In December 2014, I was given an opportunity to perform Handel's Messiah for a choir made up of expat's in Seoul, Korea. I'll allow the title of the episode to explain how my performance went. In spite of the unpleasant experience, in hindsight, I see how it set in motion a chain of events that led me to my current profession. Key takeaway from this story? If you're not feeling it, just take it down an octave.

NEWCOMBIO

The Trumpet DIDN'T Sound

Today's episode is an excerpt from a recent episode of The Trumpet Jungle podcast, where I featured a stellar young trumpeter named Patrick Oliverio. Patrick was awarded First Place in the graduate division of the National Trumpet Competition in 2017. I asked him what he does to prepare for an important performance such as that one. This is what he said. You can hear my entire conversation w/ Patrick at https://jamesnewcomb.io/patricko P.S. I used two "pop" filters for today's episode title.

Patrick's Pro Performance Preparation Process

George Carlin's wife died early in 2008 and George followed her, dying in July 2008. It is ironic George Carlin - the crude, oft-controversial comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent and so very appropriate. An observation by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.

Crass, Crude Comedian Shares Timeless Wisdom

How to Control Your Circumstances (from As a Man Thinketh by James Allen)

An excerpt from Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, the eminent psychologist who was interred in the Auschwitz concentration camp during WWII. Subscribe, like, rate, review my little show. Just type in checkoutmypodcast.com in your browser. Thanks for listening.

Power of Visualization Keeps Love Aflame in the Most Dire of Circumstances

Recently, the wife of the superintendent of the district where my son attends school was in hot water because of a rather foolish post she made on social media that insulted President Trump. I discuss the incident, and why Trump, although he has said far more outrageous and inappropriate things, is superior to this poor lady. It's all about control, i.e. of your emotions and your words. Trump is calculating with his words, which often appear to be ridiculous, knowing he'll get a strong reaction, be it positive or negative. This woman, a no-name wife of a small school district superintendent was the reaction.

Trump 1 -- Superintendent's Wife 0

Alice hails a taxi. Bob pulls over. Alice gets in. Bob asks, “Where to?” Alice hands Bob a piece of paper. Bob glances at it. It’s a list of directions: “Turn left at the corner, turn right at the second light, stay left at the fork...” and so on. It doesn’t say the destination. Just step-by-step instructions. It’s a long list. Bob isn’t sure where they lead. Three Scenarios: 1. Alice doesn’t know her way around very well. She found the directions on some website. Bob doesn’t bother to ask where she is headed. He just takes the directions and follows them. They get to the end of the instructions, but Alice is not where she expected to be. She gets panicky and starts ordering Bob to do things like, “drive around the block” or “try the next street over”. Bob complies silently. Meanwhile, the meter is tick tick ticking away. Alice is getting more and more agitated. She’s now running late and her fare is ballooning. Bob has done exactly as instructed, but Alice is increasingly dissatisfied. They eventually find her destination. Alice begrudgingly pays $120 for the ride. Alice gets out of the cab and Bob drives away. 2. Alice doesn’t know her way around very well. She found the directions on some website. When she hands them to Bob, he asks, “Where are these supposed to take us?” Alice says “123 Main Street.” Bob says, “These directions are out of date. There’s construction on this route and terrible traffic this time of day. I know a shortcut that will get us there in half the time.” Alice fears Bob is trying to scam her and she tells him so. Bob asks, “How much were you expecting the ride to be?” Alice says, “About $100.” Bob says, “I’ll get you there my way for $75. Deal?” Alice agrees. Bob gets her to the destination quickly and without incident. Alice pays the $75 fare and gets out of the cab. Bob drives away. 3. Alice doesn’t know her way around very well. She found the directions on some website. When she hands them to Bob, he asks “Where are these supposed to take us?” Alice says “123 Main Street.” Bob asks, “Why do you want to go there?” Alice says, “It’s a flower shop. I need to pick up a dozen roses.” Bob says, “That shop is closed today.” Alice asks, “How do you know for sure?” Bob says, “Because it’s my shop. I drive a cab on my day off.” Bob continues, “As luck would have it, I’ve got a dozen roses in the trunk. I’ll sell them you for $60. Deal?” They both get out of the cab, having driven nowhere. Alice gladly pays Bob $60 for the roses. Bob gets back in the cab and drives away. Three Outcomes: 1. Alice spent 60 minutes in a cab and is now standing in front of a closed flower shop. She has spent $120, is late for her next appointment, and still needs to figure out where she’s going to get a dozen roses. Alice is angry. Bob has driven his car down half the blind alleys in the area, endured an insulting amount of micromanagement, and been brow-beaten by a disgruntled customer for a full hour. For this, he grossed $120 from which he must deduct his time, gas, and wear and tear on both the vehicle and his emotional well being. Bob is dejected. 2. Alice spent 45 minutes in a cab and is now standing in front of a closed flower shop. She has spent $75 and but still needs to figure out where she’s going to get a dozen roses. Alice is satisfied by the cab ride specifically, but is distressed overall. Bob minimized his costs (e.g., time, gas, mileage, stress) and is enjoying the small rush of pride that comes from a job well done. Bob grossed $75, which is significantly less revenue than the $120 in scenario 1, but arguably more profitable because his costs were dramatically lower. Bob is energized. 3. Alice hasn’t had to travel anywhere. She has spent $60, is early for her next appointment, and is holding a dozen roses. Alice is delighted. Bob has eliminated his costs completely, sold a dozen roses for triple what he paid for them, and has delighted a customer. Bob is exhilarated. One Takeaway: The...

The Fixer

Bill Galvin of the Center on Conscience and War joined me on a Skype call to discuss the modern conscientious objector, how the Center on Conscience and War helps those who identify as conscientious objectors lawfully be released from their enlistments or commissions, and several stories of people who have "hit a point of no return" and simply could not reconcile their views with their military service. Learn more about the Center on Conscience and War.

Crisis of Conscience: The Untold Story of Conscientious Objectors in the Modern Military

It wasn't because he couldn't play football, that's for sure. Like what you're hearing? Then check out my podcast. checkoutmypodcast.com

You'll Never Believe Why Milt Campbell Was Blacklisted by the NFL

The Song of the Wage Slave -- A Poem by Robert Service

Check out my podcast today! checkoutmypodcast.com (checkoutmypodcast.com)

Chop It Ralph Wins the Prize Through Smarts, Not Strength

Injured Wrestler Lands Leading Gig in School Play; Rest History

Imagine this…You’re playing for the minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees. You’re a professional ball player, but you’re young, wet behind the ears – and inexperienced enough to believe you can do anything.  Then one day, you get a phone call. You’ve been called up to the major league club and you’re the starting pitcher in the playoffs…and you’re pitching tomorrow. Chris Coletti can relate to this. In 2009, he was a young trumpet stud at the Juilliard School. He had just won an audition with a small town orchestra and was brimming with confidence in his budding career as a professional musician. Then he got The Call. The Canadian Brass, one of the most esteemed and recognizable ensembles in the world of classical music, needed a trumpet player. And they wanted him. Of course he answered the call. And there he was. Thrust into the spotlight. Headlining performances at tiny, little known venues such as Carnegie Hall. The Kennedy Center. Lincoln Center, to name just a few. Some of the best and most accomplished trumpeters of our time preceded Chris. What big shoes to fill. Suddenly he had the pressure of performing at a very high level on the biggest stage possible in his world. Perhaps you’re thinking to yourself, “I don’t know if I could do that at that age. I think the pressure would be great for me.” I suppose one could be forgiven for thinking such things. On the other hand, you probably don’t weed out potential life partners by singing operatic soprano arias and whistling violin partitas written by Johann Sebastian Bach. These are just a couple of Chris’ many talents outside of playing the trumpet…and is one of the reasons he’ll never pay for another drink in his life. So 24 year old Chris Coletti answered the call. And boy did he deliver. In addition to adding operatic soprano singing to the Canadian Brass’ bag of crowd pleasing tricks during his 10 year tenure, he composed and arranged pieces, and delivered one dynamic performance after another. Now ten years older – and wiser – Chris has decided it’s time to step away from the Canadian Brass. Why? Because in 10 years, his situation, his perspective, his priorities, have changed. He’s now a husband and a father. The glories of his role with the Canadian Brass were increasingly a stark contrast with the realities of parenting. It was simply time to step aside and make room for another person who is better equipped to carry the group into the future. What you’re about to hear is the story of an individual who has given his heart and his soul to his craft. Chris can tell you what will emotionally move an audience of musical “civilians” and what will move an audience of musical aficionados who are nit-picking your every move. And you might be surprised to hear that it’s really the same thing when you get right down to it. And now that he has moved into a new chapter of his life, you’ll hear about the decision to step away from a role that was glorious and deeply fulfilling on many levels, and into another role that is dirty, exhausting, inglorious at times – and right where his soul has him to be at this moment. Here’s a sample from Chris’ blog (http://trumpetchrisblog.com) : “Music is an art, a social art, one that is extremely rewarding from the first moment we experience it. As an educator, I find the most fascinating thing to be uncovering what makes each student tick–what drives them, what musical and career goals will make them feel fulfilled. Motivation comes in a variety of ways, and we teachers have in a uniquely influential job: to identify a student’s strengths and passions and turn them into a powerful and positive driving force in their life…” A few of the more salient points from my chat with Chris Coletti:-Chris’ career aspirations as a young conservatory student-What is life like as a student at Juilliard?-To specialize, or not to specialize…-The foolproof method of winning a job in an orchestra-Baptism by fire:...

Trumpet Chris, Daddy Chris: Life at Juilliard, How to Move Your Audience and Inside the Decision to Step Away From A Dream Gig

What has worked for me when it comes to New Year's resolutions. To sum up: begin working the moment you make the resolution. If you wait until January 1, you've already lost.

I Have a 100% Success Rate w/ New Years Resolutions

Flying Penguins

I love stories! They are beautiful ways to teach immutable truths, turn dry lectures into fun learning experiences, and get the creative juices flowing, whether your write or tell them -- or both. NEWCOMBIO is simply my website name minus the "dot". You can find me on the web at jamesnewcomb.io. I publish a new story every single day (except Saturday which is my day of rest). Most of the time it will be myself sharing a short and quick story, and I'll have guests on from time to time so that they can share THEIR stories. I'd love it if you were to "check out my podcast" and subscribe, even leave a rating and review. Every little bit helps. To learn more about this show and to subscribe, simply type in checkoutmypodcast.com into your browser.

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NEWCOMBIO

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