Description: This article discusses the results from the 1999 SOA member survey. The survey's findings send some clear signals about approaches to developing new and better programs and improving current ones. from The Actuary, February 2000, volume 34, issue 2.

Description: This article summarizes the results of a Delphi study amoung SOA Futurism Section members about the actuarial profession and the U.S. economy and other matters in the years 2010 and 2050.

Description: This article discusses the media attention received when Al Easton, as 1997-1999 Futurism Section council chair, coordinated a study of the section members and asked the members to forecast future events in members' practice areas. The study utilized the Delphi technique, which assembles a group of experts and polls them on the same questions in up to four rounds of surveying. Each time, the previous round's answers are revealed so the experts can consider their next responses in light of their peers' views. From: The Actuary, January 2000, volume 34, issue 1.

Description: This article describes how actuary and avid bridge player, Donald Sondergeld, fulfilled his own prediction. At the end of his article 'Actuaries and the rule of 11' [The Actuary, October 1997], he said he expected 'to become an ACBL [American Contract Bridge League] Life Master soon.' In a foursome with his wife, Mary, in March 1998, Don crossed the finish line when they won the final gold points he needed.

Description: This article notes the results of a survey of U.K. actuaries asking which actuaries rated as famous and asks for nominations for such notoriety in the U.S.

Description: For more than two years, 'The Actuary' has received more articles and letters on Social Security than on any other single topic. Given actuaries’ interest in analyzing financial situations and the extensive public debate on Social Security worldwide, the subject’s prominence among actuaries is easily understood. To offer more SOA members a forum for their views, editors of the September 1998 issue included a survey asking members’ opinions on five statements related to possible U.S. Social Security reform. The survey drew 1,067 responses, representing 6.6% of the membership, by the Oct. 31, 1998, deadline. This article summarizes the results of that survey.

Description: On the lighter side, actuary Bill Feldman nostalgically recalls playing baritone saxophone for Tony Bennett in two 1969 concerts. From: The Actuary, September 1999 – volume 33 - Issue 7.

Description: This article looks at the recent trend of mergers and acquisitions between very large organizations. The driving forces, issues involved and keys to success are discussed. The role of the actuary in this process is also reviewed.

Description: This article summarizes the changes in the rules for discipline of U.S. actuaries, which were recently updated, detailed, and clarified through the revision of Article X of the American Academy of Actuaries’ bylaws.