Updated

So, after all these revisions of my computer I thought it was finally time to revise something else. Some of you may have noticed that my blog has had a make over, complete with modern looking art. This should also make the blog more readable, which i80and has bugged me to do.

Google has made me happy. After sending them the same suggestion once a month for seventeen months they finally implemented group chats into GTalk. This is almost better than lucid dreaming (which unfortunately I'm still unable to do, after a week's practice.) The info.

I finished my last physics test, what a great feeling. The test itself was actually pretty enjoyable, but I suppose I shouldn't go into the details. I might have to retake one test, as I got a 58 (oww, I know). But I bounced back with 94 on the next.

The school year started rather uneventfully. Just a few minor hickups here and there, but largely it went smoothly. The classes aren't particularly hard either, at least, for now. Then again both Chem and Chinese are mostly review at this point. And I'm unable to begin Logic. I've only had some simple assignments I've finished early (that's shows how easy they are <_<). My English class is about to get better. At first there were only new kids, but a bunch of my old classmates are getting transfered.

I'm actually making a lot of progress in the game, I'm quite pleased. I've got a skeletal animation system mostly in place, and of course the entire physics engine. I need to deal with putting it all together, and getting things to interact properly. Object orientated programming is truly a blessing, although I don't think I'm aware of it's full potential. I hope AP Comp Sci will fill me in on the details. I got 3DSMax working again, which means I won't be completely strapped for art, although god help me if we have to use programmer art.

I'm pleased. I can finally type well with my dvorak keyboard, although I don't know what my wpm in yet. This should hopefully make the typing aspect of NaNoWriMo better. I think I'm done...

The saddest time of year

Today was our student orientation. So ends the summer, so cruelly did I lose it. Okay, I'm done with the semi emo. It is sad that I did not find the time to get more of the game done, but the good thing is that I've done so much research I ought to be able to do a lot during the school year, provided the newer more efficient me stays ahead of things. OHS is changing big time. We are going from a cozy 30 to 80, which is still a small number, but is a lot for us. Gone are the nice cozy days.

Shakespeare and a bit of computing

As part of my "be outrageously prepared for class" campaign I've decided to study up on my Shakespeare. Specifically Julius Caesar and Hamlet. So far I've read both and watched three performances of Julius and two of Hamlet.

Other than that I've pursued various computer related topics. I created a custom keyboard layout that has nearly all the advantages of Dvorak, but also preserves important hotkeys such as copy and paste. http://mkbunday.googlepages.com/layout.png Although I expect a productivity gain eventually I must admit relearning typing has been difficult, as five years of muscle memory doesn't go in away an instant. And of course I re-themed.

Soccer Tryouts

GAME!

So, today was our soccer field evaluations. It was one of the least fun things possibly conceivable due to the hard rain. Oh well.

In cooler news I got a full physics engine working, which means the game is one step nearer to completion. I've posted a screenshot of a demo using the engine.

Some Stuff Coming Up

I've been pretty busy lately. Today I took a physics test and went to a debate practice. I'm a bit worried about debate. Some weird rules about what teams I can be on and what not might prevent me from debating again. I hate bureaucracies. (in a totally unrelated side note, I noticed that Firefox's spell checker was really terrible at certain words. I might be switching to Epiphany, as it's more light weight anyhow.) Our new resolution is the death penalty, which is interesting because I'm still largely undecided on the issue.

*IMPORTANT*
Come to the chapter meeting this Monday at the new Maplewood Library in Ramsey county and die. I mean, or die. Seriously, I haven't seen all of you in a long time. Then again, I'll see many of you tomorrow.

On a sadder note, I'm pretty sure I failed the physics test. The occurrence of this event I will blame on several factors. A false sense of security brought on by an easy practice test which lead to my not studying, a crying baby in the testing site, and a faulty equation sheet. Or I just should have studied more. The baby was cute, however, so I forgive it.

Argh, my school year is starting up again soon, and I've only made minimal progress on the game project. I've revised the goal, so that it will once again be more practical, but it's still huge. Great... I'll be posting some additional information later.

Some more of the usual

Screenshot

I came home and figured my desktop was getitng a little too colorless, so I decided to infuse it with some summery looking colors. Other than that all I did was clean out my turtle tank (he's about doubled in size since I left) and watch Harry Potter 4 at Andy's.

Fun with Nautilus scripting

Album Art

After some fun installing a script I get cool looking album art to go with my music. I also decided to stop using Compiz, so that I could use my maximum screen resolution. Window compositing is quite a memory drain.

I'm home!

I'm back finally! I have to say being back home, on my bed and on my computer feels outrageously nice. I've been missing my Linux for so very long. Unfortunately I left lots of friends back at camp, so meh. Time to do lots of summer homework!