Parentheses

When finishing a sentence with a phrase in parentheses, put the period outside the closing parentheses.
i.e. They lost the battle (but won the war).

If the phrase or clause in parentheses expresses a separate thought, place the period inside the parentheses.
i.e They lost the battle. (Luckily, they won the war.)

Use parentheses to insert a state name or similar information within a proper name.
i.e He is a reporter for the Houston (Tx.) Chronicle.

Do not use parentheses to set off a political designation. Use commas instead.
i.e Barack Obama, D-Il, announced his run for president.

Nicolas Aldape
Writer, Three Penny Press