Plagiarism, “going viral” on steroids, internet justice, good entertainment, and lessons-to-be-learned – all in one story

In case you haven’t heard, tune in quick to the Cooks Source story on the internet.  The story is developing by the hour.  See short introduction.  Read original post that kicked off the internet firestorm.  (more…)

Easy-listening explanation of Quantitative Easing

Quantitative Easin’ is a new song in easy listening style that explains what the Fed is planning for the very near future.  Fun explanation.  Watch out for the depressing graphs though.

The singer, Curtis Threadneedle, is on facebook here.

Update: Fed announced the QE2 will be for $600,000,000,000 spread in $75B purchases per month of longer-term treasuries. Typo in title of this post corrected.

Rapping Economists debate how to improve the economy? Rapping? On economics?

As news reports indicate the Fed plans a half trillion dollar quantitative easing, it is a good time to revisit the Hayek and Keynes debate.  If you would like a rap explanation, check this out: “Fear the Boom and Bust”. Yes, Hayek presented in rap. (more…)

Small Nonprofits claim health care tax credit on Form 8941

The IRS has announced that nonprofits may claim the health care tax credit by filing a Form 990-T and attaching Form 8941.

The IRS has a background article on the credit for nonprofit organizations.  They have a superb FAQ that provides a lot of details.  The DRAFT 8941 is available – remember is is a preliminary draft so we can get an idea what the form will look like.  For a general overview of the health care credit for NPOs, see my previous post.

Current data accumulated by tracking companies is exquisitely detailed

Time to start thinking more seriously about your privacy.  One particular online tracking company gathers everything they can about you and accumulates it into a very detailed profile.  The cutting edge capacity of one company also aggregates your name and email address.  (more…)

SSARS 19 Compilation reports for NPOs

Compilation reports will change starting December 31, 2010.  Some sample reports follow.

Update – SSARS 19 had been replaced by SSARS 21. All the reports have been revised. You can check out these posts at my other blog, Attestation Update:

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10 leading causes of death in 1850 and 2000

Fascinating display at the Reuben Fleet Science Museum in San Diego listing the top 10 causes of death in 1850, 1900, and 2000 caught my interest while on vacation.  Focus of their discussion is on the change over time, particularly the change from infectious disease to other causes.  Look at this list (more…)

You don’t need permission to change the world

Wish I’d written this:  “Where, precisely, do you go in order to get permission to make a dent in the universe?”  Seth Godin said that and discusses it further in “Do you need a permit“?  To completely restructure his comment for our community — you do not need permission from anyone to change the world for Christ.  Go for it!