Blog

Now, Now share their new single “Slide”, a song with a ghostly sheen that will pull you in

Posted on October 20th 2026, 10:33am

 

North Hollywood alt-indie band Jet Lag Fuel channel the raw power of early ’90s grunge and the vibrant energy of the modern LA scene into a signature sound that is loud, gritty, and fiercely melodic. Founded on a shared love for heavy-hitting, guitar-driven rock, the five-piece lineup—featuring guitarists Filip Ilic and Jacob Dendy, bassist Carlos Ritchie, drummer Daniel Brown, and newly appointed lead vocalist Rob Liebelt—delivers a formidable, tight-knit sonic assault.

The band commented on their new single “Same Old Round”, from m their debut EP titled “The Lockout” “This song is about repeating patterns even after you are aware of them. You catch yourself in relapse and feeling lost in a fever dream that distorts your senses. You’re wondering if anyone can hear or understand you, all while trying to grab ahold of anything to pull yourself out.” I love the riffs (great bass lines) and the contrast between very aggressive vocals during the verses and the melodic chorus. It’s amazingly performed and with the right sound for the genre as well.

Give it a go by clicking on the Spotify player below and follow Jet Lag Fuel if you like what you hear. 

https://www.instagram.com/jetlagfuel/ 

Montreal post-rock trio Yoo Doo Right have consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy, hypnotic sonic landscapes, blending krautrock-infused

Black River Delta, the blues rock quartet from Bollnäs, Sweden, have made a name for themselves since their inception with a raw and soulful sound deeply rooted in the Swedish forests of Hälsingland.The band has previously released the acclaimed albums Devil on the Loose (2016), VOL II. (2018), and Shakin’ (2021), shaping their sound through everything from Robert Johnson and R.L. Burnside to contemporary acts like The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr., and BRMC.

About their new single they sad:“Shame on You is a little love letter to terrible decisions, questionable relationships and that brilliant human talent for ignoring every warning sign in plain sight. Broken hearts, bad timing and absolutely no interest in learning from mistakes. This one took the scenic route. Got lost, picked a few fights, disappeared for a while and somehow found its way back. Feels about damn time to let it loose.”

I love the energy, the sound and the performance. The song is punchy but with super catchy vocal lines (check out the chorus, it will get stuck in your head) and a fantastic performance by the band. The song is part of the playlist Rock Rotation. Give it a go by clicking on the Spotify player below and follow the band if you like what you hear.

https://www.youtube.com/c/BlackRiverDeltaOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/blackriverdeltaofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/BlackRiverDelta/
https://x.com/BlackRiverDelta

Utah has the best work environment in America, Hawaii has the happiest residents, and California leads a separate national ranking for employee rights. The three results tell very different stories about what makes life outside work enjoyable.

Living in a state with shorter working hours can free up more time for family and hobbies. Higher salaries help pay the bills, but expensive housing can consume much of the extra income. Even a rewarding career becomes exhausting when long commutes and unpredictable schedules leave little room for anything else.

Research published in September 2026 offers a state-by-state comparison of employment conditions and overall happiness. The results contain several surprises, including the low work environment rankings of California and New York.

Here Is the List 

Utah ranks first, followed by South Dakota and Idaho, according to the work environment category of WalletHub’s 2026 Happiest States study, published September 8.

The ranking considers working hours, commuting, unemployment, financial anxiety, job security and several other employment-related measures. It is not a direct survey asking residents to rate their work-life balance.

Utah and Idaho perform well in both categories, but South Dakota ranks second for work environment and only 24th for overall happiness. California has almost the reverse result, placing ninth for happiness despite finishing 36th for work environment.

Why is Utah First?

Residents of Utah work fewer hours per week on average than people in any other state measured by WalletHub. The state also finishes first for community and environment, a category that considers leisure time, volunteer participation, safety and other local conditions.

Utah has a relatively low unemployment rate and performs particularly well for economic security. Its major employment centers include Salt Lake City, Provo and Ogden, with jobs across technology, healthcare, financial services and manufacturing.

There is also a large outdoor recreation industry. Hiking trails, ski resorts and national parks attract visitors, while residents have access to activities outside the workplace throughout the year.

Housing costs remain an obstacle in popular communities. Shorter average working hours do not guarantee that someone earning a modest salary can afford a house close to their job.

Hawaii Is the Happiest State, Despite Its High Living Costs

Hawaii ranks first for overall happiness and fifth for work environment. It also finishes second for emotional and physical well-being.

Residents have access to beaches, outdoor recreation and a climate that allows many activities throughout the year. However, Hawaii also has some of the most expensive housing in the country, and everyday goods can be costly because of transportation and distribution expenses.

Leisure activities also contribute to emotional well-being, with research highlighting the benefits of music on our mind, culture, and relationships.

Employment presents another complication. Tourism, hotels, restaurants and healthcare support substantial numbers of jobs, but many positions involve evening or weekend shifts.

Hawaii performs well across several measures of personal well-being. Its first-place happiness result should not be interpreted as evidence that every employee has an easy schedule or substantial disposable income.

South Dakota and Idaho Offer Two Very Different Results

South Dakota reaches second place for work environment, helped by its employment and economic measures. However, the state drops to 24th for overall happiness.

Idaho ranks third for work environment and fourth for happiness. It also recorded the highest income growth among the states measured in the study.

Population growth and housing demand have changed several Idaho communities, particularly around Boise. Employees considering relocation need to compare current wages with local rent and house prices, rather than assuming that lower costs from several years ago still apply.

South Dakota presents another set of considerations. Sioux Falls has a substantial healthcare and financial services employment base, although professional opportunities and lifestyle choices can be more limited in smaller communities.

 

Why California and New York Perform Poorly on Work Environment?

California ranks ninth for happiness but only 36th for work environment. New York is 11th for happiness and 34th for work environment.

Both states have major concentrations of high-paying professional jobs. California is home to Silicon Valley and Hollywood, while New York City supports large financial, media and technology industries.

Living close to those employment centers can be prohibitively expensive. Workers who move farther away to reduce housing expenses may spend more time commuting, adding unpaid hours to their daily schedules.

California is among the states with the shortest mean working hours in the WalletHub study, yet it also has the highest long-term unemployment rate in the dataset. Employment conditions depend on more than the length of the working week.

Long commutes affect how people spend their personal time, although small changes, such as creating a playlist for the daily commute, can make the journey more enjoyable.

How State Labor Laws Affect Work-Life Balance

Paid sick leave, family leave and minimum wage protections can reduce financial pressure when employees become ill or need time away from work. 

State laws determine many of these benefits, creating substantial gaps between workers doing similar jobs in separate parts of the country.

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act gives eligible employees of covered employers up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specified medical and family reasons. 

The Department of Labor’s FMLA guidance also explains employer coverage and employee eligibility.

Several states go further by establishing paid family or medical leave programs. Workers who qualify can receive partial wage replacement during covered absences.

California and New York Lead on Worker Protections

The 2026 Oxfam Best States to Work Index ranks California first for labor policies, followed by the District of Columbia, New York, Illinois and Oregon.

Its scoring considers wages, worker protections and collective bargaining rights. California has established paid sick leave and paid family leave programs, along with additional protections for certain occupations.

The ranking measures the laws in place, not how satisfied individual employees feel at work. An employee can have extensive legal rights and still struggle with housing costs or an exhausting commute.

Where Workers Have Fewer State-Level Protections

North Carolina places last in the Oxfam index, followed by Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and South Carolina. The five states provide fewer additional protections than the leading states across several measures used in the research.

Employers can voluntarily offer higher wages and more generous leave than their state requires. Still, employees without those benefits have fewer state-level guarantees.

Nevada, which ranks 39th for work environment, has separate workers’ compensation laws covering qualifying job-related injuries, including rules on claims and appeals under state workers’ compensation guidance.

If you have suffered an injury in Nevada and believe someone else was responsible, our advice is to contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Nevada to discuss your legal rights and possible compensation. 

Americans Work More Than Eight Hours on a Typical Full-Time Working Day

Full-time employees in the United States worked an average of 8.1 hours on days when they worked in 2025, according to the American Time Use Survey released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in June 2026.

The average reached 8.5 hours on weekdays and 5.5 hours on weekend working days. Nearly 30% of full-time employees worked on an average weekend day.

Working hours also vary substantially between states. Utah recorded the fewest mean working hours in the WalletHub research, followed by Vermont and Rhode Island. Alaska had the longest average working hours, with Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi also near the bottom.

The national figures do not include commuting in paid working hours. Someone spending nine hours at work and another 90 minutes traveling each day has substantially less free time than an employee with a shorter commute.

New Jersey Ranks Second for Happiness Despite Its Employment Ranking

New Jersey finishes second nationally for overall happiness, although its work environment ranks 24th.

The state records the lowest adult depression rate in the study and ranks first for emotional and physical well-being. It also has the second-highest share of households earning more than $75,000 annually.

Those incomes support residents living near major employment centers in New York City and Philadelphia, although expensive housing and commuting costs remain important considerations.

New Jersey also has a low separation and divorce rate. Its community and environment results are less impressive than its emotional well-being score, which helps explain why the state does not lead every category.

States Where Work Conditions and Happiness Are Both Low

West Virginia ranks last in both work environment and overall happiness. Louisiana finishes 49th in each category.

Arkansas, New Mexico and Mississippi also appear near the bottom of the employment ranking, although their overall happiness positions vary.

Long-term unemployment, financial insecurity and limited local employment opportunities can influence how residents experience their working lives. Lower housing prices alone do not guarantee financial comfort when wages are also low.

Alaska presents a separate challenge. It ranks 44th for work environment, 47th for happiness and last for mean working hours. Some industries, including oil extraction, fishing and seasonal tourism, involve demanding schedules that can keep employees away from home for extended periods.

Does Working From Home Improve Work-Life Balance?

Remote work eliminates the daily commute for employees who can perform their jobs from home. Someone previously spending an hour traveling each way can recover ten hours during a five-day working week.

The American Time Use Survey found that 35% of employed people did some or all of their work at home on days when they worked in 2025. Another 70% did some or all of their work at a workplace, with the categories overlapping because some people worked in both locations.

Remote work does not automatically produce shorter hours. Employees may remain available outside their scheduled shifts, and households with limited space can find it difficult to separate professional responsibilities from personal life.

Setting boundaries between work and home also matters for maintaining shared values in modern relationships, particularly when couples spend much of their day working in the same space.

Job flexibility is also concentrated in certain occupations. Software development, financial analysis and administrative positions offer more opportunities for remote arrangements than restaurant service, construction or emergency medical work.

Final Thoughts

Utah leads the 2026 work environment ranking, followed by South Dakota and Idaho. Hawaii takes first place for overall happiness, with New Jersey second.

The results also reveal that impressive salaries and extensive employee protections do not guarantee a comfortable daily schedule. California and New York perform well for overall happiness but rank much lower for their work environments.

If you are considering relocating for work, compare the actual salary, expected weekly hours and housing expenses in the city where you intend to live. A state ranking can identify promising destinations, but the conditions attached to your next job will determine how much time and money you have outside work.

Let’s be honest, the punk rock scene has become oversaturated with all those sugar-coated, mellow, same old, repetitive,

Mike Love has been a constant, and sometimes contentious, steward of the band’s performances. Health problems and a recent concert appearance have prompted fans to ask what the future holds.

In California, a million dollars no longer guarantees a mansion, a swimming pool or even a large backyard. In some neighborhoods, it barely gets you an ordinary three-bedroom house.

During September 2026, 35.9% of existing single-family homes sold in California went for more than $1 million. 

Los Angeles, San Francisco and coastal Orange County still have some of the highest property prices in the country. 

Yet million-dollar homes are hardly confined to streets lined with celebrity estates. Families searching for houses near major employment centers are paying similar amounts for properties that would be considerably cheaper in most other states.

California remains home to Hollywood, Silicon Valley and some of the most desirable coastal communities in America. Its housing market also has a serious affordability problem, with fewer people able to purchase a typical home on local wages.

More Than One in Three California Homes Sold for Over $1 Million

The share of million-dollar home sales reached 35.9% in September 2026, up from 35.2% in August, according to the California Association of Realtors September housing report.

The statewide median sale price reached $899,720, an increase of 1.7% from September 2025. Home sales, meanwhile, declined by 6.5% compared with the same month last year.

The 260,410 sales figure is a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, not the number of houses sold during September alone. The report covers existing single-family houses, so the 35.9% figure should not be applied to every condominium or newly constructed property.

The median price is still below $1 million statewide because homes in the Central Valley, Inland Empire and northern counties sell for substantially less than properties in the most expensive coastal regions.

California recorded annual price increases in 33 of the 53 counties tracked by the association. Another 17 counties experienced declines, and three remained unchanged.

How Expensive Are Homes Across California in 2026?

A $900,000 budget can buy very different properties depending on the location. In San Francisco, it may not be enough for a typical detached house. In parts of the Central Valley, the same amount could cover a much larger property with money remaining for improvements.

September 2026 median sale prices demonstrate how widely housing costs vary across the state.

All figures refer to existing single-family homes sold during September 2026. A median represents the middle transaction price, so a change in the types of homes sold can influence the figure without every individual property gaining or losing value.

San Francisco and Silicon Valley

San Mateo County recorded a median price above $2.3 million in September. Santa Clara County, which includes San Jose and much of Silicon Valley, reached $1.92 million.

Technology employment, high household incomes and limited space for additional housing contribute to the enormous prices in these communities.

In San Francisco itself, the median detached home sold for $2.054 million. A buyer spending $1 million would be looking well below the county median.

Los Angeles and Orange County

Los Angeles County recorded a median price of $994,670, placing the typical detached home close to the million-dollar threshold.

Orange County was even more expensive at $1.48 million. Coastal communities, employment centers and high-income neighborhoods help sustain demand, despite the substantial cost of purchasing a home.

Within Los Angeles, prices vary considerably between neighborhoods. A property in Beverly Hills or Bel Air operates in a separate luxury market from a modest house in the San Fernando Valley.

The Central Valley Offers Lower Purchase Prices

California still has communities where $1 million buys far more than an ordinary family house.

The Central Valley recorded a median sale price of $500,000 in September, with San Joaquin County at $549,000.

Communities such as Stockton, Manteca and Tracy attract households looking for lower housing costs than those found around the San Francisco Bay Area. However, commuting distances, local employment and transportation expenses influence how much a household actually saves.

Our article on why Americans are moving to Texas explores another response to expensive housing, with some households relocating to states where their income can support a larger home.

What Is Making California Homes So Expensive?

California has spent decades adding housing more slowly than demand has grown in several of its major employment centers.

Coastal geography limits expansion in some communities, and local zoning restrictions can make it difficult to construct apartments or higher-density residential developments.

Building new housing also involves land acquisition, labor costs, construction materials and local approval processes. Those expenses influence the prices developers need to charge.

High-Paying Jobs Keep Demand Concentrated

California has major employment centers in technology, entertainment, biotechnology, healthcare and professional services.

Households earning substantial incomes can compete aggressively for homes near those employers. The resulting prices make ownership harder for workers earning ordinary local wages.

Silicon Valley provides a clear example. High incomes in technology can support purchases that would be unaffordable to many teachers, service workers and other residents of the same communities.

Existing Owners Have Little Incentive to Sell

Homeowners who secured mortgage rates near 3% several years ago face a substantial financial disadvantage if they sell and purchase another property at current rates.

Some consequently remain in homes that no longer suit their needs, reducing the number of properties available to potential buyers.

California also has property tax rules that can make long-term ownership financially attractive. Under Proposition 13, the assessed value of a property generally cannot increase by more than 2% annually unless an event such as a change in ownership or qualifying new construction triggers reassessment.

Longtime homeowners may therefore face much lower taxable assessed values than people purchasing similar properties today.

California Home Selling Prices in 2026 and What Sellers Should Expect

A California house listed for $1 million will not necessarily sell for $1 million. Its final price depends on comparable transactions, local competition and the condition of the property.

The statewide sale-to-list-price ratio was 98.8% in September 2026. Applied to a hypothetical $1 million listing, that ratio produces a selling price of $988,000, although individual transactions can finish far above or below asking.

Across the state, the median time needed to sell a single-family home was 29 days. San Francisco County had a median of 21 days, while properties in some less active markets remained listed considerably longer.

If you are planning to sell, recent completed transactions in your neighborhood provide a more useful basis for pricing than the statewide median. The physical condition of your home also affects the repairs and credits a buyer may request.

Repairs That Can Influence the Final Sale Price

An expensive kitchen renovation does not guarantee an equally large increase in sale value. Resolving known defects may be more valuable when the alternative is a difficult inspection or a buyer withdrawing an offer.

Plumbing and Water Damage

Leaking pipes, recurring drain backups and water stains can lead to repair negotiations, particularly when buyers suspect damage behind walls or beneath flooring. 

If you discover a plumbing problem shortly before putting your house on the market, arrange for a local professional to inspect and repair it. 

For example, homeowners in Manteca can contact Plumbers in Manteca, CA.

Roofing and Electrical Systems

Roof leaks, damaged flashing and outdated electrical components can become expensive inspection findings. Repairs should address the underlying defect rather than conceal visible symptoms.

Heating, Cooling and Exterior Condition

A poorly functioning HVAC system can create an additional expense for the buyer, while damaged siding and neglected landscaping affect the appearance of the property. 

Routine air conditioner maintenance can help identify problems with filters and coils before the equipment fails.

Several essential home maintenance checks are relevant before selling as well, especially those involving water, electricity and safety equipment.

How Much Income Do You Need to Buy a $1 Million Home?

A million-dollar purchase requires substantial income even when the buyer has saved a large down payment.

Consider a household buying a $1 million property with $200,000 down. The remaining mortgage would be $800,000.

Using a hypothetical 7% fixed interest rate over 30 years, the monthly principal and interest payment would be $5,322. Property taxes, homeowners insurance and any HOA fees would increase that amount.

At an illustrative 30% housing-expense-to-gross-income ratio, principal and interest alone would require annual household income exceeding $212,000. The income needed would be higher after including taxes and insurance, and actual mortgage qualification depends on debts, credit history, assets and loan rules.

Even households earning six figures can struggle to afford detached homes in California’s most expensive counties.

Hollywood, Celebrities and Most Expensive Neighborhoods

Hollywood has helped turn several Los Angeles neighborhoods into internationally recognizable addresses. Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Malibu and Hidden Hills have become associated with actors, musicians and entertainment executives who can afford multimillion-dollar estates.

Celebrity ownership can increase the visibility and prestige of a neighborhood, although it would be misleading to blame California’s statewide housing prices on famous residents. Limited land, high local incomes, privacy and desirable locations are major reasons these properties command enormous prices.

Beverly Hills and Bel Air

 

For decades, Beverly Hills and Bel Air have attracted movie stars and entertainment executives looking for luxury homes near Hollywood.

Large estates can sell for tens of millions of dollars, with buyers paying for privacy, architecture and substantial land in addition to the house itself.

Recent development has pushed the luxury market further. The One Beverly Hills development includes residences starting at $15 million, with a penthouse reservation reportedly valued at $200 million.

Properties at those prices represent an entirely separate market from the average California home.

Hidden Hills and the Kardashian Family

Hidden Hills, a gated community northwest of Los Angeles, is closely associated with the Kardashian and Jenner families.

Kim Kardashian has owned a substantial estate there, while other members of the family have also purchased property in the area.

The community offers larger lots and greater privacy than many neighborhoods closer to central Los Angeles. Over time, smaller ranch houses have increasingly been replaced or extensively renovated into large luxury residences.

Architectural Digest traces how celebrity interest, privacy and the construction of much larger estates helped transform the neighborhood.

Its reputation attracts wealthy buyers who may never work in the entertainment industry but still want the privacy and exclusivity associated with the address.

Montecito and Its Famous Residents

 

Montecito, near Santa Barbara, has become another popular destination for wealthy celebrities.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle purchased a property in the area after leaving their roles as working members of the British royal family. Oprah Winfrey and Gwyneth Paltrow have also owned homes in Montecito.

The community combines large estates with ocean views, mature landscaping and access to Santa Barbara.

Its celebrity-owned properties and coastal setting have attracted considerable international attention, although luxury prices also reflect limited inventory and the appeal of the location itself.

Unlike the crowded entertainment districts of Los Angeles, Montecito offers wealthy residents more space and a less public everyday environment.

Will California Home Prices Keep Rising?

California home prices rose 1.7% annually in September 2026 even as sales declined. The combination suggests that weak transaction activity has not yet produced a major statewide price correction.

More expensive mortgages could limit demand, but scarce listings continue supporting prices in several coastal markets.

Some counties may experience declines if buyers become less willing or able to pay current asking prices. Others could continue appreciating where employment remains strong and few homes are available.

California’s housing shortage also cannot be resolved quickly. Building additional homes requires suitable land, financing, approvals and construction time.

Final Thoughts

More than a third of California’s existing single-family home sales now exceed $1 million, and September’s $899,720 statewide median shows how expensive even an ordinary house has become.

The most expensive counties remain concentrated around major coastal employment centers, where a million-dollar budget may fall well short of the typical detached home. Farther inland, prices remain lower, although households face their own financial and commuting considerations.

If you are planning to buy, calculate the monthly cost using current financing terms and compare actual sales in the neighborhood. If you are selling, price the house according to recent transactions and deal with known maintenance problems before they become expensive inspection disputes.

LA rockers Blacklist Union return with their new single ‘Heavy Is The Crown‘, released via BLU Records. The third single from the band’s forthcoming album ‘The Good, The Bad And The Notorious‘, due for release in Spring 2027. It follows ‘Jackson‘ and ‘Madame Butterfly‘, with the latter being an open love letter from frontman Tony […]

The post LA Rockers Blacklist Union Return With ‘Heavy Is The Crown’ appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM.