July 4th, 2009 INDEPENDENCE DAY- 20 Weeks Of Surf.

There's an old song we all used to sing as teens. It was the kind of song, that would drive a person crazy. It was called 100 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall. Sound familiar? Well, I started singing the melody to that song, to a new song, I came up with on Friday July 3rd. The song (to be sung with the same melody as 100 Bottles) goes something like this.. "Ohhh there's 300 Surfers at The Wall , at the wall , there's 300 surfers at the Wall, you take one down and run him aground, and there's 299 surfers at the Wall. Oh there's 299 surfers at the Wall, there's 299 surfers at the wall, you take one down and run him aground and there's 298 surfers at the wall..." I think you get the picture. As much as I hated that original song, singing it on some school bus, heading off to some competition, we would all sing it. I sang the new version on Friday and John Carden, Ed O'Connell and myself couldn't stop singing the damn thing.

Just like we couldn't stop the crowds.

Yes I was being a tad cynical, and honestly, it wasn't that bad. But there so many bumps and bruises going on out there, that it almost became comical. I say almost, except there were young Groms out surfing ,who could of gotten hurt, by some of the inexperienced beginners. I cringed every time I saw a gaggle of kooks, on Bics, all take off together, only to ditch their boards simultaneously. Thank God those things are soft. They are soft are they not? I don't believe I've ever held a BIC in my hands. But I'm guessing, they are soft tops. You know what? It doesn't really matter. What matters is, the absolute mayhem that I witnessed on Friday and Saturday. So what's the solution? Well for starters...

All four shops in the area provide surf lessons. I highly recommend that ALL beginners take the time, to take a lesson, and read up on some of the Rules and Tips that are available to everyone on the Internet. From my own RULES and TIPS page, here on my site, to the many other websites, that post these rules. Take the time, to learn the unwritten code of ethics, about this thing of ours (sounds like we're in the Mafia), that we all love and live for. And if you don't take any lessons, or you don't have access to the rules, ask someone. I'm sure they would be more than willing to talk with you, ahead of time, as opposed to having you cause damage to their boards, or worse, some serious injury to them, or their loved ones.

I know I would. I would rather you ask me a question, before you accidentally killed me.

In fact, If any of you has a question, and you see me either shooting, or surfing, come up and talk to Uncle Ralph. I want to be...what's the word...oh yea...Approachable. I want the New and Improved, user friendly Ralph, to be known as, more approachable to the Kook. And I say that word "Kook" in a very endearing tone. Look, we were all Kooks at one time, or another. And I'm afraid to say, that a small percentage of Kooks , have remained Kooks to this day. But only due, to their lack of knowledge, of these same rules and tips, that I'm talking about here.

Or their refusal to learn them. "I ain't lernt nutthin bout surfin"

So my brothers and sisters, feel free to talk to me. Just don't do it when I'm actually taking a photo. Or, if I'm out in the water, and about to take off on a wave. Wait until it is crystal clear, that I am not doing either one. You will be surprised at my calm demeanor. And so won't my friends, who might be in earshot. Pay no attention to them. Or the hurtful words that might come from their mouths, when they say stuff like "What the hell is up with RALPH?"

Say, did you know, that Kook spelled backwards is Kook?

All this talk about crowds and whatnots, has gotten me somewhat sidetracked. I wanted to expound upon the fact, that we have had Surf for 20 Consecutive Weeks! That is FREAKING AMAZING. Twenty weeks. There were some friends of mine who were convinced, that this would be the week, that it finally shut down. But alas, my slippery, salt water friends, the waves on Friday and Saturday were totally surfable. Did I just say "Totally?"

I judge the swells by the size of the wave. If it's waist high, I consider that a swell. It was waist high or better for 20 weeks, But if you don't believe me, simply go the archives page and take a gander for yourself. Using my own prescribed theory on wave size and swell authenticity, you will clearly see, that there has indeed, been 20 weeks of waves. Now I have not looked into wave crystal ball websites that predict the surf, but I will later. And I will look and study them as I have for the last 20 weeks. And I will take the information and monitor the weather as we go through another week. So we'll see what develops. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but my mind open. I know where we live, and I know what season it is.

But I can dream can't I?

I've added all the pages to this website. Including my Bio. WHO THE HELL IS RALPH? It was hard writing about myself, and trying to keep it to a single page. I mean, I have done some wild things in my life, and well, quite frankly, if they didn't happen to me, I would be hard pressed to believe them. Someone asked me just today, "why don't you write a book about your life Ralph?" My answer was, "Who would care? I have not done anything . Who wants to know about some Surfer anyway?" Aside from my Bio, I did the photogs, artists, and how to send a photo page. Just browse through them all, and check them Out. I'm still getting queries on my RULES & TIPS page. I'm encouraged, that people want to know the correct etiquette on our unwritten code of Honor.

Also don't be shy...Drop me a line in the DROPPING IN section. I can handle anything you have on your mind. I mentioned before that I'm allowing for anonymous users to vent if you want. I don't want to embarrass anyone. So check it out. The beauty of the DROPPING IN section is, I post it as it I get them.

So Drop in on me. Just don't do it in the water.

Now for some of my weekly Global observances:

Well it's Michael Jackson and nothing but Michael Jackson all week long. The King Of Pop has dominated the news all week.Yes, he's still dead, But dammit people, you'd think that porcelain faced, white woman, was still with us, with all the 24-7 news coverage. I'm sorry if I offended anyone but...really. Yes, he was super talented. Yes, he could sing and dance. But let us not forget, the other weird shit this freak did. I mean come on. Those sleepovers at Neverland? His own words, stating that he loves sleeping with children? I heard that his casket cost $25,000. Are you kidding me? I think of my late Father-in-law's Pine Box, that we buried him in. I think it cost a 100 bucks. So fitting. And this little freak, being buried in the same casket as Liberace. Gag. How's this for something good? Give that money to some poor family who could really use it.

Please...REST IN PEACE MJ, and just let's remember his music. The other stuff is just too hard and too freaky to digest.

The celebrities are dropping like flies here. Poor Billy Mays was just 50 years old when he passed away from a Heart Attack. Are you kidding me? That's a tragedy. The famous pitchman was just on Conan O'Brien the week before. Talk about bad timing. Any celebrity that dies within days of the Michael Jackson passing is getting little, or no coverage. But is that what this is all about? Sadly, yes it is. Who can pull in the biggest crowd. Rest in Peace Billy. I'll buy some Oxiclean in your Memory.

The other celeb who died this week was Karl Malden. My wife thought he was already dead when I mentioned that he passed away. The guy was 97 years old. Hard to feel sad about someone living that long. That's a hell of a run. REST IN PEACE Karl.

NFL QB Steve McNair died of gunshot wounds today. WTF? Are you kidding me? He was a great QB and he played for the TITANS. He gave us Patriots fans a few gray hairs along the way. Rest In Peace Steve.

Bernie Madeoff was sentenced to 150 years in a Federal Prison. He's in his 70's now. Man he's going to be old when he gets out. He'll be over 200 years old. He might die in prison.

The Iraqis will have their own INDEPENDENCE DAY each year. JUNE 30th, 2009 they took over all COMBAT duties in Iraq. Yes, they have Freedom and Democracy, thanks in no small part, to the brave Americans, who fought and died there. God Bless both the Iraqis and the Americans who served there. Speaking of Americans in harms way. There are 4,000 Marines in Afghanistan today, fighting and driving the Taliban out of the villages, and helping the poor Afghan farmers find their own voice, for freedom, and democracy. Say a prayer for them, and their families.

There's an old saying..."For Those who fought for it, Freedom has a taste, the Protected will never know". So true.

Finally Did I read that Al Franken the Comedian from SNL is a US Senator? That's gotta be a joke right? Please...tell me that's a freaking gag...a bit... a skit? Hello?

The WOUNDED WARRIORS are coming back to Hampton Friday August 28th, 2009 at North Beach for the 2nd Annual HIT THE BEACH! Surf event. Stay tuned.

Big Handsome Daddy is playing at RUDI'S in Portsmouth this Thursday, July 9th. Show starts at 8PM (early show and nite). *See ad on right.

We are STILL calling on all able bodies and souls to pray for Lil Miss Molly's recovery.
Please send your prayers and positive vibes to the Rowlee family. Thank you.

Don't forget All the shops are STILL collecting cards, gifts, and other provisions for the Rowlee family. PIONEERS , CINNAMON RAINBOWS, BRICKHOUSE, ZAPSTIX and many more shops are drop off points of interest for Miss Molly. Skip Brunette has opened a Little Miss Molly account at the SEACOAST CREDIT UNION on 887 Lafayette Rd, Hampton NH. (see poster below for info). There are several more fund raisers in the making as well. There's still plenty of things going on for Lil Miss Molly and you can find out most of it on the Ralph's Community Page. Little Miss Molly Fund Auction

Get well Bruce Crisner. NJ Surf Photographer who lost his eye this past week in a tragic surf accident. *It was by his own board, but still. People listen Up! Always come up out if the water, with your hands in front of your face. Hang in there Bruce (Hare).

Check out the NEW WHO THE HELL IS RALPH?
Check out the DROPPING IN ON RALPH Pages.
Check out. Cinnamon Rainbows SurfLine.

Happy Birthday to EARL DAVIDSON July 4th!
Happy Birthday to Heather Day July 7th!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA JULY 4TH!

CALL FOR SURF ART! The Annual RALPH'S SURF ART COLUMN WILL BE POSTED ON JULY 26TH! Start Sending your work now. Make sure they are either JPEGS or PDF files. Make sure they are 700 to 800 pixels wide. *You can send up to 5 pieces per artist. Just make sure you include the Title, your name (or artist name), the medium and surface it is painted on. ALL Artists, including sculptors, and other mediums are welcome. NO STILL PHOTOGRAPHY please for the Art Column.

Deadline for all Art submitted is Friday July 24th 2009 at 6:00PM. Thanks and I'm looking forward to seeing this year's Surf Art.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 6 years.

Remember my friends...Surfing heals all wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

Yesterday- 1971 Vince and his GAF (Below) I'm guessing that I more than likely, ran this photo before. But after doing all the mastheads for this site this past week, I figured why the hell not? This was the camera that we used in the early days of making Surf Movies.I still have it. And I have all the movies that I ever shot with it as well. Some day I plan on transferring them to DVD and releasing them . Photo by Jay Hammer

Today 2009- Week-20 Saturday, July 4th Weekend.

(Above) Mike Moran on the nose again. Yes he was having fun out there. Saturday July 4th, 2009. To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) Ginger Kellar was getting her share of waves on the 4th. Saturday July 4th, 2009 To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) Michael Taylor enjoying the day off. Saturday July 4th, 2009 To see more click on Photo. Photo by Ed O'Connell Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) Unknown. Getting his 15 minutes of fame. Saturday July 4th, 2009 To see more click on Photo. Photo by Ed O'Connell Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) Mike & Jared July 4th wackiness. Saturday July 4th, 2009 To see more click on Photo. Photo by Ed O'Connell Click on the image above to see more. Today 2009- Week-20 Friday July 3rd, 2009 (Above) Mackey V blasting caps at the Wall. Prior to the REAL fireworks. Friday July 3rd, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Leah Grondin at the Wall. Friday July 3rd, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) Kai Nichols . Looks like a swell to me. Hell it's overhead on the K-Man! Friday July 3rd, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) Father and daughter reunite at the Wall. Julia is back home from Hawaii, and dad Lenny lends a hand. Friday July 3rd, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) Empty wave. Where the hell were you? Friday July 3rd, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by Ed O'Connell Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) Julia's welcome home wave. Friday July 3rd, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by Ed O'Connell Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) The Photographer and his project monkies. Friday July 3rd, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by Ed O'Connell Click on the image above to see more.

RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK BELOW.

RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK *SHOT TODAY July 4th 2009
CLICK ON THE PHOTO IMAGE BELOW FOR SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP.

(Above) Click on this image of Mike Moran For a clip taken at the WALL TODAY 7-4-09. Video Frame Grab by RALPH SFOD

Today 2009- FRIDAY July 3rd, 2009 Blatant DROP-IN

(Above) The weekly Crime captured on film. Lenny Nichols deals with the BLATANT Drop In. Friday July 3rd, 2009. To see more and other Drop-Ins click on image.
Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) Mike Moran Fin First Take-Off Sequence July 4th, 2009. To see the rest- click on image. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.

Today 2009 PARTING SHOT- "Coming Down!"
July 4th, 2009

(Above) The Summer begins every July 4th. Please watch out for each other kids.
Saturday July 4th, 2009 . Photo by RALPH