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What seems like a lifetime ago, I was sitting in 7th grade math class - come to think of it, that was a lifetime ago - being lectured by Mrs. Kennedy on the U.S.'s inevitable conversion to the metric system. Mrs. Kennedy was ruddy-faced, rail-thin and hailed from County Mayo, Ireland. She had a penchant for white-framed cat's-eye glasses and, when angered, was able to reach a decibel level that could mute a heavy metal concert. She augmented the regular curricula with a focus on metric problems and conversion exercises, and by the end of the year, we were able to map out car trips in kilometers and judge the results of encroaching puberty in kilograms and centimeters.

VIRGINIA

Dear Liz & folks,

On occasion I've been known to be somewhat opinionated inthis space - as well as in our print edition - on trends and policies along theBeltway.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration has concluded that cost overruns and schedule delays with the Internal Revenue Service’s Business Systems Modernization Program have increased during 2009.

Whether or not the SEC commissioners move to adopt the proposed roadmap, or substantially change it, the message seems clear: the U.S. and international accounting standard-setters are going to aim for June 2011 as the “date certain” for convergence.

The Internal Revenue Service needs to better manage the collection notices it sends to individuals, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.

Vertex has announced an online certification program through which continuing professional education credits can be earned.

House Democrats unveiled their health care reform package after assembling the various components passed this summer by three separate committees.

The House overwhelmingly approved legislation to reform small business lending and spur job creation.