Ain't it cool news
Excellent launch pad for keeping up with the latest movie news.  Also the standing example of how the internet has reached into and affected the "real world."

Slate
This online magazine is simply the shit.  They post updates and new articles throughout the day on topics which are always relevant, interesting, and well-written.

SlashDot
The best site to keep up on technology related news.  Or as they put it, "News for nerds.  Stuff that matters."  Runners-up include Tech Dirt and Wired

Joystiq
The best website covering video games, gaming and industry news.  GameSpy and GameSpot are also excellent video game sites: reviews, previews, news, and more.  And GameFAQs is where I go when I get stuck in a game.

IMDB
The Internet Movie Database.  Enough movie information to choke a deep-throated porn star.  And if you're in need of an IMDB for music, then allmusic will be right up your alley.

Wikipedia
This is a free, wiki-style encyclopedia (meaning anyone can edit it).  It contains information that simply can't be found in other encyclopedia, like Star Wars Kid and Tecmo Super Bowl.

Google
When it comes to search engines, Google is still the best.  1/13/06 Update: True dat.  Double True!

Sports
The two most important newspapers on the web are the local rags which cover the New Orleans Saints and the Sacramento Kings.  For generic sports news and info, ESPN and Sportsline are excellent.  For official league news and info, the NFL and NBA each have their own site.