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November 10th, 2013 The RUN is 2 out of 2 Weeks
Waist high or better, at least once a week. There was
head high Surf on Sunday and waist high on Thursday
and Friday this Week.
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Happy 238th Birthday Marines and
Happy Veterans Day.

I'm pretty sure that almost all of you who read this blog each week, either have veterans in your family, or you are a veteran yourself. When I go and speak at schools each year, I am always amazed at how many kids raise their hands when I ask if they have any veterans in their family. It's clearly over 90% of them.

And having said all of this, I'm genuinely surprised at how many Veterans I know, who are surfers. There's a bunch. Like this Marine.



Col. Tim Bailey served in the Marine Corps and did two tours in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Bronze Star. He's a surfer. And his son Connor is also a surfer. Just saying, there are so many veterans who we all know, who surf.

I guess that's been the case for sometime. Not very probable that many WW II or Korean War vets ever tried surfing, but that all changed during Vietnam. Hell, surfing was hugely popular in the 60's. And everyone tried surfing. Some stayed with it, while others dropped it completely. But I know of many vets who were hardcore surfers. Some like my good friends Joe Somogyi and Jay Hammer.



I took this photo of Joe at 10th Street. He was so pissed at me for taking it. You can see his disgust. Ha! I was always snapping pics and taking movies of the surf scene. Thank God I did, otherwise, we wouldn't have half of what I've been posting over the years on the blog. Joe was in the 10st Airborne USA. He was wounded in Vietnam in 1969 and was also awarded the Bronze Star. He saved the lives of 40 orphans in South Vietnam. He did this by pulling them out of a burning orphanage, that the North Vietnamese had just rocketed. I hope that some of those kids who are adults today remember that US Army Ranger who saved their lives.

Joe died of exposure to Agent Orange in 1978. He is greatly
missed by all who knew and loved him.



Jay Hammer above rose to the rank of Colonel in the USA. He served a tour in Iraq. Jay is still an avid surfer and a good one at that. He spent many a winter on Hawaii's North Shore and was a standout at many of the breaks there. He still lives in the Islands, and travels back home to NH every year. He's a longtime friend of mine, and I always look forward to his visits.

One of these days, Jay is going to move back to NH. (When hell freezes over, or when NH stops freezing over).



I recently found this photo in one of my old photo albums. It's a photo of me walking out to the ramp, to get on the plane that would take me to Camp LeJune in North Carolina, where I would be flying off to Vietnam with my fellow Marines. The irony of this photo struck me the other day. This photo might have been the LAST photo my parents had ever taken of me.

You know the saying "The apple does not fall too far from the tree". Well if you think I take a lot of photos, my dad took more than I did. He documented everything and everywhere. You can see I am holding my orders. WEST PAC GROUND FORCES. And my boarding pass. That's my late mother just barely visible on the right. My two younger brothers were also there, while my three sisters were at home.

I wonder what my dad was thinking as he snapped this last photo.

Being a World War II veteran, he knew what I was getting into. And being a parent today, I can't even begin to wonder what it would be like to watch one of my own kids, walk out the door, and head off to war. Can't imagine it. Yet it happens all the time all across this country. Americans heading off to the military. Some heading off to war zones. Leaving families, homes, loved ones, and surf.

Leaving "surf," to "serve" a greater purpose.

And as cliche as it sounds, I just want to say thank you to all the veterans. All the men and women, who have served our country, and who might still be serving today. And I want to say a special thank you to families and friends of these veterans, who have also sacrificed for our freedom.

Thank you ALL veterans, and families of veterans.



OK I am 100% against bullying. Just so we are clear on this up front. I am against bullying. But I am having a confusing time, trying to justify this current story, as to if this warrants to be a major news story about bullying. Is the NFL going soft here? I don't know. I'm just playing devil's advocate. Is this really bullying? Or is it something else?



I am not a football player. I never played the game. I have never strapped on the pads, and hit other human beings. My son played in High School and in college. I have met and known many players from High School, right up to the NFL.

I know the game is rough. It's football. People get hurt.

I mean good lord, it is a game of brute physical strength, and endurance. I would imagine that you MUST and NEED thick skin to play these games. How could you not? So for this kid Martin to rat out his teammate Incognito? I don't know. It just seems suspicious to me. Like there's another motive involved. I hate to think of yet another Politically correct rule that might pop up due to this story.

We just want to watch football. Please take care of this.


Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances
OK what can you say about this guy? Or rather, what can you say about him, that has not already been said and broadcast?
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has gotten himself into a pickle of massive proportions. Look, I don't really care what 99% of you all do. I would hope that most of you are smart enough to avoid things like Crack Cocaine. But if you are not? Well you need help. Like ole Rob here. He needs help.

The problem I have with people like this guy is, they are in a seat of power. And they use their power for all the wrong reasons. This time however, it's a dead end street. There is NO way out, except the way you came in.

Though once again, the comic factor has been great!



You can't photoshop this kind of stuff. Check out the look on his face there. Classic buffoonery.



And yes I know he has a problem. But his problems are just more fodder for the late night comic assassins. And I am cool with that. The video clip of the compilation of all the insane shit he has done in the last few months, is almost priceless. l hope you have seen it. It's worth the google effort.

And now for my weekly humiliation of Khalid Sheik Muhummed (KSM). Because there is NO WAY I could let this opportunity slip by. Actually it was either this, or some NFL bullying scene. I chose this.

So once again, let's all take a minute, and enjoy the weekly humiliation of the mastermind terrorist who killed 3,000 innocent civilians on September 11th, 2001.



* Note to self. Must pick up a case of drywall crack repair
at Home Depot this week.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
HAPPY 238th BIRTHDAY USMC November 10, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Steve Clark November 10, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Anthony Ciolfi November 10, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Thomas Ciolfi November 10, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Francoise Viau November 10, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Doug Hendry November 12, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Daniella Tabor November 12, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mitch Hargraves November 12, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tim Bailey November 13, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Barbara Savastano November 15, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Joe Gangi November 17, 2013!

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


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.
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Yesterday- Two Different Wars. But The Same conviction.
(Below) This is my dad and myself. I purposely tried to keep the perspective of our height and weight close to the truth. My father never lived long enough to see this creation. He might of gotten a kick out of it. But then again, he might not have. My guess is he would have. We were (are) proud veterans. Like a lot of you out there, we believed in a greater purpose, to serve our country. I still miss calling him on Veterans Day. Photo courtesy of GAF



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Today- The WALL First November Swell. 11-3-13.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This guy was killing it out there. Not sure who he is, I've seen him around before. Any way, he was really surfing good. If you know him, drop me a line.
Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. Photo by RALPH
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(Above) Mackey was out with his new board, and it was my first time shooting him
on this 4 fin Rusty. Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. Photo by RALPH
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(Above) This is Erik Zak, and he was having a blast out there. Not sure if he knew
I was shooting or not. Made no difference to me. It was entertaining for sure, just watching him surf. Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.





(Above) MVF again, this time heading north in a backside drift.
Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. Photo by RALPH
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(Above) This unknown is helping my case for proof of waist high or better.
Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. Photo by RALPH
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(Above) And this guy? Well this guy fell hard on this wave. But he was going for it.
Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. Photo by RALPH
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Today- The Empty WALL Waves November 3rd, 2013.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This hole looked inviting. But no one saw the invite.
Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above) Folding fast, but worth the slamming, if you could get into it and under it quick enough. Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. Photo by RALPH
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Today- The SEQUENCES November 3rd, 2013. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Casey Lockwood can make any wave look good.
Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. Photo by RALPH
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(Above) Mackey testing the stress factor to his new board.
Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. Photo by RALPH
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Today- The North Shore of Oahu. October 2013.
Photos by Brian Thacker



(Above) No guts no glory. The North Shore. October 2013. Photo by Brian Thacker
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) There's only ONE Pipeline. Hawaii's North Shore. October 2013.
Photo by Brian Thacker
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(Above) Looking like Occy or is it Moccy? The North Shore. October 2013.
Photo by Brian Thacker
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
   




(Above) Brian Thacker is a local photographer. He sent these pics in this week and I just want to send a big shout out to him. These are great Brian. Thanks for sharing them with us.The North Shore. October 2013. Photo by Brian Thacker
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Today- Dreamy Pics From The Phantom. November 7th, 2013.
 Photos by The Phantom



(Above) Another incredible surf trip via the little boats that only the Phantom can provide. November 7th, 2013. Photo by The Phantom
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.






(Above) Just in case you were wondering how big that perfect peak was. Clearly head high and better and clearly, pick your fave craft. In other words, YES it's short boardable. November 7th, 2013. Photo by The Phantom
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



 






(Above) Now this is how you check the surf. Pull up, sip on your coffee, wink at your girl on the bow, then make the call. The Phantom delivers. November 7th, 2013. Photo by The Phantom
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(Above) This is how you end the day my friends. November 7th, 2013.
Photo by The Phantom
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Today- Pics From Around The World. November 7th, 2013.
 Photos via The Internet



(Above) I don't know. So stop asking. Photo via The Internet
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.







(Above) Oh boy...this looks dangerous. Photo via Google
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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) Quinn Carrasco not missing Denver Colorado. November 3rd, 2013.
Photo Joann Turner *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



(Above) The last warm day of fall. Mark Henschke. November 3rd, 2013.
Photo Joann Turner *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above) How bad do you want something like this? Photo Wally Engle
 *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 239 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK-
Click the photo to see the outcome of this Surf crime and the verdict.
Photo by RALPH

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Veterans Day Love Story

This is the clip I was trying to get up on my blog on Veterans Day (last year), but I was too busy doing Veterans day ceremonies all over the seacoast. I must warn you, I cried several times making this clip. But it's worth it...because it is so uplifting. LOVE...LOVE... LOVE.

Please share it...I know Veterans day is a day of thanking Veterans...but this message is so powerful and meaningful. Thank You again to ALL the men and women who have served our country and still serve today. And an EXTRA special thanks for the families and friends who wait at home...we know about your sacrifice as well.. God Bless You All...

AN ODE TO JOE USA Vietnam Veteran

 

A collection of stills and old super 8mm movie clips of my late best friend Joe Somogyi and our old surf crew back in the early to mid 70's. This was part of the 9th anniversary of the weekly Ralph's Pic blog. The song is by the Nor'easters and I wrote this about Joe back in the early 80's. Remembering our past, living in the present, and looking forward to the future. *Additional footage from Ed O'Connell.

 

 

 













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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-PR comes alive. Ross Kunkel dropping
into the tropics.


Recorded in 1978. Click on VINNY CD art to see a larger
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COMING NEXT WEEK! Puerto Rico first rumblings...

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 RALPH
 
Today November 10th, 2013
"Parting a way through an entire country!"



(Above) From the last week's insane Typhoon in the Philippines.
Photo by The Google Machine


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