January 2010
1 post
http://champura.posterous.com →
I’ve started a new bloglet over on Posterous. I doubt I’ll be updating this much anymore but I’m keeping it for now A) as an archive and B) in case I decide to randomly revive it. In the meantime, please check out the new thing (also viewable via champura.com). It’s swell.
April 2009
4 posts
http://unfollowashton.com/ →
Because Twitter is not a popularity contest.
Twitter is the new Facebook. Facebook is the new...
Why do I like Twitter better than Facebook? This guy’s blog post sums it up really well.
exuberantfool:
why is twitter inherently different from facebook: 1) social networks usage patterns are dictated by its leading users, not by the actions encouraged by a technology / interface Facebook is about hearing about the people in your life or past life’s lives. Call it ambient intimacy if...
'Ratana' now online in HD
About 3 years after shooting my first short film Ratana, I’ve decided the time has come to post the film online. I’d been holding out on the very remote chance that I could sell the film for online distribution, but at this point, that’s unlikely to happen.
The film had a nice run in the festival world. The original cut played a number of great festivals, including the Sarasota...
Is this thing on?
Ok, my blog thing here has been in hibernation for 4 months. Everytime I thought “Crap, I should update that thing”, it was immediately followed by “Ugh, but it’s been so long.” So yeah kind of an endless loop.
But, as I’m embarking on a sort of reinvention for myself (and yes, I know I’m not alone), this seems like a good time to reinvent the ol’...
November 2008
7 posts
“He took Michelle to see the Spike Lee film ‘DO THE RIGHT THING’ on...”
– From “50 things you may not know about Barack Obama” on Telegraph.co.uk
Yes We Did
If you’ve been following this blog for the past few months (and I know you haven’t), you’d know that I was a supporter and believer in the Obama campaign. In some ways, it started for me after his 2004 speech at the DNC convention when I optimistically thought that he could be the future of progressive politics in this country. At that time, I thought that 2016 or maybe 2012...
October 2008
4 posts
September 2008
12 posts
Reminder for NYCers: Go see SILENT LIGHT
A little over a month ago I wrote about MOMA screening Carlos Regadas’ SILENT LIGHT for a full week. I went and saw it again today and I remain convinced that it’s one of the best films of the past several years.
Thankfully I’m not alone in this view, and perhaps thanks to Manohla, the screening today was sold out. There are only two days left and may not be any other...
“In light of the recent crisis that is threatening the very bedrock of our...”
– Ben Greenman, The New Yorker
BREAKING NEWS: McCain's voice mail to Palin leaked →
“On behalf of the elite media, I would like to say we are very sorry. We have...”
– Roger Simon, Politico.com
NO END IN SIGHT, the entire film, on YouTube now →
Click the link above to watch NO END IN SIGHT in its entirety on YouTube. I’m linking instead of embedding because clicking through to YouTube allows you to watch in “High Quality”, which I highly encourage over the standard quality. As I mentioned earlier, the film will be on YouTube through election day.
August 2008
16 posts
“I think about whether that person who I select would be most prepared to take my...”
– John McCain on making his VP choice - April 1, 2008 (CNN, via Salon)
Obama tax cut calculator →
“JULY 3: Scarlett came to me today with one of those questions actors ask,...”
– Woody Allen - From “Excerpts from the Spanish Diary” (via GreenCine Daily)
MOMA to salute Carlos Reygadas & SILENT LIGHT
Apparently unrelated to the NYFF which is kicking off the same week, MOMA is presenting a week long run of one of the best films from NYFF 07. Carlos Reygada’s SILENT LIGHT, which very surprisingly has never secured any sort of distribution in the US, is inaugurating a new series from MOMA called “Filmmaker in Focus” starting September 24.
In addition to the awe-inspiring SILENT...
The festival season approaches
Autumn has always been my favorite season. For many years, the most significant changes in my life (both good and bad) would come in the fall, and as a believer in the idea that “change is good”, I always welcome such changes with open arms. Since moving out to NYC, another aspect of autumn has made it my favorite. For it is in the fall that the most welcome environmental shift occurs,...
Secret screening of Tibetan doc shut down in... →
A couple days before the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, a secret screening of an underground doc made by Tibetans was prematurely shut down by authorities. Not exactly surprising, but in light of the demonstration yesterday, it seems that Tibetans and their supporters aren’t exactly planning to keep quiet during the Olympics. It could be an interesting couple of weeks. (link...
Don Draper imparts his opinion of Pall Malls
whatwoulddondraperdo:
52. Dear Don Draper, I just started smoking and find that it calms my nerves as well as making me appear mature and sophisticated. I know you’re a Lucky Strike man, but what’s your opinion of Pall Malls?
Pall Mall has a slogan: “Wherever particular people congregate.” It’s fine for the converted, but their campaign needs a punch. Look at the coat of arms printed on...
July 2008
8 posts
Roger Ebert - The balcony is closed →
Back many years ago, I made a ritual of watching Siskel & Ebert. I think it was my first real encounter with film criticism. I greatly enjoyed the duo’s often-contentious debates, but beyond that, I really credit the show with opening my eyes to independent film.
Often during the show, Gene & Roger would recommend non-mainstream films. They would always say something to the effect...
Roku Netflix player is a no-brainer
FedEx delivered my Roku Netflix player today, and after less than 10 minutes of set-up, I was up and watching THE RED BALLOON.
The box, which in theory is competition to Apple TV, Amazon Unbox, etc, is the easiest-to-use piece of electronics I’ve ever encountered. Even my mom could do it! Apple prides itself on brain-dead ease-of-use, and while this thing isn’t quite as sexy as a...
NYC looking into bike sharing program →
I previously wrote at length about the ultra-cool bike sharing program I saw in action in Paris this past May, and I fretted why a similar program hadn’t been considered for New York City.
Well as usual I spoke too soon. The NYC DOT today put out a “Request for Expressions of Interest” (linked above) for just such a program. Here’s hoping the idea survives the bureaucratic...