tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67939869542406888492011-08-02T06:45:01.829+09:00creativity ideas stimulation research curiosity<br><br> "a way to track my activity related to creativity and things that i've found helpful to generate new ideas. waste of time? possibly. talked with students about doing a lot of these things to get them out of the music building and experience life. so, maybe this is a way to track myself and to provide an example to some of my students."neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.comBlogger921100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-57363545180068023332010-05-27T11:52:00.002+09:002010-05-27T11:54:29.755+09:00

Armando Ghitalla came to WVU in 1979 to do a masterclass. That evening at a party I found myself sitting beside him on a sofa. I asked him for advice. Ghitalla said to me, "Every morning when I pick up the trumpet to start practicing, I'm a beginner."

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-52668242601858203402010-02-15T14:20:00.003+09:002010-02-15T22:05:14.294+09:00

While reading Derek Sivers' blog yesterday, I was amazed at his presentation on leadership. Recently, he gave a talk at the TED 2010 Conference and received a standing ovation for his presentation. His comments reminded me of a book, "The Tao of Leadership", that I started reading back in the 1980's when I was living in Washington, D.C.  I say, started reading, because it's one of those books

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-15133931565299810842010-02-06T03:21:00.000+09:002010-02-06T03:21:51.387+09:00

Learned something about myself last night. Something about going back into the past. Several years ago, I wrote a block of songs about a life experience of mine (throat cancer). Maybe 5 years ago, I had an opportunity to record those songs in Tokyo. After I released the CD, we performed those songs throughout Japan for about a year. By that time, I just didn't want to have anymore to do with

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-29219752763684093682010-02-02T02:54:00.001+09:002010-02-06T03:10:59.438+09:00

Sometimes I get so busy in the doing (and kind of lose myself in THAT place) that I forget to step and do things like this (write in a blog). It's nice to have a flow going. Not feeling the need or the desire to stop and analyze. It is good to be able to pull up and take a break for a minute just to make sure the "boat is still on course" though. The "drift" is strong and sometimes deceiving.

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-1472086375848234632009-09-28T16:42:00.000+09:002009-09-28T16:42:57.118+09:00

Ever play a tune or a classical piece and notice that there is a spot in the music that you always feel kind of uncomfortable? During your improvisation you ever feel there are a few measures that you always feel awkward or confined? But, you've been playing this song for months or even years. Why are you still feeling restricted in the same place? Have you avoided isolating that spot and

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-10024174006685918142009-09-28T16:29:00.000+09:002009-09-28T16:29:14.872+09:00

Noticing that there is a major distinction between creating ideas and doing the necessary execution to bring the idea into reality. I'm wondering if there could be a right-brain left-brain connection problem. People that are great creating ideas seem to have trouble sometimes with the step by step methodical execution of the idea/plan. The "grunt" work involved in making the idea into a real

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-4648975388491816622009-09-28T13:31:00.000+09:002009-09-28T13:31:08.887+09:00

Haven't been spending any time preparing for this blog during the past several weeks. My idea about writing and/or exploring creativity and improvisation has moved from the blog to a "real life" project. Been involved in the upcoming (Nov. 9-15) Japan Music Week and the Jinnan Jazz Festival. Actually, I would rather be "living it" rather than writing about it anyway.

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-10975121263329260952009-09-14T20:39:00.000+09:002009-09-14T20:39:08.464+09:00

http://sivers.org/desperate2 A follow-up post by Derek on the question of the effectiveness of desperation as a potential plan of attack on the road to success. Desperation conjures up images of fear for me. Scarcity.... For me, it might cause me to do negative things with my energy. Actually, becoming like a black hole instead of projecting good energy out onto the project.

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-3943524597004834462009-09-14T20:26:00.000+09:002009-09-14T20:26:38.256+09:00

http://sivers.org/desperate In this post, Derek raises an interesting point about setting-up the context that you operate from on your way to finding success for yourself. I'm not sure (after reading the post) if desperation is the word for Branson's style of forging ahead. I'm more inclined to use the word commitment. His level of commitment to his projects is extraordinary. Playing as if his

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-26724157004643159062009-09-14T19:30:00.001+09:002009-09-14T19:31:05.656+09:00

http://sivers.org/stepsDerek highlights a very important point. I've noticed for years in Japan while in the company of people studying Japanese and/or English. Some seem to really enjoy learning a new language, never really speak about the difficulty and progress rather quickly. Others are always talking about how hard it is to learn the language and how much time it takes. Consequently, they

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-81818986856723954852009-09-13T11:41:00.000+09:002009-09-13T11:41:11.201+09:00

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/7541/tokujin-yoshioka-camper-store-london.html

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-45446823030952282732009-08-31T13:44:00.002+09:002009-08-31T13:47:18.580+09:00

Recently, heard about the trumpet player Florent Brique. Been checking out his band. Here is a nice groove they did at the Vienna Jazz Festival.Really creative project.

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-84423260983866238342009-08-27T14:11:00.003+09:002009-08-27T14:17:26.229+09:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrence_McKennahttp://deoxy.org/media/McKennaMy buddy Curtis turned me on to McKenna today. Woke-up, came in and sat dow at the computer and there were the links sitting in front of me in a chat box.

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-28148148993038851562009-08-24T16:18:00.005+09:002009-08-24T16:24:48.916+09:00

Am currently involved in "Japan Music Week" and the Jinnan Jazz Festival. Already, the creative juices are starting to flow. Feels good!Search for Japan Music Week on FACEBOOK for more info.

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-53702823272485223512009-08-22T13:43:00.003+09:002009-08-24T16:17:25.713+09:00

Haven't posted on this blog for 12 days after doing 72 days in a row.It's called "hitting the wall."

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-34888733835434093782009-08-12T14:01:00.005+09:002009-08-12T14:21:35.774+09:00

Soda Can Shake UpYoga JournalThree's A CharmNATO Builds History's 1st Global ArmyHorse Flies and MeteorsThe Millenium ProjectTouchable HolographyKurzweilAI.net NewsletterAccelerating Intelligence

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-24367073945910794972009-08-12T13:18:00.003+09:002009-08-12T13:42:36.294+09:00

Effortless Mastery Message #004: What Musical Depth is Really About Inspirational message from Kenny WernerMany people are trapped in the delusion,"Music is important. I am only valid if I play it correctly."Because of this misconception many musicians live and dieand never know the true joy of music in their lives.Many jazz players feel that there is an experience inimprovisation that they are

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-79895970620857793602009-08-12T12:48:00.004+09:002009-08-12T13:12:37.730+09:00

Interesting.I'm amazed at how an art form like jazz has been reduced to bgm (background music) at cocktail parties and hotel lounges/bars.I've been told often by agents/managers in the past several years, "We are interested in you being seen and not really heard. We don't want your jazz fans coming here to listen to you. They don't drink enough and stay too long. We want a quick turnover in the

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-49419400613382813232009-08-12T12:42:00.003+09:002009-08-12T12:47:04.090+09:00

"When you play jazz, you have to live it. You know, those notes mean something. They don't just come from your brain, they come from your heart and soul too. So I think in order to have that heart and soul, you have to experience life. So I relate my music to my life and my lifestyle. You can't separate the two."Woody Shaw interviewed by Louise Gilbreth 106.7 Jazz Masters WRVRListen to the Woody

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-33461415468234579682009-08-08T13:17:00.005+09:002009-08-12T12:41:07.295+09:00

Can't say enough but, don't want to say too much about this interview. Lawrence says some priceless things. I would put some quotes here but, there are simply too many. Young creators really should listen to this (many times) and older creators should listen to get "re-grounded" into the things that drew them into the creative world in the beginning.Lawrence Williams Interview (videoArt of

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-68303533451006773812009-08-06T13:28:00.006+09:002009-08-06T14:47:56.770+09:00

http://kennywernerlive.com/effortless-mastery-reminders/madame-chaloff-and-the-secret-of-music-your-effortless-mastery-reminders-015Kenny Werner says so much in 7 minutes! Love what he says about the "creativity of the last note."I've been thinking so much lately about some of things I heard in the video this morning. Maybe I'm not crazy..hahaha. This idea of free jazz..free improvisation...what

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-31513318139863007472009-08-05T17:05:00.001+09:002009-08-05T17:12:37.197+09:00

"If you don't know history, it's like you were born yesterday."Howard Zinn

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-22247384673869018202009-08-04T12:01:00.009+09:002009-08-04T13:02:15.414+09:00

Lightning in a Bottle: Creating, Presenting, and Preserving JazzA great performance by Odean Pope and his Trio followed by an hour of discussion about the creative process and improvisation. Odean makes some special comments about inspiration and the role that plays in his improvisations and compositions.Philoctetes"The Philoctetes Center for the Multidisciplinary Study of the Imagination was

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-53987311972500816832009-08-03T20:20:00.005+09:002009-08-03T20:38:05.839+09:00

Went to Miyakojima in Okinawa last year. Maybe it's just about time to go there again. Miyakojima is a tropical paradise, actually closer to Taiwan than the main southern Japanese islands. I didn't see any evidence of over-development there. Lots of wide-open spaces, sugar cane farms, beautiful white sand beaches and quiet. I'll have to say, in the past few years, except for my occasional trips

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-24477057318848127332009-08-03T13:17:00.005+09:002009-08-03T13:26:59.012+09:00

The Power of Nightmares(parts 1-3)Another documentary presenting more ideas on the process in which "the system" has guided our thinking and perceptions of society and the world around us. With this constant attack on our senses and thinking, I wonder how the growth of creativity is stunted and/or limited? http://www.archive.org/details/ThePowerOfNightmares

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-57772912931703317872009-08-03T11:38:00.002+09:002009-08-03T11:44:46.931+09:00

"Trumpet player Clark Terry summarizes the creative process as "imitate, assimilate, innovate". Listening to other musicians can give you ideas you may wish to develop further, and being able to successfully duplicate what they are doing is one step toward being able to express yourself. Next, you must understand why the things you are playing sound the way they do, so that when you want to

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-8600080032423502392009-08-03T11:15:00.002+09:002009-08-03T11:37:47.555+09:00

After listening to the first tune, you'll here some interesting comments from Hargrove about creativity and where the music comes from.Roy Hargrove on Music

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-49674907613578768742009-07-31T14:17:00.003+09:002009-07-31T14:33:29.630+09:00

New ExperiencesWhen I talk with students about creativity, I like to emphasize that it is so important to try new things and have new experiences. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant or expensive. While I've been in Karuizawa, I've been trying some new food, going for walks, and taking photos. Today, I even tried a couple of local beers.

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-75859678159466657092009-07-31T13:41:00.004+09:002009-07-31T14:13:12.868+09:00

Saw this amazing site today riding along in the bus from Tokyo to Karuizawa. Fortunately, I had my camera on the seat beside me and was able to grab a quick shot of this beautiful green valley.I had been feeling really stressed for days before this trip. As soon as I saw this site and was able to get a photo, all of the tension and stress left my body. Amazing. It was such a simple thing that

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-33819940413375173672009-07-31T13:30:00.003+09:002009-07-31T13:41:25.123+09:00

The Future of Music on NPRGreat interview with David Kusek (Berklee College of Music)Click on the above link and listen/download the interview.As independent musicians, should we make CD's in the future? Just record tracks and sell them online? How to build a base of people interested in our music? Record deals? Do we need the major labels anymore? Just use the recording as a promotional tool, as

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-51902541401112089292009-07-27T12:43:00.009+09:002009-07-27T13:31:16.538+09:00

James Cameron talks tech, "Avatar" at Comic-Con"I think it's really more of a bonus at the moment that you sit down and watch the movie that you feel more immersed in it and more physically present. I actually think 3D engages more areas of the brain, just the way we process 3D images. It makes you more aware and more present as you're watching the film because there's more brain activity."James

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-80834204594034472232009-07-27T03:29:00.006+09:002009-07-27T03:59:29.856+09:00

Got an email this morning from Derek Sivers (formerly CD Baby). Derek has recently returned from the TED Talks at Oxford. Honestly, with so much information flying at me, I had forgotten about TED. Just check-out the website and the videos of the speakers from all the previous TED Talks. What a great resource for creative material. Topics are just completely all over the grid. As a creativity

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-15022205572903994322009-07-27T00:58:00.007+09:002009-07-27T13:21:35.505+09:00

When I think of the creative process, I'm often drawn to movies and actors. Maybe some would think that strange coming from a trumpet player.In the early 1990's after I left my gig as a trumpet soloist in the Navy Commodores Big Band in Washington, D.C., I found myself back in my hometown of Elkins, West Virginia. Some have asked why I made such a move. Well, it's a long story for another day.

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-49551946358154709332009-07-26T22:35:00.004+09:002009-07-27T00:53:48.217+09:00

Was talking with my son about the possibility of him doing an independent study for a semester. Just the sound of that is interesting to me. Independent. Study. I was standing in the shower thinking about that this afternoon and wondered, "Why doesn't everyone do independent studies through school?" What is the other option.....dependent studies? Yeah, I remember going in and sitting for 90

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-20523669107581229422009-07-24T14:18:00.008+09:002009-07-26T22:34:51.420+09:00

Freddie Hubbard interview (audio)Great interview with one of the masters. Freddie was a huge influence on me. I was fortunate to be able to go and hear him every night when he came through Washington, D.C. back in the 1980's. What a sound!Freddie Hubbard interview (text)Genetically Modified FoodI don't know about anyone else but, I don't want my food messed with in a lab before I eat it.Yoga

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-27274159032196599962009-07-22T14:10:00.004+09:002009-07-24T13:48:29.389+09:00

July 22Political CorrectnessThe origin and nature of political correctness.Newspeak - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaLiterature Suppressed on Political GroundsSuppressed Political Grounds Phone gadget to diagnose diseaseLENSWORK Podcast 547"Political correctness (noun) and politically correct (adjective) (PC) are the terms applied to language,

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-53551187387171005382009-07-22T14:09:00.007+09:002009-07-24T13:03:58.819+09:00

Improvisation on "Improvisation"Lenswork Podcast #546Yoga Journal - "In the Zone"Yoga Journal: "Riding Your Breath Home"Creative Pro.com NewsletterDick Cheney's "Executive Assassination Ring".Was British Weapons Expert Dr. David Kelly a Target?KurzweilAI.net NewsletterThe Crowd Is Wise (When It’s Focused)Mind Uploading Home PageMind Uploading.orgHarnessing Crowds: Mapping the Genome of Collective

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-23976615462696891872009-07-20T22:58:00.005+09:002009-07-23T11:24:21.942+09:00

Lateral Action newsletter came today. I've really been enjoying this newsletter. Always great information on the creative process.In this issue, the question is posed about multi-tasking. Is it productive? Is it even possible? There is also some good info from "flow" and creativity guru Csikszentmihaly about the "zone" of creativity and how we access it.http://lateralaction.com/articles/

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-19771463858531982482009-07-20T14:36:00.004+09:002009-07-20T14:40:09.795+09:00

TodayCouple of hours of trumpet in the morning (SLOW-SLOW-SLOW)Singing tunes..Strayhorn, Monk, Ellington..and some standardsLong walkMovieDark Knight-BatmanStarted watching the dvd (about half). Friend of mine told me that the propaganda and "predictive programming" is so up in your face. Try to finish it tonight (7/20).

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-56931711052993348732009-07-20T14:13:00.002+09:002009-07-20T14:35:11.054+09:00

Long gig today (12 hours) at one of THE most famous luxury item stores in the world.I say that only because as I was playing, it was AMAZING watching people. That's all I can say....just AMAZING.Had a lot of "breaks" during this gig today so I got to do some reading. Read a lot of interviews from the Jazz Weekly website.Fireside Chat With Dave HollandFireside Chat With Tom HarrellFireside Chat

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-76562380098597694552009-07-20T12:38:00.014+09:002009-07-20T14:11:17.076+09:00

ReadingVein of GoldNotes:Mind Mapdreamtimeimagic-nationcausal planewalking "cross the bridge" into a "space"where our imagination and thoughtsstart to take a physical formvibration 6 rhythm(desire + energy) + imagination (thoughts)= manifestation (solid form)dreams (thoughts) become reality"As we walk, we "cross the bridge" into the realm of desire and imagination."Julia Cameron - Vein of Gold pg

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-63912676622356102502009-07-16T13:57:00.004+09:002009-07-16T14:34:37.757+09:00

Reading/NewslettersCatching up on newsletter reading today. First thing I ran into was this story about a biomass-eating robot being created for the Pentagon and D.A.R.P.A. by Robot Technology Inc. After seeing my first "Terminator" film last week and also Transformers, I'm not surprised. Couldn't believe how "out in the open" they were in those movies about the "predictive programming."New

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-17933481080229351602009-07-16T02:28:00.008+09:002009-07-16T03:37:47.514+09:00

ExerciseYoga/chikung/weights/walkPracticeMorning/afternoon/evening sessionsSlow-slow-slow practiceA lot of interval practice today.Learned the Monk tune: We SeeFoodSpent some time reading at Mister Doughnut today. Had to try a new mango/peach/orange frozen drink and green tea doughnut. Have to keep tryin' new things!!!After Mister Doughnut, went across the street to SATY department store/cinema

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-91965184354560615352009-07-16T01:26:00.006+09:002009-07-16T02:27:15.830+09:00

ListeningDid some practicing today but, mostly listened to music all day/evening. I'm listening to a lot of things that I studied in the past with Marc Copland. Started listening to a T. Monk tune called We See. Repeated listening and singing the melody. I'll "put it on the horn" tomorrow.Sample of my listening today:Tom Harrell - Look to The Sky CdStudied most of these solos before so I'mjust

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-47871908647611090542009-07-14T10:01:00.010+09:002009-07-14T11:12:32.679+09:00

TrumpetDoing a lot of extremely slow practice. Trying to mentally hear everything and then sing before playing. Used to do this kind of thing when I studied with Marc Copeland back in the 1980's. What a great teacher he is/was!!! I'm finding now that a lot of his ideas are similar to Ran Blake's. The past few days, I started thinking about my experience with Ran Blake. It was really an intense

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-24952638173156494932009-07-13T11:15:00.018+09:002009-07-14T10:00:49.496+09:00

I really enjoy spending time designing gig posters. I hope to be able to do more and more of this in the future not only for myself but, for others also.Had a really interesting gig yesterday at Time & Style in Roppongi (Tokyo) and Midtown. Time & Style is a very hip interior design shop which sponsors monthly jazz events. Did the gig with bassist, Ken Kanoko and drummer Mike Reznikoff. In

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-30622678936482085512009-07-13T11:05:00.004+09:002009-07-13T11:15:44.223+09:00

"Every morning when I pick up the horn, I'm a beginner."Armando GhitallaIn 1979, Ghitalla came to WVU for a masterclass. I remember playing the Hindemith Trumpet Sonata for him in the afternoon. That night we had a party for him at my teacher's house. Everyone was afraid to talk with him. He was on one side of the room and all the students were on the other side. I sat down on the sofa and

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-20187005805069271462009-07-10T09:59:00.007+09:002009-07-13T11:02:50.620+09:00

Got this great email newsletter Lateral Action"You don’t try. That’s very important: not to try, either for Cadillacs, creation or immortality. You wait, and if nothing happens, you wait some more."Charles Bukowski “Don’t Try” - Charles Bukowski’s Advice to Creators - Lateral Action NewsletterThis has been one of the most difficult things for me over the years in sports, music and business. I can

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-58303938744233810032009-07-10T01:32:00.007+09:002009-07-10T02:09:44.435+09:00

Theodore Adorno and Max HorkheimerCulture Industry"Culture industry is a term coined by Theodor Adorno (1903–69) and Max Horkheimer (1895–1973), who argued in "The Culture Industry: Enlightenment as Mass Deception," that popular culture is akin to a factory producing standardized cultural goods - through film, radio and magazines – to manipulate the masses into passivity; the easy pleasures

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-33212293774923008392009-07-10T01:09:00.005+09:002009-07-10T01:32:29.278+09:00

"I'm trying to immature."We always hear people talking about being mature or wanting to have a mature sound. Wanting more maturity in their decision making or in their work. I'm all for that. But, I'm also thinking that more of a "child-like" way of being is important in the creative process, also.Tom WaitsI enjoyed hearing what Tom had to say about songwriting. Especially interesting to hear him

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-51338455556997969062009-07-07T15:48:00.022+09:002009-07-08T00:21:52.025+09:00

Creativity/ProjectsReviewing this issue of Lenswork this morning, I was reminded in the Editor's Comments about the importance of project oriented creating. For example, in the world of photography, Brooks Jensen prefers to already have visualized a project and then go out and go after the photos to make the final project a reality. Of course it's fun to also have days when we doodle, improvise

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-4082749301417722262009-07-07T01:21:00.005+09:002009-07-07T01:38:58.389+09:00

Becoming Posthuman Essay - James SparksPosthuman Artists"STELARC is an Australian-based performance artist whose work explores and extends the concept of the body and its relationship with technology through human-machine interfaces incorporating medical imaging, prosthetics, robotics, VR systems and the internet."STELARC websiteStelarc imagesStelarcNeMe: Prosthetic Head: Intelligence, Awareness

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-76015646964279616462009-07-05T23:13:00.005+09:002009-07-06T00:06:32.284+09:00

BookZen Mind, Beginner's Mind - Shunryu SuzukiOn Practice...."You may think that if there is no purpose or no goal in ourpractice, we will not know what to do. But there is a way.The way to practice without having any goal is to limit youractivity, or to be concentrated on what you are doing in thismoment. Instead of having some particular object in mind,you should limit your activity. When your

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-12092665418857805142009-07-05T02:30:00.005+09:002009-07-05T03:30:50.426+09:00

WorkHad a gig today (finally). Nice trio gig. Was fun just blowin' through some tunes and having a lot of good conversation between the sets.ExerciseMorning - Stretching and weights before I went to the gig this morning.Evening - Weights (again)/yoga/chi kungMoviesSaw two movies this evening when I got home.Lord of WarThe trials and tribulations of an illegal arms dealer. Highlights several

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-75133408146978801742009-07-04T00:31:00.004+09:002009-07-04T01:26:26.264+09:00

Books/MagazinesI couldn't stop myself. Went to the cafe at the Shirokanedai Book-Off and ended up picking up a couple of books and 3 magazines. Work has been slow and money low but couldn't resist spending ¥1000 for these things.A look further into the "transhumanist" movement and beyond into "posthumanism". "Posthumanism?" Yes, it seems as though there are millions of dollars being pumped into

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-34429189462208656882009-07-02T12:04:00.008+09:002009-07-02T13:38:59.523+09:00

Creativity/Mastery But genius, no matter how bright, will come to naught or swiftly burn out if you don't choose the master's journey. This journey will take you along a path that is both arduous and exhilarating. It will bring you unexpected heartaches and unexpected re- wards, and you will never reach a final destination. (It would be a paltry skill indeed that could be fi- nally, completely

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-67833745291088640582009-07-01T13:12:00.003+09:002009-07-01T15:22:04.974+09:00

Lester Bowie & Digable Planets w/ Joe Sample and Wah-wah WatsonLester Bowie New York EnsembleA Fireside Chat With Lester BowieLester Bowie on Fela Kuti (Mean Magazine 1999)Interview with Lester BowieBy Lazaro VegaLeo Smith Golden QuartetLeo Smith On MusicLeo Smith on WikiFireside Chat with Leo SmithTranshumanism“Transhumanism” by Julian Huxley (1957)Outside the Box #90 - Transhumanism w/ Tom

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-33963927988601859622009-06-30T10:49:00.005+09:002009-07-01T01:15:54.440+09:00

Over the years, I've been witness to some I consider craftsmen/masters. They seem to be always "doing the work." This doesn't mean being a workaholic. Balance is also key. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Characteristics such as consistency, steadiness, balance, persistence, unchanging, undeviating yet, selfless/egoless were obvious. They never seem to be seeking fame or reward and are undaunted

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-24231324717733532972009-06-30T09:18:00.009+09:002009-06-30T11:38:41.289+09:00

ReadingWas taking a look (again) at "Zen in the Art of Archery" today. This is probably the most important book I've ever read relating to playing my instrument. I recommend this book to anyone in the arts. As I read this book, I just substitute the word trumpet every time Herrigel uses archery."What is to be done? How does skill become "spiritual," and how does sovereign control of technique

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-35879214885690511262009-06-29T00:57:00.011+09:002009-06-29T02:01:45.318+09:00

Sometimes I really love rainy days. Today was one of those days. Woke-up late today, got a good warm-up on the horn, ,did chi kung/yoga, had my blueberry/banana juice and talked with family. For me that's a great way to start the day. This old building I live in has one of those great tin roofs. I think they were especially made for rain. If it's one of those slow steady rains, there is kind of a

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-33150113682773350872009-06-29T00:30:00.007+09:002009-06-29T00:55:36.573+09:00

Started out today with a good work-out and a productive session on the trumpet.Art/PhotographyWent to the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography to see the "To the East - Travel and Photography in the 19th Century" exhibition. Saw some amazing photos.Yebisu Beer MuseumAn interesting way to finish off a trip to the Museum of Photography is with a little trip into the Yebisu Beer Museum. It's in

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-85143121791167364052009-06-26T07:58:00.002+09:002009-06-26T08:44:31.112+09:00

Quote"The painter passes through states of fullness and of emptying. That is the whole secret of art. I take a walk in the forest of Fontainebleau. There I get an indigestion of greenness, I must empty this sensation into a picture. Green dominates in it. The painter paints as if in urgent need to discharge himself of his sensations and his visions."Christian Zervos and Pablo Picasso, "

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-57999820752904464492009-06-25T07:15:00.000+09:002009-06-26T02:37:23.059+09:00

ArtBeen reading and studying a lot the past couple of days about Vasarely's art. As I read about his development as an artist and his influences, it keep leading me deeper and deeper into areas that I had absolutely no knowledge. So, I've been checking out Constructivism, Ernest May, Super blocks, linear cities, urban design, kinetic art, op art, socialist realism, suprematism and geometric forms

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-25211935174707042642009-06-24T16:48:00.001+09:002009-06-25T02:57:38.574+09:00

MusicHad a fun gig last night with the Jeff Curry Trio at the New Marunouchi Building in Tokyo. It was great playing again in a piano-less trio. No offense to all the piano players I know. It's been a while and felt good. Harmonically, I like that freedom. Also, it felt comfortable to play flugel in that group with the wood bass and wooden drums and in a large open space. Tone of the instruments

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-84753805008251824122009-06-23T01:53:00.000+09:002009-06-23T15:26:43.926+09:00

BookKenny Werner - "Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within"Just ordered another copy of this book. Loaned it out a few years back and the student is still "AWOL." Not much I can say about this book except...GREAT!!!!! This book isn't only for "players." It's for anyone on the path to "mastery" in their life. Can really unlock some creative doors....Music/VideoOne of the great

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-80054053041115079562009-06-23T01:07:00.000+09:002009-06-23T13:08:04.697+09:00

ExerciseYoga and Chikung this morning and again tonight.TrumpetLong slow warmupsReviewed several Brandt etudesPlayed tunes tonight (runnin' keys)BooksPumping Ions - Tom WujecDid some visualization and random word exercisesCreativity Workout - Edward DeBonoRandom word exercises related to some future photography projects I want to do.MusicListening to:Samuel Barber - Piano Concerto Op.

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-3922087107706977602009-06-23T00:39:00.000+09:002009-06-23T01:33:44.100+09:00

BooksCouldn't resist going to the used book sale at Book-Off in Shirokanedai yesterday. Couldn't believe it! I got all this stuff for about $10! Picked up a couple of great little things:I'm collecting and reading/studying all of DeBono's books now. Great ideas on creativity..especially "lateral thinking."***See the documentary below***I had kind of forgotten how much I used to enjoy looking at

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-20641138300414663562009-06-09T16:54:00.004+09:002009-06-22T23:55:37.502+09:00

Healing/CreativityIn 1992, I was on a search for healing materials (books/videos/foods/herbs/etc). I had been through 6 months of cancer surgeries and radiation treatments. I lost 50 lbs. and had no energy. I remember getting out of bed and putting on my shirt and pants and being so exhausted that I just went right back to bed. I was on a mission to find something to help me restore my energy and

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-89542083586441095752009-06-09T16:54:00.003+09:002009-06-23T13:09:13.315+09:00

" A student visited a Zen master to ask him about Zen. As is the custom, the master served tea. He poured the student's cup to the brim, and then kept on pouring. The student looked on with astonishment as the tea overflowed and finally he said, "The cup is full. No more will go in." The master stopped pouring, looked at the student, smiled, and said, "Like the cup, you are full of your own ideas

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-8826548880285934552009-06-09T16:54:00.001+09:002009-06-19T03:49:16.879+09:00

PhotosWent to Kita-Sakado this morning to photograph the rice fields. I always enjoy May-June in Japan, not only because of the weather but, also enjoy rides in the countryside and seeing the flooded rice fields.Only slept about 3 hours last night before leaving the house at 5:30am this morning. When I got home from Saitama this afternoon, I spent a couple of hours uploading my RAW files and

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-72680710220227972942009-06-09T16:53:00.001+09:002009-06-19T03:31:27.445+09:00

ListeningPodcastsI really like the Lenswork podcasts and magazines because its all related to the creative process. Not much info about photographic technique.Lenswork #535 Examining Our HabitsLenswork #536 Repeat After MeWhat It Means To Be Human - "Biological Colonialism" podcastOn this episode of What It Means to Be Human, bioethicist Wesley J. Smith examines the biological colonialism that

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-87603924874828533582009-06-09T16:52:00.002+09:002009-06-19T01:12:56.651+09:00

Zen Mind, Beginners' Mind - SuzukiStarted thinking about this book again last week. During that time, I was getting ahead on this blog and started entering words and/or phrases of things I might want to include in the near future and saving them as drafts. I listened to a LENSWORK podcast and read the Yoga Journal newsletter this morning and was surprised to find that both had mentioned Suzuki's

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-20203312261916653122009-06-09T16:52:00.001+09:002009-06-18T01:38:31.656+09:00

JuiceI like having fruit juices in the morning. Usually the first half of my day is pretty much all fruit. Made a new juice (mango/banana) this morning.Sports and creativityBasketball/SoccerTalked with my son (great soccer player). He was on his way home from a soccer game. Told me how he felt "in the zone" during the game and was able to play and create situations on the field with so little

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-23661795745356691192009-06-09T16:51:00.000+09:002009-06-16T09:44:56.895+09:00

While in the hospital in Baltimore, recovering from a major throat cancer operation, I found myself with a room full of doctors and psychiatrists. I asked them what the big group meeting was all about. Thought maybe they were going to give me my "expiration date." They told me I was going to live but, without the trumpet. At the time, they thought it would be impossible for me to play because of

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-32354592713303372092009-06-09T16:50:00.002+09:002009-06-16T08:52:41.508+09:00

DreamsAre you a dreamer? Dream in color or black and white? Can you remember your dreams the next day? Are you awake (sort of) during your dreams and "producing and directing" the action?I remember last year running into a musician "friend" and while we were talking (briefly) he said, Neil, you're just a dreamer." Recently, on FACEBOOK, I made a comment on a friend's page and another guy (also a

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-38435485655266208072009-06-09T16:50:00.001+09:002009-06-13T00:30:00.307+09:00

SketchingSketching/drawing/doodling I've found is a great way to relax and let ideas flow. I usually don't have any definite plan of what I want to draw. Just put the pencil to the paper and let my imagination go.Love Marshall McLuhan's writing!McLuhan on WikiMcLuhan on TechnologyMcLuhan Speaking in NYCAll media work us over completely. They are so pervasive in their personal, political,

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-10092757184099965492009-06-09T16:02:00.000+09:002009-06-12T02:33:44.647+09:00

Are you right-handed? Left-handed? I'm very happy to say I'm a lefty. I know my 2nd grade teacher is still greatly disappointed. Sometime during that year, I fell and broke my wrist and had to wear a cast for a couple of months. She got me switched over to writing with my right hand. As soon as that cast came off, I went back to the left side.Over the years, I've enjoyed reading a lot of things

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-11734716214307065062009-06-09T12:25:00.000+09:002009-06-10T13:08:04.382+09:00

Over the years, I've enjoyed time and time again referring back to Tom Wujec's two great books, "Pumping Ions" and Five Star Mind." I have probably spent a lot more time in "Five Star Mind" than "Pumping Ions." "Five Star Mind" just gives a great perspective on the "creative process." As a teacher, I've been able to use so much of the material in the book in lessons, classes and even with

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-43789304456500497782009-06-09T12:08:00.000+09:002009-06-13T00:34:25.901+09:00

I love getting Kurzweil's newsletter.The topics he covers are mind-boggling.Causes me to read and/or think about things Iwould've never imagined. Want to read somemind expanding stuff? Go to:http://www.kurzweilai.net/I've been enjoying reading Kurzweil's book,"The Singularity Is Near."KURZWEILAI.NET NEWSLETTERNEWS====*************************What if there is only one universe?PhysOrg.com June 4,

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Fun gig tonight at Kamome!"The painter passes through states of fullness and of emptying. That is the whole secret of art. I take a walk in the forest of Fontainebleau. There I get an indigestion of greenness, I must empty this sensation into a picture. Green dominates in it. The painter paints as if in urgent need to discharge himself of his sensations and his visions."Conversation with Picasso

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-14474048290201416672009-06-08T13:35:00.000+09:002009-06-10T13:10:36.290+09:00

WatercolorWoke-up this morning and came in and sat down and did a few minutes of watercoloring.It's funny how the mind works. That little voice in our mind that is constantly talking. Almost everything inside of me said, "Don't put your silly-looking, childish watercolors up for the world to see." But, another part of me says, "Who cares?" And really who cares? It's not about that for me. It's

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-30808819012059129732009-06-08T13:27:00.000+09:002009-06-10T01:44:31.219+09:00

Plan? No Plan? Deadline? No Deadline? Commitment.....FlexibilityCould just be the season that we're coming out of but, I really didn't feel like doing anything Jan-Apr. It was dark, gray and cold most of the time in Tokyo. Starting this blog seems to have caused me to WANT TO get out and increase my activity. I don't want to get into a cycle where I feel stressed to come up with something just to

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-13419698388868775612009-06-08T13:17:00.000+09:002009-06-10T01:43:00.620+09:00

Foreign LanguageAlthough I'm far from being fluent in Japanese, I think learning a foreign language is great for creativity. Causes one to look at life from a different cultural perspective. I'm not just learning vocabulary and grammar, I'm learning a new culture. Also, as a musician I find the different rhythm and intonation of a foreign language so interesting.GamesBoard games, word games, etc.

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-53173562565796115972009-06-08T13:03:00.000+09:002009-06-10T01:40:36.912+09:00

Change RoutesBecause I live in Tokyo and am always using the train system here, I've never felt a need for a car. Something that has been a simple and cheap thing to do to stimulate ideas is to walk different routes from my house to the train station. Improvisation in life. I've run into so many unexpected things. Sometimes I'll see a new shop that opened, a beautiful Japanese garden around

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-58277935226840220572009-06-08T12:28:00.000+09:002009-06-09T13:37:19.169+09:00

One of the best things I've ever done for creativity is to live in a foreign country. Traveling around Japan and walking some of the same streets for 10 years can still be so fascinating. After 10 years, I'm still amazed at some of the interesting and unusual things I see on a daily basis in my own neighborhood.WalkTook an interesting walk on one of the busiest streets in Tokyo today. Harajuku

neilstalnaker007http://www.blogger.com/profile/10464825079109733749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793986954240688849.post-1198136061890046362009-06-08T12:03:00.001+09:002009-06-08T12:27:14.634+09:00

ImprovisationSometimes when I'm playing a solo, I visualize clouds. I'm a big fan of clouds. Hahaha...sound strange? I love looking at the shapes of clouds. So I like to imagine the shape of my melodic line in a solo to be like the outline of a cloud.Stepped out of my house recently and saw these clouds and had to pull out the camera!Live MusicWent to hear master trumpet player, Eddie Henderson

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New issue of LENSWORK arrived! I love to get these magazines in the mail every 2 months. Brooks Jensen has created one of the most beautiful and thought provoking magazines I've ever seen. It really is a great publication/website/bonus dvd/pdf/mp3 package.Lenswork WebsiteLenswork Current IssueBrooks Jensen WebsiteSomeone told me once that a good creativity exercise is to go to a magazine shop and

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Yesterday, I mentioned Julia Cameron's book, "the Artist's Way." She explains that once a week or so it's important to take a day or part of day and have time to explore. She calls this the Artist's Date.Artist's Date"The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly "artistic"-- think mischief more than mastery

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ClearingCleaning out/organizing/deleting files on the MAC today.The "clearing process" is an amazingly simple tool for getting new and fresh energy flowing again. Cleaning a closet or a drawer...organzing a bookshelf...schedule. Maybe it only takes 5 minutes. But afterwards I feel great.By doing this blog the past few days, I've been reminded about a powerful book I used in 1996. Maybe you've

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ReadingDumbing Us Down - John Taylor Gatto (p.r./act.)Lateral Thinking - Edward DeBono (p.r.)ExerciseMorning/Evening ChikungListeningDance Suite, Sz 77 - BartokSlovakian Dance - BartokImprovisations Op.20, Sz 74 - BartokAlan Watt Podcast May 25 (Cutting Through the Matrix)Alan Watt Podcast May 27 (Cutting Through the Matrix)Alex Jones' Podcast May 28Lenswork Podcast May 27Some ask my why I listen

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Had a full today trying to do some things that were new and/or challenging. Amazing how we fall into routines and seem to not want to try new things.TrumpetToday I was reviewing the standard, "The Way You Look Tonight." Listened to Etta James, Cannonball, Blue Mitchell and Frank Sinatra versions of the tune."Day By Day" - was working the tune in every key. Chances are there are only a couple of

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I'm starting this blog today mainly as a way to keep track of some of my activities related to creativity and things that I've found helpful to generate new ideas for me. Waste of time? Possibly. I've talked about doing a lot of these things with students in an attempt to try to get them away from their instruments and out of the music building a little and experience life. So, maybe this is a

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