A new study from researchers at Jay W. Forrester’s institute at MIT says that the world could suffer from “global economic collapse” and “precipitous population decline” if people continue to consume the world’s resources at the current pace.

Smithsonian Magazine writes that Australian physicist Graham Turner says “the world is on track for disaster” and that current evidence coincides with a famous, and in some quarters, infamous, academic report from 1972 entitled, “The Limits to Growth.”

Produced for a group called The Club of Rome, the study’s researchers created a computing model to forecast different scenarios based on the current models of population growth and global resource consumption. The study also took into account different levels of agricultural productivity, birth control and environmental protection efforts. Twelve million copies of the report were produced and distributed in 37 different languages.

Most of the computer scenarios found population and economic growth continuing at a steady rate until about 2030. But without “drastic measures for environmental protection,” the scenarios predict the likelihood of a population and economic crash.

However, the study said “unlimited economic growth” is still possible if world governments enact policies and invest in green technologies that help limit the expansion of our ecological footprint.

The Smithsonian notes that several experts strongly objected to “The Limit of Growth’s” findings, including the late Yale economist Henry Wallich, who for 12 years served as a governor of the Federal Research Board and was its chief international economics expert. At the time, Wallich said attempting to regulate economic growth would be equal to “consigning billions to permanent poverty.”

Turner says that perhaps the most startling find from the study is that the results of the computer scenarios were nearly identical to those predicted in similar computer scenarios used as the basis for “The Limits to Growth.”

“There is a very clear warning bell being rung here,” Turner said. “We are not on a sustainable trajectory.”

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/next-great-depression-mit-researchers-predict-global-economic-190352944.html

http://www.clubofrome.org/?p=326

http://limits-to-growth.org/

Camera Rifle

Not too long ago, brothers Randy and Michael Gregg were out on a hunting expedition. It was the day after deer season had ended, yet they spied a handsome animal bedded down in the snow. Not wanting to pass up an opportunity, they silently crept up on their quarry, raised their rifle, lined the deer up in the crosshairs … and then took a picture through the scope with a mobile phone. That photo provided all the proof they needed that they had successfully stalked their prey, without bringing home an illegally-obtained carcass. It also inspired them to create the Kill Shot photo/video-recording rifle.

Currently still in the development phase, the Kill Shot would simply be a replica hunting rifle, that takes pictures instead of firing bullets. Users would sneak up on their quarry and get them in the crosshairs as per usual, but pulling the trigger would cause a digital camera – built into the scope – to grab a time- and date-stamped snapshot. That camera could also zoom, and record video.

CR1

Images would be saved to a memory card, that would mount in the same location as an ammunition magazine on a real rifle. A USB port would allow users to download their photos or footage onto a computer, where they could be shared with other no-kill hunters.

The Gregg brothers, along with their other brother, Daniel, see several possible applications for the Kill Shot. For starters, it could simply be used by people who like the idea of tracking down wild animals in nature, but who don’t want to kill them – the Greggs aren’t stuck on the name “Kill Shot,” by the way.

It could also be used as a means of training novice hunters, without the dangers of using live ammunition. Additionally, they suggest that it could be used by regular hunters for “hunting” animals outside of season – although this could lead to some interesting run-ins with game wardens. As a side note, Randy himself works as a park ranger in Pennsylvania.

The three brothers are currently raising funds for prototype and commercial development of the Kill Shot (or whatever it’ll be called) on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$150 will get you one, should they ever see production.

While some people might find the idea of a combination camera and rifle kind of … well, silly, it is not unprecedented. The 1980s TV series Max Headroom depicted mercenary news videographers wielding RR-7 Gun Cameras, while Russian camera company KMZ used to produce a product known as the Photosniper – a very rifle-like stock and trigger, which an SLR body and lens could be mounted onto.

Courtesy: http://www.gizmag.com/kill-shot-camera-hunting-rifle/21802/

Aerogel – Monolithic Silica Aerogel

Posted: 4th February 2012 by Noman Shah in Gadgets
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Aerogel is a low-density solid-state material derived from gel in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with gas. The result is an extremely low density solid with several remarkable properties, most notably its effectiveness as an insulator. It is nicknamed frozen smoke, solid smoke or blue smoke due to its semi-transparent nature and the way light scatters in the material; however it feels like extruded polystyrene to the touch.

Aerogel was first created by Steven Kistler in 1931, as a result of a bet with Charles Learned over who could replace the liquid inside a jam (jelly) jar with gas without causing shrinkage.

Silica-based Aerogel is the world’s lowest-density solid. Silica Aerogel strongly absorbs infra-red radiation. It allows the construction of materials that let light into buildings but trap heat for solar heating. It has extremely low thermal conductivity (0.003 W/(m·K) [1], which gives it remarkable insulation properties. Its melting point is 1,200 °C (2,192 °F). Silica Aerogel holds 15 entries in the Guinness Book of Records for material properties, including best insulator and lowest-density solid.

Silica Aerogel can protect the human hand from the heat of a blowtorch at point blank range.

http://gyroscope.com/d.asp?product=AEROGELDISC

Ferrofluid – Magnetic fluid/liquid

Posted: 4th February 2012 by Noman Shah in Gadgets
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Ferrofluid is a really interesting material. As the name suggests it is a runny fluid….until it is subjected to a magnet. Ferrofluid reacts to magnetic fields, often changing into seemingly impossible shapes as it tries to maintain the shape of the magnetic field. The most common form of ferrofluid is ultra fine iron particles which have been nano-coated and then suspended in another liquid. To the naked eye it just seems like a very dark brown/black liquid that responds to magnetism.

Ferrofluid has been extensively used as a bearing/shaft seal, as it can maintain a relatively low friction, create a very good seal, allow high spin speeds and a simple magnetic can keep it exactly where it is needed. Ferrofluid is now commonly found as a seal on high-end hard disks.It has also found its way into exotic cars into the form of magnetorheological fluid (MagneRide ) in the suspension dampeners. An electrical current is passed through the dampener whenever a restriction of the dampener movement is required. This can be controlled tens of times a second as the car is driving over different road surfaces.

Variations of ferrofluid has also been rumoured to be used stealth aircraft technology in the form of Rader Absorbent Material (RAM).

http://gyroscope.com/d.asp?product=FERROFLUID

Polymorph – Low temperature melting plastic

Posted: 4th February 2012 by Noman Shah in Gadgets
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Polymorph is a fascinating new type of material. It is perfect for hobbyists whether you are model making or prototyping. At room temperature it just as strong as a normal plastic but at 62 degrees C becomes soft and mouldable. It can be heated easily and quickly either with hot water or hairdryer. Polymorph can be coloured/dyed using our food-grade colourings. See the manual for more detailed ways on how to use it and examples for what it can be used for.

http://gyroscope.com/d.asp?product=POLYMORPH#changecurrency

Super Magnetic Thinking Putty

Posted: 4th February 2012 by Noman Shah in Uncategorized
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This Thinking Putty has unique and mind-blowing awesome magnetic properties! When Super Magnetic Thinking Putty is stretched, molded, or shaped, the putty has no magnetic charge and behaves like any other Thinking Putty. However, in the presence of a magnetic field, its magnetic forces begin to align. Suddenly, a truly Super Magnetic Thinking Putty is created that will attract to one magnetic pole and repel from the other.

http://gyroscope.com/d.asp?product=MAGNETICPUTTY#changecurrency

Environmental Protection Staple Free Stapleless Stapler

Posted: 4th February 2012 by Noman Shah in Gadgets
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Stapler
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Office work means files, papers, reports, MIS, Vouchers and what not. Loads of paper on different heads and clump them properly is a major part of the office management. Similarly at school and colleges, there are notes, question papers, answer papers, reports etc which too needs bundling up. Apart from these there are many places where paper bundling properly is a major part of disciplinary and perfect execution of work. In all these places the old traditional concept of stapler with staple wire has been used to bind pages for better management of papers but now people are used to the idea of stapless stapler. Easy, convenient, safe and inexpensive this is a tool with all good qualities punched together.

Stapless staplers have various designs and are available at different shapes and sizes and also in bright eye-catching multiple colors. The stapless stapler is usually made of plastic or maybe metal and have a spring construction inside which has considerable flexibility. The stapless stapler is lightweight objects with funky shapes and also with size that can fit into a very small place like your back pocket, your purse or can fit into a keychain. However this doesn’t mean the stapless stapler are not found in bigger sizes. The larger sizes are also available, used in offices and homes, which are easily traceable in your desk and drawers. The funky shapes of stapless stapler are the coolest attraction. The animal shapes of stapless stapler are best for home purpose with children who love them as a toy. And the sleek elegant designs are formal enough for the office purpose.

The process to use the stapless stapler is easy and you don’t need to do much struggle with paper binding. You just need to insert the pages bound together into the stapleless stapler and the punch on the papers with it, a v shaped tab is made in the corner folding it on itself and thus binding it. The clamp looks like a small paper pocket. Stapless stapler successfully binds together the pages without the use of metal pins and metal staple wires. The etona stapler is also good tool for binding. The etona stapler works the duties of there, staples, tacks and binds. Relieve from the old technology metal staples and the wires which use to be jammed or pricked in fingers or hitched into clothing or clamped into your shoe souls. The highest danger with this staples lie when you have to keep it in front of children and it’s not safe before your pets which may swallow pins or step over it. And one of the good thing of this stapless staplers is that they have no pins hence the vacuum cleaner is also benefitted.

The stapless stapler is an environment friendly technology which has only good features related to it. Whether its school paper works, or bunching up home works the stapless stapler is always best for the parents to provide their children with one. These are light weighted and easy to carry hence in office work also people prefer these stapleless staplers to bind the pages. The best part of stapleless stapler is paper recycling as the pages are not damaged while opened from staple rows and thus can be perfectly used.

To conclude safe and secure stapleless staplers is better in all terms and can be used in schools, offices and homes.

http://www.staplessstapler.net/

http://www.kleargear.com/2014.html

Sound Key Finder Locator

Posted: 4th February 2012 by Noman Shah in Uncategorized
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Locator

Small size, easy to carry
Find your key or any other items easily
Remote control by sound
Whistle or shout within 7 meters to make it beep and flash

I remember we had these in late 80s and use to whistle to activte it. Was available from Hall Road, Lahore.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sound-Key-Finder-Locator-Find-Lost-Keys-Chain-Whistle-NEW-/260919006466?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cbffc1502

Bulletproof Body Armor Clipboard

Posted: 4th February 2012 by Noman Shah in Everyday Carry
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Can’t shoot this!
Clipboard
If Batman had a clipboard, it would be this one. If Superman was a clipboard, it would be this one. Why? Because this clipboard is bulletproof. Yeah, you read that right: bulletproof. It can hold paper AND stop a 9mm bullet in its tracks. We call it the Bulletproof Body Armor Clipboard, and when you get yours, you can call it whatever you want (we recommend something awesome like “Awesomeboard,” “The Boardinator,” “Bill,” or anything else you can think of).

Each Bulletproof Body Armor Clipboard is a section of Level II body armor, with a clip attached to hold the paper. Level II body armor is tough enough to stop the penetration of 9mm bullets and all those stopped by Level I and Level IIA. The Bulletproof Body Armor Clipboard is the toughest clipboard we’ve ever held. Sure, it’s heavy, but when you own a clipboard that can stop bullets, weight doesn’t matter anymore. Nothing matters anymore, other than your own awesomeness for being the only person in the office to own a Bulletproof Body Armor Clipboard. Oh yeah.

Bulletproof Body Armor Clipboard
•A slab of Level II body armor – with a clip (for paper).
•Level II body armor protects against 9mm, as well as all those calibers protected by Level I and Level IIA.
•25 year limited manufacturer warranty.
•UL Rated for Level II protection.
•Weight: approx. 3 lbs.
•Dimensions: 9″ x 12″.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/e769/

Pistol Door Handle

Posted: 4th February 2012 by Noman Shah in Gadgets, Uncategorized
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The “Bang Bang Handle” is a door-handle made from a 9 mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol (“the personal weapon of the Soviet and post-Soviet armed forces and law enforcement”). It was designed by Nikita Kovalev, who included a lot of detail about the Marakov in his documentation. Available in many colorful metallic platings.

http://www.behance.net/gallery/bang-bang-handle/1871397