{ Posted 12:32am, Friday, January 23, 2004 }

"A strong America must also value the institution of marriage. I believe we should respect individuals as we take a principled stand for one of the most fundamental, enduring institutions of our civilization. Congress has already taken a stand on this issue by passing the Defense of Marriage Act, signed in 1996 by President Clinton. That statute protects marriage under federal law as a union of a man and a woman, and declares that one state may not redefine marriage for other states.

"Activist judges, however, have begun redefining marriage by court order, without regard for the will of the people and their elected representatives. On an issue of such great consequence, the people's voice must be heard. If judges insist on forcing their arbitrary will upon the people, the only alternative left to the people would be the constitutional process. Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage. (Applause.)"

- George W. Bush

 

Well then, why not make it illegal to get divorced? If the United States government is going to spend over a billion dollars on the sanctity of marriage, let's find a way to get that money back.

Couples would think long and hard before they did something as foolish as marry someone. Hell, if it doesn't work out, they could go to jail. Maybe tack on a $25,000 fine. That'd really make people pause and reflect before taking those vows. I mean, hey, its all about protecting an institution right? Let's outlaw all those chapels in Vegas too. No more quickie weddings at city hall.

What's that Georgie? You mean, its not REALLY about protecting the institution of marriage? It's about preventing gays from having the same "inalienable" rights as heterosexuals? Well, damn!

We gotta get this guy out this November. He is evil.

As is my custom here I plan on doing my Top Five list for the prior year. I don't usually get to the movies until sometime in February because of the rollout schedule though. A lot of movies don't hit cities outside of New York or L.A. until January or later.

Not a lot great happened in the entertainment business. No real breakthrough movies or TV shows. Not even a great year for music. That said, what was good was really good.

Top Five TV shows:
5.) 24, FOX
Just when you think they couldn't possibly surprise you with any more plot twists, they do.
4.) Door to Door, TNT
Okay, I admit it... I'm a sucker for sentimentality when its done right. The true story of Bill Porter, door to door salesman... with cerebal palsy!
3.) Major League Baseball Playoffs, FOX
This was the most exciting post-season in years. Both lovable losers were there: The Cubs and The Sox. The Yankees gave us someone to root against. Added bonus of both Bay Area teams, the Giants and A's, making it in.
2.) Survivor, CBS
This Fall's edition brought back the fun with both the show's most likable contestant, Rupert and the show's most despicable bad guy, Jonny Fairplay. It deservedly trounced Friends on Thursday nights.
1.) Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO
Thank God for this show. Nothing on network TV comes remotely close. The season ending Turrets Syndrome show was killer. The Crazy Eyed Killa show was classic. A new season started this month on HBO.

Please go away: Friends, The Bachelor, Joe Millionaire, Joe Average, the (Corolla/Kimmel-less) Man Show.

Top Five Albums/EPs:
5.) Ben Folds, Sunny 16 EP
I was a little worried after last Summer's horrible cover of the Cure's In Between Days, but the follow-up EP totally redeemed him.
4.) Liz Phair
Everyone kept talking about how she supposedly sold out. How about the fucking great songs? Damn fine pop music.
3.) Beulah, Yoko
Bay Area rockers come through and fulfill the promise of their last album. Catchy, catchy, catchy.
2.) Rufus Wainwright, Want One
Not a lot of new ground being broken here, just a continuation of the melodic tunes Wainwright has been cranking out on all his albums.
1.) The Shins, Chutes Too Narrow
The second full length player from this band expands upon the songwriting of the first LP. Brilliant, beautiful pop.

Retire already: Sting, Elvis Costello, R.E.M.

Disappointments: Nelly Furtado's Folklore, Pink's Try This

Overhyped: Lost in Translation soundtrack, The King's of Leon, The New Pornographers.

Added a new shot in the Photologue.

Pentax Optio 555
Fuji Finepix 6800Z
Holga

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