Updated for discussion: Is Desktop Computing That Insignificant That Barely Any Tech Sites Do Desktop reviews Any More?

I have three or four nerdy/techy/gadgety websites that I check out every day to keep on top of the latest technology.

http://www.engadget.com/

http://gizmodo.com/

http://www.cnet.com/

I guess more folks spend money on mobile phones and tablets because that’s 90% of what they cover.  I cannot tell you the last time I saw a review on a desktop computer but there has to be a little more than zero people still buying desktops, no?

I prefer creating content for the blog on my desktop wayyyyyy more than I do on my cell phone, laptop or tablet.

The limitations of small screens, less computing power and weaker applications make desktops so much more convenient to work on.

But I’m not sure why they get ZERO love on the tech websites.   Does anyone else feel the same way?

Do you even consider buying a desktop any more?  If so, where do you get your desktop computer info and what tech websites do you read on the regular?

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See, I’m not sure if they are dying or just not being reported about.
My theory from a while back when tablet’s started to take off was that most teens will probably end up with tablets and be happy to simply consume content on them.  Because they are just fine using tablets and cell phones for info they don’t feel the need or can’t justify the purchase of a more powerful desktop computer and hence don’t get into the creative side of computing as much.

I guess what I’m wondering is if the complete lack of desktop computing coverage is warranted.  Is virtually no-one buying desktop computers any more?
I understand that tablets and cell phones are way more prevalent among teens and I get the obvious portability advantages of a laptop, but don’t working people and creatives still buy more bang for your buck and more powerful desktops?

Again I’ll go back to the main point- are there so few people buying desktop computers that they warrant virtually zero tech coverage?

I feel like that because there’s basically no one out there doing it that someone could carve out a niche with a desktop review site.  That’s how far away from desktop computing we’ve got in my mind.  That it would actually be considered a niche category in tech media coverage.

Tuesday November 11th , 2014 Cape Ann Weather…

Marine Forecast :
Tue SE winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 2 ft.
Tue Night SE winds 5 to 10 kt…becoming E after midnight. Seas around 2 ft. Patchy fog. A chance of showers.

Pod Cast Weather :
http://www.spreaker.com:80/episode/5194329

Hourly Forecast :

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If you ever wanted to feel like a mere mortal, check out this HD timelapse video of the sun

Wow.

Published on Nov 7, 2014

The surface of the sun from October 14th to 30th, 2014, showing sunspot AR 2192, the largest sunspot of the last two solar cycles (22 years). During this time sunspot AR 2191 produced six X-class and four M-class solar flares. The animation shows the sun in the ultraviolet 304 ångström wavelength, and plays at a rate of 52.5 minutes per second. It is composed of more than 17,000 images, 72 GB of data produced by the solar dynamics observatory (http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/) + (http://www.helioviewer.org/). This animation has be rendered in 4K, and resized to the Youtube maximum resolution of 3840×2160. The animation has been rotated 180 degrees so that south is ‘up’. The audio is the “heartbeat” of the sun, processed from SOHO HMI data by Alexander G. Kosovichev. Image processing and animation by James Tyrwhitt-Drake.

Phyllis A’s Moving Tuesday 11/11

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/2eda478ea962425833e58161d/images/398bf474-afc6-41c4-b383-2b2f515d3b01.jpg

Phyllis A’s Moving

Tuesday 11/11
(or Wednesday – depending on weather)

We have changed the restoration plan, with the immanent State Funding, and tomorrow the Phyllis A will be launched off the Railway, lifted with the Travel Lift, and moved to a repair spot in the parking lot of the Gloucester Marine Railways.
This move and funding allows restoration work to progress from the Community Preservation funding work, in the stern, straight through to the bow!

It should be very exciting day!

We will post the final plans/ any changes tomorrow morning, in case you want to come see!

Keep watch!

Such exciting things are happening!!!!!

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visit our website

Updat:

Phyllis A’s
Moving Update

During afternoon coffee, I got updates from Doug…
After lunch on November 11, the Phyllis A will be launched, floated around to the Travel Lift and lifted into the parking lot.
As long as all goes well, everything should be done by 2pm. (IF they run into any issues, things may hold off until Wednesday. But everything is going to be just Fiiiine.)
So come on by the Gloucester Marine Railways and watch the fun.

The Clam Is Now Self Hosted :)

Hey Joey, over the weekend I updated our website so we’re no longer being hosted by wordpress! Check it out!

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Announcing The Winner Of The 5000 GMG Facebook Likes Captain Joe’s Cap Contest…

And the winner is…

Pat Conant!

Pat come on down the dock and claim your prize. 

email me first goodmorninggloucester@yahoo.com so I can make sure it’s ready for you.

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http://captainjoes.wordpress.com/

Can Dogs Catch a Cold?

Rosie Money Penny 4mosThe answer is YES, which was news to me! Raspy breathing, lethargy, loss of appetite are all symptoms our sweet pooch Rosie was exhibiting and, because she is quite the cuddle girl, very determinedly nudging and burrowing to get under the bed quilts!

I swear by my chicken soup for whatever ails our human family members. Rosie immediately began to regain her appetite with just the first of many bowls. Keeping her indoors out of the cold and rain is recommended also. It has been nearly a week of extra, extra doggie pampering (my husband thinks she’s coddled entirely too much as it is) and although she is perking up, if the now only occasional raspy breathing isn’t completely gone by Wednesday, we’ll be visiting the vet.

If you have a spare moment, please send us your tips and recommendations for making your pet more comfortable when they are under the weather. We’d love to hear from you. Thank you!

IMG_1260Chicken Soup for the Doggie Soul (with some dry dog food added)

The website that I found helpful is Pet MD.

This Just In~ Free Edible Arranging Demonstration Tuesday Night, November 11th

Kate Wilwerth writes:

Hi Kim – we have a fantastic program lined up for Tuesday, November 11th at the Manchester Community Center.  This event is free to all and just in time for your holiday entertaining! Social time begins at 7:00pm, program begins at7:30pm.  Light refreshments will be served.  Lou will be raffling off his amazing creations.

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Lou Greenstein, from Edible Centerpieces, will be demonstrating techniques using carved vegetables and fruits and herbs to create beautiful centerpieces for your holiday table. Do you have an artistic flair and a love for great food? Lou Greenstein can show you how to indulge both passions at once by designing edible centerpieces to delight your guests.

Lou is a New England Epicurean Consultant with 48 years of experience in the dining service world. He has managed hotels, country clubs and restaurants as well as being a television chef, columnist and a consultant to several national kitchen appliance manufacturers. Lou is also a culinary historian and is lots of fun! For more info visit his website: http://wwwlouepicure.com.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Manchester Cultural Council (pending approval), a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), a state agency.  Together, MCC and its advocates and partners across the state are working to restore funding for the arts, humanities, and sciences. We have a long way to go, and it remains crucial that we continue to demonstrate the value of arts and culture to the people of Massachusetts. The Manchester Cultural Council  has been a generous supporter of the Seaside Garden Club programs.  Visit their website for more information: www.massculturalcouncil.org

About the Seaside Garden Club: We are a group of fun, active, civic-minded and hands-on gardeners.  We welcome all types of gardeners from beginners to experienced… there is always something to learn and share.  We invite you to become a member of our club ($25 annual membership) and enjoy our monthly programs which feature interesting guest speakers and creative workshops.  The Seaside Garden Club meets the second Tuesday of every month (September through June) at 7:00 pm at the Community Center, Manchester-by-the-Sea.  Visit our blog: http://seasidegardenclub.wordpress.com/

Fish On Fridays – Special Post By Kathy Chapman

 

Gloucester’s day-boat groundfish fleet is in jeopardy as NOAA closes areas for cod fishing in the Gulf of Maine.

“NOAA Regional Administrator John K. Bullard said the agency is doubling the quota on Gulf of Maine haddock for the remainder of the 2014 season to help offset the anticipated decline in cod revenues and landings in the wake of the area closures.” Gloucester Times.

Follow the story in the Gloucester Times.

Pictured is cod at CASE auction house today and the price per pound.

 

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Photos @ Kathy Chapman 2014
http://www.kathychapman.com

Trees Cut Down Under the Keystone Bridge

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And all I can say is, awesome! It makes the granite walls and the bridge really stand out. I would love to see a few other places cleared out of weed trees. The top of Pigeon Hill used to have scenic vistas with Profile Rock close to the summit. Now it is hard to even find.

Profile Rock on Pigeon Hill

Keystone Bridge

Help shape Gloucester’s community development efforts over the next five years!

CITY OF GLOUCESTER
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

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The City of Gloucester is updating its plan for how to use federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These federal dollars currently support many important programs in Gloucester like:
–    –    The City’s housing rehab program
–    First time homebuyer training
–    The Grace Center
–    The Open Door

Affordable housing
–    Small business loans
–    Sidewalk improvements
–    Park improvements

And more!

We want to hear your ideas and hope you’ll come to one of our public hearings.

–    Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at the Open Door, 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA. Refreshments will be served.

–    Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. at the Willowood Community Building (upper level), 40 Willowood Road, Gloucester, MA. Pizza and refreshments will be served.

We will also be sending out a survey for input in the coming weeks. Check out www.gloucester-ma.gov  for more information.

Please contact Community Development Senior Project Managers Deb Laurie (dlaurie@gloucester-ma.gov ) and Emily Freedman (efreedman@gloucester-ma.gov ) with any questions.

Rhythm, Funk N’ Blues Fest Beverly, MA. At 8pm on Saturday, November 22nd, M.E. Productions presents a triple bill of funk and R&B acts at the historic Larcom Theatre.

Get on over the bridge. It’s gonna be a good one!

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Henley-Douglas RnB stands above the pack as the funk band to keep your eye on. The Delta Generators are known as one of the most original Rhythm and Blues band on the Boston Scene.  And a handful of special guests will make appearances including Eric Reardon, Sarah Seminski of Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket, Garret Savluk of The Boston Horns, and Yahuba Torres of The Ryan Montbleau Band.  Tickets for this concert start at $19.

Salem native Henley Douglas, master sax-man co-fronts HDRnB (Henley-Douglas Rhythm and Blues) with soulful vocalist Douglas Gimbel .  An original R&B/soul/groove band that performs nationwide and always delivers the mega-funk, this 6 piece ensemble blows the doors off any venue with sax and trombone, backed with fine percussion and strings. Big sound and funky grooves.  The word is out- HDRnB will keep you movin’ all night.

Henley tapped another Salem native and fixture of the local music scene, Eric Reardon to heat things up with his stinging guitar licks that have been lauded by regional music giants like James Montgomery and the late great Johnny Winter.   Reardon will be performing with Boston’s Sarah ‘Lil Shrimp’ Seminski, lead vocalist of the funk outfit Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket who will belt out some classic funk/Soul and modern Hip Hop/R&B with her powerful pipes.

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That would be a hot show right there.   But hold the phone, there’s a third act on the bill.

 

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The Delta Generators are going to play their only show this Fall on the same night.  If you’ve seen the Generators, you know. If not, they are one of the most original, funky, soulful Rhythm & Blues bands Beantown has birthed in a long time. Deeply rooted in Delta and North Mississippi blues, while throwing in elements of rock, funk, soul and rootsy Americana, local favorites the Delta Generators are a fine-tuned, well-oiled machine if ever there was one.

Bam!  Now that’s a show.   Noooooooo, these cats aren’t done yet.

Sprinkle on two very special guests to add flavor to this already smokin’ gumbo.   Puerto Rican conga king Yahuba Torres, known best as the percussion wizard in The Ryan Montbleau Band will add some jammy Latin rhythms.  Garret Savluk of The Boston Horns, and formerly of Heavy Metal Horns, will bring his bad-action trumpet sound to the night.

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Garret A Savluk

 

Now that’s a festival (as the billing implies). Seth McNally, founder of M.E. Productions and promoter of the event adds, “The show will culminate with a stage jam of all the evening’s performers bringing together the biggest sound in funk, blues and soul you’ll hear this far north of the bayou.”

Henley Douglas adds with barely contained excitement, “This show is a reunion of myself, Garret Savluk and Craig Rawding (Delta Generators) of the Heavy Metal Horns. Craig was the lead vocalist for HMH and toured nationally with the band. Garret and I have toured throughout the US, Europe and Japan. Taking the stage with Garret Savluk who has had a big influence on my musical career for almost 25 years, will make this one of the best shows I’ve played this year. With Garret and Yahuba and Seminski playing this show, the music is going to be awesome!”

 

Tickets to see Rhythm, Funk & Blues Fest are $19, $29, and $35.  For tickets and more information visit http://www.larcomtheater.com or call  978-525-9093.

Contact Seth McNally with Interview Requests / seth@meproductions.net / 603-554-4130

http://www.hdrnb.com/

http://www.deltagenerators.com/

New Album “Get on the Horse” by Delta Generators WINNER for Blues Album of the Year by The 2014 Independent Music Awards

 

Can’t Quite Put My Finger On It

Hmmm.   There’s something different about Rockport Harbor these days.  I can’t quite put my finger on it.

Could it possibly be the massive marine crane that is resting alongside our sleepy and iconic Motif 1?

It has taken me by surprise several days in a row upon coming to the end of Broadway to turn up South Street to head home.

The equipment, for the record, is in town to work on the Rockport Breakwater.

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Vincent Ferrini Mural Unveiling Event

MuralUnveiling5121wmChalk up another successful  Community event in my gallery. In addition to mural artist Tricia O’Neill, mural subject Vincent Ferrini’s nephew Henry Ferrini was there and spoke to the audience of about forty. After the speeches, the group walked down to see Tricia’s mural. I’d say this was a “win-win” for all.

Teenagers…

I think I’ve watched this thing a hundred times and it just gets funnier and funnier each time with the total disgust from the father who obviously is at his wits end with this kid.

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