"El Lay" Lesson: Try Something New

Many of us face an uncertain future in these trying times, but, in these times, it is a good time to try something new. You have to stretch the boundaries of your comfort zone. Most successful transitions involve a trial and error process. Having the courage to try is a success. As the OGDUDE13 states: "Is it better to try and fail or to fail to try." You decide. You can beat defeat by considering my advice.

1. Isolate The Incident. View the incident as a learning opportunity.

2. Channel Positive Experiences. What can you use from this to create success.

3. Adjust Your Sights. To increase your odds of success, break the effort into parts you can do.








Don't forget the old saying, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

Until the next lesson. Stay Down!

"El Lay" Lesson: Teamwork

Teamwork can be difficult to measure. Here are some questions to consider when you are evaluating how well your group functions as a team. The more OGDUDE13 acknowledges this the more effective your team will be.

-Are you aware of complaints and gripes among team members about each other?

-Do you hear compliments between team members?

-Do team members regularly eat lunch together or interact socially outside of the workplace?

-Do you often find yourself trying to cover for one team member who is absent or swamped with work?

-Do staff members know what tasks their teammates can handle?

-Are teammates asking you to help them with things they could have handled among themselves?








My take on this is that you have to sit down with all of them and lay down the law. The way the economy is, they have no choice but to work with each other. If they want to keep their job, they would have to do this.

Let them know that unemployment is NOT a good thing. You will see an immediate turnaround.

Until the next lesson, Stay Down.

"El Lay" Lesson Holiday Edition: Home for the Holidays

The Christmas season is already here, and with this comes the annual trek of far flying relatives. This is an absolutely necessary tradition that has occurred for centuries. These relatives always arrive via greyhound bus or airplane. They expect you to pick them up at the bus depot or aiport and you have to be on time or they will be very critical of you. You will be expected to wine and dine them. Your home will be at their disposal and you may want to get upset at them when they become unbearable.









Hell, after the first night, they have already worn out their welcome. They never offer to pay for any of the amenities you are providing them with and you can bet they will be expecting you to pay for their admission to Disneyland and other fine establishments. The funny part about all this is that when you visit them, they never treat you this good. They don’t have all the fine establishments there like we have in “El Lay“. There is nothing to do there, so you will leave within a couple of days. Where as when they visit, they want to stay at least a week and make sure that by the time they leave, you are nice and miserable. But hey, isn’t this what the holidays are all about? Spending time with the members of your family that you wouldn’t otherwise see until someone bit the big one.


Untill the next lesson “Stay Down”
and MERRY X-MAS


Family Fun From: OG DUDE

"El Lay" Holiday Lesson: Holiday Parties and Cheer

During these times of gift giving and mirth making most folks don’t have time to really enjoy the moment. These individuals feel they have to provide the best possible Holiday season party that they stress themselves out completely. This is totally ludicrous! All you have to do is slow down and enjoy the festivities, instead of making them. There are plenty of Christmas parties starting with the Thanksgiving Holiday all the way up to New Year’s Day. You need to attend as many of these as possible and enjoy this once a year spirit that surrounds us. If you prepared the Christmas party the previous year, don’t try and outdo yourself this year, just have somebody else throw the damn party.











Work on getting invited to as many parties as possible. Believe me, you will feel better about Christmas. Trying to make the perfect Christmas costs way too much and will never ever go as planned. Avoid the unhappy critics that will always be there and get sauced up at a friends party. Let them be miserable somewhere else for a change while you party across town. Remember this year your attending the party not planning one. Once you’ve enjoyed being on the guest list at the party train you will wonder why you’d never thought of this sooner. Take the OG DUDE’S advice and pour yourself a tasty “Sancho Claus” while planning what party to go to rather then what napkins to put out.



Until the next lesson, “Stay Down.”
Author: OG DUDE

Los Angeles Holiday Lesson: Sancho Claus

The Holiday season is upon us and with this festive atmosphere comes heavy eating and even heavier drinking. You will undoubtedly be offered many types of Christmas foods and numerous spirits to wash them down with.









Everybody is filled with feelings of glee and positive moods because as you and I both know, Sancho Claus is coming to town! With this in mind the OG DUDE is prescribing the perfect drink for this holiday season. Just as “The Brown Mexican” became a fan favorite party drink, this new one, Sancho Claus, will become an instant Christmas classic.




















But be careful, the Sancho Claus is another one of the OG DUDE’S drinks that will settle easy and relax you quick. It’s a “creeper” and will definitely put you in one hell of a festive spirit!

• Ingredients:
• 3 oz. Eggnog
• 3 oz. Peppermint schnapps
• 3 oz. Whiskey

You can either blend this drink or stir it well and serve it on the rocks in a 10 to 12 oz. highball glass. After all the excitement of making the drink go ahead and enjoy this Holiday concoction with friends and family alike. What can I tell you but to drink safe, be thankful for Sancho Claus and to have a Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas.
Until the next lesson, “Stay Down.”
Mix Master and Author: OG DUDE

• (Remember always measure to taste, sometimes the OG DUDE’S drinks can be a bit strong.)

"El Lay" Lesson: Holiday Spending

The Holidays are here. It’s time to start getting ready for the busy days of shopping and celebration. It’s easy to get carried away by the Holiday spirit. But with higher prices putting an extra strain on your budget it’s more important then ever to plan your holiday spending more wisely. Being a smart shopper will help you avoid a “Holiday Hangover” in January from extensive debt. Let the OG DUDE provide you with some tips in making the most of the dollars you spend this Christmas Season.























1) Make a List and Check It Twice: Making a gift list and a budget will help you avoid impulse spending.

2) Trim your Budget: Consider what is important to you. This way you can cut back unnecessary gift giving.

3) Sale Shopping: Due to a weak economy this year retailers will be promoting price cuts on inventory.

4) Choose Gifts With Value: Money is always a good value gift.

5) Resist Temptation: Do not open any store credit cards. You will pay later!

6) Recycling: Similar to what I do. Give away gifts that you received in the past that never got opened or can be sealed up real neatly. It is a good way of getting rid of junk.















As previously noted in an earlier lesson, the Christmas Season is a prime time for identity thieves. Make sure your credit card never leaves your sight and keep all receipts in your pocket, not in a shopping bag. The Christmas Season is a special time so be sure to enjoy it all month long. Be nice, be merry and don’t be dazzled by the twinkling lights.


Until the next lesson, “Stay Down.”

"El Lay" Lesson: Rainy Days in Los Angeles

This past week it has been raining cows and bulls. Unfortunately, for the people in Los Angeles, rain causes havoc. The freeways get flooded, the fire infested areas get mudslides and all those silly people who think it is summer time get their homes and vehicles drenched because they left their windows open. The motorists continue to drive at 85 miles per hour on the rain slicked highways and, before you know it, a traffic nightmare has begun because some idiots forgot that they can slip and slide while driving at excessive speed.











On the other side of the spectrum, you have those folks that melt in the rain. These are the same fools that are telling everyone that the Los Angeles area needs some rain to help with the drought, but when it rains these same fools start to complain about the rain. They say things such as: "Why does it have to rain on the day of my party?!!! WAAAAAAAAH!!" or "Stupid rain, my hair's messed up now!"











As usual, Angelenos want to have it both ways. They want rain, but they do not want to get wet (the rain will probably evaporate before it hits the ground in most cases anyway). What an oxymoron their attitude on rain is! People here in "El Lay" do not like the rain, nor do they like the "cold weather." How preposterous this is! One thing is certain, Angelenos can always bet that as soon as they wash their cars, they can be assured it will rain within two days.






Until the next lesson: Stay Down!

GameChat 101: Why Are There Consoles Again?

If you watch SpikeTV or ESPN, you might see a commercial about video games in between all the Viagra and natural male enhancement ads. Later, as you go through a department store you might pass by the video games section and see that there are multiple machines available for video games, as well as other “legal” activities. All of these machines look very different from one another but they have one thing in common: They play video games.
Skating and fighting games have always been major sales pushers and with the Ultimate Fighting Championship entering the sales fray I think it’s fair time to discuss why you, the consumer, should even think about buying any of these products. Don’t worry because we got you covered.






First, let’s talk about the most popular video game machine ever, the personal computer. I know what you’re thinking, “If they make videogames for computers, why are there machines created specifically for videogames?” Well, it turns out that to build up a PC to compete with today’s consoles it would cost at least $500. Yes, PC gaming is very expensive and unless you make big bucks, is reserved only for the elite gamers. I am not one. I can say though that old school PC games are the only games that a standard computer can support. Also, some games have spyware installed and that isn’t what anyone wants. Why use a PC for games then you say? If you have a standard computer play with the PC versions of last generations consoles games. There is a plethora of games to choose from all going for around $20, which is cheap in gamer land. However, if you have Windows Vista then the games might not work. If you have a MAC, good luck, most games only support Windows XP or Vista, but are guaranteed to work.
Final Word: PC games are to be played at the buyer’s risk.

GameChat 101: Gaming on Handhelds

Hey readers! Rodog is here to talk smack about handheld video game players. There are four handheld game machines out now and the Rodog will be breaking them down as follows:
First, let’s talk about the most popular handheld gaming device out now, The Cellular Phone, or the cell phone. Cell phones have always been good gaming devices and they keep getting better. Today’s cell phones (standard, not high end) can play games from the NES and the Sega Genesis. They even make controller shaped attachments for some of the cell phone models. Cell phones, if you already own one, are an excellent choice to play games on.
Now let’s talk about another popular gaming device, the IPOD. The IPOD has some games on it but the controls are hard to deal with. Don’t buy an iPOD to play games with because it’s really not worth it.










The mainstream gaming devices are next and we will be starting with the PSP. The PSP is not known for it’s games but is actually more well known for it’s piracy ability. I don’t know how it works, but I can assume that anything that can be pirated through the internet can be pirated to the PSP. Of course, it would all be virus free and completely illegal. You can also surf the internet wherever WI-FI is available. The PSP is not good for first person, “through the eyes of the character” gaming because it lacks the essential, but missing right analog stick. Other games work well like fighting games or skating games, but, as I mentioned before, the PSP is known for it’s piracy, not great games.
Last but not least is the Nintendo DS, a hand-held that is known for it’s great games. The system has two screens, a regular top screen and a touch bottom screen. The DS supports wireless multi-player mode for up to four players. It does not have the internet but you can purchase optional internet online for $30. Some games have free online play, and yes, they’re all good! The DS is $130 and worth it.
That ends my coverage on handheld gaming devices. Next week I’ll cover the Big Three: Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony’s game consoles. It will be an article breaking the ice on many of the differences found amongst the Big Three.

"El Lay" Lesson: Tips on Personal Safety

In view of the contemporary social and economic conditions, the following prescribed tips from OG DUDE 13 may prevent you from becoming a victim. "El Lay" is a big megalopolis and your safety should always be on the alert. You have to be fight ready at all times. You will enhance your outdoor activities with the following instructions:

When walking be aware of the following:

1) Know your surroundings and environment at all times. Be extra vigilant at night.
2) Walk in well lighted areas.
3) Avoid walking or taking shortcuts through alleys.
4) Stay away from remote and secluded areas and stay away from bushes.
5) Develop a buddy system of walking with someone or with a group, especially at night.
6) If you are carrying a purse, hold it close to your body. Do not let it dangle.
7) Do not accept rides with strangers.
8) If a driver stops to ask you for directions, avoid getting too close to the car.
9) Change directions and vary your pace if you think you are being followed, go to a well lighted area or building when this occurs.
10) If you are being followed by someone in an automobile, get the license plate number and report it to the local law enforcement agency.






When driving be aware of the following:

1) Always lock your doors when driving and after parking.
2) Keep windows rolled up while driving.
3) When possible, always keep your gas tank filled.
4) Park in well lighted areas.
5) Be prepared with your keys in your hand when you return to your car.
6) Do not fumble for your keys while in your purse or pockets.
7) When you return to your car, make sure no one is hiding in your car.


















8) Always lock your valuables and purse in the trunk of your car.
9) If you are being followed, do not drive home or attempt to leave your car. Drive to the nearest police station or open business for assistance.
10) Do not leave your keys in the car.
11) Separate your house keys from the car keys when you park at a valet service.
12) If you have mechanical problems with your car remain inside your locked car until help arrives.


















13) If you are in trouble, honk your horn in order to get help.
14) NEVER pick up hitch hikers.















Also:

Remember to stay calm and don't get embarrassed/nervous if you have to call 911. If you have to make a police report, DON'T delay. This is your safety here that we are talking about.

Until the next lesson, Stay Down!

"El Lay" Lesson - Do your Freaking Job!

In this day of age when everybody is getting laid off, you need to have a game plan in order to keep your job.










One way to get out the boss's pink slip notice list is to avoid annoying him.













Right now, your favorite blog spotter OG DUDE 13, will provide you with some good tips on how to stay off your boss's bad side.


















Tip #1: After asking your boss what his priorities are, feedback your understanding of them. Doing anything less is asking for a grave misunderstanding and an annoyed boss. Thinking like a supervisor and anticipating his/her next move not only helps your department run smoother it will get you noticed for a good deed. any positive comments are always good.
















Tip #2: It is always good to know your boss's behavior profile. You should find out on day 1 of work if your boss likes you to get right to the point or if he wants details. Knowing the answer will help keep the communication open and will keep you on the same page as the boss.













Tip #3: Studying your boss and being observant on what his needs and wants are. If you can become a resource that adds strength to his office, you will never be an annoying pest.










Tip #4: If the other workers are coming to you for clarification, you are a definite asset to the boss.


If you are able to keep your job, do not thank me, but thank yourself for paying attention.

Until the next lesson, "Stay Down."

"EL LAY" Lesson: Crohn's Disease in the Workplace

One of the most frustrating and hazardous aspects of employment is the staff restroom. Don't you just hate it, that when you unavoidably have to "go." There is already someone there having a "stress shit." This person apparently doesn't care about you because he is blowing it up all over the place with his menacing fumes. That makes me want to get a gas mask for everytime I go in there. You can either tough it out and handle your business or you can just walk away. I know of one work location restroom that all employees need to avoid at 3:00 P.M This individual is always there at that time like clockwork. You can set your watch to it. This individual has definite work related stress issues. He sure takes all of it out on the poor, helpless latrine.







It is so bad that no one dares to trek there at 3:00 P.M. It's just terrible. Of course, nobody is willing to "cop" to all this "blow-torch" activity. One other employee pointed out that it has a high probability to be Crohn's Disease. This is when a person has an "internal swelling process" that produces excess water and salt during times of stress. When this happens, the body tries to expel the extra fluid and the person experiences diarrhea. This person obviously needs another job, because his current one is causing discomfort (not only to himself but) to others with his/her disorder.










People do not typically understand or want to care about someone with Crohn's Disease. Most people believe that mental instability is the inherent cause of this madly excessive bowel movement and gas withdrawal. These sudden and predictable urges to use the restroom is an unequivocal mental distress. Hell, if the job is causing you all these issues, just quit. Everyone will be appeased and will not miss the obnoxious fumes. There would be no more instances of "stress shitting" and no more profuse spraying of air fresheners.

Until the next lesson, Stay Down.

-OGDUDE13

"El Lay" Lesson: Grocery Shopping

Don't you ever notice how different stores cater to different clientele? The "Food4Less" and "Vallarta" type stores always seem to attract a rough looking crowd. You have to leave them alone because you don't know how they are going to react when they can't find what they want. When you go to a "Von's" or a "Ralph's" type store, you can bet that they will ask where they can find an item, without getting upset. They are definitely, a softer crowd, for sure.


















I don't know what it is, but the higher the price, the better the crowd. The low price stores always seem to get the trailer-park crowd. I wonder why? Always remember that here in El Lay that you have to dress and shop accordingly. If you don't look the part of a certain type of store, you can bet that you will get grief from the staff and customers, so stick to the low end stores (Dollar Tree, 99cents, etc.). This way you don't have to dress to impress.


OGDUDE13 is calling you out!
Until the next article, Stay Down, Homies!

El Lay Lesson: Halloween Nights

From a baby to a senior citizen, Halloween gives most individuals the time to dress up or dress down to anything they want to be. You can bet the pink slip of your vehicle that most of the women will dress like hoochie’s. This time of the year gives them the chance to be what they really want to be, a hoochie mamma. Of course these women will not tell you that, but we know better. If you really want to be seen or observe a freakfest, go to Hollywood on Halloween night. You will see the weirdest skimpiest outfits ever. Halloween also gives the folks a chance to party down. In the month of October, you can be assured that someone is having a costume party. A good thing this is that you will be able to dance and drink all night without anyone actually noticing this.























The funny part is not the behavior but the costumes in attendance. Adults wear costumes to enjoy the festivities and the kids wear costumes to get their candy or toy treats. Either way, Halloween is fun for all types of people of all ages. There is nothing safe or sacred at Halloween. Even the OG Dude mask was worn last year. This year it’s sure to be on the top ten list at Party City and Halloween store super center. Sarah Palin, John McCain, George W. Bush, and Barrack Obama will even have masks of their own this year. Halloween also signifies the start of the holiday season, you know what comes after Halloween. Need I say more?
Until the next lesson, “Stay Down.”
Opinions and Observations by: OG DUDE

LA Lesson 3.0: Scary Halloween Tricks and Treats

On Halloween night the ghouls and goblins start their trick or treat trek early. But for those households that refuse to accommodate the costume wearing characters, beware, there is a new prank that tricksters will be using this Devil’s Night. The Halloweens of past the pranksters would bombard those tight wad homes that refuse to provide treats, with the mandatory rotten egg and/or dog shit. Now, what these hooligans are going to do is throw pancake syrup projectiles on these unsuspecting folks.

















This will definitely create havoc because the next morning your front porch will be infested with red fire ants or a very sticky floor. Either way the time and effort you put in to performing this clean-up is just not worth the hassle. It would be much cheaper to you if you provided these warlocks and witches with ten dollars worth of candy. The neighborhood kids would appreciate this just as much as the person who does not have to deal with the pancake syrup mess, remember, trick or treating is for the kids not the adults. If you come upon the guy who is wearing that penis and testicles costume and you get squirted, more likely then not, you should avoid giving that guy a treat. He is probably your neighbor.
Until the next lesson, “Stay Down.”
Author: OG DUDE

LA Lesson: Dodgers Suck!

The weather is still fair in DodgerTown and I still fully expect to get my six pack of Hoagies from the PsychoGiantFan. As expected I already took that no good bartender and his sidekick off the payroll. Here in “El Lay” your only allowed one mistake. The fact that these two idiots of the Sunset Strip made the prediction of the Dodgers not going to the playoffs makes their judgment questionable. If I lose my wager of In and Out burgers to that damn Giants fan you can bet I will be billing those two hooligans for my loss. Folks here are already writing the Dodgers off! They have already tossed their little Dodger caps and flags in disgust. You can’t get any more fair weather then this. On the other hand I am sure looking forward to some good hoagie sandwiches. So for my stomachs sake, Dodgers you have got to win. The Board of Directors at OGDUDE13 HQ cannot tolerate another losing team! USC Trojans, Kings, Galaxy, and now possibly the Dodgers! Not to mention we don’t even have a football team to complain about. I still can’t believe that the Dodgers lose one game and it’s like Armageddon has arrived in this city. But you can be just as sure that the minute the Blue Crew pulls out a win flags will be flying mighty high again.
Until the next lesson, “Stay Down.”
Author: OG DUDE

LA lesson: Star Gazing in the Starry Skies

Yes, it’s true. The infamous OG DUDE has returned to drop insights and observations on you like so many demands and dreams from your sad, broken family have gone unfulfilled and forgotten. He is back to his old ways of starting beefs, killing the drama, and giving you: the gangster, the emo, the winner, the loser, the rocker, the roller, the worker and the rich little bitch a chance to try something new or check something out. Sure he’s a low down OG with too much machismo but who the Hell are you? Sit back, crack a cold one, spark up that long one, and relax to the words and advice of the original OG DUDE.


















It’s been awhile since I have submitted an article for the guys and gals at blogspot. I’ve been far too busy doing extra gigs and traveling throughout the City of Angels, just enjoying the beautiful sites and the cities many treasures. One of the better treasures in this bustling city is the Griffith Park Observatory. It has recently re-opened after being shut down for a three year renovation. Now it’s open again and free to the public. You can take in many exhibits inside the Venue including the laser light show for a very minimal fee. Inside that rocking laser experiment you will catch a glimpse of the Universe while rocking out to catchy tunes and some great music. This is a definite must see when in Los Angeles. During the visit you will be able to view the entire West section of the city with absolutely no interference. And at night you can watch the planes circle the city as they await permission to land at LAX.

Going to the Griffith Park Observatory is like an oasis in the desert. It is a quick and enjoyable escape from the hustle and bustle of the fast city life. Don’t forget to view the Moon from the roof top telescope. You can actually see the footprints from the Apollo Astronauts.

Until the next lesson, “Stay Down.”

Reported By: OG DUDE

L.A. Lesson: World-Famous L.A. Traffic

The City of L.A. has a massive freeway system that is well over five thousand miles in length. You have Vietnam vet’s, gangsters, policemen, firemen, and Mixed Martial Artists that will tell you the freeway system here is the scariest thing they have ever experienced. Unlike those simpleton’s from the east coast, we refer to our highways as freeway’s not “expressways”. The people that use the freeways are dangerous. “Road Rage” as they call it occurs thousands of times daily, and the drivers may even use their vehicles as a weapon. You should never cut off anyone here while driving. If you do, you might and will encounter a response from the person you don’t want. Something you shouldn’t really even care about is signaling for lane changes. No one will let you cut in so whats the point?



















Just brace yourself and enter the lane at your own risk. You will always be dealing the person that drives too slow, or the one that is tailing you and driving way too fast, or if you are driving around Hollywood be prepared for the ones that well past the legal limit. Another hazard is “Rush Hour”. Why they call it “Rush Hour” has always escaped me. During “Rush Hour” the cars are moving at the rate of a fast pace walk. If you are using the freeways between 7am-10am or 3pm-7pm you can be assured that the freeway system will be a parking lot. Nobody is moving, drivers are honking, babies are crying, you’ll be sitting there expecting to see Michael Douglas run past you screaming about how he’s going home. After you are done working a long 8+ hour day you have to hit the freeways again and do it all over again. Frightening, isn’t it?

Until the next lesson, “Stay Down”
Reported By: OG DUDE