California is the best state. But, the politicians have destroyed it for those who live in California.
I would put Miami easily equal to a lot of California. And yes, there's a difference between a Mediterranean climate and a tropical one, but one thing's the same: the women in both look better than the ones making their way through snow.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N-aK6JnyFmk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> All the leaves are brown And the sky is grey I went for a walk On a winter's day I'd be safe and warm If I was in L.A. California dreamin' On such a winter's day I stopped into a church (stopped into a church) I passed along the way (passed along the way) You know, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees) And I pretend to pray (I pretend to pray) Oh, the preacher likes the cold (preacher likes the cold) He knows I'm gonna stay (knows I'm gonna stay) Oh, California dreamin' (California dreamin') On such a winter's day All the leaves are brown (the leaves are brown) And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey) I went for a walk (I went for a walk) On a winter's day (on a winter's day) If I didn't tell her (if I didn't tell her) I could leave today (I could leave today) Oh, California dreamin' (California dreamin') On such a winter's day (California dreamin') On such a winter's day (California dreamin') On such a winter's day (California dreamin') On such a winter's day
Dunno about the marijuana laws in Cali but it appears they're on the verge of creating a govt entity to regulate the medicinal marijuana shops. That could be a step toward legalizing it. I find it absurd that guns are legal but smoking a plant isn't. If marijuana is less damaging to the body than tobacco, why not get rid of tobacco altogether and have the farmers grow marijuana. Philip Mo and the other tobacco giants can switch to selling doobies.
The bottom line is that smart people want to be around and work with other smart people who are like minded. That is why you see so much talent attract to certain cities whether its NY, Chicago, LA, or the bay area. Here on the west coast the vibe is much more relaxed and laid back which a lot of people in tech and other industries prefer. Add in the fact that its sunny most days of the year and you don't have to deal with snow, humidity, or a lot of rain and you can attract talent from a lot of local top level research universities and there is your answer. Smart people who hate the idea of wearing a suit to work and prefer a laid back climate move to CA, just the same as smart people who want to be a big playa in finance move to the NY area.
Entertainment industry will have far fewer employees now. This software yields free movies and music. Can't be shut down. Why be the only one on your block giving money to the shysters in Hollywood? http://torrentfreak.com/tribler-makes-bittorrent-impossible-to-shut-down-120208/
I have not. Bet it is good. Restaurants in California have always been good to me. Good food. Good service.