10 Reasons Why Small Business IT Outsourcing Is Becoming More ...

Businesses that experience a rapid growth year after year are quite rare. Only a few companies find their winning ways while the rest lag behind. The question is how these successful companies set themselves apart from the rest and sustain their profitability. Actually, the key to their success is the use of IT outsourcing in quite more innovative ways than their peers do. There is more to business outsourcing than cost cutting. Successful businesses use outsourcing for far more strategic ends in order to tap into capabilities that they do not have within their premises.

Here are ten reasons why small business IT outsourcing is becoming increasingly popular.

1. To have more time to focus on the core business functions-

People are happier doing what they do best, and distractions that have nothing to do with their key job functions can be very frustrating. The time businesses spend figuring out their IT functions have a very real opportunity cost. In addition, researching, implementing and fixing new technologies can really frustrate non IT professionals. Thus, outsourcing this business function can free your staff to spend their time focusing on how to grow the business.

2. Network support providers achieve greater efficiency and economies of scale because they are focused solely on IT services. This enables them to consolidate their purchasing power and access a deeper and broader knowledge base. As a result, you can expect them to deliver faster, better and cheaper IT solutions to your business. This translates into cost saving to your business both in money and in time.

3. Reducing cost while controlling operating expenses

Outsourcing your IT department to a network support company goes beyond cost reduction and the need to save your hard earned dollars. In most cases, businesses spend nearly 25% to 50% less by outsourcing their IT department over the cost of even retaining a single IT staff. In addition, expenses related to recruiting, training, vacation and management issues are taken out of the equation through outsourcing.

4. Access highly specialized talent

You are better off leaving the highly complicated and ever changing field of information technology to experts. Outsourcing your business? IT needs allows you to tap in to expertise that would otherwise be too costly to develop and maintain in-house.

5. Obtain on-demand resources

At some point, every business finds itself grappling with the challenge of growth versus the burden of scaling back. Both instances present genuine HR dilemma when the business relies on its in-house IT resources, more so when these events are unplanned. By contracting a professional IT service provider, your business can easily respond to these challenges without affecting the livelihood or morale of the workforce.

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Source: http://justlorem.com/2013/08/30/10-reasons-why-small-business-it-outsourcing-is-becoming-more-popular-2/

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U.N. inspectors arrive at military hospital in Damascus

BEIRUT (Reuters) - United Nations inspectors arrived at a military hospital in a government-held area of Damascus on Friday to visit soldiers affected by an apparent chemical attack, a Reuters witness said.

The inspectors have spent the week visiting rebel-controlled areas on the outskirts of Damascus after reports of a poison gas attack last week that the opposition blames on President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian government accuses the rebels of firing chemical munitions at civilians and soldiers.

Witnesses said the team were meeting with soldiers at the Mezze Military Airport who government media said were exposed to poison gas in the Damascus suburb of Jobar on Saturday.

A Reuters witness said the U.N. inspectors were not carrying body armor, indicating they would not cross into rebel-held territory after their visit to the military base.

Official media said some soldiers were overcome by fumes after finding chemical agents in a tunnel that had been used by insurgents.

The state news agency SANA said soldiers "suffered from cases of suffocation." State TV footage did not appear to show evidence of chemical weapons. It showed five blue and green plastic drums, normally used to transport oil, lined against a wall in a room and several rusty mortar bombs and grenades.

(Reporting by Oliver Holmes; Editing by Mark Heinrich)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/u-n-inspectors-head-hospital-government-held-damascus-093407176.html

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Kissimmee Gateway (Florida) High School junior football player Marquis Ocasio died Thursday from brain cancer Ocasio was diagno...

SbB LIVE FROM LA (Aug 30, 2013 @ 10:03pm ET)

Comments | SbB Live RSS Feed Friday, August 30, 2013

9:00 PM: In an interview with People magazine, Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn says about her relationship with Tiger Woods: "There's really nothing about him that bothers me. He doesn't even leave the seat up! It's awesome."

8:45 PM: Brian Banks tweeted on Friday after being released by the Atlanta Falcons: "I just want to thank EVERYONE for the amazing outpour of love & support. So much more 2 come from me, Im only beginning. And still #Unbroken"

8:30 PM: TV viewers in Austin can now watch the Longhorn Network as the ESPN-produced Texas-centric channel was picked up by Time Warner Cable on Friday.

8:15 PM: Pitcher John Axford tweets to Brewers fans: "Dear Milwaukee, if you're reading this tweet you already know. I've been traded. My arm. My mustache. Everything. I'll be in St. Louis. Area code 314. I love you. AX"

8:00 PM: Kissimmee Gateway (Florida) High School junior football player Marquis Ocasio died Thursday from brain cancer. Ocasio was diagnosed last year but underwent treatment & returned to the team until becoming ill again in July.

7:45 PM: Linebacker Justin Tuggle, son of former NFL Pro Bowl linebacker Jessie Tuggle, has reportedly made the Houston Texans' final 53-man roster.

7:30 PM: Nike has filed a patent for a golf shirt that acts like a "coach" with "tighter material in areas key to a repetitive movement". (H/T Geoff Shackelford)

7:15 PM: The Texas Rangers say they plan to add suspended outfielder Nelson Cruz to their playoff roster if they make it to the postseason. Cruz received a 50-game suspension from MLB for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal.

7:00 PM: Ottawa Senators player Mika Zibanejad will be making his debut as a DJ tonight at the Junxion nightclub in a benefit for the Ottawa Boys & Girls Club.

6:45 PM: The agent for San Francisco 49ers QB Seneca Wallace said that his client is not yet retiring from the NFL. Don Yee said that Wallace told 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh he didn't want to play Thursday if he was just going to do "mop-up duty" at the end.

6:30 PM: Kansas State unveiled a new statue of Wildcats football coach Bill Snyder outside the Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Friday.

6:15 PM: From The Onion: "Latest U.N. Report Shows Raider Nation At Bottom Of Human Development Index Rankings"

6:00 PM: With the Bay Bridge closed, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price tweets his frustration with Friday's long ride from the team's San Francisco hotel to the Oakland A's ballpark.

5:45 PM: Egypt clinched a spot in the 2014 FIBA World Cup by defeating Senegal 70-63 Friday in the semifinals of the AfroBasket tournament. It will be Egypt's first appearance in the FIBA world championships since 1990.

5:30 PM: Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Memphis Grizzlies have waived center Fab Melo. The Grizzlies had acquired Melo in a trade with the Boston Celtics 15 days earlier.

? previous entries

Source: http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/sbblive?eid=55887

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Just so we?re clear, cities don?t run the schools (Offthekuff)

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Sony rolls out Android JB for Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra

After announcing the roll out of Jelly Bean 4.2 for its Xperia Z tablet, Sony has now announced that it will also roll out the update for its Xperia Z Ultra smartphone. The upgrade aims at offering a new set of features and functionality to the devices.

The Jelly Bean 4.2.2 upgrade, release version 10.3.1.C.0.136, will bring Sony Media Apps and integrated services to the devices. The My Xperia application that offers an added level of security for the devices has also been included in the upgrade. Along with that a handful of new widgets for both the home screen as well as the lock screen have been added to the upgrade for the users.

Now with this new upgrade, the Sony Xperia tablet Z users would get support for 64 GB SD card as well. Both devices now get multi user function support allowing different users to get their individual profiles on the same device.

The upgrade is likely to made available both over the air as well as through PC. If you still haven't received a notification for the same, keep checking as the upgrade will improve your user experience.

Source: http://www.themobileindian.com/news/13853_Sony-rolls-out-Android-JB-for-Xperia-Tablet-Z-Xperia-Z-Ultra

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China-Viet Nam Agree Cross Border Animal Disease Controls

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Source: www.thebeefsite.com --- Saturday, August 31, 2013
China/VIET NAM - The Chinese and Vietnamese authorities have reached an agreement over measures to control animal diseases crossing the border between the two countries and to safeguard animal and human health in both countries. ...

Source: http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/43624/chinaviet-nam-agree-cross-border-animal-disease-controls

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Facebook Report on Government Data Requests a Reminder there is no Privacy

In releasing its first report on government requests for user information, Facebook is reminding businesses and consumers that use of the Internet today requires self-censorship.

The report released Tuesday shows also that the U.S. government -- which is the single biggest with between 11,000 and 12,000 requests -- is only one of many seeking data from Facebook. Total non-U.S. requests numbered about 15,000 during the first half of this year.

Facebook's Global Government Requests Report is meant to assure users that the company is doing everything it can legally to protect their privacy. Google does the same through its biannual Transparency Report.

The number of users specified in the requests was from 20,000 to 21,000. The majority of the requests were related to criminal cases, such as robberies or kidnappings.

Facebook handed over at least some data in 79% of the requests, showing that Facebook refused to release data when it could.

"We scrutinize each request for legal sufficiency under our terms and the strict letter of the law, and require a detailed description of the legal and factual bases for each request," said Colin Stretch, Facebook's general counsel. "We fight many of these requests, pushing back when we find legal deficiencies and narrowing the scope of overly broad or vague requests."

Nevertheless, neither Facebook nor any other company can refuse a legitimate government request, so it is up to users to think before posting and to avoid becoming friends with anyone who seems shady.

Brian Blau, an analyst with Gartner, said people should also follow their employer's policies for using social networks, so they don't say anything that can taint the company's brand.

[In depth: 8 tips to enhance your online privacy]

However, government monitoring should not stop organizations from using Facebook for marketing, sales leads and customer support, said Alan Lepofsky, analyst for Constellation Research. "Engaging with prospects and fans would rarely involve confidential information that anyone should be worried about the government having access to," Lepofsky said.

Once the conversation with a potential or current customer becomes more detailed, the interaction should be taken off Facebook, he said. At that point, all information should be stored internally in a customer relationship management system or a tracking tool for customer support.

Experts applauded Facebook's decision to release the report in order to give users a realistic view on online privacy. However, Rick Holland, analyst for Forrester Research, said Facebook was being selective about its transparency.

Rather than just disclose government requests for data, Holland would like to see Facebook provide a lot more details on how and what it shares with advertisers, including information on customers and prospects gathered from the pages of businesses.

"I don't know if there's any risks to companies that way, but behind the scenes, I'd love to see the same level of transparency on how they're making money on [the data]," Holland said.

Tech companies, including Facebook, Google and Microsoft, are pressing the U.S. government for more flexibility in categorizing information requests, particularly in light of recent revelations of massive data collection on Internet activity by the U.S. National Security Agency.

Companies are prohibited from providing anything more than a range of the number of NSA requests and of affected user accounts.

Source: http://www.cio.in/news/facebook-report-government-data-requests-reminder-there-no-privacy-447652013

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India's rupee resumed its downward trend against the dollar on Friday, after str...

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FOXSports Fantasy Football Chat: August 29

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Source: http://msn.foxsports.com/fantasy/football/commissioner?altcast_code=e0e7456242

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iPhone Apps of the Week: The Converted, Flickr, Blackbar, and More

It's Friday night, and you know what that means: we've got a fistful of apps for you and your iPhone. Which is a lot like a fistful of dynamite, without the explosions. A fistful of dynamite apps! Yeah!

Read more...

Source: http://gizmodo.com/iphone-apps-of-the-week-the-converted-flickr-blackba-1228330854

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Youth Activities and Information Aug 2013 | Fenway News Online

BACK TO SCHOOL

School is Kool:?St. Mark Wainwright Youth Program is hosting a back to school event featuring members of Boston sports celebrities, motivational speakers, school supply giveaways, and activities for all ages. Aug 31, 11:30am-4pm. Dr. Loesch Family Park. If rain, St. Mark School Hall, 18 Samoset St., Dorchester. 617-825-1052,?[email?protected]

Back to School Give-A-Way:?The community is invited to attend a FREE basketball tournament and school supply give-a-way for all ages. The event features free food, kids? activities, resource tables, and more. Sep 14, 9am-5pm. BCYF Recreation Center at Madison Park, 55 Malcolm X Blvd., Roxbury. Raymond Heath, 617-635-5206?108, Roger, 617-407-5189,?www.score4more.org

Annual Back-to-School Drive:?The Home for Little Wanderers is preparing kids for the upcoming school year by collecting much-needed back-to-school supplies. Drive runs thru Sep 9. For a list of needed school supplies or to make a monetary donation:www.thehome.org/backtoschool. Jocelyn, 617-267-3700,?[email?protected]

Boston Centers for Youth & Families After School Programs:?Visit your local community center or check out the Program Guide 2013-14 online to find out about after school programs and fall activities. 617-635-4920,?www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf

College Night at the Museum of Science:?The Museum welcomes students back to the city with an evening of free science fun! Bring a valid college ID for FREE admission to the Museum?s Exhibit Halls and venues. Sep 27, 5?9pm.www.mos.org/events_activities/events

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TUTORING PROGRAMS

Homework Help at BPL:?Students in grades K-8 can get free drop-in after-school homework help in all subject areas at any library branch. Academic support and mentoring is also available. Starts Sep 16, Mon-Thurs, 3:30-5:30pm. Weekend hours at Central Branch only, Sat, 12-4pm; Sun, 1-5pm. 617-859-2335,?www.bpl.org/boost

Boston Teacher?s Union Tutors:?Students in all grades can receive homework help and tutoring from Boston Public School teachers. Tutoring takes place at Boston Public Library branches from 4-6pm. Days vary by branch.?www.bpl.org/boost

Online Tutoring:?Get free online tutoring in all subjects with your library card! One-on-one tutoring is available for students in grades K-12 in English and Spanish from 2pm-12am, 7 days a week.?www.bpl.org/boost

Project D.E.E.P Tutoring:?Dorchester students in grades 5-8 can receive one-on-one help with their homework, projects, and reports in any subject by signing up at the Leahy-Holloran Community Center on Sep 28, 10:30am. Students will meet with tutors for 90 minutes a week from Nov until the end of Apr with a one-time $50 registration fee.?[email?protected],?www.projectdeep.org

Exam Prep Program:?Project D.E.E.P is offering exam prep for fifth, sixth, and eighth grade students. The course offers a math class and a verbal/reading comprehension class. These classes span a period of eight weeks and cover material included on the Independent Schools Entrance Exam (ISEE) and the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT). The program is offered at a cost of $100 per class.?www.projectdeep.org

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JOBS & VOLUNTEERING

BPL Homework Help Tutors:?Teens in grades 10-12 and have a GPA of at least 3.0 can apply to be a tutor at the Boston Public Library the 2013-2014 school year.? Job requirements are you must have a 3.0 GPA and you must enjoy working with elementary school-aged children. Jessi Snow, 617-859-2335,?www.bpl.org

Youth Leaders:?Sociedad Latina is hiring Youth Leaders, ages 14-21 for the school year. Must be a Boston resident. Visit 1530 Tremont St, Roxbury to complete an application. 617-442-4299,?www.sociedadlatina.org

IBA Cacique Youth Learning Center:?IBA is hiring Boston residents ages 13-19 to work as Youth Peer Leaders for the fall-winter cycle. Learn the responsibilities of being a young professional and maintaining a job. Deadline: Sep 12, 5pm. Work from Oct 15 ? Jan 16. To apply:?[email?protected]?or visit 405 Shawmut Ave, South End. 617-927-1707 x117
Urbano?s Project:?Urbano?s Project is looking for teen artists to take part in Urbano?s 2013 Fall Artists? Projects. Teens will participate in two free classes and will be paid a stipend. Apply by: Sep 13. Program runs Sep 23- Dec 20. To apply, 29 Germania St., Jamaica Plain. 617-983-1007,?www.urbanoproject.org

9/11 Day of Service:?The Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund invites you to take part in a care package service project to support active duty service members and a pledge drive to support local bereaved military families. Activities include making care packages for overseas service men & women, writing letters of support, and more. Sep 11, 11am-2pm. Mother?s Walk of Rose Kennedy Greenway.[email?protected],??www.massmilitaryheroes.org/911-service-project-to-support-our-troops-families1

New England Aquarium Volunteer Opportunity:?Join Live Blue Ambassadors for one or many events. Teens help with habitat clean-ups while doing citizen science out in the field. A great way to earn your school community service hours and get started at The Aquarium. Sign up:?www.neaq.org/lba. Lucy Indge,?[email?protected]

theMOVE Farm Volunteer Experiences:?theMOVE organizes farm-volunteer workdays for urban groups across Metro Boston. Trips take place thru Oct and head from program sites to farms in Boston or the North or South Shore. 617-922-8428,?www.getoutma.org

Saturday?s/Sunday?s Bread:?The Saturday?s/Sunday?s Bread organization serves FREE hot meals to people in need in Boston every Saturday and Sunday at the Church of St. John the Evangelist. Teens can volunteer by setting up tables, in the kitchen, and cleaning up. Teens 15-17 can volunteer from 12:30-4:30pm. 617-872-0096,www.satsunbread.org/index.html

City Natives:?Visit City Natives Tuesday mornings to help plant, seed, and harvest vegetables for area food pantries. Learn about organic food production, companion planting and succession planning that can be directly applied to your own garden. Register: Lauren Martin,?[email?protected]

Boston Cares:?Make a difference in your community by volunteering! Register with Boston Cares, and you?ll become a part of the many service projects that advocate for community enrichment, health & wellness, homelessness/hunger, environment and more!?www.bostoncares.org

Project D.E.E.P One-on-One Tutoring Program:?Project DEEP is looking for high school tutors to volunteer for their One-on-One Tutoring Program. Volunteer mentors will help Dorchester elementary school students with their homework once a week for 90 minutes after school starting in Nov and ending in Apr. Beth,?[email?protected],www.projectdeep.org

Volunteers Needed for Farmers? Market:?Roslindale Village is in need of volunteers at their Saturday farmers? markets. Volunteers can help with the following tasks: music set-up, setup and management of children?s entertainment area, EBT/SNAP assistants, parking lot monitors/counters, and breakdown. Ben,?[email?protected],www.roslindale.net

Volunteer at the Greenway:?Get involved and help keep the parks looking beautiful. Sign up to volunteer with our Horticultural crew or become a park docent. Horticulture projects take place bi-weekly on Weds, 9am-noon. Register:?[email?protected]. For more opportunities: 617-292-0020,?www.rosekennedygreenway.org.

Boston PIC:?If you attend a BPS High School, connect with your Private Industry Council (PIC) Career Specialist who can help you with your resume, job interview skills, and job search. 617-524-5224,?www.BostonPIC.org

Teen Resume Guide:?Create a resume to be able to share with potential job, internship, or volunteer leads. This guide includes a variety of formats samples, tips on how to tell your story, and great action words to describe your work and volunteer experience.??www.cityofboston.gov/youthzone/JobsInternshipsAndVolunteering

Job Tips for Teens:?A job or an internship can provide you with new skills and a chance to investigate careers you may be interested in pursuing. This guide includes advice for young job seekers in Boston and resources to help you in your search.www.cityofboston.gov/youthzone/JobsInternshipsAndVolunteering

State IDs:?MA state ID cards are available to applicants at the age of 14. A state ID makes it easier to obtain a work permit, cash paychecks, and prove identity to potential employees. Apply for yours today!?www.massdot.state.ma.us/rmv

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FALL PROGRAMS

Boston Centers for Youth & Families Program Guide:?The BCYF Program Guide for 2013-14 is online now! Find programs from fall through spring for all ages including homework help, GED, basketball, volleyball, yoga, chess, computer class and more. Limited print copies available at your neighborhood BCYF center. 617-635-4920,?www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf

Find Youth Programs on Boston Navigator:?As students head back to school, connect with out-of-school time programs by searching Boston Navigator. Check out opportunities for youth ages 5-18. You can search by a combination of age, activity, keyword, and location. You can even email the results of your search to yourself or a friend.?www.Bostonnavigator.org

Pathways-to-Success Open House:?Come and learn about the FREE courses offered to ages 15-30. Program offers snacks and transportation to participants. Open House: Sep 11, 5pm. RSVP: James,?[email?protected], 617-427-0060 x5414. Program runs Sep 10-Nov 11. Roxbury Community College, Building 3, room 532.?www.rcc.mass.edu

The Peace Drum Project:?Boston high school students ages 14-19 can now apply for the Peace Drum Project for the 2013-14 school year! Students will develop positive relationships with peers as they explore a variety of performing and visual arts skills. Weekly sessions on Tuesdays, plus field trips and some vacation week activities. Susan, 617-524-6378,?www.tribal-rhythms.org/form_drum.html

Kroc Music Program:?Youth ages 6-12 can learn how to read music for FREE or become a part of the Youth Choir at the Kroc Center! Drop-in program, no registration required. Fridays, 4:30-6pm. Darien Morris, 617-318-6912,?[email?protected]

Lesley University Pre-College Program:?The Lesley University College of Art & Design?s Pre-College Program offers 7-session courses for college credit and non-credit in visual art and design this fall. All levels welcome. Scholarships available. Runs Oct 26-Dec 14. Linda Harris, 617-585-6724,?www.lesley.edu/pre-college

Wheelock Family Theatre:?Sign up now for fall classes and workshops! The Wheelock Family Theatre offers a range of acting and singing classes for children ages 5-18. John Bay, 617-879-2252,?www.wheelockfamilytheatre.org

Boston Ballet Open House:?At Boston Ballet?s Open House, new and returning members will be able to meet faculty members, tour the building, purchase dress code items, and more. Sep 4, 5-6:30pm. 19 Clarendon St., Back Bay. 617-695-6950,www.bostonballet.org

Nutcracker Auditions:?Youth ages 6-18 are invited to audition to star in the Jos? Mateo Ballet Theatre?s winter production of the Nutcracker. Sep 14, 10am-2pm. Salvation Army Kroc Center, 650 Dudley St., Dorchester. 617-318-6900,?www.BalletTheatre.org

Salvete! Latin Enrichment Course:?Students in grades 5-8 can get an introduction to the Latin language and the culture of the ancient Romans this fall. Oct 3- Jan 9, Thursdays, 4-6pm. Temple Emeth, 194 Grove St, Chestnut Hill. 866-933-9466,www.ascaniusyci.org/salvete/boston
Girls in Action:?Girls in Action is an intensive program for girls ages 12-18 to participate in fitness, safety, and environmental activities, as well as weekly workshops and field trips. No experience in biking or mechanics is necessary. Cost: $25-50 sliding scale, waivers available. Sep 9- Oct 10. Elijah Evans, 617-522-0222 x101,www.bikesnotbombs.org/girls-in-action

Earn-A-Bike:?Bikes Not Bombs is now enrolling for its fall session of Earn-A-Bike for ages 12-18. Participants will learn the skills to build a bike, repair it and maintain it. Cost: $25-50 sliding scale, waivers available. Ashley Leary, 617-522-0222 x101,www.bikesnotbombs.org/earn-a-bike

Freedom Trail Tour for Children:?Children ages 6-12 will learn about Boston?s role in the American Revolution and discover the materials on which the city was built. Featured sites include Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, and the Old South Meeting House. Cost: $10. Thru Oct 31. 617-367-2345,?www.bostonbyfoot.org/tours/Boston_By_Little_Feet
City Council At-Large Candidate Forum:?Get to know your future leaders! The Boston Youth Service Network invites you to this discussion on the state of the city?s youth. Sep 3, 6pm. Media Arts Building, 3rd floor, Roxbury Community College. 617-488-1348,[email?protected]

BPL?s Mobile App:?Get access to the Boston Public Library?s catalog, title availability, place hold requests, browse new items, and more, anytime, anywhere. Download the FREE app now:?www.bpl.org/mobile. 617-536-5400,?www.bpl.org

Lifelong Learning Happens at BPL:?Learners of all ages are invited to FREE research, computer, and career classes every month at the BPL Central Library, Copley Square. Classes start Sep 4. 617-859-2319,?www.bpl.org/calendar

Hispanic Black Gay Coalition Mentor Program:?LGBTQ mentors work to support students in a safe, caring, one-on-one relationship while mentees work on their personal, social, academic, career, and life goals. To apply:?www.hbgc-boston.org/node/471#!lgbtq-mentorship/cugf

LGBTQ Youth Resources:?If you have ever been bullied or experienced hardship due to your sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders) can help. Call their Legal InfoLine; it?s FREE and confidential. (800)455-GLAD (4523),?www.glad.org.

Bank of America:?Bank of America account holders with a debit or credit card can visit participating museums, zoos, and botanical gardens in and around Boston for FREE. Visit these attractions during the first weekend of every month. Some attractions include the Museum of Fine Arts and the Harvard Museum of Natural History.http://museums.bankofamerica.com

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HEALTH & SPORTS

BCYF Fit Kit:?Get moving with a FREE fit kit! Borrow a fit kit complete with a frisbee, football, soccer ball, and more from a BCYF Community Center! Must be 18+ to reserve.? 617-635-4920,?www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf

West Roxbury YMCA Youth Sports Sampler:?Youth ages 6-12 can play a variety of sports like basketball, soccer, dodgeball and more in this sampler class! Sep 12-Oct 24. Thurs, 5-5:45pm.?www.ymcaboston.org/westroxbury

Kroc Youth Basketball Clinic:?Youth ages 6-12 can stay active this fall by learning new skills and drills while gaining teamwork and sportsmanship values. Cost: member: $40, non-member: $70. Sep 11- Nov 13. Amanda Kwok, 617-318-6961,[email?protected]

Kroc Sports Mania:?Youth ages 6-12 can try out a different sport each week. Sep 10- Nov 12. Cost: member: $40, non-member: $70. Sep 11- Nov 13. Amanda Kwok, 617-318-6961,?[email?protected]

Roxbury Bike Tours:?Enjoy impressive views from the top of Roxbury?s hills and the architectural richness in its valleys. Bike tours are open to riders of all skill levels. Helmets are required. Children ages 7-12, $5 each, adults, $10. Sep 14, 10am. 617-427-1006,?www.discoverroxbury.org

Get Summer at the YMCA:?Teens can still sign up to enjoy FREE memberships at the YMCA through Sep 7. Members have access to sports & fitness programs, leadership & volunteer opportunities, and academic support. Visit your local Y to sign up.www.ymcaboston.org/teens

Healthworks Youth Fitness:?Children can learn yoga, good sportsmanship, teamwork, and more.? Ages 5-12. 450 Washington St, Codman Sq. Kelsea Gusk, 617-825-2800 or[email?protected].

Brighton Community Rowing:?The Department of Conservation and Recreation offers instruction for beginners, recreational and competitive rowers through Oct. Special programs for physically challenged and visually impaired people. Harry Parker Boathouse, 20 Nonantum Rd. 617-779-8267,?www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/sailing.htm

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FAMILY FUN

Boston Arts Festival:?This event features an artist village with over 60 artists showcasing and selling their work. Enjoy live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Aug 31 & Sep 1, 12-8pm. Christopher Columbus Park. 617-635-3911,?www.cityofboston.gov/arts/arts_festival.asp

Mayor Menino?s Free Kayaking:?Mayor Menino has teamed up with L.L. Bean to offer FREE kayaking at Millennium Park. Each session lasts one hour and will be led by two trained guides. Open to ages 8+. Children under 18 be accompanied by an adult. Must wear sneakers. Millennium Park, 300 Gardner St., West Roxbury. For session dates and times:?www.cityofboston.gov/parks

ParkSCIENCE Events:?Bring the whole family to participate in nature adventures and science workshops. For dates and locations:?www.cityofboston.gov/parks, 617-635-4505

Watercolor Painting Workshops:?These hands-on workshops enable artists of all skill levels to create their own park inspired masterpieces. Materials provided.12-2pm. For dates and locations:?www.cityofboston.gov/parks, 617-635-4505

BeanTown Jazz Festival:?Celebrate jazz at an event featuring Boston?s biggest block party with 3 stages showcasing over 15 artists, vendor booths offering food from all over the world, and family activities. Sep 28, 12-6pm. Columbus Avenue, between Burke St. and Mass Ave.?www.beantownjazz.org

Labor Day Weekend Pool Party:?Celebrate the end of summer and enjoy water fun, music, and food for ages 9 and up. Aug 30, 5-9pm. BCYF Perkins Community Center, Dorchester. 617-635-5146,?[email?protected]
Get Ready, Be Safe, Stay Healthy:?Bring the family to an event to celebrate National Preparedness Month and find out about the resources available in your community. Sep 21, 1-4pm. Mildred Ave Community Center, 5 Mildred Ave, Mattapan. Nancy Smith, 617-343-6925,?[email?protected]

Family Day:?The Waterworks Museum is hosting a FREE Family Day! This event features educational activities, scavenger hunts, story time, and more! Sep 21, 11am-3pm. 2450 Beacon St. 617-277-0065,?www.waterworksmuseum.org

Hub on Wheels:?Ride your bike on a car-free Storrow Drive! Explore hidden pathways and historic neighborhoods, and take in views of the Boston Harbor that you?ve never seen before. The ride starts and finishes at City Hall Plaza. Sep 22. 8am start time, check the web site for routes, registration, fees and other activities.www.bostoncyclingcelebration.com

Martha Eliot Community Health Fair:?Bring your family to this FREE community health fair at the Martha Eliot Health Center. Talk with experts about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and enjoy food, entertainment and educational activities for the whole family. Sep 21, 11am-2pm. Martha Eliot Health Center Parking Lot, 75 Bickford St, Jamaica Plain. Pattie Knight, 617-919-3427,?[email?protected]

One Heart Festival:?Come to Codman Square for the One Heart Festival and support your local businesses and promote unity throughout the community! Sep 7, 10am-6pm. 657 Washington St., Dorchester.?www.oneheartfestival.com

Allston Village Street Fair:?This multicultural festival features over 30 live performances, family-friendly entertainment, interactive activities, and more! Sep 22, 12-6pm, Harvard Ave, Allston.?www.allstonvillagestreetfair.com

Walking Tour of Hyde Square:?Join the Jamaica Plain Historical Society to learn about the diverse populations and history of the neighborhood. Sep 7, 11am-12pm. Tour begins at Sorella?s, 388 Centre St., Jamaica Plain.?www.jphs.org

Swan Boats of Boston:?Enjoy a 15-minute ride around the Public Garden Lagoon. Open thru Sep 15, weather permitting. 10am-4pm. Boston Public Garden Lagoon. Adults: $3, Children ages 2-15: $1.50, Seniors: $2.00.?www.swanboats.com

Frog Pond Carousel on the Common:?This 20 seat carousel features horses, animals, a frog, and a teacup. $3 per ride. Open Sun-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm. 617-635-2120,?www.bostonfrogpond.com

Carousel on the Greenway:?A new, one-of-a-kind carousel will open on the Greenway across from Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Christopher Columbus Park. $3 per ride. The carousel opens Aug 31, 10am.?www.rosekennedygreenway.org

Greenway Open Market:?Come explore the parks, soak up the sun, play in the Rings Fountain, grab a bite to eat, and shop the various market vendors! Saturdays thru Oct 26, 11am-5pm.?www.greenwayopenmarket.com

Farmers? Markets:?Buying locally grown food cuts down on fossil fuels burned during transportation and reduces waste created in packaging produce for sale in grocery stores. Boston has over 20 farmers? markets with most running through Oct.www.cityofboston.gov/summer/shopdine/farmers.asp

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WALKS & RACES

Zumix Run to the Beat:?Run for Zumix, one of Boston?s beloved music and arts nonprofits. This race will start and finish in East Boston?s Piers Park. There will be prizes for winners and fun goodie bags for all. Sep 29, 9am. Register by Sep 1 for a free t-shirt. 617-568-9777,?www.zumix.org

Jimmy Fund Walk:?The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk is a fundraising event to fight all cancers. Multiple routes available. Sep 8, 5:30am. 866-531-9255,?www.jimmyfundwalk.org

Heart Walk:?Be a part of The American Heart Association annual walk that aims to prevent, treat and defeat heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Sep 7, 9am registration, 10am opening ceremonies. DCR Hatch Shell, Back Baywww.bostonheartwalk.org

MSPCA-Angell Walk for Animals:?The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine of animals. Be part of this year?s walk in Boston on Sep 8. Registration, 11am; walk at noon. Boston Common.www.mspca.org

NOCC?s 5K Run/Walk:?The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition invites you to participate in its 15th Annual 5K Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer. Sep 15. Carson Beach, South Boston. 781-643-9800,?www.nocc.kintera.org

Brian J. Honan 5K Road Race:?Join in the annual race that supports education, recreation, housing, and healthcare. The family-friendly run/walk will welcome everyone. Sep 22, 12pm. Tavern in the Square, 161 Brighton Ave, Allston.www.brianhonan.org

Samaritans 5K Run/Walk:?The Samaritans 5K Run/Walk and Family Fun Festival is an annual fundraiser to benefit the work of Samaritans, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of suicide. Sep 28, 8am. Artesani Park, along the Charles River, Brighton. 617-536-2460,?www.samaritanshope.org

Boston Walk for PKD:?Walk the 2.8-miles along the Charles River while you fundraise and increase awareness of polycystic kidney disease. Sep 29. Donations are appreciated. DCR Artesani Park, Brighton.http://bostonwalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1028168

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EARLY CHILDHOOD

YMCA Infant, Toddler, Preschool Programs:?Your child will be offered activities in literacy, motor skills, and social development. Financial assistance available for all programs.?www.ymcaboston.org/metro-youth-development/early-education-care/infant-toddler-preschool

Open Gym:?Open Gym is a FREE, drop-in play program for families with children ages 3-8 to get up, out, and moving together. Adults must remain in the gym with their children at all times. No pre-registration required. Saturdays, Sep 28-Nov 23, 10-11:30am. BCYF Recreation Center at Madison Park, Roxbury. 617-373-7615,www.northeastern.edu/healthykids/for-families

Pledge to Read with Jumpstart?s Read for the Record:?One day of the year when millions come together to celebrate literacy and support efforts to promote early childhood education. People will be encouraged to read the children?s book, ?Otis,? by Loren Long. Oct 3?www.jstart.org/campaigns/read-record

The Children?s Museum:?Check out the museum on Friday nights! For $1, children can enjoy four floors of endless fun.?www.bostonkids.org/plan/hours.html

Sunkissed Acorns Childcare:?Sunkissed Acorns Childcare is holding an Open House for families to learn about what their facility has to offer infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Sep 14, 10am-1pm. 342 Tremont St. 617-338-2127,www.sunkissedacorns.com

Countdown to Kindergarten Play to Learn Playgroups:?Boston children ages 1-3 can sign up to attend free parent-child playgroups. Rosa, 617-635-9288,[email?protected],?www.countdowntokindergarten.org/playtolearn.html

Talk Read Play:?Boston?s children thrive when they talk, read, and play! Find programs for younger children! Also, check out valuable resources and be the first to hear about awesome events.?www.talkreadplay.org

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COLLEGE PLANNING

Are You a High School Student?:?Whether you are an incoming freshman or senior, it is never too early to plan for college. Visit some college campuses or explore a few colleges online. Before a tour, come up with 3 questions you want answered. Ask about majors, dorms, financial aid, sports, or semester abroad programs.

Next Step, College!:?The Boston Public Schools are committed to making sure that every high school graduate has the resources they need to successfully move on to college. Check out the Boston Public Schools guide to college that features links to resources, information about cool events and much more.www.bostonpublicschools.org/college

Let?s Get Ready:?This program provides FREE SAT prep classes for the Dec 7 exam and college admission counseling to high school juniors and seniors. Classes begin the week of Sep 23. Sites: Boston HERC & English High- Tues & Thurs, 6-9pm; Brighton High- Mon & Thurs, 5-8pm. 617-345-0085,?www.letsgetready.org

Bottom Line College Counseling:?To be eligible for this FREE, one-on-one, yearlong college application and financial aid advising program, you must be a Boston resident and have at least a 2.5 GPA. Applicants must also be in the first generation of their families to attend college AND live in a household that meets income eligibility requirements. 617-524-8833,?http://bottomline.org/for-students/student-application.aspx

MIT-ATI SAT Prep:?MIT is offering an affordable alternative to SAT Prep Programs this fall. For $100, high school students will take courses in math, critical reading, and verbal on Sunday afternoons from 1:30-5pm. Program runs from Sep 29-Nov 24. Financial aid available. Pre-register by Sep 7.?[email?protected],?www.ati.mit.edu/sat1

uASPIRE:?Formerly known as ACCESS, uAspire provides free financial aid advising to nearly 40,000 Boston students. From advice on filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to tips on applying for scholarships, you can get answers to all your college affordability questions. 617-778-7195,?www.uaspireusa.org

Get Started on the Common Application:?This college admission application is available online and in print and is accepted at more than 500 colleges!?www.commonapp.org

SAT Question of the Day!:?Quiz yourself with the SAT Question of the Day. Get the questions e-mailed to you and sign in to create a College Board account to track how you do on the questions each day!??www.collegeboard.com

The Princeton Review:?If you?re looking for a SAT prep site or looking to enhance your test taking skills, log onto The Princeton Review site.?www.princetonreview.com

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YOUTH WORKERS

Boston Youth Fund School Year Jobs:?BYF invites organizations to apply for the 2013-14 BYF School Year Employment Program. Organizations must be able to provide employees with not only a job, but also trainings, workshops, and other work readiness components. Program runs Dec 9-May 9. To apply, 617-635-4202,?[email?protected].

Capacity Building/Grant Writing Training:?Participate in a FREE training on capacity building and grant writing. To register:?[email?protected], include: name, title, organization, address, city, state, zip code, telephone number & email address. Sep 17, 8am-3:30pm & Sep 18, 8:30am-4pm. Northeastern University.

World We Want Foundation Grants:?The World We Want Foundation will award grants of up to $5,000 to youth ages 13-25 who want to make a difference through a range of social action projects. Deadline: rolling.http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/rfp_item.jhtml?id=418800002

Human Services Employment Ladder Program Training:?The 8-week H.E.L.P. training program will prepare participants for entry level positions as a direct support professional in the human services field. Must be 21+, have a HS diploma/GED, pass a CORI background check, and have a driver?s license. Sep 30-Nov 22, 9am-3pm. Diane, 617-541-1243,?[email?protected]

Adoptive Families Together (AFT):?Join AFT parent-run once a month, confidential groups to share personal concerns and needs around adoptive parenting. AFT provides FREE education, advocacy, training, and support to families, professionals, and communities about the adoption experience. We also welcome adopted individuals, birth parents, foster parents and all those with a connection to adoption. For schedule:www.mspcc.org/aft

Update Your Programs on Boston Navigator:?Make sure youth, parents, guidance counselors, and youth workers can find your fall programs on Boston Navigator by keeping your information updated. This also allows for more accurate search results throughout the website.?www.bostonvavigator.org

Do You Want to Add Information to the Boston Youth Zone Newsletter?:?If you would like to add information about your program, please email[email?protected]?by the 23rd of each month. Please include details about the program, cost, location and who someone should contact for more information.

Source: http://www.fenwaynews.org/community/youth-activities-and-information-aug-2013/

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WASTE WATCH: OSU Feuds Church Project

Updated: Thursday, August 29 2013, 11:28 PM EDT
COLUMBUS (Brooks Jarosz) Millions of dollars are being shelled out to stop a church from building student housing near the Ohio State University Campus.

OSU will pay nearly $13 million in an agreement to have leaders at St, Stephens Episcopal Church scrap an alternative student housing project.

"It never really made sense to us," Reverend George Glazier said. But it certainly made sense to them [OSU]."

Walking with money on the mind, students like Nathan McCormick are looking for the most bang for their buck, which is why he says alternative housing on campus is attractive.

"I know a lot of people who would definitely be interested in something like that," student Nathan McCormick said. "Dorms are really expensive. They're nice but they're expensive."

For more than 80 years, St. Stephens Episcopal Church has been located near the North OSU campus.

Reverend George Glazier runs the church and says Ohio State pushed him to pull the plug on what would have been a nine-story apartment building for students.

"I would by lying by saying it's not disappointing," Reverend Glazier said. "If we're not here, I think they want to be here. And that's fine with us, but we don't plan on going anywhere."

OSU will pay $12.8 million to not build anything and sign an agreement with the church to let the university weigh in on any future church property plans.

Ohio State just announced a major renovation plan for the North Residential District near the church. It will spend $370 million to demolish 11 buildings and construct new dorms with 3,200 beds, dining halls, a recreation center and a retail pavilion.

All of that will be located just a stones throw from where the church would have built its apartment building. University planners say they didnt think it would have fit in.

"We believe we'll provide a level of housing here that you can't find across High Street in private housing or in any other normal apartment building," OSU Senior V.P. of Planning Jay Kasey said.

ABC Investigators found room and board is estimated to be more costly than in-state tuition at more than $10,000.

Since the church's project was scrapped, the church is left to decide what to do with the millions of dollars its getting from OSU,

The Reverend says hes leaving it up to the congregation to look for other ways to reach out to students.

As part of the agreement with OSU, the church will get 100 free parking spaces in a nearby university garage.

OSU says the money given to the church is a good investment for the future.

WASTE WATCH: OSU Feuds Church Project

Source: http://abc6onyourside.com/shared/news/features/top-stories/stories/wsyx_waste-watch-osu-feuds-church-project-25937.shtml?wap=0

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A student was raped off campus Thursday night near University Village. The Tower...

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Is Peak Oil Dead?

This article is a reflection originated by the recent demise of the "Oil Drum" website. Some people have taken this event as a demonstration that the concept of peak oil is dead and buried. But the situation is much more complex: peak oil is a fertile concept; it provides a complete worldview that sheds plenty of light on everything that's happening in the world. Those who don't understand the bell curve are condemned to follow it.

We live in a world where scientific evidence is trashed by ideological opinion, where people who learn from experience are accused of being flip-floppers, where changing one's mind on the basis of new data is seen as admitting one's lack of moral fiber. The debate on peak oil is no exception and the recent demise of "The Oil Drum" site has been often seen as an admission that the whole idea of peak oil was wrong from the beginning.

But what is happening exactly with peak oil and why so much fuss about it? The problem may be? simply that the idea had too much success. Let's go back to 1998, when Colin Campbell and Jean Laherrere raised up again a problem that had been first noticed by Marion King Hubbert, in 1956. Oil depletion, Campbell and Laherrere surmised, will be gradual: production will go through a symmetric ?bell shaped? curve that will show a peak when, approximately, half of the available resources will have been used up. According to this study, the peak, that Campbell later dubbed ?peak oil,? would have occurred around 2005.

The pioneering work by Cambell and Laherrere gave rise to a whole scientific field that used similar methods to study oil depletion. Most of these these studies arrived to the conclusion that troubles with oil would start within the first decade of the 21st century, or perhaps a little later. It was a view of the future in stark contrast with the generally optimistic attitude of the oil industry up to recent times. Just as an example, in 1999 "The Economist" published an article titled "Drowning in Oil" predicting oil at under 10 dollars per barrel.

But the predictions based on the peak oil concept turned out to be spectacularly successful, at least within the unavoidable uncertainties involved. Oil production stopped its growth in 2004 and oil prices spiked up to almost 150 dollars per barrel in 2008; about a factor of 5 higher than the price that was considered normal in the early years of the decade (and more than 15 times higher than the 1999 predictions of ?The Economist?). Today, oil prices remain high; in the range of 100 dollars per barrel. We aren't seeing a production decline, but certainly we are seeing evidence of serious problems for the oil industry to maintain production at constant levels. As things stand, it seems impossible that we could return to the stable growth trends and the relatively low prices that were the rule until about 10 years ago.

So, ?peakers? won their bet with cornucopians. The predicted troubles have materialized and peakers were also able to approximately identify the timing of the crisis. But, not everything is well in the world of peak oil. The elegant and symmetric ?bell shaped? curve at the basis of most peak oil models did not appear for the global production data. What we are seeing, instead, is a plateau or, at most, a slow increase, in large part generated by the use of the so-called ?non-conventional resources?, from biofuels to shale oil. The expected decline is not appearing; at least for the time being.?

What happened? For one thing, models are never universal and the peak oil one is no exception.? The symmetric production curve has been observed in many historical cases where a declining resource was smoothly replaced by a different, and more abundant one, as in the case of the switch from whale oil to crude oil as lamp fuel in 19th century. Hubbert had predicted something similar in 1956 for global oil production assuming that nuclear energy would smoothly replace crude oil as the world's main energy source. In that case, the oil production curve would have been probably symmetric but, obviously, that didn't happen. Substitution of crude oil with different resources was far from being smooth; actually it was strongly resisted in all sectors of society. What happened, instead, was that large amounts of financial resources were invested into the exploitation of everything that could possibly be drilled, fracked, smashed, squeezed, boiled, or otherwise processed in order to get a few drops of precious, combustible liquids, and that is what has avoided decline, up to now.

But this result has come at a high price; higher than anyone could have imagined. One problem is that all this tremendous effort is simply postponing the unavoidable. When decline will start, it may well be much faster than its ?natural? rate along the bell shaped curve. This faster decline can be termed the ?Seneca effect,? from the name of an ancient Roman philosopher who noted that all things tend to grow slowly, but to decline rapidly.

[Listen: Dr. Robert Hirsch: Peak Oil Is a "Liquid Fuel Problem"]

The Seneca effect is far from being the main problem generated by oil depletion. The real trouble is rapidly emerging in terms of accelerating climate change, with all the costs and dangers involved. We are seeing today the conclusion of a debate that had started with the beginning of the peak oil movement. Is peak oil more important than climate change? And, is peak oil going to save us from catastrophic climate change by forcing us to burn less fuels? Initially, the hope was that, yes, peak oil would have saved us willy-nilly from destroying our own planet. Unfortunately, however, it is starting to appear clear that this hope was misplaced. The impending peak is actually worsening the climate problem because it has led the industry to exploit less efficient, and hence more polluting, resources.

Given this situation, peak oil is starting to appear more and more just as a blip in the path to the climate catastrophe. No wonder that people are losing interest in the concept! Curiously, it seems that peakers were not doomerish enough in their views of the future!

So, is peak oil dead? Well, no. For one thing, peak oil never was just a doomer's game where players tried to guess the exact day for the end of the world. No; it was ? and it still is - a fertile concept; a way of seeing the world. It taught us a lot, and it is still teaching us a lot.

Peaking in the exploitation of non renewable (or slowly renewable) resources is a necessary consequence of the way the human economy works in the real world. It occurs with all kinds of mineral resources and with biological ones as well, as in fisheries. It is also the essential feature of the ?tragedy of the commons? proposed by Garrett Hardin in 1966. It is an integral part of the dynamic world models that generated the ?The Limits to Growth? study that, in 1972, changed the way we see the world.

In the end, it turns out that our planet is not an abandoned coffer out of which we can plunder treasures at will. The mineral resources we found in it should rather be seen as a gift that we should have managed much more carefully. Now, we are facing a difficult situation, squeezed in between resource depletion and catastrophic climate change. But the concept of ?peak? can still help us to be prepared for the future. Remember that those who don't understand the bell shaped curve are condemned to follow it.

Image: cover of "The Limits to Growth" - 2004 edition

Source: Cassandra's Legacy

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/fso/~3/0u94yeBTPRY/is-peak-oil-dead

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India stock index futures signal flat open

Indian equities are likely to open flat trackingmixed global markets on Friday, Aug. 30, 2013. SGX Nifty is trading at 5,378.5 (07.25 am), 4.5 points higher than Thursday's close of 5,374.

Asian stocks are trading mixed in early trade on Friday. Japanese benchmark index Nikkei 225 rose 0.84% to open at 13,573.24. China's Shanghai Composite opened down by 0.01% at 2,097.22.

US stocks gained on Thursday. The Dow Jones industrial average was up 16.44 points, or 0.11%, at 14,840.95. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index went up 3.21 points, or 0.20%, at 1,638.17. The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 26.95 points, or 0.75%, at 3,620.30.

European markets climbed on Thursday. UK's benchmark index FTSE 100 climbed 52.99 points or 0.82% to settle at 6,483.05. French benchmark index CAC 40 rose 25.89 points or 0.65%, to end at 3,986.35. Meanwhile, Germany's benchmark index DAX added 36.65 points or 0.45% to close at 8,194.55.

Crude oil prices declined on Thursday. Light sweet crude oil for October delivery decreased 1.2% to settle at USD 108.80 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude oil for October settlement went down USD 1.38, or 1.2% at USD 113.78 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe Exchange.

Source: http://newindianexpress.com/business/market_commentary/India-stock-index-futures-signal-flat-open/2013/08/30/article1759374.ece

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Louisville Vocal Project & Bellarmine University Music Department at Free Events at the Iroquois Amphitheater on 09/20/2013 07:30 PM EDT

Louisville Vocal Project & Bellarmine University Music Department

In 2009, a group of musicians came together to create an ensemble that would address a repertoire and aesthetic much neglected in the modern world. This would be a chamber group for the purposes of flexibility, and a professional group to assure the quality of performances. The Louisville Vocal Project (LVP) was founded in order to perform primarily a cappella music consisting of renaissance works, music of lesser-known composers, and newly composed music in the tradition of this original vocal canon.

Source: http://www.iroquoisamphitheater.com/event/252881?utm_medium=api

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Elton John's partner opening Vegas champagne bar

LAS VEGAS (AP) ? David Furnish is planning to open a swanky champagne lounge in the same Las Vegas Strip casino where his partner, Sir Elton John, holds a residency.

The nearly 3,000-square-foot FIZZ Las Vegas bar is set to debut this fall at Caesars Palace. Developers promise caviar, charcuterie and small plates to complement the champagne and other cocktails.

Furnish says he spends so much time in Las Vegas while Elton John performs his show, "The Million Dollar Piano," that the couple wanted a space to reflect their personal style.

The $3.2 million venue will be modeled after their home in Los Angeles and will feature photography from the pair's personal collection. Managers describe the aesthetic as a "glam-chic" throwback to 1970s designer David Hicks.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/elton-johns-partner-opening-vegas-champagne-bar-185636358.html

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Carney says rates pressure might trigger more Bank of England stimulus

By David Milliken

NOTTINGHAM, England (Reuters) - The Bank of England may pump more money into Britain's economy if financial markets get ahead of themselves and threaten to choke off its recovery, its governor said on Wednesday.

In his first speech since taking over the central bank, Mark Carney said the recovery was broad-based and looked set to continue.

But he stressed that unemployment would not fall quickly to the level at which the BoE would consider raising interest rates under its new forward-guidance plan announced this month.

Financial markets have priced in a first BoE rate hike in mid-2015, much sooner than suggested by the central bank's forecast that unemployment is only likely to reach its threshold level of 7 percent in late 2016, down from 7.8 percent now.

"The upward move in market expectations of where Bank Rate will head in future could, at the margin, feed into the effective financial conditions facing the real economy. The MPC will be watching those conditions closely," Carney said.

"If they tighten, and the recovery seems to be falling short of the strong growth we need, we will consider carefully whether, and how best, to stimulate the recovery further."

The Bank of England spent 375 billion pounds ($582.73 billion) on government bonds between 2009 and last year to try to steer Britain's economy out of the stagnation in the wake of the financial crisis.

Most of the bank's nine top policymakers are opposed to a revival of the bond-buying program since late last year although it was supported by Carney's predecessor Mervyn King.

Carney said the option of further stimulus was part of the so-called forward guidance plan which was announced by the BoE earlier this month and mentioned the possibility of further asset purchases.

Carney made forward guidance a hallmark of his time running the Bank of Canada.

But he faces the challenge of persuading British investors, businesses and households that the BoE can keep its foot on the stimulus pedal for another three years without pushing up the country's already above-target inflation.

That challenge was made all the greater after differences of opinion emerged among the bank's top policymakers.

Martin Weale voted against the forward guidance plan earlier this month and since then he has voiced concern that it risks fuelling inflation.

UNEMPLOYMENT

Carney dedicated much of his speech on Wednesday to explaining why the central bank believed unemployment would fall only slowly, given expected further job losses for public workers and large numbers of part-time workers who want to work full-time.

The BoE estimated and there was only a one-in-three chance of it hitting 7 percent by mid-2015, as markets appeared to believe, he said.

Carney said the BoE remained committed to fighting inflation but it was right for it to use its discretion to allow it to come back down to its 2 percent target only slowly, given the weak state of the economy and temporary factors that are pushing up price growth.

Carney announced a widening of a planned relaxation of rules on banks and building societies, on condition they meet new requirements on capital buffers.

Under the change, eight major lenders in Britain would be allowed to reduce their required liquid asset holdings - safe but low-yielding investments - by 90 billion pounds if they meet the minimum 7 percent capital requirement, freeing up more money for lending and in turn spurring growth.

In an apparent nod to concerns about the property market heating up again, Carney said the BoE was "acutely aware of the risk of unsustainable credit and house price growth but said gauges of the housing market and household borrowing costs were not at historically high levels.

British house prices are set to rise at their fastest pace in three years in 2013, outstripping inflation and raising concerns that government action may lead to a new price bubble, a Reuters poll found on Wednesday.

Among the risks for the recovery, Carney said a few less well-managed financial institutions still had a long journey to get back to health. He also noted the strain on emerging economies which have seen big outflows of capital back to recovering richer countries and said progress on Europe's debt crisis would remain uneven.

Carney made the comments in notes for his speech to be delivered to local businessman in Nottingham, in the manufacturing heartlands of England's Midlands region. He was due to take questions from businessmen and then from reporters after the speech. ($1 = 0.6435 British pounds)

(Editing by William Schomberg/Jeremy Gaunt)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/carney-says-rates-pressure-might-trigger-more-bank-124756916.html

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Founder Stories: Zendesk's Mikkel Svane On Applying Customer ...

Can you measure corporate performance based on customer happiness? According to my Founder Stories guest this week, Zendesk?s Mikkel Svane, happiness is actually an important metric in the business of customer service.

What has happened over the last five or six years is that the notion of customer service has changed from just being this call center to something where you can create real meaningful long-term relationships with your customers and think about it as a revenue center.?

Zendesk produces a customer service platform that is used by more than 30,000 businesses worldwide. Started five years ago in Denmark, the once ?virtual bootstrap? startup now has 400 employees and is experiencing at least 100 percent growth year over year. In our conversation, Mikkel and I discuss why he decided to move Zendesk to the U.S., how to create corporate culture when a third of the company works locally, and why Zendesk is opening an office in Madison, Wis.

We try to keep this culture of exchanging a lot and traveling a lot and really getting to know each other as people. I think getting the individual people to meet each other is kind of the platform for building good structures that can scale globally.?

Editor?s Note: Michael Abbott is a general partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, previously Twitter?s VP of Engineering, and a founder himself. Mike also writes a blog called uncapitalized. You can follow him on Twitter @mabb0tt.

Mikkel Svane is the CEO and founder of Zendesk. He started the company with Morten Primdahl and Alexander Aghassipour to make great customer service available to everyone and create software that people love to use. Today, he leads Zendesk?s global operations and business strategy with those same goals in mind. A Dane-turned-San Franciscan, Mikkel in 2009 moved the company from Copenhagen to San Francisco. He keeps Zendesk?s Danish design roots at the center of the product while growing the...

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Zendesk provides an integrated on-demand helpdesk - customer support portal solution based on the latest Web 2.0 technologies and design philosophies. The product has an elegant, minimalist design implemented in Ruby on Rails and provides seamless integration of the back-end helpdesk SaaS to a company?s online customer-facing web presence, including hosted support email-ticket integration, online forums, RSS and widgets. This is unusual, because most SaaS helpdesk solutions focus exclusively on the backend helpdesk and treat the Web as...

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Mike Abbott joined Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers as a partner in 2011. He focuses on investments in the firm?s digital practice, helping entrepreneurs in the social, mobile and cloud computing sectors rapidly scale teams and ventures. Mike serves as an expert resource on enterprise infrastructure, cloud computing and ?big data.? He also helps entrepreneurs win the race for talent in a hyper-competitive recruitment environment. An engineering leader, entrepreneur and investor, Mike led the building of innovative, high-performance applications and...

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Source: http://techcrunch.com/2013/08/28/founder-stories-zendesks-mikkel-svane/

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