GW Gibbs Jr., Rap Performance at Gibbs Elementary
Written, produced and directed by T Mychael Rambo
Performed by students at Gibbs Elementary-School Dedication 10/11/09
Lyrics
George W. Gibbs Jr..George W. Gibbs Jr..
George W. Gibbs Jr..Elementary
He was a man/an African American
He sailed the sea/to see what he could see
and this is what he found
Antarctica was the place
he was the first man of his race
he was 22 when it all began/our friend Mr. Gibbs/he was quite a man
George W. Gibbs Jr..George W. Gibbs Jr..
George W. Gibbs Jr..Elementary
It was a land of snow and ice/the sights were outta sight
Whales and seals all over the place
Can't forget "the penguin-with it's cute little face
Do the penguin!..we're talking about
George W. Gibbs Jr..George W. Gibbs Jr..
George W. Gibbs Jr..Elementary
Adventure was his game/today/his very name
Is given to a street where we live
There's even a peninsula...called Gibbs
George W. Gibbs Jr..George W. Gibbs Jr..
George W. Gibbs Jr..Elementary
We honor his memory/from sea to shining sea
He left us a legacy
Be the best thing that you can be and live with dignity!
George W. Gibbs Jr..George W. Gibbs Jr..
George W. Gibbs Jr..Elementary
We're talking 'bout George W. Gibbs Jr./George W. Gibbs Jr./George W. Gibbs Jr..Elementary!
Daughter of George Gibbs Jr. shares Antarctica experience with Gibbs Elementary First Graders
I love Ms. Bauer's first grade class at Gibbs Elementary! We had a wonderful experience together on April 20th. It's captured well by KTTC TV. I appreciate their enthusiasm and attention. They followed my blog before, during and after my trip. Their presentations at the end of class on the history, science and future of Antarctica is inspiring to me.
Daughter of George Gibbs Jr. shares Antarctica experience - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports
Daughter of George Gibbs Jr. shares Antarctica experience - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports
Changed by the Southern Continents
Since I've returned from the bottom of the world, I've heard three consistent comments: You look lighter! You look younger! You look happy! I think the secret is something I've been practicing: follow the questions, not the answers. This concept is explained well in Finding Inner Courage by Mark Nepo. Thanks to Todd Hoskins, a wonderful support and friend for sending me the book and working behind the scenes to make the blog and the fundraising happen for this adventure!
Simply Delighted
Today I spoke with several men who knew my father, George W. Gibbs Jr., at IBM in Rochester, MN. It's delightful to hear so many positive things, years after he interacted them. He had three successful careers, all related to serving people in some way. 24 years in the Navy, 18 years at IBM and 18 years as an entrepreneur, as founder of Technical Career Placement. I especially liked the comment about how contented soft spoken and confident he was at IBM, known at that time as a high powered, type A environment. I was told, "Always a twinkle in his eye!"
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| Gibbs Elementary School dedication 10/11/09 My brother Tony, myself and mother, Joyce Gibbs |
I spent my first waking hours reading No Horizon Is So Far by Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft with Cheryl Dahle (who is a colleague I admire). What a riveting story and well done book! I'm inspired by their vision to encourage youth to follow their dreams. At one point in their journey, they had 3 million students following them remotely. The exciting news is by one degree of separation, I hope to meet Ann in MN on one of my next trips. The world is getting smaller by the day. I used to think Antarctica was a long way. Now, I visualize it everyday and it seems nearby. One thing that also brings the continent closer is the people I encounter who are connecting big things to Antarctica. Liv and Ann are taking 6 women, from 6 continents, on a trek to the South Pole. The goal, this time, is to bring awareness of the global water crisis to 2 million classrooms and 50 million youth!
What's Affected by Climate Change?
Climate change is controversial. Scientists are certain the climate is getting warmer due to increase CO2. Many animal species, such as penguins are threatened by the changes. Another article says that one species loss is another's gain, i.e. deer, elk and caribou benefit because they can get away from predators. I wonder what other opportunities will we face from warming? What kind of weather shifts will challenge us? Over 1000 people died in Europe from a cold winter this year. One important step is the willingness to listen to others with a different point of view. How can we be open to shift our feelings and thoughts, through genuine conversation? I'm working on Deep Democracy Institute-Portland Oregon's Open Forum on Climate Change today. What are your questions about climate change?
Brilliant Antarctica Day
I recently discovered that I did see sights similar to what my father would have seen. At the time, the United States Antarctic Service (USAS) III expedition was confidential, so the 200 pictures my father took were turned into the Navy. I don't know where to begin to search for the negatives.
Antarctic Reflections
Thanks for your patience with my break. We are 5 miles from the wildfire in Conifer, CO. After seeing pictures of floods in Punta Arenas and then the fires in my community, I needed a break. It feels strange to have recently been somewhere that is now distressed by flood. I flew from Punta Arenas Chile to King George Island. The video shows the area where I rushed to use the ATM machine I before I left for Antarctica. The wildfires made national news. Sadly, I discovered a video on 9 news from a family who's neighbors died in the fire. This family drove through the fire to get out!. The good news is we had snow and the fire is out. It was my first time seeing snow since I landed in Antarctica!
I also found more on the mystery of the abandoned Czech Hut we visited. I wrote about in an earlier post. The goal ( before it was abandoned) is to study human behavior in extreme environments and serve a ecological purpose by measuring and cleaning up rubbish found floating by the island. How fascinating! It's encouraging to see people, in all parts of the globe, finding ways to respect each other and enjoy our planet.
I also found more on the mystery of the abandoned Czech Hut we visited. I wrote about in an earlier post. The goal ( before it was abandoned) is to study human behavior in extreme environments and serve a ecological purpose by measuring and cleaning up rubbish found floating by the island. How fascinating! It's encouraging to see people, in all parts of the globe, finding ways to respect each other and enjoy our planet.
My Colorado Matters Public Radio Interview
It was a whirlwind of activity before I left on my trip. Here's the radio interview I did on Colorado Public Radio. This is a popular show called Colorado Matters. Some of you know, I'm a radio host for Connections on KGNU Boulder/Denver. Nice switch to be the person interviewed! My next KGNU show is April 6th with Dave Paxson of World Population Balance. His principles link to some of the We are All Antarctica themes. Apparently, overpopulation affects many things.
Same Challenge for Some Who Make the Trip
I'm reading this morning blog posts from Robert Swan's leadership expedition 2041. Many people who post are deeply touched by the beauty of the continent. We wonder how to make a difference, how to make real that Antarctica is a 'barometer" of our planet. (quote in the video of March 6 blog post IAE 2012)
Today, I prepare to do my first presentation for The Women's Optimist Club in Denver. They contacted me after the Denver Post article ran on Feb. 6. It's a challenge to distill my experience and message to 25 min. The joke about my father was- if Gibbs is the speaker for your event, you know what the topic will be! Always, always Antarctica. I didn't hear the formal presentations. How ironic!
Gentoo Penguin 'Meditation'
Seal and Bird Encounter
You may have read my earlier post about (almost bumping into) seals. Upon reflection, I realize desire to feel and touch everything I could about Antarctica. On some level, I wanted to (literally) bump into the animals. Some of them will bite. In the end, stayed safe!
Received note from a friend today. It's a female southern elephant seal. Thanks Gail!
One of the highlights of my trip- Floating/Melting Ice!
Seeing floating ice and the glacier was one of my peak experiences in Antarctica. No doubt I will be back! This glacier is Nelson Island. I thought I was speaking loudly but you can't hear me, so listen to the water. I say: we generally see 1/7th of an iceberg, and that the glacier we are looking at is 40 meters high (131ft.) Taking a break to organize materials and the rest of the journey in Chile. My first presentation, after I return mid March, is with one of the Denver Kiwanis clubs. Ciao for now!
Antarctic Seals
It's hard to see the seals in some of these pictures. While taking pictures and being in awe of the environment, I almost walked into the camouflaged seals! Of course these pics are closeups. With great guides on this trek,
they helped me look up at just the right time. No doubt, Antarctica is wilderness!!.
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| From National Archives:Weddell seals, Melchoir Islands. My father was here. Doesn't look much different. |
Seeing Patterns
Going to the continent gave me a perspective I didn't get from reading my father's journals, books and dairies of others. While watching the film Eight Below last night, I realize I see a pattern of Antarctica, I didn't previously have. The film shows the landscape, wildlife and challenges of community, survival, courage and friendship. For the first time, the pieces I've been gathering make sense to me.
I understand the importance of preserving paradise at the bottom of the earth. Robert Swan, 2041 connects youth, corporate leaders and influencers to the continent. The goal is, after being there, you will advocate for the continuation of the Antarctic treaty in 2041. As of today, Swan's website posts 29 years and counting, before the decision to preserve or mine Antarctica
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| Postage Stamps |
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| Passport stamps |
Views from the Chinese Station on King George Island
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| Whale bones on the Chinese station |
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| Our transportation in paradise |
All things penguin
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| Alejo Contreras Staeding |
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| Gentoo Penguins |
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| Chin strap penguin |
Eduardo Frei Chilean Base Antarctica
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| Antarctica rocks |
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| Which way to?? Whale bones for stand |
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| Beach on King George Island |
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| Eduardo Frei Base Beach, KGI |
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| Seaweed |
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| Yellow moss? and Penguino |
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| Buildings on the Base |
A Hut in Antarctica
