Previous Newsletters
2012
January 13, 2011   The Real Deal
February 9, 2011   The 100 Year Old Man
March 16, 2011   Good News and Bad News
April 15, 2011   British Invasion
May 11, 2011   So Happy Together
June 10, 2011   Angles and Vectors
August 20, 2011   American Chocolate in Europe?
October 5, 2011   Singing the Blues
November 5, 2011   Fun with Funicular
November 28, 2011   The Worst Caller in the World
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006


January 13, 2011  The Real Deal

Greetings from England!

While driving out to Jeanna's hometown of Plymouth we spotted a stack of large rocks in an unmarked field. As we got closer, we realized this was no ordinary rock pile. It was the one and only Stonehenge, in plain view just a few yards off the highway. No garish billboards, no Denny's restaurant, no souvenir stand. Just the Real Deal: one of the world's most famous landmarks, unchanged for 4500 years, standing exactly where it has stood for millennia.

Scientists wonder why Stonehenge was built. Perhaps an ancient caveman forgot his wedding anniversary and wanted to do everything possible to remember the date in the future?

Upcoming dances. Put these on your calendar, or line up some rocks as a reminder:
  January 18 - Exeter, England
  January 19 - Sidmouth, England
  January 23 - Haywards Heath, England
  January 31 - Harlingen, Texas
  February 2 - Alamo, Texas
  February 5 - San Benito, Texas
  February 18 - Kennesaw, Georgia
  February 19 - Amarillo, Texas
  February 25 - Texarkana, Arkansas
  February 26 - Paris, Texas
  February 27 - Oro Valley, Arizona
  March 3 - Lake Wales, Florida
  March 5 - Ocala, Florida

Our home club (FunDancers) dances on Sundays near San Antonio. We welcome visitors. We'll leave no stone unturned to make sure you have a great time. Info at fundancers dot org.

In the plan-ahead department, you can see some authentic big stones in Colorado at Fun Valley square dance resort. This year, our week is September 4 thru 10. This is always a fun vacation and it often sells out, so get your reservation in soon. View a flyer at nshukayr dot com and/or phone in your reservation at 1-800-548-1684.

Please remember our Caribbean Cruise with Mike Sikorsky which sails on December 3. We have worked very diligently with a great team of people to produce one of the most rock-solid cruise values in history. Seven luxurious days, three wonderful ports, one great ship, lots of dancing and more than a hundred good friends. Our space on the ship can comfortably dance 14 squares. Almost 10 squares are already registered, so you don't want to wait too long to make your own reservation. We'd love for you to join us for some fun in historic proportions. View a flyer at nshukayr dot com and/or phone in your reservation at 800-873-6033.

We hope everyone gets to build long-lasting memories of good times with great people in legendary places!

Nasser and Jeanna Shukayr
San Antonio, Texas


February 9, 2011  The 100 Year Old Man

Jeanna's Great Aunt in England is 90+ years old and has a boyfriend who recently turned 100. We got to meet the 100 Year Old Man. He's amazing. He's still very active and engaging. On their 100th birthday, British people receive an official signed card from the Queen. We got to see his card. It was awesome.

A 100 Year Old Man with a 90 Year Old Girlfriend proves that guys never outgrow the desire to chase younger women. The 100 Year Old Man told us that true happiness means having no enemies. He did have enemies in the past but he outlived them all. We asked the 100 Year Old Man, "If you could be any age, which age would you choose?". He said 75 was his favorite age. This was great news to us because it means our best days are yet to come. We asked if there are any secrets to staying healthy for so long. He said to "stay active" and "eat right".

We were very much inspired by the 100 Year Old Man. We look forward to visiting him again during future trips to England.

Upcoming dances. All ages welcome:
  February 18 - Kennessaw, Georgia
  February 19 - Amarillo, Texas
  February 25 - Texarkana, Arkansas
  February 26 - Paris, Texas
  February 27 - Oro Valley, Arizona
  March 3 - Lake Wales, Florida
  March 5 - Ocala, Florida
  March 18 - Aurora, Colorado
  March 19 - Wheat Ridge, Colorado
  March 20 - Berthoud, Colorado
  March 21 - Greeley, Colorado
  March 24 - San Marcos, Texas

Our home club (FunDancers) dances on Sundays near San Antonio. We welcome visitors. No matter how old you are, come dance at FunDancers and you'll feel younger. :) More info at fundancers dot org.

It's always great to have future plans, so plan ahead for these upcoming week-long events. More info is on the web at nshukayr dot com. Similar events have sold out in the recent past, so please make your reservations soon:

  September 4 thru 10 - Fun Valley, Colorado with Lem Gravelle (our 16th year) - reservations 1-800-548-1684
  November 17 thru 21 - Las Vegas, Nevada - complete Caller School for new, brand-new and experienced callers
  December 3 thru 10 - Caribbean Cruise with Mike Sikorsky (our 3rd cruise together) - reservations 1-800-873-6033

We hope everyone enjoys many great years and many long-lasting memories of the good times which are right here and now!

Nasser and Jeanna Shukayr
San Antonio, Texas


March 16, 2011  Good News and Bad News

Good News and Bad News are often intertwined.

  Good News: Last month we were booked to call a dance in Tucson, Arizona.
  Bad News: Our flight was canceled.
  Good News: They put us on the very next flight. It lands 30 minutes before the dance starts.

  Bad News: The dance is 30 miles from the airport.
  Good News: Nasser's daughter lives in Tucson. She agreed to pick us up in her waiting car and whisk us away to the dance.

  Bad News: Someone raised her to obey speed limits and traffic signs. We will be late for the dance.
  Good News: A caller happened to be at the dance. The club president asked him to call the first tip.

  Bad News: The dancers are now an unwilling captive audience at the mercy of some random caller.
  Good News: It was no random caller! It was Mike Sikorsky, one of the most well-known and accomplished callers in the world.

  Bad News: Sikorsky is a tough act to follow! Also, the dancers might be perturbed because their scheduled caller was late.
  Good News: In fact, we were greeted enthusiastically. The dancers were absolutely fantastic.

  Bad News: The amplifier quit working during the dance.
  Good News: Mike Sikorsky happened to have a spare amplifier in his car.

  Bad News: Now we owe Sikorsky a couple of favors.
  Good News: We are doing a Caribbean cruise with Mike Sikorsky in December. We'll find a way to return the favors. :)

Let's hope for Good News at these upcoming dances:
  March 18 - Aurora, CO
  March 19 - Wheat Ridge, CO
  March 20 - Berthoud, CO
  March 21 - Greeley, CO
  March 24 - San Marcos, TX
  March 25-26 - Pell City, AL
  April 1 - Vista, CA
  April 2 - Vista, CA
  April 8-9 - Medford, OR
  April 16 - Tool, TX
  April 29 - Broomfield, CO
  April 30 - Gulfport, MS
  May 5 - Las Vegas, NV
  May 7 - Northridge, CA

Our home club (FunDancers) dances on Sundays near San Antonio, Texas. We welcome visitors. The Good News is that you'll get to meet and dance with some extremely fun and friendly people. More info at FunDancers.org.

  Good News: Several multi-day specials are planned later this year.
  Bad News: These events sell out, so you will need to register in advance.
  Good News: Registering is as easy as making a phone call.

  - September 4 thru 10 - Square and Round dance vacation in the majestic Rocky Mountains at Fun Valley Resort, Colorado - phone 800-548-1684

  - November 17 thru 21 - Silver State Caller College (learn how to call and/or improve your calling) in Las Vegas, Nevada - phone 956-622-0557

  - December 3 thru 10 - Square and Round dance Caribbean cruise with Nasser Shukayr and Mike Sikorsky. The callers promise to be there on time. :) - phone 800-873-6033

More details are online at NShukayr.com.

We wish you plenty of Good News!

Nasser and Jeanna Shukayr
San Antonio, Texas


April 15, 2011  British Invasion

We're always looking for authentic British goodies. Whenever we visit England, we haul empty suitcases across the ocean and we haul 'em back to Texas full of the real deal. It would sure be nice to find real British items (reasonably priced) in the USA.

A few weeks ago Nasser's dream almost came true. He saw an English lady (clue: wears "ENGLAND" T-Shirt, talks like a Brit) in an airport. She was carrying a huge box of AMERICAN tater chips (known as 'crisps' in England). The scene was so perfect: an English gal who likes American tater chips enough to lug a big huge case of them through the airport!

Alas, it was only an illusion. The English gal actually worked in the airport. She was carrying a case of American tater chips to re-stock her store. Personally, she prefers British crisps, just like any Brit. Dream shattered. There are no shortcuts in life. Authentic British people need authentic British goodies.

Good news! A few years ago the British retail giant "Tesco" planned to invade and dominate the USA's retail scene. Move over Wal-Mart, there's a new Brit in town. However, the economy tanked. Instead of opening thousands of stores, Tesco opened a few hundred. Their "Fresh & Easy Markets" are now well-established in California, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

This is VERY good news to us. While Tesco's USA stores sell mostly American products, they do have lots of authentic British goodies at reasonable prices. Hauling empty suitcases to California is a WHOLE lot easier than hauling them across the Atlantic Ocean. Because of Tesco's British Invasion, California is our new shopper's paradise.

You can experience your own British Invasion (well, sort of) at these upcoming dances. We'd love to see you!
  April 16 - Tool, TX
  April 24 - Honolulu, HI
  April 29 - Broomfield, CO
  April 30 - Gulfport, MS
  May 5 - Las Vegas, NV
  May 7 - Northridge, CA
  May 21-22 - Schertz, TX
  Jun 3-4 - Salina, KS
  Jun 16 - Memphis, TN
  Jun 17 - Batesville, AR
  Jun 18 - Joplin, MO
  Jun 22-25 - Detroit, MI

If you have a hankering for a good dance on a Sunday near San Antonio, visit our home club FunDancers. We welcome visitors from any country and we provide free American (and occasionally British) refreshments. Website fundancers.org

How about a whole week of fun and dancing? Several week-long events will happen later this year. They can and do sell out, so please call the phone number shown to register or just to ask questions:

  - September 4 thru 10 - (with Lem Gravelle) - While everyone else is baking in the summer heat, you can square and round dance in the cool majestic Rocky Mountains at Fun Valley Resort, Colorado - phone 800-548-1684

  - November 17 thru 21 - (with Doug Davis and Hanna Tenenbaum) - Silver State Caller College for callers - learn how to call and/or improve your calling on the fabulous Las Vegas Strip - phone 956-622-0557

  - December 3 thru 10 - (with Mike Sikorsky) - cruise the Caribbean - over 21 squares already registered - Fun Fun Fun - phone 800-873-6033

More details (flyers, links, etc.) are on the website NShukayr.com

If you receive this mailing and do not want it, or if you were forwarded a copy and would like your own, just drop us a line.

Thanks for reading! We hope that you can always find authentic things nearby!

Nasser and Jeanna Shukayr
San Antonio, Texas


May 11, 2011  So Happy Together

Have you ever spoken too soon? At a dance 13 years ago, Nasser met a couple who proudly announced they were celebrating 9 years together. Without thinking, Nasser mouthed off that when they finally make it to 25 years he will call a free dance for them.

Oops! Today they're at 22 years and still going strong! Their 25th anniversary is quickly approaching. This is a call for action! Perhaps there's some way to break up a couple, then make them fall in love all over again, thus resetting the 25-year clock. Or maybe we don't need any action at all. When people age they can become forgetful. Perhaps the happy couple will simply forget about the freebie promised to them 13 years ago.

Alas, when recently asked if they recall a vague conversation from years ago, the super-sharp lovebirds remember every detail. They vow to put it all over the internet so that everyone else will remember it too. Internet publicity is very easy for this particular couple. They run the extremely popular and useful square dance website DanceWithSam dot com. They practically OWN square dance publicity in central Texas, so let's go ahead and admit the inevitable truth. In 2014, Nasser will call a dance which was booked 16 years in advance.

Upcoming travel dates (all were booked in advance, but not 16 years ago):
  May 21-22 - Schertz, Texas (Camping Squares weekend; non-campers are welcome also)
  Jun 3-4 - Salina, Kansas (Kansas State Convention)
  Jun 16 - Eads, Tennessee (near Memphis)
  Jun 17 - Batesville, Arkansas (middle of nowhere)
  Jun 18 - Joplin, Missouri (on Route 66)
  Jun 22-25 - Detroit, Michigan (National Convention)

If you're looking for a good fun dance near San Antonio, please visit our home club (FunDancers) on Sunday. Everyone is welcome, no matter how many years you've been together, or even if you're single. Website fundancers dot org.

These upcoming week-long events make great anniversary gifts:

September 4 thru 10 at Fun Valley in Colorado - Every September we call a super-fun week with Lem & Sue Gravelle. Your friends back home, baking in the summer heat, will be envious as you party like royalty in the crisp cool climate. The majestic splendor of the Rocky Mountains serves as a beautiful backdrop. Don't tell your friends, but a week at Fun Valley is almost as economical as staying home. Due to the Labor Day weekend, you definitely need a reservation in advance. If they're sold out (which is likely) ask to be put on the waiting list. They'll call you when a space opens up. Phone 800-548-1684

November 17 thru 21 - Caller School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nasser and Jeanna were in Las Vegas last week to nail down some details about the school. All systems are "go". We've done a caller school with Doug Davis for 10 years. This is our first year in Las Vegas. Whether you're a new caller, experienced caller or just curious about calling, Silver State Caller College is the ideal place to master the art and science of calling square dances. It's also a great reason for a business trip to Vegas. As a bonus, a caller from Sweden will help teach the school. Since it's Las Vegas, let's gamble: register by May 31 to be automatically entered into a special prize drawing. The hotel will upgrade one lucky winner to a fabulous suite for your entire stay. Even if you don't win the prize drawing, you'll still win by filling up your tank with valuable calling skills. Phone 956-622-0557.

December 3 thru 10 - Caribbean cruise. When we first planned this cruise with Mike Sikorsky, we had no idea what to expect. Then it took off like a skyrocket. Over 210 dancers are already registered with more coming aboard every day. It's Nasser and Mike's 4th cruise together ... and the best one ever. Enjoy low prices, shipboard credit for each cabin, dedicated dance space, plenty of dancing, squares and rounds, fantastic ports and a golden opportunity for fellowship and friendship with more than 210 square dancers from all over the USA and Europe too. The ship is filling up quickly, so please do not wait much longer to make your reservation. Phone 800-873-6033.

More details on all upcoming events are at NShukayr dot com. If you receive this email and don't want it, or if you're reading a forwarded copy and prefer your own, just holler.

We hope that people always keep their promises to you, even if it takes 16 years!

Nasser and Jeanna Shukayr
San Antonio, Texas


June 20, 2011  Angles and Vectors

Nick was an experienced dancer back when Nasser first learned to square dance. He was also a retired fighter-jet pilot. Nick often claimed that square dancing is simply "Angles and Vectors": if he was in a square of eight good dancers, he could easily dance blindfolded.

Nick's friends grew weary of his constant boasting about how he could square dance blindfolded. One day we decided it was time for Nick to prove it.

Nick was eager to prove his claim. He carefully chose seven good dancers to fill out his strong square of eight people. We blindfolded him. We double-blindfolded him, just to make sure. With no possible way to see, Nick would have to rely strictly on Angles and Vectors.

We guided blindfolded Nick to the dance floor. His hand-picked dancers were squared up, ready to dance. The moment of truth had finally arrived. Nick was about to prove, once and for all, that he really can square dance blindfolded.

What would you do if a known braggart was standing in your square, blindfolded, waiting for the dance to start, eager to prove his point? I'm not sure if we did the RIGHT thing, but I'm sure we all did the SAME thing. Shortly after the music started, all seven dancers quietly left the dance floor, leaving Nick wandering around by himself with his Angles and Vectors. Even Nick had a good laugh from the trick we played on him.

Perhaps you really CAN square dance blindfolded, but you certainly CANNOT square dance alone.

Upcoming travel dates. Don't try these blindfolded:
  Jun 16 - Eads, Tennessee
  Jun 17 - Batesville, Arkansas
  Jun 18 - Joplin, Missouri
  Jun 22-25 - Detroit, Michigan (National Convention)

If you're looking for a good fun dance near San Antonio, set an Angle and Vector toward our home club, FunDancers. We dance on Sundays. We'll find some good strong dancers to dance with you, and we promise they won't run away when the music starts. Website fundancers dot org.

Keep an eye out for these upcoming week-long events. They require advance reservations, so pick up the phone to reserve your place:

--> September 4 thru 10 at Fun Valley in Colorado
Super-fun vacation at 8700 feet. Callers are Nasser Shukayr and Lem Gravelle (our 16th year), cuers are the Shanes from Kansas. Enjoy a week of dancing, games, parties, mini-golf, paddle-boats, splendid scenery, memorable dining and fantastic friendship. For reservations phone 800-548-1684

--> November 17 thru 21 - Caller School in Las Vegas, Nevada
The only way to have good callers in the future is to train them today. We offer a fully accredited school for callers or wanna-be callers, from brand-new (never called before) to ultra-experienced. The three instructors (Nasser, Doug Davis, Hanna Tenenbaum) all call and teach in local clubs. Nasser and Doug are Accredited Caller Coaches. Hanna will be eligible for accreditation after this school. Limited enrollment. We expect a sellout so register soon. See flyer or phone 956.622.0557 to register.

--> December 3 thru 10 - Caribbean cruise.
If you're looking for a great square dance cruise, you found it. Apparently we lucked up and found the right combination of dates, price, ports, amenities, etc. This cruise has become wildly popular. Over 225 dancers are registered and the number grows every week. Callers are Nasser Shukayr and Mike Sikorsky, cuers are the Enstens from California. We've been writing for months that the cruise will fill up, and it's no joke. Our group is nearing the maximum size. If you want to dance and party with 225 other fun people on a luxury cruise ship in December, pick up the phone and make a reservation today. The cruise lasts a week but the memories will last a lifetime. Phone 800-873-6033.

More details on all upcoming events are at NShukayr dot com.

Nasser and Jeanna will stay home in July and most of August due to various new ventures. Nasser recently started an internet consulting business. Jeanna joined a famous (well, hopefully soon) singing group and is learning all their songs. Hopefully these new challenges are so simple that they can be done blindfolded.

We hope that all your Angles and Vectors keep you headed in the right direction!

Nasser and Jeanna Shukayr
San Antonio, Texas


August 20, 2011  American Chocolate in Europe?

Europe is known for fine chocolates. Belgian chocolate is probably the finest in the world. Nasser will call in Belgium next month. He will bring a spare suitcase to Belgium. That extra suitcase will be full of something from the USA. Can you guess what's in the extra suitcase?

If you guessed "American chocolate", you are absolutely correct. The irony is explained at the end of this message.

Whenever you're near San Antonio, Texas on a Sunday, FunDancers is the place to dance. After mid-September, the refreshments table might even include imported fine Belgian chocolates. We also call for an Advanced group ("Fun-A") on Wednesday. Website fundancers.org.

Upcoming travel dates. If you need us to import anything special for you from Texas, let us know:
  Aug 26 - Irving, Texas
  Aug 27 - Paris, Texas
  Sep 4 thru 9 - South Fork, Colorado
  Sep 10 - Santa Rosa, California
  Sep 12 - Chesterfield, Missouri
  Sep 16 thru 18 - Antwerp, Belgium
  Sep 23 - San Marcos, California
  Sep 24 - Thousand Oaks, California
  Sep 25 - San Luis Obispo, California
  Sep 30 - Denver (Broomfield), Colorado
  Oct 1 - Norman, Oklahoma
  Oct 14 thru 15 - Globe, Arizona
  Oct 28 - Nashville, Tennessee
  Oct 29 - Knoxville, Tennessee
  Oct 30 - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Upcoming week-long events (all require reservations in advance):

--> September 4 thru 10 - Fun Valley in Colorado
Super-fun vacation in the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy a week of dancing, games, parties, mini-golf, paddle-boats, splendid scenery, memorable dining and fantastic fellowship. Normally this week is sold out solid but this year they do have several spots remaining. It's a great way to escape from the summer heat! For reservations phone 800-548-1684.

--> November 17 thru 21 - Silver State Caller College in Las Vegas, Nevada
Looking for a great reason to go to Vegas? Silver State Caller College is a high-intensity caller training experience. It's the Real Deal, top quality and fully accredited, suitable for brand-new (never picked up a microphone) to ultra-experienced callers. The instructors all call and teach in local clubs, therefore the school focuses on giving you everything you need to succeed as a club caller / instructor.

Register soon! Because it's Las Vegas (they gamble there, right?) register by September 15 to have a chance in a prize drawing. One lucky winner gets a free upgrade to a Suite at the host hotel on the famous Las Vegas Strip. (We already gave away a Suite upgrade to one lucky winner in June. We're doing it again on September 15.) See flyer or phone 956.622.0557 to register.

--> December 3 thru 10 - Caribbean cruise from New Orleans.
If you're looking for a fantastic square dance cruise, this is it. Over 230 dancers are registered and the number keeps growing. Nasser will be calling with the fabulous Mike Sikorsky, who recently won Most Entertaining Caller of the Year. Lots of dancing! We'll dance 13 times during the cruise and once more in Slidell after the cruise.

We've been saying for months that the cruise will fill up, and it's no joke. In just a few days, our group block will be closed out and the few remaining spaces will be gone forever. Last call! If you want to dance and party with 230 fun people on a luxury cruise ship in December, pick up the phone and make a reservation right now. We'd love to welcome you on board. The cruise lasts a week but the memories last a lifetime. Phone 800-873-6033.

More details on all upcoming events (OK, the next 11 or 12 months anyway) are at NShukayr.com.

Let's solve the mystery. Why would anyone import American chocolate into Europe, when Europe already has the best chocolate in the world? There -is- a good reason.

Although American chocolate cannot compare to the good European stuff, chocolate chip COOKIES are a distinctly American treat. An American square dancer in Denmark bakes chocolate chip cookies. He distributes these coveted prizes to friends at dances. He is famous throughout the European square dance scene as "The Cookie Man". To bake his authentic cookies (i.e. to remain famous) he needs authentic American chocolate chips. One way to get American chocolate chips is to go to dances called by American caller friends who bring extra suitcases.

Mystery solved!

Here's wishing you happy travels, enjoyable dancing, and chocolate chip cookies!

Nasser and Jeanna Shukayr
San Antonio, Texas


October 5, 2011  Singing the Blues

Airlines provide perks to frequent flyers. One such perk is the use of "club rooms" in major airports. Airline clubs are peaceful respites from the noise and hubbub of the main terminal.

A few months ago in an airline club, an older gentlemen was talking VERY loudly on his cell phone. Nasser, who is certainly not shy, stood directly in front of the loud talker, took out his own cell phone, and pretended to have his own loud conversation. "WHAT?? I can't HEAR you! Someone in the QUIET ZONE is talking VERY LOUDLY which VIOLATES CLUB RULES but the STAFF won't tell him to STOP. We'll have to WAIT until he either FINISHES TALKING TOO LOUD, or LEARNS some MANNERS, whichever comes FIRST!".

The loud talker noticed Nasser's demonstration and left in a huff. An airline employee then dropped the surprising news: "You just told off legendary blues artist B.B. King".

Let's go back 10 years earlier. Nasser's flight was canceled. The airline put him on another flight. Just before the flight departed, an airline agent approached Nasser and asked, "Can you swap seats with someone important? His flight was also canceled but there are no seats left because you got the last one."

Alas, Nasser had to call a dance that same night and thus needed to be on the flight. Later, a flight attendant dropped the surprising news, "You just prevented legendary blues artist B. B. King from getting to his concert on time".

Nasser has never properly met B.B. King but has already been a thorn in his side, twice.

If you're looking for a good dance near San Antonio, come dance with us at FunDancers. We'll treat you like a King, oops ... I mean we'll treat you right.

Upcoming travel dates.
  Oct 10 - *BUSY ... see below
  Oct 14 thru 15 - Globe AZ
  Oct 28 - Nashville TN
  Oct 29 - Knoxville TN
  Oct 30 - Chattanooga TN
  Nov 17 thru 21 - Las Vegas NV
  Dec 3 thru 10 - Caribbean Cruise

Plan ahead for these upcoming week-long events:

--> November 17 thru 21 - Silver State Caller College in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Complete caller training school for new, brand-new or experienced callers. Don't Gamble on a Caller School: Silver State Caller College is your Best Bet. Phone 956-622-0557 or 509-979-2612

--> December 3 thru 10 - Caribbean cruise from New Orleans.
Fantastic square dance cruise with Mike Sikorsky (who recently won Most Entertaining Caller award). Lots of dancing! Over 31 squares registered! The cruise lasts a week but the great memories last a lifetime. Our best advice is to contact the travel agent RIGHT NOW to see if she can still get you into the group. Phone 800-873-6033

--> June 10 thru 15, 2012 - Kirkwood Lodge in Missouri.
Enjoy a wonderful square dance vacation at Lake of the Ozarks. The week features Plus DBD (Dance by Definition), a very fun level suitable for all Plus dancers. The other caller is Darryl Lipscomb, whose knowledge and skill are unsurpassed. You're in for a great week of top-quality dancing and all kinds of other fun (lake cruise, music show, etc.) Phone 800-295-2794

--> September 2 thru 8, 2012 - Fun Valley in Colorado.
Super-fun vacation in the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy a week of dancing, games, parties, mini-golf, paddle-boats, splendid scenery, memorable dining and fantastic fellowship. It's a cool way to escape from the summer heat! Phone 800-548-1684

More details (flyers, links, etc.) for all events are at Nshukayr dot com.

Legendary blues artist B.B. King is in the San Antonio / Austin area this week. On October 10th he will fly out to his next destination. Nasser will be busy on October 10 although the details are not yet known. Nasser has already disrupted B. B. King's travel day, TWICE. Strange things are supposed to happen in THREES.

It's a date with destiny. If destiny ever knocks on your door, answer it! Clearly, Nasser is supposed to go to the airport and give B. B. King a tough travel day, for the third time. We're not quite sure of the details, but then again we had no idea why the previous two times happened either.

We wish you happy dancing and we wish that you will always be treated royally (but not like a King).

Nasser and Jeanna Shukayr
San Antonio, Texas


November 5, 2011  Fun with Funicular

To help today's traveler in foreign countries, signs are usually written in several languages. Whenever you see a sign with strange words, just keep reading until you find words in a language you recognize.

Last year, Nasser saw a sign in Austria with helpful guidance in five different languages. The sign read:
  funicular
  funicular
  funicolare
  funiculaire
  funicular

Ahem, which word is English? And what on earth does it mean?

After returning to the USA, Nasser described the strange sign to some friends. One friend, a model railroad enthusiast, immediately knew what a "funicular" is. (It's a train which goes up a very steep hill.) This obscure word is very similar in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish.

Ever since then, every time Nasser and his railroad-savvy friend cross paths, they greet each other with an enthusiastic shout of "Funicular!". Bystanders have no idea what the word means. We explain that we're greeting each other in five different languages.

Upcoming calling dates. Special discount if you arrive by funicular:
  Nov 17 thru 21 - Silver State Caller College in Las Vegas NV
  Dec 3 thru 10 - Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans LA
  Jan 12 - Richmond VA
  Jan 13-15 - Raleigh NC
  Jan 16 - Alexandria VA
  Jan 19-21 - Tucson AZ
  Feb 17 - Mesa AZ
  Feb 18 - Garden Grove CA
  Feb 24-25 - Harlingen TX

Our home club is FunicularDancers but we often abbreviate it to FunDancers. We dance just outside San Antonio, Texas. Beginners thru Plus on Sundays, Advanced on Wednesdays. Website FunDancers dot org. Check us out ... we're a funicular, oops, I mean we're a fun group.

Plan ahead for these upcoming week-long events. Details at website Nshukayr dot com:

--> November 17 thru 21 - Silver State Caller College in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fully accredited caller school. Phone 956-622-0557 fast.

--> December 3 thru 10 - Amazing square dance cruise to the Caribbean with the entertaining Mike Sikorsky. We're planning a dance program that will knock your socks off. Over 31 squares registered -- it's the cruise of a lifetime! Contact travel agent at 800-873-6033 to see if she can still squeeze you into the group.

--> June 10 thru 15, 2012 - Kirkwood Lodge in Missouri with Darryl Lipscomb. Enjoy a Plus DBD Week on the shores of beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. Phone 800-295-2794.

--> September 2 thru 8 - Fun Valley in Colorado with Lem Gravelle. Super-fun vacation week in the Cool Splendor of the Rocky Mountains. If you're looking for funiculars, you can probably find them in Colorado. Phone 800-548-1684.

Be careful when you learn a new word. An obscure word on a sign 6,000 miles away can easily become an everyday greeting. If you have never shouted the word "Funicular" to greet someone, I recommend that you try it. It's addictive.

Here's wishing you happy travels, enjoyable dancing, and plenty of new words!

Nasser and Jeanna Shukayr
San Antonio, Texas


November 28, 2011  The Worst Caller in the World

Everyone serves a purpose.

For many years at the U.S. National Square Dance Convention, even way back before Nasser began calling, it was essential to dance to one particular caller. We referred to her as "the worst caller in the world". She probably never knew that she was the worst caller in the world. She was always glad to see us and she couldn't figure out why we were so eager to dance to her. We made sure to dance to her at least once every year.

Why on earth would a big crowd of people seek out and dance to the "worst caller in the world"? There's a very good reason. Each year includes high points and low points. After you dance to the "worst caller in the world", your year cannot possibly get worse. It can only improve. It's reassuring to know that no matter how bad things seem, it's still an improvement.

Every caller has a purpose.

Upcoming calling dates. Each one is the high point of the year.
  Dec 3 thru 10 - Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans LA
  Dec 10 - Slidell LA
  Dec 16 - Riverside CA
  Dec 17 - Anaheim CA
  Jan 5 thru 9 - Starter Course for New Callers in San Antonio TX
  Jan 12 - Richmond VA
  Jan 13-15 - Raleigh NC
  Jan 16 - Alexandria VA
  Jan 19-21 - Tucson AZ

If you're looking for a good dance near San Antonio, you'll find it at FunDancers. We dance Beginners thru Plus on Sundays, Advanced on Wednesdays. Website FunDancers.org. Check us out and/or come visit.

Plan ahead for these upcoming week-long events. Details at website NShukayr.com.

--> January 5 thru 9 - Starter Course for New Callers in San Antonio, Texas. Learn how to call and teach square dancing, limited enrollment, hurry to register. Phone 956-622-0557.

--> June 10 thru 15 - Kirkwood Lodge in Missouri with Darryl Lipscomb. Enjoy a fun Plus DBD Week of dancing at beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. This is our first year to do Kirkwood. Join us! Phone 800-295-2794.

--> September 2 thru 8 - Fun Valley in Colorado with Lem Gravelle. Enjoy a fantastic square and round dance vacation in the cool majestic splendor of the Rocky Mountains. This is our 17th year at Fun Valley. (Each year is an improvement.) Phone 800-548-1684.

--> November 15 thru 19 - Starter Course for New Callers in Las Vegas, Nevada. Learn how to call and teach square dancing.

--> January 3 thru 7, 2013 - Caller Improvement Course for Experienced Callers in Las Vegas, Nevada. Make a New Years Resolution to expand your calling knowledge and enjoy a great year of calling.

I was so sad to learn that one particular caller no longer goes to National Conventions. She will be missed. We knew her as "the worst caller in the world". We are now looking for a new low point of the year, from which things can only improve.

Everyone has a purpose.

Nasser and Jeanna Shukayr
San Antonio, Texas