Awww.
Graeme and Kate have such a fine romance. And I know just what they mean. Go ahead, guys, just melt my hopelesslycynicallyromantic heart, again, why don't you?
Thursday, February 15, 2001 11:19 a.m.

Anonymous Juice
Damn Hell Ass Kings, the gosh-darned finest portal around, has added a new site to their excellent mix. Anonymous Juice is run by Craig, who was involved with the late, lamented Open Letters project. His writing is lovely and he comments on the little things that make life interesting and bizarre.
Thursday, February 15, 2001 11:10 a.m.

I Knew It!
Puffy confirms the end of his relationship w/Jennifer Lopez. Finally. Now, this is not a Schadenfreude update; I'm not gloating over Puffy's misfortune. Well, not much. I'm just saying I never believed all that backpedaling that JLo did on Reege and stuff. When it's over, as Otah says on Iron Chef, it's ovaaaaah.
Thursday, February 15, 2001 11:07 a.m.

Happy Valentine's Day

I wanted to show you a good, heterogeneous mix of links for this mixed bag of a holiday. I think today's content is a sufficiently motley crue. Enjoy.
Wednesday, February 14, 2001 02:03 p.m.

Valentines at the American Antiquarian Society
My Book History professor brought this lovely exhibit to my attention. When you check out the pages of cards, be sure to run your mouse over the images - the rollover will make the image switch to show you the text inside the card.
Wednesday, February 14, 2001 01:57 p.m.

The Love Bloat
Does our cultural lust for stories of romantic love leave us with unreasonable expectations and set us up for emotional disaster?

This article reminded me of the part at the beginning of High Fidelity where Rob says that it strikes him as odd that there's so much concern about the culture of violence that children are subjected to through video games and violence on TV and in movies. He suggests that we pay more attention to the fact that children and teenagers everywhere are listening to literally thousands of hours worth of songs about love and romance and heartbreak, thereby creating a culture of heartache and unreasonable romantic expectations. And then we wonder why we have messy relationships.

I think it's all related to the fact that most of us don't think seriously about popular culture and how we interact with it and how it affects us. We see so many movies and listen to so many songs and read so many books that their messages become invisible and inaudible to us. We internalize what they're saying without even thinking consciously about them. I think that's what Andrew Sullivan is talking about in this piece - we're so asleep to our own culture that we fail to recognize its patterns and meanings until they slap us in the face. (Free registration required)
Wednesday, February 14, 2001 01:55 p.m.

Kissing: A History
Isn't kissing wierd? I mean, it's fun and sexy and it makes you feel good, but think about it: you're putting your mouth on someone else's. Usually you just put your mouth on stuff you plan to digest. And since most of us aren't living out our very own versions of The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover, that's kind of wierd. So why do we do it? (Apart from the fun/sexy factor, I mean.) Read on for more information!
Wednesday, February 14, 2001 01:49 p.m.

Amnesty International Anti-Diamond Stuff
My Mom has always said that diamonds are overvalued, because their rarity is artificially manufactured by DeBeers, which controls the market. In her book, coloured gemstones (set in well-marked antique settings) are truly a girl's best friend. Maternal joking aside, the issue of what Amnesty International calls the Blood Diamonds from Sierra Leone are no laughing matter. For a slightly grisly look at the problem of these Blood Diamonds, check out this movie (Flash required) and read about what you can do to stop the flow of them into this country, where they are bought by unsuspecting & well-meaning people for their loved ones' birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, and yes, Valentine's Day presents.
Wednesday, February 14, 2001 01:44 p.m.

Gomez & Morticia
For those of you who like a side order of Goth with your lovin'. Are Gomez & Morticia the rightful poster children for romance? I say yes.
Wednesday, February 14, 2001 01:42 p.m.

Fresh Air interview with Stephin Merritt
Terry Gross gets the goods from the patron saint of world-weary cynical romanticism. From Valentine's Day 2000.
Wednesday, February 14, 2001 01:41 p.m.

Til Death Do Us Unite
Interview with the people who brought you Find-A-Grave. Hey, what's valentine's day without a little death? Via Alt-log.
Wednesday, February 14, 2001 01:34 p.m.

Complete List of Oscar Nominations
I'll have more to say about the nominations later, but for the moment, I'll leave it at this: If Gladiator wins Best Picture because the votes for Erin Brockovich and Traffic cancel each other out, I'll be a very annoyed girl. Russell "Sex on a Stick" Crowe was great, yes. So was Joaquin Phoenix. But Best Picture? No way.
Tuesday, February 13, 2001 01:22 p.m.

Hang on, Sloopy!
Did you know that "Hang On, Sloopy" is the State Rock Song of Ohio? Learn all about this classic song's long & glorious history when you read the proclamation. And then go here to read the lyrics and hum along. Happy Birthday, El!
Monday, February 12, 2001 08:52 a.m.

Worlds Collide at Puffy Trial!
I think it must be a very surreal experience to be a member of the press corps at this trial. But you know, I have to wonder: would the judge be as patient with the witnesses and showboating antics of Puffy's lawyers if they weren't, you know, Puffy's lawyers?
Monday, February 12, 2001 08:48 a.m.

rowr.
Mary Chen is a girl after my own heart. Receding hairline + obscure rock t-shirt + glasses = apex of geeky babeliciousness!
Monday, February 12, 2001 08:47 a.m.