I don't really focus on "topics", I pick something I really want to build then try and work out what the best suited tools and technologies are for that objective, then take it from there.
For my web startup idea this was Grails, because I work with Java in my day job and like the Rails convention over configuration philosophy. This leads to other areas like modern JavaScript frameworks.
For my video game idea it's Unity, for mostly productivity related reasons. This leads to JavaScript again (doesn't everything these days), C# and programmable shaders.
I don't want to spend my valuable time learning the latest new thing just for the sake of it. (I see loads of 'weekend projects' on here using Node/Backbone/Redis that seem to be this kind of thing). I want an immediate real-world application. I want something that will help me solve problems and smash my personal deadlines down like a pile driver. :)
For my web startup idea this was Grails, because I work with Java in my day job and like the Rails convention over configuration philosophy. This leads to other areas like modern JavaScript frameworks.
For my video game idea it's Unity, for mostly productivity related reasons. This leads to JavaScript again (doesn't everything these days), C# and programmable shaders.
I don't want to spend my valuable time learning the latest new thing just for the sake of it. (I see loads of 'weekend projects' on here using Node/Backbone/Redis that seem to be this kind of thing). I want an immediate real-world application. I want something that will help me solve problems and smash my personal deadlines down like a pile driver. :)