What's the best alternative to C++ for real-time graphics programming?
C++ just sucks too much of my time by making me micro-manage my own memory, making me type far too much (hello `std::vector<Thingy>::const_iterator it = lotsOfThingys.begin()`), and boring me with long compile times.  What's the single best alternative for serious real-time graphics programming?  Garbage collection is a must (as is the ability to avoid its use when necessary), and speed must be competitive with C++.  A reasonable story for accessing C libs is also a must.

(Full disclosure: I have my own answer to this, but I'm interested to see what others have found to be good alternatives to C++ for real-time graphics work.)
What's the best alternative to C++ for real-time graphics programming?
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C++ just sucks too much of my time by making me micro-manage my own memory, making me type far too much (hello `std::vector<Thingy>::const_iterator it = lotsOfThingys.begin()`), and boring me with long compile times.  What's the single best alternative for serious real-time graphics programming?  Garbage collection is a must (as is the ability to avoid its use when necessary), and speed must be competitive with C++.  A reasonable story for accessing C libs is also a must.

(Full disclosure: I have my own answer to this, but I'm interested to see what others have found to be good alternatives to C++ for real-time graphics work.)