Back In The Saddle

Yup, I'm still alive. I'm sorry that it's been almost a month since my last update. I don't offer any excuses, but I do point out that for a good chunk of that time I was traveling or without a computer. Mostly, though, I was lazy.

Anyway, the spring semester has gotten underway, and things aren't too bad. I only have class on Monday & Thursday, and I'm planning to make Tuesday & Wednesdays primarly research days. Should be fun. Classes so far:

ME 552 - Mechanical Design: this looks and sounds like the course that Dr. Shiue always wanted to teach. It's going to be Machine Design, with a few more specifics. Dr. Dekken (read Deacon) seems pretty on the ball, but claims that he is notorious for forgetting to come to class. That's fine with me if I can make the same claim.

ME 599 - Tactial Missile Design: Paul Gloyer is the day-to-day instructor, and he seems pretty competent (he owns a missile design company). We'll be designing a few types of missiles, and the class is more discussion based rather than lecture based. The projects should be really neat, but I'm already beginning to suspect that he's just farming out work from his company. Time will tell.

AE 512 - Viscous Flow: Dr. Vakili's spring class. It shouldn't be too bad; it's a follow-up to Inviscid Flow. Aside from the similarity to the word "vicious," I'm not too worried. Except for the final. Ooof. We haven't actually had class yet, but, whatever.

I spent the long weekend in Memphis, as I am wont to do. Ate plenty of good local food, went to a River Kings game (free tickets; the Kings won). I also saw Pursuit of Happyness, which was very good and they did make a point to explain the spelling error. It was great spending time with Jennifer, and seeing my family.

I've finished reading all the books I got over Christmas. I'm impressed with myself. Didn't think I had it in me anymore. Anyway, it's late and I'm tired.