CURRENT MISSION

To grow the economy in Appalachian KY, one of the poorest regions in the U.S. when it comes to income; one of the richest when it comes to scenery, folk culture and friendly people. I also want to understand and write about a changing, flattening world.

ABOUT ME

Cyberhillbilly is the nom de guerre of Johnathan Gay. His mission in life is to grow and help transform the economy in Appalachian KY. He believes we're at the cusp of some major changes in the world and is trying hard to understand all the implications the technology revolution (call it "Flat World" if you like) will bring. He writes at his blog at Cyberhillbilly on politics and commerce and technology and loves a good road trip. He has just started writing about these and hopes CS will help give him ample material.

Gay is a 99 graduate of EKU and a 2002 graduate of the UK College Of Law. He was raised in Leslie County, KY deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains on a small tobacco farm. Like Loretta Lynn's brother, he's the son of a coal miner.

Gay previously practiced law in London, KY and still does occasional work in the area of criminal defense.

PHILOSOPHY

I'm a student of life striving to better understand the world around me, how it works, how we can improve it, etc. I am motivated by a sense that we are in the midst of a great period of technological, economic and societal change.

I'm also extremely keen on understanding commonalities between Americans and other English Speaking peoples.

Finally, I am from Appalachia and am very proud of that. I hope to serve as an ambassador to our region by helping people get to know it better.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

In order to change the economy of Appalachian Kentucky, located in the Eastern portion of KY, we have to let folks know how beautiful our area is and what is has to offer. Because this area was isolated for so long a period of time (b/c of the mountains), it is a unique place. I want to be an ambassador for our region and am willing to help host people where possible. I have a second address in a community in Leslie County that I am willing to open for Couch Surfers whenever possible. It's not a home, but a small cabin located next door to my home. It would offer a nice base for anyone wanting to roam the mountains. I'm less keen about opening the home I live in b/c I have a young son. But I'm willing to listen to anyone's request. That's what I want to give.

As for what I'd like to get, in addition to helping out per the above, is a place to stay as I make road trips in far off places like Canada and elsewhere and nice people to meet and talk to who can shed light on this or that local topic question. I plan on writing about my experiences on my road trip blog.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Brand New as of Feb. 2008.

Interests

History, politics (from either side... I want to learn what makes people and movements tick), local culture.

• culture
• writing
• literature
• politics
• technology
• blogging
• teaching
• history
• law
• road trips
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Casablance, Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle, Anything on Greek history, and all of Alan Furst's novels.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

50th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy I witnessed the veterans of the airborne units do their parachute drops for the first time in 50 years.

Teach, Learn, Share

1. I understand Appalachian KY and would love to shed light on it to anyone interested in learning about it.

2. I'm a Professor of politics and practicioner of politics, the law, and economic development. I stay very current on most literature regarding a flattening, evolving world and love to discuss these issues.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States