post-next -Ted Drake’s sketchbook

It’s official, the “Duke” is a lying, corrupt, son of a bitch. I’ve been saying this for years and his tearful admission brings no sympathy from me. San Diego has seen more than its share of corruption, but Randy “Duke” Cunningham is riding high on this wave. Good Riddance!

Not only did he cry like a baby, he squeeled like a pig! The FBI got him to wear a hidden microphone to snag more of his crooked buddies! What’s that I hear Duncan Hunter? A big “oh sh*t!”? . San Diego residents may remember a guy who killed to Mira Mesa teen agers abuot 30 years ago and taunted them to die like men. When he was on death row, he didn’t exactly take his punishment “like a man”. Why does this remind me of the Duck? Perhaps it’s his hyper-macho personna with typical republican hipocracy coming forth.

I’ve fallen off the wagon.

I feel like Robert Downey Jr. after a long week on the L.A. Streets. I’m looking up from the bottom of a Diffrent Strokes celebrity pit.

I’ve begun watching television again. Not National Geographic’s history of the Carthusian Monks or even Sister Wendy’s top 10 performance artists. No, I’ve hit rock bottom.

Let’s back up a bit. I’ve spent the last month boob-tube-less. I’ve read a book on XSL, started another on Web Usability, set up a new computer, home network, uploading 700+ images to Flickr, caught up with backlogged magazines, gone to a Bollywood theater, watched the Battlebots in San Francisco, you name it. It’s been a super-productive, culturally significant, responsible month.

Now… I’m in San Diego for Thanksgiving watching I want to be made, marathon home improvement shows, home shopping network, and desperately channel surfing for the latest episode of America’s Top Model.

They say you have to hit rock bottom before hitting the road to recovery.

That humiliating point came at 11:30 last night as I was riveted by the latest episode of But Can They Sing?! I was on the edge of my seat hoping and praying that the Chinese actress would make it to the next level so that I could see her sing "I want to be sedated" with a 15foot tall red mohawk. Please, oh please tell me the Gotti idiot gets canned. Oh Morgan,how could you come out there in gold lame? I think I know Ant.

I summoned up the courage to finally turn off the tv with the echoes of "I want to be Serated" in my head.

I’m now in the stage of rationalization. I’m can watch "Rock Star Daughters – True Hollywood Stories" because I’m writing this blog and backing up another computer. I’m working! It’s not like I’m just watching television eating cold pizza and ignoring the cat. That was about 15 minutes ago.

Cold Turkey

I see the road to recovery. Actually, it’s not a road. It’s a Southwest Airlines flight on Monday morning back to Sunnyvale, to a television-free apartment, a book, a computer, and a stack of foreign-films from Netflix. Life will be intellectually stimulating and golden. Until my next trip down to San Diego. I hope the Chinese actress is still part of the "But Can They Sing?!" team.

Until then, I’ve got a date with E! and their marathon of True Hollywood Stories about celebrities that have hit rock bottom. I’m so there.

Veer’s recent post about the latest Sigur Ros video inspired me to think of some of my favorite music videos that or less than MTV friendly. These videos tell stories or capture the spirit of the band rather than sell a lifestyle or document the lyrics.

Sigur Ros is particularly stretching the video genres with their epics to the contemporary world environment and faith. “Untitled“, directed by the amazing photographer Floria Sigismondi reminds me of the Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box.” However, Sigismondi removes the kitsch and concentrates on the mood, colors, and story as we follow a post-apocalyptic world and the possibility of salvation. Glosoli follows a child leader, who looks like Charlie from Willie Wonka Factory, who leads a group of children across the open landscape to their eventually lemming-like dive off a cliff. However, faith carries them into the wind, or does it?

Black Heart Procession went the Tommy route with their musical/video/album Amore Del Tropico

On the lighter side:

• I saw this video for Lucky #9 after watching the Moldy Peaches perform at the Casbah. I can’t imagine a more appropriate representation of them and their music.
• Goblin Cock is the latest project from Rob Crowe (Heavy Vegetable, Thingy, Johnny Superbad and the Bulletcatchers, Physics, Lactose Adept, Pinback…). How does a band spoof death metal, Dungeons and Dragons, the Mentors and not look like amateurs? Make “Stumped” and relish the amateur look.
• When Rocket from the Crypt had their first video on MTV(Sturdy Wrists), it was more than a band making it big. It was a celebration for all San Diego bands and those associated with them. So, what did they do for the video? They invited everyone to a San Diego Luau! The MTV site sucks, you’ll need Internet Explorer to see the Rocket Video! After jumping through their hoops, watch Ditch Digger as well

Et tu, Brute?

What are your favorite music videos that are not MTV rotation items?

Yahoo! just released a new feature that is pretty fun. You can create a “picklist” of items to share with others. Think of it as a shopping list for you and your closest 410 million friends.

Here’s the kicker, Yahoo! is assuming you know something about something. Further, your list may reflect your expert knowledge about something as reflected in your shopping list about something.

The Kinkaidetrocity™

I took this opportunity to create a list that reflected my vast experience with the Kinkaidetrocity™. Buy these lovely items and watch your brain turn into a big bowl of cinnamon-ey goo, like a bowl of cinnamon toast crunch after a night of soaking.

Playing with Fire

Now trust me, I know it is dangerous to toy with the evil known as Thomas Kinkade™. In fact, here’s a little story.

A few years ago, I opened a new checking account and needed to order some checks. I looked for some that truly represented my personality, but the Pink Flamingos checks were out of print. However, I did spy a lovely cottage scene set by Thomas Kinkade™ with free customization. Well, let me tell you, those check printers have no sense of humor. Several weeks later, when my checks arrived, I was giddy with excitement when I opened my cherished package.

Right there at the top, my checks proudly stated “Thomas Kinkade is the spawn of Satan”!

… Um, no it didn’t.

Those rat bastards at the check publishing company censored my customized statement and sent me 500 beautiful, un-customized cottage scene checks! Oh you can imagine the humility as I write checks to my favorite bookies and prostitutes with Thomas Kinkade™ pretty cottage village scenes.

But I’m not bitter!