Tax Tips.

Tax season is upon us! Having finished my taxes for this year, here are some things I'd like to remember for next year:

• "Hobby expenses" can only be deducted if you made money from said hobby. (And, I imagine, you reported said income.)
• The purchase of your tax software can be deducted.
• The time (or "professional services") volunteered to a non-profit is not deductible.
• There is no need to file Schedule H if the household employee is self-employed.

I know that this is all very exciting information, but please remember that I'm a web developer, and you should consult an actual tax professional of some kind if you have any questions.

Pike Pub Picks.

Since MLS season is upon us, the husband and I will be spending lots of time at the Pike Brewing's pub in Pike Place Market. It's our go-to place for a comfortable, reasonably-priced dinner in downtown Seattle with both tasty food and micro-brews. Apropos, here are my picks from their food and drink menu:

• Roasted Garlic Prawns: These shrimp are fat and delicious, and my favorite choice.
• Halibut and Chips: The halibut is baked at a very high temperature instead of fried, and is perfectly creamy on the inside without being greasy, if the chef is having a good night. If not, they're still pretty good.
• Nachos: Fabulous; I recommend the pork.
• Ginger Lemon Drop: This is just what it says, and it's a great cocktail option.
• Chocolate Martini: But this is my favorite drink. The maraschino cherry doesn't hurt.

Pro Tip: The half price Happy Hour (until 6pm) menu includes the nachos and an appetizer portion of the shrimp.

Mr. Ugly.

I made this piece during January of 2010, at the Beginner II class at Seattle Glass Studio. I used some some very cool techniques, which combined to make the ugliest thing I've ever made.

I love the tiny bubbles in this piece, which are more visible in the full pictures. This is done by quickly dunking the hot glass into a freshly stirred bucket of water with baking soda. You've probably seen this on countless Mexican-themed pitcher and tumbler sets, usually with a cobalt blue lip wrap.

The blue marks on this piece are cane drawing, where the gaffer "draws" on the piece using a thin noodle-like piece of colored glass. The cane didn't stick to the piece where I intended, and it cut my hand a little when it snapped halfway through. I haven't yet seen an application of cane drawing that I like; it always reminds me of a puff paint t-shirt.

The piece is oval shaped, rather than round. The gaffer does this using cork paddles while the assistant heats and flips the piece at the gaffer's command.

While I think that this particular vessel is pretty hideous, a lot of people like it. I gave it away during an "Ugly Glass Exchange" / white elephant party around Christmas. The person who got it seemed to like it. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, eh?

As always, thanks to the husband for the photography.

Vindication!

After years of, I present to you, vindication! Reprinted directly from the daily Common Errors in English Usage email:

historic: an historic vs. a historic

You should use “an” before a word beginning with an H only if the H is not pronounced: “An honest effort.” It's properly “a historic event” though many sophisticated speakers somehow prefer the sound of “an historic,” so that version is not likely to get you into any real trouble.

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