ShipStore.com Beacon: Capt. Jim Discovers Opera & Salsa Month
Issue 79, May 17, 2006
http://www.ShipStore.com
Floating your boat since 1982 TM


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IN THIS ISSUE:
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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Captain Jim Discovers Opera
~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: May is National Salsa Month!
~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Hot Salsa Specials
~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree" Drawing

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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Captain Jim Discovers Opera
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Over the last several years my wife and I have been involved in nearly 30 community theatre stage productions as actors, directors, or technical crew. However, neither of us has ever attended the opera.

This past weekend we had the opportunity to attend a fundraiser presentation of Franco Zeffirelli's 1982 film of Verdi's La Traviata. The Champlain Valley Film Society presents movies in various locations around the area. This is their most ambitious season, with a number of winter shows added. After having quietly helped with some of the technical issues for some of their shows, I was asked to join their board. This was the second of the Society's shows that we've been able to attend.

My previous exposure to opera had been Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd in Mozart's Marriage of Figaro - remember "Kill the Wabbit?!" I've been told by a number of people that feelings for opera is visceral - you either love it or you don't. The movie was quite an experience. I can't say that I now love opera, but I really enjoyed myself. Being a techie at heart, I was initially pulled into the movie by the use of the sets, mirrors in the house and lighting to help tell the story.
Of course, having subtitles helped, too.

At the intermission, I learned that the star of the movie is a courtesan. Suddenly the movie made a lot of sense! There was a subtle use of humor in the music and the acting that kept this classic grand opera tragedy entertaining on many levels. If you get a chance to see this film, it is time well spent.

Captain Jim
captjim@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: May is National Salsa Month!
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I just heard that May is National Salsa Month! I briefly imagined beach parties with beautiful people gyrating under the moon to the spicy rhythms of Willie Colon and Ruben Blades. Then I realized that it was the OTHER kind of salsa. Mmmm... Yes, that one.

"Salsa! Just the word conjures up images of fiestas, brash rhythms, bright colors and hot and spicy flavors. But salsas are more than concoctions from south of the border. Salsas literally know no ethnic boundaries. Sambals in Indonesia, chutneys from India, the fruit and chile mixes from the West Indies, even the piccalillis of the American South all qualify as a salsa." (Visit Fiery-Foods.com for more.)

Beach fiestas, hot music and spicy flavors. Can you see where I'm going here? After a week of fog and rain I checked Weather.com to discover that another week of the same is forecast! My boats are still stored, dry and restless, and my slalom ski and wetsuit have been so long neglected (since last October!) that they're likely to go out of style before I can use them again. So it's no surprise that my thoughts were easily distracted by the mention of salsa.

I'm ready for the sultry rhythms of summer 2006. Bring on the sunshine, the spicy food, the refreshing libations. Speaking of "all things summer", bar-b-q has got to be pretty high on the list, and that brings me to my last bizarre salsa fact. Try this on for size: "Salsa became the best selling condiment in North America pushing ketchup out of the top selling spot in 1997." (Visit Mexican Food & Gifts To Go http://www.texmextogo.com/may_2004.htm for more.

Not sure about that one, but here's wishing you a drier month of May than we've been having. Check out our Hot Salsa Specials to jumpstart your summer.

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Hot Salsa Specials
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Pro Express Elite Towable

Avenger Mach V Towable

Aurora Mach IV Towable

Le Biscuit Towable

Sea Life Pool

Misty Palm Tree Island

Inflatable Pirate Island

SevyTex 8 foot Runabout

Aqua Trailer

Ipanema Lounge

3 Position Pool Recliner

Infinity Float Nylon Covered Mattress

Life Vest: 32-36 inch chest

Life Vest: 36-40 inch chest

Life Vest: 40-45 inch chest

Life Vest: 45-50 inch chest

Life Vest: 50-55 inch chest

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~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree!" Drawing
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Win a $100.00 credit at ShipStore.com. To be eligible for future "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawings all you have to do is subscribe to the Beacon. All current subscribers are eligible for the random drawing. If you're not already subscribed, then visit http://www.shipstore.com and scroll down the light blue column along the left hand side of the page until you see the link "Win a Shopping Spree!". Click on the link. A new window will open with an email addressed to beacon-on@list.shipstore.com and "Subscribe" written in the Subject Field. All you have to do is hit send.

You'll be sent a confirmation email which you must respond to in order to activate your subscription and be added to our mailing list. This double opt-in procedure enables us to prevent accidental subscriptions and spam. As soon as your confirmation is confirmed, you will be entered into the "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawing for a $100.00 free merchandise from ShipStore.com. Good luck.

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