Category: Projects

It’s been a while

Books, Film, Life, Projects

It seems like I’m writing this type of post too often, but I find it a nice way to get back into the flow of writing after a gruelling term filled with coursework and general university angst.

So without further ado, and without attempting to make any promises about being regular on this blog (since I am, after all, majoring in Procrastination 101), here’s a small update on what I’ve got planned for the next few weeks, time permitting:

  • Reading: The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz. I’ve been meaning to get into this book for over a year now, but many distractions have got in the way – from university, to other projects, to even other books (I’m looking at you, The Casual Vacancy and The Hunger Games). Horowitz is one of my all-time favourite writers; he, along with J.K. Rowling, really drew me in to reading insatiably, and it’s thanks to their words and love of books and the craft that I have been inspired to pursue this thing they call writing.
  • Writing: I’m still pushing through with the fabled manuscript. Yes, it does exist, and I’ve managed to break past 35 000 words. It’s still very slow-going, and being me, I’ve already got ideas for another book (unrelated to this one). No, I can’t reveal anything about it for a very long time. Hopefully you’ll find out about it soon.
  • More writing: I’ve become fascinated with gothic horror recently, and so I want to try my hand at writing a short story in this realm. Short story writing is always fun; maybe it’s because as humans we’re wired for instant-gratification, and so writing short-form pieces such as these blog posts and short stories are an affirmation-act for my writing life. Whatever it is, I am excited to get back to this type of writing, and also to explore a new piece of fiction other than the manuscript that has occupied much of my writerly life and thoughts recently.
  • Learning: I never stop learning. And so I’m hoping to continue my studies in server-side web programming and database design, in preparation for bigger things in the future.

Oh, and there will be many films watched between all of the above, and I really hope to write about them on this blog. Here’s a short list of films I’m looking forward to:

  • Now You See Me
  • This is the End
  • Kick-Ass 2
  • Thor 2
  • Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
  • The Wolf of Wall Street
  • … and, of course, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

All for now!

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SKKSA ID: Building a Software System

Programming, Projects, Technology

About four years ago, I had the idea of creating a student database program for my dad’s karate organization, SKKSA. Since then, my technical experience in programming has evolved, and so has the karate oraganization’s reputation – as one of South Africa’s leading karate organizations. SKKSA has become known for a unique, innovative flair that’s unparalleled.

This year, after much research and testing, I was able to finally sit down and write a completely new system for the organization, initially codenamed “Project Nexus”, and now officially renamed SKKSA ID. In this post, I’ll attempt to explain some of the processes, and philosophy that drives this new system.

Continue reading “SKKSA ID: Building a Software System” →

Hello, December Old Friend

Books, Life, On Writing, Projects

Wow. Yet another year has gone by. 2010 seems to have gone by far quicker than previous years – I can’t be much of a judge of time on this spinning ball we call Earth (seeing as I’ve only been on it for just over 17 years) but the speed at which this year has travelled at would make old Einstein giddy with joy.

This is my last year of being “beneath” a grade at school; from next year, I will be in my final year. This is going to place major implications on my blogging career (as you might’ve noticed from my devastating absence over the past few months whilst I was deep in preparation for this year’s final exams). I will be limiting my extra-writing in 2011 – and it will be completely cut-out as I approach the final stretch (probably around mid-2011…)

2010 has been an incredible year. From the 2010 World Cup, to my school tour to Europe (my first time travelling overseas on my own). I had a blast exploring the history and culture of such a remarkable continent over two weeks with some of the best friends one could ask for. Then there was Target, the short film that I made along with Imtyaz Rahim and Bryan Smith. It won the Technical Excellence award at our “Oscars” evening, so that was a great way to close that awesome chapter. There has also been some difficult decisions I’ve had to make this year, but I’m hoping that they will pay-off in the long run as I aim to continue focussing on the important stuff. (On the mention of “focus”, I highly recommend fellow blogger Leo Babauta’s new e-book, focus. It’s free and has some great info on how to keep a clear mind and be focussed.)

I’ve also had the privilege this year of being invited to write for Blogote, a technology blog based in Bangalore, India run by a passionate tech enthusiast and awesome guy, Sidharth. Rock on, dude! m/

So, December is here, and that can mean only one thing: free time! I plan to spend my summer break reading, writing, and having some well-needed down-time. Here’s my plans…

To Read

I’m an avid reader, and apart from some classics, here’s some of the leisure books I have lined-up:

To Watch

At the cinema:

  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
  • Tron: Legacy
  • Spud – The Movie
  • Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

On DVD:

  • Inside Man (inspiration for a little something I’m working on… hint hint.)
  • Inception
  • Pulp Fiction
  • Inglourious Basterds
  • Casino Royale
  • Quantum of Solace

Probably more. I’ll see how my film tastes emerge as the holidays progress.

Amongst all this reading/viewing, I will indulge myself in excessive bouts of writing – something I love doing best. I am planning my novel in earnest, and Literature & Latte’s Scrivener, coupled with my good old Moleskine (because sometimes putting pen to real paper can ease the flow of the imagination, you know) are making this process all the more enjoyable.

I aim to blog often, too. I have already begun to post regularly to Blogote – look out for those posts being published soon. Of course, this blog – Life in Pixels – will be having its fair share of writing. I plan to blog about my adventures in writing this behemoth novel of mine, my thoughts on the books and films I’ll be consuming and of course, my opinions on Life, the Universe, and Everything.

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

(Sorry – couldn’t help those Douglas Adams references. Perhaps I should add him to my reading list? We’ll see.)