Four Days Before Christmas Carol Countdown: “2014 Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Darlene Love’s final performance for the David letterman Show, a Christmas  tradition that she, Letterman, and Paul Schaffer began 28 years ago.

Love recounts in a Huffington Post article how the tradition began, and how she got her feet back on the ground while listening to her song playing when working as a maid at a client’s home after her career had tanked:

Huffington Post

By Christopher Rosen

… In the past, Love has also said how she wants to start an annual Christmas show in New York with Paul Shaffer, Letterman’s famous band leader. It was Shaffer who got Love connected with Letterman in the first place, all the way back in the mid-80s, when the pair performed together in the musical “Leader of the Pack.”

“Paul Shaffer played Phil Spector in that play. So, David Letterman came down to see the show, and one night on his show, Dave said to Paul, ‘That Christmas song the girl does in the play you’re in is the greatest Christmas song I’ve ever heard. We need to get her on our show,'” Love recalled in an interview with HuffPost Entertainment in 2013. “It was just one coincidence after another! I started doing the first Christmas show in 1986 […] Every now and then they let me sneak in another song. ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),’ however, is the song. And that’s how all of that came about.”

Prior to her resurgence in the mid-’80s, Love had financial troubles that resulted in her becoming a maid. Love has said it was “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” that helped remind the now-Rock and Roll Hall of Famer of her talent.

“I was cleaning this one lady’s house in Beverly Hills and I heard ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ on the radio. I said, ‘That’s me singing that. This is ridiculous! People are playing my records. If they want to play my records that means people still want to hear me,'” Love said last year. “I quit that job and decided to go to work.”

Taping of the very first time Love performed the Letterman Show, with Love wearing Joey’s favorite women’s style, high-waisted jeans. 

Merry-Time Gloucester Preschool Mornings! At Maritime Gloucester

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Looking for something new to do with your preschooler? Join us for Merry-Time Gloucester Preschool Mornings! Come spend Friday mornings at Maritime Gloucester for a fun and engaging hour of storytelling, crafts and music with a maritime theme! Program runs from 10:30 to 12 noon from January 9 through April 17, 2015. Members are free; non-members pay a drop-in fee of $5.00. Attend 8 weeks and earn a Family Membership to Maritime Gloucester with our punch card. 

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Santa’s ETA on Christmas Eve is No Joke

Posted on by Nichole S.

In just three days children everywhere will be turning to NORAD to track Santa’s flight around our great big world. Because, after all, knowing exactly when to put out cookies and milk is super important.  Warm milk and stale cookies are crappy. The big guy and his team of furry friends deserve better than that.

NORAD’s mission is summed up simply as, “We have the Watch.”  And, that they do.

NORAD’S MISSION

“We have the watch.”

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a United States and Canada bi-national organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning for North America. Aerospace warning includes the monitoring of man-made objects in space, and the detection, validation, and warning of attack against North America whether by aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles, through mutual support arrangements with other commands.

However, on December 24th, they take on an even more important task.  That of tracking Santa.  And…they take it quiet seriously.  Their tracking system is no joke.  It consists of a radar comprised of 47 installations, satellites, SantaCams, and Fighter Jets!

It did, however, all start as a joke.

The tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement misprinted the telephone number for children to call Santa. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief’s operations “hotline.” The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born.

NPR told the story through the eyes of “Santa Colonel’s” children earlier this week. It is truly quite wonderful.  Warm fuzzies, for sure.  Check it out with the link below.  And then, don’t dare forget, to also check out the Official NORAD Santa Tracking Site.

NORAD’s Santa Tracker Began With A Typo And A Good Sport

The Official NORAD Santa Tracker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“All You Need is Love…”

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin

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I could show you how big the crowds were at my gallery for the Good Morning Gloucester Holiday Party, but that’s not what it’s all about. Instead, here’s me kissing my beloved Janet, and the to die for cute puppy, Ginger. Ginger apparently made another friend, Carolyn KIrk, the Mayor of the City of Gloucester. Especially at this celebratory time of year, and with our world’s current conflicts, “That’s it, and that’s all there is, Love.” Fred

seARTS Marketing Initiative From Jo-Ann Crawford

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hey Joey,

Looks like you are all ready for the holidays, from every angle.  Really appreciate the diversity of everyone you welcome to GMG.

We are gearing up for new members and making sure that our local artist remain in prime time.  Could you please give a shout out to Jo-Ann Crawford who has just put together this new outreach to all Cape Ann artists to join seARTS so their work can be shown online.  Here is the info she put together on her own time.  We are really lucky to have her and all of the folks, you included :-) , who put us on the map.

Grazie Mille e Buon Natale, BUON’ANNO E TUTTO QUANTO.

Carolyn

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Left to right: Wearable Art by Selina Narovlansky, “Arabesque” porcelain sculpture by Cape Ann Ceramics Festival artist Thomas Hoadley, “Storm Surfers,” painting by Rob Diebboll, “Sounds of the Shipyard,” audio soundscape and sculpture PWA project by Jay Havighurst.

If You’re a Past Member of seARTS

Join Us Now and Discover The New seARTS

What’s New about seARTS?

We have more to offer you than ever before.

Our Mission: Cape Ann as a #1 Arts Destination!

To Further Drive the Creative Economy of Cape Ann . . .

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And we’ve got some pretty impressive stats to prove it! Click the graph for a larger view.

  • Current news delivered blog style
  • Member profiles with photos and text. Promote your work!
  • Full color on-line calendar for member events 
  • Beautiful new layout and graphics
  • Greater ease of navigation
  • More information than ever about Cape Ann art and culture

See for yourself!

Members are eligible to participate in these great programs and shows:

  • Art@Bass Rocks: This annual art loan program is doing better than ever, promoting sales of artwork and providing a lovely venue to socialize and discover new talent.
  • Partner With an Artist: This year we awarded three PWA grants to local artists within different cultural districts.
  • Holiday Wearable Art & Home Decor Show & Sale: a great opportunity to showcase and sell your works.

Join the New seARTS!

Our members have found our benefits and activities very rewarding. We’re confident that you, 

too, will enjoy being a seARTS member. Join seARTS today!

TBT POST Men’s Night Drawing Winners!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Happy Holidays,

Last night’s “Men’s Night” was a great success and we would like to let all of you know the list of winners of our “Wine Drawing”.

Sarah Cushing, Ticket No. 620694

Joe Palmisano, Ticket No. 620714

Lenore Keplen, Ticket No. 620696

Bill Cox,            Ticket No. 620703

Ken Reihl,         Ticket No. 620690

Thank you very much

Winter Solstice 2014 From Thomas Philbrook

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Greetings!

IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE — because on Sunday, December 21st at 6:03pm EST, your days will begin to lengthen. That is — if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. Those of us who do can rejoice at the coming of the Winter Solstice.

Mary and I wish you a vast abundance of goodness and light through this holiday season — and beyond!

OXOXOXO

Tom Philbrook

www.thomasphilbrook.com

WinterSolstice2014

Historic New England’s Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House receives CPA funds

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Historic New England received $20,000 through the City of Gloucester Community Preservation Act (CPA) to support electrical upgrades at Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, its most visited historic house museum.

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Beauport, one of two National Historic Landmarks in Gloucester, received the grant to rehabilitate the electrical systems and install new fire protection sensors. As part of Historic New England’s charge to preserve and maintain its historic properties, this project has been identified as one of the most pressing preservation needs at the site. Work will include system upgrades, the removal and re-installation of fixtures, and the rewiring and conservation of lamps – an important part of the ambiance and décor for the visitor. Site Manager Martha Van Koevering stated, “Beauport visitors are in for a treat next season. The project will protect this historic property and better illuminate the museum for increased public use and enjoyment.”

About Historic New England
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House is one of thirty-six historic sites owned and operated by Historic New England, the oldest and largest regional heritage organization in the nation. Historic New England shares the region’s history through vast collections, publications, public programs, museum properties, archives, and family stories that document more than 400 years of life in New England. For more information visit http://www.HistoricNewEngland.org.

New Fish Species Discovered!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

And its a beauty ~

An international team aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor set a new record for the deepest fish ever recorded at 8143m in the Mariana Trench. The fish is a completely unknown variety of snailfish with a translucent body, broad wing-like fins and an eel-like tail.

Five Days Before Christmas Carol Countdown ~ Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

An eye for an eye, leaves the whole world blind ~ Mahatma Gandhi

The Most Refreshing Way to Start the New Year – The Rocky Neck Plunge!

Posted on by God's Morning

rocky neck plunge collage

rocky neck plunge january 2014

These are some shots from January 1, 2012 and 2014 Rocky Neck Plunges. The Rocky Neck Plunge is a great, fun Rocky Neck tradition, whether you take the plunge or just come by to watch and cheer on those bold daring ones who do. The Open Door Food Pantry truck will be there, so please bring along some food stuff to donate (they also accept cash and checks payable to Open Door). The Plunge will take place at noon on New Year’s Day at Oaks Cove Beach (Stevens Lane and Wonson Street) on Rocky Neck. Be there, or be somewhere not quite so fun, crazy and exciting.

E.J. Lefavour

Save $5 on CAPE ANN WINTER SOLSTICE TICKETS if you get them at Liquor Locker before 3pm today

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

WinterSolsticeBenefit2014Tickets for tonight’s Cape Ann Winter Solstice benefit for Gloucester’s UU Meetinghouse Restoration are only $20 in advance at The Liquor Locker 287 Main Street. But you can only get those tickets until 3pm today.

After that, tickets are $25 at the door.

Plus we have a few VIP tickets left on-line here.

We realize this holiday season can be hectic and stressful.  That’s why this year’s Solstice concert is designed to take you away and give you an new appreciation for the power of acoustic music in a magical space to cleanse the soul.

When you hear Boston rock star Charlie Farren’s hits like ‘Fool In Love’ and ‘You are the Only One’ solo with guitar in this intimate room, you’ll feel them even more deeply than the electric versions.  Add Danielle Miraglia’s soulful blues with slide guitar and mix in Gloucester’s iconic Americana singer/songwriter Allen Estes as host and we guarantee you’ll leave having been taken to a place you’ve never experienced before.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” outside.  Join us tonight and feel the holiday spirit inside.

Here’s a taste of what it will be like:

 

"Growing Hair cuz We Care" Gloucester Police Officers Growing Beards to Raise Money for Special Olympics

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Police Chief Leonard Campanello announces that he and other members of the Gloucester Police Department will be sporting facial hair for a very worthwhile cause in December and January.

From Dec. 15 through Jan. 31, Gloucester Police are raising money for the Special Olympics of Massachusetts by growing out their beards and facial hair. Each officer is paying $75 to spend a month and a half growing out a nearly-trimmed beard, and generous residents can match the donation or donate any amount they are able to give. All proceeds go directly to the Special Olympics. 

“The Gloucester Police Department continues to be committed to the idea of charitable contribution and giving back to the community and beyond,” Chief Campanello said. “We have done several events for our sponsored charities and this one is a fun way to keep the contributions coming. Police Officers never get to grow a beard, so they are looking forward to this fundraiser!”

The Gloucester Department is hoping to raise $1,500 by the end of January. If you are interested in donating, please call Chief Campanello’s Office at 978-281-9775.

Police Departments are very proud of their commitment to the Special Olympics. The largest single grassroots Special Olympics fundraiser, The Law Enforcement Torch Run, raised raised more than $42 million in 2012, involving nearly 100,000 volunteers in 46 countries.

Fred Bodin’s was rockin’ last night

Posted on by paultmorrison

Who started the rumor that I was going to be dressed as Santa? Must have been asked where my Santa suit was a half dozen times by Santa hat wearers.

Reenacting the New Year's Day Plunge 2013 Gangnam Style. Maybe next week we should do chicken dance?
Reenacting the New Year’s Day Plunge 2013 Gangnam Style. Maybe next week we should do chicken dance?