The Outer Banks

Hello ladies and gentlemen of the internet realm. I am sitting in The Coffee House on Roanoke Island in the Outer Banks. I can't wait to leave this coffee shop and explore. I do have to say this place has the best coffee of my whole trip. 16oz organic mexican brew is the way to go. Great internet connection too! The Coffee House on Roanoke Island gets 2 SBM thumbs up. I will be updating my findings in a few days when I leave the Cape Hatteras National Shore. Here is a picture from Nashville to help hold you over. Nothing special, but a decent landscape of the city.



I will leave you with a passage from Utopia or Oblivion by Buckminster Fuller 1969

"At the present moment in history, we find ourselves in a fundamentally different economic position. When, a decade ago, Eisenhower went to meet with Khrushchev in Geneva, both had been informed by their military and scientists regarding the magnitude of the destructive capability of the atomic bomb. And Eisenhower said, as he went to that conference, "There is no alternative to peace." I'm sure Khrushchev, with the same realization, must have felt the powerful responsibility of that moment. Both, being political realists and hard-fact men, knew that they would not be able to make any important peace agreements as conceived solely by themselves. Their proposals and agreements, if any, would have to be backed by their respective political parties, and their parties were always in mortal contest at home with their chief opposition parties which waited upon altruistic moves of the "ins" as opportunities to impeach them for treachery to their respective sovereign power's ideological premises. Any softheaded step on the part of the leader would throw the party out. While Eisenhower and Khrushchev couldn't yield an inch politically, ideologically, and militarily, both of them brought along their atomic scientists and allowed them to talk to each other in limited manner regarding any at all possible peaceful uses of the atom.
Only one decade ago, at the meeting in Geneva and its companion meeting of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, it came so clearly into scientific view that the leading world politicians could acknowledge it to be true that -as reported unequivocally by Gerard Piel, publisher of the Scientific American- for the first time in the history of man, it was in evidence that there could be enough of the fundamental metabolic and mechanical energy sustenance for everybody to survive at high standards of living - and furthermore, there could be enough of everything to take care of the increasing population while also always improving the comprehensive standards of living. Granted the proper integration of the world around potentials by political unblockings, there could be enough to provide for all men to enjoy all earth at a higher standard of living than all yesterday's kings, without self-interferences and with no one being advantages at the expense of another.
But clearly both political leaders and their respective states were frustrated by all the political checks and balances each side has set up to protect and advantage only their own and their allies' side in view of yesterday's dictum that there was only enough of what it takes to support one in a hundred. So, all the ages-long fears; all the bad habits; all the shortsighted expedients that have developed in custom and law frustrated whatever might be done to realize the new potential. But the fact to remember is that it was only one decade ago that man had this completely surprise news that Malthus was indeed wrong and there now could be enough to go around -handsomely."



Isn't that refreshing!
-Scott B. McKibben

Smoky Mountains

So I have just entered Nashville after spending 2 nights camping in the Smoky Mountains and a brief visit in Asheville, North Carolina. Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountain National Park is absolutely beautiful. It is home of a diverse group of plants and animals. The National Park Service works to manage the preservation of native species to the area. Some of the successful wildlife reintroductions in the Great Smoky Mountains include the river otter, Peregrine Falcon, and three species of small fish. All of these species were reintroduced because they had been eliminated from the park at a point in time. There was an experimental release of elk into the park in February 2001. Over hunting and loss of habitat eliminated these animals from this region in the 1700's. It was a great pleasure to be able to share a home with these majestic animals for a few nights. A little nerve racking at first, but I found myself captivated by the clear water streams and thick forest canopy. I hiked to camp ground number 39 and 40 while I was at the park. It was very nice being able to share memories with my friends during the first part of my travels. The last night camping I spent the night in a hammock. It was a bit chilly as soon as the sun rotated out of our hemisphere, but watching the starry sky was well worth the chill. We woke at 4 am and hiked back through the woods in darkness to catch the elk grazing in the foggy field. Even with my 100-400mm I could not get close enough to photograph any details. I realize I would have needed a 600-800 or larger and a 3000 dollar tripod. Oh well, they were better in person than any photograph could capture.

We then left for Asheville. There we sat under a bridge and shared tunes and rested our heads from the early morning daze. It was quite relaxing watching the water go by. It would be nice If everyone would take the time to focus on what is around them. It's hard while working a job every day for the rest of your life. It takes a lot to break free. I fell in love with Asheville. The whole city provides fresh organic food and everyone is so nice and happy. Such a wonderful place. I am considering moving there when I get back. I have always wanted to live in the mountains and I think I could be a successful working artist there. I also really enjoy being able to play music on the streets. I recorded a song while I was there . . .


After we finished with the video I headed to Nashville and started the beginning of my solo trip. Once I got to Nashville I was greeted by my old friend Jessica Lee. She is always a pleasure to be around. Her bubbly personality is medicine for lifting your spirit. Her and her sister Rachel showed me around town and took me too a few places. I have 2 favorite places here. 1) is Bookman and Bookwoman, an independent used book store. There I bought Man Against Myth by Dunham. Here is a quote from this book,

'"The unhappiness of man," wrote Baron d'Holback, "is due to his ignorance of nature." It is a profound truth, and the future of mankind undoubtedly turns upon it. Knowledge is, of course, a satisfaction in itself. We are likely to feel that even if we cannot avoid the blows of circumstance, there is some consolation in knowing what hit us. Yet how much greater the satisfaction would be if we had no need to be consoled, if our knowledge of the given circumstances were transformed, by further knowledge, into control over it!"

Wrote in 1947

2) Percy Warner park was also one of my favorite spots. It has a great over look of the city and we saw a hand full of deer on the long drive up the mountain. I'm really glad Jessica took me around and showed me these spots.

I am now going to head to the coast of Virginia to find some free disperse camping. Time to read, paint, and play music.
-SBM

I need help

Good day internet patrons. I have stowed away all my belongings in the far corners of Marietta and am preparing my travel necessities for my month long escape. I am very excited to escape a routine way of life and capture the world from an outside perspective. I will be sharing my travels with the world as I find myself entering new situations and discoveries. I hope to inform and educate as well as provide my photographic talents to those whom wish to enjoy. I plan on trying to stay traveling as long as possible, but my funds are limiting. I am open to sleeping on couches and camping as ways of shelter. I will learn to cut my costs, my waste, and act as a responsible human on this beautiful planet, Spaceship Earth. I am very appreciative of any friendly help I can get along the way. As much as I hate the idea of money I have created a Donate button for paypal on my blog. Any funds are a help and will go directly to helping me continue my travels and my education. In return I will post my findings, photographs, and video's all for free. I just need help getting by. Prints of my work will also be available through www.scottmckibbenphotography.smugmug.com I am also taking suggestions for traveling and you can be a part of the very photograph that could be hanging on your wall. 4 days till my departure and there is still very much work to be done. If you lay your head on the East Coast and have an interesting discovery, lifestyle, organization, non profit or philosophy to share please contact me.
Thank you so much for everyones help!
-Scott B. McKibben

Changes

What a shame . . . We have reached a point where our own ignorance, greed, and insensitivity has lead to a point of disaster. My plans for moving to New Orleans have changed. I have looked in to going and helping and "due to the high volume of volunteers [they] are no longer accepting applications." I am concerned for the health of those helping and the education being provided about the harmful side effects of working with such toxins. The chemical agent being added to the oil has many catastrophic side effects and we will see a lot of damage in the future because of this. I blame not only the government and BP for this disaster, but I blame myself and other humans for not putting forth all of their interests into alternate fuel options. We have had our chances with the auto manufactures and the public was more concerned with their gas guzzling suv's, sports cars, and trucks. So for now we choose oil which is spewing out rapidly into our oceans, destroying our wildlife, poisoning our food, and feeding the flame for the fate of our future. I know I want this to change.



Instead we will probably point fingers for a while and not take responsibility for our own actions. There needs to be more government action and less blame game. Also, somebody needs to take the typewriters microphone and pass it to Obama. I can't hear him talking in circles clearly.

On the contrary, my lease ends on the 30th of June. I have arranged for myself to take forth all of my energy in my documentary to help educate humans on what it is that is happening and why. I will be traveling to Canada hoping to stir an interest in my project and to receive grants and funding. I just need the means in which I can focus 100 percent of my time on this project. I will be stopping by the Buckminster Fuller Institution to learn more about Bucky and to talk with them about what it is I am trying to do.

I will use this trip as the stepping stone to constructing a hard outline of what the project will offer and to help educate people along the way. I will keep a consistent video blog of observations and experiences through out my journey.

Please help me in my travels. I need places to stay, people to talk to, topics, and any information that can be of help for making a change. Please email me at scottmckibbenphotography@gmail.com

On a more light hearted note, I will also be cataloging my music endeavors along the way. Hoping to create a video blog series devoted to american music. I will play my own tunes as I travel as well as film the others I encounter. If you live on the east coast and are interested in meeting me to be a part of this project please let me know.

There is a lot to come from me in the next few months. I am also happy to say that my website will be going up next week. After months of hard grueling work Dave Berzack and myself have come to a closing with my website as well as his Nerdcore Rap Spoof video. I hope these projects bring us success in the future.

I just wanted to give a brief overview of what there will be to see in the next coming weeks and am very excited about sharing my travels with the world wide web.

Till next time,
SBM

What I have been up to . . .

It is summer again and my mind is blooming along side the spring. I am shedding my winter fur and opening my windows to a long awaited change. I spent the winter accomplishing goals I had previously set for myself. Now that I am coming to a closed chapter, I feel it is necessary to follow all of my instincts and live as free from order as possible. I am planning a move in the near future that will direct me in a new direction stronger and more concentrated than what has yet to be produced by me. This will be a extremely positive experience whether the consequences are enjoyable or dreadful. I will be visiting New Orleans for the second time next week. I think NO will be my stepping stone to New Mexico. I have also been considering WWOOF. I am up in the air with my decisions for right now.

On another note . . . I had my first solo art exhibit on March 27th @ The Ice House Lofts. It was a great turn out and I learned a lot from the feed back I received. Here are some of the works that were presented.

The rest can be seen at

http://scottmckibbenphotography.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumID=11737058&AlbumKey=hC4Ns

I will also be having a photography show sometime this summer. So stay tuned.

I recently premiered my music video for Rising Appalachia. That can be seen at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmr5rdaemYk

I am also working on another music video for Dave Berzack. He is a local web developer. He is creating a fully interactive

website for me. I am very excited to release this project. It has been a very large project and will showcase a lot of my work.

His video will be the most gangsta nerd rap spoof anyone has ever seen.

Also, Captain Crazy Productions Inc. is hosting Wooden Spoon at The Eyedrum on May 4th.

This event will give local artist a chance to network and spread their talents as well as growing as artists and strengthening

the community. Don't miss out it will be from 8-11:30pm.

Please come support me and other local artists with this exciting night of interactive art.

I will hopefully be performing an acoustic show along side a group of mangy muts.

Some come ready to dance, cry, and stomp your foot.

If there are any questions about any of the projects going on or my art work please contact me at ScottMcKibbenPhotography@gmail.com or add me on Facebook

Till next time,

SBM

Scott B. McKibben Solo Art Exhibit

Rising Appalachia- Scale Down by Scott McKibben

Click here for a good time!

This is a music video I made for my friends Leah and Chloe. There is nothing like a good ol' time in North Georgia hanging out with wonderful people. We spent the day at their friend Meadow's house. It was truly a pleasure meeting Meadow and being able to stay at her home which she built by hand. Her hospitality was more than I could have ever asked for. Imoto, Chloe, Leah, Meadow, and I all froze underneath the big moon belly that night. Luckily we had fire all around us to keep us a little toasty. After the shoot the girls friend Scott came down from New Orleans with a bucket of shrimp and we had an ol' fashion shrimp broil and a new fashion miso and shrimp soup. The food was fallowed by an old time jamboree with a circulating guitar, banjo, and fiddle played by Scott, Leah, and Chloe while the beautiful chiming in of Meadow's voice would occasionally enter the tune. The music went long into the night and eventually I had to hit the sack. No one really takes me seriously when I say we have to be up at 5 or 6 to shoot, but I am definitely serious. So . . . everyone looked like they wanted to kill me in the morning when I was yelling for them to get up. I think the outcome of the morning footage stands for itself though. Great lighting and the crisp breath in the air really made for a great aesthetic for the video. We finished up the morning footage and Imoto and I headed back to the city so we could get started on some more work. Over all we had a great time and got to meet 2 new great people.