IT Insights Blog — United States of America

Every U.S. IT Insights Blog reader within the sound of our keyboard has doubtless already completed and filed his or her federal income tax return. It would be plain irresponsible, after all, to wait until the last second to square things up with Uncle Sam. No doubt if we were to drive past the local post office after 11 p.m. tonight, there would not at all be an unusually long queue of vehicles waiting to use the all-hours mail drop to be assured of getting an April 15 postmark.

For a variety of reasons, human societies have long had an interest in gathering and analyzing data. Ancient Rome, during both its republican and imperial phases, used census data extensively. One of the first things that the United States did after concluding its war of independence from the British crown was to conduct a nationwide census. The parameters of the census were even written into the U.S. Constitution.

Here in the United States, TestOut Continuing Education's beloved land of origin, we are creeping up on the first Tuesday in November. That's Nov. 6, to be exact. This is a date of great import in 2018, an opportunity for citizens everywhere to participate in one of the most fulfilling rituals of our proud democracy. On Nov. 6, millions of Americans will head to the nearest microwave oven, or perhaps to Taco Bell or Del Taco, to scarf down a hearty serving of nachos.