One of the better things about social media is, they are in a never ending stream of reminding you of your past. Take this graphic for instance. On valentines day I had already in the back of my mind decided on resurrecting this old image to give to my wife Cory for Valentines Day. I had already made a mental note to search for this image to make a card with. All of this was decided before I turned my computer on that morning. Imagine my surprise when Facebook posted on my Time-line this same image as a reminder of one of my posts from 9 years ago. Trust me, they saved me some time by reminding me. So there are some great things about social media, and this would be one of them.
This image? I did it while walking on the beach one day after catching my wave during my "Catch A Wave For Molly" surf campaign in 2010-2011. And let me just point out to those of you new readers that if you are unaware of the CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY campaign, there is a banner on the Blog (right next to the YESTERDAY Pic) that takes you to my Daily Blog about that most significant story. I posted every day. Next year will be the 10th anniversary of that major undertaking. Trust me it will be worth your time.
But back to this image. I always carry a stick when I walk on the beach or in the woods. Better for balance, and for defense. Hey, I'm a Marine, and I never forgot one of the most important rules of war. "Weapons Of Opportunity." In other words, when you run out of ammo, pick up anything off the ground and use it to your advantage.
Now-a-days a stick will suffice. So as I was walking along that day (February 14th, 2011) I saw this perfect stretch of sand laid out in front of me and...well, I wrote this simple but poignant message in the sand.
So Thank you Facebook. I ended up using this as Valentine's Day card.
And speaking of Valentines Day. I had come up with a cool movie idea (a few months after
my other cool movie idea about FATHERS And SONS) and that was a project I am calling FOR LOVE And WAVES. It was a NEVER been done movie about couples from New England who surf together. You know, lovers, married, straight, gay, lesbian, and transsexual. But the main concept is they have to be a pair who actually surf together. Sounds like a fun project huh? My plan was to make a short documentary (30 minutes or under) and release it on Valentines Day.
What's the old saying "Sometimes the best laid plans...?"
You guessed it. My life which is like a controlled shit storm got in the way (again). So I never got enough footage or the images that I needed to get it out on V-Day. Plus my recent trip to California sort of preempted that deadline. However, I did make a compromise and got up a short trailer on Valentines Day. And it is posted down in the video section. The more I talk about this concept the better I like it. It is after all a popular fantasy among surfers of both sexes to have your partner in life be a surfer.
Don't start reading between the lines here.
I am more than happy that my wife does not surf. Especially when our kids were young. We can't both be out in the water if the kids need to be attended to. So there is that for married surfer couples with kids. I plan on digging deep below the surface, and to ask them just how they manage to go surfing when life is staring you in the face. When fantasy becomes reality.
So look "FOR LOVE AND WAVES" sometime in the near future. It will be an all original soundtrack. And this all original concept of couples who surf will be fun. Married couples. Single couples. Gay couples.
Lovers who surf together. From SURF FREE OR DIE and RALPH'S PIC OF THE WEEK.
The TRAILER was posted on Valentines Day February 14th, 2020.
So it's PRESIDENT DAY on Monday February 17th, 2020.
You'll notice that the Orange one is not on this list. It will be interesting to see how he stacks up once his term is over. Or dare I say, "terms". Ugh.
But let's get back to more pleasing things, like the beautiful empty waves I saw and shot last weekend. There are days in the winter when all the elements come together. The right swell size and direction, the right winds, and the days when the sun pops out and gives a beautiful mix of colors and textures in the water. On Saturday February 8th, 2020 all those elements came together. And...the people in the water knew what they were doing.
In other words. Good surfers surfing beautiful waves make for dramatic pics.
There are three galleries from this day. To me personally, the empty wave shots are the ones that stand out the most. I wished that I had shot video, but those stand alone empty barrels would not have the same affect if they were moving. To capture those living, breathing, liquid life forms, is something that I never tire of. I could stare at an empty wave photo for hours.
There's just something magical about an empty wave.
And when I see them I only have seconds to get it right. Swing the camera, check the focus, get the horizon straight, and wait for that magical moment.
Or in my case "moments." Actually all good surf photographers do the same thing. None better than Brian Nevins. He's got an eye like an Osprey. He sees it before it happens and like a well trained sniper, he squeezes off that one perfect shot.
Or in the late Ed O'Connell's technique.
He would fire off bursts.
Like in a full auto mode. I can remember standing next to Ed when he would be firing away, and saying to him, "Jesus Ed, you're mowing them down like a door gunner on a Huey, with a freaking M-60!" He would just laugh. But I would end up laughing later, when he was always having to replace his cards because his cards were full. I guess I'm somewhere in the middle of those two. I squeeze them off like Nevins, but shoot more than he would, and less than Ed would shoot. Call it the Happy Medium. .
Here's another shot from that morning. So pretty. So dramatic.
And another one. This pic has a better view of the left on the other side of this right. Both sides were working this morning. As you will see down in the galleries. The crew was getting barreled on both the rights and the lefts.
The 2020 OSCARS has come and gone. Thank God in Heaven.
As always, there were some serious head scratching going on during the announcements of this year's winners. You really can't put too much stock in these award programs. And you really have to take the winner's speeches with a grain of salt. Some of them tend to go on and on about absolutely nothing, while others, have actually something poignant and nice to say. But at the end of the day, they all still live in that make believe world. And really, I don't think that I'm alone when I say, that I prefer that they stay in that world, and not tell the rest of us how to live our lives.
Best male Actor Joaquin Phoenix. Best Director Bong Joon Ho, and Best Picture PARASITE. Best supporting Male actor Brad Pitt. We saw all three movies. JOKER, PARASITE, and ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD.
I think the latter should have won Best Picture.
But that's me. All three movies were very well done. If you have not seen them, it's worth the $5.99 on ON-DEMAND. They're entertaining.
We both loved JUDY and thought that Renée Zellweger did a great job.
I wonder if anyone has ever been killed by an Oscar wielding maniac actor?
I'm guessing that thing would hurt if it hit you in the noggin. Someone (Quentin) should make a movie about that scenario. A crazy washed up actor, kills a young up and coming actor with their prized possession, the Oscar itself. I mean that story could practically write itself. Think of all the twists and turns. Just call it OSCAR. And please remember, you heard it here first kids.
So 51 years ago on February 9th, 1964 The BEATLES appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.
I saw it that night along with millions of others. And the very next morning, the world had changed forever. And that is the 100% truth.
Ringo, George, Ed, John, and Paul. What an incredible historic night.
The next year Ed appeared on the cover of ESQUIRE in a Beatles wig.
The millions and millions of Beatles fans will always be grateful to Ed Sullivan. Thank you Ed for opening the doors to the Greatest Rock and Roll band in the History of the World. "And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love, you make." The Beatles last line they ever wrote on Abbey Road 1969.
Hampton, NH and the American Legion Post 35 Lost another Legend Today.
US ARMY Korean War Era Veteran John M. Holman, 91 passed peacefully on February 11th, 2020. John was my Post Chaplain for many years when I was Commander from 2001-2014. John was also a local Hampton/Post historian. He knew more about Hampton and Post 35 than any other living human being. His writings can still be found at the Hampton Public Library. John was a proud veteran who came from a long line of veterans. John served in the 28th Infantry Division in Germany from 1951-1953. His father Marshall Holman served in WWI and was a charter member of Post 35.
John was also one of the funniest men I ever had the pleasure of knowing.
I would always crack up when he would introduce his late wife Connie to people "You know my first wife Connie." She was such a sweetheart, She would just smile and shake her head. Connie and John both had to endure the tragic loss of their only son Mark, when he was killed in a car accident in Europe while he was stationed in the ARMY as a SGT in 1981. Connie passed in 2009, and John was never really the same after that. They were old school. "Til Death Do Us Part." He was an inspiration to me.
He leaves behind his daughter Melanie and her husband Frank, along with grandchildren and great grandchildren. We've lost so many Post members these last 5 years. And I know I'm not alone when I say, that he will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him.
Rest Easy John, you served our country and town well.
John saluting during TAPS being played by our post bugler Mark Weatherby.
John giving the Invocation during one of the many Memorial day observances we would do around the seacoast. He would give me all kinds of grief if the Mic stand wasn't perfectly set for him. But he'd do it in front of hundreds of people. I would just chuckle and position his Mic stand for him.
With the late George Masten John presented this amazing time-line of our Post History. His father was a original member of our Post after WWI.
On my last Official day as Commander John was there by my side.
"Surfing, Friends, and Family Heals All Wounds."
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This is Lenny Nichols on a bona fide bomb the summer of 2010. Clearly this was some kind of a hurricane swell. I no doubt have video of this day. If Ed was on the beach shooting stills I had to have been somewhere shooting video. In fact, I may have this same wave. It was not uncommon for us to have the same shots during any given swell. Typically Ed shooting stills with me shooting video. We got the best of both worlds during every swell. And that's one of the things I miss most. Working together.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
Now for Some Local, National and International News
I'm not as giddy as most of my friends who live outside of this great state of ours when it comes to the "First In The Nation" opportunity when it comes to Presidential elections. Yeah we go first. Yes the rest of the country, and indeed the whole world are all watching. But in the long run does it really matter? So it's the same Number One and Number two showing. Bernie and Pete.
Both the TOP Two seeds in the Democratic Party.
Personally I think Bernie is too old. And I for the life of me can't figure out why the kids love him? Does he remind them all of their own Grandpa? I mean that man has one foot in the grave. He already had a heart attack. Maybe if he picks either Pete or Tulsi that might make a big difference. I like Pete. And I like him because he served in the Military. If you have all been following me as of late, you know that I think it is imperative and should be a criteria for anyone, regardless of party or sex, to have served a minimum of two years in the armed forces.
You want to be Commander In Chief?
Fine. But first you need to have served in the military. You want to send troops off to fight and die in a war? Fine. Be a Veteran first. No more civilians coming into the highest office in the world and not having any kind of background in the military. Yes that includes the current POTUS. I'm dead serious.
The majority of these TOP TEN PRESIDENTS served in the Military. This is from a 2017 survey. Veterans.
The real challenge lies in November. Who can beat 45? Because right now that silent majority of GOP members are all giddy with the Senate results of his Impeachment Trials. But let's not forget, that his legacy is already sealed. He shares that not to enviable status as being one of three recent Presidents who were impeached by Congress. Nixon, Clinton, and now Trump. You can't make that one go away 45 you own it.
This other Senior Citizen can't be too happy either.
Sorry Joe, time's running out for you. Too old and too slow.
And this one? Elizabeth Warren? I think she's Bat Shit Crazy.
New Hampshire is her sister state. Bordering Massachusetts where she has her stronghold. Poor showings in Iowa and now NH have her on the ropes. She might be a good VP choice.
But other than that? Stick a fork in her. She's done.
Here is the Orange One speaking in Manchester NH the night of the Primary. He was up to his usual buffoonery. He can't help himself. He's a loose cannon. No matter where he goes.
Have any of you ever seen anyone quite like him?
And his Son in Chief, Donald Junior was out hocking votes with his ex FOX News Commentary Model Kimberly Guilfoyle. I swear those two are something else.
I know I've posted this before, but it needs to be re-posted. This is from Donald Trump JR directed at the Clintons. This must bite him in his TRUMP RUMP every time it resurfaces. Personally? I think it's funny. You can't make this shit up my friends.
So are we supposed to feel sorry for Harvey Weinstein?
Because I do not. I think he looks like a pathetic toad. Not buying into your phony walker Harvey.
This man Don Gavin is the GODFATHER of Boston Comedy and he currently has the Number 5 Comedy Record in the country. I've seen Don Gavin a few times and he is very funny. He's also a good friend and equally funny man of Jimmy Dunn. Now I ask you all. What else do you need to know? Buy this album.
Click on this ad image and buy DON GAVIN'S new album.
Hey we all need to laugh.
ESM (Eastern Surf Magazine) using a READY MAG format did the Best of Ralph's Pic. And while they couldn't possibly use everything thing I've ever done, they did manage to put up some 50 pics of mine, plus two videos. And I was truly humbled by their intro. Mez said some nice things about me. CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE THE WHOLE Spread.
COMING FATHER'S DAY 2020.
The DVD's are available at all the local surf shops. Or by
sending me an email. ralph@adlantic.com or send a check for $20.00 made out to ADLANTIC and send it here:
ADLANTIC
c/o OC Studio Suites
703 Ocean Blvd Suite C-4
Hampton, NH 03842
Or RENT or BUY it Online. You have spoken and I have listened. You don't have a DVD player so I made it available Online. Watch it on your Smart TV, your computer, or your cellphone! I can't make this any easier my friends.
GRANITE GIRLS and The RIVER WOMEN from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.
NOW AVAILABLE on VIMEO ON DEMAND.
KSM Photoshop of the Week
How the hell did I miss this last week? KSM in the Weinstein entourage? No way! I wonder if Khaliddy realizes that Weinstein is Jewish and probably is not a fan of Al Qeada. You would think he would have vetted out all the the possible body guards and whatnots? You would think that, but then again it's KSM.
And so my friends, please take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed).
*Note to self -must pick up a case of "DEFENDING SEX CRIMINALS FOR DUMMIES Books"
at Home Depot this week.
Each winter I run these promos form our friends in the mountains. LOON, CRANMORE, and PAT'S PEAK. Just click on these logos below to see what's happening up north.
New England's Most Accessible Resort
EXIT 32 off of 1-93
North Conway's Family Mountain
Located in North Conway, NH
Voted # 1 Ski Town in the country by USA Today
Southern New Hampshire's Family Friendly Mountain
Close To Home!
REST IN PEACE Kirk Douglas age 103!
REST IN PEACE Robert Conrad age 84!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jesse QWILL February 17th, 2020!
HEAL QUICKLY Jacko Keefe and Johnny Meehan!
REST IN PEACE Comet Fatello February 3rd, 2020.
REMEMBERING Gus Fatello gone 20 years on 2-7-2020.
PLEASE Keep longtime NH Surfer Greg Smith in your Prayers.
Lenny Nichols & Colin Madden
Co-Directors, NNE District
Eastern Surfing Association
www.esa-nne.org
@esa.nne.surf
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 13 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo
from any of the weeks on RPOTW.
Remember
my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
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