[Edu-sig] Active Essays

[Kirby Urner]

>When I struggled to read Bucky Fuller's Synergetics some years ago, 
>I found myself wishing for something very much like this.  It's nice 
>to see some progress being made to incorporate executable code in 
>narrative streams to explain/explore complex subjects.
>
>--Dethe

I agree, and forwarded the URL to a bevy of geometers I know,
with credit to yourself:

  "Dethe on edu-sig (Python) clued me re this "active essay",
   which uses Java applets to make its points:
   http://el.www.media.mit.edu/groups/el/projects/emergence/index.html
   ..."

As per synergetics and applets, you'll find an example on:
http://www.teleport.com/~pdx4d/domegeo.html
(source linked from http://www.teleport.com/~pdx4d/javafreq.html)

Here's the first Java applet I ever put on the web (check
boxes have a mind of their own unless you choose the 'manual' 
radio button first): 
http://www.teleport.com/~pdx4d/javavols.html

There's also Javascript:
http://www.teleport.com/~pdx4d/exhibit1.html
http://www.teleport.com/~pdx4d/exhibit2.html

And let's not forget my "spooky castle" jitterbug transformation
at http://members.xoom.com/Urner/movies/ghostjit.mpg

So far, I've only used Python + Povray or Python + VRML at
my website.  The idea of using Jython with Java3D is just an
idea (for me).  Nor have I done anything with Python + OpenGL
(but plan to).

The talented Mark Somers has done some of the most impressive 
Povray animations.  I've you've got the time or fast connection,
watch the animated GIF at:
http://www.inetarena.com/~pdx4d/synergetica/gctrain.html

Kirby