Posts by James Newcomb
Why I do a trumpet podcast
When I began my Trumpet Dynamics podcast in January 2016, I knew two things for sure: I am a fan of the trumpet I’m a fan of podcasting I do both fairly well I’m the last person I would ever ask to count anything Well, this is going on 7 years ago, and I’m still…
Read More“More trumpet, less music!”
Merry eve of Christmas Eve! The headline for this email might sound tongue in cheek to my fellow trumpeters, yet with a bit of explanation, even the musical neophytes among my loyal subscribers will have at least a cursory understanding of my message for today. The last four years, my musical performing presence has not…
Read MoreIf I’m not #1, then #2 on you
There seems to be a trend among online marketers within a very narrow circle of influence to take on what seems to be on the verge of a flippant attitude toward one’s customers. My theory is that one particular individual named Ben Settle, who is very influential in his own market, has a policy toward…
Read MoreAn Invitation, or a Warning?
Awhile back, I was in one of my favorite stores, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. Now, I don’t like Ollie’s because it’s the creme de la creme of retail stores. Quite the opposite. It’s about as tacky as a short skirt at Sunday Mass. Their business model is to buy up products at huge discounts, such as a store…
Read MoreIt worked for Breaking Bad, and it will work for you
I’m a huge fan of Breaking Bad. In fact, I might be labeled one of their “super fans”. I’ve watched every episode in order at least 5 times, and I’ve also listened to every podcast that they produced to discuss the show. (By the way, if you’re looking for a great podcast that will give…
Read MoreWhat would this world be without all the characters?
Imagine Batman without the Joker, or the Penguin, or any of the other villains in the comics and movies. Or Superman without Lex Luthor, or those three individuals with equal powers to Superman but who broke bad in their spirit and wished harm and destruction upon Planet Earth? How utterly boring would that be? It was…
Read MoreMeet James Newcomb the Trumpeter.
What Sana thinks of America
When Sana and I first met and began talking about marriage, I was terrified of what she would think of the culture of the United States. Here’s the accomplished woman of letters; adored by every student she’s ever known and universally respected by her colleagues and superiors in academia in Southeast Asia. Now I’ll be…
Read MoreWhat 5 year old Gabriel taught me about tenacity
August 2019, I drove my son Gabriel to visit my brother and his family in Kentucky. Dave has two sons, and they both get along really well with Gabriel. KY is a 12-13 hour drive from my home in Virginia Beach, so even getting an early start it’s a long, tiring day of driving. We…
Read MoreI didn’t know of dirt until my wife moved in.
Three weeks ago today my wife Sana arrived in the United States, and the phrase “salt on my wound” took on new meaning. I’ll explain. I moved into a small apartment in Virginia Beach this past March and it was perfect for its purposes. I needed something small and without the ironclad contracts and crazy…
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