WHAT’S NEW
Google+ is open to everyone now, according to an announcement on the Google blog Tuesday.
With an estimated 20 million users already, Google+ probably won’t gain many more users because of the newness. It wasn’t impossible to get an invitation, and at this point people are still very comfortable with using Facebook and don’t have too much of a reason to leave.
The open format does mean that people will now be able to get a Google+ account on a whim, and if they find out they like it, make the switch.
Along with releasing the social network to the entire Internet, Google unveiled several new features. Hangouts, or the video chats with multiple users, are available on Android 2.3+ phones with forward-facing cameras.
WHAT’S TRENDY
I love people watching, and Arts in the Heart is a great place to do that. One thing I noticed this year is that more than a few people were doing the shorts over tights look – something I’ve never really been a fan of.
I saw several girls really pulling it off, though, and the more I thought about it the more I’m warming up to it.
As always, the key to pulling this look off is fit. The shorts have to be long enough but short enough and they have to be loose.
I like the pleated tweed look, but I have seen jean shorts that wound up looking OK.
The biggest rule about wearing a borderline trend is that you have to really love it yourself. If you feel awkward about it, people will be able to tell and it will seem like you’re trying too hard.
For the Augusta area, however, I think it could be a great mid-weather look. Warm legs but not too warm, and a great way to get more uses out of the zillion pairs of shorts we all have.
WHAT’S AFFORDABLE
Westobou Festival kicks off Thursday, and although there are events that require tickets, plenty of things are free.
Photographer Sarah Hobbs will have an exhibit at Augusta State University, and an accompanying lecture by the ASU art department will be at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in University Hall 170.
Hobbs carefully stages photographs that are meant to explore phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder. She will be constructing an installation as a part of her exhibit.
Even if you want to catch the paid Westobou events, they won’t break the bank. Jazz vocalist Lizz Wright’s concert Oct. 8 has tickets for $20. The John Williams Spectacular with Symphony Orchestra Augusta, also on Oct. 8, has tickets for less than $10.
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