DO YOU KNOW… The Difference Between Margarine and Butter?

Posted on by Sista Felicia

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Last night after reading my Uncle Frank Ciaramitaro’s post (below) about the difference between margarine and butter on his personal Facebook wall, originally written and shared on Eva Boese Peter’s Facebook page, I thought of my grandmother Felicia’s famous words to others when talking about cooking and ingredients.  Growing up cooking in the kitchen with my grandmother, I lost track of the number of times she preached,  “always use the freshest ingredients available.  NEVER EVER use the “fake stuff,” like Cool Whip, Margarine, and artificial sweetener’s, and if your on a diet, eat smaller potions using real ingredients.”  Grandma Felicia was a smart women , who always questioned the content used to manufacture the “fake stuff”,  and the effects it would have on the human body after years of consumption.  She even questioned and refused to own a microwave, when they hit the market, cooking everything she made using her cooktop, wall ovens, or BBQ grill.   I continue to follow her advice when cooking, and consciously try to avoid using microwaves, artificial sweeteners or products containing them.  I am  grateful for her wise advice, and happy to report that only a few recipe in my collection, call for the use of margarine.  

Click see more to read the article that inspired me to write today Sista’s Dish Post and GMG Poll  regarding Butter and Margarine! Continue reading “DO YOU KNOW… The Difference Between Margarine and Butter?” →

Donald Sterling: What say you?

Posted on by Craig Kimberley
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Can’t you just smell the hate coming off him? (Danny Moloshok/AP)

 

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One of these things is not like the other….The smile of a slave owner. (wikicommons)

If you haven’t heard his name by now, especially living in the greatest sports region in the world, you’re detached from the planet. And if you really don’t know, GTSF (google that shit fool!). Now, we all know the scoop. This guy is a massive pig, and a professional D-Bag by trade. While billions struggle to eat, survive, and contribute to society, the gods have found a way to reward this asshole. I’m sure he “worked” hard for his money, but who cares at this point. So, he’s apparently banned for life from the NBA, and I’m not sure how that will pan out. To tell an attorney, and a two fold BILLIONAIRE, that he can’t do something, and expect him to go quietly, should be a shit-show for sure. I realize fining a gazillionaire 2.5 million is like stealing his bubble gum, so that’s no punishment. At the end of this, his 12 million dollar investment will garner him about a BILLION. So, looks like no punishment there either folks. And as far as being in the public-eye goes, he can just buy an island, stock it with his “girlfriends” all Heff style, and live happily ever after. So there is no real punishment for this loser. Should he be banned? Yes, he should. But, as you may have thought by now, isn’t all of this unsettling to you? Is it right in America? Has something crossed a line here? Now before you start seeing a side picked here, don’t. This guy makes me sick.

But, again, what if it was you in some aspect?

What if, in your moment of great success and admiration, someone comes up with a tape of some insanely ignorant shit you said… days, years or even decades ago? Would you fight to save your reputation? Could you actually explain yourself? Could you argue about the tape’s release or the person who recorded the conversation’s intent? I’ve added a few polls here to gauge what the people are thinking. Since it’s anonymous, don’t be shy, so please take a moment and be honest. Also, what are your thoughts on his girlfriend releasing these conversations? I’m curious to see what people really think, so by all means post up some comments as well.


Fred, the Pet Groundhog

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
There's not a lot of wildlife in Rockport, except for coyotes. This afternoon I saw a large rodent peek out from the alleyway between the Kohl generator and utility building. A Google search to ID the animal led me to this: "This is my pet groundhog, Fred. Ok, he's not my pet. Fred just looks adorable, lives on my property and eats all the food growing in my garden. Come to think of it, Fred sounds like my kids! Fred has the most luxurious coat - deep rich brown, underlayed with soft black and highlighted with a silver grey. He reminds me of a couple of beautiful fabrics from Norbar." Photo and text from: http://thefocusondesign.blogspot.com/2010/07/color-series-this-is-fred.html
There’s not a lot of wildlife in Rockport, except for coyotes. This afternoon I saw a large rodent peek out from the alleyway between the Kohl generator and utility building. A Google search to ID the animal led me to this: “This is my pet groundhog, Fred. Ok, he’s not my pet. Fred just looks adorable, lives on my property and eats all the food growing in my garden. Come to think of it, Fred sounds like my kids!
Fred has the most luxurious coat – deep rich brown, underlayed with soft black and highlighted with a silver grey. He reminds me of a couple of beautiful fabrics from Norbar.” Photo and text from: http://thefocusondesign.blogspot.com/2010/07/color-series-this-is-fred.html

Pet of the Week- Ash

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

Ash

Hi!  My name is Ash, on the left, and my sister Ashley.  We are three-month-old Retriever/mix pups.

We are always giving kisses and having fun.   We love toys, treats and playing with all the other puppies.   We might have a little Hound, Shepherd or Terrier mix, too – just imagine, four dog types in one dog!  If you are up to the challenge of a puppy and all the joy it can bring, please stop by and visit us soon.  We are at the Cape Ann Animal Aid, (CapeAnnAnimalAid.com) located at the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter, Four Paws Lane, Gloucester.

I can’t wait for you to meet my siblings and me, Ash!

The Schooner Adventure Welcomes Her New Captain, Stefan Edick

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Mary Barker Submits-

Hi Joey,

The Schooner Adventure welcomes her new captain, Stefan Edick (on the right in the blue cap), shown here planning for pipe installation with ship keeper, Geoff Deckebach.

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The Adventure has a newly constructed temporary cover over the stern to allow her crew and volunteers to do caulking on deck.   April 22, 2014 had John Miles, Sarah Tuvim,

Anders von Ashwege, Richard Smith and Tony Finnociarro removing the old and installing new caulking on deck.   Prepping for a fresh coat of paint has also been started.

Meanwhile below deck, Capt. Stefan Edick, Geoff Deckebach,and engineer Bill Whitney collaborated on the location for some new plumbing for re-installation of the fore head.     

Geoff assures me that anyone who would like to volunteer to help with some of the upkeep of the Adventure would be very welcome.  There is plenty of work available for people

of any skill level.

Mary Barker

Wednesday April 30th , 2014 Cape Ann Weather..

Posted on by Peter J Lovasco

Marine Forecast …
Wed E winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. Seas 6 to 9 ft. A chance of rain.
Wed Night SE winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 6 to 9 ft. Rain likely. Vsby 1 to 3 nm.

Wednesday Forecast :
Mostly Cloudy with a chance of rain late morning .. Highs in the 40’s winds east at 10-20mph ! Rain gets heavier later in the afternoon winds increasing to 25-30 mph from the east south east .. Wednesday night rain heavy at times early then tapering off to showers / drizzle late lows in the 40’s continued breezy east winds 10-20 mph .. Thursday Rain in the morning temps milder into the 50’s ! Winds becoming south 10-20mph and gusty late afternoon ….

Hourly Forecast …

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Extended Forecast…

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Thanks for viewing … 🙂

Community Stuff 4/30/14

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Movie about Whitey Bulger is looking for background extras.

http://www.projectcasting.com/casting-calls-and-auditions/black-mass-starring-johnny-depp-extras-casting-call-in-boston/

I’ve seen a few older cars rolling around Gloucester, they might want to cash in.

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Spring Greetings Joey!

Below is a release highlighting fun and easy spring things-to-do with The Trustees of Reservations on the North Shore, including best first hikes, great picnic spots, gardens in bloom, and more! We’d love it if you would consider using this (or parts of it!) as a spring/early summer story. Many thanks and please give me a ring with any questions.

Cheers,

Holly Hannaway

Fun and Easy (and Wallet-Friendly!)

Spring Things to Do with The Trustees of Reservations

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This spring The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) offer a slew of fun (and affordable) ideas for people of all ages to get out and enjoy their 112 properties – from Stockbridge to Boston. Their reservations offer something for everyone, encompassing thousands of acres of wide open spaces that include woodlands trails, historic homes, community farms, gorges and waterfalls, miles of coastline, and formal gardens.

Whether you’re looking to take a breather from a hectic day or itching to spend the afternoon enjoying your favorite outdoor activity, you can easily find a Trustees property near you to unplug with family or friends. Check out these properties below for a few ideas, as well as The Trustees website for fun programs and events for all ages this spring: www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/.

PACK A PICNIC…No reservations required!

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich
The rolling half-mile-long Grand Allée with sweeping ocean views makes a wonderful spot for spreading a blanket. Pack your favorite lunch or, beginning in May, grab a delicious sandwich or salad from our Castle Hill Café. Take a historic house or landscape tour or throw a Frisbee or fly a kite. While you’re there, check out our “preservation in action” project on the rolling front “lawn” of this National Historic Landmark.

Coolidge Reservation, Manchester-by-the-Sea
For the perfect mix of views and picnic-friendly terrain, this ocean side property on the North Shore is hard to beat. Follow the pathway that leads to the Ocean Lawn and stop. This broad expanse of green is matched only by the blue waters of Massachusetts Bay spreading before you.

FIRST HIKES…It’s a walk in the park, literally!

Appleton Farms and Grass Rides, Hamilton and Ipswich

Explore the farmstead and surrounding fields and woodlands of a 350-year-old working farm. With more than 12 miles of flat or gently rolling trails that are either grass and gravel, the farm is the a perfect spot for a first hiker or stroller. If you have more time, stop by and say hi to the animals on the farm, pick up some fresh farm milk or cheese in the Dairy Store and learn about the many programs offered throughout the spring and summer at this special place.

Ravenswood Park, Gloucester

With 10 miles of carriage paths and trails that meander through the park, there are plenty of options for exploring. Children love the Ledge Hill Trail – a two-mile round-trip walk among magical-looking, fern-covered boulders. Use the Cape Ann Discovery Center as your jumping-off point – check out the Investigation Station and borrow a Discovery Detective Backpack for your outdoor exploration.

GARDENS IN BLOOM…Stop and smell the roses!

The Stevens-Coolidge Place, North Andover
Soak up history and horticulture as you explore the gardens behind this renowned country house. Highlights include a perennial garden, a rose garden, the greenhouse complex, and a potager garden (or French vegetable garden) with a brick serpentine wall. Intermingling with the formal gardens are rustic elements, including hay fields, an orchard, and woodlands.

Long Hill, Beverly MA
Explore cultivated gardens, an extraordinary woody plant collection, an apple orchard and meadow, a network of woodland trails – even a children’s garden and organic farm!

QUESTING…Learn and discover as you go!

Exploring a Trustees property is easy and fun with a Quest, or outdoor scavenger hunt. Follow the series of clues that lead to you a hidden box. Local Quests include:Hermit’s Haven at Ravenswood Park and Pinnacle Quest at Appleton Farms Grass Rides. For a complete list of participating properties visit: thetrustees.org/quest. You can find the Quest maps at the parking lot bulletin board of participating properties. Kids can also download a special Quest Detective booklet online (thetrustees.org/detective) and stamp their “passport” when they complete a Quest. 

HISTORY BUFFS…Find your Home Sweet Home!

In celebration of Massachusetts heritage and preservation month, tour one of the many Trustees historic homes across the state during their FREE Home Sweet Home Open House Day on May 31st. Participating Northeast & Greater Boston homes include: The Great House at Castle Hill, The Old House at Appleton Farms, The Paine House at Greenwood Farm, The Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover, and The Old Manse in Concord. Visit: thetrustees.org/homesweethome for all the details.

ATANK (OR FERRY) AWAY…Grab a friend and go!

Why not pick a Trustees property you’ve never seen and go? Check out thetrustees.org for a full list of their reservations.  A few great ideas include Dunes Edge campground in Provincetown and several “hidden gems” and beaches on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) “hold in trust” and care for properties, or “reservations,” of scenic, cultural, and natural significance for the general public to enjoy. Founded by open space visionary Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees are the nation’s oldest, statewide land trust, one of Massachusetts’ largest conservation organizations and an established leader in the conservation and preservation movement nationally and internationally. Supported by more than 100,000 members, donors, and thousands of volunteers, The Trustees own and manage 112 spectacular reservations – including working farms, historic homesteads and gardens, community parks, barrier beaches and mountain vistas – located on more than 26,000 acres. In addition, The Trustees work closely with permanent affiliates including Boston Natural Areas Network and the Hilltown Land Trust as well as hundreds of community partners to preserve and protect special places and provide year-round programs for all ages. Visit www.thetrustees.org.

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Gotta Respect This Big Time Power Move From Bob Whynott

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Rockin That T-shirt Like A Boss!
Nobody Pulls Off The My Name In Bold Letters On The Front Of My T-shirt Look Like Bob Whynott, NOBODY!!!!

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Burnham’s Field groundbreaking this Saturday

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey, 

GoodMorningGloucester has done a great job covering the improvements to Burnham’s Field over the last four years so just wanted to share this news below — the official groundbreaking of the Burnham’s Field renovation project! It’s a good day for open space in the heart of Gloucester.

Thanks for all you do,

John McElhenny  

Burnham’s Field groundbreaking this Saturday

After four years of planning and community meetings, the renovation of Burnham’s Field, the largest open space and playground in central Gloucester, is set to begin with an official groundbreaking this Saturday, May 3, at 10 a.m.

Mayor Carolyn Kirk, City Councilor Melissa Cox and the Friends of Burnham’s Field invite friends, neighbors and anyone who cares about Burnham’s Field to attend the groundbreaking. All are welcome and invited.

The renovation is the first major upgrade to Burnham’s Field in more than 30 years. The renovation will include new playground equipment, swings, walking loop, lighting, fences, resurfaced basketball courts, a spray fountain for kids, trees and new bathroom.

Burnham’s Field is located on Pleasant Street across from St. Ann’s Church. Plans call for the work to be completed in time for the opening of the West Parish School at the former St. Ann’s School in late August so the kids will have a newly renovated Burnham’s Field to play on. For more information, contact John McElhenny at jmcelhenny@gmail.com

Fun Video of Mega-Crowds Gathered to See First Sighting Ever Recorded of an AMERICAN ROBIN in the NETHERLANDS!!!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

An American Robin (Tudus migratorius), or a Roodborstlijster, as it is called in Dutch, was first spotted on sand dunes before moving inland. I love the video of the crowd of birders waiting to catch a glimpse. It reminds me of the backshore, times ten, whenever a rare bird is seen on our shores!

Both videos were originally posted on Dear Kitty. Some Blog: American Robin in the Netherlands. Dear Kitty often reblogs my posts, sending new readers to GMG. Thank you Dear Kitty!

I feel a little sad for the lonesome fella and can only hope another was carried off course, too.

See recent GMG posts about the American Robin:

Birds of Cape Ann: The American Robin and Bird Food!

I Love Sumac

Worms!

Who Remembers Virginia Il?

Posted on by God's Morning

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I came across these old Polaroid snapshots that my mother took of her friend Kay during a trip to Gloucester in August 1983 aboard the Virginial.  I was surprised to see a big ferry boat like that tied up behind the Studio.  Who remembers this, and when did it stop coming and why?  Wouldn’t it be great if they resumed ferry service from Boston to Gloucester.  It would help alleviate vehicular traffic and we have the transportation infrastructure in place with Lady Jillian, the Trolley and CATA to allow visitors to move around and take advantage of much that Gloucester has to offer.

E.J. Lefavour

Have You Howled Yet? Wolf Hollow!

Posted on by Nichole S.

GMG phenom, Paul Morrison, has told you to get yourselves down to Wolf Hollow before…but in case you didn’t listen, it bears repeating.  I, like many of you, had driven by the relatively small and unassuming house that doubles as Wolf Hollow in Ipswich so many times without ever even considering stopping in.  Shame on me.  As is typical of my life now, it took my boys all of a sudden being super interested in wolves and coyotes for me to think, “Hey…we should go there!”   So, back in October we stopped in and my boys were immediately in love.  So much so that we got them the Junior Membership for Christmas and “adopted” two of their favorite wolves.  They were so excited to get their membership cards, stickers, and beautiful photos of Argus and Bear Christmas morning.  And….couldn’t wait to get back for their next visit!

If you ask me, it is a perfect example of a Sunday (or Saturday) afternoon trifecta!  1.  Get outside  2.  Learn something  3.  See some beautiful animals up close… and the bonus #4.  Some quality time with your children during which they get the opportunity to learn about conservation and the balance of nature.  NO brainer!!!

The “dock talk” as my older son called it (even though we were no where near a dock) is just the right length.  Not too short and not too long.  The staff member who taught us about the wolves easily engaged a crowd of 30 or so people who ranged in age from 3-83 years and allowed for a long session of questions when she was done.

Kudos to Wolf Hollow for devoting themselves to these gorgeous animals and making a difference while doing what they’re passionate about!  I, as a mom and a teacher, am so thankful for the plethora of places (such as this one) where my boys can learn and be inspired.  Selfishly, I also had a great time photographing them in all their majesty.

Wolf Hollow

 

 

What’s Your Favorite SANPELLEGRINO Flavor?

Posted on by Sista Felicia

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Our family has been drinking SANPELLEGRINO sparkling fruit beverages for years.  SANPELLEGRINO was one of the many imported Italian specialty products sold at my grandfather’s Italian verity store “Pat’s Center Grocery” on Washington Street here in Gloucester Ma., when I was a child. Growing up, everyone in the family was spoiled with the endless supply of Sicilian imported carbonated lemon and orange sparkling fruit waters, sold at ” Pat’s Center Grocery.”  I think our families younger generation shares this same passionate likeness to our family favorite beverage SANPELLEGRINO, because it literally now runs in our blood after the amounts we consumed over the years in my grandfathers’ store. 

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SANPELLEGRINO has expanded their flavors’ to six including the original Lemon and Orange.   Today Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Clementine, Pomegranate & Orange, and Blood Orange verities, are manufactured in the United States, and sold in almost all major grocery and retail stores. 

Look what’s on sale this week at Stop & Shop!

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Yesterday while shopping at Stop & Shop, I noticed a display advertising a 10/$10 sale on SANPELLEGRINO, and decided to surprise my kids with their favorite “Orange” along with a few other flavors including Pomegranate & Orange, a flavor I had never tasted until yesterday…OMG  it was delicious!

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 Pomegranate & Orange is definitely my new favorite SANPELLEGRINO flavor!

 

 

Gloucester Marine Railways Spring Cleanup From Mary Barker

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey,,

This past week at Gloucester Marine Railway the yard was busy with people getting their vessels ready for warmer weather.

The Full Moon is in dry dock having some maintenance before a Coast Guard inspection.   She is being sold.

The new mast was being readied for the Sloop Wndwawrd.

Farmaa (James Brosnahan) had his boathouse taken out of the water for the first time since her  1998 launch.   Doug Parsons was working the lift.

the Yankee’s !st mate Jan Kelly and Captain Steve Waewin were preparing for the upcoming tuna season for the charter boat Yankee.

And the newly covered Adventure was having her decks caulked.r

Mary Barker

Tuesday April 29th , 2014 Cape Ann Weather …

Posted on by Peter J Lovasco

Marine Forecast…
Small Craft Advisory…

NE winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 6 to 9 ft.
Tue Night E winds 10 to 15 kt. Gusts up to 20 kt in the evening. Seas 7 to 9 ft.

Tuesday Forecast :
Video Cast ……

Hourly Forecast…

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Mid – Week Outlook !

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Thanks for viewing … 🙂

Community Stuff 4/29/14

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Eileen Oliver  Newburyport Art Association Award

These were the lovely comments given on Sunday, April 27th for my painting, “The Schooners”, winner of the Mary Alice Arakelian Memorial Award for work in Oil (Best Oil Painting In Show) at the opening reception for the Newburyport Art Association 17th Annual Regional Juried Art Show . It will be there on display from now until June 2nd.

“The precise control of the brushwork coupled with the strong compositional placement of the sailboats, as well as the deft use of colors both in the water and sky, result in a very accomplished and satisfying painting. Congratulations.” – Bruce Brown, Juror. Curator Emeritus, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockport, Maine. 

Eileen Patten Oliver

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ssex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum Presents:

A Panel Discussion led by the Essex Writing Group: Topics in Essex History: Some Essex History,

Sunday, May 4, 2014, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum’s Waterline Center, 66 Main Street, Essex, MA 01929

Admission is free

Please join us on Sunday, May 4 from 3 – 4:30 p. m. in the Waterline Center at the Shipbuilding Museum.   We will learn about growing up in a clammer’s family during the depression and Revolutionary War veterans from Chebacco (now Essex).  Other topics will be about some very interesting people of Essex.  Carrie Andrews was a gifted singer who died tragically at a young age.  Annie Gosbee was a professional baseball player in a league of her own.  Rev. John Cleveland was a minister and a prominent patriot.
The Essex Writing Group provides an opportunity for those with an interest in Essex history to discuss, research, and prepare a permanent record of their work.  It is led by Karin Gertsch and Kurt Wilhelm, who have published books about Essex and Cape Ann.  Participation in the group is open to all.  This is the first presentation of a continuing program of their activities.
Light refreshments will be served.

Email:  info@essexshipbuildingmusem.org or leave a message with Kurt Wilhelm at 978-768-7342. 

INDEPENDENT PERSONAL STYLIST CAROLINE CARLSON TALKS J.HILBURN MEN’S CLOTHIER

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hellooooo Brilliant Gift Idea!  Personalized Completely Custom, Tailored Shirts With In Home Fitting and Consultation For Less Than Half The Price Of Boston Tailored Clothier Menswear.

There’s nothing worse than buying a dress shirt and there being a ton of excess material hanging out at the waist if you have an athletic build or if your neck is so thick that you can’t button your shirt to wear a tie.  That’s why having one or two tailored shirts make sense.

For More Info- http://www.carolinecarlson.jhilburn.com

 

 

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