Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

The creator of goodmorninggloucester.org Lover of all things Gloucester and Cape Ann. GMG where we bring you the very best our town has to offer because we love to share all the great news and believe that by promoting others in our community everyone wins.

We Need This Class Up Here On The North Shore! “Penalty for Rule-Breaking Bicyclists: A Remedial Class” From The NY Times

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Whoever put these laws into effect get them up here STAT!

Penalty for Rule-Breaking Bicyclists: A Remedial Class

By J. DAVID GOODMAN
New York Times
Published: July 23, 2012

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The eight wrongdoers sat inside a windowless basement classroom, serving a court-ordered penance for their transgressions. For the next 90 minutes, they would learn about the proper rules of the road, how to use hand signals and when to change lanes safely — even if most did not believe they had done anything wrong.

“He said I wasn’t in the bike lane,” said Kenny McKissick, a 32-year-old messenger. “But I was on the line.”

This spring, the Midtown Community Court began sentencing cyclists who had been issued tickets for certain offenses in and around Midtown Manhattan to a class to learn about bicycles and traffic.

Think remedial driver’s education — for bike riders.

“You couldn’t possibly ticket all of the stuff you see irresponsible cyclists do,” said Judge Felicia Mennin, who worked with the nonprofit organization Bike New York to develop the new sentencing option.

For the rest of the article follow this link

Again, just to clarify I am 100% in support of responsible biking.  It is the inconsiderate road hog bikers that ride in the middle of the street for miles and miles that drive me nuts. 

Just look at this form-

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That’s how you do it baby!  Nice and tight to the side, single file, not out in the middle of the road trying to pretend I’m Lance Armstrong, comfortable camos, no silly polka dotted banana yellow shirt.  Just chillin like it aint no thang.

I could teach that damn class and you know what the first thing I’d tell the students?

Lose the funny outfits bros.  People are laughing at you, I don’t want you to look silly, I’m just here to help you look like less of a bozo.

article forwarded by Martin Daley

Community Stuff 7/25/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Star Party At Halibut Point State Park

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Star Party! Join the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club at the visitors’ center at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport on Friday July 27 from sunset to 10:00 for a tour of the beautiful Cape Ann night sky! Free!

If we get clouded out on Friday, we’ll try it again on Saturday.

Saturn is putting on a wonderful show, and you can expect gorgeous views of the ringed planet as well as craters and mountains on the moon, beautiful double stars, star clusters with hundreds of thousands of stars all gathered together by the force of their own gravity, and more. Come and enjoy the under-appreciated beauty of our dark skies.

Family Event at the Shalin Liu

A Special Family Evening with Pianist Alpin Hong
To Benefit The National Center on Family Homelessness

On Saturday, August 4, 2012, The National Center on Family Homelessness and internationally renowned pianist Alpin Hong invite music lovers of all ages to a special benefit concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in the scenic, seaport village of Rockport, MA. This extraordinary evening celebrates children, families, and the transformative power of music.

Alpin Hong has earned the reputation as a modern day Pied Piper. Opening ears, eyes, and imaginations with his stunning technique, emotional range, and humor, his shows bring audiences of all ages to their feet. Hong’s extensive musical training, matched with his active interest in youthful pursuits—skateboarding, snowboarding, martial arts, and videogames—forms a creative force unmatched in its vivacity and boundless energy. His music is celebrated as “Classical for the iPod generation.”

The dynamic program will range from classical masterpieces such as “Pictures at an Exhibition” to pop culture classics like “Super Mario Brothers.” A portion of the program will feature the vibrant talents of tomorrow from Camp Encore/Coda, a musical summer camp, performing alongside Mr. Hong.

Join us for a fun evening to help homeless children and families! Tickets are on sale for $40, $30, and $20 (all children under 12 are $20.00 for any seat) at
http://rcmf.org/classical-concerts/8-4-12.html.

Ron Gilson Discusses Gloucester Fishing in the 20s, 50s and Today Part I

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Homie taking a break on Raffe’s Chasm Submitted By Rich Bean

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi guys!   I thought I would share a nice picture of Homie who made an appearance for my nephew, Tommy Bean, visting from Ohio. He’s great with the camera and I took him on a small photo tour.  Of course, there is never enough time to see it all! One stop we made was at Raffe’s Chasm.  (thanks to Donna and GMG for introducing that beautiful spot!).  Anyways, here is the shot.  Hope everyone is enjoying the summer.

– Rich Bean

homie

Catherine Ryan Kicks The NY Times In the Nuts With Her Killer Edward Hopper Interactive Maps and Photos and Other Stuff

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

8 Slides from the NY Times vs 100 Hopper Slides from Catherine Ryan, Who Ya Got?

The NY Times Features 8 Hopper Slides Here

Catherine Ryan’s awesome Edward  Hopper Gloucester MA Website-

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ZAPD http://5trg.zapd.co/

Catherine Ryan’s Edward Hopper Gloucester MA Interactive GOOGLE MAP Below

Click on map for descriptions and Hopper Tour Directions/Explanations

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GOOGLE DOCS Featuring over 100 Slides

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Andrea Gail Builder Looking For Help

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Lisa Freed asks-

Hey Joey!

Sort of odd question for you.  My 80 year old dad builds ship models. He’s in NY, but we all grew up on Long Island Sound, so sailing is in our blood.  You know I love the blog- it’s part of my daily routine.

Anyway, my dad is building the Andrea Gail.  According to him, the sister ships are the Lady Grace and Hannah Boden. He’s asking me if I can find them, or similar, and get him as many photos of deck layouts, interior, exterior, etc.

Any clues? HELP! Or do you have photos from the docks? I’ve attached some of his recent models. All are from wood, and he gets the ships plans to start the hull, piecing it together as a shipyard would. He does it all from scratch, turning ridiculous stuff into ship parts. He’ll take a thimble and suddenly it’s a captain’s chair, he shops for suede til he finds the right one for seat covers. The model he did for me has sails- he had a sailmaker cut them. It’s amazing, and quite honestly, I have no clue how he has that steady hand and eye sight at 80. I can only hope.

Anything you can offer for help, I’ll take it!

Lisa Freed

bridgecabinlobster boatsailing

Community Photos 7/24/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Jim Masciarelli submits-

Joey,

Love GMG! Post this if you wish.

Was at Good Harbor Beach with my two grandsons yesterday July 22 , Marcus (10) and Arjun (11)

They got hooked on body surfing and had lots of fun in the sand. They live in Singapore and love to come to Gloucester

See Marcus picking up his (brother Arjun’s) head.

Jim Masciarelli

Marcus Arjun heads up Jul 2012photo

Off Island HMS Bounty Newburyport, Ma. Steeple In The Rigging From Anthony Marks

 

HMS Bounty / Steeple in the rigging

Community Stuff 7/24/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Thacher Island Lighthouse Cruise

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Joey,

We have a terrific sunset lighthouse  cruise planned for this Friday night July 27  at 6:00pm aboard the Miss Cape Ann departing from Captain Bill&Sons Whale Watch at 24 Harborloop,Gloucester .

This 3 hour narrated cruise  up the Annisquam River and around Halibut Point pass all of  Cape Ann’s  six lighthouses.

We will catch the sunset at Thacher Island,see Annisquam light, Straitsmouth Light,Eastern Point and finally Ten Pound Island.This cruise will be narrated by lighthouse expert Jeremy D’Entremont.

Refreshments are available or bring your own plus cash bar.

Donation is only $30 and helps us continue to restore and maintain both Straitsmouth and Thacher Islands.

Call Sharron at 978-283-7223 or e-mail thachercruise@gmail.com for reservations.

Thanks!

Paul St.Germain, President
Thacher Island Association
web site www.thacherisland.org

LHCruise poster 2012 jpg

Good morning.  I am the current president of the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary post 32.  The ladies have worked extremely hard over the past several months and we have had a lot of support from the community.  Attached is a copy of our very first newsletter highlighting our accomplishments and thanking all of those who have supported us.  If you could post this on your site, I would be very grateful. 

Thank you,

Jennifer Gannett, AMVETS Ladies Auxliary #32

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sailing classes at SBYC

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NOTHING SAYS CLASSY LIKE…

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Perhaps the only thing more gross to me are cliché tattooed, double denim, mom jean, fanny pack wearing broads with black, green or orange nail polish, smoking cigarettes.

Dark Brown Compost Mulch FTW

2012 Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Auction Photos from Angela Cook

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Angela Cook owns Oasis in Rockport check her out here

Hi Joey
Here are some photos from the Cape Ann Chamber Auction, held July 19th at The Essex Room at Woodman’s
Enjoy!
Angela

Bid On Killer Deals On The Cape Ann Chamber’s Online Auction Now-

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Welcome to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce 25th Anniversary Online Auction

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Make Your Bid to Support the Cape Ann Chamber

Now is your chance to not only get all the great items you want, but to do it knowing you are helping support our organization and mission.  The mission of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is to serve as the principal voice of business while working to enhance both the economic environment and the quality of life for the citizens of Cape Ann.

For more information regarding the Cape Ann Chamber please visit www.capeannchamber.comor call 978-283-1601.

The Cape Ann Chamber 25th Anniversary Online Auction is now open. The auction will run from July 19, 2012 to August 2, 2012 (9:00 p.m. EST), with proceeds going to support the mission of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.  The auction includes an amazing Caribbean Cruise and several historic New England vacation packages along with a multitude of bundles and individual items designed to showcase the diversity of local arts and amenities.  The items graciously donated are guaranteed to delight and surprise.  Please make sure to tell your friends, family and community.  Let the bidding begin!

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New York Times Features Gloucester’s Hopper Houses

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

John McElhenny Forwards this Article In The NY Times-

The Original Hoppers

To New Yorkers, Edward Hopper is likely to evoke visions of moody nighttime urban scenes. But the painter created some of his most famous work in the bright seaside town of Gloucester, Mass., on Cape Ann, where he spent time in the 1920s. The photographer Gail Albert Halaban has been locating the original houses in Hopper’s paintings there and taking pictures of them as they look today. Greta Bagshaw, whose husband’s family has owned the ‘‘Mansard Roof ’’ since 1962, is accustomed to the attention. ‘‘Not infrequently we’ve seen people who set up easels in our backyard to paint it,’’ Bagshaw says. ‘‘We know it’s time to put up the awnings each year when we’re eating on the porch and we turn around and see a big tour group watching us eat dinner.’’

Julie Bosman

Click below for slide show and article-

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Fred Bodin’s View Of The July 2012 Block Party

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The West End was packed, from Jalepenos to Washington Street.

Blackburn Challenge athlete Paul Morrison and pro photographer Kathy Chapman in my gallery.

Painter Laureen Maher’s oil painting of the Good Harbor Beach concession stand and of Fly Amero, with Banana’s window in the background.

Ed Collard and Laura Jardullo rock out in the gallery later in the night (haven’t I seen them dancing in Havana in the 30’s?). Ed was instrumental in finishing the mini-keg of Heineken. It was a great Block Party, with 150+ people coming in, no food or wine left, so I’m going home!

Community Photos 7/23/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Janet Rice Asks- “Do you see what I see?”

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Rockport Sunrise From Angela Cook

Hi Joey
Thought you might enjoy a few pictures from an especially lovely Rockport sunrise on Wednesday morning, shot at the end of Bearskin Neck.
Enjoy!
Angela

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Community Stuff 7/23/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Dear Joey,

Just want to pass along a heads-up to GMG readers that the 19th annual running of the Fish Box Derby is coming up on Sunday, September 16th. There is still time to get a car together for any child from 8 to 14 that would enjoy the “Thrill of the Hill”. We will be racing down Rogers Street in front of Gorton’s that day and expect more than thirty entrants. There is no entry fee for the kids. The cost of putting on the race is borne by the Fish Box Derby Committee and the more than 100 sponsors from the community who buy advertising signs on the hay bales that line the course.

Trophies are awarded to all participants with the grandest prizes (bikes, Y memberships, whale watch tickets, and watches) going to the top four finishers in each of the two classes: Freestyle (sleeve bearings) and Modified (ball and roller bearings). Other prizes are awarded for Best Pit Crew and Koolest Kar.

This is one of the great family events of the year. The rules are simple and cars can be built from scratch or from kits, with help available from the committee. Much more information is on www.fishboxderby.org. Anyone wishing to advertise on the race course can also find the form on the website, or call me at 978 283 1932.

Thanks for helping us get the word out.

Greg

July 2012 Block Party Raffle Winner!

Dana Laing of Gloucester is the happy recipient of his half of the Block Party 50/50 Raffle, $70.

Both he and producers hope we raise even more next time, to share with one of you!!

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Kudos To The 2012 Block Party Organizers and Supporters

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The Block Parties and The Middle Street Walk are right up there with what I think are the best family fun times for our City.  There is a tremendous amount of energy spent putting these things together and the people that work behind the scenes so you can go down and enjoy all the free entertainment and safe fun atmosphere are many.

Also thank you to the many City officials and agencies that get behind and support it.

So kudos to you all and Thank you for all the hard/fun work you do.

From the Block Party Website-

The Block Heads Who Bring the Block Parties to You Are

Mark McDonough
Mark McDonough – Eminence Gris
Entrepreneur and restaurateur, an inspiring Gloucester supporter, Mark always has his ear to the ground. Because of this he’s often hard to find. He’s a genius, but you’d never guess. He once wanted to jump off a bridge in Paris, but was afraid he’d be found in Seine. His termite collection is world renown.

Valerie Marcley
Valerie Marcley – Artistic Director and Disorganizer Former Construction worker, Playboy bunny and financial advisor to Bernie Madoff. She loves nature, in spite of what it did to her. She has dated several animals. Val enjoys rehab and injuries. She has never really grown up.

Judith Brackley
Judith Brackley – Sponsorship and Advertising Director Writer, radio station boss and news person, she’ll do anything to wear costumes. This is a sickness and she needs help. Please send your contributions (or costumes) to Sequins Anonymous. She loves show business and played the part of the chandelier in The Phantom of the Opera. Judith has almost no musical ability.

Lucinda Seigel
Lucinda Seigel – Volunteer Coordinator and Advisor: Lucinda has a vast international business experience. Because of this Interpol is offering a reward for her. She loves danger and is frequently under cover, so if you see her ignore her. Lucinda carries a gun, enjoys cannibalism and catatonic states. Don’t waste your time trying to figure her out.

Will Hunt
Will Hunt – Technical Director Will makes the Block Party music materialize. A master musician he’s learning the bagpipes but is off kilter. Will spends much of his time decomposing. Although making people leery with his incessant cheerfulness and sunny disposition, Will wears blame proudly. He has almost no self-control.

Contact us at: glostablockpahty@gmail.com with your comments and questions. See you soon!

If you’d like to volunteer, please send an email to lseigel1@gmail.com. Not sure how you can help? Click here for some fun ideas.

Thank you to our exceptionally generous sponsors for all their help! Visit them through the links below:

The GDBP is a project of the non-profit CABI with major support from

BankGloucester
Applied Materials

Gloucester Daily Time
Stop & Shop
Gortons
Orleans Live at North Shore Music Theatre

Latitude 43
Intershell
Rockport National Bank
Hiltz Disposal
Alchemy Cafe & Bistro

© 2008 – 2012, Downtown Block Party Committee ~ Website donated by Van Ness Group ~ Logo & Posters by Mike Ciolino of Verve Creative

This shit drives me crazy

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Be it eco-fraud hacks or defense contractor hacks or big dig hacks, they all just drive me nuts.

Millions unspent by two Mass. energy companies

Boston herald

By Gary J. Remal
Sunday, July 22, 2012

Two green-energy firms near the top of Massachusetts’ list of stimulus money recipients still haven’t spent hundreds of millions of dollars allotted to them, even though the program was meant for shovel-ready projects and the state employment dropped by thousands of jobs last month.

Lexington-based 1366 Technologies Inc. — a solar energy firm — has spent less than $4 million out of its $147 million in grants and loans provided by President Obama’s $840 billion legislation to jump-start an economy plunged into a near depression by the housing mortgage crisis. More than 2,200 entities split nearly $8 billion doled out to Massachusetts since February 2009.

The remainder of the 1366 Technologies’ stimulus windfall is unlikely to be spent until the end of next year — and then only if a demonstration plant now under construction in Bedford proves that the company’s process to manufacture silicon solar cells actually works.

“We’re going to do it as fast as possible. The first thing we have to do, with private money, is build a demonstration plant,” 1366 Technologies CEO Frank van Mierlo told the Herald. “That’s relatively late, but in all fairness, that is contingent on what we do at the demonstration plant.”

He acknowledged that the solar industry is in the midst of a shakeout and he predicted 80 percent of companies now in business will go bankrupt, comparing it to the early days of automobile manufacture. But he said the companies that emerge will have the size, the strength and the technology to help the nation off its addiction to fossil fuels.

They’re stealing from us. 

At least with the republicans you know those fuckers are rotten thieves to begin with with their bombing oil fields with bombs made by big Republican backer defense contractors only to go in and repair them with big republican backer oil field repair service companies like Haliburton, and driving up the price of oil for big Republican backer oil companies all based under the guise of Patriotism.

But what bothers me even more than these evil republican rat bastards are the Liberal Eco Green fraud Democrat hacks who paint themselves as saviors while they steal our dough.  Because they prey on naïve liberals who would like to believe that solar or wind power could replace nuclear or fossil fuel and they drain money our money in bogus grants.

They’re both stealing from us, Sickening.