LayAR

Layers... augmented reality... great ideas, yet they need serious work.

I've been playing with the programs Layar and Hoppala to place images in space in attempt to "augment" reality. My partner and I planned to create a Virtual Zoo, in which we drew zoo animals, brought them into the Hoppala, placed them in certain spots on campus using the Hoppala map, in order to view them from Layar on our smart phones. Didn't work. I still need to play with the programs to find out why it didn't work, but it was very frustrating to see our work go to waste.

Here are a few of our images:

The idea was fun! And if the execution was successful, it would have been great! I hope I can work with Layar and figure out its kinks.

Layar needs some development. After working with Photoshop, and Google Earth, and Sketchup, which have been around for a while and allow users the ability to create intricate projects, Layar seems lame. Even QR codes allow you to do crazy things like tattoo an animation to your chest. Layar is the younger technology. Layar needs to grow. And it will.

Hardly Strictly

The Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco is founded and funded by Warren Hellman. The best part about it (other than the live music aspect) is that it's free! Hellman obtained his fortune as a private equity investor and co-founder of Hellman & Friedman, and also co-founded what is known today as Matrix Partners. Fortunately, he chose to use his fortunes to give back to the community in the form of a free music festival.

The event began in 2001, originally named "Strictly Bluegrass." In 2004, the "Hardly" was added when artists from other genres were invited to perform as well. 

This great festival brings people together, merging music and art, food and dance, and strictly exists for joyous times.

          Music unites...

          the world!


This year, I attended the festival on Sunday, October 2nd. I spent most of my time at the Arrow stage, where I just missed Devil Makes Three, saw Hot Buttered Rum, and wished I could have stayed for Dark Star Orchestra. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to hang around for much longer than a few hours, but it was nonetheless a great experience. Live music is fun, attracts people, and when it's free everyone has the chance to experience its magic.


          My track (and luckily, Google Earth decided
          to take a satellite photo during the festivities)

Another great aspect of festivals is the opportunity for not only the performers share their art, but for the attendants to do so as well. I myself made a few pairs of feather earrings that I was thinking of attempting to sell. This was my first attempt at selling my art, so I mostly observed others. People all around me had their small areas set up with displays of jewelry, hats, belts, and other homemade items. It was inspiring, and a great way to get your name out there.


All around, festivals are great! And I plan on attending many more in the future.