It’s been a few days, yes I know, but hey what can I say it’s been unbelievable couple of days. My computer has completely taken my mind away. I know it sounds geeky but to be honest I really could give two shits about whatever anyone says. My computer is my portal to the world, and it’s my tool for creativity. I’ve been waiting for it for 3 weeks solid now, and now that I have it I swear it’s like I’m in love. The reason is very simple: it opens up the roads to creativity and the doors to expression are blown open. I’ve been waiting patiently to begin so many projects that it seems like an eternity, ok maybe 6 months :).

So what does it feel like having a 20 inch screen? I tell you what now that I’ve tried this it’s extremely cramped at work, still stuck on a 1024 x 768 resolution. I can see why many web designers are getting more and more frustrated with the limitations of 800 x 600. So in that little time I’ve redesigned the look of Broken Kode. The template has been changed from ‘Broken’ to Manji, and in contrast to what was stated before it’s Version 0.1.

What is Manji going to be? Well much in the same way that Kubrick has made web logs seem asthetically more pleasing, I’m hoping Manji will do the same only for a different kind of asthetic. Basically one of my pet peeves is that weblogs traditionally look like weblogs. When that happens they traditionally look a bit boring or standard. You’ve got the text on the left hand side, and a few links on the right. Don’t get me wrong there’s a good reason why that’s all there, but I can’t but help that it’s actually rare for anyone to look at the gumph on the side, it’s just my opinion, and as well all know they’re like assholes,….everyone’s got one'. The content should be everything.

Believe it or not Broken Kode is up to version 3 right now, it’s true in less than a year I’ve changed the look of this site 3 times, and I’m at it again. The first time round was my attempt at a three panel type arrangement, and seem waay too cluttered. Got that streamlined, then Moveable Type decided to change it’s licensing and I ditched that template even though I liked it because it was easier to do one from scratch than try and hack that one into a Wordpress equivalent. So we’re now on version 3.

Version 4 is going to come out under a template system, Manji. Everything before was training. I’m going to write most of this stuff from the ground up, so my original estimate of a week is highly optimistic as I’ve got loads of things going on right now. What I can say is that the mock up of the Manji has taken me 3 days, inspiration just hit and I think it’s pretty cool, while keeping very closely with what has been established before. I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from Michael and Kubrick, but only in so much as how he’s gone about a few things which I generally like, such as the data at the bottom. I also like the fact that the css is clean. I could do with that, some nice streamline, clean css.

On a completely unrelated note I’d like to wish my brother good luck on the begining of his adventure. His Uni shut down in Greece due to mismanagement. He’s got two options in front of him. Either go down to Lebanon and continue his studies there where he’ll be able to pass on his credits and get a decent degree from a respected Uni in Lebanon. The alternative is to go to LaVerne California, in California, as they realised the remaining students have been screwed, so it’s the least they can do. They put forth their affiliation they should make sure the students can walk away with a degree. It’s an opportunity he didn’t expect when he began at this Uni 2 years ago. Personally I’m not sad for him, I think this could potentially be the best thing to happen to him. Good luck buddy.