In 1513, the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce De Leon set sail to present-day Florida in search of the fabled Fountain of Youth. It was believed the legendary, curative spring water from the fountain reputably restored the youth of anyone who drank of its source. It promised rejuvenation, eternal youth, wealth, and prosperity. Regretfully, Ponce De Leon never encountered the Fountain of Youth. Instead, in his attempt he did discover Florida, now the site of Disneyworld- the Magic Kingdom at it’s best.


Even to this day, the age old quest to regain youth and vigor remains an unquenced thrist. Today, people continue to seek a quick fix, placebo resolution. They buy products ranging from caffeine-loaded energy drinks, to power boosting, supplemental tablets, hoping with unrealistic expectations and to only end is despair, disillusionment, stress, and addiction - a vicious, downward, spiraling whirlpool cycle. Nonetheless, the million dollar, uncorked, bottled-up question prevails. Does the ultimate answer lie in a sparkling, luring never-found fountain?


There is a recent and convincing research indicating there is an answer. Several studies have shown that active, inquisitive minds can reduce e some of the negative side effects of aging, even delay the onset of dementia! In addition, a mind proficient in more than one language is further empowerment to staying young. In a new yet archaic alternative, there exist an interactive, delightfully stimulating process which not only re-energizes the elderly, but just as importantly bridges the generation gap between young and old. This dynamic, engaging exchange is facilitated via “dichos”, which can now be easily and readily accessed in a family-fun, interaction board game named “Dicho Al Hecho” ©.


The “dichos” are proverbs and sayings in Spanish. Their communicative intent is to instruct, nurture, and teach, valuable lessons. These lessons are based and founded on wisdom and life experiences stemming from past generations. Because “dichos” have been in existence for centuries, they serve as landmarks for clarity, guidance, and learning.


The “Dicho Al Hecho”© board game allows for time and attention directed t words the “dichos”. The participants in the game are able to reflect, gain insight, and build on indispensable knowledge base as they actively maneuver their way through the game board. There is enjoyment and long-lasting rewards within the 20-30 minute period of time outlining the “Dicho Al Hecho”© game. It truly amounts to a win-win experience for everyone, making it a desirable pastime entertainment and educational tool to be played again and again.


In all, this fusion and bonding between the new, old, and past generations is pivotal. The “dichos”serve as a fertile common ground and restorative panacea, rich with tradition and valuable life lessons. They are the ideal ingredient cultivating longevity and fueling the necessary vitality to move forward, prosper, and advance to a higher continuum- a true Fountain of Youth. After all, isn’t youth and happiness a state of mind?






Hasta la Proxima! (Til Next Time)

When you hear Wall Street most folks think of it as a financial institution. I hate to disappoint you, but the Wall Street I am referring to is the one here in Los Angeles not that prissy little spot in New York. If you’ve ever seen “Night of the Living Dead,” that’s what you’ll see at this Wall Street located in downtown Los Angeles. The exact spot is actually located in the “Little Tokyo” section and is a real Hell hole.


Try driving there at about 3 in the morning and it will be a sight like you’ve never seen. Please do not walk there at any time. You will see homeless and mentally deranged people by the shitloads walking the streets like so many Zombies without direction.


This one block strip between San Pedro Street and San Julian Street will enlighten you to the “other side.” These homeless simpletons will ask you for a dimebag, money, alcohol, sex, but never food. When and if you happen to drive there, be careful these lost souls even put up tents and cardboard boxes in the middle of the street. You will not believe how they are just milling around the area like a lost herd.


The police will not disperse them because like Zombies they always return. The strategy here is just to keep them contained within that stretch and hope that nice folks like you don’t wonder through and run one of them over.


Until the next lesson, “Stay Down.”


Author and observer: OG DUDE

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 strdum.com. 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

The Oscar’s at the Kodak Theater is one glamorous event. All the stars were out, even if they weren’t invited. The paparazzi was an event in and of itself. You should have seen them jockeying for position and the numerous shoving matches that transpired. The Stardum crew and I were able to get passes to the event from some great friends and contacts I have within the party circuit. Man, what an event! Brangelina was there, and they were giving Jennifer Aniston a real stare down. Mickey Rourke arrived looking like he’d just left a life long cocktail hour. Talking bout cocktails, it was top shelf all the way to the bar. Yours truly was hammering down those “Zombies” and munching away on some delicious Spagos grub. The actual show was a bit long and I couldn’t wait to work those after shows/parties. The Sunset Strip was cooking like a meth trailer in Palm Desert with nonstop parties and all the sobbing celebs who didn’t win drinking their tears away. Jessica Alba and Madonna were a sight to see as were all those “C and D” list actors and actresses. The OG DUDE was interacting with the stars while at the Kodak Theater and also managed to mingle at the Sunset Towers party. It was definitely a worthwhile event for both my pocket book and black book. Hey don’t get upset that you weren’t there, you could always watch it on television. Look for the OG DUDE!


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

Even though the “Red Carpet” at the Golden Globes is an exclusive event in itself, it didn’t deter the OG Dude and his strdum.com crew to be turned away. In fact we were guest’s of Billy Ray Cyrus and the HBO party. Folk’s in attendance that were sitting in the “Red Carpet” bleachers paid up to $1,000 just to be there. Didn’t they know they could just turn on the T.V and see them? Oh well, some people seem to think they have to be there in person to enjoy it. While in the red carpet all the stars were gleaming in their fancy dud’s and the women were just fabulous. For some reason the women are always trying to outshine each other and are giving each other dirty looks. The men don’t give a hoot whats going on. All they want to do is get drunk and get laid. You should have seen what went on at the after parties. There were many thrills and the actor’s and actress’s were all being crazy and having a good time. The Golden Globes is by far less formal then the Oscars. People at this event are just happy to be invited to the ceremony because it’s pretty likely they wont be invited to the Oscars, so they are all looking at getting their kick’s. Hell, the Stardum was ecstatic on being there, and we made the most of it. Hey, we were there and you weren’t.
Until the next lesson, Stay Down

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

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

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