Meanwhile, at Rambose

Rambose is the non-Corn munist world's first para military nightclub. And it's not even gay. Located in a strip shopping center in suburban north Hous ton, Rambose takes its name from the Stallone movie hero, and its inspiration from the re birth of good old-fashioned flag waving American patriotism.

At first glance, it looks like a war zone. A camouflaged jeep mounted with a .50-caliber machine gun guards the door. Sandbags, practice bombs, rocket launchers, and parachute silks decorate the interior, and the waitresses scurry about in red berets and camouflage jumpshorts. There is even a MASH unit with stretchers and bunk beds for the "wounded." At midnight, Bruce Sprlngsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." is played and the patrons give the Rambose Midnight Salute: raising the middle fingers of their right hands and shouting "Fuck the Russians!"

But Rambose is actually just American capitalism in paramilitary camouflage. Its co-owners, Carlos Tamborrel, a Mexican national, and Larry Du Bose, a Texan who served in Vietnam, used to own a nightclub called Animal House, which featured frat-house decor and toga parties.

Rambose caters primarily to civilized civilians, mainly those too young to have fought in Vietnam or to have participated in antiwar protests. Few take the trouble to wear camouflage. And they seldom indulge in macho misbehavior.

"We were worried that the military theme might create problems," Du Bose admits, "but the crowd we've been getting is into love and togetherness and having a good time. We don't have anywhere near as many fights in here as we do in the country-western place we own down the street."

H.H.