by Max Levchin

If our enthusiasm is any indication, this year's EOH will be a very successful event for SigGraph. This has been the spirit of the SigGraph meetings for the past few weeks, and it's no wonder - this year, we are representing ACM and the Department of Computer Science in the Engineering Open House. The Central Exhibit is named Sounds & Visions, after the collaborative project between SigGraph and SigMusic.

SigGraph is presenting a retrospective view of the concert as well as several new routines, features, and music compositions from SigMusic. Here are some of the highlights of the last concert (all of the graphics were generated real time, and were modified dynamically by various parameters of the music) - fractal algorithm visualization by Brian Lilly, appropriately accompanying the Fractal Music by Fabio Kon; various particle animations by Brian Klamik, Dave Pankros, Matt Reeves and Max Levchin; and two large musical pieces by Thomas Lawrence with many new graphics algorithms implemented by David Blumenthal, Matt Reeves, and others. Overall, the first concert was a great success. SigGraph and SigMusic will improve the show with new additions to the program. Come to 1320 DCL to see the giant screen fill with vibrant colors and images, and experience the Sounds & Visions phenomenon! You will also be able to see your own voice on the screen, with SigGraph's new voice-driven graphics algorithms. We are also going to have many of high-powered PCs (donated by Intel) running our PC exercises in graphics, in the traditions of the infamous "demo scene."

The other large SigGraph project, DataRace, will be shown in its beta-networked version this year! After three long years of development and discussion, this 3D PC-based networked (TCP/IP, not IPX) game will be shown to the public in at least a portion of its future glory. The game idea was originally inspired by the book "Neuromancer" by William Gibson. However, we are no longer necessarily tied to that plot and are experimenting with new ideas and concepts. Look for Datarace in DCL's East Atrium.

SigGraph is always in need of new members. Regardless of what your level of experience is, come join us at one of our meetings at 9PM in 1102 DCL on Thursdays or come help us hack out the last bugs from DataRace or the Central Exhibit!