Scientist Stephen Hawking has issued a warning that humanity may be wiped out by nuclear war, genetically engineered viruses or global warming. He has earlier warned of the dangers of killer robots and human aggression. Vegas bookmakers have already posted odds for the new entries. Personally, I think we may not survive Vegas. ... Storm Jonas will be forgotten as easily as this year's boy band. ... Federal, state and local officials are scrambling to explain the decision by Flint, Mich., to take its drinking water from the Flint River, which has produced elevated lead levels.

The Information Technology Alliance has named Lissa Johnsen to the newly created position of VP. Johnsen will take over the majority of the responsibilities of the organization's executive director, Jo Ann Benzer, who is retiring in August after 19 years in her job. Johnsen, who was most recently ITA's treasurer, is Employer Solutions Practice Director at Net@Work.

Australia-based software vendor Reckon has acquired SmartVault, which markets document management applications. And the question of interest here is less about the intention of the former QuickBooks distributor down under for document management, but for online accounting packages in North America. Reckon has introduced another document product Virtual Cabinet (formerly Lindenhouse) in the United States, or at least it exhibited at some shows and an approach was made in July to our publications to discuss plans here.