h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well, as much as I didn't want to go to another math class, I have to say that I made (I believe) a wise decision to go with Game Theory. It looks very much like math that I've already trained myself to be receptive to.

For instance: Day 1 consisted of studying Nim. The game was instantly recognizable as what must have been the inspiration for the Snarfem game in Zork Zero, so I was able to beat the teacher at it during the demonstration round.

20th Century Drama also looks interesting, and my professor seems to share my dislike of the name "Modern Art."

I've got a grammar class next. I think I need one of these, so while I'm a touch apprehensive, I'm also glad to finally get it even though grammar isn't something I've ever really enjoyed learning. But it's taught by a professor that I liked in previous classes, so there's room for hope.

Then there's the 2.5 hour-long socialwork class that starts at 5:30 tonight. Why oh why is my University so concerned that I'm not a well-rounded person? If I'm an open-minded person, then the "open mindedness" classes shouldn't apply to me. If I'm a close-minded person, then I already know that I'm too stubborn to actually have my worldview radically shifted. Either way it's a waste of my time.

Eh...it'll probably be okay. I'm sure that they wouldn't make the class so long unless it was interesting.

Then a poly-sci class tomorrow and sax lessons on monday, and I'll have experienced all of my new classes (except for the one new one that I need to register for, after I speak with my advisor.)

All in all, a pretty hopeful start to the new semester. Here's hoping it's as good as the previous one.

Game theory's a pretty accessible subject - Nim, Monty Hall, Sprouts, the Prisoner's Dilemma and other topics are familiar to some non-mathematicians. Also, you might get to study stuff by John Nash, possibly the most successful paranoid schizophrenic there has ever been.

I believe that Nash is covered in some later chapters.

I have to wonder if the movie "A Beautiful Mind" has influenced the popularity of Game Theory classes at all. John Nash's story is an intriguing one.

I haven't seen A Beautiful Mind, but I'm watching out for it being on telly. It's possible some people saw it and thought they'd find out a bit about the stuff he did, but I'd have thought they'd go out and find a book rather than choose a course. Of course if they like the book, they might well study further.

Arrr, I thought ye were studyin' computers. I didn't see a single computer course in yer list thar.