The TEMPORARY Home at 62 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, NH Tel. (603) 929-7467

THE SUPER BOWL AFTERMATH.
THE CRUSHING COURT DECISION ON 45.
THE SANS SNOW SNOW STORM.

THE BLOG THIS WEEK IS MOSTLY MEMES I GRABBED FROM SOCIAL MEDIA. I PICKED THESE BECAUSE THEY ARE BOTH FUNNY AND TRUTHFUL. AND FUNNY AND TRUTHFUL IS GOOD FOR YOU.

As I mentioned last week, I had no dog in this fight. The Chiefs vs the Forty Niners. Though I clearly wanted the Chiefs to lose, and the reason should be obvious by now. I didn’t want to see another dynasty that soon after The Patriots. But with Brady gone and now Belichick, the door was wide open. Still I could not warm up to Mahomes and his unique style of playing. Let’s face it, he’s no Tom Brady. But, having said that, he is really special. And he does have that magical something that all the greats seem to have. Mahomes can make plays happen when they need it. These run and gun QB’s of today are unpredictable. They can throw and they can run. And you better have a defense that knows how to stop that threat, or it’s gonna be a long day. And the Chiefs needed it in this game. Down 13-0 at the half they came back and won the damn game. But not without the proverbial controversies. Oh yeah there was a bunch.

And that’s what some of these Memes are all about. I mean, they won the game fair and square but…there were some things that should not have gone by without notice. Like this meme suggests. NO HOLDING?



And as far as the Forty Niners? Ahh, they had some bad bounces. (Literally). The punt where the ball hit the San Fran player in the foot which instantly made it a live ball. The Chiefs got the ball on the 49’rs 10 yard line. Ugh. Mahomes is not gonna let that gift horse slip through his hands. Next thing you know it’s 13-10. But prior to that, McCaffrey fumbling the ball on their opening drive really hurt them. And Purdy who played great, missed a couple of sure TD passes because of blitzing defenders coming through the line untouched. Untouched in the Super Bowl? That was bad. And then once the Chiefs tied it up and they went into OT? San Fran should have kicked the ball instead of taking the ball. But these new OT rules caught most everyone off guard. Myself included.




I know I’m not alone when it comes to Kelce’s awful physical and mental abuse on his head coach. That was clearly uncalled for. The way he shoved Coach Reid? Terrible. And I don’t care what anybody thinks, but if that would have happened to Belichick? That player would have been benched or worse. Tossed off the field. Regardless of how good he was and how he could have helped the team win. That was bullshit. They both pretended later that it was no big deal, but it was. And it was on so many levels.

If there was a silver lining after that act of aggression it came in the form of all those memes.

See there is some good to social media. And the memes that followed were priceless. So I say congrats to The Chiefs. And I wish Taylor Swift and Kelce the best of everything. And I also want to congratulate the Forty Niners. They were great this year. Especially Purdy. Like my old boss used to say. “You done good son. You done good.”

Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys. He was a dear friend of mine.

When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers. Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.

ED'S CORNER February 18th, 2024



This is a pic of an unknown Goofy Foot in February of 2005. Though I suppose if I look hard enough, I might be able to ID this guy. But I'm too busy to go through that process. So maybe one of you older readers can recognize this gent for me. Or not.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS SPRING of 2024 (Late March/April). My book that I have been writing the last 10 years or so. Yes, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.

I'm pretty stoked about this project. 73 years in the making. So please be patient with me and stay tuned. The book is coming. It's just taking longer than I had originally anticipated. But it's coming.



Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends.
It's all coming in the winter of 2024.

PLEASE HELP HAMPTON'S SECRET SPOT REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!



CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.

HELP HAMPTON'/S POPULAR SECRET SPOT
REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!

This? This was pretty good. Maybe this is why Kelce went off on Coach Reid? Though I don't remember seeing this on TV. Unless this was AI generated, I think that whoever did this Meme did a great job. It's the AI generated stuff that turns me off. What talent does it take to write a few keywords into some AI software and then wait 40 seconds for some AI generated image? None.
It takes NO talent. ZERO. And that's why I'm against AI.



This is the truth. This Orange headed menace has said some things this week that cannot be overlooked. His encouraging Putin and Russia to invade any NATO country is absurd. His love of Putin is disgusting. Like Nikki Halley said of him yesterday "Trump is siding with a thug who kills his opponents." And it's true. To all my friends and family members who think Trump is the answer. Just STOP and THINK about what he has said and what he has done.

STOP and THINK. He never came through on any of his promises. NONE. He's a self centered narcissist who cares only about ONE person in his life. HIMSELF. All you fools who wear those ugly MAGA hats? Do you honestly think he cares about you? And all you Christians who think he was sent by God? Are you kidding me? GOD? If anyone has sent him, it's Satan. In the Name Of God, STOP and THINK about who this person really is.

 I know Joe Biden is old and he is starting to lose his memory. But when you compare the Biden’s decency to Trump’s? There is no comparison. Joe Biden is a decent man. Donald Trump is not. He is an evil man. His mocking of veterans and real heroes? Unforgivable. He is a TRAITOR to this country. He will be lucky to escape jail time in these upcoming months. And If it comes down to BIDEN vs TRUMP in November? I pray that all the decent GOP members, and all the Independents vote for BIDEN. Because even in his current state of mind, he is far better than Donald J. Trump.



People who know me, know that I was a lifelong member of the GOP until Donald J. Trump came along. I never liked the man even before he ran for office. I could tell he was not to be trusted early on in his career. And once he became a candidate for president? And said what he did about John McCain? He lost me for good. Long story short, I left the party of LINCOLN and became a strong Independent. I hope Nikki Halley is in the hunt come next November, but if she's not? And if it's TRUMP vs BIDEN? Guess who I'm voting for? That's right. For the FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I'm voting Blue. I'll cast my vote for JOE BIDEN. Trump must be stopped.



TRUMP also had his tiny little hands in the killing of this man. It's true.
Donald's puppy love for Putin and his murderous ways has led to the killing of this man. A well loved, outspoken opponent of Putin. ALEXEI NAVALNY has died in a remote Arctic prison at age 47. No known cause of death. 45 is fine with this news. His love for Putin has no boundaries. He wants Putin to take UKRAINE and any other country the former KGB President wants. Including any NATO country. To those who say 45 wants no wars? If he allows Putin to take Ukraine and any other European countries including NATO countries? That sounds like war to me. And we will be up to our ears in it.
The ORANGE MAN must be stopped. SAY NO TO ORANGE.


THE NEW CALENDARS ARE IN. PM me on Facebook or drop me an email to: ralph@adlantic.com or stop by CINNAMON RAINBOWS to pick one up. I have Venmo so if you want to pay through them let me know. But HURRY I only have less than a dozen left, and I'm not going to print anymore.


Click on the image above to see the larger version.

This calendar might become a collectors item.

Twenty years of Ralph's Pic from 2004 to 2024. It was cool going through the years and picking out pics from the last 20 years. Not only are there pics of mine, but also from some of the other photographers who have submitted pics to this weekly Blog. The late Ed O'Connell, Brian Nevins, Martha Lardent, Dina Crawford, Erica Nardone and many more. *Send me an email or a Private Message to reserve a copy of this 20 year Calendar.

MACCA GETS HIS HOFNER BASS BACK!



Finally, back in 1972 Paul McCartney's first Hofner bass was stolen. Now 51 years later he is reunited with his bass guitar. Paul recorded LOVE ME DO with that iconic bass and was seen playing the bass in many films and photos in the the time he had it. He bought in 1961 and lost it in 1972. Not sure about the details on how it was stolen and how it was found. But the good news is Paul has his original Hofner bass back. And once again, Life Is Good for Sir Paul McCartney of Liverpool.

“LOVE ME DO HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

45 BLASTS THE JUDGE AFTER BEING HIT WITH A $350 MILLION DOLLAR FINE. AND IS BANNED FROM DOING BUSINESS IN NYC FOR 3 YEARS.



To my friends who like this man, and believe his lies. He is a criminal. He has cheated on all of his wives. He's been found libel on sexually assaulting a woman E.G. Carroll and must pay her $83 million dollars. His civil fraud trial fine is $350 million, and when it's all said and done, this buffoon will be close to being fined $540 million dollars. That's half a billion! Is this who you want to run our country? I mean really? This guy? This liar? This cheat? This loser?

He likes to say how successful he is in running his businesses. And how he wants to run the country the same way he has run his many businesses. Do yourself a favor and GOOGLE how successful his businesses really are. Go on Google all of his successful businesses. I'll wait right here. Go on, GOOGLE it.

*THIS JUST IN. ORANGE MAN NOW HOCKING SNEAKERS.

The very next day after being hit with that massive fine, he introduces his new line of Sneakers? What? Yup. It's True.
I'm sorry but if you were to Google what an ass clown looks like. This is what image would pop up. All of you people who donate to this man are only paying for his legal team. The man is a walking talking lawsuit who is one step away from going to prison. At least his Orange Prison Jump suit will match his skin tone. My question is, who is going to do his hair every morning in prison?



This is what an ASS CLOWN looks like. TRUMP SNEAKERS?
BUY A SNEAKER TO HELP HIM PAY OFF HIS LAWYERS.



Talk about beating a dead horse to death. I'm sorry, but I couldn't help myself. I had to use the KELCE MELTDOWN image for our weekly KSM Meme. Look, I always look to see what's happening in the news every week and lets face it, that KELCE pic was everywhere. So, I took what the Lord has giveth (or something like that) and put it to good use. Besides, it looks to me like The Sheik is a little annoyed at Travis's behavior and lack of respect for the head coach. I mean if Khaliddy is turned off by this act of violence, you know it's bad. Poor Andy. He's not only getting an ear full, he's getting spat on too. Damn.



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 MOUTH WASH at Home Depot this week.

REST IN PEACE TO THE FIVE MARINES WHO WERE KILLED IN THE CH-53 SUPER STALLION CRASH LAST WEEK IN SAN DIEGO. SEMPER FI MARINES.



REST IN PEACE Capt Jack Casey USMC Dover, NH



REST IN PEACE Walter Augustine "Gus" Flanagan 75.
Gus served with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. He was a good man, and a great father to my friend Kyle. I met him at the HIT THE BEACH event one summer. He was a proud ARMY Vietnam Vet. My most sincere condolences to Kyle Flanagan and family. REST IN PEACE Gus.



REST IN PEACE Mary Louise O'Leary 102 yrs Old
Mary was the beloved mother of my brother Johnny's longtime girlfriend Sue. She lived to be 102 yrs old. I've heard some amazing stories about her. She was a super talented photographer and artist. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Our most sincere condolences to Sue and Johnny and their cats. REST IN PEACE Mary Louise O'Leary.

Please keep local Seacoast icon Karen Evans in your thoughts and prayers as she battles with FTD.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jesse QWILL February 17th, 2024!
FEBRUARY 19th, 2024 is the 79th Anniversary of the landing on IWO JIMA during WWII.
FEBRUARY 23rd, 2024 is the 79th anniversary of the Flag Raising on IWO JIMA!
HAPPY ANNIVERSAY Judith and John Rastl 2-23-24!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

Finally, I'm calling this a special request.
LOCAL SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI NEEDS A KIDNEY. A TYPE A KIDNEY. PLEASE if you know anyone with a Type A Kidney please contact me at ralph@adlantic.com

SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS!
Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 19 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. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

RALPH FATELLO OCTOBER 11th, 1988.
I can never forget this day. This was the day I almost drowned due to wearing that green AQUA-LID on my head. The story about this day is featured in my new book coming out in April. Photo by Michael Baytoff
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image

I kept a daily Blog on my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY surf campaign, when I surfed every single day for 365 consecutive days. Click on the Banner above to read entries of my daily journey. There's some really interesting and true experiences
that happened during that year. Some of which are to this day, unexplainable. Some are just mind blowing. But all true.

I started on July 26th, 2010 and ended on July 26th, 2011.

Some rainy Sunday, pour yourself a cup and go through the journal. Pay close attention to the month of May in 2011. Read that month and let me know what you think of that. Be forewarned it will change you forever.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- THE SANS SNOW STORM SWELL.
FEBRUARY 13th, 2024 Photos by by RALPH



(Above) This as good as it got. No snow. No real waves to speak of.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

(Above) This is Johnny "JIM" Meehan. I was not the least bit surprised
that he was out. Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is not good The sidewalks and roads are still messed up from the big SOU'EASTERS. Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) But the flag was still there. Tuesday February 13th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This was one of the better waves that came through.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art

Clark Little's new book
Click on the ad for more info.

(Above) They were predicting almost a foot of snow.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Johnny on the spot Meehan. Tuesday February 13th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the NEW SURFER'S JOURNAL

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here  https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

(Above) This is Crowley Gentile for sure he was hoping for more than what we got. Surf wise and snow wise. Tuesday February 13th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) You ever get the feeling form week to week that I'm just trying to fill space here? Well, there's some truth to that. Johnny Meehan again.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And then there was a contemporary surf move worth capturing.
Crowley Gentile Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.

Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

(Above) The local marshes have their own unique charm and beauty.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Though the snow didn't pile up, these beach stones sure did.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page

The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA

(Above) Mike Stanek applying the brakes. SANS SNOW STORM.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I am always looking for something new to shoot.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The art of Donna Baldassari

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

(Above) Stanek. Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I love this time of the day. Tuesday February 13th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I wasn't exactly grasping at straws out there. I mean each
shot of surfing is still unique. Mike Stanek in between pulses.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I have surfed out there. It's not what you think.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The peak of freakness was first surfed by a handful of us in 1971.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.

ONLY THE DURHAM STORE IS OPEN.
Due to the massive fire back in August the
Hampton store is closed. We will let you all
know when SECRET SPOT is back in
operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

(Above) I am a big fan of the end of the daylight hours. Magic happens.
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I like this shot of Johnny Meehan. The wave is small but the whole spanse of the shot opens it up to the bigger picture (pun intended).
Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE VALENTINES DAY WAVES
FEBRUARY 14th, 2024 Photos by by RALPH

(Above) The day belonged to lovers. Because I only saw one surfer. Wednesday February 14th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There were plenty of waves. But also plenty of wind and cold. Wednesday February 14th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the new video at the top of this page.

(Above) I saw so many would be perfect waves. If only there was someone
to ride them. Wednesday February 14th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I mean, it was a solid waist to chest high. Granted it was cold and windy. Wednesday February 14th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.

Everybody has a story to tell

(Above) Wild and woolly Wednesday February 14th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I'd see waves like this and ask myself. Where is everyone? Wednesday February 14th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The waves were beautiful. Valentines Day perfection.
Wednesday February 14th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This wave in particular stopped me dead in my tracks.
Wednesday February 14th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The last photo I shot on the Valentines Day perfection.
Wednesday February 14th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- NEW ENGLAND WILDLIFE IN MASS
FEBRUARY 17th, 2024 Photos by by RALPH

(Above) Somewhere in Massachusetts February 17th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The things you see in Massachusetts. If you open your eyes.
Saturday February 17th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) These two Mass bucks could care less about me.
Saturday February 17th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously.
By 10AM. Make sure they are 1300 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me.
Thank you.

Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

(Above) This is a cool photo of a special place. The rider is Johnny "JIM" Meehan. This was sent in by Jimbo Kelly. Photo c/o JIMBO KELLY
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Jimbo Kelly surfing on Valentines Day.
Photo by Erica Nardone
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 760 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK. Click the image above to see the outcome of this Surf Crime and the verdict that was rendered.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome

This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.

Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

I see waves at the end of the week.

I'm picking February 24th, 2024 as the best of the week!

February 18th, 2024

HOW TO PROPERLY EXECUTE THE BUTTBACK.

(ABOVE) I saw this happening before it happened and almost felt bad. I say almost because I have a quota to fill each week. And that includes looking for my PARTING Shot each week. Photo by RALPH



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