This article is about a term used in economics. For other uses, see service (disambiguation).

In economics and marketing, a service is the non-material equivalent of a good. Service provision has been defined as an economic activity that does not result in ownership, and this is what differentiates it from providing physical goods. It is claimed to be a process that creates benefits by facilitating either a change in customers, a change in their physical possessions, or a change in their intangible assets.

By supplying some level of skill, ingenuity, and experience, providers of a service participate in an economy without the restrictions of carrying stock (inventory) or the need to concern themselves with bulky raw materials. On the other hand, their investment in expertise does require marketing and upgrading in the face of competition which has equally few physical restrictions.

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NYT > Home & Garden

On Location: Trading New York for Midwest Grit
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:45:42 -0000
A couple moved from one of the grandest buildings on the Upper West Side to a converted flour mill on the Mississippi riverfront, with few regrets.
Living Together: In Studies of Virtual Twins, Nature Wins Again
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:39:54 -0000
When parents pursue several ways to have a child, the stage is set for virtual twins, genetic strangers who share an environment from an early point in life.
At Home With: The Ambassador of Handmade
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:38:15 -0000
The proprietor of a crafts store and gallery, Faythe Levine is also the prime documentarian and patron saint of what she calls the handmade nation.
Annuals, Perennials and a Centennial
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:32:21 -0000
Ruth Bancroft, who turned 100 on Tuesday, is the namesake of a world-renowned three-acre garden of succulents about 25 miles east of San Francisco.
Shopping for Party Centerpieces With David Stark
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:31:21 -0000
The New York event designer David Stark shopped for materials to create three centerpieces for parties big on style but small on waste.
The Fix: Putting the Pool Into Storage
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:25:03 -0000
It’s time to close the pool, and time to brush up on pool maintenance.

L.A. Times - Home & Garden

Landscape rules on how much lawn is enough differ by city
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Depending on what city you live in (and sometimes what part of your city), the rules vary that govern how much greenery you have . Best to check before ripping out the grass and pouring concrete. KEEPING that thick, verdant blanket of grass watered in these dog days of summer is about as economical and conservation-minded an enterprise as gassing up the family SUV for the weekly commute or a long-distance vacation. It costs a bundle, and pretty soon you have to do it all over again.
Henry E. Huntington's promised land in San Marino
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
For the developer, it was never about the mansion that is now the Huntington Art Gallery. It was about the land. This new column will explore the ghosts of Southern California's residential landscape -- social, political or cultural landmarks that have since been destroyed or altered beyond recognition.
The little guy's first day of kindergarten
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
He eagerly trots off to school while Dad marvels at the well-traveled road to the school steps. SO WE SAY O WE SAY an Ave Maria and send the little guy off to school for the very first time. Kindergarten . . . the bunny lair of lower education.
Garden events in the Southland
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Louise Gonzalez will lead a workshop on "Summer in the Native Garden." TODAY
Botanist floor samples sale at Orange22
Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Also last chance: Environment Furniture at 20% to 70% off. THE SALES keep coming, so we keep sharing. Here you'll find the latest home furnishings discounts on the Web and in Southern California stores. Look for the online version of this report with additional listings and convenient hyperlinks: latimes.com/home .
John Nyquist carves a reputation for midcentury classics
Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
The influence, and value, of the woodworker's enduring midcentury pieces continue to grow. SHIRLEY NYQUIST, the vivacious record-keeper of her husband's furniture-making business, pulls out a typewritten list from 1960 showing a walnut armchair with sculpted back and upholstered seat priced at $125. And today? That same chair would be $4,500.

Christian Science Monitor | The Home Forum

Lessons from the library lions
Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -0500
The qualities embodied in the statues' nicknames came in handy during college and beyond.
She can fly!
Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -0500
Piloting a hot-air balloon takes strength and skill, but this woman makes it look like a breeze.
Welcome wake-up call
Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -0500
The recorded telemarketing message asked for money the woman didn't have. But it reminded her how rich she really was.
What makes a home beautiful
Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -0500
A Christian Science perspective on daily life.
Vacation cottages that are ready to roll
Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -0500
Park models are small but luxurious 'trailers' that are becoming increasingly popular around the country.
How getting into a good argument makes us all shine
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -0500
In this political season it's heartening to know that the word 'argue' is rooted in the idea of 'making something clear.'

Denver Post: Lifestyle

And you can forget about house calls, too.
editor@denverpost.com (The Denver Post) Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:25:49 -0600
Getting a doctor's appointment isn't easy, said 73 percent of people surved by the Commonwealth Fund.
Road to wellness
cmartin@denverpost.com (By Claire Martin / The Denver Post) Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:24:22 -0600
What a difference 167 days can make. Since late April, Arvada residents Steve and Julie Erck and their sons, Dan and Aaron, have revolutionized their approach to diet and exercise.
Reality vs. the "running is risky" people
editor@denverpost.com (By Katherine Hobson / U.S. News and World Report) Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:08:44 -0600
Every person who takes up running has, at one time or another, been confronted by a helpful critic who is more than happy to reel off the reasons running will ruin your life. It will cripple you in your later years; you might drop dead in the middle of a marathon; and on and on. As an avid runner, I have a lot riding on whether these ideas about the sport are true. Here is a look at four questionable claims about running and health, including results from a new study looking at running, longevity and disability.

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