To be quite honest, I wasn't that thrilled to watch Cobra Kai, as I'd seen the previous Karate Kid films and didn't have the desire to go back 30 years in time. I used to be an accomplished martial artist, and I've been burnt on it for some time. A couple decades to be precise...but I digress. I really didn't think it was going to be that good. Not even having finished the current season, I was glad to find I really like it. For a couple of reasons:
1) First and foremost, there is a rock music soundtrack. Now of course the origins of this saga come from the early 80s so it's appropriate, but I have to ask a question: Am I the only guy who's absolutely SICK of hearing hip-hop music and rap on action film and tv soundtracks? NO ONE gets motivated to open a can of whoop-ass to that shit. To each their own, maybe they do (my girlfriend works out to it, so there's exceptions)...but I'm just glad to hear music with balls for a show that also has them. Give me a big drum beat and a bitchin guitar riff any time to throw down to.
More importantly....
2) Those who deserve an ass beating in this show get it. In modern day 2018, and in California NO LESS...I'm surprised they got away with making it this day and age honestly, as pussified and politically correct society is much less as bad as it is here in ultra leftist land.
The kids in the Cobra Kai class are made fun of. Insulted. Told to deal with it if someone gets in their face. And you know what? That's exactly what they do in this show. The show makes a good example of how bad it is with the cyber bullying bs kids realistically have to deal with growing up now. They can't help the generation they grow up in. I couldn't. No one can. But in this show, it gives a realistic portrayal of stepping up to your opponent in person to their face and not backing down. It also shows the sissified supposed "friends" you can only have online who never had your back and never will because they consider "social" media to be something that is an accurate portrayal of what a true friendship is. News flash: It isn't, and NEVER will be.
Today's children are taught to have 0 backbone and not stand up for themselves, because "You can't say that!", for fear of being sued, because they're taught that anyone being offended by anything is the worst thing that can happen. One kid in the class storms out because the instructor makes fun of his lip. He comes back with a new look and says "I'm flippin' the grid" and now looks like a badass and doesn't let what the instructor or anyone else says bother him. Because he has learned in a very short amount of time that LIFE. ISN'T. FAIR. and if he doesn't adapt and not let people run over him, they will - without apology. While words are powerful, actions still speak louder. Your actions by not standing up for yourself speak just as loudly as those kids who are bullies in school who are assholes just because they need someone to pick on. It's not easy to stand up for yourself, I had a tough time myself even as a kid who excelled in my martial arts classes. But eventually I did it and won the respect of my peers (I never needed or desired it, but they at least left me alone when they found out I meant business).
I also have to say it makes me fondly reminiscent of when we actually got hit in martial arts class and truly learned how to fight/take a punch/kick/etc. (in the days before people would sue you for anything and everything), because it toughened us up. I know nowadays there's a lot of martial arts schools who churn out black belts who may be skilled far as their technique/etc. but couldn't hold their own in a fight because they were never allowed to really get HIT and learn to cope with the pain of the experience. I'm glad we were when I was a student. My instructor was indeed an asshole, but he at least taught us without any bs attached and didn't let us get by with sub-par technique, and when it came time to put on the pads we flat out threw down. I am NOT advocating that martial arts schools beat children or physically abuse their students, but if they're not able to get hit and cope with it, then how is that black belt going to help them in a self defense situation? It isn't. And you're always taught that you shouldn't use your skills unless you absolutely have to, but if you do and can't cope with a real life threatening or dangerous situation where you have to endure physical pain to survive, you're going to end up a statistic unfortunately.
Bottom line: I'm just really glad to see a modern day series that accurately portrays what life is like when challenged and/or when you don't stick up for yourself, and what people THINK it's like who "live" their lives online. These kids can't help that they were born into the internet age, but they can be still taught that reality, no matter how convoluted or altered it may be, isn't ever going away. Cue badass guitar riff! I'm out for now. Thanks for reading.
Friday, March 15, 2019
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Beginner's guide to L.A. Volume 3a - Renting: Remember, you WANTED to live here...
Hello again and welcome to installment 3 of my series of blogs concerning newbies to the city and surrounding areas of Los Angeles, CA. This segment will be longer than the previous 2 as there is more information to cover.
So you've gotten into L.A., and of course you need a place to live. There are many options. If you have family or loved ones here, I strongly suggest you ask them if you will be able to live with them for awhile first to get acclimated to the area(s) for a decent length of time, but also most importantly to SAVE MONEY. As I mentioned in the first installment, you'll need a MEGA METRIC F*** TON of it in most cases to afford even something that's CONSIDERED "decent" for this part of the country.
My first apartment here was $700/month with a student discount and described as a bachelor apartment. No kitchen, a VERY small fridge, a bathroom, some cabinets, a living room and a bunch of closets. There was a small ledge that stuck out from the wall I put my hot plate on. Even doing dishes was a bit of a chore as I could only get water out of the bathroom sink. Regardless, it was a great place to start and I have fond memories of my first year here in that room. Now that same place would run you over $1,000.00/month. Ridiculous!
Locating a place to rent won't be tough. The internet is your friend here. You however will be appalled at what the cost of just SHARING a place or a room will be overall even if you do your research first.
The average price for a 1 bedroom apartment where I live is roughly $1,600/month or more. That doesn't include your security deposit... YES YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY. Chances are, unless you have a ton of $, you'll need roommates to even barely afford to survive here. I will be saving that topic for the next one, because if I include it here this will be entirely too long. Roommates here are unfortunately a way of life for most of us (cue the "JAWS" theme, but played at 10 octaves below the pitch we all know and love to give you a MICROSCOPIC idea of how hellish the world of depending on others just so you can live here can be)...as I mentioned in installment 1, you give up a LOT to live here. More than most would even be willing to consider giving up. You REALLY have to want to be here. Or at least have some sort of calling to justify, to yourself anyway, to tolerate the exorbitant price tag. Don't worry, you'll be far from alone in this and will be able to find like minded company fairly easily.
A lot of places won't give you a parking space included with your rent. You'll have to find street parking, which is a hell I would only wish on certain individuals. It's complete b.s., but welcome to L.A. You want to live here, well this is one thing you won't ever be cool with - the bitch of finding a parking space at just about any given time.
My place is 2 bedrooms. One of our inhabitants made the living room into his living area, so there's 3 of us here. Our rent just went up to $2,000/month. Our building is okay, but it's NOTHING SPECIAL for that price. Utilities aren't included, our location is good for what is around it but the building itself isn't anything special. The living room floor isn't level, I just realized that recently. As I said at that moment, very sarcastically, "ALL THIS...FOR $2,000 A MONTH..." Unfortunately it's a reality. I've seen private rooms, not even 1 bedroom apartments for $1,500/month. And even then you STILL have to share a bathroom with 1 or more people. No shit. I've seen SHARED bedrooms for over $700 a month. It's beyond ludicrous, but the landlords get it.
I must say, in all fairness that our landlord in our building is awesome, she and her husband went to bat for the entire building and fought to have it less when the owner of the building decided to raise everyone's rent to a ridiculous amount all at once. It still got raised but not as much as it was supposed to be. They get stuff fixed and/or replaced for us in a timely fashion and are very accommodating, her husband often helps me out by letting me use his tools and even lets me wash my truck in the garage now and then.
Bottom line, do your research, make sure you ABSOLUTELY want to live here, and have enough $ to "live" meaning to just cover rent and food at bare minimum. Some people pay to live on couches/in living rooms what others in places like where I hail from to rent entire houses. The choice is yours, you've been warned.
Next installment: Roommates...cue the JAWS theme......
So you've gotten into L.A., and of course you need a place to live. There are many options. If you have family or loved ones here, I strongly suggest you ask them if you will be able to live with them for awhile first to get acclimated to the area(s) for a decent length of time, but also most importantly to SAVE MONEY. As I mentioned in the first installment, you'll need a MEGA METRIC F*** TON of it in most cases to afford even something that's CONSIDERED "decent" for this part of the country.
My first apartment here was $700/month with a student discount and described as a bachelor apartment. No kitchen, a VERY small fridge, a bathroom, some cabinets, a living room and a bunch of closets. There was a small ledge that stuck out from the wall I put my hot plate on. Even doing dishes was a bit of a chore as I could only get water out of the bathroom sink. Regardless, it was a great place to start and I have fond memories of my first year here in that room. Now that same place would run you over $1,000.00/month. Ridiculous!
Locating a place to rent won't be tough. The internet is your friend here. You however will be appalled at what the cost of just SHARING a place or a room will be overall even if you do your research first.
The average price for a 1 bedroom apartment where I live is roughly $1,600/month or more. That doesn't include your security deposit... YES YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY. Chances are, unless you have a ton of $, you'll need roommates to even barely afford to survive here. I will be saving that topic for the next one, because if I include it here this will be entirely too long. Roommates here are unfortunately a way of life for most of us (cue the "JAWS" theme, but played at 10 octaves below the pitch we all know and love to give you a MICROSCOPIC idea of how hellish the world of depending on others just so you can live here can be)...as I mentioned in installment 1, you give up a LOT to live here. More than most would even be willing to consider giving up. You REALLY have to want to be here. Or at least have some sort of calling to justify, to yourself anyway, to tolerate the exorbitant price tag. Don't worry, you'll be far from alone in this and will be able to find like minded company fairly easily.
A lot of places won't give you a parking space included with your rent. You'll have to find street parking, which is a hell I would only wish on certain individuals. It's complete b.s., but welcome to L.A. You want to live here, well this is one thing you won't ever be cool with - the bitch of finding a parking space at just about any given time.
My place is 2 bedrooms. One of our inhabitants made the living room into his living area, so there's 3 of us here. Our rent just went up to $2,000/month. Our building is okay, but it's NOTHING SPECIAL for that price. Utilities aren't included, our location is good for what is around it but the building itself isn't anything special. The living room floor isn't level, I just realized that recently. As I said at that moment, very sarcastically, "ALL THIS...FOR $2,000 A MONTH..." Unfortunately it's a reality. I've seen private rooms, not even 1 bedroom apartments for $1,500/month. And even then you STILL have to share a bathroom with 1 or more people. No shit. I've seen SHARED bedrooms for over $700 a month. It's beyond ludicrous, but the landlords get it.
I must say, in all fairness that our landlord in our building is awesome, she and her husband went to bat for the entire building and fought to have it less when the owner of the building decided to raise everyone's rent to a ridiculous amount all at once. It still got raised but not as much as it was supposed to be. They get stuff fixed and/or replaced for us in a timely fashion and are very accommodating, her husband often helps me out by letting me use his tools and even lets me wash my truck in the garage now and then.
Bottom line, do your research, make sure you ABSOLUTELY want to live here, and have enough $ to "live" meaning to just cover rent and food at bare minimum. Some people pay to live on couches/in living rooms what others in places like where I hail from to rent entire houses. The choice is yours, you've been warned.
Next installment: Roommates...cue the JAWS theme......
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Beginner's guide to L.A. Volume 2: Welcome to the bright and sunny city of Angels...
Good afternoon, and welcome to volume 2. If you're a newbie to Los Angeles, this post is geared toward you. I will be giving you a basic idea of the pros of living here. I also promised in the last installment that my twisted sense of humor would return, I must reserve it for the next couple as it's easier to bring that out when I am discussing the negative side of it here...
Regardless of where you're moving from, there's no place on earth like L.A. Initially, it may be a shock to see all that goes on here, it may be exciting, thrilling, whatever descriptive words you may use or think upon arriving here. For most it is an exciting time, if for no other reason that you're really going for it and moving to L.A. It's really a big deal when you think about it.
One of the biggest pros about being here is the weather. Rarely is it below 70 degrees, even in the "winter" time. In the later and early months of the year you'll be driving around (if you have a vehicle anyway) with the A/C on. I come from northern IN, where the below zero temperatures are one of the things I miss the least. Even when it rains in L.A. it'll be a rare thing for the most part to see.
If you live in Hollywood, North Hollywood (NoHo), West Hollywood (WeHo) or any place within a few miles of Hollywood, then you have the plus of being able to walk to most areas within reason. Traffic is so bad most times that you will be able to reach your destination faster by walking, believe it or not. The metro rail (Red, Purple and Green lines) cost $1.75 for a 1 way trip. It's great, easy and one of the cheaper ways to get around. Plus if you walk more you'll be able to take in more of the city vs. driving. You'll see some of the most entertaining things you ever have purely due to the inhabitants of this place. Shocking, amusing, hilarious, disturbing, smelly, appalling, it's all here in droves. Very little will surprise you after being here for very long. It's not called Hollyweird for just any old reason.
Entertainment - there are tons of movie theaters, clubs, restaurants, unique shops, souvenirs, and just about anything you could ever want to buy here. A lot of times the Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. will have re - showings of classic films and have cast members there for Q & A after the films, and the Arclight on Sunset does the same. Many films I didn't get to see in the theater as a kid are shown there. This is really cool. Amoeba records also on Sunset has free live concerts a fair amount of the time. The world famous Sunset Strip with the Whisky A Go-Go, Roxy Theater, Viper Room, Rainbow Bar & Grill, Hustler Hollywood, and the (sadly) empty Tower Records building are all in this short stretch of debauchery roughly 4 miles from the heart of Hollywood. Your chances of running into celebrities at the Rainbow are pretty high, especially if it's on a Friday or Saturday night. I'm rarely in that part of town but I do enjoy going there and hanging out now and then, and the food is great there too.
Chance meetings with folks from the entertainment biz/etc...my roommate told me that the guy who did the special effects on the first Evil Dead movie installed the internet here. I was getting my oil changed the other day and the lady in the seat next to me used to date the guy who founded Metal Method guitar lessons, from which I learned briefly a long time ago. I once saw Patrick Stewart of Star Trek and X-Men fame when I got off the plane at LAX. None of these things are really going to help you survive here, but they do make it interesting and I don't know of any other place in the world where they would occur.
There are lots of free events to attend in L.A. also, you'll have to pay to get yourself there but it makes being here a little easier now and then. A lot of your $ will be going toward basic living expenses, so this is a welcome perk to being here as well. Get out and enjoy it, as again the price tag here is so high you may as well if you're able.
Just the overall experience of being able to say you lived in L.A. for any length of time, especially if you come from where I do, is actually really cool. It does have its pluses. This is a short list of perks, there are others but since I live in Hollywood these are the ones that came to mind initially for now.
Join me for the next installment as we dive into renting and the unavoidable (unless you're wealthy or have more $ than most of us) world of roommates.
Have a good day all, and thanks for reading!
Regardless of where you're moving from, there's no place on earth like L.A. Initially, it may be a shock to see all that goes on here, it may be exciting, thrilling, whatever descriptive words you may use or think upon arriving here. For most it is an exciting time, if for no other reason that you're really going for it and moving to L.A. It's really a big deal when you think about it.
One of the biggest pros about being here is the weather. Rarely is it below 70 degrees, even in the "winter" time. In the later and early months of the year you'll be driving around (if you have a vehicle anyway) with the A/C on. I come from northern IN, where the below zero temperatures are one of the things I miss the least. Even when it rains in L.A. it'll be a rare thing for the most part to see.
If you live in Hollywood, North Hollywood (NoHo), West Hollywood (WeHo) or any place within a few miles of Hollywood, then you have the plus of being able to walk to most areas within reason. Traffic is so bad most times that you will be able to reach your destination faster by walking, believe it or not. The metro rail (Red, Purple and Green lines) cost $1.75 for a 1 way trip. It's great, easy and one of the cheaper ways to get around. Plus if you walk more you'll be able to take in more of the city vs. driving. You'll see some of the most entertaining things you ever have purely due to the inhabitants of this place. Shocking, amusing, hilarious, disturbing, smelly, appalling, it's all here in droves. Very little will surprise you after being here for very long. It's not called Hollyweird for just any old reason.
Entertainment - there are tons of movie theaters, clubs, restaurants, unique shops, souvenirs, and just about anything you could ever want to buy here. A lot of times the Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. will have re - showings of classic films and have cast members there for Q & A after the films, and the Arclight on Sunset does the same. Many films I didn't get to see in the theater as a kid are shown there. This is really cool. Amoeba records also on Sunset has free live concerts a fair amount of the time. The world famous Sunset Strip with the Whisky A Go-Go, Roxy Theater, Viper Room, Rainbow Bar & Grill, Hustler Hollywood, and the (sadly) empty Tower Records building are all in this short stretch of debauchery roughly 4 miles from the heart of Hollywood. Your chances of running into celebrities at the Rainbow are pretty high, especially if it's on a Friday or Saturday night. I'm rarely in that part of town but I do enjoy going there and hanging out now and then, and the food is great there too.
Chance meetings with folks from the entertainment biz/etc...my roommate told me that the guy who did the special effects on the first Evil Dead movie installed the internet here. I was getting my oil changed the other day and the lady in the seat next to me used to date the guy who founded Metal Method guitar lessons, from which I learned briefly a long time ago. I once saw Patrick Stewart of Star Trek and X-Men fame when I got off the plane at LAX. None of these things are really going to help you survive here, but they do make it interesting and I don't know of any other place in the world where they would occur.
There are lots of free events to attend in L.A. also, you'll have to pay to get yourself there but it makes being here a little easier now and then. A lot of your $ will be going toward basic living expenses, so this is a welcome perk to being here as well. Get out and enjoy it, as again the price tag here is so high you may as well if you're able.
Just the overall experience of being able to say you lived in L.A. for any length of time, especially if you come from where I do, is actually really cool. It does have its pluses. This is a short list of perks, there are others but since I live in Hollywood these are the ones that came to mind initially for now.
Join me for the next installment as we dive into renting and the unavoidable (unless you're wealthy or have more $ than most of us) world of roommates.
Have a good day all, and thanks for reading!
Monday, August 7, 2017
Beginner's guide to L.A. - Volume one: Welcome to the jungle
Good morning all, it has been some time since I posted a blog. Since I tend to make them ridiculously long, I am going to try and keep them shorter and cover more topics or the same topics with multiple posts.
Since I've lived in L.A. a fair amount of time now, I thought it might be a good idea to give those who are considering moving here a good amount of information as to what they're in for. In small (er) increments. This one may appear long, but believe this for me it's a really short one.
So you want to move to Los Angeles huh? Well, you're far from alone. If you've never even visited here (I hadn't prior to relocating), you're really in for something different than you've ever experienced. L.A. is unlike any other place I've ever been, and I'm sure it's that way for everyone here who are what we refer to as transplants. L.A. is one of the most culturally diverse, interesting, and fascinating places in the U.S. So if you're moving here, you're in for an experience. No matter how long you live here, you'll have stories to tell for the rest of your life, even if you only remain here for a few months.
I must say this: I firmly believe that unless there is a VERY specific reason for you to be here, that you really shouldn't. Do as you wish but this place is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE just because you want to see what it's like and/or want the gorgeous weather. You'll be attending school here, are chasing a dream in some part of the entertainment industry as a musician/actor/filmmaker/etc., have family here, or whatever your reason may be - the price tag IS NOT WORTH IT if you aren't seriously chasing something that only or largely exists here that you feel will better you on a personal or career level. You give up a lot to live here on many levels.
Also if you decide you can't handle it anymore and leave, no one will blame you either. I myself did and came back, but this place isn't for sissies. I'll be covering as many topics on the city and surrounding areas as I can to give you the best idea I can (I have lived in L.A. for a total of 6 1/2 years) as someone who has seen and done quite a bit in all that time.
For now, thank you for reading and if you are planning on moving here, the first thing I can tell you is that you need a MEGA METRIC ******FUCK TON******* OF MONEY. Start saving if you already haven't, and start looking for at least a potential place to live. There's apartments and rooms everywhere, finding a place won't be hard. Affording it probably will be, and if you haven't researched what they cost get on it.
To close here, nothing I post in this series of blogs will be anything but the truth. For those who haven't lived here, you're going to read these and go "REALLY?" A lot. Trust me, I've lived through all these scenarios. I wouldn't lie to and/or steer you wrong. I consider this a public service.
Stay tuned for the next installment of this blog which will cover the pros and advantages of being in Los Angeles.
Thank you for reading! Please share. UP THE IRONS \m/ \m/
Since I've lived in L.A. a fair amount of time now, I thought it might be a good idea to give those who are considering moving here a good amount of information as to what they're in for. In small (er) increments. This one may appear long, but believe this for me it's a really short one.
So you want to move to Los Angeles huh? Well, you're far from alone. If you've never even visited here (I hadn't prior to relocating), you're really in for something different than you've ever experienced. L.A. is unlike any other place I've ever been, and I'm sure it's that way for everyone here who are what we refer to as transplants. L.A. is one of the most culturally diverse, interesting, and fascinating places in the U.S. So if you're moving here, you're in for an experience. No matter how long you live here, you'll have stories to tell for the rest of your life, even if you only remain here for a few months.
I must say this: I firmly believe that unless there is a VERY specific reason for you to be here, that you really shouldn't. Do as you wish but this place is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE just because you want to see what it's like and/or want the gorgeous weather. You'll be attending school here, are chasing a dream in some part of the entertainment industry as a musician/actor/filmmaker/etc., have family here, or whatever your reason may be - the price tag IS NOT WORTH IT if you aren't seriously chasing something that only or largely exists here that you feel will better you on a personal or career level. You give up a lot to live here on many levels.
Also if you decide you can't handle it anymore and leave, no one will blame you either. I myself did and came back, but this place isn't for sissies. I'll be covering as many topics on the city and surrounding areas as I can to give you the best idea I can (I have lived in L.A. for a total of 6 1/2 years) as someone who has seen and done quite a bit in all that time.
For now, thank you for reading and if you are planning on moving here, the first thing I can tell you is that you need a MEGA METRIC ******FUCK TON******* OF MONEY. Start saving if you already haven't, and start looking for at least a potential place to live. There's apartments and rooms everywhere, finding a place won't be hard. Affording it probably will be, and if you haven't researched what they cost get on it.
To close here, nothing I post in this series of blogs will be anything but the truth. For those who haven't lived here, you're going to read these and go "REALLY?" A lot. Trust me, I've lived through all these scenarios. I wouldn't lie to and/or steer you wrong. I consider this a public service.
Stay tuned for the next installment of this blog which will cover the pros and advantages of being in Los Angeles.
Thank you for reading! Please share. UP THE IRONS \m/ \m/
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