I’ve written that the military is researching alternative fuels. (Here and here, for starters.) Primarily because the logistics of getting fuel to the front is problematic- not only is the journey often difficult, but troops are put at risk defending that transport. Well, that’s also why the military is examining the use of 3-D printing- so that critical components can be at the front. Not only can they be made available quickly- the need to inventory various parts is moot, since they can be printed on demand. Unfortunately, the CAD (computer-aided design) software and CNC (computer numerical control) machining technologies are still complex- so we won’t be seeing this technology on every forward base just yet.
Financials are just a blip in time…
I know most of you run your companies on a cash basis. Your gross is small enough that the IRS does not require you to run accrued financials, which are more difficult to maintain. But, it would behoove most firms to check their positions using accrued financials every once in a while.
All the news that’s fit to print?
Things have been changing. The Ann Arbor News is no longer a daily- but exists on the web. Newsweek has basically disappeared (but would probably still be on the newsstands- at least today- had Sid Harman not met his demise.) The Washington Post makes a profit- because it owns for-profit schools. Everywhere we turn, we hear that our news delivery is changing.
Tax Time!
It’s tax time. No, really.
Corporations have to file by the ides of March. And, those entities that need to provide K-1’s to their stockholders (S entities, LLC’s operating as S) incur substantial penalties for late filing. About $ 100 per K-1 per month. (Yes, it can amount to thousands of dollars for those entities with numerous stockholders.)
Into every life…
We had a good week. One we deserved. We lost two of our clients last year- one to death and the other to the retirement of the principal. One was expected, the other was devastating. I’ve written about one of them already.
How is college changing?
I was blessed with a visit from my eldest (daughter), her husband, and my grandson. It’s amazing to see the innocence, the insouciance, the love, and energy that this almost 4 year old has- and how he infects his parents with his essence. It made my home resonate.
Really? This is the Fiscal Cliff Act?
Many of you know I spent a great portion of my life in the dialysis arena. From the time I was eight years old, I wanted to develop an artificial kidney. So, I’ve seen a lifetime- and then some- of changes to the therapy. From the first “washing machine” devices, to flat-plates that required soaking-spreading-tightening, to the disposable devices of today.
Tu B’Shvat
Tomorrow is Tu B’Shvat. The 15th day of the month. A full moon. The New Year for Trees.
Was that a bird? A plane?….
I have often been reminded that my claim that I no longer race cars is not terribly accurate. Oh, it’s true that I don’t have a race car, that I don’t compete on the track, but…to say I have a lead foot would be a grand understatement.
Infrastructure problems are NOT going away
I have been complaining for a long time that our governments- federal, state, and local- are doing us, the citizens, a grand disservice. They have basically shirked one of their primary duties- to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure. To be honest, upgrading is so far from what they’ve done, I’m sure that most of us would be thrilled with their simply maintaining what we have.