HATE and LOVE. Jimmy G Taking The Helm on Week II.
Donald Trump now says Obama born in US, blames HRC
for starting the Rumor.

Let me ask you all a question. Have any of you Facebook users, ever unfriended any of your "friends". I'm sure some of you have. Now let me ask you this. Have any of you ever"blocked" a friend? I have done both. And, I have been on the receiving end of both as well. Suffice it to say, if you have BLOCKED a friend, there's got to be a good reason. I know mine are. I also know, that when I block someone, its for a lengthy time, if not forever. You know, it's like a Life sentence. All of them worthy mind you.

So, why am I bringing up the act of Blocking on Facebook?

Well, I Blocked a "friend" on Facebook who was also a real friend (or so I thought at one time), due to comments that were just unacceptable. And look,
I have pretty thick skin. I can take a jab here and there. I understand the male banter enough to know, that we can all get a good chuckle, when friends are having a friendly pissing match.

It's when things get personal and start to cut a little deep, is when I draw the line. Now, I know with 100% certainty that this "Blocked" friend is reading this right now. Am I right Blockhead? Are you not sitting in your giant kitty liter box, reading this right now? Ha. Of course you are. So I am going to explain to the masses out there who read this weekly blog, how this all came about. And I'm going to guess, that every single person who reads this, will agree with me.

As some of you Facebook friends know, I always post a notice when the blog is up. I do this for every blog- every week. And I typically will grab a bunch of photos from whoever submitted them that week. Because of the TS Hermine swell, we had a lot of photographers sending in their work. There were I believe, some 6 photographers who sent in their pics.

Well, one of the photos I posted, was from one of those photographers.

It was a good shot of one of the talented local surfers. Typically, people will see the pics, and then click on the link, and go to the galleries to see all of the weekly photos. Sometimes they like the photo, and sometimes they comment. And 99% of the comments are positive. There might be a slight dig to one of their buddies if a photo of them ends up on the blog. But it's always in good fun. Never anything snarky, and mean spirited.

Because my email is set up to alert me when someone comments, I can go right to the comment, and usually like it, or add my own reply.

But this particular comment stopped me dead in my tracks. It read, and I quote: "FINALLY A DECENT PHOTO OF A SURFER / WAVE / ON THE BLOG."

Is there anyone out there who does not see this comment for what it is? "FINALLY A DECENT PHOTO OF A SURFER / WAVE / ON THE BLOG."
Does this not imply that there has not been a decent photo on the blog? It's when I called him out on this that things went south. I told him he not only insulted me, but every other photographer and surfer who's been on the blog. He denied that he was insulting anyone. I mean read that line again. The first few comments were from other photographers asking him if he was serious. He said he was. Unbelievable.

There were lots of Fuck You's. Lots of huffing and puffing behind his monitor.

I always chuckle at these brave souls who claim all kinds of violence behind their computers. Everyone's a tough guy on their keyboards, but when they are face To face with their opponents, they crumble. Like this guy did about 10 years ago. Something similar happened where he was strutting around like some cocky rooster on his computer, saying all kinds of useless shit about me. But when one day, I saw him at the Wall getting his wetsuit on behind his vehicle, I walked up on him.

He was startled to say the least.

I offered to settle the things he was spewing about, by suggesting we go down behind the Wall, and finish this up once and for all. And, like most cowards, he urinated on the spot, and claimed he had no beef with me. I could only shake my head and chuckle. I offered several times to settle this, but each time was met with the same pleading reply. "I don't have a beef with you Ralph."

Long story short, we shook hands and walked away. I thought that was it.

My close friends will attest to this next part. When we shook hands? Well, to this very day, I have never, ever, shaken a man's hand that was so like a bag of wet noodles, than I did with him on that day. I thought he was joking. Turns out he wasn't. It kind of creeped me out. This latest incident brought that hand shake back to the surface, and I shared that story with some of his friends.

Now look, I am not a violent man. Well, let me say that again. I am not as violent, a man, as I once was. Those days are behind me now.

I have had my share of being in some knock down brawls. I have been in fights my whole early adult life. Hell, I joined the Marine Corps at 17. Nobody enlists in the Marine Corps during the peak of a violent war, that is killing hundreds of Americans each week, and drafting men by the thousands, unless they want to fight. And I wanted to fight. I was willing and committed to fighting and possibly dying for my country. And straight up? I'd do it all over again. I know what it's like to fight. And I know how to fight. So when some punk ass coward hiding behind his computer challenges me to fight? I'm going to take him for his spoken word, and allow him that opportunity.

You see, when he drags members of my family into his wrongheaded stupid argument, I draw the line. When he tells me multiple times to FUCK OFF. I draw the line. When you call me an OLD MAN... I draw the line. But that last line? It really set me off. I sent him a PM (private message) on Facebook telling him "If I could block you from reading the blog I would. So I will block you here. And lastly, you really disappointed me."

So he won't see any of my future posts. I won't tag any of his friends either. But yeah, he can read the blog all day and night. But our "friendship" is over. The only way I would EVEN think about letting him back into this world, that he so desperately misses, (he lives in the middle of desert with his family), is, he needs to publicly apologize to me, and to all of the other photographers, and surfers. Otherwise, he will have to read and watch from that giant kitty litter box he calls home. And only dream about the waves and friends he is missing.

So my "Sand Sucking Bonehead" of an ex friend. Goodnight and Goodbye.

I was still reeling from the Sand Sucker incident, when my wife and I were invited to see The CULT at the Hampton Beach Casino by a dear and old friend of ours. Anne Marie is the best. We needed the break, so we said "Hell Yeah" and got dressed into our Rock and Roll clothes and hit the Casino.



Ian of the CULT belting out "She Sells Sanctuary." The band rocked. I mean they kicked the shit out of that joint. It was my first time seeing The CULT but it won't be my last. The band sounded great on the hits, and their new songs were really good. The opening act "The New Regime" is my favorite new rock band. These guys sounded like a cross between Led Zeppelin and The Cult. I was impressed with these kids. Guitar, bass, and drums. The New Regime. Check them out on facebook, or their site. Just Google them.



Me, Cory, Anne Marie, and Kelly. We had so much fun. I swear Cory and I have been to more live shows this year than we have in the last 10 years. And funny enough, most of them were at the Casino. What a great venue right here on the beach in Hampton.



I haven't seen Kelly in a dog's age. These two have not aged one bit. Cory and I were talking about seeing her band The Darlings. Her guitar player is one of my favorite local guitarist. Billy Loosigian has played with everyone.



This was after the show. Me, Ian, and Cory. After this pic was taken Ian stopped me and said "Anne Marie said you served in the military." I told him I did. And he then asked me what unit I was in, and when I told him, "I was with the 9th Marines in I-Corps in Vietnam" he proceeded to talk about Marine Corps history, that only someone who knew what the hell they were talking about, could. I was astonished.

I mean I have been around enough rock stars in my day but NO ONE and I mean NO ONE, ever spoke to me about the Marine Corps and Vietnam the way Ian did. And when I went to walk away, he grabbed my shoulder and spun me around and gave me the longest hug. He then told me he loved me, and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I told him I loved him too, and we hugged it out.

I almost burst into tears. Nobody has ever done that to me. What an amazing individual this man was. And it was all genuine. He had a heart full of love.

And so, my week went from this hateful exchange on Facebook, to this beautiful love, and sincere admiration from a man I had never met. I left there with the girls, feeling that life can be beautiful, if you let yourself love it.
Love is the answer. Love beats hate all day long.

"Surfing, Love, and Music Heals All Wounds"

This beautiful empty wave pic is from 2009. Ed and I had this thing going about empty waves. Whenever the surf was perfect we would try and out do each other with our empty wave shots. This day Ed shot the best empty waves.

To see more of Ed's pics just scroll through the archives. He has shot so many pics for the blog. Be sure and pick up a copy of the COLD COAST and check out Ed's own gallery.
Each week I will feature one of Ed's great pics from this blog.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.




I have not not seen or heard of a paid purse for a surfing contest in these waters for as long as I can remember. But Sid and the crew at Water Brothers are doing just that.
See above and get that $100 entry fee in.

Now for Some More Of My Weekly Global Observances
The sad kneeling and sitting protests during the National Anthem is growing. And in my honest opinion? I think it's terrible. Just terrible. I understand there's problems with the Police and African Americans, but someone please tell me how getting so many Americans pissed off is going to help?



The latest group of protesters are coming to Foxboro today. These Losers are members of the Miami Dolphins. This is so bad. And so unnecessary. Colin Kapernick is an asshole. So is every one else who sits or kneels during the Anthem. And please don't tell me it's not hurting anyone. I can tell you without question it is hurting more people than you realize.



This guy is going to hurt you fish today. Hurt you be racking up more points than you losers will. Jimmy G standing in for Tom Brady has been impressive. He beat the Arizona Cardinals last week. Let's hope he does the same with these flounders from Miami.



I have to admit, it was strange seeing Jimmy G lead the team out of the tunnel last week. And I'm sure it will be strange today in Foxboro. But as long as they win...I won't be complaining.



And so The DONALD now says that Obama was born in the USA. But...he's blaming the rumor on HRC. How much truth to that is yet to be determined. But this whole birthing movement happened when Hillary was running against Obama. What a huge waste of time for everyone. I mean how embarrassing is this for all involved.
The birthers to the Obamas and their two kids. I never once gave that any thought.

Truth is the internet is full of bogeyman stories.

I have to at least once or twice a week email people who send out these ridiculous TRUE stories about politicians and celebrities that are just NOT true. For chrissake people check your sources first. Snopes.com is one way of checking the facts. But honestly? Do yourself a favor and the poor saps like me who get these absurd emails claiming all kinds of bullshit. And that is all it ends up being. Bullshit. And a waste of valuable time.



Listen to what then candidate Barack Obama had to say about Hillary Clinton. My my how times have changed. And look, by no means am I saying that TRUMP is the man for the job. Oh hell no. That fool belongs on TV, but in some wacked Reality TV setting. NOT the damn White House. Look my friends, either way we're F****ED!

KSM Photoshop of the Week
This photo might be the reason why TRUMP made those birther claims. Look in the way back. You see what I see? that dam KSM lurking around the TRUMP campaign feeding them false information about Obama. I swear that dam KSM is a dam troublemaker.

The evil son of a bitch behind 9-11is up to no good week after week. I'd like to know who the hell is letting him out of GITMO with these ridiculous weekend passes.



As always... 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 blank Birth Certificates
at Home Depot this week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jacko Keefe September 21st, 2016
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Victor Capozzi September 20th, 2016

Please Pray for local Hampton surfer Terry Morrison and his family. Also please pray for Marine SSGT George Masten.
A combat Marine who served in Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded the purple heart for wounds received in Vietnam in 1967. George is battling cancer.
PLEASE say a prayer for him.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 11 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

*Click on the photo above to see a larger version

(Above) These two darlings were walking along the Wall when I asked if I
could take their pic. They were so sweet. Those matching blue hats just
had to be documented. September 16th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Jared Veltsos smooth sailing on September 16th, 2016
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Unknown proving the waist high criteria. September 16th, 2016
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Future ripper. If he only knew what was on the other side of that cement wall. September 16th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jared Veltsos reaching for the end. September 16th, 2016
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Mikey doesn't just surf on a long board. His short board designs are just as functional and wacky. His finless 5' something was fun to watch. September 16th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I could watch this guy surf all day long. Matt Colby taking it to
Hermine. September 5th, 2016 Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Great shot here Martha. Matt Colby throwing some rooster tail.
Hermine. September 5th, 2016 Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I know this guy. Ryan Jackson laying track on Hermine's homely face. September 5th, 2016 Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The shooter getting shot. Mikey Evans has Martha in his sights. But not before she got him. You gotta be quicker on the draw Mikey.
September 5th, 2016 Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kevin "Kevlar" Rafferty on a semi looking clean face. *Check the nice sequence Erica shot of Kevin in this gallery. September 5th, 2016
Photo by Erica Nardone *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The 9-11 Observance at Post 35 in Hampton. 9-11-16
Photos by Ralph and Cory Fatello



(Above) The largest flag we have. The "Garrison" is a beacon for both the Wounded Warriors HIT THE BEACH and the 9-11 Ceremony each year. Thank you HFD. September 11th, 2016 Photo by Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Commander Berk Bennett gave a great speech.
September 11th, 2016 Photo by Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) These two Vietnam war heroes were my two right hand men. They were instrumental when I was Commander trying to get this monument built.
John Barvenik USA and George Masten USMC both purple heart recipients. September 11th, 2016 Photo by Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Of all the things I accomplished when I was Commander, it is this that I am most proud of. The Global War On Terrorism. September 11th, 2016 Photo by Fatello *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery