Fireworks, British Answering Machines and the Real Start of Summer

I used to be so bad back in the late 70's and early 80's. Why? Well, I used to call a few British friends of mine every July 4th and casually remind them about the significance of the day. But between you and I, it was to basically rub it in.

I would leave messages on their phone machines (there were no voicemails back then) with the sounds of FireWorks going off in the background. I would speak in a ridiculous British accent and just lay into them. Like I said. I was bad. But it was also funny to me and my American friends. Or it was too me any way.

Independence Day is our Day.

As a longtime local Hampton NH resident, I also look at the 4th
as the REAL start of summer. The only reason being that we
have in the past, experienced some really cold and wet June's. That was not the case this June. Hardly. This June has felt more like July. We've had some serious 90 plus degree days, and the water temps have also been way up.

This June has felt like Summer. I can only imagine what July will bring us. Heat, humidity, warm water, and hopefully a few tropical storms and a hurricane or two, or three or four. Boy that would be nice. To have a half a dozen or so named storms this summer find their way up in our neck of the woods. That would
be great! Hell, it would be unbelievable.

Most surfers I know love Hurricanes and Tropical Storms.

And for all you non surfers, I am talking about tropical storms
and hurricanes that sit off the coast. Not the kind that hit the coast. We want surf, not death and destruction. We want our local businesses and communities to thrive in the summer. So
if a tropical storm sits off the coast and spawns days on end of endless head high plus ground swells. It's a win win situation.

The surfers win. The tourists win. The local businesses win.

However I don't believe any of the surfers will win with the passing off the coast of the remnants of TS Debby. I believe Debby has left us high and dry. No sign of a ground swell. No sign of anything. The wall has knee high surf. Hardly what we were all anticipating with Debby. Still, I am not counting out something arriving at some point. I don't believe it will be big, but I would not be surprised if we got a waist high bump later today.

And I would not be surprised if we got skunked.

Hey here's an interesting little local info pertaining to our surf community. Do you realize that four individuals with strong ties to the local NH seacoast have the same birthday? It's true.
Happy Birthday to Cory Fatello, Dave "Crop" Cropper, Mike Sidebottom, and Kyle Linseman. All share the same birthday.

June 30th, 2012. What are the chances? Not very likely.

(Picture 4) OK so I bastardized (photoshopped) these birthday sharing surf families. I'd like to know how many surfers in the same community all share the same birthday. If you can point out four or more who all live and surf in the same community, then these four, shall relinquish this coveted title, and turn it over to the next group. Let me know.

Otherwise these guys will continue to own it.

Turns out the 30th day of June is also Mike Tyson's birthday.
I can remember Tyson back in the day when he was a formidable contender that sent shocks of fear into his opponents. He was exciting to watch. Then things went south for "Iron Mike".

But not before he gave boxing enthusiasts around the globe some of the most amazing knock-outs ever recorded on video. Damn he was something to watch. I thought he was great in that bit role he had in that "Bachelor Party" movie.

He was hilarious. (In a good way).

So Happy Birthday Mike Tyson. Hope you had a good day and didn't bite anyone's ear off, or punch someone out. Or ended up in some other silly reality dance show. Dude, you are bigger and better than that. You don't need that crap.

Maybe playing bit roles in movies is where your future is at. I think there's a role out there for you Mike. And who knows? It could start you off in a whole new career. Hollywood and Mike Tyson? Maybe not.

Happy Fourth Of July everyone!
Let the Summer Games begin!

The surf community has once again suffered a loss. This time from the Hawaiian Islands. John Koko (middle) the famed bass player/vocalist with the talented Makaha Sons passed away last week at the age of 51. Most of you know of the Makaha Sons through the tireless efforts of Rick Savastano and his wife Janet, along with brother John Savastano, and sister Barbara.

Each year Rick would get the Makaha Sons to fly out to New Hampshire and perform each summer. It was becoming a summer ritual. To say that they are one of the most pure talented singing trios/musicians in the world would be a
gross understatement. They were all of that and more.

It is too early to say what this major loss will have on the Makaha Sons performing again. But one thing is for sure, the spirit and humor and light that John Koko brought to the stage will be hard to replace. Rest In Peace John Koko. Aloha.

Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances:

I wonder how Kalid Sheik Mohammed (KSM) the Mastermind behind
9/11 will celebrate the Fourth? It must be difficult for the Terrorist and
his fellow terrorists on this day. He's gotta be thinking that there will never be a day when Al Qeada has a day like the Fourth of July.

He's gotta be scratching his head over our resilience and our resolve.

Not to mention the endless array of bugs he has crawling around that rat's nest of hair he has. No sir, ole Khaliddy must be bumming about America celebrating our freedom and democracy this week. Too bad.

Note to self: Must pick up Bug Spray and Weed Killer at Home Depot.

So Obamacare got the green light this week from the Supreme Court. Not sure where you all stand on that issue. But I do know it has divided many out there. It's all about one thing folks. Politics. Everything that you have heard and seen in the last 6 months is motivated by one thing and one thing only. Politics. The addiction of Political power is very intoxicating to those who have sipped it's sweet nectar.

And our current President is no different than any other politician. He likes the taste of politics. No scratch that, he loves the taste. He wants to bathe in it, shower in it, eat, drink, and sleep in it. They all do. But this guy has a sweet tooth for it.

It is going to be an interesting next 5 months.

Finally, Tom Cruise and his wife Katie split up after 5 years of marriage and apparently nobody gives a shit!