Good Harbor Beach Footbridge Repairs Underway

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Godd Harbor Beach Footbridge Repairs ©Kim Smith 2014The crew was also hard at work repairing parts of the the stone wall that runs adjacent to the footbridge.

Godd Harbor Beach Footbridge Repairs -2 ©Kim Smith 2014.

Scam the Scammers – Let’s have some fun!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Scam phone calls are up.

Today I got a call from a guy who told me there was a problem with my computer (yeah, right) and while I was letting him talk, I got a call on the other line, so I told him I had to go, picked up the other line and guess what?  Another guy from the same company, eSupport Live.  So I decided to play along and see what happened.  He told me that I had unwanted files on my computer and he would help me get rid of them right now.  He was about to ask me to give him remote access to my computer when I said, I’ve gotta go; can I call you back?  Sure, he said and gave me his number 888-514-1650.  He told me his name was Alvin Brown, uh huh — with a very thick Indian (dot-not-feather – as Joey would say) accent.

A couple of minutes later I called back.  888-514-1650 actually works.  I asked for Alvin Brown and explained that we had been cut off and I was calling him back.  They put me on hold for about 90 seconds and finally someone (with a very different voice) said, Hello. Alvin? I asked.  Yes. Alvin Brown?  Yes, sir, can I get your information please?

That’s when I hung up.  I found their website here.  The English is worse than those bad assembly instructions you get with products made in China.

Most likely these people are criminals, trying to hack into your computer to steal your identity, money, whatever.  See a news story about such people here.

I know most FOBs have lots of time on their hands — because since joining the GMG Google+ Community, I get tons of emails a day from them — so I figure why not  spend a little time and have some fun SCAMMING THE SCAMMER!

All you have to do is call and pretend you got their number from the website or a friend.  Ask for Alvin Brown and see what happens.  Or start asking for other people — Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, George Washington, Jimi Hendrix — what ever you can think of.  The longer you keep them on the phone, the more you’ve cost them.  Just don’t give them any real info about yourself.

If you don’t want them calling you back, just block your caller id by hitting *67 before you call.  If we can get hundreds of people calling every day, maybe they’ll give up and stop calling us.

Vickie reminded me of this very funny guy who has a special treat for telemarketers.  Check it out:

Brenda Davis Just Added A Then and Now Photo Perspective Of The Fort To The New GMG Google+ Community

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

To see it and the others she’s posted, join the GMG Google+ Community and further your GMG experience Smile

Click Here to Join–

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Live From Passports

Posted on by Sista Felicia

Walked in on the meeting of the minds planning Passports next Wine Dinner Scheduled For March 27 @ 7:00 call 978-281-3680 for details!
Sent from Xfinity Mobile App

Blood Orange Cocktail and Blood Orange Infused Water Beverage

Posted on by Sista Felicia

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 The white snow blanketing our surroundings this winter for me, was pretty up until snow storm #5.  Yesterday for a split second while shopping in the produce section at the market,  I caught myself daydreaming as if I were on a tropical island surrounded by  lush greenery, vibrant colored flowers and aromatic fruit trees.  A split second  latter I disappointedly returned back to winter’s reality pushing my cart wearing my new wrist warmers and wool hat.  After enjoying that daydream, I decided to shopping a little slower taking a few extra moments to soak in the beautiful colors lining the aisle surrounding me. The colorful fruits and vegetables appeared to be extra pretty yesterday.  They brighten my day and inspired me to create a few recipes last night using Blood Oranges. I greeted my husband  at the door last night with this “Stay-cation” Blood Orange Cocktail, click see more for three new recipes inspired  by yesterdays shopping experience. 

blood o 7 Continue reading “Blood Orange Cocktail and Blood Orange Infused Water Beverage” →

If You Go To BU and Are Protesting The Robin Thicke Concert Because Of His Racy Video You Fail At Life

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Boston University Students Want School to Cancel Robin Thicke Concert

Some Boston University students are making it crystal clear—they don’t want “Blurred Lines” singer Robin Thicke to perform at the school.

A petition started by members of the Humanists of Boston University are calling on school officials to cancel a spring concert featuring Thicke, on March 4, at the Agganis Arena, due to the “misogyny” they say is laced into the lyrics of the performer’s popular song.

“Having Thicke perform is a political statement that is out of touch with the realities of sexual violence and Boston University’s own history. Thus, we suggest that Robin Thicke’s performance be cancelled,” members of group wrote on the Change.org petition, which as of Wednesday morning had more than 1,100 names attached to it in support.

“Thicke’s hit song, ‘Blurred Lines,’ celebrates having sex with women against their will. Lyrics such as, ‘I know you want it,’ explicitly use non-consensual language. And while watching the extremely explicit video, the insinuations grow from subtle to explicit to obnoxious,” the group said.

Thicke performed “Blurred Lines” during the Grammy Awards in January, and was nominated in several categories for the pop song. But despite its worldwide success, some students still think even just one song containing controversial lyrics is one song too many.

Worldwide success.  You’re in College.  Presumably in your teen and early 20’s- The prime of your life.  You don’t have better things to protest than a sexy pop song?  Uhmmm last I checked when you’re in college you’re supposed to be studying, playing sports, going to parties and getting your freak on. 

You wanna protest something?  Protest the lack of cold beer in the dining halls.  Protest the cost of tuition.  Protest when your school gets shafted on a tournament bid.

What a waste of time. 

Trying to pick a college?  Keep this shit in mind when you’re making your decision. You wanna be around a bunch of people complaining about a sexy pop video or would you rather go to a school with good academics in addition to great athletic programs that rally the student body to root for the their school and bring alumni together!

 

Oh and congrats to Robin Thicke.  I’m sure these idiots have only managed to stuff a couple extra million into your pockets with all this extra exposure.  Buy his song.  Even if you don’t dig it. 

Thursday February 20th 2014 Cape Ann Forecast..

Posted on by Peter J Lovasco

Marine Forecast …
Thu: W winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt… Becoming SW 5 to 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 4 ft.

Thu Night: SE winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 2 ft. Rain likely. Vsby 1 to 3 nm.

Today sunny mild 45-50 degrees!!!! Yes mild for once , so get out and enjoy because it’s not gonna last very long .. West winds 10-15mph.. Thursday night a chance of rain well after midnight , otherwise mostly cloudy with a low around 36-40 degrees.. Patchy fog also possible …
Coming up for Friday very mild temps near 50 degrees with periods of showers possible embedded thunderstorms… South east to southwest winds 10-20mph …Friday night showers ending by early evening lows in the 30’s..
Your weekend outlook
Saturday mostly sunny highs in the mid to upper 40’s lows upper 20’s to lower 30’s..
Sunday sunny highs around 40 ..

Ok so we get this brief mild spell followed by another Polar Arctic Vortex , and extreme storm track . It seems as if winter keeps playing the broken record over and over .. One thing will need to watch besides the cold air is plenty of opportunities for snowstorms .. And being this far ahead into winter , we usually get our biggest storms . So no panic , but be ready for rapidly changing weather conditions … Here’s a look at what’s in store for the next two weeks …..

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Yup frigid temps ! And it could shunt the storm track a bit further south of New England ! One will have to watch …I know your all ready for Spring as I am .. So let’s be patient and hope for the best …:) Thanks for viewing ..
Peter Lovasco
GMG
Weatherman

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Rockport Fireworks Fund-raiser

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Rockport Fireworks Fund-raiser

Please join Rockport Fireworks for their first fund-raising event of the season, Saturday, March 15 at the Elks in Gloucester for a night of Dancing to “Fun Bucket”.  This event will take place from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance for $20.  Raffles, silent auction and the unveiling of local Artist Ken Knowles original painting that will help fund the fireworks.  The Fireworks will be this summer August 9 off Granite Pier.  Anyone wishing to buy tickets or donate to the Silent Auction may call Susan Collins 978-546-9566.

Fire, Ice & Music: “Wharf Music” is Wharf-tastic!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

One week later and I still psyched about my experience of last weekend’s “Wharf Music” installation on Bradley Wharf in Rockport (where Motif No.1 is). The installation involves lobster traps, LED lights, fire pits, and music drifting from across the harbor from several different, distant points. It is very cool for several reasons: mostly, for the thing itself. It is just really a cool experience to sit by the fire outside, in the brisk winter air and hear beautiful, almost ethereal-sounding music drifting toward you from a point you can’t exactly identify. And it is also cool because Rockport (Rockport!) has the opportunity to enjoy a public art installation on one of the town’s treasures, our old wharves, made from chunks of granite and a reminder of our industrial past.

Many, many thanks to Rob Trumbour and Rick Erhstin for conceiving this and putting it together, to Andy Tierstien for his beautiful original composition, and to Karen Berger of the Rockport Cultural District for her support. I’m looking forward to heading back to Bradley Wharf this weekend for more public art. And fire!

When it Runs:

Friday & Saturday, Feb. 21st & 22nd from 6:30 to 8pm. You can park off Bearskin Neck and walk down toward Bradley Wharf to experience the “listening rooms” made from lobster traps, or you can drive down to T Wharf and just sit there in your car and roll down the windows to hear the music. This last idea is a great one if you have a screaming 18-month-old in the car, for example. Or an uncooperative spouse. But if at all possible, get out of the car and head to Bradley Wharf itself to experience the music by the fire.

Hope to see you there!

wharf music poster

Better Pics Of The New Portable Podcasting Set-Up Using The iPad and Samson GoMic

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Listen to the GloucesterCast Podcast here-

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Shown Left to Right- The Samson GoMic, Lightning to USB connector for connecting Mic to iPad, and cheapo earbuds which plug into the GoMic.

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Here’s a shot of everything connected and ready for recording using the BossJock app on the iPad.  Note that I have the GoMic sitting on the table but that black stand actually doubles as a clamp which I clamp to the top of the iPad case.  I placed it on the table for this shot so I could get everything in the shot close together but normally it would be clamped to the top left corner of the iPad Case.  This can all be set up in less than 30 seconds.

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This shot is to illustrate how small and compact the set-up is.  I placed a quarter below the GoMic for scale.

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Samson GoMic available on Amazon for only $39.99.  You can use it with any laptop or computer with a usb port.  I’ve used it to tape podcasts with my laptop before but the ease of using it owith the iPad along with the BossJock app is so ridiculously easy I can’t even begin to tell you.  It’s plug and play.  The iPad immediately recognizes the mic, you hit the record button and you are off to the races.  When finished you stop recording, hit finish and then select how you would like to export it for use.

The GoMic is also good for use in conferencing, Skype and other uses like that.

You can get one on Amazon here–

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Here’s a great video showing exactly how it’s done (In this demo the video creator used an iPhone but the iPad version of the BossJock app works exactly the same way)-

In the second video the same video creator used a different mic with an iPad and the iPad BossJock app.  The mic is a nice mic but does not provide nearly the portability of the iPad/GoMic combo.

People Joining Left and Right! Love it! New GMG Google+ Community Group Formed

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

If you haven’t joined the GMG Community Google+ group then you haven’r seen some of Brenda Davis’ awesome then and now pictures.

Click here to join-

Good Morning Gloucester Community Group

The comment section on the blog is my favorite part.  It’s what makes the GMG community, the GMG community.  The interaction and sharing of kudos and ideas.

Click the link to sign up and be able to share your ideas and communicate with other members of the tribe.  Share Cape Ann Photos, Events, Stories, You Get The Idea.

I’d also like to do some live hangouts where we use the video capabilities in Google+ to broadcast.  There are a ton of possibilities to expand the possibilities for GMG.

Ever growing and evolving, that’s what this thing is all about. Smile

I’m keeping it a private group so once you sign up I’ll approve you.  This way we can control it from spammers and if anyone gets out of line we can just whack ‘em out.

Bring your positive energy and sign up.

If you don’t already use Google products like their email, Google Docs, ect, you’re really missing out on what I consider the best open free software out there.

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A Place For Folks From The Good Morning Gloucester Community To Share Discussion and Comment On Things Happening On The Blog or Cape Ann In General. Feel Free To Add Your Own Gloucester Photos. To Be art Of This Community Rules Are Simple- Have Fun, Be Constructive, Do Not Slam People Or Businesses, Don’t Be Spammy and Enjoy Yourself!

I Love Sumac!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Now that’s not an opinion you don’t hear very often. I try to get my clients to love it too or, if they can’t enjoy Smooth Sumac for its unusual beauty, to at least appreciate the shrub for the myriad species of wildlife that it supports.

American Robins Eating Sumac ©Kim Smith 2014American Robin Flock Eating Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) Berries

Yesterday while walking through Halibut Reservation with daughter Liv, we encountered a very large flock of robins devouring seeds of sumac. The beautiful clump of sumac, with its bare crooked, leaning trunks and raspberry pink furry seedheads made a striking combination of shapes and textures against the windswept ocean vista. We disturbed the robin feast, but then Liv walked further down the path to photograph the Atlantic and I stayed behind, half hidden by an evergreen tree. The robins quickly returned to the ripened seedheads and I got to snap away until the next walker came along.

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) is a shrub that naturally forms colonies; it can also be grown as a beautiful single-trunk tree. The yellowy-green flowers on female plants give way to deep rusty red berries held in erect, pyramidal clusters. What makes sumac so invaluable to wildlife? The fruits persist through the winter, providing nourishment for many, many species of birds and small mammals. Additionally, the foliage is a larval host plant for the Coral Hairstreak Butterfly!

robinarrivalsAmerican Robin and Winterberry photo submitted by Jacqueline Bennett. Thanks Jacqueline for sharing your beautiful photo!

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Liv submits apparition from Halibut Point

No Brainer Magazine Subscription For North Shore Magazine $12 A Year

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Click here for the deal

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Publishing ten issues a year, Northshore magazine offers a colorful round-up of the very best in shopping, food, entertainment, style, education, and health, making it one of the premier luxury lifestyle publications north of Boston:

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