CompuServe Messages

This is for everyone who couldn't make it to Siggraph 95: Now that you've read all of the exciting news about Siggraph, I thought I'd fill-out the color a little by letting you in on the not-so-exciting news. While the following scenario may not be typical, it is based on actual events. Be warned, this is a lengthy message. . . Let's start with Sunday. Upon arriving at LAX, I flag down a shuttle to my hotel. How about those shuttle rides, eh? If there were ever a prime candidate for a motion-control ride, this is it! A half-hour ride via SigShuttle puts me in the phenomenal LA Convention Center — and an hour-long wait for Electronic Theatre tickets. And of course, the day I wanted was sold out before the conference even started. After an exciting evening at Alan's AMMEDIA Party, I settle in for some shut-eye. A brief look at the local news while perfoming my pre-bedtime ritual reveals that strange white globules with a high backterial content are found on Newport beach. Isn't that where Pyros is located? The beach is closed until the matter is resolved. I hoped this wouldn't put a damper on my visit to Pyros open house, but alas, I never made it due to travel circumstances. If I didn't mention it already, I stayed on the sixth floor at the Holiday Inn Select in Beverly Hills. I'm sure I didn't mention that this particular Hotel is recently renamed from Ramada making travel via cab even more exciting (read expensive) than usual. Monday. I awake and open the window to discover — Oh My Gosh!!! THE WORLD IS GONE!! Upon closer examination, I realize it's merely hidden in a thick brew of smog. Morning news indicates that air-breathability is "Unhealthy". Strangely, the weather man's disposition suggests that this is quite natual so I decided to just accept it. Later, at the LA convention center, I discover that a hamburger, a pop (or soda for you westerners), and a cookie costs over nine dollars! Esteemed collegue Mark Meir discovered that a salad, pop, and cookie costs over twelve dollars! Later that evening, I attended the Electronic Theatre. Subsequent to the usual mind-blowng show, was the less than mind-blowing bus ride back to the hotel. Unfortunately, the bus on Route 5 was absent and, subsequent to a forty-five minute wait for an substitue bus, I had a wonderful forty-five minute ride back to the hotel. Fortunaly, the bus had a TV and I was able to watch the first half of "Clear and Present Danger". I wondered if this was an omen. Tonight's news: Forest fires are out of control. Tuesday. I strategically position myself at the entrance to the Exhibit floor near the left set of entrance doors so that I could score a great seat for the 3DS presentation. Nevertheless, the gaurd at these doors was the last to be told that the floor was open, so by the time I arrived at the booth, the place was packed beyond belief. Fortunatley, it was entirely worth it to stand through all three presentations. Later that evening, back at the Hotel's restaurant, I discover that for three dollars more than Mark's salad, I could get a New York Strip Steak. So I did. An hour or more of bus-riding places me at the Biltmore, aka the site of the Adesk bash. That's right, bash, as in bash your way through the crowd. David Marks discovered that the hold-up at the bar was because they ran out of glasses! Now that's a party!! Tonight's news: Four convicts escaped from the LA prison, and authorities have no idea where they are. And within one day, air conditions have deteriorated to "Hazardous". Wednesday. Having thoroughly traveled the Exhibit floor on Tuesday, I decided to spend some time viewing the various presentations. As you might have heard, Truespace, Lighwave, and numerous other demos were thwarted by system freezes, virii, and other electronic disasters. Didn't matter anyway because they couldn't keep an audience due to the 3DS buzz. Tonights news: An amonia leak causes a thousand people to be evacuated. Source of leak could not be found. Airport security increased due to possible terrist activity — leave early for Thursday flights ( hey, that's me! ). Thursday. Shuttle to airport was delayed, followed by the exciting, if not nautiating, ride. After being pan-handled by a vegetarian new-ager, I find my flight delayed. Naturally, the connecting flight in Ohare was NOT delayed, and the departing gate was, of course, the geometic maximum distance away from the arrival gate. An all-out sprint while carrying pounds of Siggraph literature, proves successful, but my assigned seat had been given away. Stewardess: "In the event of a water landing . . ." what the hell is a "water landing?" Well, that about covers it. See what you missed! Honestly, though, it _was_ all worth it. A new era in computer graphics has been born, and it's name is _MAX_. — James E. Coulter — Choreo Motion —