Day: September 21, 2011

Here’s My Message To The AFA

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

You can suck schweddy balls.

The American Family Association is organizing a protest over Ben and Jerry’s new ice cream flavor named "Schweddy Balls Ice Cream"

God almighty do people have to suck the fun out of everything? Can’t they just lighten up and laugh about it? Aren’t there way worse tragedies occurring in the world that could use attention rather than uniting the AFA forces in a fight against schweddy balls ice cream?

Last I checked no one died eating schweddy balls.

I stand firmly behind my large inventory of schweddy balls and would like to endorse the eating of schweddy balls for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If there were more eating of the schweddy balls ice cream I’m quite confident the world would be a much friendlier place.

See I’m guessing the main problem for the founding fathers and organizers of the AFA schweddy balls boycott is the fact that no one has paid any attention to their schweddy balls in quite some time.

Perhaps if the men and women of the AFA enjoyed a little schweddy ball action instead of thinking up such ridiculous things to boycott, this too would lead to a much happier life.

I’m sure Ben and Jerrys could never pay for the kind of attention that their schweddy balls are getting thanks to the AFA boycott.

So unite normal people who can enjoy a little light hearted fun and go get you some schweddy balls.

Really if anything should be boycotted is any funding to the AFA. It’s a total misuse of money supporting such dopey organizations.

You want to donate to some organizations that can actually help the children of America? How about donating to organizations that help children with terminal cancer or fight child abuse, or drug prevention? I say the boycott should really be started on a far greater abuse and it starts with the abuse of the AFA taking funds which could be used for far greater good on something that matters. Who the fuck would want to attend a meeting where they can’t even appreciate the humor in an ice cream being named "Schweddy Balls" for chrissake anyway?

You can check out their fantastic records of how they pay themselves in this “non-profit” here at some dude named Kevin’s Blog–

I’ve gotten the information below from their tax forms, which anyone can view for free. You can see their 2005 990 tax form here.  I have also summarized things at the end, in case you didn’t want to read all the gory details.

Let’s show these moral police bannanaheads that we won’t tolerate the pussification of America.
Who’s with me?

Here are some organizations that could probably use your donations a whole lot more than the ice cream nazis over at the AFA-

The Partnership at Drugfree.org (formerly Partnership for a Drug-Free America)

Action on Smoking and Health

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Children’s Defense Fund

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
American Brain Tumor Association
American Kidney Fund

American Liver Foundation

Lupus Research Institute

National Alliance to End Homelessness

Salvation Army – Eastern Territory

The Y (formerly YMCA of the United States) – N.O.

Action Against Hunger – USA

Reading is Fundamental

National Council on Aging

National Military Family Association

2011 Gran Prix of Gloucester October 1 & 2- It’s Coming

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

-and Paul Boudreau assured me there will be a beer tent!

If you haven’t seen the spectacle that is cyclocross at The Gran Prix of Gloucester, mark your calendar now!  I’ve heard from many many folks that you just won’t believe the action.  It’s one of the best spectator sports around.

Here’s an article in the Herald’s travel section-

Cape Ann crusaders

Annual bike race draws visitors to Gloucester

2011granprixgloucester

Ron Schrank Has Some Nice Things To Say

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Ron writes-

Hey Joey,

We haven’t met but I live in Gloucester and we really enjoy your blog/web site.

My reason for this contact is to thank you for the great coverage of the Fish Box Derby. The post by Patrick really made my day as the father of two adult girls and the Papa of Alexis and Ava who won this years event.

Your coverage of all things Gloucester is beyond compare and I can only imagine the time and effort you put into this thing. Keep up the great work and know that your efforts are appreciated.

Ron Schrank

Well Ron we ain’t done yet.

Here’s a whole lot more photos in a slide show from Melissa Cox (click the pic for the photos)

Cooking Fish – Cooking Lobsters the Right Way

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

This From Orca Bay Seafoods-

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Perfectly cooked fish is moist and has a delicate flavor – overcooking is the most prevalent cooking error. Fish is done when the flesh has just begun to turn from translucent to opaque and is firm but still moist. It should flake easily when tested with a fork.

The 10-Minute Rule or Canadian Cooking Method is one way to cook fish by conventional methods including grilling, broiling, poaching, steaming, sautéing, microwaving, en papillotte, planking, and baking (at 400F to 450F). Here is how to use the 10 Minute Rule:

click here for the rest

Cooking Lobsters-

I poked around about ten different online recipe’s for a good How-To cook lobster guide before I found one that wouldn’t have you completely overcook your lobsters.  Wouldn’t you know it that the author of the one that made the most sense came from- get this, California, LOL!  They must not be speaking with these Californians who get my all time worst marks for lobster recipes-

What Is Wrong With People???? Another Lobster Roll Disaster From Some Broads In California

Unlike the lobster roll debacle of all debacles which occurred on Eat Boutique!  These Californian’s got it right on Simply Recipes

How to Boil and Eat Lobster

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Years ago, my first job out of college was in Boston; I lived in the North End, above D’Amore’s Italian restaurant on Salem Street, right across from a little fish market. This was a magical time, to be in one’s early 20s, exploring the back streets of Boston, feasting on the sights, sounds, and smells, alone or with friends. I was amazed that I could buy fresh lobster across the street from where I lived, at the fish market, for $4.99 a pound, still a luxury at that time, but within reach. (This summer, 27 years later, I bought lobster for $5.99 a pound, a bargain for this Californian!) That summer as often as I could I rounded up friends to enjoy a lobster feast. I still have the big aluminum pot I used.

We don’t have American lobsters out here in California. (Well we do, but they’re shipped in from New England, and frankly they just aren’t as good as lobsters bought near the sea shore on the East Coast.) So whenever I’m in New England in the summer (according to my local friends, summer is the best time for lobsters, they’re more plentiful and therefore less expensive) I make a point to have some.

Click here for the correct way to cook lobsters from Simply Recipes complete with proper cooking times and an excellent visual section of the cleaning process.

Things To Do This Weekend- The Oarmaster’s Cup

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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The prestigious Oarmaster’s Cup with be presented to the fastest single dory rower in the land.  All will be decided this Sunday, September 25th at 10 AM in Gloucester Harbor .  The course will start and finish off the pier at the Heritage Center (show up there with your gear to row).  Four boat heats will row out to Ten Pound Island, around clockwise and return to the finish line (1.7 miles).  All members are eligible to compete and of course all are encouraged to attend, watch some great races and join us for refreshments afterward.

And, a heartfelt “thank you” to who helped remove the dories last weekend.  It only took an hour or so due to a great turn out.  You volunteers are what make this organization work!

IDRC Board

Celebrating Pete Marston’s Life- The American Legion Hall Friday 6:30PM

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Everyone Knows Pete Marston as a Friendly Fun Guy.

Friday Night his friends and family will celebrate his life with an all star local musical cast and plenty of food.  Bring a dish if you would like to and any pictures you have of Pete to share.

Linda Amero writes-

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of East Gloucester’s Peter Marston (of Peter & Annette) on Wed. morning following a short cancer-related illness. Peter was a long-time, invaluable employee at Seatronics, a loving husband, father & grandfather.  A very gentle soul who will be greatly missed in the community.  There will be a celebration of his life (party!) and gathering of friends and family as follows:  Friday, Sep 23, 6:30p at the American Legion, Washington St., Gloucester.  Potluck, photos and musicians/instruments encouraged.  This was a much-loved guy… let’s give him a huge send-off!

– Friends of Peter & Family

Pete Marston

New Cape Ann Choir School Launched

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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St. John’s Church, 48 Middle Street, Gloucester launches a new program "Cape Ann Choir School" on Thursdays from 4:30-6 pm.  The program is intended to give children of reading age and older the chance to sing a wide variety of great music.  The children will rehearse weekly, and have opportunities to play handbells, African drums as well as learn how to read and write music.  The children will sing at St. John’s Church 2 Sunday mornings a month as well as a short Evensong service at 6 pm on the first Thursday of each month.  The Choir School will also seek to sing in the community as well. 

The foundation of the educational program is "Voice for Life" from the Royal School of Church Music in America www.rscmamerica.org.  This graded program serves to educate the singers in developing healthy vocal techniques along with learning the language of music.  Through singing Children will gain confidence and poise, raise their skill levels in academic and social situations, and learn discipline.  Choristers do not need to be Episcopalian nor members of St. John’s Church.  The program has received more than $10,000 to fund this initial year, for materials, vestments, training and visiting coaches.  The funding has come in both grants from agencies of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts as well as from members and friends of St. John’s Church.  This money will also be used to offer partial and full scholarships to the choristers to cover the $100/semester tuition. 

No child, desiring to sing will be turned away for lack of finances.  Leading the program are St. John’s parish musician Mark Nelson who has been Music Director at the church since 2001.  Assisting him is Astrid afKlinteberg who will be a singing leader as well as managing the group.  The program is beginning this week, and children come this Thursday, September 22 or Thursday September 29th to register. 

There is more information at the Choir School website http://www.capeannchoirschool.org/ e-mail:  st.johns.music@earthlink.net or telephone: 978.283.1708 ext 2. The public is welcome to support this group with your attendance and/or contributions.

Things To Do- Hospital Point Light Open House From Bill O’Connor

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Bill writes-

Hi Joey,

Last Saturday, B and I headed ‘up the line’ to Beverly to check out the Hospital Point Light overlooking Salem Sound.  We had a great time and had a chance to explore a unique North Shore landmark.   It’s only open to the public for special occasions, and this coming Sunday is the last chance to take a tour as part of Trails & Sails.  For more info check the event listing: http://northshorekid.com/event/hospital-point-lighthouse-open-house

After the tour, we went to Lynch Park to run around and play, because it was basically right next door.  I hadn’t been there in years, and had forgotten about the beauty of this water side park.  It’s definitely worth a visit!

Enjoy!
~Bill O’Connor
North Shore Kid

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Lobster Roll Crisis

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Doug Brendel writes-

Joey, thanks again for the 4 enormous lobstahs Sunday morning.
My friend from Ohio, the NYG fan, loved them.
We ate until we couldn’t eat anymore, and had lots of leftovers.
Which my wife Kristina made into lobster salad for lobster rolls.
However, I am sorry to say, she made the colossal mistake of chopping up a stalk of celery and mixing it in there.
But I want to assure you, I have taken corrective measures.
I beat her mercilessly, divorced her, and unfriended her on Facebook.
And after she gets out of the hospital, I’m going to bring her down to you so you can cuss her out and then push her in the harbor.
I’ll let you know when we’re on our way.
Love,
Doug

Gray’s Hardware, the Talking Machine, and Four Generations

Posted on by Sharon
   Talking Machine Sign for Gray’s Hardware, Gloucester, circa 1900 Anonymous/ ©Fredrik D. Bodin
My research for Gray’s Hardware began a week ago when I got an email from Lynn Gray. She’s the great granddaughter of Charles A. Gray, who founded the store more than a century ago, and wanted to know if I had any photos of it. As you can see, I have a picture of Gray’s Talking Machine sign (or is it a horse-drawn billboard?). Lynn loved it, but what she really wanted was the front of the building, which was located at 129 Main Street (where Growing Pains is now). I was on a mission.
I called up an old friend and retired lobsterman, who grew up going to Gray’s for onion and potato sets (bulbs), nails, screws, and hardware.  He said it was the first shop on Cape Ann to sell Kodak photo supplies. I think they were also the first “phonograph parlor” here, which were springing up nationwide since the Talking Machine’s invention in 1877 by Thomas Edison. My friend’s circa 1900 post card appears below, showing they named the intersection “Gray’s Corner.”
From Lynn Gray: “Gray’s Hardware was built in the early 1870’s. It was started by my great grandfather, Charles A. Gray, and was later run by my grandfather Charles J. Gray. My dad, James Gray, used to ride an old fashioned bicycle with the large front wheel around Gloucester as advertising for the store. He lives and works at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, NH. If anyone has a picture of my dad on that bicycle, now THAT’s something I’d like to see :)”
If you can help Lynn find her father on that bicycle – please let me know!
Talking Machine photograph printed from the original 5×7 inch glass negative in my darkroom. Image # A9357-002
Post card from a private collection.
Fred
Fredrik D. Bodin
Bodin Historic Photo
82 Main Street
Gloucester, MA 01930

Kids and food… good stuff

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Jason Grow Forwards this story from East Gloucester resident John Sarrouf-

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If You Let Them Cook It, They Will Come

posted by Elijah and John

One way we try to inspire our six- and three-year-old kids to spend time at dinner is by letting them make it.  I cook at an island in my kitchen where the kids can sit and cook with me.  The trick is to find things appropriate for them to do.  That challenge inspired us to create this series called “Cooking with a Six-Year-Old,” though the age is not important – the theory holds true for any age.

Here is the first installment starring my son, Elijah, making hummus.  Please write to him to ask questions, tell him what you think or let him know if you changed anything to make the recipe better – he would love hearing from you!

For the recipe and more click here for the rest

Video- Somewhere off Cape Ann- Who Can Name The Lobster Gear

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Adam Bolonsky reports-

In a sea kayak somewhere off Cape Ann. 

Name the waters and nearby islands: that’s easy. 

But can a Good Morning Gloucester reader name the owner of the lobster gear the bluefish lure gets snagged on?

Should be easy: the buoy’s colors are easy to see, especially after the whole mess gets hauled up on the foredeck.

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Special thanks to Kayalu.com for use of the camera mount.

twitter.com/seakayak

Alice Bliss : A Book Talk by Gloucester Author Laura Harrington : Thursday, 9/22/11 @ 7 pm

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Laura Harrington, award-winning librettist, playwright, and author will speak at Sawyer Free Library about her coming-of-age novel, Alice Bliss, the story of the teenaged daughter of an American soldier in Iraq. According to Margot Livesey "Alice is a true heroine: intelligent, passionate, strong-minded. Watching her find her way is an absorbing pleasure.” Read more here.

Thursday, September 22, 7pm Friend Room
Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library
2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930
978-281-9763