Also although I just started using Houdini, I have to say they have a great deal. They sell a non watermarked full featured Houdini 10 for a little over $100. It's restricted to non commercial.

I would love to figure out how to do a plugin for Houdini but its probally well in the future as I am just learning. The benefit of Hodini for FX is just fantastic.

I am more a scientist engineer than a graphics artist. I have gotten involved in CG as a way to explain science to non specialists. Even scientists and engineers have trouble understanding new developments outside their domain. Showing data in four dimensions enables non specialists who may not be familiar with the math of the field to get an intuitive grasp of what is going on.

I am new to Iclone but was drawn to it to quickly develop my visual stories. I want to be explaining science and not have to spend 90% of my time developing the cg art.

I think that over time if I can develop assets for Iclone that centers around science and engineering textures and props, then Iclone becomes a great tool for explaining science by the people who are involved in developing science.

I want to thank all of you for the wonderful learning materials you have made available.