Semester B

No exam results yet from Semester A, but we are already in Semester B.

Semester A was “soft” stuff: Maths, Games Theory, 3D and Media. Semester B is programming, more programming, and even more programming. I’m very happy about this.

We’ve had two of the three modules so far. Leastly we’re learning Macromedia Director (played via Shockwave). Quite frankly a monkey could use it, though it is powerful and interesting. There is a BASIC-type scripting language underneath, Lingo, which will be fun to investigate. Even so, it’s nice to get some time on a noddy language that can be used to knock up visual, web-friendly games and animations. We’ll be using the latest 3D version, and there are even packs for the Havoc physics engine. Unlike Dark Basic, which I used last year, Director/Lingo is very widely used, and there are many good tutorials for it.

The other two modules are both C++, much more serious, much more interesting. One module is Objects & Algorithms, the other is Object Orientated Structure & Design. I’m not entirely certain of the major differences between the two, but two coordinated modules spent on C++ is entirely welcome.

The change of timetable has brought some disappointment. Semester A I had Friday off, but didn’t need it. Aaaand the moment I get a girlfriend in Edinburgh, Friday is busy till 3pm. I’d have liked the option of spending a long weekend over in Edinburgh, but perhaps it’s for the best. I’ll concentrate on work if I’m here. The up-side is I have more options for the gym each week. Previously I could squeeze in 5 hours of classes, I can now fit in 7 hours per week, and that’s just Monday to Thursday. The killer day is today, Wednesday, with a sports class just after lunch, and a double-bill starting at 4. I just about managed to survive it, though it was a challenge. A good few hours of training per week, coupled with my highly non-student diet of salads and vegetables and fruit and beans (the dried stuff – not cans of baked), is getting me into good shape, both physically and mentally.

Semester A was good. I lost a substantial amount of weight, did my first ever Uni exams, and got a quite amazing girl at an end-of-the-year rave. Semester B looks like it’s going to be even much better.

Cheeky Wee Update

If you want to watch and listen to some amazing comedy, Flight of the Conchords is where you should head. Enjoy the couple of YouTube clips, so far they’re my favourite songs (but there are plenty to choose from, head over to the Tube).

Oh… a picture from the Hogmanay rave. Everyone there is a musician, except me.