Quiet the Thunder

Links for 2009-07-05 [del.icio.us]

2009-07-06T00:00:00-07:00

Working the Voice

Can You Feel It?

2009-06-26T10:57:00.004-04:00

When you lose someone you love, the deaths you hear about in the lives of friends, and even celebrities, take on greater weight. The death of Michael Jackson was a shock, not only because he is so young, and was so talented, but as long as he was still alive, we could all hope that one day he'd snap out of whatever funk he's been in for years, and come back turning out hit songs once more.I am

Let's Tax the People Who Sign Your Paycheck

2009-06-15T12:48:00.008-04:00

This latest video from the Center for Freedom and Prosperity uncovers the logical fallacies behind plans to increase taxes on "the rich" to benefit society as a whole. Keeping the issues of morality aside, the plan does not accomplish higher living standards or greater wealth for those unwittingly involved in the scheme.Just look at European nations whose models we are attempting to emulate. If

A New Wife?

2009-06-15T10:17:00.005-04:00

For those of you that don't know - I'm graduating from my master's program this coming saturday. My last final exam was Thursday. Here's what that felt like.I realized that my husband has never known me without extreme pressure in my every day life. When we met, I was working full-time at a difficult job, taking qualifying exams to "move up" in the industry. Then I started grad school (all while

Buy American, Or We'll Just Make You

2009-06-01T17:55:00.015-04:00

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have caught yesterday’s commentary on the stupefying actions and announcements of the Obama administration. Both President Obama and Governor Granholm were on television, hailing the news of GM's government-aided bankruptcy as inevitable, necessary, and ripe with opportunity.Their tones were alternately somber and hopeful. Placating both sides of the political

4 Troubling Grocery Store Trends You Need to Know About Now!

2009-05-20T19:31:00.010-04:00

I realize my blog title is very Women's Day. But there are some really disturbing things going on.1. Whole Foods won't let you purchase completely normal stuff. Like Ziploc bags. They are strictly verboten! I'm sorry, but my Ziploc bags aren't killing the planet. What the hell else am I supposed to keep my leftover chopped onions and such in? I wash my bags and reuse them anyway - so why the

Vive la France?

2009-05-16T11:07:00.010-04:00

I found this video featuring a French economist talking about the differences in French and U.S. economics entertaining and informative. While the video does not go into much detail, it quickly sheds light on the fact that France, while a lovely place to visit, with considerable contribution to world culture, is no model for economic freedom or success.For example, French labor law is ruled by

Why is it Wrong to Love You?

2009-05-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

So, I haven't been blogging a ton lately. But I sure have been thinking. A lot. About love.The things I love. And yet, hate. What am I talking about? Those skeletons in the closet - the things you are ashamed to love, but can't seem to stop. You have your reasons, but think no one will understand. So, let me take the first step here. Let me be your guide to unearthing your secret shame, walking

Blogging, About That

2009-05-05T08:34:00.004-04:00

I used to be such an advocate for blogging "no matter what." Then, curiously, about a month ago, I just stopped blogging. I have been experiencing a mix of extreme emotions lately: sadness, joy, apathy. And for some reason, none of them have impelled or inspired me to blog about my experiences.I don't know why. It started when my dog died. Something inside me broke. Something inside me didn't

Red Bunny Massacre

2009-04-22T14:05:00.007-04:00

Album Review: The Blueflowers

2009-04-17T07:32:00.001-04:00

Every once in a while as a voice teacher, I have the chance to work with a student who walks into my studio with a naturally great voice looking to perfect and polish their sound. That’s what I found when Kate Hinote came to me with her beautiful and musical voice.(I've also done an extensive interview with her on the challenges and joys of being a vocalist and band member on my professional site

Newest Addition to the Family

2009-04-15T16:05:00.003-04:00

Kiynago Grubor Thomas (1995-2009)

2009-04-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday we made the difficult but necessary decision to put down our beloved pet, companion, and best friend, Kiynago.Here's a picture of his irresistably cute face upon me rudely waking him from sleep.About His BreedHis breed, the Tibetan Terrier, is actually not a terrier at all. It is most closely related to the Lhasa Apso. In Tibet, they are considered "Holy Dogs," usually raised by monks

My Advice to Single Moms in Sucky Jobs

2009-03-27T13:01:00.000-04:00

I recently got this comment in my inbox:"Hi,I happened upon your site, and I don't quite know how - something about a websearch and me wanting to leave my "sucky" job.Great website - and you almost empowered me - a single mom looking to jump the "safe constraints" of a job and fall into suckitude - and then I see that you are married. It isn't quite the same risk, to decide to leave your job.

The 6 Golden Rules of the Internet Smackdown (New Bonus Rule!!)

2009-03-11T09:28:00.003-04:00

At last week's Tweetup, there was some brief discussion about how you represent yourself online and the possibility of getting into nasty internet arguments. And wouldn't you know it, this week brought a few smacks for me, and also for my new Twitter buddy, Jamie Varon, who has had a banner week as a blogger.As a seasoned veteran on the receiving end of the internet smackdown I thought I'd offer

On Failure

2009-03-04T10:29:00.012-05:00

photo by tibchrisI feel frozen, can’t speak. Memories flood my mind. I'm angry. I won't say what I want because I'm scared. I don't trust, don't have a reason to. The world is not crashing or anything. I can handle big explosions just fine. It's the small things. The little things that break all the time. The little failures can crush you. An overlooked seam on your skirt, hanging down during

No One Cares About Your Latest Blog Post

2009-02-25T21:05:00.003-05:00

They care about you. Therefore, if they don't know you, they don't care about what you've written. Well, this is just a theory based entirely on my personal experience, so bear with me.Unless I'm searching for a specific topic of which you are the expert, I will not be reading anything you've written unless you are my friend. Or enemy (keep them closer, right?) Chances are, if you've commented

Understand This or Perish...

2009-02-23T19:00:00.001-05:00

...in a sea of misunderstanding.Economics is not difficult to understand. People think it has to do with numbers. I'm constantly told I must be good at math because I'm getting my degree in finance and economics. With the exception of reading some charts and analyzing data, economics has little to do with math, and everything to do with relationships, causes and effects, and psychology. That

A Letter to My Heart

2009-02-13T10:37:00.002-05:00

Writing assignments are good for you. They make you think. They make you write about things you don't want to write about. My friend D is in a creative writing class - and I'm inspired by his latest post on getting a haircut. He hones in on the details buried in life's mundane tasks we often fail to note. So, I found an assignment of sorts on BlogHer for Valentine's day: writing a Letter to

How to Be a Happy Blogger in 7 Steps

2009-02-08T20:03:00.003-05:00

I'm a happy blogger. But it took some time to get here. I'll spare you the sordid history and get down to the good stuff. Please bear in mind, this advice is not meant for people who want to brand themselves perfectly or get into top rankings fast (I hear the best advice for that is to bare some scandalous body part, and I'm not into that). Blogging can be hard work, so here is my advice to

The Survivors Club Contest Winners!

2009-02-05T12:02:00.002-05:00

Thanks to everyone who commented on my recent post about the book, The Survivors Club!The winners of the contest, who will each receive a free hardcover copy of the book are:Tiffany JoinerKeithChris FordAdam GilbertAndy DrishThank you everyone for sharing your thoughts and experiences, and email me at milena@quietthethunder.com for details on how we'll get your book to you!Possibly related posts:

So Sad 'Cause It's True...

2009-02-03T23:12:00.001-05:00

One of my bestest and smartest finance friends sent me this. Funny enough to blog it.This year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment. This is a very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and A format:Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.Q. Where will the government get this money?A. From

A Stimulus in Time Saves Nine?

2009-02-02T09:30:00.009-05:00

The Obama Stimulus plan: will it go down in history as the plan that saved America just in the nick of time from the evil misallocation and lax oversight from the Bush Administration? Well, there are many people dwelling in this fantasy. Sure, spending billions on new stuff is guaranteed to help in some way. Just as if you maxed out your credit card buying up goodies you've always wanted,

The Survivors Club: Book Review

2009-01-27T10:32:00.020-05:00

When I was asked to do a book review for author and journalist Ben Sherwood's new book release, The Survivors Club, I was flattered, but mildly bewildered as to why I was chosen. I mean, I get it, I've survived my father's death, I had some struggles growing up, I blog about change and adversity. But survivor? (I later learned many survivors shun the moniker.)As I read the book, I was

Please Vote for Your Fave!

2009-01-22T13:57:00.005-05:00

In honor of growing my hair out long and not butchering it, since I am my own hairdresser, I decided to have a lil' photo shoot today to update my online avatars. I got these two images I thought were kind of nice - but I'm not sure which one I'll choose. The top two make me look kinda haggard - but I don't think that is a bad thing necessarily. I'm a bit obsessed with being old. I did two

Welcome to the Toughest Job on Earth Mr. President

2009-01-20T19:18:00.005-05:00

I caught a few blips on TV and a few Twitters about the inauguration. So many people were overjoyed, some crying, some cheering, some relieved. Even a skeptic and curmudgeon like me cracked a smile. It was all quite beautiful. Barack and Michelle Obama couldn't have looked better, and the events went off without a hitch. Sorry about Ted Kennedy, but I hear he's okay.However, the kind of

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2008-12-11T00:00:00-08:00

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2008-11-02T23:00:00-08:00

Calle 13 ATREVETE-TE

Links for 2008-10-30 [del.icio.us]

2008-10-31T00:00:00-07:00

Absentee Voters in Israel Back McCain to Obama, 3 -1

Links for 2008-10-25 [del.icio.us]

2008-10-26T00:00:00-07:00

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2008-10-20T00:00:00-07:00

Will Obama Kill Science?

Links for 2008-10-18 [del.icio.us]

2008-10-19T00:00:00-07:00

Colbert on Computerized Trading