Skip to main content

You are here

Advertisement

From the Executive Editor

Hi there, y’all. I hope February is doing well by you. We’ve finally come out of the unusual harsh weather we’ve had here in Oregon, and the crocuses are already blooming. Knowing that Spring is around the corner is almost enough for me to overcome the gloom of busy season and the misery of contentious politics that is pervasive everywhere. 
 
We’re pretty busy in our shop, and I know all of you are too. At this time of year I always remember a story I read a long time ago. It was about a girl who had a school report due, and the project was to research and write about 20 birds native to the area. Of course the girl left the project to the night before it was due, freaked out, and asked her dad, “How am I going to research and write about 20 birds in such a short time?” Dad responded, “One at a time.” I always remember this story when I have multiple tasks and more coming in at a faster rate than the ones going out. I just tell myself, “One at a time.”
 
We have lots of great content this month. Daveyne Totten has followed up her Part 1 article from January on how to deal with curtailments under ASC 715 with Part 2 of her series on how to deal with settlements. Daveyne’s article is here. Thanks to Daveyne for this series, and also thanks to Glenn Soderstrom of my office for his reviews of these two articles.
 
Jim Holland has graciously written up an explanation of a very interesting court case that will certainly change how we deal with clients who have made DB contributions in excess of the deductible limit. The court reached a conclusion that differs from IRS guidance on this issue. Jim’s article is here.
 
Lynn Young has written the first of what I hope will be an ongoing series of articles on professionalism. Lynn’s first article, on comments on the proposed Risk and Modeling ASOPs, is here.
 
Just so you all remember that our elected leaders actually do stuff and don’t spend all their time going on boondoggles, Kurt Piper has provided his usual presidential update, here.
 
Our regular update from Judy Miller, our Executive Director, is here. As Judy asks, if you will be at the Enrolled Actuaries Meeting, pick up an “Ask me about ACOPA” button and spread the word!
 
Okay kids, back to our bird reports!
 
Cheers,
 
Norman