Speaking of creative thinking, I have just returned from SIGGRAPH — a conference I love for this very reason. I find SIGGRAPH tremendously stimulating because one can hear a lecture about how SGI hardware was used on Mission to Mars and within fifteen minutes hear highly theoretical predictions on the impact artificial intelligence implants will have on human culture. SIGGRAPH is where you realize science-fiction is pretty tame compared to what the academicians are cooking up in laboratories all over the world. How exciting! I think SIGGRAPH was charged with a special energy this year because of these very discussions. After a week at SIGGRAPH I want the future to be here now -- to see how it all turns out and to be able to play with the gadgets about which I have just heard. Indeed high technology will play a larger role in our lives, converging with the Internet and other similar systems. Like the Industrial Revolution, the Technological Revolution will bring with it many, many changes of culture, lifestyle and being, some predicted and planned for, perhaps some radical and unexpected. The Internet as we know it is just the tip of the iceberg — get ready for the next incredible developmental rush.

Until Next Time,
Heather