Any freelance writer who spends hours calculating business use of home expenses for their tax return might shout a fervent “hurrah!” when they hear about the new simplified home office tax deduction option. But writer beware – the easy option could cost you dollars.
Read my full article explaining and comparing the two home office deduction methods at The Word, published by the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
The Ice Cream Bar, San Francisco
A Boost for Botanicals
by Tania Casselle
A swallow of sassafras, a nibble of nettles, or a thirst for thistles? No, these aren’t requests on your doctor’s prescription, but some of the things you could be having in restaurants these days. Botanicals are hot on menus.
Chamomile crème brûlée and herbed ricotta dumplings with nettles have graced the menu daily at Poppy in Seattle. Chef Jerry Traunfeld, who’s also the author of books including The Herbal Kitchen, says he uses botanicals like these because they’re delicious. Health benefits are simply a plus.
→ Full Clip at Rmgt Restaurant Management and FSR Magazine
The Like Button
Call them Fans or call them Followers, but one thing’s for sure: Facebook folk hit the Like Button for these favorite locals….
Status Update: “I can’t get Donnie off Facebook. First thing he does when he walks in.”
Want your opinion heard on radio? Comment on the Jackie, Tony, & Donnie Facebook page. The Peak 100.3’s popular morning show hosts not only sound out subjects of interest for future shows via Facebook, they quote selected Facebook responses to the topic of the day. “We’re monitoring Facebook, all three of us while we’re on air,” says Tony.
Cover story by Tania Casselle for Albuquerque The Magazine, April 2011, on how businesses use Facebook, including Albuquerque Isotopes, Creative Albuquerque, National Hispanic Cultural Center, ABQ BioPark, Flying Star Cafe, Hinkle Family Fun Center, and Albuquerque Film Office.
The Show Must Go On
Cover story for International Arts Manager by Tania Casselle
Lake Constance is not just a backdrop to the Bregenzer Festspiele’s Floating Stage. Directors use the lake for deliberate impact – in Carmen’s first act the brawling girls tumble into the water, and Fidelio’s Don Fernando zooms to the stage by speedboat. There are accidental effects too – one tenor fell in while playing a ‘dying’ scene. Opera Director Eva Kleinitz says security divers pull performers out so fast they barely register the dunking.
Whatever the weather, outdoor venues are special enough to attract big audiences and big name performers. Tania Casselle looks at the unique potential and challenges of leading open-air venues in the US and Europe, including Sweden’s Dalhalla, Austria’s Bregenzer Festspiele, London’s Kenwood, The Greek Hellenic Festival, and America’s Filene Center/Wolf Trap, Red Rocks, and Santa Fe Opera.
Published by Fuel magazine.
Size DOES Matter
As the US population gains in girth, will body size become another demographic factor to weigh in to your marketing? From automotives to furnishings and media ad sales, how communications mavens are tailoring their message by BMI.
→ Full Clip of Size DOES Matter in PDF For FUEL, a publication on customer communications management and strategy, then published by Pohly & Partners.
Profile of Manuel Lujan Agencies for the Healthiest Employers 2012 publication, spotlighting outstanding workplace wellness programs in New Mexico.
I contributed 45 profiles for the New Mexico Powerbook 2003, interviewing leading business and political figures, and young entrepreneurs for the ’40 under 40′ section.
Queen Latifah: celebrating curves
Fashion Plus: American Women Demand Full-Figured Style
Whichever way you measure it, it’s clear that body sizes are increasing far beyond the fashion industry ideal of a model size 8, which begs the question of exactly what the term ‘plus-size’ apparel means when ‘plus’ becomes the norm and not the exception.
“I do not want to wear knit cardigans with seasonal motifs sewn down the front of the lapels,” says Lorena K. aged 30 of Iowa, a size 24 Lane Bryant fan. “I don’t look good with leaves or snowmen or cornucopias running down my plump front-side.”
Business feature on how fashion brands fit the market, and a straw poll of what curvy women really want.
(For International Market News)
Brands Branch Out
National Geographic, JCB, Jeep, Pepsi. We all know the brand names – and that’s what marketing maestros are counting on with a spate of new fashion lines that cash in on their parent product’s pedigree.
Article for the subscription-only international fashion and textiles industry site JustStyle.com. Read it in PDF here.
Upturn Downtown – The Lensic Performing Arts Center, Santa Fe
The reinvention of a former vaudeville theater in one of America’s ‘Wild West’ cities gives a shot in the arm to Santa Fe’s arts and culture scene.
25 years ago a walk down Ocean Drive would have offered a view of nothing more inspiring than a bunch of old men swatting flies from their rocking chairs on the verandas of fleabag hotels.
Street report, retail trend update, and photos for International Textiles on the city of style.