To me, life is all about projects. The question is always: what do I do now?

The answer is (for me) always: something interesting. Whatever it is, life is short and should be lived doing something interesting because it's different, challenging, utilizes or generates creativity, puts something new in the world.

It's also, sadly, combined with the much less interesting question: how do I make a living. But, for better or worse, the question of earning a living is almost an arbitrary one now. There are no well-worn proven paths to earn a living in the current crazy world. There's no such thing as "playing it safe."

Given that, I've taken this as an opportunity. So, yes, I'm using my established internet development skills to earn some bucks. But doing that just doesn't seem worthwhile. So, I've geared Katz Internet to creating reasonably-priced stress free websites for clients. In other words, in addition to creating websites (something I work hard at to keep from getting "old" for me), I can also get the satisfaction of relieving stress from people who, well, shouldn't have to worry about such things.

But, there's so much more than that.

I'm interested in what I call "localization"—it's obvious to me that globalization has failed and that people much strengthen their communities and work together to make city-wide economies work for the people who live there. In my case, we're talking about Philly. But a good model should work for other local communities. My first step on this project: The Local Shops.

On the back burner, I've got other possible projects. I hold an MBA with a concentration in marketing. But working for companies or clients always squelches creativity. I'd love to be a renegade adman—doing outrageous creative promotions. And only for things I believe in. I may do some for The Local Shops.

Along those lines, I love 1950s style cartooning. Bold graphics images with strong colors, often offset and perhaps unintentionally cool due to old technology. I'd love to do new comics in that old style, perhaps a weekly single-panel strip. And incorporate that style into my renegade ads. I don't really draw too well, but I'm motivated. In that past, for me that's all that was required.

I have similar feeling about piano. It's a great instrument and playing is basically "target practice" (if you don't expect to be professional). I'm self-taught and not very good—but it's soothing and (for me) very important. It's a flow activity.

Anyhow, this site isn't about much—just my thoughts, especially about projects. In many cases, I'll be pointing to sites that house my projects. But I'll do a little blogging here and there.

If you share any of my interests or want to participate in any of my projects, please contact me!

Cheers.

Ray