UPGRADING

blog spot is dead to me, i feel it is the xanga before social networking involved profiling.

please continue your relationship with me here at

http://itsatruestory.tumblr.com/

High Speed Railway (New York Times Report)

I stumbled across an in-depth update about the insides of commuter transiting, an article entitled "Getting Up to Speed" from reporter Jon Gertner of New York Times. Just analyzing this reporters style is very interesting to see that--like real reporters do--he's immersed himself in the idea of railway transiting by taking several different trains and accepting the natural disadvantages of the pre-established system. And there are many so to speak "inconveniences" in everyday transiting; from how many employed drivers are on the payroll, to how that affects time schedule.

I myself am an advocate for alternative transport-- and do not own a car, even though at times I'd seek it much more convenient. Here in SD, it’s hard to be totally stoked about MTS because of all the waiting and potential social "danger" that one must endure/ accept as an honorary frequent rider. I constantly find myself thankful that there is a transit system in SD, rather than thinking why isn't MTS changing? I think this has been the mentality of many riders here in SD and perhaps within the southern Californian areas, because we know that just north of here cities like LA & SF have us beat on the efficiency and comfortably scale by ten fold. Perhaps this transit "intimidation" in a sense is what seems to lead the local SD transit commuters into a lull about speaking out about the changing needs of the system.

I support Obama's prop 1a, but I don't like how he’s been reviewed by several left-wing writers as being simply "jealous" of transiting competitors such as high speed railways in Japan and countries throughout Europe. This is a serious controversy, and shouldn’t be embellished as some jealous adversary in a Sharper Image store wanting the newest thing. I have said before, there are many people stuck between talking and doing, and for once I am proud to say that someone in the big W house is taking a communal stand, for the eco minded and sustainable cause.

I have much concern for the building of this high speed railway. Such as subjects pertaining to the ecological standpoint (the impact on the environment and natural niches which dwell in these personal habitats). Yes, this railway will benefit the movement of human life from point A to point B in convenience as well as resources, but there is still much to question and map out as far as railroad placement. This will be one of the most important issues factored within this mega project--to not damage or obstruct in any major way the natural cycles of wildlife as well as essential plant life. As much as my inner-industrialist mind is supporting this--I have a "circle of life" conscious that cannot stop screaming on my right shoulder.

Another concern I was conjuring was the already common thought that the billions of dollars planned to fund this railway (which is first planned to run from LA to SF, and then in later developments stretch as far south as SD and as far north to Sacramento) is taking a GIANT step towards a single project. Yeah, I hear go big or go home, BUT, I personally think that if each city were budged parts of this funding that the area of focus could significantly improve the mini transit systems of each community. Including bus, commuter light rails and commuter trains such as the Coaster, Sprinter, & Metrolink. This sort of distributed funding could essentially solve or improve the pre-existing flaws found in local transiting systems, as well as up the efficiency and cohesive flow with linking cities--even connecting these cities on a more intricate scale.

Just some thoughts.

Old Toy Trains

http://www.myspace.com/oldtoytrains

I'm really in love with this act Old Toy Trains, there sound is very mature. There's a lot of experimental/ psychedelic out there going for that "I'm different, can't you tell" feel, and that is not at all what I get from this band. Please enjoy them as much as I do. Somewhere in there I get a Vivi Voce idea. They sort of remind me of them, but then again I hate comparing bands because they are both so unique.

Anyhow, I've been pretty distraught lately. The death of a friend of mine, has really left my mind in a state of discontent--and somehow I have let it amplify other areas of problematic concern found within my life.

He was so genuine, there just aren't enough of people like him in this world.

SD IndieFest VI 2010

Well, the UT thing is on hold for me until this fall, which has now given me the time and dedication to peruse a full internship with Danielle Lo Presti's mega project IndieFest VI, which is now on for March 27th, 2010--60 bands 6 stages. Shes a sweet lady with an amazing drive. We're doing feedback questionnaires to send to artists and local sponsors of last march's fest, and trying our best to fuel next years to be even better. I didn't realize how heartfelt an event like this could be for the community until at Tuesday's meeting Danielle read a very personal fan letter written to her about how a father was very touched by the connective breakthrough he had made with his teenage son by attending together. I nearly teared up at his enthusiasm and blessing--never had I heard a father so grateful to bond with his son, it was so touching and beautiful.

Besides that, I was thinking on the trolley today about how I'd like to start a "today I saw" photo posting series. There are a lot of things I feel like I take notice to each day and don't share with others. Certain things that I may see that are problematic and should be open for discussion that I seem to accept and overpass in daily commotion. I think this would be a good way to get to know San Diego and really reflect on its people and way of life. If this is too "indie" of me, please bite me, but I hope that digital images will be cleared than trying to explain mental screen caps to all of you. Let me know, what do you think? Email me: Amandaschoepflin@gmail.com

Things Moving Quickly

Currently Listening to Radicalfashion ^ worrying my head away so much is going on in my life. I'm about to start at UT (Union Tribune), I have found a sound engineering internship with George Varga (Music Head @UT) for his weekly webcast called "Fill In the Blank", a music talk radio-hosted by AmplifySD on their website made to introduce local talent to San Diego. That's the biggest thing going for me since I'm in my last week of school here and about to graduate--n grow up like a big kid now. Also have to worry about moving, which is happening for my family now & for me this August in with a good friend of mine.

I'll be going to City and we'll see what comes of that--I've heard nothing but good things when it comes to their radio classes and graphic design dep.

Girl Talk played at UCSD Fri the 15th at their yearly Sun God Festival, (which my friends and I missed just by a thread! By the time we got in there he was already done!! :[ ) Although another act which i cant remember the name right now I think it was something by the name DVC, After checking the set list they actually were sort of the filler act with over what seemed to be 12+ djs all trading laptop/ mixer times. They were pretty fresh especially when they incorporated some live violin within the mixes. It was fun regardless. If you sort of you know, ignored the girl on girl azn tila tiquilla-esque moments where guys were recording them wet on their cameras, definite college youtube footage. VITAL. (jp) Anyhow, if you want to do something send me an email!

Infected Mushroom in Tijuana

Last night I went down to TJ to see Infected Mushroom at PLANETA TIJUANA, and to my surprise was blown away entirely. The fact that this music group is so established and matured within their scene is truly bittersweet. I don't have the opportunity to really get out and see huge performances, but the energy of the crowd was so intense as well as the energy of the performers. The fact that it was at Planeta was pretty cool in itself, my friends havent been there too see a show but I heard that MSTRKRFT played there before so that was reassuring; its an old theater building (minus a roof) with cement stadium seating in the rear. Found a daytime pic from thier myspace page (shown below).


Crowd was roaring, we got close enough to score a hi-five from the lead guy--which I managed. Although a few crowd surfers once planted up on stage were then pushed back off by security it was pretty hilarious to see the girls all excited and grabbing at his leg and steeling the drumsticks out of his hands.

Another funny thing was my age was not even questionable--managed to get a wrist band; although Kenny suffered difficulty in this area. The not shaving for a week trick didn't seem to do him any justice, although in the end it didnt matter we got him in writstband and all; thanks to Karen's angry Spanish aruging skills.
Good night, can't wait to find a music soul mate.

Thank You All

Theatomrack has become a more "backburner" project, as were all in this transitional phase. My friend David encouraged me to start this back up. So I said hey, why not.

My friend Pico from the Bay Area told me bout Kennedy a fun dance to funk sort of approach to mixin'. You know how hyped people got over Queen? Well combine that vocal feel with Mika's
"Grace Kelly" then slap some funky mixin long with it and tie up your dancin shoes. Thats Kennedy to me, and I dont take it back. Good Stuff. The projects from LA, of course.