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

Kyle Maynard, the recently infamous 23 year old quadruple amputee, lost his MMA debut by decision to Bryan Fry Saturday night in the main event of an unsanctioned fight night in Auburn, Georgia. The inspirational Maynard received five standing ovations for his efforts. Unfortunately, it was the only compensation he would receive as Fry would effortlessly jab his way to a 30-27 decision victory.


Maynard’s hopeless pursuit of a takedown never paid off as Fry kept him at bay with jabs, hooks, and the occasional uppercut. Wisely enough, Fry never attempted to wrestle or take the fight to the ground with Maynard. Although Maynard often seemed like the aggressor, there was just nothing he could do to do any damage or win any points. Maynard spoke with a reporter in a post-fight interview:


I think it’s a tough gameplan to prepare for. I felt like I gave 100 percent. He didn’t want to go to the ground, and I wasn’t going to win a boxing match with him.


Now there’s the understatement of the century. As he was piggybacked to the cage by his longtime friend Ben Davis, Maynard was confronted by a cold reality soon after he entered it.


When I walked in the cage, and when he was first able to initiate contact, I realized this was the most serious thing I’d ever gotten myself into, and I loved it. I think my ear is still buzzing from that first shot.


In an ironic twist of fate, Bryan Fry’s mother happens to care for mentally and physically handicapped patients herself. She claims that she came to terms with her son’s fight in good faith that it will help others show that despite any mental or physical disability, dreams are reachable. Although I may not agree that the Octagon is a suitable place for someone like Maynard to be, I do agree that anything is possible if you’re willing to fight for it.

Mixed Martial Arts has become quite popular over recent years. It has surpassed even that of the beer chugging giant, NASCAR as the fastest growing sport in America. Because of this, every Tom Dick and Harry thinks they can knock out Chuck Liddell because they’ve seen Bas Rutten’s instructional vide…twice. Unfortunately, that is the vibe given out in Dito Montiel’s sophomore outing, Fighting. Although the movie seems to take some great advice from its successful predecessor, Rocky, by focusing on the journey of the hero rather than pointless brawls, Fighting is a roughneck tale about realizing dreams of glory in the underground world of street fighting.



Channing Tatum stars as Sean Arthur, a young hustler who scrapes by in the tough streets of New York City. Haunted by a family tragedy and a father who shuns him, this outsider has little to be motivated by. A chance encounter with veteran street-fighting coach, Harvey Boarden, played by Terrance Howard, leads to a whole new career for Sean. The fights become increasingly difficult, not to mention increasingly dirty as the stakes get higher and higher. Sean fights to win not only the prize money, but also an unexpected love.



If this movie exhibits the same endearing character as Sylvester Stallone did with his iconic Rocky, it will succeed. Although I don’t believe that will happen being that the demographic of people seeing this movie consist of powder puff wannabe’s and their sixteen year old girlfriends, expect a semi-artsy portrayal of nothing more than a typical action flick. Skip it and rent a real fight movie, Redbelt from Netflix instead.

I went to sleep Friday night, or you could say Saturday morning at 4am, with full intentions to wake up at 12pm and leave to pick up my co-worker and go to Bamboozle Left. I woke up exactly at 12 only to see a text message from my co-worker stating that he had partied too hard the night before and didn’t have it in him. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone call off from going to a concert cause they are all partied out, but hey, whatever, I didn’t hold it against him.


So I stumbled over to Eddie Ray’s room and woke his lazy ass up saying “Hey! Wake the fuck up were going to bamboozle in an hour“, and all he could say was “Um, alright cool“. So a half hour went by and I had some time to sit and think about my decision about going to this event. Because in all reality I just wanted to see the Bloodhound Gang.


Time to take a look at the situation: I am planning on driving out 1 hour to catch a 30 min set by the Bloodhound Gang. In order to watch the show I have to be standing in a sea of emo and scene kids. To top it all off, being within walking distance of Pete Wentz would make me puke up my $8.00 beer.


So to make a long story short I couldn’t bring myself to make it down to Irvine, out of sheer disgust for the other 52 bands that were performing that night. I also really don’t want to have to admit to anyone that I have been to a Fall Out Boy show, ever.


Stardum will be there for the second night though, and in force.

May 1st has been marked on my calender since 20th Century Fox announced that on that day, X-Men: Origins would be released. For months on end I have done nothing but count off the days in anticipation of my favorite comic book hero’s very own movie. May 1st was going to be a holiday for me. I wanted to be the first of my friends to see a movie for once. I wanted bragging rights dammit. With a month remaining until the theatrical release, I’ve already lost. Damn you Mike G!!!



A few days ago, a rough copy of the new film was leaked all over the internet. It was as easy as logging into whatever “legal” file sharing program you may own and typing in one name…Wolverine. X-Men: Origins is a prequel to the Marvel X-Men franchise and tells of Wolverine’s troubled past, including the death of his girlfriend at the hands of Victor Creed and his involvement in the Weapon X program. The film was leaked on numerous websites streaming the stolen product. A huge blow against 20th Century Fox which was banking on Origins to be one of their biggest summer blockbusters. I’m sure the numbers won’t be affected as drastically as they fear, but I know of a few people already plan on saving their money instead of watching a movie they already watched. I for one possess enough self control to actually wait for the official release, so I won’t be spoiling any details for you people that care to join me. Here’s what Fox had to say about the incident.



Last night, a stolen, incomplete and early version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine was posted illegally on a website. It was without many effects, had missing and unedited scenes and temporary sound and music. We immediately contacted the appropriate legal authorities and had it removed. We forensically mark our content so we can identify sources that make it available or download it. The source of the initial leak and any subsequent postings will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law – the courts have handed down significant criminal sentences for such acts in the past. The FBI and the MPAA also are actively investigating this crime. We are encouraged by the support of fansites condemning this illegal posting and pointing out that such theft undermines the enormous efforts of the filmmakers and actors, and above all, hurts the fans of the film.



Whether this was an inside job from a spiteful employee, or just a zealous fan that wanted to make a name for himself, all this commotion does is create more buzz about the movie. And isn’t that what any studio executive wants?

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

Is it reasonable to squeeze a gallon’s worth of lemonade out of one lemon? Of course its not. Then why is Green Day trying to squeeze every ounce of popularity out of their 2004 album American Idiot? Because they’re sell-outs, thats why. Not since the days of Dookie back in the early 90’s has Green Day sounded like Green Day. The now emo pop band just recently greenlit a musical based off their 12 time platinum record American Idiot that will follow working-class characters based off their single’s as they seek redemption in a world filled with frustration. WTF?  Even Billie Joe finds the concept a little confusing. It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but that’s what I love about it. When people see it, it’s going to be my wildest dream. Armstrong said the concept is not the most linear in the world but it can be said to follow young American Jesus of Suburbia as he struggles with his drug dealing alter ego St Jimmy and falls in love with anarchist Whatsername. The musical, also titled “American Idiot,” will run at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre from September 4th through October 11th. All we can hope now is that one day America will realize its an idiot and their favorite punk band has completely sold out.



An ode to the The Green ol’ Days.