Year: 2013

Pod of Harbor Seals at Brace Cove

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Harbor Seals Brace Cove Gloucester MA ©Kim Smith 2013Click image to view larger

This morning at Brace Cove there was a pod of Harbor Seals sunning themselves; unfortunately a little too far out of range for my movie camera, but I tried filming nonetheless. They were wonderful fun to observe especially as the younger members of the pod seemed more interested in playing “King of the Rock,” rather than basking in the sun. It was challenging to figure out a total number because the younger seals were so playful, but I think there were ten in the herd. I only know this from one of the snapshots where you can see ten in all. Because the Harbor Seals were out of my camera’s ability to sharply focus, the footage may be too grainy, but I will try working with it.

In case you are wondering, as did I, a goup of seals is most commonly referred to as a pod or colony. The terms harem, herd, and rookery are also used, depending upon from where you originate.

I can only hope the young Harbor Seal hauled out at Good Harbor Beach earlier this summer has a pod to which it belongs!

Don’t believe on-line reviews unless you know the reviewer personally — or it’s GMG

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

SocialMediaYou’ve probably guessed that this was happening right?  Companies who want good reviews create fake ones on Yelp, Citysearch, Yahoo, Google, Kayak — even Facebook & Twitter.  Well you’re right. It’s called astroturfing.  It’s gotten so big that you can now hire companies to write and post fake reviews for your product or service.  You can even get them to write fake bad reviews about your competitors.

There’s a very interesting article in today’s New York Times about a crackdown on astroturfing that exposes several companies, including Main Street Host, which is one of those companies people hire to write fake reviews.  Main Street Host even went so far as to condemn astroturfing on one of their own blogs, while at the same time they wrote their own fake reviews about their own services, prompting this line from the New York Times article, “Faking reviews often begins with faked reviews of the company faking the reviews.”  You just can’t make this stuff up!

So, if you want to know the truth, stick with GMG.  No fake reviews here.

Jalapeños hosts a fundraiser for Henry Allen’s North Shore Folklore Theatre

Posted on by Matthew Green

Jalapenos benefit

Savour’s Grand Slam Event

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
Of course, plenty of tasty food was passed around. This wooden serves measured about
Over 100 women attended this event, and there was plenty of wine. Exhibitors included massage therapists, mediums. reiki masters, card readers, and astrologers.Plenty of tasty appetizers were passed around. This impressive wooden server measured two by three feet. They have a full kitchen and you can watch the chefs prepare the food.
Tasty appetizers were passed around. This impressive wooden server measured two by three feet. They have a full kitchen and you can watch the chefs prepare the food.
The key speaker was Mirium Divinsky, PhD. She's a local Spiritual Coach, and shared the secret behind the secret. "it's not what happens to you," she says,"but negative energy you attach to it." That energy needs to be cleared, so you can enjoy your life, she explains. I think that's a good point.
The guest speaker was Mirium Divinsky, PhD. She’s a local Spiritual Coach, and shared the secret behind the secret. “It’s not what happens to you,” she says,”but negative energy you attach to it.” That energy needs to be cleared, so you can enjoy your life, she explains. I think that’s a good point.
Part of the fun was using the wine dispenser. Insert your wine card, select the wine you'd like to sample, put some in the glass, and enjoy. The event was coordinated by Annette Dion and Silvie Lockerova, both healers and from Gloucester. I can't wait for the next event and tasting!
Part of the fun was using the wine dispenser. Insert your wine card, select the wine you’d like to sample, put some in the glass, and enjoy. The event was coordinated by Annette Dion and Silvie Lockerova, both healers and from Gloucester. I can’t wait for the next event and tasting!

Autumnal Equinox 2013 Wishes From Tom Philbrook

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

IT’S HERE – almost! The equinox brings autumn on September 22, 2013 at 4:44 P.M EDT — when everywhere light and dark are equal in time.

Wishing you an awesome Autumnal Equinox!

-Tom Philbrook

www.thomasphilbrook.com

It is the summer’s great last heat,
It is the fall’s first chill: They meet.
        –Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt

Gloucester IDRC presents the Oar Master’s Cup Race

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The Oar Master’s Cup Race is the only annual dory rowing competition which pits single rowers against one another in multiple heats over a set course to determine the fastest singles rower in the USA .  The 2013 course will begin at the Maritime Center pier and proceed out around Ten Pound Island and back (1.75 miles).  Heats will be limited to 4 dories provided by the IDRC and the fastest time will be crowned the Oar Master 2013.  This annual race will take place this Sunday, September 29th at 10 AM (best viewed from, and rowers report to Maritime Gloucester Center …dories will be towed over).  The Oar Master’s Cup race is open to all IDRC members and you do not need to be an advanced rower to compete.  As long as you can navigate the course, you are encouraged to sign up and enjoy a great day of rowing and camaraderie with your friends from the IDRC!!!

As a special tribute, the 2013 Oar Master’s Cup Race will be dedicated in memory of IDRC member Mike Regan of Springfield , MA .  Mike was a fan of dory rowing and loved to get out for a row in a dory when visiting Gloucester .  He passed away suddenly last month and will be dearly missed by his friends and family.  All members are encouraged to come down and row or watch, then join us for a light luncheon to celebrate life and Mike.

Please shoot me an email if you would like to register to race or if you can help with race logistics on Sunday.

http://www.internationaldories.com/

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Len Robertson 2011 Oar Master with the cup

Community Stuff 9/23/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hive Teal2

Intro to Cloud Computing
Thursdays, 6 – 8pm.
Six sessions starting September 26
The Hive Center at 11 Pleasant Street

Learn how to utilize the power of “The Cloud” to access and streamline all your files and photos online from any device.  Each week we will go over a different FREE platform: Google Apps and Google Drive, DropBox, Picasa, Prezi, and much, much more!  All participants must bring their own laptop or tablet to class and must have a gmail account. If you do not have a gmail account, we can help set you up with one the first class.  Instructor// Rebecca Borden

Clay Sculpture
Fridays, 6-9pm
Six-sessions starting on September 27
Use your hands to create a masterpiece! This class will cover different hand building techniques. The focus will be on experimenting with new methods to bring out your inner creativity and imagination.  At the end of the class, participants will have at least one completed project.  Instructor// David Brooks

All classes are held at The Hive at 11 Pleasant Street. Questions? 978-283-3889 or admin@arthaven.org

GloucesterCast 9/22/13 With Guests Paulie Walnuts, Ed Collard, Toby Pett and Host Joey Ciaramitaro

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

GloucesterCast September22, 2013 With Paulie Walnuts, Ed Collard, Toby Pett and Host Joey Ciaramitaro

Topics include:

Paulie Walnuts refuses to tape a Walnuts Cam segment, Not A Fan of The GoPro, Robert Heidt Resigns From The Chamber, Lost Tortoise Bubba Goddard From Thatcher Road In Rockport, Jodi Swenson from Cape Ann Wildlife, iPhone 5c and 5s, cell phone decisions, cheap phone chargers and apple new os update, Olive Kitteredge and Wicked Tuna impact on local economy,Paul Frontiero Sr Art Exhibit

The Adventures of Lisa Olson and The O’Maley Innovation School 6th Graders at The Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

This was taken at Gulf of Maine Research Institute. O’Maley  Innovation Middle School 6th graders were invited by the Institute, to explore their facility. It was a very impressive day for the sixth graders! This blue lobster was in their tank. Lisa Olson

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This was the sign greeting us

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This two toned lobster recently made the news

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On one station, students measured lobsters, took pictures of them, and answered questions on lobster populations.

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These were just some of the fun photo’s from out trip. I thought you would like the cool lobsters we got to see! The whole 6th grade got to go on this field trip. You could get more info from staff if you were interested. Love the website! Lisa Olson

Jim Clyde Represents! at The Braemar Highland Games, Braemar Scotland

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey!

The first shot was taken at the Braemar Highland Games, Braemar Scotland with Bill Hawkins, whose parents lived on Eastern Point and who is the brother of former Gloucester artist Robert Hawkins (who is now living in Formentara , Spain ).

The tradition of the Royal Family attending the Braemar Games was initiated by Queen Victoria in the mid-1800’s and has been continued ever since (Balmoral Castle is right down the road).  This year the Royal Family did not disappoint.  Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Duke of Edinburgh, and their son, Prince Charles arrived in their chauffeured Bentley State Limousine, sat in a special viewing stand, enjoyed the games and at the conclusion awarded the prizes for events such as: tossing the caber, tug-of-war, hammer throw, potato sack race (for the kids), etc. What’s highly amusing is that the Scots, being ferociously proud people, jealously guard their own Highland traditions and consider the Royal Family as “mere” guests to their event!  Incidentally, you might notice the rather large hood ornament on the Bentley…. It is (I believe), a lion couchant, and I’m guessing made of sterling silver!  Normally, the car sports a hood ornament depicting St. George slaying the dragon, but I’m guessing that to appease her Scottish “subjects”, St. George was replaced temporarily by the Scottish national symbol (which is, in actuality, dear Queen, the lion rampant)!

The second shot is from the Pitlochry Highland Games, Pitlochry , Scotland with Drum Major Kenneth Forbes….

If you think anyone would be interested, the two other shots are of the Queen, Phillip and Charles leaving in their custom Bentley. (I had second row seats and thus a good viewpoint!). 

Thanks Joey!

Jim Clyde, Essex

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GHS Football vs Masco

Posted on by David B. Cox

GHS Football in rugged loss to Masco 27-0.   Cheerleader photos to follow.

The Studio of Rocky Neck to Reopen October 6th!

Posted on by God's Morning
studio
 
Rumor has it that The Studio will be open the weekend of October 6th and Columbus Day weekend. We’ve watched and waited all summer for the owners of the Rudder to reopen this Rocky Neck establishment. The new construction boasts of an all new interior, large bar under the skylight, back deck dining, large sushi bar and private dock for water traffic. Can’t wait to see the menu!
 
Photos © Kathy Chapman 2013

Part II Topside Grill Picture of the Week

Posted on by paultmorrison
Topsidegrillpotw
Duckie Down, but not out. After going completely flat she was reinflated without incident.

Went to powder my nose at Topside Grill and what was hanging on the wall but a Rubber Duck Photo. see my post yesterday for some comments on the good grub at Topside.

Welcome First Day of Autumn!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

And welcome, too, gardens of dissipating beauty.

Sunflower and Web © Kim Smith 2013Sunflower and Spider’s Web