Milena Thomas
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Milena Thomas
joined the group Ask A Coach
52 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
I am REALLY excited today because I am officially credit card debt-free! It's all paid off and I'm pretty proud of myself. My next step was going to be to pay off my student loans (which have very low interest rates) or maybe my car (which I think has a 6% interest rate), or instead, re-build my emergency fund and then start donating to my Roth IRA again. What do you all think? Get rid of all debt or save a little first?
66 weeks ago from Personal Finance, Work/Life Blur, I am Gen Y, Credit Union Folks and Fans and Economics and Finance3 more
Sarah Peck, Kelly Ashworth and Ryan Healy recommended this
Rebecca Thorman:
Wow, thanks so much everyone! This was awesome to read everyone's replies. I sat down with my spreadsheet, worked the numbers and found that I ...MoreWow, thanks so much everyone! This was awesome to read everyone's replies. I sat down with my spreadsheet, worked the numbers and found that I will be able to max out my Roth IRA, fill my emergency fund back up and pay off my car loan completely by the end of next year - so that's the goal. I'll probably do split payments between savings and car loan as many suggested, and then roll over all to savings. Thanks so much again!
66 weeks ago
66 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
I was really inspired by the article I reference in this blog post, "Art and Family Life: Can a Creative Career Survive Marriage and Children?" As a career-minded mom-to-be and performing artist, I divide my time between competing disciplines and I wonder how I am going to make it work and if some aspects of my life detract from others...I think it's all how you frame it.
http://artandavarice.com/2010/08/18/art-and-family-life-can-a-creative-c...
77 weeks ago from Working Moms, Artists as Entrepreneurs, Economics and Finance, Creatively Inspired and Musicians3 more
Catherine Williams:
Milena, thanks for posting this. As a grad-school bound musician, it really hit home. I am not married (yet) and I do not have children (yet). But ...MoreMilena, thanks for posting this. As a grad-school bound musician, it really hit home. I am not married (yet) and I do not have children (yet). But it is nice to get that perspective that you don't always find in the music world (even on the academic side, where I am) that you can, in fact, have a family and balance your career.
76 weeks ago
76 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
Are you interested in ideas to liberalize the music industry? Do you wonder why it is so difficult to get airplay or make a meager living as a musician? Does it seem like the only artists signed to the largest music labels have sub-par talent that is appealing mostly to tweens worldwide?
http://artandavarice.com/2010/08/16/art-and-airwaves-the-economics-of-br...
A paper released by Harvard Law School may have some answers...
77 weeks ago from Economics and Finance, Arts Marketing and Artists as Entrepreneurs1 more
Ty Unglebower recommended this
Frank E. Warren:
The paper "may have some answers...",
my questions is whether these answers are correct?
Some very simple concepts seem to be overlooked.
77 weeks ago
77 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
I'm about to give birth in 6 days (that is, if the baby comes on time!) Can someone give me the real scoop on returning to work just 4 weeks after the baby is born? I will have a very flexible, part-time schedule and can do most of my work from home, required to be on-site just twice a week for a few hours. I have a babysitter lined up for emergencies, such as if my mom or husband needs a break, etc. Thoughts?
78 weeks ago from Working Moms
Rebecca Thorman recommended this
Paula Duarte:
Hmmm.... you know, this is just hard to explain. Your plan can be done. It's just a question of whether or not it will make sense after baby is ...MoreHmmm.... you know, this is just hard to explain. Your plan can be done. It's just a question of whether or not it will make sense after baby is born; and that won't make sense to you (or your husband) until after the baby is born. Not trying to be obtuse or anything. That's just the way it is with overachievers and external commitments and babies and being clubbed over the head with something that is surprisingly so much bigger than you. But don't worry, you're also a problem-solver: I'm sure you'll figure out what to do when the time comes. :)
78 weeks ago
78 weeks ago
Trish Cardona:
The only other thing I can add (as someone who's done the flexible work arrangement working at the office and out of home) is to try your very ...MoreThe only other thing I can add (as someone who's done the flexible work arrangement working at the office and out of home) is to try your very best to keep the dividing line between work and home.
Personally, I went back to work and made sure I was dressed up for work and not make the excuse of not looking professional because 'I just had a baby'. I needed this because I was allowed to work partly from home and I didn't want my appearance to make the impression that this was how I was working from home as well. If I looked professional in the office, then my colleagues could conclude I was looking (and being) professional at home too.
And never, ever show that the pressure is getting to you when you're at work. Just leave it for the privacy of your home. If you need to express breastmilk, do it as matter-of-factly as you can when you leave the room and do it. If it's time for you to leave, and everyone else is staying back (because work is their life), just do it with no fuss and tell them you'll see them next week (or whenever it is you're supposed to work from the office. I had to do that because I had to stop worrying about what everyone else thought of my 'special' arrangement. If they had a problem with it, they could take it up with their manager.
Granted, your workplace may be less stressful than mine but I hope my advice will make sense at some point.
Enjoy motherhood and all the best to your little bub! =)
77 weeks ago
Personally, I went back to work and made sure I was dressed up for work and not make the excuse of not looking professional because 'I just had a baby'. I needed this because I was allowed to work partly from home and I didn't want my appearance to make the impression that this was how I was working from home as well. If I looked professional in the office, then my colleagues could conclude I was looking (and being) professional at home too.
And never, ever show that the pressure is getting to you when you're at work. Just leave it for the privacy of your home. If you need to express breastmilk, do it as matter-of-factly as you can when you leave the room and do it. If it's time for you to leave, and everyone else is staying back (because work is their life), just do it with no fuss and tell them you'll see them next week (or whenever it is you're supposed to work from the office. I had to do that because I had to stop worrying about what everyone else thought of my 'special' arrangement. If they had a problem with it, they could take it up with their manager.
Granted, your workplace may be less stressful than mine but I hope my advice will make sense at some point.
Enjoy motherhood and all the best to your little bub! =)
77 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
I recently agreed to help out a rather new theatre company with getting the world out about their upcoming performances. They are the Wandering Souls, based in Washington, D.C., and they put on professional performances for free in the area for under privileged people who might not otherwise be able to attend such shows. Does anyone know of some good arts or community message boards or other online sources to which I could spread the word about this company? I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
78 weeks ago from Community Theatre, Creatively Inspired, Arts Marketing and Washington D.C.2 more
Patrick Pho:
I work in the DC Theatre Scene on the side and I suggest DC Theatre Scene and ShowBizRadio as outlets you should reach out to.
78 weeks ago
78 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower:
Thanks everyone for the ideas. I am already starting to put together some contacts.
And Patrick, it just so happens I am a columnist for ...MoreThanks everyone for the ideas. I am already starting to put together some contacts.
And Patrick, it just so happens I am a columnist for Showbizradio, and they were definitely among the first people I thought of!
Hopefully I can help spread the word about these folks. (And hopefully other people will want to as well.) I haven't seen any of their shows yet, but I was just so struck by their mission, I wanted to help out, even in a small way.
78 weeks ago
And Patrick, it just so happens I am a columnist for ...MoreThanks everyone for the ideas. I am already starting to put together some contacts.
And Patrick, it just so happens I am a columnist for Showbizradio, and they were definitely among the first people I thought of!
Hopefully I can help spread the word about these folks. (And hopefully other people will want to as well.) I haven't seen any of their shows yet, but I was just so struck by their mission, I wanted to help out, even in a small way.
78 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
joined the group Working Moms
78 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
I think it's ideas like Morgan Stanley's recent "slam dunk stimulus plan" that give so-called "capitalists" a bad name - as the ideas are not even remotely capitalist, but hackneyed versions of previous attempts at failed stimulus plans, which, at their theoretical roots are Keynesian.
http://curiouscapitalist.blogs.time.com/2010/08/06/could-a-new-stimulus-...
Cathy Reisenwitz:
Keynesian stimulus has been tried many times (see Japan's lost decade); has it ever worked?
78 weeks ago
78 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
Just curious what everyone thinks of this interesting issue of art and private property rights. I think this example is important philosophically as far as ownership of art and ownership of tangible, non-performing assets are concerned. http://artandavarice.com/2010/05/21/art-and-property-rights-bansky-takes...
89 weeks ago from Economics and Finance, Artists as Entrepreneurs and Arts Marketing1 more
Ty Unglebower:
I think you really have to go with the private owner of the building. Even though it is a huge blight on a blighted city. If there are laws that ...MoreI think you really have to go with the private owner of the building. Even though it is a huge blight on a blighted city. If there are laws that eventually convert unclaimed property to the city, than institute them. But if that happens, the wall is than the property of the City of Detroit, and therefore still belongs to neither artist nor lifter.
Part of the reason that so much of Detroit is as bad as it is, is that there isn't any respect for property, private pr public, in the first place. No need to make it easier.
89 weeks ago
Part of the reason that so much of Detroit is as bad as it is, is that there isn't any respect for property, private pr public, in the first place. No need to make it easier.
89 weeks ago
Chris:
Do monkey's own the tree's they swing on? No, but it doesn't keep them from doing it, and you can't exactly take them to court for it. Law ...MoreDo monkey's own the tree's they swing on? No, but it doesn't keep them from doing it, and you can't exactly take them to court for it. Law fundamentally breaks down when you enter the realms of nature. I think Detroit sets the perfect scene for this discussion. I also think monkeys are a great analogy. By painting on a tree in the jungle, or on a wall in Detroit, Banksy crossed that line from law to nature. One could also argue that he crosses that line by nature of the art he makes. And by crossing that line he negates any and all laws pertaining to ownership and rights.
80 weeks ago
80 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
Yet another doomsday financial and economic perspective from a mainstream source: RBS http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/785759...
Milena Thomas
Typical and hypocritical: Hollywood. Economist Alex Tabarrok writes about the ironic love-hate relationship Hollywood has with capitalism. http://artandavarice.com/2010/06/11/hollywoods-love-hate-relationship-wi...
Ty Unglebower
This article is long, but it is in depth, and very important to those of us in the arts, (and those who want to be). It hits all the right places without either white washing the issue, nor despairing the state of things. Anyone who advocates public or private funding of the arts needs to read this. http://bit.ly/9pE80B
Milena Thomas recommended this
:
Excellent assessment Ty! I just wanted to add that artists often relate to the mythological Phoenix - where death (the chaos in our minds) ...MoreExcellent assessment Ty! I just wanted to add that artists often relate to the mythological Phoenix - where death (the chaos in our minds) creates life (the art we produce). So I hope that the same happens with art and the internet. It would be also nice to return to the "courts" of ancient times where artists were commissioned to do JUST art - not "please finish that 2,000 word health care article by 5 tonight (and make it catchy so more people visit our site.)" lol. love being a creative.
86 weeks ago
86 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower:
Ha! Yes indeed, I "miss" those days, even though I never experienced them myself. But maybe companies would do well to have a watered down ...MoreHa! Yes indeed, I "miss" those days, even though I never experienced them myself. But maybe companies would do well to have a watered down equivalent...a department or individual that is charged with creating decorations for the building, or providing some kind of appropriate entertainment during lunch breaks. A minstrel/jester type within the company. That would be something for the artists of today that would help them enter the corporate world!
86 weeks ago
86 weeks ago
Mike Dammann
The war of the economists: http://www.firetown.com/blog/2010/05/30/war-of-the-economists/
Milena Thomas:
While I'm with Celente as far as the overwhelming debt is concerned - I don't agree with his conclusions/predictions about what would get us out ...MoreWhile I'm with Celente as far as the overwhelming debt is concerned - I don't agree with his conclusions/predictions about what would get us out of the problem.
87 weeks ago
87 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
What do you think of this story about a woman who claims she was fired from Citigroup for being "too hot" among other things? I can see how this might happen. I had a colleague at a former job who was routinely criticized about her outfits, despite the fact she was fashionable, not trashy, and did a great job in her position. http://www.styleite.com/media/debrahlee-lorenzana-citigroup/
87 weeks ago from Economics and Finance and Business Development
Milena Thomas
What do you think of this story about a woman who claims she was fired from Citigroup for being "too hot" among other things? I can see how this might happen. I had a colleague at a former job who was routinely criticized about her outfits, despite the fact she was fashionable, not trashy, and did a great job in her position. http://www.styleite.com/media/debrahlee-lorenzana-citigroup/
87 weeks ago from Economics and Finance and Business Development
Photis Patriotis:
Maybe this because I'm a male engineer and I work at a start-up with no real dress code, but I don't care how attractive/unattractive someone is ...MoreMaybe this because I'm a male engineer and I work at a start-up with no real dress code, but I don't care how attractive/unattractive someone is or whether they dress inappropriately. If someone's a great performer, I'd be stupid to let him/her go over something as superficial as the way they dress.
That being said, this woman is definitely just grabbing attention wherever she can. It looks like she had a photo-shoot in some of these articles, and she's even got a new job at JP Morgan, who's threatening to fire her if she keeps up all of the press. I find it hard to believe someone that's really interested in being a banker for a living wants to threaten that to talk to the media about turtlenecks, pencil-skirts, etc.
87 weeks ago
That being said, this woman is definitely just grabbing attention wherever she can. It looks like she had a photo-shoot in some of these articles, and she's even got a new job at JP Morgan, who's threatening to fire her if she keeps up all of the press. I find it hard to believe someone that's really interested in being a banker for a living wants to threaten that to talk to the media about turtlenecks, pencil-skirts, etc.
87 weeks ago
Raquel Elle Bell:
@Photis - I agree. I am not even remotely ugly am in a fast paced technical field myself. Being "hot" only gets you so far. You don't get fired ...More@Photis - I agree. I am not even remotely ugly am in a fast paced technical field myself. Being "hot" only gets you so far. You don't get fired from jobs because you are too pretty, you get fired from jobs because you don't do your job. I don't keep my clients because I am nice to look at I keep my clients because above and beyond what they get from us is kick ass apps that work and drive business processes. I guarantee if that stopped so would the work.. So no I don't believe this girl she seems to be the perpetual victim which I loathe.
87 weeks ago
87 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
Mick Jagger recently announced that the days of big profits for individual recording artists died in the late 90's. I'm inclined to agree. Do you think there is a tradeoff between access (to creating and disseminating one's music/art) and individual revenue potential? http://artandavarice.com/2010/05/28/making-a-profit-in-music-the-mick-ja...
88 weeks ago from Economics and Finance, Arts Marketing, Artists as Entrepreneurs and Musicians2 more
Photis Patriotis and Demetra Brown recommended this
Raquel Elle Bell:
@Simon - I agree. There is a great book called the 50th Law it is a collaboration between 50 Cent and Robert Green who was the author of Power , ...More@Simon - I agree. There is a great book called the 50th Law it is a collaboration between 50 Cent and Robert Green who was the author of Power , Seduction & War ( all separate books with longer names) The book speaks to this very subject, regarding connection to the fans (street) http://www.the50thlawbook.com/
85 weeks ago
85 weeks ago
Iz:
There are a lot of old promo methods that have gone the way of the Dinosaur that strangely enough would be effective today. Like street teams for ...MoreThere are a lot of old promo methods that have gone the way of the Dinosaur that strangely enough would be effective today. Like street teams for example. Artists should focus on zagging cuz everyone's zigging.
85 weeks ago
85 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
Ever feel kind of guilty for the pleasure you feel holding a crisp benjamin in your hands? Well, don't, just think of it as a natural alternative to Tylenol - new research shows physical money can actually ease physical and psychological pain. http://www.quietthethunder.com/2010/05/money-cures-all-ills-no-seriously...
Rebecca Thorman recommended this
Rob Hood:
Seems like I feel guilty about any pleasure I feel nowadays! It's either bad for you, bad for someone else, or just plain bad. I know not having ...MoreSeems like I feel guilty about any pleasure I feel nowadays! It's either bad for you, bad for someone else, or just plain bad. I know not having money to hold (or spend) is painful!
89 weeks ago
89 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
I've held off on buying gold ever since the financial crisis began. But a bust is being predicted. http://mjperry.blogspot.com/2010/05/gold-bubble-and-coming-gold-bust-800... Would you buy if gold dropped to $800?
Rob Hood:
I would. But the question would be should I buy it in bullion or small spendable coins or rare/collectable coins. I'm not sure I trust the funds ...MoreI would. But the question would be should I buy it in bullion or small spendable coins or rare/collectable coins. I'm not sure I trust the funds or ETFs.
89 weeks ago
89 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
Just curious what everyone thinks of this interesting issue of art and private property rights. I think this example is important philosophically as far as ownership of art and ownership of tangible, non-performing assets are concerned. http://artandavarice.com/2010/05/21/art-and-property-rights-bansky-takes...
89 weeks ago from Economics and Finance, Artists as Entrepreneurs and Arts Marketing1 more
Milena Thomas
Are you permanently fat, permanently crazy, or suffer from plantar fascitis? Then my latest post is just for you! http://www.quietthethunder.com/2010/05/everything-you-know-is-wrong.html
Milena Thomas
Wow - an innovative program at a Brooklyn hospital allows artists to earn "Health Care Credits" for health care in exchange for their time and talent through creating art programs to benefit other patients in recovery. http://badatsports.com/2010/brooklyn-hospital-takes-art-for-healthcare/ Thoughts?
91 weeks ago from Economics and Finance, Arts Marketing and Artists as Entrepreneurs1 more
Lindsey Donner recommended this
Wanda:
Sounds really innovative @Milena, what a great way to begin to harness human capital and talent. I wondered whether this concept was scalable, but ...MoreSounds really innovative @Milena, what a great way to begin to harness human capital and talent. I wondered whether this concept was scalable, but even if it isn't it may cause other organizations to take a fresh look at payments and service.
91 weeks ago
91 weeks ago
Dean Soto
I know the network is "How to give a Good Speech" but you can't give a good speech if you have nowhere to speak. What are your tips for getting speaking engagements?
Rebecca Thorman:
Great suggestions! For speaking engagements that are not just local, I recommend putting yourself out there through Brazen, Twitter and your blog ...MoreGreat suggestions! For speaking engagements that are not just local, I recommend putting yourself out there through Brazen, Twitter and your blog and letting people know you've done speaking engagements before. Also, make sure you apply to speak at conferences - opportunities won't just fall in your lap! And finally, build relationships with other speakers and let them know you'd like to start speaking. When they can't make a speech, they'll refer you.
91 weeks ago
91 weeks ago
Dean Soto:
These are seriously really good. Thanks guys! Joined up with the local chamber, contacting other speakers that I know. Great stuff!
91 weeks ago
91 weeks ago
Milena Thomas
The economics of oppression: http://www.independent.org/newsroom/article.asp?id=1671 What do you think of OECD countries funding some of the world's worst dictatorships? Should this practice stop? Does propping up dictatorial regimes financially prolong the ill-effects on huge populations of oppressed people worldwide? Or do you think such aid is likely to "turn around" and/or otherwise tame oppressive regimes?
Rebecca Thorman
So, I was just in San Francisco last week and gave two speeches that received great feedback and ratings. Some of the best advice I've ever received is to practice your speeches in front of people you know well. Like your boyfriend or best friend or mom or colleagues or boss. It's often harder to give a speech in front of people you know so if you can do that, you'll be set for the real thing. Even though my speeches went well, I can always improve - do you have any speaking tips to share?
Rebecca Thorman:
Yeah, I don't look people in the eye - it throws me off. Luckily, my audiences were big enough that I could just look over their heads.
On ...MoreYeah, I don't look people in the eye - it throws me off. Luckily, my audiences were big enough that I could just look over their heads.
On practice, I practiced my five minute "Ignite" speeech - 20 slides in 15 seconds each that advance automatically, which was a very good thing. I didn't really practice my other speech, because it was okay to be more conversational, which also turned out great. So I think it's a lot to do with the format. Engaging the audience is key, no matter what.
91 weeks ago
On ...MoreYeah, I don't look people in the eye - it throws me off. Luckily, my audiences were big enough that I could just look over their heads.
On practice, I practiced my five minute "Ignite" speeech - 20 slides in 15 seconds each that advance automatically, which was a very good thing. I didn't really practice my other speech, because it was okay to be more conversational, which also turned out great. So I think it's a lot to do with the format. Engaging the audience is key, no matter what.
91 weeks ago
Jonathan Chin:
I was actually at one of these speeches and I thought it was great. I think what made your speech compelling was your understanding of the line ...MoreI was actually at one of these speeches and I thought it was great. I think what made your speech compelling was your understanding of the line between where we as your audience understood Social Media and where your professional understanding was. Although I have not done much speaking myself, being a member of the audience I am always wanting to learn something new. That new knowledge a speaker can introduce almost always stirs up deep though and revelation. It's great!
91 weeks ago
91 weeks ago
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