{ Posted 11:18pm, Sunday, February 16, 2004 }

S.F. defies law, marries gays
Surprise ceremonies are 'dream come true' for those tying the knot

These events are making me happy because of one thing: it's all about love. It's not about religion or health benefits or flaunting a lifestyle. All these couples have flocked to our fair city this fine Valentine's Day because they love one another.

And all the hate in the world can't stop love. No right wing group, no constitutional amendment, no ultra-conservative religious wacko.

Because love conquers all. No matter what the republicans want you to think.

Janet Jackson, nipple, blah blah blah.

The hypocrisy behind all the denials is frightening. MTV, CBS, Viacom. These are the purveyors of millions of hours of garbage every week, but they're all grovelling before Michael Powell and the FCC. Who gives a damn about a nipple?

Justin Timberlake had to issue an on-air apology to appear on the Grammys last week. I salute Janet, who declined the same offer. She already apologized in her press release and videotaped release; why grovel to CBS and the Grammy board?

The FCC can order and conduct a full hearing with the heads of several major corporations within 10 days of a nipple exposure, but getting Bush's National Guard records is like pulling fucking teeth.

9.) Lost in Translation directed by Sofia Coppola
I liked this movie but wasn't bowled over it like everyone else. Frankly, I thought Bill Murray was better in Rushmore and Groundhog Day. The critics don't lend as much credit to comedies, which is a shame.

8.) Intolerable Cruelty directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
I don't know why the public rejected this movie. Felt just like earlier Coen Brother flicks, with the same amount of dark humor. Clooney just keeps getting better and better.

7.) A Mighty Wind directed by Christopher Guest
Eugene Levy kicks ass. If this movie does not win Best Song on the 29th, I will be very upset. Nuff said.

6.) In America directed by Jim Sheridan
The semi-autobiographical story of Irish immigrants arriving in new York during the 80's. I Haven't heard this many sobbing women in a theater in years.

5.) Seabiscuit directed by Gary Ross
Ross has crafted a movie of mythic proportions; more a story of Americana than any single individual. The story of how a nation evolved in the first half of the twentieth century.

4.) School of Rock directed by Richard Linklater
Jack Black plays himself and it fucking rules. Fun for the entire family to boot.

3.) Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
directed by Peter Jackson
The fact that he didn't screw any of it up was an achievement in itself. Amazing. Epic storytelling that was not all about the special effects. I didn't watch the battle scenes and think "digital soldiers"; I felt like I was watching a battle.

2.) Bad Santa directed by Terry Zwigoff
Funny, profane, sick. Immediately after coming out of the theater, I proclaimed it the darkest film I've seen since Seven. I was laughing from the first line of dialogue.

1.) American Splendor
directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini
I saw this at an advanced preview during the San Diego Comic Con last Summer and again when it was released in the Fall. The day after I saw it, I saw it's subject, Harvey Pekar wandering the convention floor. he looked as uncomfortable as he does in the movie. This film was robbed by the Academy. Paul Giamatti kicked ass as comic book writer Pekar.

Also liked Stuck on You, Elf, Last Samurai, Finding Nemo. Sadly, I didn't get around to seeing 21 Grams, The Cooler and Mystic River.

Overrated: Something's Gotta Give, Lost in Translation

I'm so happy baseball season is just around the corner. Already got tickets to a few games. I'm looking forward to the Giants taking the West again.

On the other coast, George Steinbrenner is giving us new reasons to hate the Yankees on an almost weekly basis.

Pentax Optio 555
Fuji Finepix 6800Z
Holga

Ain't It Cool
Dark Horizons
Coming Attractions
Variety
The Hollywood Reporter
Hollywood Elsewhere
DVD File
The Digital Bits
Criterion Collection
View Askew
IMDB
Rotten Tomatoes
Trailer Park
Drew's Script-O-Rama
Box Office Mojo
CNN
MSNBC
Drudge Report
Salon
The Gate
ESPNet
S.F. Giants
Amazing Fantasy #15
Superhero Hype
ComiCon.com News
Comics Continuum
Animation Blast
Animation World News
Sarge!
Red Meat
Neil Finn
Nil Fun
Billy Bragg
Jon Brion
Wilco
Prefab Sprout
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
DVD Empire
Ebay.com
Bowen Designs
The Nation
Truthout
MoveOn.org
Talking Points Memo
Misleader
Kerry for President
Edwards for President
Michael Moore
Greg Palast
The Onion
Raving Toy Maniac
Mark Ryden
The Smoking Gun
ComicBookFonts.com
Blambot!
House Industries
Apple Computer
MacCentral
Versiontracker
Think Secret
SpyMac
Ipoding
Ipod Lounge
Everything iPod
Palm
News.Com
Shareware.com
Adobe
Hotmail

Ryan Adams-Rock N Roll
ELO-Greatest Hits
Norah Jones-
   Feels Like Home
The Blue Nile-
  Live Bootlegs
Singles by...
The Darkness
Outkast