Actually there was a female at the other feeder but she did not like the camera.
Month: February 2014
Diver Down Flag
A diver down flag, or scuba flag, is a flag used on the water to indicate that there is a diver below. In North America it is conventionally red with a white stripe from the upper left corner to the lower right corner. Internationally, the code flag alfa/alpha, which is white and blue, is used to signal that the vessel has a diver down and other vessels should keep well clear at slow speed.
The purpose of the flags is to notify to any other boats to steer clear for the safety of the diver and to avert the possibility of a collision with the dive boat which may be unable to maneuver out of the way. The use of the red and white flag, which was designed and introduced in 1956 by Navy veteran Denzel James Dockery, is required by law or regulation in many US states and Canada, as well as in several other countries in the world. Usually the regulations require divers to display the flag and to stay within a specified distance of it when they are near the surface. As well there is often a larger zone around the flag where no boats are allowed to pass. Some states also prohibit the display of this flag when there is no diver in water. It can be placed on a boat or on a surface marker buoy. (from Wikipedia)
I found it fascinating to recently discover that my dad, through Seacraft Industries, had owned the Trademark for the diver’s flag as their logo. I always knew it was used on Seacraft products, catalogs and marketing materials, but had never thought about it. In the late 1950’s, they applied for and were awarded the right to use the diver’s flag as the registered trademark logo for Seacraft Industries and their products. He did not design or hold the patent to the flag, but when he researched the Trademark and found it was not owned by anyone, he applied for and got it. He said it took three years to go through the process and he still has all the original paperwork, which I’ll get my hands on one day soon for the family history archives. In the meantime, this is a Boston Herald article about it and a copy of the cover of the 1962 catalog, possibly the same one King Hussein of Jordan had placed his order from. https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2014/01/29/obscure-bit-of-interesting-stuff/
E.J. Lefavour
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Hot music weekend in the dead of Winter
Well, anybody who thinks Cape Ann’s music scene is only hot during tourist season should look at this weekend’s lineup (see full weekend music schedule here).
That’s the good news. The bad news is that you just can’t see every good show this weekend. You’re gonna have to choose. Maybe I can help. It just so happens that I’ve recently interviewed two people who are performing this weekend at Shalin Liu.
Here’s my interview with Brian Gore, whose International Guitar Night performs tonight at 8PM.
And here’s my interview with Kendrick Oliver, director of the New Life Jazz Orchestra, who’s performing tomorrow at 8PM.
And don’t forget Mark Berger & Ride with dramatic photographs from out west as the backdrop for this Old Sloop concert tomorrow.
And it’s Crazy Moon’s final weekend at Rocky Neck Art Colony.
Plus some of Cape Ann’s favorites all over town, including Linda Amero, Charlee Bianchini & Dave Brown, Runaround, Dan King, Michael O’Leary, Mari Martin, Allen Estes & Orville Giddings — and there’s the Community Sing-a-long in Celebration of Pete Seeger at the Lanesville Community Center tonight. WOW! Is your head spinning? Click here for some help choosing.
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WIN TIX to Mardi Gras Concert with Charles Neville & Henri Smith
Be part of the New North Shore Tradition
Mardi Gras Concert with Charles Neville & Henri Smith
Win Two FREE tickets to see Charles Neville with Henri Smith on March 7th for a Mardi Gras Concert at Larcom Theatre. Just comment on this post with your funniest Valentine Story! We’ll pick a winner on Sunday! It’s a better chance than the lotto…go for it!
This could be a GREAT VALENTINE’S GIFT and it’s won’t cost you anything!!
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First Friday of the Month Indoor Night Time Yard Sale “Tonight” Friday Feb 7th, 5-8pm
It’s time for our First Friday of the Month Yard Sale! Huge Indoor Night-Time Yard Sale Friday, February 7th, 5-8pm (No early-birds)
1 Lexington Ave. (The Gym @ Magnolia Library & Community Center) Magnolia Village in Gloucester – 01930
Come sell with your friends and neighbors and Cape Ann Auction at our “First Friday of the Month Indoor Yard Sale” Table spaces are only $20 each, and they tend to go pretty fast. (We provide the table) If you’d like to reserve an 8ft table space call Walt at 978-395-7077 or contact us by email at wkolenda@gmail.com (enter indoor yard sale in the subject line)
Do you plan to book a table? Great! We have some regulars who we know are on-board, and some that have expressed interest. If you’re not sure if we have you down for a definite spot(s),
PLEASE call to confirm so that we don’t overbook spaces. But we will have Coffee by Glosta Joes! It would benefit us all if you could spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, OTB, email,… carrier pigeon.
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Dave Brown and Charlee Bianchini Tonight @ The Landing tonight 8:30
http://www.thelandingat7central.com/
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Blizzard of ’78 36th Anniversary the Pilot Boat “Can Do”
The “Can Do”
These Photos of the “Grampus” in Beverly Harbor are from 2009 .
The Grampus is the old pilot boat “Can Do” that was lost with all hands (crew of five) in the Blizzard of ’78 .
The Damaged Hull was the only thing left of the Can Do when it was later raised from the sea.
The Workboat Grampus previously the pilot boat Can Do was raised in 1981 and after a complete re-build was returned to service. She has served on numerous projects over the years. The name Grampus (the original name of the vessel) is an old term for a pilot whale, appropriate for the sleek black hull of the vessel. Grampus is 47ft long and is powered by an 855 Cummins diesel. She was originally built as a yacht, and travelling as far south as the Amazon.
Inspite of what some have said she is not haunted or is she?
Thanks go out to MuffyHowards from Cape Ann Online for the heads up on these Youtube Videos. The Story of the Gloucester Pilot Boat Can Do. It’s a long series at least 13 parts. You’ll hear actuall Radio Transmisions from the USCG and the Pilot Boat Can do during this Tragedy.
From Publishers Weekly;
“Before The Perfect Storm, there was the 1978 blizzard that lashed the Massachusetts coast with blinding snow, 90-mile-per-hour winds and 40-foot waves. Into the juggernaut sailed the small boat Can Do and its crew of five civilians on a doomed mission to assist two other vessels imperiled by the storm. As in The Perfect Storm, all hands were lost; but since the Can Do sank only a few agonizing miles from shore, there are records of terse radio transmissions to help the author recreate their last desperate hours. Journalist Tougias (The Blizzard of ’78) fills out his absorbing account with lots of search-and-rescue procedural details, recollections from others who endured the monstrous seas of that hellish night and 300 years’ worth of maritime disaster sagas. At times, the book feels padded with lengthy, adulatory back stories about the Can Do crew and needless speculations (i.e., “Kenny Fuller likely thought of his wife, knowing that if he died it would be especially hard on her”). And the story’s outcome-the Can Do never got anywhere near the boats it went to help, both of which survived the storm-raises questions about the wisdom of the heroic ethos it celebrates. Still, Tougias delivers a well-researched, vividly written tale of brave men overwhelmed by the awesome forces of nature.”
Also if your interested in this story Check out the book: “Ten Hours Until’ Dawn”
By Micheal Tougias
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Gloucester House St. Valentine’s Art Show
These are a few shots of the St. Valentine’s Art Show at the Gloucester House taken by Beth Williams. If you have a chance, do stop by and check it out. There is a great array of beautiful, affordable, unique cards and gift items by area artists. The Gloucester House (especially Lily Linquata for organizing so well and being so helpful) has been very generous to organize this show in their lovely function room at no charge to the artists. The show runs Friday and Saturday from 11:30am to 8:00pm and Sunday from 9:30am to 4:00pm. A nice reason to stop into the Gloucester House for a bowl of chowda or a seafood pizza and a beer or glass of wine, and check out some great Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
E.J. Lefavour
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Sista’s Favorite Kitchen Gadget Of The Week
Yes I’m always on the hunt for a new kitchen gadget that can help make my job in the kitchen a little easier. Thousands are sold every year, and I’m sure hundreds have experienced buying a dud that eventually ends up in the back of a kitchen draw or cabinet. I find it extremely exciting when I find gadgets that actually works, making a culinary task a breeze. Several years ago I purchased a tool that not only saves me time but makes my food look as if it were prepped in a commercial kitchen.
Have you ever wanted this professional look at home ?
With this tool you can … Continue reading “Sista’s Favorite Kitchen Gadget Of The Week”
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Swans on Front Beach, Rockport Feb 4 From Bobbie Brooks in Lanesville ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!
I so enjoy GMG each evening, and would like to contribute as I see something of interest. This morning I caught a glimpse of a pair of Swans at the water’s edge on Front Beach in Rockport as I was driving by. I had to stop and enjoy! Luckily my little pocket Canon was with me. I had not noticed swans at salt water before, but then realized, Mill Pond has a stream outlet at this area. With the upcoming storms, I hope they find food and a safe haven.
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The Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance added updates and photos from their special 10 year celebration Smart Growth conference at ABX
Cat Ryan submits-
Hi Joey,
The Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance added updates and photos from their special 10 year celebration Smart Growth conference at ABX. Gloucester and the HarborWalk were showcased with other special MA placemaking spaces.
MA Smart Growth selected before/after photos by Kim Smith and Leaping, a photo by Cruz Ferreras (shows a Block Party evening, and James Owen Calderwood’s Parsons Street mural) for one of the posters in their booth.
The official event photographer for the 2013 Smart Growth Conference during the ArchitectureBoston Expo (ABX) was Jean Hangarter. She sent a shout out to photographer—and GMG contributor– Kathy Chapman!
Have fun exploring the range of topics in follow-up from the event http://ma-smartgrowth.org/take-action/smart-growth-conference/
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Community Stuff 2/7/14
Gloucester Joins Global Campaign
To Stop Violence Against Women and Girls:
ONE BILLION RISING FOR JUSTICE
On February 14, 2014, at 12:30 p.m., Gloucester will join with activists around the world for ONE BILLION RISING FOR JUSTICE, the largest day of action in the history of V-Day, the global activist movement to end violence against women and girls.
ONE BILLION RISING began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that one in three women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime.
With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. On February 14, 2014, the City of Gloucester will join activists, writers, thinkers, celebrities, and women and men across the world as we express our outrage, demand change, strike, dance, and RISE in defiance of the injustices women suffer, demanding an end at last to violence against women.
“ONE BILLION RISING FOR JUSTICE is a joyous recognition of the sacred and how it must never be made profane by any person, institution or government. Violence and oppression of women is the core wound that foreshadows all other problems in the world, from poverty to war to destruction of the environment. Rising is not only a dance, it is the birth of the future.”
Paul Hawken, environmentalist and author, Blessed Unrest.
JOIN US at 12:30 p.m. on February 14, 2014 at the Cape Ann Savings Bank Park, 101 Main Street, Gloucester.
If you are unable to join us, please take a moment to stand up in your workplace or home in recognition of the millions of women and girls across the world who are impacted by violence. Ask your friends and colleagues to join you.
HAWC, the Gloucester Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic Abuse,
YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center and
Pathways for Children
O’Maley Innovation School Drama Club presents musical, “Fame Jr.”
The O’Maley Innovation School Performing Arts Department cordially invites members of the Cape Ann Community to attend this year’s musical production of “Fame Jr.” The six shows, performed by two different casts and over 80 talented actors, actresses, and crew members, are scheduled on:
· Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
· Friday, February 28, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
· Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
· Friday, March 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
· Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.
· Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $5.00 for students and seniors and $7.00 for adults. All proceeds finance future productions. Questions about the performances? Call 978-281-9850.
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Friday February 7th 2014 Cape Ann Forecast…
Marine Forecast…
Fri: W winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. A chance of light freezing spray.
Fri Night: W winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. A chance of light freezing spray.
Friday Sunny with a few clouds highs around 30 degrees .. West winds 15-20mph.. Friday night calm clear cold lows in the teens . West winds 15-20mph..
Weekend looking better maybe sum light snows Sunday , but appears to me the big storm is a big miss…And not once did I jump on board with the theory that a doozie would occur ! More winter to come .. Have a great Friday .. Thank u for reading ..
Peter Lovasco
GMG
Weatherman
This was a great shot I took so thought I would share with all of u ..Picture speaks for itself .. 🙂
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Cape Ann MarketWatch With Kenny MacCarthy, Bob and Sue
Hi Joey,
All week long, Bob, Sue and I preview and show properties. It’s what we do.
Want to see what we see, via video??? Every week, we also create a video, complete with interior photos. And ALL our comments, good and bad, about the price, the staging, the photos (ugh!) etc.
It’s called the Cape Ann MarketWATCH.
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If you like oysters you will be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t make a beeline to Halibut Point
Ive been missing out on this local insider gem for far too long.
But no more! No more my friend! No MORE! The tide has turned! A new day hadf dawned. The sleeping giant has been awoken!
A believer has been born!
Get your ass down to Halibut Point ASAP. Order the oysters. Relish in how tremendous they are and thank your boy Joey for finally getting to showcasing what must have been one of the biggest oversight of oversights in decades!!!
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GHS Boys Hoop vs Swampscott
GHS takes loss in close game against Swampscott.
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Exterminate All Swans by 2025
Female (left) and Male Mute Swans at Niles Pond
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s war on swans includes gassing, shooting, and oiling eggs on nests to prevent them from hatching. Their stated goal is to eliminate all 2,200 Mute Swans in the state of New York by the year 2025.
Mute Swan and Manky Mallard
Reasons cited are that the swans aggressively defend their young, they attack other waterfowl, and destroy habitat.
Audubon New York and the NYSDEC plan to put forth their agenda to the New York citizenry with their education campaign.
Mute swans were introduced in the previous century to decorate parks and estates. Today, exotic species receive a great deal of attention and generate much concern. Oftentimes information around exotics is too simplistic. Some invasions are life-threatening, but they do not often set off an extinction. They can even spur the evolution of new diversity and strengthen an existing species.
I’ve read contrary opinions, and observed the opposite, to the reasons given for the swan’s extermination. There are a number of issues to consider. Where do our readers stand on this developing story? What have been your observations and experiences when encountering a swan?
Read the complete article here.
Mute Swan ~ Cygnus olor
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Departing Storm
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Sun going down over Ten Pound Island
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Who Knows Where These Photos Were Taken?
These go back to 1959-1969. Who remembers and what was your favorite thing to do there? I loved the burro trail, big slide and animal land, but Moby Dick was pretty cool too.
E.J. Lefavour
Good Morning Gloucester 