Expert: Steve Summers - 8/11/2005

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I was wondering if you might be able to tell me about California people. I live in Buffalo, NY and I am under the impression that people have a lot more freedoms out there. I've heard politians say that it is the most liberal state and after all it seems to be the heart of the porn industry. Are all people in California very laid back and pretty much open to anything? Could you help me get a broad picture as I've never been farther west than Chicago (which is a lovely city by the way. lol)?
Answer -
Hi James,

As a rule, you could say that Californians are more laid back and tolerant of differences. There are SO many different types of people here, you really have to be. However, it would be incorrect to assume that all Californians are ultra liberals, fruitcakes, drug dealers, or wannabe actors. There is a whole wide range of people here in Calfornia; I think it's safe to say a wider range than anywhere else. Yes, people are laid back (I think it's the weather), but not necessarily "open to anything". I would say that the majority of people out here are good people who are tolerant and accepting of other people's differences.

Hope this helps,

Steve

People always seem to say that whenever they go to either NYC or L.A. they are surrounded by beautiful women. I tend to believe it is merely the coincidence of population density and the odds are greater than one will see beautiful people. But in case I'm wrong, how does one get beautiful people to move to a economically challenged, and underpopulated city like Buffalo. lol.
Answer -
Hi James,

I don't know about NYC, but since it's sunny about 350 days a year, we Californians like to get out and do stuff. For example, Christmas Day, every street is filled with kids who got new bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc. Salt on roads? What's that, anyway? And we always get a heat wave when I'm putting up the Christmas lights Thanksgiving weekend. My point is, the weather is so nice, you see people walking up and down the block, every day year round. So in addition to the sheer numbers increasing the odds of beautiful women, you have the sunshine/exercise factor. If I lived in Buffalo, I don't know what I'd do... maybe hunker down all winter, drinking beer and watching the Bills and Sabres.

I used to work on the west side of LA, near Hollywood. I was going to Bally's to work out in Hollywood, and I started to hate going there. Why? 'Cause all the actors and wannabe actors were there working out. Everyone was all buff except me. I started going to the Bally's near my home, where old guys worked out and I looked good by comparison. What bugged me was these women who wore skin-tight outfits (at the Hollywood gym), and glared at you if you glanced at them for more than a second. Sheesh. The "Hollywood factor" also plays a part, since there are so many would-be actors in town. LA draws them like moths. And they all go to the beach on the weekend. Yeah, we're spoiled here.

See Ya,

Steve

True we see a great variety of rain, snow, hail, etc here, but I think despite all that people have stayed very loyal to the area for reasons I do not know. A lot of people think it is snowing and cold here right now but it has been 90's weather. In fact this summer we almost reached 100 which would set a new summertime record. Do you think that perhaps it's our lack of modeling and acting jobs that we have fewer off-the-wall gods and goddesses here (not that we don't have some)? I promise this will be my last question.

Answer
Hi James,

It's all about the draw. Ever since the 1920's, the rumors abound about people being "discovered" in Hollywood, and people buy into it. Every day, people come to LA with a pretty face and high hopes. Buffalo just doesn't get a lot of good press, and it's not exactly the center of the modeling/entertainment industry. Between the weather, the publicity, and the genuine opportunities, that pretty much explains the draw of SoCal.

(And I know it's not always snowing in Buffalo. I hear the humidity is pretty high in the Northeast)

Hang loose, dude!

Steve