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

THE 60th ANNIVERSAY OF THE BEATLES ON ED SULLIVAN. SAN FRANCISO vs KANSAS CITY SUPER BOWL. NEW CALENDARS.



Where were you on Sunday February 9th, 1964?

MEET THE BEATLES

December 1963 was when I first heard them. “I Want To Hold Your Hand” by the BEATLES came blasting out of my small transistor radio on WMEX in Boston, MA. Woo Woo Ginsberg was the DJ. My favorite station at the time was “MEX.” 1510 on the AM dial. I can remember it as clearly as day. Arnie “WOO WOO” Ginsberg was waking us all up to this new sound from Liverpool, England. It was the beginning of something that changed millions of young lives forever. And it came at a time, when our country was really hurting. The month before, we all experienced the horror of the JFK assassination. We were still reeling from that awful time. And this was before Vietnam became a household word.

The BEATLES came when we all needed something. Funny how these things happen.

Prior to the Beatles, I was listening to The VENTURES. I was obsessed with them. Yes, I listened to Elvis, and Buddy Holly, and a little bit of Ricky Nelson, but it was the Ventures that I loved. That whole cool surf guitar sound was right up my alley. But hearing I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND for the first time? I was all in. Every time that song came on the radio, we turned it up. I couldn’t wait to hear more. All the photos of them started to trickle in. Then there were all the news clips of The BEATLES in England. And then they were coming to America. By the time January rolled around, we were hearing the flip side of I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND which was an even more rocking tune; I SAW HER STANDING THERE. By the end of January, we were going crazy with SHE LOVES YOU.

BEATLEMANIA had hit full force in our neighborhood and our schools. Every single kid I knew was into them.

Then on February 7th, 1964, they came in on Pan Am Flight 101. Landing at JFK in New York, only to be greeted by thousands of screaming fans. They were in America. The newsreel footage of them at the airport, followed by their charming and funny impromptu interview inside the Pan Am building. It was so incredibly exciting for all of us. The buildup to Sunday, February 9th, 1964, at 8:00PM on the Ed Sullivan Show was like waiting for Christmas morning. Their singles, I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND, and SHE LOVES YOU, were flying out of the record stores. And so was their first LP in America, MEET THE BEATLES. We had both singles and played the snot out of them on my father’s record player. We were not allowed to use his big stereo console, but we could use his old record player. We played those two records to death. And we listened to WMEX constantly on any Beatle updates. Sunday could not get here quickly enough.

Funny, how I do not remember what the weather was like that day. I was in a trance all day.

That night we all huddled around our small black and white TV in our tight den. And by all, I mean my mother Eva, my father Gus, myself, my sister Donna, my brother Johnny, my younger sisters Gale and Eva Marie, and my youngest brother David. I don’t recall what we had for dinner. I’m guessing I was so excited I couldn’t eat anyway. But that anticipation? My God…it was unbelievable. Counting down the minutes, the seconds, to finally seeing and hearing them.

And when the moment finally came, Ed Sullivan stepped out and uttered those famous words; “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…THE BEATLES!”

And then, there they were...live on our Black and White TV.


My life changed forever that night. And it had the same affect on millions of others too. Nothing would ever be the same again for so many of us.



When Paul McCartney belted out the lead vocals to ALL MY LOVING I was a fan for life. And here I am 60 years later, and I still feel the same. The BEATLES were, and still are today, my favorite recording artists of all time.
And it all started 60 years ago on February 9th, 1964. Wow.

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 4th, 2024



This is a funny pic of Brian Nevins and myself when we both ended up injuring our right legs. Brian broke his leg running across the sand that was coated with ice in December of 2011. And I tore my Meniscus, and my quad tendon, while also injuring the kneecap itself after I fell on the hard tile floor with my dog, floor, then I tweaked my knee doing and island pullout while out surfing at the Wall , and going over the falls taking water shots at FREAKS, and finally out in the woods hunting when I twisted my knee and it all snapped.

This all happened on December 1st, 2011. Brian and I were attending a fund raiser for MOLLY in Boston and Ed O'Connell was there. He took this photo of us in January of 2012.
12 years ago last month. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS WINTER of 2024 (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!

THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS vs THE SAN FRANCISCO FORTY NINERS IN THIS YEAR'S SUPER BOWL.



This game? Eh. I don't really care. Though, I am rooting for the 49'ers.
I also want to retract what I said about Taylor Swift in my past Blogs and social media posts. I honestly like her. I think she's incredibly talented. And I want to apologize to any of her fans who I may have insulted. I hope they (Kelce and Swift) stay together and maybe even get married, and have a few little Kelce's running around. I just don't like the team. I'm just not a fan of Mahomie. I want the 49'ers to beat them. And beat them soundly.
Again, it has nothing to do with Taylor Swift. I just don't like the team. Period. End of my apology.



These are the facts. I know some of you might not like it, but it's the truth.

And speaking of the TRUTH. This THANK YOU appeared in today's Boston Sunday Globe. Click on the image below to see a larger version.



Thank you BILL BELICHICK for 20 years of some the most exciting Football in the history of the NFL. You and Tom Brady were the TRUE GOATS!

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 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.

“THE BEATLES MUSIC HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

DONALD AND VINCE LOOKING TO GRAB SOME P***Y!



This should not be a surprise to anyone. Just like his many photos with Jeffrey Epstein (who he claims he didn't know). 45 is a sexual predator. And it cost him $83 million dollars last week. Maybe these two will end up being cell mates. Lord hear our prayer.



Now I'm going to guess that not many of you knew that the SHEIK at one point in his life had tried his hand at WRESTLING. He billed himself as THE MAD TERRORIST SHEIK. But he was too small at the time, and quite frankly, Khaliddy was hated by most of the fans. It was not a good fit for the WWE and as a result Vince McMahon had to let him go. But not before they shared some wild parties together. After all, Ole Khaliddy is not a fan of the female. In fact, he prefers that all females be in Burkas and be abused. So he was a willing participant at some wild parties at Vince's Dungeons! He may even appear in McMahon's case as a reluctant witness. I tell ya, it's always something with 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 WWE VHS tapes at Home Depot this week.



Praying that the SUPREME COURT Rules against this clown.
The 14th AMENDMENT MUST BE ENFORCED.

FEBRUARY 9th, 2024 is the 60th Anniversary of the BEATLES Playing on the Ed Sullivan Show.



HAPPY VALENTINES DAY February 14th, 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!
HAPPY 32nd BIRTHDAY Kody Grondin January 25th, 2024.
HAPPY 53rd BIRTHDAY Kelly Beth January 28th, 2024!
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

DOC, ZAP, and JC. THE VALENTINES DAY SWELL OF 2008.
I was pleasantly surprised to see my old RED JEEP in this pic. I loved that vehicle. I am also happy to see John Carden out shooting. He used to be a regular on the surf Photog Scene before he backed away from it all. Kevin and Zappy have been surfing together for many years. This was a great day if I recall. It would have to be somewhat significant just being where we are. And look, we were still able to park along there. This was all before the WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST made the State put up a parking ban there. Thank you not so kind lady. And the crazy thing is, her son is a surfer.
Photo by RALPH
*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 LAST JANUARY SWELL 1-31-24.
Photos by by RALPH



(Above) This is Max Fatello. His ACL surgery had been delayed last month by two weeks. So he got to surf one more time before his 6 to 9 month layoff was imposed. Wednesday January 31st, 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 last day of January was pretty clean and fun looking.
Wednesday January 31st, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The damage from the January 10th & 13th storms was evident.
Wednesday January 31st, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This might be Jon Kiskinis. Wednesday January 31st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is clearly Matt Colby. Wednesday January 31st, 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) Colby cutting loose. Wednesday January 31st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) There were hollow sections. Wednesday January 31st, 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) And fun sections too. Wednesday January 31st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The contrast between the waves and the sand always attracts
my attention. Wednesday January 31st, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) According to Colby the water temp was freezing. So I'm not sure why this guy would be trying to pull these off. Wednesday January 31st, 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) Max managed to get a few hollow ones. Be sure to check the
January Swells video. I'm adding these last two days on that edit.
Wednesday January 31st, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This unidentified Goofyfoot was getting his share.
Wednesday January 31st, 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) As always, it's about the waves. Wednesday January 31st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The lefts were perfect and clean. Wednesday January 31st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) And so were the rights. Wednesday January 31st, 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) And speaking of Wrights. Jacquie Wright showed up. Wednesday January 31st, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) And so did Dina Crawford. Wednesday January 31st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Further on up the road. Wednesday January 31st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Colby found another hole. Wednesday January 31st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) And so January ended on a nice note.
Wednesday January 31st, 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) But the year started off on a bad note.
Wednesday January 31st, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Still, beggars can't be choosers. Wednesday January 31st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The Yin and Yang of 2024. Wednesday January 31st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Anson Rodgers heading back out. Wednesday January 31st, 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.

Today- THE JANUARY 29th, 2024 SWELL.
Photos by RALPH

(Above) Gull tracks in the snow. Monday January 29th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Matt Colby paddles out alone. Monday January 29th, 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) Matt Colby taking off late. Monday January 29th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Colby impacted in the lip. Did he make it? Check the gallery
to find out. Monday January 29th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Matt Colby had this all to himself. Monday January 29th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I mean, look at these waves. Monday January 29th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Matt Colby taking it all in. Monday January 29th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jack Madden joined Matt, and Mike Stanek out there. I got video of all three of them. Be sure to check the JANUARY SWELLS video tomorrow.
Monday January 29th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Jack Madden. Monday January 29th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I had the best seat in the house. Monday January 29th, 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 very special place. I was there a few years ago. Right as COVID was about to hit. Photo c/o Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This? This is off the radar. Accessible only by boat.
Photo c/o Cap'n Chambo
*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 # 758 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 Ed O'Connell
*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 all week.

I'm picking February 9th, 2024 as the best of the week!

February 4th, 2024

DUMP TRUMP

(ABOVE) I saw a sign in my town that read: DUMP TRUMP. This is my 13 yr old German Shorthair. His name is PATCH. Now it's important to know, that I did not train him to do this. He did this all on his own. This breed is really smart. And this gives a whole new meaning to DUMP TRUMP. Good Boy PATCH. Good boy. Photo by RALPH



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