What the Duck!
What The Duck!
What the duck? London’s Tower Bridge opens for 50-foot rubber toy
2 hrs ago
British stiff upper lips cracked into smiles today at the sight of this 50-foot rubber ducky cruising down the River Thames. The venerable Tower Bridge was even forced to open for the giant bath toy. It was all a big, yellow PR stunt for the online gaming company Jackpotjoy.com, which claims that England has fallen into a “happiness recession” (and we all know gambling makes everything better). The company’s FUNdation hands out cash for zany, harebrained ideas like dressing up as a banana or staging a giant food fight. Yep, this qualifies. Flip through the photos above to see this quacker spread its cheer — or at least mass bewilderment. [Source]
Click to see more on msnNOW.com, updated 24 hours a day.
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So great to be with all our kids and grandchildren
Great day at Kimberly’s for a family Christmas party.
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Absolute Freedom
Don’t we all wish to be so carefree. There’s always the Rocky Neck Plunge.
E.J. Lefavour
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Two Buddies Looking for you Thursday at Alchemy
Don’t miss it. Joey’s new canvas giclee prints by Cape Ann Giclee and new glass paintings by me. Also “This is Gloucester” DVD’s will be available for those last minute stocking stuffers, as well as prints and books, plus great Alchemy stuff to eat and drink.
E.J. Lefavour
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Win a FREE Copy of Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities!
Tuesday through Friday of this week I will be bringing you expert gardening advice excerpted from my book Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities! Notes from a Gloucester Garden. My book is currently on sale on my publisher’s website (David R. Godine) for the unheard of price of 15.00 (the list price is 35.00.) In response to Godine’s super sale, I am offering a free copy of my book.
Leave a comment or question on any of the posts by Friday at 8PM to be entered into the drawing to win. Multiple entries are allowed. One person will be chosen at random. The book will be shipped on Monday, the 17th, which should allow time for it to arrive by Christmas. Shipping is included to addresses within the United States and Canada.
Praise for Oh Garden! from The Boston Globe’s Carol Stocker ~ Oh Garden! is a treasure, and perhaps the best garden gift book of the season. Both dream-like and practical, it captures the gardener’s journey by integrating personal essays, hand’s-on advice, and paintings. —The Boston Globe
A Pair of Monarchs Mating in Our Pear Trees
Excerpt from Part One: Creating the Framework, Chapter One
He who plants pears, Plants for heirs
Pyrus communis, or common European pear, is not seen growing in the wild. The cultivated pears as we know them today are thought to be derived from Pyrus nivalis and P. caucasia. Few pears ripen well on the tree and that may be one reason they have not been grown as extensively in America as apples and peaches, although apple and peach trees are not as long lived as pear trees. A healthy pear tree can live and bear fruit for several centuries.
The trick to harvesting pears is to pick them as they are ripening, while they are still quite firm. If you wait until the flesh yields with pressure on the outside, the fruit will be rotted inside. Each individual variety of pears has an estimated ripening date from when the tree blooms. Note the date when the tree begins to flower and count the days forward to the approximate ripening time. The quality of the soil, where the tree is sited, as well as changes in the weather from year to year will influence the number of days until the pears are ready to be harvested. Bearing in mind that this is only an approximation, begin monitoring the fruit closely as the day approaches. Nearing the correct time of harvest, the color of the fruit will begin to change. For example, the ‘Beurre Bosc’ begins to turn a light golden yellow beneath its russet skin. Carefully hold the stem of the pear in one hand and the fruit-bearing spur in the other hand. Gently twist with an upward turn. Remove the pear and stem, not the bumpy, fruit-bearing spur. It takes several years for a spur to develop, and if damaged or accidentally harvested with the pear, the crop will be significantly decreased the following year.
Stack the fruit in the coldest section of a refrigerator and store for several weeks. After two to three weeks, remove a pear or two and let it ripen at room temperature for several days. At this point the pear will ideally be fully ripe and ready to eat. Depending on the cultivar, pears will keep for weeks to several months when kept well chilled.
See Monday’s post for more about Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities!
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Remember Jon Butcher Axis? Ever thought you’d see Jon Butcher @ Rhumb Line? Tomorrow’s your chance.
Gloucester legend Fly Amero has been hosting Wednesday’s at the Rhumb Line for some time now — and his guests range from more Gloucester legends to people you can’t see every day. But tomorrow, he’s outdone himself by bringing Grammy-nominated 80s rock star, Jon Butcher as his guest. Remember this MTV video from 1984?
Here’s what Fly has to say about tomorrow:
It is a thrill for me to present my good friend, Jon Butcher to
the local art community and to the music lovers of Cape Ann
at large. This is a man who built a legacy for himself that
extends from its early roots in Boston to the far reaches of the
planet. At last, after years away on the West Coast, he returns
to his adoring fans here in New England – all of whom clearly
remember his music and his legend. This is Jon Butcher Axis.
And this is a one-in-a-million show you won’t want to miss!
~ Fly
From http://www.jonbutcher.com/
Grammy-nominated Jon Butcher is one of a select handful of
influential recording artists comprising the legendary Boston
music scene. MTV vids and hit songs, “Life Takes A Life”,
“Wishes”, “Holy War”, “Goodbye Saving Grace”, “Miracles”,
“Send Me Somebody” comprise the underpinnings of a
recording/ touring career that continues today. Two critically
acclaimed CD’s, “Positively The Blues” and “Electric Factory”
mark Jon’s enduring love affair with all things Americana –
blues, jazz, Dixieland, folk, swing, Cajun and more.
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Announcing opening CALL for 2013 Gloucester MA HarborWalk Public Art Challenge budgets $47,000
Joey, artists, big news! Gloucester Committee for the Arts is pleased to be announcing the opening CALL for the 2013 Gloucester MA HarborWalk Public Art Challenge
City of Gloucester, Massachusetts , USA,
2013 Gloucester MA HarborWalk – Public Art Challenge
$47,000
Open to artist/s and/or artist team(s) nationally.
Deadline: February 8, 2013
Open to all media; artists working in all creative art forms
Budget: $47,000
The Gloucester Committee for the Arts, on behalf of the City of Gloucester, MA, is seeking professional artist/s and/or artist team(s) for 3 new public art commissions. Artists are asked to submit proposals to design, create and complete new public art work in downtown Gloucester for our 2012 designed HarborWalk. The total project budget is $47,000 which will be distributed as follows: $20,000 for one (1) permanent project; two (2) additional prizes will be awarded totaling $27,000, at least one of which must be temporary. The minimum project budget is $7500. Note: this is a two-stage process requesting concepts and full proposal to select a short list of semi-finalists. We are delighted to announce that the panel for selection of the 3 finalists will include, among others, these distinguished jurors:
Andrée Bober, Landmarks Director, The University of Texas , Austin , TX
Trevor Smith, Curator of Contemporary Art, Peabody Essex Museum , Salem , MA http://www.pem.org/
Peter Sollogub/Chris Muskopf, Architects, Cambridge Seven Associates, MA. http://www.c7a.com/
Visit http://ghwalk.org to view/download the complete Call.
From there, artists wanting to apply will submit their entry in digital format through CaFE™ at www.callforentry.org Artists will create a profile page on the CaFE site and upload artwork images and input artwork details. There is no fee to apply, nor to create a profile on CaFE. Following successful set up, all interested applicants will be granted full access to our detailed application; simply click on “Apply to Calls” and click on “Gloucester HarborWalk Public Art Challenge”. Your account information and images will be saved for your convenience and easy access when applying to future calls using CaFE.
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Ivy
Ivy on the walls of the Abbey of Solesmes, where I spent two days during my vacation in France. The abbey is located about 2 1/2 hours southwest of Paris.
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Oh Yeah Baby! It’s The Rocky Neck Plunge Pledge List Time
This just in from Cathy McCarthy
Hey Joey,
The Annual Rocky Neck Plunge will be held on Jan. 1st….2013 at 11 am..
Once again, we will be hosting a food drive for The Open Door.. ‘
Items most needed::
Tuna, 100% juice, Soups, Peanut Butter, Pasta Sauce, Breakfast Cereal , Baking Items.
They requested no glass bottles. We collected over 600 lbs last year and would love to be able to hit that mark,plus more..
We will do our traditional poem by George Sibley at 11 am. and then the plunge…
Much Thanks Joey,
Cathy McCarthy
If you haven’t Plunged before let me tell you there is no better way to start the year. Conquer some fears, step outside your “normal”, ring in the new year with friends and family and start the New Year off funky fresh on Rocky Neck.
ANYONE and I MEAN ANYONE that has done it in the past comes back to do it again because it is so uplifting and exhilarating.
Won’t you join US?!!!
Pics From Last Year Via Manny Simoes-
2012 Rocky Neck Plunge Photos From Betty Pijut
2012 Rocky Neck Plunge Pics From Fellow Plunger Skip Montello
More Rocky Neck Plunge
2012 Rocky Neck Plunge Video From Sista Felicia
Happy New Year! Rocky Neck Plunge
Rocky Neck Plunge 2012
2012 Rocky Neck Plunge Photo From Tucker Destino
Rocky Neck Plunge Info From Cathy Mccarthy
Susan LaRosa 2012 Rocky Neck Plunge Pics
Videos-
Will You Be Plunging? Write in your pledge to plunge in the comment of this post
Joey C-In!
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PSA- In This Day of Cell Phone Cameras Try To Think Horizontal
Straight out of the Ed Collard School of Video-
No joke in the past week I’ve received video footage from no less than 5 people who have held their cell phones or regular cameras vertically while they take video.
I guess it’s because people are used to taking cell phone pictures vertically but to upload video to something that is watchable you need to think about keeping your camera horizontal.
This one was ok in that it’s viewable (and I appreciate people sending stuff in believe me I’m just trying to get folks to know how to do it a bit better), but would have been a whole lot better horizontally so when uploaded to YouTube you would have a full frame of video instead of the black bars on the sides.
Sent in by Michael Oppelt –
Can’t believe my luck when walking my dogs down on Davis Neck in Gloucester MA, my boys discovered a dolpin/porpoise? swimming in shallow water at a nearby inlet. Here’s a video I took with my Android phone taken close to sunset over the Ipswich Bay.
Niece Amanda Interviews Ed A Couple Weeks Ag0. this one is taken with a regular camera held vertically. My guess is that Amanda is thinking like a cell phone while taking the video-
An unnamed source submits this video of the lobster trap tree lighting
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The Bean Interviews Snoop Maddie Mad On The Way To Buy Presents
Even 7 year old Beannie Weannie knows to keep the camera horizontally for video.
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Community Stuff 12/11/12
14th. Annual Ladies Day at Pauline’s Gifts
Cindy Rich writes-
Hi Joey,
I am reaching out to you on behalf of the Rockport High School DECA group. Today they are hosting their 2nd Annual “Seashells and Jingle bells – Inn & House Tour” from 1 pm – 5 pm. Thank you for posting it in your Community section of your blog this week!
I’m hoping a post on your blog may help locate a beautiful banner, for the event, that has gone missing from the fence at the rotary at Fuller School. The DECA students worked hard all year putting this special event together and with their pooled savings from their student account, they were able to have this beautiful, expensive banner custom made, to be used year after year. I am attaching a picture of what the banner looks like. Also, it’s noted on the back of the banner – a name and number to contact for return.
In the spirit of this wonderful holiday season, I’m hoping that this reaches a kind hearted soul and the banner is returned to the DECA students in Rockport.
Thank you so much Joey! For all that you do! You are Cape Ann’s “E.F. Hutton”!!!
Cindy Rich
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Men’s Night Is This Thursday Night In Downtown Gloucester MA!
I’ll be having the first official show of my canvas photos with buddy EJ at Alchemy from 5:30PM-7:30 so I hope to see y’all down there. I’ll also have my “This is Gloucester DVDs available at the Alchemy show 10% of all of our Art and/or DVD sales will go to the Gloucester Education Fund. Thursday Night- Men’s Night
Read more about the Gloucester Education Fund here
Kids Unlimited will be open and offering 20% off clothing.
As other local retailers send in their plans on hosting the men of Cape Ann for Men’s Night I’ll add them to this post.
Good Morning Joey,
The Cave will be serving Caveman Chili, cold beer, pate & rat cheese. We will offer up a discount on gift certificates as well. Thanks for including us.
Merry merry,
Laura
Mens’ Night @ Common Crow
Hi Joey
Men’s night is coming right up… Common Crow grocery & GreenLife are both offering everyone special deals from 5 to 8 this Thursday:
Greenlife:
20% off your WHOLE purchase plus
-Our chef’s best dips, local and artisanal cheeses and organic crudite to dilute the ‘high spirits’ offered elsewhere
Advice, ideas & gift wrapping from our helpful and expert team.
Common Crow grocery :
20% off your most expensive item, plus free dips& crudite & cookies!
Kate Noonan
Seaport Grille-
You are invited to "Men’s Night", Thursday, Dec 13, 2012 at Seaport Grille. There will be FREE Chowder from 4-7PM, Entertainment: Kevin Smith 7PM-10PM, 1/2 Price Appetizers, and A $100 and $50 Gift certificate will be drawn at 10:00PM. You must be present to Win!
Try our World Famous Lobster Roll with FF for $9.95
Palazola’s Sporting Goods
Hi Joey,
Palazola’s is running 20% off, crackers and cheese with wine. Also, sign up for a chance to win a $50.00 gift certificate.
Thanks, Linda
The Weathervane
We’ll have 20% off the entire store (Cape Pond Ice excluded)! Great selection of zip hoodies, our famous "sherpa" coat, and of course all the great Gloucester t-shirts for friends and family near and far. Sale includes Christmas cards, ornaments, wrapping paper, giftware – you name it! Ladies are WELCOME too, everyone gets the discount! We do NOT discriminate – plus, it’s a good night to be on Main Street to flirt up the fella’s!
Thanks, Joe!
Joe C.
Mark Adrian Shoes
We are offering for men’s night a free $20 gift certificate when purchasing merchandise for $100 or more.
Harbor Goods/Life is good
Yummy snacks, Julie’s famous shrimp dip, cold beer, great customer service AND 20% off regular priced items.
Junque & Disorderly, Antiques and Collectibles, 57 Washington Street, will be open for Men’s Night from 4:00 to 8:00. 20% Off throughout the shop. Enter to win a $50.00 Gift Certificate. Don’t forget to take a right at the end of Main Street!
Jewels of Gloucester Chimes In-
Hi Joey! Nice post for Men’s Night. If you are still adding to the post, I’d love it if you would add our info.
Jewels of Gloucester will be serving up wine, cheese and crackers up to 9pm, and giving a 20% discount off most of our jewelry and watches. It’s also a good time for the guys to sell their old scrap gold and silver. We are paying cash on the spot. Why not free up some cash to cover their holiday shopping. It’s a win-win.
Thanks,
Jim, John, and Kelly
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ED
Bill O’Connor Writes-
Hi Joey,
I had the pleasure of interacting with Ed while he hung buoys on the lobster pot tree on Saturday. He was all smiles in spite of the rain, and it was great to see how proud he was of the tree. It is quite a tribute to the community spirit of Gloucester!
Enjoy!
~Bill O’Connor
North Shore Kid
Joey C edit:
You see that haggard old bastard right there in that picture? Yeah, he’s the guy you want in your foxhole when the shit’s going down. #BelieveThat!
Smiling when things are going right, smiling through the times when there’s no one around and we’re planning our next community event, smiling during the construction and long after the event’s when the crowds are gone and the cameras are put away and the stuff has to be deconstructed. You couldn’t ask for a better man as a friend I’m telling you.
Ed’s gonna be sworn is as the president of the Chamber of Commerce next month. Should be a good year for the Chamber.
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2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series- The Dress Code
The fourth year of the GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Video Series where we walk up and down Main Street and try to capture as many retailers as we can and highlight their best gift ideas one a day every day leading up to Christmas.
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series- Main Street Art and Antiques
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series- The Dress Code
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series- The Weathervane
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series- Menage Gallery
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series- House of The Raven
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series- Village Silversmith
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series- Toodeloos
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series Bananas
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series- Nelsons
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series Alexandras Bread Co
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series Lone Gull
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series Kids Unlimited
2012 GMG Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series- Harbor Loop Gifts
2012 Downtown Gloucester Holiday Gift Series- Pleasant Street Tea and Coffee Co
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2012 GMG Holiday Party (David B. Cox Photos)
HAPPY HOLIDAY
Click on Slide Show for More Photos:
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You and Me and the Dog Makes Three
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Mild December morning
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Thai Noodle Salad With Salmon At Passports
Good Morning Gloucester 