Social Media: A Blessing and a Curse

Recently I read an article discussing the difficulties of maintaining a marriage. A key issue discussed was the impact of social media on relationships. It struck me as being extremely accurate. But it also made me look beyond relationships, and consider the impact of social media on our lives in general.

Social media is both a wonderful benefit, and an incredible burden. Its removed the humanity, from being human. We can digitally connect with anyone in the world, yet we've stopped personally connecting altogether. Wonder how your old friend from high school is doing? In the past you'd call them up, have lunch, etc. Now, just check Facebook.

We're always accessible anywhere, anytime; especially if you're a small business owner. I LOVE the fact my clients/prospective clients can contact me anywhere, anytime using Facebook. My clients will agree. I'm always accessible through social media, and its often times the most efficient way to communicate. My clients' phone numbers may change, but their Facebook stays the same. However some people really struggle with having to "always be on". While I appreciate the business aspect of it, I somewhat struggle with it in my personal life.

It destroys our self esteem. I've seen a quote floating around that says "don't compare your 'behind the scenes' with other people's 'highlight reel'". Incredible observation. We're all guilty of it; both ways.

If someone looks at my Facebook/Instagram; it probably gives the appearance of a world traveler. While I've certainly traveled, this couldn't be further from the truth. I post pictures of nice meals at nice restaurants; but I leave out pictures of times I've eaten from the dollar menu at McDonald's, or eaten a turkey sandwich at home because I'm short on money. We're all guilty.

The other side of that coin is we're all guilty of comparing everyone's social media highlights to our real lives. We look at pictures others' cars, travels, homes, etc. and think: "boy, I wish I was that financially successful".

We look at marriages/relationships and think: "I wish my marriage/relationship was that perfect". I call that the "Wheel of Fortune relationship". When Pat Sajak asks the contestants about their life, they always say "I have a wonderful wife/husband". We know that's not always true. 

In reality, we're all basically in the same boat. We all have our ups and downs. We all struggle. We've all held our breath, and hoped our debit card wouldn't be rejected at the grocery store.

We've all had rocky times in relationships. But no one posts THOSE pictures or statuses. I'm still waiting on the first contestant to say, "I have a husband; and he's gained alot of weight. But he's still OK; I guess." Or "I have a husband, but he won't work or help me with the kids. He sucks."

We all know these things to be true. So why let it effect us in such a way?

My goal for the past few months has been less social media interaction and more personal interaction. Lets put down our phones, log off Facebook, Twitter, etc; and start paying attention to the person across from us, to the people in the room with us, and to the experience we're having. We don't really need a Snapstory of your entire night out; and neither do you. You don't have to Periscope/Meerkat everything. Just enjoy the moment. The memory is far more valuable than the amount of likes it brings on Instagram.

I've been trying, and truthfully, its not been easy. Anyone who knows me, knows I love Twitter as much as any material possession. So its a work in progress. Still, I'm working to return to the days where human interaction was a major part of being human. Where social media was a great tool, rather than a giant crutch. Where we don't feel the need to portray ourselves as better than we are. Where we aren't always "on". Where we can enjoy an event or experience without making the entire night a Snapstory. Where life isn't reduced to the number of "likes".

The Ultimate Drivers Exam

I'm convinced. If you can drive in the parking lot of any EKY walmart - you can drive anywhere. ANYWHERE.

Crackheads. Old people. Ancient people (on scooters or in cars). Along with the general person who has no concept of what's going on around them.

All these people trying to navigate a parking lot while obeying virtually none of the existing traffic laws. Noone understands the working of a 4 way stop. Crosswalks become a game of "chicken"; pitting human vs car.

Its total mayhem.

Saving Eastern Kentucky.....Part 3B

I planned to discuss all legislative actions that could help save Eastern Kentucky in one post. Then I quickly realized the wet/dry issue would require so much detail and discussion, that anything else would get lost in the mix.

The innovation and creativity of the Appalachian people will be the catalyst behind revitalizing Eastern Kentucky. Government help isn't a requirement; but could definitely make the process MUCH easier.

To fully realize the roughly outlined tourism plan, Eastern Kentucky must attract new entrepreneurs and a work force skilled in hospitality (jobs dealing with recreation, food, tourism, etc).

How can Eastern Kentucky find new entrepreneurs? The best way is for federal, state, and local governments to give financial incentives to prospective entrepreneurs in return for opening hospitality/tourism based businesses in Eastern Kentucky. In other words, "money talks".

The federal government could provide incentives through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA doesn't make loans themselves. Banks (hopefully local banks. Remember: "buy local") loan the money. The SBA simply guarantees should the business default, the federal government will cover the default; reducing the bank's risk.

As one might imagine, there are some fairly cumbersome guidelines to qualify. These guidelines should be relaxed and the amount of monies available increased for anyone planning to open a hospitality/tourism business in Eastern Kentucky. Banks could loan more, at a reduced risk. This in turn makes it easier for prospective business owners to bet on themselves and Eastern Kentucky.

The state government could relax state income tax on limited liability organizations for businesses operating in Eastern Kentucky. The federal government, along with nearly all states, allow "flow through" limited liability entities to operate without taxation of the entity itself. This is done to avoid double taxation, because the payments from the entity to the owners are taxed too. Kentucky is one of the few states who have an oppressive and ridiculous state income tax on limited liability organizations. This could be forgiven for the first few years for any business opening/operating in Eastern Kentucky.

Finally several creative local tax strategies/incentives that could be in place to encourage the location/relocation of hospitality/tourism business in Eastern Kentucky versus other parts of the state/country. Property tax, local employment tax, etc. could all be forgiven, delayed, or otherwise reduced.

These would make Eastern Kentucky an attractive location for outside and local entrepreneurs to open new hospitality/tourism business.

In addition to talented business owners, the region needs skilled employees. What would talented businesses be without skilled employees? The best way to hone a workforce for the skills needed in hospitality/tourism is through training and education. Training and education could be obtained at local institutions with a track record of results. Several in state institutions offer associates, bachelors, and masters in business. There are recreation degrees. And there are culinary schools in Louisville turning out incredible chefs.

The problem? Education and training costs money. Sometimes a lot of money. The solution? Student loan or subsidized tuition incentives. Federal student loans could be forgiven or offered forbearance in return for being employed in the Eastern Kentucky region. Furthermore the federal and/or state government could subsidize tuition for any prospective student from Eastern Kentucky that commits to the region for a period of time.

These economic incentives make Eastern Kentucky an attractive location for prospective business owners. Furthermore they ensure these same business owners will have a talented and skilled workforce from which to staff their business.

Saving Eastern Kentucky......Part 2

If you read part 1 of my plan, you know I think Eastern Kentucky has a chance to successfully reboot using authentic Appalachian culture to develop a tasteful food/drink/nature based tourism destination. Part 1 was basically a big picture outline. Part 2 starts down the yellow brick road discussing the finer details and steps necessary to reach the end game.

The problem that needs immediate attention is infrastructure.

The road to revitalizing Eastern Kentucky begins with - roads. The roads aren't awful. This is probably to ease access to Lexington so Appalachians can spend hard earned money away from home. The need for the "buy local" concept is another issue Ill be addressing later.

Visitors/tourists MUST be able to easily access the area; especially from I64. To do this, roads need 4 lanes the entire way from Lexington to Eastern Kentucky. They're almost there now. Just not quite.

Secondly, cell/data service must improve. Cell service (which I also mean to include data service) in Eastern Kentucky is absolutely abysmal. I would call it garbage; but that would be offensive to garbage everywhere.

Its a struggle to consistently make calls, texts, or get data connection. This is true for either of the cell providers in the area. Even worse, cell service is most scarce along the Mountain Parkway. 

This is crucial, because its the route most tourists would use to access Eastern Kentucky. If there are federal subsidies, it certainly needs to be to improve cell service rather than to provide high(er) speed internet (a SOAR recommendation. As if internet doesn't exist in the area).

Next is the power/electricity reliability. Anyone who's ever lived in Eastern Kentucky knows the power goes out anytime there's even the slightest inclement weather. This is easily solved by burying the power lines. Burying the lines would ensure dependable service and reduce costs of paying linemen overtime to constantly make repairs.

The final point on infrastructure that needs attention is public sewer/water. This is an essential governmental service that must be in place in order to allow the smooth operation of restaurants and other tourism focused businesses. Thankfully this only needs intermediate attention because some cities do a good job. Even the cities that don't do a good job with water/sewer are getting better. One things certain: Eastern Kentucky has several lakes upon which to use as a water source. So this really shouldn't be an issue.

Next up.....legislative framework...

Gun Control? We Need People Control

Due to the recent outbreak of violence, there is a renewed cry for "gun control". Proposals would limit the way ammo could be purchased, put in additional wait time, add mental health evaluations, and/or banning the sale of guns altogether. But....these proposals fail to address the obvious question: would these additional restrictions do anything to curb the recent violent trend?

These new proposals/restrictions would do nothing to solve the problem of violence. Here's why:

1) If there’s one thing we know about criminals: THEY DON'T FOLLOW THE LAW. This alone destroys any logic that gun or ammo control will stop violence. We know this, because there are already laws that prevent these violent acts: murder and/or assault. Those laws aren't stopping these acts; and neither would new restrictions.

2) This recent trends of mass violence have more to do with society than with guns. Guns have been available since the nation was settled. However, the trend of mass violence has only been around the last few years. What changed? Guns didn't change. People changed. More specifically: society changed. But what about society changed? THAT'S the question. And the subject of a future entry.