“Voter Technology: A Reimagined Future”, a presentation at SXSW, focused on bringing election technology into the 21st Century. The speakers included Diego Bernal, a social worker and member of the Texas House of Representatives for San Antonio, and Peter Jackson, Public Sector Strategy Lead at IDEO, a design and consulting company based in San Francisco. Their goal: Use modern technology to facilitate the registration and voting process. They covered the motivations, possibilities and issues surrounding technology and voting.
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SXSW Film Review: Seth Rogen Makes Food Talk Dirty in ‘Sausage Party’
At this year’s South by Southwest film festival Seth Rogen debuted, as a work-in-progress, his new animated feature 'Sausage Party.' It is the first foray into the “R-rated world” for an animated feature. If you have no problems with watching food have sex, it’s really funny.
Read More »SXSW Film Review: ‘Phantasm’ – The Tall Man Is Back with J.J. Abrams
J.J. Abrams joined SXSW attendees and writer/director Don Coscarelli for the debut of Phantasm – Remastered at the Stateside Theatre in Austin. The debut was part of the SXSW Midnighters series which is billed as “Scary, funny, sexy, controversial – provocative after-dark features for night owls and the terminally curious.”
Read More »SXSW Film Review: ‘The Bandit’ – Burt Reynolds, a Bra, Fast Cars, and a Deep Film
'The Bandit' documents the story behind the making of 'Smokey and the Bandit' and of the relationship of star Burt Reynolds and his close friend, stunt double, and creative force behind the film, Hal Needham.
Read More »SXSW Film Review: ‘Preacher’ – Comic Book Hero Heads for AMC with Dominic Cooper and Surprises
The bad boy son of a West Texas preacher, returns to his hometown to become its preacher and to keep a promise to his father. His past and a variety of bad things, including a mysterious cosmic force, an ex-girlfriend, and a psychopathic vampire complicate this for him.
Read More »SXSW Movie Review: ‘Everybody Wants Some’ and a Tribute to Richard Linklater
Sometimes, when a movie plays at SXSW, it’s not just a screening, it’s a celebration. Last year, that was true about 'The Breakfast Club.' This year, the celebration was for the opening night premiere of Richard Linklater’s 'Everybody Wants Some.'
Read More »SXSW Film Review: ‘The Trust’ with Nicolas Cage and Elijah Wood
'The Trust', starring Nicolas Cage and Elijah Wood, is a crime drama which combines the world of 'CSI: Las Vegas' with the violence and dark humor of a Quentin Tarantino film. Pretty good for beginners.
Read More »SXSW: Film, Computers, Music, and ‘Mr. Robot’ – Be There or Be Here
Over 11 days in March, Austin, Texas, will welcome 85,000 people, host 5,000 speakers, showcase over 150 bands, offer 1,500 educational and networking sessions, and screen over 200 films (not counting music videos) more than 450 times. And, Mr.Robot will be there.
Read More »Too Many Laws: Are You Asking Your Representatives the Wrong Question?
“How many bills did you pass?” is the wrong question. Implicit in the tone of this article is that passing a lot of laws is a good thing and a mark of success for our representatives. I disagree. California has too many laws.
Read More »Adobe Does ‘Deadpool’ : And Remember Kids, Try This at Home
'Deadpool' is not your father's superhero movie, or, because of its R-rating, your kid's either. Director Tim Miller was true to the comic book character, who has been rude man out in the Marvel Universe for 25 years. Miller was obviously going for shock and edginess and he succeeded. But one thing not obvious is how this tale was put together. Traditionally, major movies have been assembled on big, dedicated editing hardware and software costing as much as a Prius. Although Deadpool couldn't have been put together on your father's PC, it probably could on your kid's. Adobe tools are bringing the power of Hollywood filmmaking to your home office.
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