

dogs with buns down his seemingly bottomless gullet.

The dunking booth raised $236.50 which, added to ticket sale proceeds of $363.50,

will be donated to Operation Smile.

All in all, everybody had fun.

** Snow's place is open again.

** The July 7 opening ceremony for the new National Assembly was fit for a king.

The whole event came off without a hitch to the delight of ministers, excellencies,

generals, ambassadors and thousands of other guests. The only minor glitch was that

the balloons released by a bevy of young beauties after the ribbon cutting ceremony

had Happy New Year written on them in Vietnamese.

** If you have a hankering for good Middle Eastern cuisine, try out the new Lebanese

restaurant called Le Cedre on St. 360 near Norodom Blvd.

** A packet of nuts on American Airlines has the following instructions on the package:

"Open packet, eat nuts."

Nytol Sleep Aid carries this warning: "May cause drowsiness."

The packaging for a Rowenta iron includes this warning: "Do not iron clothes

on body."

A Sears hairdryer includes this helpful information: "Do not use while sleeping."

On Marks & Spencer bread pudding: "Product will be hot after heating."

** Don't forget, the Post has double room vouchers for the Inter-Continental Hotel

for only $45 per night. Contact Mr. Aun Pheap during working hours. Great Deal!

** Congratulations to Paul Mason and Rosi "Oanh" Giah who were married

on July 7 in upstate New York.