L.A. author and screenwriter Roger L. Simon has been a prominent "former-lefty-turned-Bush-supporter" on his blog, but he wrote this week of his disappointment over the president's move against gay marriage and unions. His post unloosed a flood of comments, and Simon writes that he's been impressed by the civil tone: "Thanks to all for keeping the discussion of this truly hot button issue so reasonable and intelligent. You're great human beings who have made me (and each other, I assume) think."

Meanwhile, CaliforniaAuthors.com has a report from Derek M. Powazek, who has been photographing the ecstatic couples outside San Francisco City Hall and was so moved by the "sheer joy" that he and his girlfriend Heather got hitched too. Theirs, presumably, will still be legal when all the legalities shake out.

Also: BoiFromTroy plans to encourage fellow Republicans who oppose the Bush constitutional amendment. His "hero of the day" is California Rep. David Dreier.