Year: 2013

In light of the recent iPhone releases of the 5c and 5s a poll for iPhone users or potential iPhone users

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I’m fairly confident that we can all agree that smartphones of today including Apple’s iPhones and the high end Android phones are incredible marvels of innovation, productivity and communication powerhouses.

The iPhone is a great phone, the android powered Samsung Galaxy s4 is a great phone, bottom line, end of story.

Not here to debate which is better.  What I would like to know from current iPhone users is what features you would like most to see in the next version of the iPhone or were you most disappointed weren’t included in the latest iPhone release.

I contend that instead of a cheaper iPhone made with plastic parts like the iPhone 5c, a larger iPhone with more screen real estate and a larger longer lasting internal battery would bring larger numbers of people upgrading to that iPhone or converting from Android.  I think there are a huge number of power users and gamers who don’t care about having the lightest slimmest phones, they just want a performance beast with more real estate on the screen.

I’m not discounting the benefit of small and light, all I’m saying I think there’s a whole other segment of the market that would happily give up small and light for large and without a care in the world about having to not get through a day on a battery charge.

In the comment section on this post please share your thoughts about what you would like to see in the next iPhone or additional model to complement the current iPhone.  Even if you’re not an iPhone user I’d like to hear your thoughts about the larger heavier phone with longer lasting battery and more screen vs smaller lighter phone with a battery that may not get you through a day.

I’m not trying to convince anyone that one way is better than the other- for some people they just want the most unobtrusive, smallest, lightest phone they can carry, for others maybe having a larger screen means you can read and see things a little better, for others not being able to get through a day without charging their phone might drive them up a wall.  Fortunately there are many options in phones out there which push each manufacturer to get better and better.

I personally fall into the camp where I favor a larger phone and longer lasting battery but for someone that hardly uses the multimedia capabilities of their phone a smaller phone might be a better fit for them.

For size comparison- Samsung Galaxy s4 on the left and current version of the iPhone on right.

Samsung Galaxy s4 size vs iPhone Size

Community Stuff 9/16/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Rockport High School DECA announces its new online school store.

Visit RHSDECA.com for website link to the RHS DECA program and click on link to our school store. Items available right away and can be shipped directly to you wherever you are. 

Profits from the online store go to the RHS DECA program.

& keep December 8 in mind as we will be doing our third Sea Shells and Jingle Bells Holiday Inn and Home Kitchen tour. 

www.rhsdeca.com

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Barbara Boudreau submits-

Hello Family, Friends and future friends,

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It’s an exciting time in life. Over the past 4 years, I have been working on The Frenchman, and now suddenly, it’s done, and what a fun ride! Releasing a novel is like growing up all over again. The writing was fun, self-reflective work involving many forks in the road. Fortunately, it was not a solo journey. There were so many people that helped along the way, much like a long road trip with flat tires, good and bad weather and varying road surfaces, but now, it’s done! Hard to put it all into words, but basically, The Frenchman is a great story.

The release will be held at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center at 6 Wonson St., Gloucester, on Sunday, October 6 at 5:00 p.m., Al and I will be doing a musical literary evening with the band at the center, an evening of cocktail party/jazz music/novel reading that we would like to share with you!

In addition, it can be found (after the release, pending review) at the following locations:

The Bookstore, 61 Main St., Gloucester – (978) 281-1548

Toadhall Bookstore, 47 Main St., Rockport – (978) 546-7323

Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Ave., Gloucester, MA – (978) 281-9763

Rockport Public Library, 17 School Street. Rockport, MA – (978)-546-6934

Quick look:

Robbery, escape, rendezvous, pursuit and romance all season “The Frenchman ” as Jean LaChance, running from his criminal past, finds solace in the isolation of the bleak California desert. There, in search of the money he and his unscrupulous partner have stolen, LaChance instead finds Lilly Parsons and her children. Over four days they forge a sense of belonging for the first time in their lives, loneliness and despair begin to melt away. This bond of trust is seemingly broken when Lilly flees with the children, unaware that the money is in the trunk of her car. Now LaChance is in determined pursuit of the woman and children he has grown to love, but he is unconvinced of their motive for leaving, taking the money and sending the cops. What will he do when he finds them?

The Frenchman is now available at these sites:

Barnes and Noble/Nook press – ebook only:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-frenchman?keyword=the+frenchman&store=nookstore

Amazon.com/Kindle Publishing – ebook only:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Frenchman-ebook/dp/B00DEEXWDQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1371422596&sr=1-1&keywords=the+frenchman

And, for those of you who want a “real” book – people after my own heart!

Create Space/Amazon – Print on Demand

http://www.amazon.com/The-Frenchman-B-Boudreau/dp/0615740693/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375722166&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=The+Frenchman%2C+Barbara+Boudreau

John Headshot HI

Joey:
Rosalie Parisi asked me to provide info & pic for the John Orlando
Scholarship Fundraiser being held this Wednesday, Sept 18th at Jalalpenos.
I finally got around to putting up the web site
(http://johnorlandoscholarship.org/) for the scholarship, and although
it needs some more content, it does have the info on the fundraiser and
a picture of Johnny.  Feel free to pull any of it for GMG.
Dave

GloucesterCast 9/15/13 With Guest Ed Collard and Host Joey Ciaramitaro

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

GloucesterCast 9/15/13 With Guest Ed Collard and Host Joey Ciaramitaro

Click to play-

Host Joey Ciaramitaro

Thanks to Bill OConnor from www.northshorekid.com for the fancy “NEW EPISODE” GIF

Topics Include:

“There’s nothing around here”, LobsterFest, Bluesfest, Gloucester Daily Times Comment Section Banning Anonymous Commenting, Bloody Mary Competition, Mark Ring, Fish Box Derby, Manchester Festival By The Sea, Essex Mums, Rockport Merchants, Sara Kelly, Angela Cook, Dawn Noble, Joey’s Show At Cape Ann Coffees

The Window Of My World From Virginia McKinnon

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

My View Picture

My front door is a large French door with three panels. The middle panel opens on to my Dream Deck. This large elegant French door is the window of my world. I see the city spread out in front of  me, as my home faces the west, the rising sun from the east shines upon the city and the inner harbor lighting everything up to great splendor. My home sits up high on a hill and the view is spectacular. I love  to watch the fishing boats going in and out of the harbor. Sea gulls fill the sky following the boats in anticipation of getting a free meal. I look across the skyline. The majestic City Hall clock tower commands the city skyline. 

I see the  twin blue towers of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church and the statue of Our Lady. At night her lamp is lit to guide the fishing boats to shore. I see the shining steeple of St. Ann’s Church, like a sword piercing the morning sky and steeple  at St. John’s Church. All the steeples fill me with awe that God is present watching over our beautiful city. I look at the very busy fish pier where many people are at work and large trailer trucks carrying cargos of fresh fish. Many boats are tied up to the piers. I look across the harbor and I can see Stage Fort Park and the weather tower at Stillington Hall. I find myself looking into the city for the house, where I was born, the places I visited in my childhood and where I grew up.

Later in my day, I look forward to the beautiful sunsets, the brilliant colors across the evening sky. I love to sit on my deck, my favorite place in my rocking chair. I hear the birds in flight looking for their resting places for the night. Later still the city before me lights up in golden hues, the fish pier appears so magical with all its lights causing shimmering, sparkling lights across the harbor reflecting the shadows of the fishing boats.

The city lights  are like jewels. I look up at the sky on a starlit night. The moon and all the stars are visible to me.  I can rock in my chair and never tire of magical view. I feel so at peace with God and my world as I meditate. Truly I am so blessed. My wealth is overwhelming, as I thank God for this wonderful gift. 
                            

Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon  

Professor Irwin Corey Quote of The Week From Greg Bover

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

September 13, 2013

“If we don’t change direction soon we will end up where we are going.”

Professor Irwin Corey (1914-   )

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A New York born comedian and actor, Corey is known as “The World’s Foremost Authority” for his ability to improvise impressively and at length on almost any topic while making little real sense but sounding completely plausible. Blacklisted in the 40’s and 50’s for his leftist politics, he nonetheless rebounded to appear numerous times on the Tonight Show. Author Thomas Pynchon, famously publicity-shy, tapped “The Professor” to stand in for him at the National Book Award ceremony for Gravity’s Rainbow. Lenny Bruce was a fervent fan of Professor Corey, calling him one of the most brilliant comedians of all time.

Greg Bover

And the Winners Were . . .

Posted on by God's Morning

2013 bloody mary competition mug up

Everyone who came, participated, judged, watched, ate, drank, brought things to share and enjoyed themselves. 

It was an extremely well attended and fun Mug Up and Bloody Mary Competition.  The not so sober judges had a very difficult time deciding on the three award winners:  First Place – Rebecca Border (entered as the Gloucester Quilter), Second Place – Deb VonRosenvinge and Third Place – Jerry Olson.  The People’s Choice Award winners – Tom Jackson & Cindy Webber were decided by “the People”.  Other delicious entries were presented by Al Bezanson, Kirsten Elaine Meyers (Kirsten, you left your purse here!), Tom Martin and finally the team of Hannah Kimberely and Anna Baglaneas Eves.

Special thanks to Alecia Cox DeWolfe for bringing a Mamie’s Kitchen special – cornbread with bacon, scallions and rat cheese (from Cave), and to all who brought wonderful things to eat.  There were actually two others who brought deviled eggs – Theo from House of Raven was one, but I don’t know who brought the others.  I was so busy rushing from the kitchen to the Judges’ table and back to get the contestants and mixes set up (with the incredible assistance of Gigi Mederos – I could not have done it without her behind the scenes help – and she made the coffee too!) that I never saw who brought in anything else. 

The Judges Ed Collard, Fred Bodin, James Eves, Karen Ristuben and Kathy Downer were the ultimate sober judges – up to a point, then after about the 5th entry, they started getting a little on the giggly side.  But they stayed the course and completed their judgely duties with decorum.

Thanks to everyone who came and made it a great event, all the contestants who gave the judges and “the People” much to enjoy and deliberate over.  The most special thanks to Bob Ryan of Ryan & Wood Distilleries who sponsored the event and made it all possible.

E.J. Lefavour

Reminder: Steve Allen at Duckworth’s Today at 5:00

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

539wJoin Steve Almond today at 5:00 at Duckworth’s Bistrot for a lively discussion of Stoner by John Williams.

For ticket information visit the events page of Eastern Point Lit House

SteveAlmondwithJude

For More information about the event see previous GMG post: Don’t Miss Steve Almond at Duckworth’s!

CCQ + The Goddesses @ Captai Carlo’s 3:00pm 9/15/2013

Posted on by Joanne

ccq tgWatch the summer wind down at the CCQ/Goddesses’ final acoustic gig of the summer @ Captain Carlo’s starting at 3pm on Sunday, September 15th. Don’t let it go out with a whimper!

Harbor Walk ART ROCK Found!

Posted on by capeannpainter

From Leslie Heffron;

“Hi Paul – 

It’s our lucky day- finally my golden retriever and I found your rock!! I love the rock!!! I’m so excited to have a little piece of Gloucester over here in Pigeon Cove. Mango’s still talking about it!”

"Mango" Sniffed out the rock in record time!
“Mango” Sniffed out the rock in record time!
Art Rock Location
Art Rock Location

Fishing Boat Hedge From Anthony Marks

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hey Joey
This is an interesting hedge trimming. Sal Brancaleone of the Brancaleone fishing family trims a hedge at his home in the shape of the Family’s former fishing vessels the Joseph & Lucia II & III

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Community Photos 9/15/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Roger Francis submits-

A tid-bit of nastalgia from my lost generation… This vessel goes to sea Every Tues & Thurs. at a lake  in The Villages Fl.

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Hey Joey, I’m sure you got a lot of these, but just in case, here’s mine. There was an awesome rainbow at GHB Friday!

Thanks!
Sue Antinoro

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Bob Vigneaux Catches and Releases A Large “Blueish” Lobster

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Bob writes-

Check out this big blue girl I caught, and released, while diving in Gloucester last weekend.  She tolerated the 3 minute photo shoot well and swam away unharmed.

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THIS IS IT!!! JUDGEMENT DAY, BLOODY MARYS 2013- COME JOIN THE FUN!

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin

Tomorrow, Sunday September 15th, is Judgement Day. The second GMG/EJ Khan Gallery Bloody Mary competition will be held at 77 Rocky Neck Avenue. Doors will open at 9:30am, and the judging will commence at 10:00am. Plenty to eat, coffee, juice, and the best Bloodies you've ever tasted. Bring something to share if you like. This event is open to the public (21+ to sample), and all are welcome. For more info: https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/.../

Former esteemed judges pictured here are Ed Collard, Charity Ciaramitaro, Maureen Malloy, Fred Bodin, and Wendy Demuth. Returning veteran judges are Ed Collard and Fred Bodin, and now empaneled are James Eves, Karen Ristuben, and Kathy Downer. Another great crew. Beauport Vodka will be furnished by our local Gloucester distillery, Ryan & Wood. For more info: https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/…/

Tomorrow, Sunday September 15th, is Judgement Day. The second GMG/EJ Khan Gallery Bloody Mary competition will be held at 77 Rocky Neck Avenue. Doors will open at 9:30am, and the judging will commence at 10:00am. Plenty to eat, coffee, juice, and the best Bloodies you've ever tasted. Bring something to share if you like. This event is open to the public (21+ to sample), and all are welcome.

Tomorrow, Sunday September 15th, is Judgement Day. The second GMG/EJ Khan Gallery Bloody Mary competition will be held at 77 Rocky Neck Avenue. Doors will open at 9:30am, and the judging will commence at 10:00am. Plenty to eat, coffee, juice, and the best Bloodies you’ve ever tasted. Bring something to share if you like. This event is open to the public (21+ to sample), and all are welcome.

Sponsored By The GMG/EJ Khan Gallery and Ryan and Wood Beuport Vodka

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