Friday, May 28, 2010

The Future’s Bright…

The last few days have been productive from many a standpoint. And nothing shows up more in this view than revision. Finally. Exams are almost here and my brain needs filling… and so it begins.

I also handed in my last coursework on Tuesday after demoing on Monday. Look at my last post to see how you can download my coursework and play with it yourself… honestly, it’s not as boring as it may sound!

What else? I’m going to see my sister! I booked tickets today to see my sister for a few days at the end of June. After my exams I have two weeks before my placement starts. The first week I’m spending in Guildford in the house chilling and celebrating both Anne and Josh’s birthdays! (I bought their presents today :D) In the second week I’m now going to see Becky! I can’t wait!

I’ve also found out more information about my placement from the employment agency that I’m being contracted under, so I should be signing a contract very soon… good times!

Keep enjoying your lives and I’ll catch up with you all very soon… sweet dreams.

  • Happiness. 8.5 out of 10
  • Tiredness. 4 out of 5
  • Workload. 9 out of 10
  • Last Meal. Chicken nuggets and chips.
  • Song of the day. Train – Hey, Soul Sister (good video too)
  • Thought for the day. You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.
  • What I’m Doing Now. Sleep, before day three of revision.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Special Post #33: OpenGL Model Viewer

My last coursework from second year was to design a 3D model viewer using OpenGL and GLUT. I know that probably doesn’t make sense to any of you, but maybe if you tried it out you’d get the idea.

The final program lets you place objects in 3D space and can be downloaded for your enjoyment by clicking on the button below.

A few things you should try:

  1. Right click to get the menu where you can select shapes, colours, etc
  2. Press and hold your scroll wheel (middle click) to rotate the world, or do this while placing an object to rotate the object
  3. Use x, y, z, X, Y and Z to do rotate
  4. use ‘r’ and ‘f’ to size objects and pseudo-zoom
  5. use ‘=’ to scroll through objects when in selection mode
  6. use ‘0’ to delete the selected object
  7. use w, a, s, d to move up, left, down and right
  8. use ‘1’ at any point to change your view back to the origin and reset the lighting model
  9. try loading the bunny.tri file, it takes about 17 seconds to load on my machine, so be patient!
  10. Move the light source around from the menu
  11. Select objects in ‘selection mode’ and scroll through them to get the right one
  12. Change the render mode to points, lines or phong shading

Good luck! And have fun! Let me know if you have any problems, I quite like the idea of tweaking this over time, although it’s got a long way to go in reality…

Sunday, May 23, 2010

5 Days of Jolly Japes

What a week! I had such a great last week of lectures and I’ve taken it to be my last chance of fun before the hard work starts today.

On Tuesday I went to see Little Shop of Horrors being performed by MADsoc. It was genuinely amazing and laugh out loud funny. It’s great to see so many of your friends in one production, especially since they’ve worked so hard to make it so good! After the show I went out into town to meet up with a few friends for a few drinks. Very funny conversations ensued and it was a great night (as always).

On Wednesday evening Josh bought some weights and he’s now got me on a bi-daily workout schedule. It’s tiring, but really fun at the same time. Not sure how long it’s going to last, but it’s definitely about time I got some muscle :D

After the work out I went to Sophie’s house party. I’ve been campaigning for Sophie to have a house party all year, and it was great for her to finally have one!

Thursday evening was the student awards! MAD TV and MADsoc had been nominated for 13 awards, and we walked away with six! Including MAD TV as Special Interest Society Of The Year!

DSCF3011

And Mike Frazer as Best Media. This was obviously cause for celebration…

DSCF3018

On Friday I went out to the union, why not! It was Fetish night, which essentially means people are dressed up in the most revealing outfits they can find/make. I enjoyed dancing the night away…

On Saturday (and I swear this is the last one) I went to Frankie and Mike’s Birthday BBQ. It was such a perfect day and I loved chilling in the garden for many, many hours…

DSCF3043

I don’t know where those 5 days came from, but I can assure you that the alcohol tap is sealed for the next 4 weeks. I have no plans to distract me from the task at hand and I know I can do it.

Check out the photos from here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31306494&l=353b22f158&id=1293892814

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine as much as I am :)

  • Happiness. 9 out of 10
  • Tiredness. 2 out of 5
  • Workload. 9.7 out of 10
  • Last Meal. Birthday Cake!
  • Song of the day. The King Blues – Headbutt (new single :D)
  • Thought for the day. Nothing that's worthwhile is ever easy
  • What I’m Doing Now. Coursework.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

A Fine Frenzy

The weekend was a time to make lots of progress on my programming project and get it finished. Instead it turned out to be a lot of catching up on sleep, the grand prix, walks and my brother.

On Friday evening I did a quick edit for MAD TV’s latest report on the line up for the End Of Year Show.

James, my brother, came over on Saturday and we had a great walk around town. I felt like it was a great time to see James again since we haven’t really sat down and caught up in what seems like years. And with the promise of another outing in my direction this Saturday, I couldn’t be happier.

I also went for a walk with Anne on Saturday evening just to get outside of the four walls that have been home to so much programming the last week.

I went for another walk on Sunday down by the River. Such a beautiful stroll to do and I know I’ll be doing it again sooner rather than later. It was a far more relaxing way to de-stress than spending a few hours on Facebook or going to a party. And the weather was just right to not intrude on my musings.

What was I musing? Who knows what the mind thinks of when it’s unleashed. But I enjoyed the journey it took me on and I feel much better for getting some space to myself.

I know a lot of my friends are busy revising for exams at the moment, so if you’re feeling stressed out, just go for a little walk. You’ll be surprised. And don’t take your iPod or whatever with you either :)

  • Happiness. 9 out of 10
  • Tiredness. 1 out of 5
  • Workload. 9.7 out of 10
  • Last Meal. Probably strudel...
  • Song of the day. A Fine FrenzyAshes and Wine
  • Thought for the day. The best feelings are those that have no words to describe them
  • What I’m Doing Now. Lab marking tomorrow where Josh and I give a presentation on our Media Project…

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Never Too Late

I can't hear forever that is just a word
No time for sweet nothings I just don't deserve
To pursue all my dreams when all courage is blurred
I can't make a start before I lose my nerve

My life can begin when the comfort can end
When regret can't be made from the smiles we can mend
Imperfection will come when the perfect arrives
And the shadows will shine on through everyone’s lives

A quicker life written when written in twos
And the words that are written my way cannot lose
Any dream can go bad when it's thought to decay
And I’m busy too busy doing nothing today

We’ll never be younger than we are tonight
So fill all my memories without a fight
Be my Sunday morning like there's no tomorrow
And never let our beating hearts feel more sorrow

Breathe through the oxygen take me away
Talk less and say more in this moment I pray
You can't find yourself you'll just have to create
Be who you can cos it's never too late

Friday, May 14, 2010

Wake Up & Smell The Programming

I’ve been coding my heart out this week for my Computer Vision & Graphics module, which is the only module in my second year that is solely for Digital Media students. I’m having to code a 3D Model Viewer in C programming language using OpenGL and GLUT. It’s coming along OK, with a few hiccups, and I’m actually enjoying coding again. Reminds me of when I spend a summer coding the St Mary Balham church website in ASP.NET and got really into it.

Thing is, I also have tons of revision to do. But I’m taking the stance that I really want to get this coursework out of the way first and then I can concentrate fully on revision.

Other than spending literally every spare hour of my time coding since Monday, I’ve also been more sensible about my sleeping pattern. I haven’t felt this awake in lectures since before I came to university and it really helps to just be more aware of things. I think I can put a lot of my sleeping fail to Stage Crew last year, and partying this year. But I’ve stopped crewing now (mostly) and I’m not partying much these days in favour of getting my work done.

I’m feeling alright about exams at the moment, I know where my strengths and weaknesses are and I have the time to address them. It’s just a matter of focus, and that’s where I have to make sure I make the most of my time. How many times have I written that on these pages recently? haha.

I haven’t talked about MAD TV for a while. We’re still very busy with wrapping up a lot of outstanding reports and getting ready for some really exciting things coming up over the summer and next year! Last week was MAD TV’s AGM, and a whole new committee was elected. I’m sad that I’m no longer on the committee, but I’m so happy with who’s in charge next year and really, really can’t wait to see how MAD TV develops and grows next year! Seriously, MAD TV is one to watch if you have any interest in Guildford, Surrey, the university or student media, it’s gonna be BIG!

Also had a few developments on my house for next year, and I’m saving it all for another accommodation post coming soon :)

Stay safe and I’ll write another jot of conjecture in here soon…

  • Happiness. 9 out of 10
  • Tiredness. 1 out of 5
  • Workload. 9.7 out of 10
  • Last Meal. Davy’s amazing Oreo cheesecake!!!
  • Song of the day. The King BluesChimp In A 3 Piece Suit
  • Thought for the day. "Happiness is a way of travel, not a destination" - Roy Goodman
  • What I’m Doing Now. Programming and working on a few small things I’ve been meaning to do for ages

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

This Is What I Was Like

The last few days have been going really well. I’ve submitted one coursework and another is practically finished. I’ve also been cracking on with my impossible coursework to find that it’s actually ok (so far)… I would even go so far as to say I’m really enjoying doing it.

I have to design and make a 3D Model Viewer using a programming language called C with OpenGL. It’s about the user being able to place objects in a 3D space and manipulate them in different ways like position, rotation, colour, size, etc. And it’s going really well. Still a long way to go, but at least I’m enjoying it.

As for revision, all our lecturers are finishing their modules next week, so as soon as this coursework is out the way, it’s time for the revision dance! Yay!

I have so much more to talk about, none less than the MAD TV AGM that happened last week, meaning there is a whole new team in charge of MAD TV! But I have a lecture to attend (and coursework to write) so I will elaborate another time. :)

  • Happiness. 8 out of 10
  • Tiredness. 1.5 out of 5
  • Workload. 9.8 out of 10
  • Last Meal. Coco pops (there’s no better way to start the day…)
  • Song of the day. The King Blues – Taking Over
  • Thought for the day. "The scariest moment is always just before you start." — Stephen King
  • What I’m Doing Now. Maths lecture and an afternoon of programming!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Come What May

Let’s bring on the Mayhem, and see what’s going on in my world.

May started off with Jake coming to visit. What a whirlwind of craziness that turned out to be. We went to Rubix on Friday night and met a lot of people. It was a great night just talking to people and dancing. Oh yea, and drinking…

DSCF2947

Saturday was BBQ day. Mother nature threatened to ruin the affair, but in the end saw we were just having fun and decided to leave us to eating meat and enjoying talking the afternoon away. All my housemates invited their friends too and it made for quite the party, we’re already thinking about when the next one should be!

DSCF2980

On Sunday it was time to go to Wagamama’s (see my last post) and then off to a concert put on by the music department called Free For All. There was some great music and more jolly japes.

The following day Jake left and I felt it was time to catch up on many hours of lost sleep.

Then this week has definitely been about getting back into the swing of things and getting coursework done. On Tuesday evening Josh and I felt it was time to finish our joint Media Project, so we got that pretty much wrapped up with just a small bit left to do. The rest of the week we’ve finished off our other joint coursework for programming, so that’s all been a good weight of my shoulders.

Lecturers are starting to wrap up modules and I’m realising there’s never been a better time to start revising. I’ve just got one more coursework to do that I’ve been putting off for weeks because I’m not sure how to do it, but it’s come to the crunch now… That’s definitely the task for this week. Then revision hits full on.

I’m aware that this blog is one of the first things that suffers when I get snowed in with life, but I’ve got a few treats up my sleeve for the coming weeks. I want to get you up to scratch about my house next year, and I have a few things to say about my course. Oh, and some MAD TV things. Until then…

  • Happiness. 7 out of 10
  • Tiredness. 2 out of 5
  • Workload. 9.9 out of 10
  • Last Meal. Coco pops (they were on offer :P)
  • Song of the day. The King Blues – Blood On My Hands
  • Thought for the day. Never regret anything that made you smile.
  • What I’m Doing Now. Having an undeserved lazy day… but in my defence, it’s the first one in a while (well, since Monday…) OK, fine. I’ll do some work……… later… :P

Saturday, May 8, 2010

April: The Best Moment

April was my month off for Easter. I’m not quite sure why the university felt that I needed a month off for Easter, in fact I found the whole thing a bit too much to handle. I spent a week at home, the first time I’d actually spent any real amount of time with my parents for almost a year now. But I also spent a lot of it back in Guildford and getting work done.

To that end, April was a mixed month. Without lectures and the daily slog of university life, I found myself enjoying the lighter things in life. Going to see The IT Crowd being filmed with a couple of friends was something I’ve wanted to do for a long time now, and I finally got that chance in April. Admittedly, we missed out on the first attempt by failing to follow a SatNav, causing us to get there about 10 minutes later than we should have been in order to get seats. But hey, hey, all good intentions meant we ended up going to Guildford Spectrum for a couple games of Bowling, followed by my first taste of Wagamama’s, a sort of noodle restaurant that has an interesting atmosphere and dishes not seen anywhere else.

Wagamamma’s reminds me of Chinese food. And unlike any take-away, it actually has all the rich flavours and spices you would expect from proper Chinese food. I definitely have a soft spot for Chinese food from my visits to China a few years ago, and I maintain that half the experience of Chinese food comes from the culture they try to reflect in their dishes. And while Wagamama’s is nowhere near that in reality, it certainly puts a new twist on other British restaurants and is heading in the right direction.

Coming back from the Wagamama’s side-note, I think April has been my favourite month of 2010 so far. It’s had up’s and down’s with revision, coursework and exam stress looming; but the trips to London, my cousin and sister visiting, as well a wedding and a few nights out made April a month to remember. But what was the best part?

It’s a tough one, and a very close call, but The King Blues gig was incredible and beats everything else. They were so good! My favourite band at the moment, and have been for almost a year now. They played all my favourite songs, as well as 5 Bottles of Shampoo, their Dizzie Rascal cover, I Got Love, and a lot of songs from their upcoming album. It was a brilliant night!

image 

May is going to be completely different month, lots of revision and coursework and exam stress. I’m going to try and have fun in moderation, but there is a time and a place to start working, and university is all about making that balance. And never has it been more important than now…

Monday, May 3, 2010

Out of luck

This week was the first week of lectures after my month off for Easter. It was a busy week, but also a kinda productive one.

I haven’t been very lucky with my possessions this week after loosing my phone and my house keys :(

The King Blues gig on Tuesday evening was brilliant, lots of songs from their new album and the lead singer recited “5 Bottles of Shampoo” which made me very happy :)

Jake came over this weekend, I could go into every detail but it can all be summed up by this picture:

You can see the rest of the pictures from the weekend by clicking on that one. I had such a great time. We had a massive BBQ on Saturday in our garden, and it didn’t rain! yay!

Sorry I’m being so brief, I’ll make sure to post something fuller later on in the week, but until then…

  • Happiness. 8 out of 10
  • Tiredness. 5 out of 5 (no sleep does that to you)
  • Workload. 10 out of 10
  • Last Meal. Pasta thing (but been having lots of BBQ leftovers)
  • Song of the day. Flight of the Conchords – I’m Not Crying
  • Thought for the day. Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
  • What I’m Doing Now. Watching Airplane!