Look up resource in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

A resource is a source or supply from which an organization gains profit. Typically resources are materials or other assets that are transformed to produce benefit and in the process may be consumed or made unavailable. From a human perspective a natural resource is anything obtained from the environment to satisfy human needs and wants.^[1] From a broader biological or ecological perspective a resource satisfies the needs of a living organism (see biological resource).^[2]

The concept of resources has been applied in diverse realms, including with respect to economics, biology, computer science, land management, and human resources, and is linked to the concepts of competition, sustainability, conservation, and stewardship. In application within human society, commercial or non-commercial factors require resource allocation through resource management.

Resources have three main characteristics: utility, limited availability, and potential for depletion or consumption. Resources have been variously categorized as biotic versus abiotic, renewable versus non-renewable, and potential versus actual, along with more elaborate classifications.

Definition[link]

In biology and ecology a resource is defined as a substance or object required by a living organism for normal growth, maintenance, and reproduction (see biological resource). Resources, such as food, water, or nesting sites, can be consumed by an organism and, as a result, become unavailable to other organisms. For animals key resources include food, water, and territory. For plants key resources include sunshine, nutrients, water, and a place to grow.^[3]

Economic versus biological resources[link]

In economics a resource is defined as a commodity, service, or other asset used to produce goods and services that meet human needs and wants (see economic resource).^[4] Economics itself has been defined as the study of how society manages its scarce resources.^[5] Economics focuses on resource supply and demand as it influences production of goods and services to meet human needs and wants. Classical economics recognizes three categories of resources: land, labor, and capital.^[6] Together with entrepreneurship, land, labor, and capital.^[7] Land includes all natural resources and is viewed as both the site of production and the source of raw materials. Labor or human resources consists of human effort provided in the creation of products, paid in wage. Capital consists of human-made goods or means of production (machinery, buildings, and other infrastructure) used in the production of other goods and services, paid in interest. Entrepreneurs serve as managers, risk-takers, leaders, and visionaries.

There are three fundamental differences between economic versus ecological views: 1) the economic resource definition is human-centered (anthropocentric) and the ecological resource definition is nature-centered (biocentric or ecocentric); 2) the economic view includes desire along with necessity, whereas the biological view is about basic biological needs; and 3) economic systems are based on markets of currency exchanged for goods and services, whereas biological systems are based on natural processes of growth, maintenance, and reproduction.^[1]

Computer resources[link]

A computer resource is any physical or virtual component of limited availability within a computer or information management system. Computer resources include means for input, processing, output, communication, and storage.^[8]

Land or natural resources[link]

Natural resources are derived from the environment. Many natural resources are essential for human survival, while others are used for satisfying human desire. Conservation is the management of natural resources with the goal of sustainability. Natural resources may be further classified in different ways.^[1]

Resources can be categorized on the basis of origin:

• Abiotic resources comprise non-living things (e.g., land, water, air and minerals such as gold, iron, copper, silver).
• Biotic resources are obtained from the biosphere. Forests and their products, animals, birds and their products, fish and other marine organisms are important examples. Minerals such as coal and petroleum are sometimes included in this category because they were formed from fossilized organic matter, though over long periods of time.

Natural resources are also categorized based on the stage of development:

• Potential Resources are known to exist and may be used in the future. For example, petroleum may exist in many parts of India and Kuwait that have sedimentary rocks, but until the time it is actually drilled out and put into use, it remains a potential resource.
• Actual resources are those that have been surveyed, their quantity and quality determined, and are being used in present times. For example, petroleum and natural gas is actively being obtained from the Mumbai High Fields. The development of an actual resource, such as wood processing depends upon the technology available and the cost involved. That part of the actual resource that can be developed profitably with available technology is called a reserve resource, while that part that can not be developed profitably because of lack of technology is called a stock resource.

Natural resources can be categorized on the basis of renewability:

• Non-renewable Resources are formed over very long geological periods. Minerals and fossils are included in this category. Since their rate of formation is extremely slow, they cannot be replenished once they are depleted. Out of these, the metallic minerals can be re-used by recycling them, but coal and petroleum cannot be recycled.
• Renewable resources, such as forests and fisheries, can be replenished or reproduced relatively quickly. The highest rate at which a resource can be used sustainably is the sustainable yield. Some resources, like sunlight, air, and wind, are called perpetual resources because they are available continuously, though at a limited rate. Their quantity is not affected by human consumption. Many renewable resources can be depleted by human use, but may also be replenished, thus maintaining a flow. Some of these, like agricultural crops, take a short time for renewal; others, like water, take a comparatively longer time, while still others, like forests, take even longer.

Dependent upon the speed and quantity of consumption, overconsumption can lead to depletion or total and everlasting destruction of a resource. Important examples are agricultural areas, fish and other animals, forests, healthy water and soil, cultivated and natural landscapes. Such conditionally renewable resources are sometimes classified as a third kind of resource, or as a subtype of renewable resources. Conditionally renewable resources are presently subject to excess human consumption and the only sustainable long term use of such resources is within the so-called zero ecological footprint, wherein human use less than the Earth's ecological capacity to regenerate.

Natural resources are also categorized based on distribution:

• Ubiquitous Resources are found everywhere (e.g., air, light, water).
• Localized Resources are found only in certain parts of the world (e.g., copper and iron ore, geothermal power).

On the basis of ownership, resources can be classified as individual, community, national, and international.

Labor or human resources[link]

Human beings, through the labor they provide and the organizations they staff, are also considered to be resources. The term Human resources can also be defined as the skills, energies, talents, abilities and knowledge that are used for the production of goods or the rendering of services.^[6]

In a project management context, human resources are those employees responsible for undertaking the activities defined in the project plan.^[9]

Capital or infrastructure[link]

In economics, capital refers to already-produced durable goods used in production of goods or services. As resources, capital goods may or may not be significantly consumed, though they may depreciate in the production process and they are typically of limited capacity or unavailable for use by others.

Tangible versus intangible resources[link]

Whereas, tangible resources such as equipment have actual physical existence, intangible resources such as corporate images, brands and patents, and other intellectual property exist in abstraction.

Generally the economic value of a resource is controlled by supply and demand. Some view this as a narrow perspective on resources because there are many intangibles that cannot be measured in money. Natural resources such as forests and mountains have aesthetic value. Resources also have an ethical value, because it is widely recognized that it is our moral duty to protect and conserve them for the future generations (see sustainable development and stewardship).

Resource use and sustainable development[link]

Typically resources cannot be consumed in their original form, but rather through resource development they must be processed into more usable commodities. With increasing population, the demand for resources is increasing. There are marked differences in resource distribution and associated economic inequality between regions or countries, with developed countries using more natural resources than developing countries. Sustainable development is a pattern of resource use, that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment.^[1]

Various problems relate to the usage of resources:

• Environmental degradation
• Over-consumption
• Resource curse
• Resource depletion
• Tragedy of the commons

Various benefits can result from the wise usage of resources:

• Economic growth
• Ethical consumerism
• Prosperity
• Quality of life
• Sustainability
• Wealth

See also[link]

• Natural resource
• Natural resource management
• Resource-based view
• Resource (biology)
• Resource (computer science)
• Resource (economics)
• World energy resources and consumption

References[link]

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Miller, G.T., and S. Spoolman. 2011. Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions, 17th ed. Brooks-Cole, Belmont, CA. ISBN 0-538-73534-1.
2. ^ Ricklefs, R.E. 2005. The Economy of Nature, 6th ed. WH Freeman, New York, NY. ISBN 0-7167-8697-4.
3. ^ Ricklefs, R.E. 2005. The Economy of Nature, 6th edition. WH Freeman, New York, NY. ISBN 0-7167-8697-4.
4. ^ McConnell, C.R., S.L. Brue, and S.M. Flynn. 2011. Economics: principles, problems, and policies, 19th ed. McGraw-Hill/Irwin, New York, NY. ISBN 0-07-351144-7.
5. ^ Mankiw, N.G. 2008. Principles of Economics, 5th ed. South-Western College Publishing, Boston, MA. ISBN 1-111-39911-5.
6. ^ ^{a b} Samuelson, P.A. and W.D. Nordhaus. 2004 . Economics, 18th ed. McGraw-Hill/Irwin, Boston, MA. ISBN 0-07-287205-5.
7. ^ Sullivan, A., S.M. Sheffrin, and S. Perez. 2009. Economics: Principles, Applications and Tools, 6th ed. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. ISBN 0-13-607644-0.
8. ^ Morley, D. 2010. Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th ed. Course Technology, Stamford, CT. ISBN 0-538-74810-9.
9. ^ Name: * (2008-09-07). "Getting and Estimating Resource Requirements - People". Pmhut.com. http://www.pmhut.com/getting-and-estimating-resource-requirements-people. Retrieved 2012-01-02. 

Tina Cousins
Tina Cousins in Madrid, Spain, July 2008
Background information
Born	(1974-04-20) 20 April 1974 (age 38)
Origin	Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England
Genres	Electronica, dance-pop, hi-NRG, dance, Eurodance, adult contemporary, vocal trance
Occupations	Singer, songwriter, model
Years active	1997–present
Labels	All Around The World (UK) (1998 - 2006) Big (Australia) (1998 - present) Republic (U.S.) (1998 - 2002) Sony Music (International) (2010 - Present)
Website	www.tinacousins.com

Tina Cousins (born 20 April 1974) is an English singer-songwriter and former fashion model. She has had five singles in the Top 20 of the UK Singles Chart, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with others.^[1] She has also achieved popularity in Australia. She started her career as a model. She has co-presented Essex FM's 2 Smart 4 Drugs roadshow.

Career[link]

Cousins first big break was in the music industry, appearing on German DJ/producer team Sash!'s single "Mysterious Times" in 1998. Before "Mysterious Times", Cousins had released "Killin' Time" and "Angel" in March and June 1997 respectively.

Following the success of "Mysterious Times", "Killin' Time" was re-issued and it made the Top 20 in the UK, as did the follow-up "Pray",^[2] which also achieved success in the US. Follow-up singles "Forever" and the reissued "Angel" only reached the Top 50. Cousins turned her attention to Australia where the song, "Forever" achieved gold sales. "Pray" was also a success in Australia, reaching the Top 10 and becoming her second gold single in the ARIA charts where it remained for more than four months.

Whilst in Australia on a promotional tour, she re-recorded her track "Nothing To Fear" and had it remixed by the Groove Peddlers. This became her third Australian single, and the video was also shot there.

She collaborated again with Sash! on the Top 10 hit "Just Around The Hill" (2000), and joined Billie, Cleopatra, B*Witched and Steps on the track "Thank ABBA for the Music", a medley of ABBA hits that they performed as a tribute at the BRIT Awards. The single was released and reached the Top 10 in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand.

In 2005, she issued a new single "Wonderful Life", which had originally been released in Australia. In 2007, "Wonderful Life" was adopted by Hoyts, as their primary pre-feature theme music. "Wonderful Life" reached #15 in Australia and spent four months in the Top 50, becoming her biggest radio hit. The follow-up, "Come to Me", barely cracked the Top 40, as did the album Mastermind. The third single to be taken from the album, "Pretty Young Thing", was released in two CD formats, one of which was limited to 1000 pressings. The third single performed much better than the previous one, becoming Cousin's sixth Top 20 hit in Australia and the ninth to chart overall.

Cousins divides her time between Australia and the UK, performing regularly. She made a guest appearance on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, a UK television comedy panel show, which was broadcast on 2 November 2006, in the game's Identity Parade.

During late 2006, dance format radio station WMPH became the first US station to put any of Cousin's singles in regular rotation.^{[citation needed]} She co-wrote and performed vocals on two songs on the Main Line album by Dutch group 4 Strings. The track "Curious" became a Top 30 hot dance airplay hit.

Cousins announced on her website that her first solo album Killing Time is to be re-launched as a remix project with tracks from Mastermind. The lead single will be "Everlong".

On 7 March 2009, Cousins announced on her website that a new track had been recorded along with a film clip for a new single called "Can't Hold Back". This song is with Bellatrax and was released in the US and the UK on Michael Gray's Eye Industries label in late summer 2009. In April 2009, Cousins announced that she had recorded a cover version of "Sex on Fire", originally by the Kings Of Leon. The track was produced by Topham & Twigg and was released on iTunes UK on 2 September. She signed a worldwide deal with Sony Music International in September 2010, and "Sex on Fire" was released worldwide in autumn 2010.

The video for "Sex on Fire" was leaked to YouTube in October 2010. The video is most notable for its explicit scenes. The pop music blog, Popjustice, described it as "another exercise in awful and amazing."^[3]

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

Singles[link]

Other singles[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Tina Cousins official website
• Tina Cousins on Myspace

Peter Joseph
Peter Joseph, 2010
Born	Peter Joseph North Carolina, United States
Occupation	Film director, Film editor, Screenwriter, Producer, Composer, Activist
Years active	2007 - present

Peter Joseph^[1] is an independent filmmaker and social activist. He has written, directed, narrated, scored and produced three non-commercial, self-produced and freely-distributed documentary films called Zeitgeist: The Movie, Zeitgeist: Addendum and Zeitgeist: Moving Forward. These films comprise what is called the "Zeitgeist Film Series". He is the founder of the Zeitgeist Movement and is also on the Steering Committee of "Project Peace on Earth."^[2]

Media attention[link]

Peter Joseph's work was the subject of articles in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, The Palm Beach Post, TheMarker and Globes.^{[3][4][5][6][7]}

He has been featured on TV a number of times regarding the solutions proposed by The Zeitgeist Movement for the economic crisis, including several interviews on RT TV ^{[8][9][10][11][12]} along with TheMarkerTV in Israel.^[13]

Peter Joseph has also appeared on two TEDx events: TEDxO'Porto^[14] and TEDxOjai (California).^[15][16]

References[link]

External links[link]

The Zeitgeist Movement[link]

Films and radio[link]

Lectures[link]