I’m not sure if this is really what Joe had in mind, but to me, San Diego Blog represents a wonderful new alternative to the local mainstream media. It offers an accessible editorial page where San Diego bloggers (and non-bloggers) can voice their ideas, opinions, and concerns regarding their community and how it develops.

My name is Oso (Spanish for “bear”) and I maintain my own blog on an almost daily basis. More and more frequently I have felt the urge to write about local events and politics, but nearly all of my readers are based in other states or countries and could care less if the Chargers were given a new stadium or not. Which is why I chose to become a contributor here on San Diego Blog.

I have lived in San Diego since 1996. I graduated from San Dieguito Academy in Encinitas, received my A.A from Mira Costa College, and my B.A. from UCSD. I am interested in local politics, local music, local theater, local artists, border issues, and San Diego culture and I will try to touch on each of those themes.

Last night Scottish indie band Camera Obscura played their first U.S. show with Out Brief Candle and Ex-Maquina at the Casbah. My expectations had been built up by friends comparing them with Belle and Sebastian, Mazzy Star, and the Cowboy Junkies, yet Camera Obscura did not disappoint. The crowd was a little quieter than usual, but given, it was a Monday night and we’re not exactly talking about a Slayer concert here. The seven members of the band were well-orchestrated and filled out leadsingers Tracyanne and John’s emotional lyrics without force. The only awkward moments of the night came when the band would try to tell the audience a story or joke with their thick Scottish accent. Only about a quarter of the audience had a vague idea of what they were saying. For the rest of is, it was Chinese. I’ve always been amazed at how such a strong spoken accent is hardly even noticable when singing.