YoChicago just posted a link to a slideshow of high-dynamic-range photos of Chicago. Some of them look a bit fake, but many of them are really amazing. If your curious, Wikipedia has more info on the HDR technique used to create the photos.
HDR Photo by Trey Ratcliff
Props to Dawson who posted a link to the Make It Work T-shirt about a week ago. I’m not big on impulse buys, but I couldn’t resist this one. One minute I was clicking the link, the next minute I was completing the PayPal order form. Everything else is a blur.
I initially assumed that Chris Glass, the guy who designed the shirts, was gay. (What straight guy would create Project-Runway-themed apparel?) Then I found a photo of him and I was completely confused. Then I read this on his site:
“I came out much later in life, and I say I don’t play for the other team as much as I sit on the sidelines.”
This is exactly what I need to launch my makeover show: a small-town gay guy with penchant for camouflage and facial hair comes to the big city for a makeover. He claims to be happy and seems reluctant to change, but eventually reveals that he secretly wants to feel sexy and find true love. Enter me: the obnoxious, flaming host who claims to love Chris just the way he is right before insulting nearly everything about his appearance. The suspense builds as Chris and I argue over whether or not he will shave off his beard. The audience is left guessing as the final reveal draws nigh. Will Chris agree to wear the velvet Juicy Couture blazer? Will he finally give up his mountain-man beard and, in the process, let down his guard and finally shake his fear of rejection?
This could be ratings GOLD, people. Mark my words.
My boyfriend had an accountant do his taxes for the first time last year. I was tempted to do the same, but when I saw the 20-page questionnaire the accountant asked him to complete and thought about all the documents and receipts I’d have to organize, it didn’t sound so tempting. In the end, the accountant saved him time and a few headaches, but not enough to convince me it was worth the $400. I’ve always done my own taxes using H&R Block’s online program. I like that it saves my returns for three years and allows me to carry over certain information from year to year so I don’t have to enter it again. Although I’m pretty happy with H&R Block, I’m always curious how other people handle their taxes, so I thought I’d do a quick survey.
Loading …I’ve heard mixed reviews of TurboTax but I’ve never used it myself. I’d love to know what other people’s experiences have been with it or with whatever other method you use. In recent years, I’ve been tempted to pay extra to have an H&R Block employee look over my return, especially since their personal services often come with some type of “audit insurance” to cover you in case they miss something. Then I remind myself that all it takes to become an H&R Block employee is a cup of drug-free urine and 20 hours of Tax Law 101. So, I assume I’d just wind up explaining all my bizarre schedules and capital gains and 1099 forms to some woman with long fingernails and big gold earrings or some man who barely speaks English before giving up and doing them online.
For do-it-yourselfers, the IRS website can be more helpful than you might think. However, the most under-appreciated resource for anyone with tax questions has to be the IRS’ tax assistance line, which you can reach by dialing 1-800-829-1040. I’ve called the IRS many times over the years and I’m always blown away at how quickly I’m connected to a real person who usually has a good answer for my question(s). The wait times get longer as April 15 approaches, but if you can’t afford an accountant, the IRS help line is the next best thing. The only downside is every IRS rep has to begin the conversation by telling you his or her name and employee identification number. They always say it in this Ben-Stein-esque, robotic tone, which makes me imagine the person on the other end tying a noose at their cubicle. Once that part is over, the rest of the call usually goes pretty well.