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June 30, 2013- The RUN is 24 out of 24 Weeks.
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Tears and Cheers, and the 4th of July...

I'm not sure if this was an omen or not. But on Monday, I saw
the first "Greenhead" of the season. It was on my passenger
side window in my vehicle, and I couldn't tell, if it was inside or outside. But for one fleeting moment, I almost panicked.
Because if you know anything at all about the dreaded Greenhead Fly it's this. If they smell flesh, they are coming.
And they are relentless.

I often said, that the Greenhead has no real purpose on this
earth except to wreck havoc on the human population on the beach. I mean, in the Big Eco System picture, what is their role? Seriously. Any scientists want to weigh in on this devil bug? Or,
as I am fond of calling them, "Satan's Little Helpers."

Because they work for Satan. No question. Straight from hell.

Any ways, later that night the Bruins lost game six to the Chicago Blackhawks with a little under a minute and a half left in the game. We were all thinking about Game 7. They were winning 2-1 when the Hawks tied it up. 17 seconds later, they went up 3-2. Game over. Series over. Hawks win the cup. What happened?

The irony of the Mapleleafs Game 7 comes to mind here. Down by 3 goals midway through the 3rd period in that qtr finals, the B's made a miraculous comeback, and win it in OT. The reversal of that good fortune is haunting. Shocking. Devastating. Ugh.



However, our loss was tempered. Because the Chicago Blackhawks organization are a class act. I mean it. Class act.
They took out a full page ad in the Boston Globe thanking the Bruins and their fans, for treating them with so much respect. It almost made the loss bearable. Almost.

Because the very next day, Aaron Hernandez was arrested for Murder and the Patriots subsequently dropped him from the roster. I guess somewhere in the contract that Hernandez signed for $40 million dollars it states, that "if you murder someone, the contract is null and void." Who knew? Apparently not number 81.



The internet can be a cruel place. It was only a matter of minutes before the photo shop wizards were making their sarcastic skills come to life. This image above was one of many. It would be funny, if it was not so damn sad.

How many of us would let $40 million slip through our hands?

I don't know anyone who would. I mean, you get paid that kind of money to play a game, and you knowingly blow it? Really? I'm sorry Aaron, but you would be what is known as, a bona fide dumb ass criminal. There are criminals. And there are dumb criminals. You are one of the dumb ones.

But wait, the next day had even more bad Boston sports news.



These three icons of the Boston Celtics were now gone. Paul Pierce, Doc Rivers, and Kevin Garnett. What is happening? The only good news this week is the Sox. They have been winning. Now I am not a baseball fan the likes of some of you. I usually start to pay attention to baseball somewhere around late August or early September. So I can breathe easy until then.

But clearly, this has been one hell of a week as far as Boston Sports go. I can't think of another time when three major Boston sports teams had news like this. In fact, I hope we never have to deal with this much sports stress again in our lifetime. It's taxing on so many of us who live, breathe, and eat this stuff.

I needed a break. And I got one later in the week.



Here's a photo from the "SURFING WITH SMILES" night at the Wall. I can't say enough good things about this night. It was one of those events that really hit hard on the heart strings. I saw many volunteers (some of who are good close friends of mine) help teach young and older children who are dealing with Autism
how to surf . It was so refreshing to see this and document it.

What a great concept. "Surfing With Smiles". Lindsey Mercer and Taylor Thomas are the originators of this successful program. Cinnamom Rainbows sponsors the event. And it runs all summer long. Visit the CR website (above on the masthead) to find out more on this wonderful program.

There's an extensive photo gallery further down in the blog that you should take a look at. It will become quite apparent why it is called "Surfing With Smiles." Again, to quote myself, there are more good people doing good things in this world, than there are bad people doing bad things.

Surfing With Smiles is proof of that.





 

 

 

 

 

As a casual observer this week at North Beach, I wanted to take a moment to praise the Soft Top Surfboard. Thank God for soft tops. From the Surfing With Smiles program, to the gaggles of kooks from everywhere USA, the soft top has been a savior. Not sure who invented the first soft top, but I am going to say, that the soft top has enabled more people to safely try surfing than any other feature since the sport was discovered.

Thank you soft tops. Gee, I just realized how mellow I really have become. Just 5 to 10 years ago, I would of been snarling at Soft Tops. But now? Now I see clearly. The Soft Top has been a boon. I mean, it is huge. I know a lot of you guys are shaking your heads right now. But stop and think about it.

If you are paddling out, and a big set whips into the section of the beach you are surfing, which would you rather be facing? A loose soft top, or some old longboard that has taken on water? No need to answer. I already know . My guess is the soft top is going to be around for a long time. Thank God.

After I left the Surfing With Smiles event, I went to a more somber and much more sadder surfing event. It was a Memorial Surfer's paddle for Michael Marrone. Marrone was a local surfer who passed away earleir in the week. He left
behind a young wife and a young toddler. Not to mention
many friends and loved ones.



Rest in Peace Michael Marrone. *See photo gallery below in blog of the entire paddle.

Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances:

The country made HUGE strides in Equality this week. Look, I have no problem at all with anyone who wants to get married. Zero. If gays want to marry let them. What concern is it of yours? I mean really? Look at the calendar. It's 2013. Times have changed. We are no longer living in the dark ages. Open your eyes and your hearts.



Speaking of opening your heart. KSM has requested that Aaron Hernandez bunk with him at GITMO. Khalid Sheik Mohummed's a big fan of Hernandez. Not sure how this will pan out. My guess is Hernandez is not going to comply. We'll see.

Meanwhile enjoy this weekly humiliation of the mastermind who killed 3,000 innocent Americans on September 11, 2001.



*Note to self: Must pick up a case of Tattoo Ink at Home Depot!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

HAAPY BIRTHDAY Cory Fatello June 30th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dave Cropper June 30th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kyle Linseman June 30th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike Sidebottom June 30th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike Tyson June 30th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Beth Harrington July 2nd, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Rick Evans July 2nd, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aaron Lyons July 4th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY America July 4th, 2013!
Happy Birthday Hampton Beach (who ever you are)
July 4th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bonnie Stern July 6th, 2013!
*Special acknowledgement to the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. July 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 1863.


Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic
Of The Week
every
week for the last 9 years. **Think about BUYING a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.

Keep in mind the photos you steal from this site are low RES. You can't blow them up. Order HIGH RES photos that are
suitable for framing. It's
a GREAT Gift Idea. A nice framed photo of your favorite
Surfer or Surf Break!
Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.


Ralph





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Yesterday- Joe "Manse" Somogyi 1975
(Below) This photo was taken with one of those cheap instamatic cameras from the 70's. We used to look for places to skate board. This was a parking lot in Portsmouth. It was Joe, Jeff Obst, and myself the summer of 75. The board Joe is riding is one of those old flex boards. We were always pretending that we were surfing on those things.
Photo by RALPH/SFOD



Click on the photo above to see the larger version.

Don't forget to go back and read the whole DAILY BLOG on My
CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY
. (Click On the Banner below on this page.)
Started on July 26, 2010 ENDED July 26, 2011. A Wave a day for 365
consecutive days. Just click on the banner ads on this page.


To contact the advertisers below, simply click on the Ad itself. Anyone wishing to find out info about advertising here can do so by emailing me directly by clicking here. Ralph's Email I'll send you a template and other info on how you can become a paid sponsor

We highly recommend the various businesses and
artists listed below. Why? Well simply put, each and every one of them is a Surfer, who lives the Surfing Lifestyle, and their business is a reflection of that
lifestyle that we all love.








PHOTOS BELOW SHOT THIS WEEK *Unless otherwise noted.

Today- The Sloppy Wall Session Saturday June 29th, 2013.
Photos by RALPH




(Above) It was business as usual at the Wall. Justin getting a "head" in his surfing. Saturday June 29th, 2013. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.










(Above) I saw Melissa at the QWILL show the night before and then here at the wall
the next morning. Saturday June 29th, 2013.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.











(Above) Gilly out the back hitting the lip and Justin on the inside. June 29th, 2013.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.








(Above) MVF sticking the black Vinny in the slop. Saturday June 29th, 2013.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.






(Above) Jesse Gould having fun on the LB. Saturday June 29th, 2013.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.














Today- The SLOPPY SEQUENCES. Saturday June 29th, 2013.
Photos by RALPH




(Above) MVF cutting it close on Saturday June 29th, 2013.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.







(Above)Jesse Gould always seeking the tube.. Saturday June 29th, 2013.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.






(TODAY)THE EVEN SLOPPIER SESSION on Saturday June 29th, 2013
Photos by Ed O'Connell



(Above) According to Ed this guy was stoked to be getting on the blog this week.
Saturday June 29th, 2013.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.









Click above to read the entire MOLLY BLOG in Chronological order


(Above) Life can be a drag. Or maybe not. Saturday June 22, 2013.
Photo by Ed O'Connell *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




Today- The QWILL Show at the Blue Mermaid June 28, 2013.
Photos by RALPH




(Above) Jesse is a masterful singer/songwriter/performer/producer. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.





(Above) Welcome to the Groove machine of QWILL.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.









(TODAY) The Pioneers and Volcom Embrace The Strange Tour Hits Salisbury Beach. June 28, 2013 Photos by John Walsh



(Above) What's the old saying about pros being able to surf anything?
Photo by John Walsh *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) Stopping by Stevie O'Hara's new Pioneers shop in Salisbury the Volcom
boys put on a clinic.
Photo by John Walsh
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.










Today- The SURFING WITH SMILES Night June 26th, 2013.
Photos by RALPH




(Above) I was touched by the volunteers and the participants of the night.
June 26, 2013
. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.






(Above) Tony and Crrop putting a smile on a young boy's face.
June 26, 2013
. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.









(Above) There's a reason why they call it Surfing With Smiles.
June 26, 2013
. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.












(Above) You can feel the happiness from this kid. The simple act of giving back.
This program is wonderful. Thank you volunteers and organizers.

June 26, 2013
. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.









Today- The Memorial Surfers Paddle for Mike Marrone
June 26th, 2013. Photos by RALPH




(Above) It's never easy saying goodbye to a surfer. Thank God surfers have their
own special way of saying goodbye. I've been to dozens of memorial paddles since
my first one in 1978.
Rest in peace Michael. June 26, 2013. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.






AVAILABLE IN THE SHOPS and Online. Click on image above to see how to order.




(Above) Tossing flowers into the air and hooting. Saying goodbye to another surfer.
June 26, 2013
. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.






Today- The MATSTERS Surf Action/Sports Industry Golf Tournament in California. Photos by Ben Ginsberg



So when the surf and action sports industry gets together for a charity golf tournament at the local public golf course, all hell can and will break loose! All proceeds went to the Brightside School for visually impaired children, a very good cause. About the weird name...on a public course in this desert climate it's just too damn hot and arid to keep continually trying to re-grow grass on frequently damaged tee boxes, so instead there are mats of sod to tee off of. That combined with thinking we're on the same level with the pros at the Masters, you get the Matsters!



This year companies like Surfside Sports (local surf shop/organizer), Billabong, ...Lost, O'Neil, Fyasko, Blisss Magazine, Pie Not (yummie Ausi style meat pies locally), Tavik, Ambsn, Vans, Quiksilver, and Fox all sponsored holes. Even though it's an executive course, and everyone is playing best ball in a scramble format, it takes around
6 hours to play a full round... when you check out the attached photos you'll understand entirely why! Photo by Ben Ginsberg
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.


PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE WORLD



(Above) This is the world beneath the waves. It is our world.
Photo courtesy of The Internet
*Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.



Click on image above for specs
and more info






We welcome all Surf Related pics from our Readers. Just make sure they are at least 900 pixels wide. If you have any OLD photos of local New England surfers and or of local New England surfing, we would love to see them and share them with our readers.

We can scan them for you. And we get them back to you undamaged. Trust me.We can do this...people love the older stuff. So if you have any, please send 'em along. If you have prints/slides we can scan them for you.

And we don't care if you shoot pics with with your cellphones. I mean it. Most of the images you see on the news and on the Internet were shot with them Smart Ass Phones. Shoot and ask questions later.










(Above) From the Surfing With Smiles Night.
Photo CBF
Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.











(Above) Waves in South Carolina Photo CBF
Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

 










(Above) Camp Pendleton Sunset. June 22, 2013.
Photo Patty Blaine
Click on the photo above to see the
Whole gallery.

























boat



(Above) All Rise: 10th Street District Court of Surf Justice is now in session, the
Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. CASE 220
BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK-
Click the photo to see the outcome of this Surf crime and the verdict.
Photo by Dan Merkel


* Click on the photo above to see the OUTCOME.





















Click above to follow the entire CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY Blog. From start to finish. In chronological order as it happened.




CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos

CORY LOPEZ SKELETON BAY AFRICA 2009

Cory Lopez won the "Best Barrel" in the video awards for one of his super long multiple barrel waves at "that Africa left" in 5'5" x 19 1/4 Redux. The video guy never gets any credit so we would like to thank Cory's long time friend Jason Hatch, who got the clips of Cory and had to sit on the beach all day watching his friends get barreled out of their minds.










The Infamous BLATANT DROP IN of Mark Richards and Shaun Tomson surfing the North Shore circa 1976


This actual wave is featured in the New SURFER and you can read MR's own words saying that he "Blatantly" dropped in on Shaun.I guess MR said that Shaun had stuffed him earlier in the day and this was just payback. This "Surf Crime" is also featured in my Blatant Drop In of the week. Getting a lot of bang for my buck with this particular wave and ride. It is quite remarkable to see.










CLICK CRACKIE BELOW TO SEE CRACKIE VIDS



CLICK ON THE CRACKIE IMAGE TO SEE ALL THE CRACKIE VIDEOS. Crackie's still on an unpaid administrative leave. However if you need a Crackie Fix just click on his face and go to his YouTube page and watch all his absurd videos.And if you have a question for Crackie, no matter how stupid, or absurd, please send it here...crackie@adlantic.com

You can also check Crackie out on Facebook. You should Friend Him...though there are no guarantees that he'll be nice to you.














COMING NEXT WEEK. Shot today June 30th, 2013 in NH.
photo by Ed O'Connell




Recorded in 1978. Click on VINNY CD
art to see a larger version and how to
order this CD and others for sale at
GAF Music. www.gafmusic.com
A Division of Adlantic

 

 




COMING NEXT WEEK. Phantom Leftovers.
photo by The Phantom




Recorded in 1983. Click on VINNY CD art
to see a larger version and how to order this CD and others for sale at GAF Music.
www.gafmusic.com
A Division of Adlantic













(Above) Put the cursor over the images above to see happens when you DROP in
on someone. You become Invisible.
Simply put the mouse over the photo to see the
original photo and then marvel at the results of what happens when the criminal
becomes
invisible.*Put the cursor over the photo to see the Real image.
Photo by Dan Merkel





   













Today
June 30, 2013 "Don't get bogged down this summer!"



(Above) It's easy to do. Getting bogged down. Get yourself clear
of all negative energy. And once you do...Move freely about the beach. Photo by RALPH
ral





 



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