\documentclass{article}
\usepackage[mathletters]{ucs}
\usepackage[utf8x]{inputenc}
\setlength{\parindent}{0pt}
\setlength{\parskip}{6pt plus 2pt minus 1pt}

\usepackage[breaklinks=true]{hyperref}

\setcounter{secnumdepth}{0}
\title{Week 1 Progress Report}
\author{Abdulmajed Dakkak}
\date{June 13th, 2008}
\begin{document}
\maketitle

\tableofcontents

Most of the time spent this week was spent to get acquainted with
how the REU lab works, how some of the facilities and tools are
used, and understanding the concepts/topics presented by the
various speakers. A considerable amount of time was devoted to
understanding OpenGL---by programming with it. We decided to pursue
learning OpenGL early on because (from our understanding) most
projects require some understanding of OpenGL.

\section{Programming}

A few programs were written in OpenGL. Most are simple, although
interesting. The first program \href{code/triangle.c}{triangle.c}
written in OpenGL demonstrates the rotate function. The second
program \href{code/fly.c}{fly.c} demonstrates the use of the
transform (or displacement) function provided in OpenGL. The third
program was written in python (for the sake of its hash table) and
demonstrated the rule based cellular automation described
(famously) in automation. While it's called
\href{code/rule30.py}{rule30.py}, modifying the rules hash table
changes the cellular automation computed. Since we were not
satisfied with the python program, we rewrote the rule 30 cellular
automation in C and named it \href{code/rule30.c}{rule30.c}. Then,
based on \href{code/rule30.c}{rule30.c}, we wrote a program to draw
the mandelbrot fractal \href{code/mandelbrot.c}{mandelbrot.c}. The
fractal is quite interesting, since this the first time I attempted
to color points based on how many iterations it takes to converge.
Finally, an attempt to write the buddhabrot fractal was futile,
although our attempt is present in
\href{code/buddhabrot.c}{buddhabrot.c}.

\section{Projects}

After listening more about the project options, I am convinced of
one or two projects. The first project is quite simple and might
take a day or two. The project entails translating the igl program
that has a red ball rotating around a torus into opengl. I hope
that this program will introduce me to lighting in OpenGL, as well
as how motion is conducted.

The second project relates to \verb!CUDA!, although it is not clear
at this moment what this project will accomplish. I do, however,
want to use the wiimote for at least one project, or help another
person figure out how to use it.

\end{document}
