[Infographic] The Internet is affecting kids

Although the global penetration of Internet on the entire planet still leaves a lot to accomplish, and Facebook and Google are making strides in that direction, this technological phenomenon is engulfing hundreds every moment of the day today.

From newborns/toddlers to adults, the Internet has and is becoming a way of life, a way to live. While there's many parts to the whole picture and it may be argued either ways, whether the majority are using it productively enough, one fact that cannot be discounted is that it has a bearing on our minds, and our thinking. And what more significance than how the future generation of youngsters will face the world.

However, while social scientists are analyzing the effects and impacts of such things on the populace, a potentially concerning truth is beginning to emerge about these aspects. The infographic below illustrates this and is worth drawing caution to the same. We may still have time to take preventive and/or corrective measures to prevent long-term effects. Let's not forget what will make humans humans.

(Click to enlarge)

10 Weird Facts of the Bermuda Traingle

The Bermuda Triangle has been one of the great mysteries of our lives, and even after decades, human beings have no answers to explain the strange observations and reports over decades.

For those inclined to explore this realm quickly, here's a neat little look at ten weird facts about this mysterious spot on Earth. Beware, is all we can caution.

10 Weird Facts About The Bermuda Triangle

What's the opposite of Sky Scrapers?

As the world population crosses 7 billion, it's a concern for the planet, that where and how do we find the space to accommodate all these people. Architects have been building taller and higher, for all these years. But, will there be a limit to that? And, what if there are some places that won't permit building higher (whatever, the reasons behind that may be).

Well, it seems that the trend may be 'reversing', as some creative folks are contemplating building buildings beneath the surface of the earth! Check out this short video which uncovers what may well be a very interesting concept!

Will it be the trend for the future? Your guess is as good as ours...

Is This How You'll Live - The Future of Life with Mobiles

Sure, mobiles have changed lives on our planet faster than any other technology can claim. And, with smartphones the new rage, it's competition time between Apple's iPhone, Google's Android, Blcakberry, et al. And, other mobile devices like the Apple iPad or Samsung Tablet are adding to the excitement of living, working, doing everything possible (ever?) on the go!

Well, with the explosion of all these devices,and not to mention the "apps" available by the thousands for these, one would wonder, what exactly does this mean, or where is this leading to. Well, here's a compilation of stuff that one may do - i.e. life in 24 hours - with your smartphone (ok, may be the next generation of this, called, possibly, the MEGAPhone).

A Mobile Day in the Life: 24 Hours in the Age of the MEGAphone

A Mobile Day in the Life: 24 Hours in the Age of the MEGAphone from David Berkowitz

Well, I don't know about you, but if I can help it, at least I wouldn't want this to be my life. The older way, of feeling, touching and thinking about things, rather than being prompted by a "smart" device for everything would really mean that the future is here to be lived by robots. I'd rather, it take a couple of decades more. But then, it could just be me...

World's Longest Bridge

China is powering ahead in its ambitions, and has a number of mega engineering projects to its credit. The most recent is the unveiling of the World's Longest Bridge.

World's Longest Bridge - Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, China

Engineering Marvel: Solar City Tower, Rio de Janeiro

Here's one more amazing engineering feat - and if it is realized, those who will be able to witness the 2016 Summer Olympics at Rio de Janeiro, are bound to be in for an amazing experience.

Solar City Tower

View more presentations from thewatchableweb.

Cars for the Metro: Future

Peugeot's Metromorph Concept is a stunning concept by designer Roman Mistuik, and apart from the ultracool, sci-fi and futuristic design, is unique in that, it can climb up buildings.

That's the concept - in future, when our already over crowded metros are grapplng to find a solution to the parking problems, this could be an answer: cars that climb up the building walls and park themselves in bays outside your apartment. And, what's more amazing, once parked, this glassy contraption becomes your balcony! How cool is that!

Here's a sneak peek of these futuristic machines (source: autoblog.com):

Hmm, now that does look pretty cool - but only time will tell, whether our metros of the future will have this in real! And, wonder which would be the first city that will get this.

Cloud ships: Countering global warming

Global warming and green initiatives are important, as scientists and the human population is getting increasingly conscious about adopting measures to control emissions, etc. As is true with any other project of such a magnitude, finding an effective solution to control green house gas emissions may take at least a few years.

While each of us is required to - and should - do our part in contributing to reducing our carbon footprint, a new research by the Copenhagen Consensus Center discusses a new approach to accelerate the control measures.

Professor Eric Bickel and Lee Lane, in their paper on the subject, discuss a technique called as 'marine cloud whitening' which -

would create clouds above the Pacific Ocean that would have a cooling effect by reflecting sunlight away from Earth.

A wind-powered fleet of nearly 2,000 ships would criss-cross the sea, sucking up sea water and spraying it upwards through tall tunnels.

Special ships that create clouds by spraying seawater into the air could be the most cost effective way of tackling climate change, new research has found.

This is not an alternative to going green anyways, but is more likely to be an approach to mask the effects of global warming, says the author.

For the interested, here's the full story.

Solar Eclipse Views From Space

We all, well most of us, are excited at viewing solar eclipse(s) from terrestrial places. Sure, the longest solar eclipse of this century (which occurred on July 22, 2009) was a sight that many experienced.

While some were trying to catch images of the eclipse from high up in the air, it's unlikely to beat what a solar eclipse would appear like from space!

Solar Eclipse over China, from space:


Here's the blogpost that captures this.

Enjoy the views!

Graduation Ceremony in Second Life

Second Life, a project by Linden Labs, is a virtual world where people can create 'virtual' avatars, and it's becoming a popular platform using which folks create virtual identities and shop, play and even work!

On June 10, 2009, The Byrant & Stratton School hosted the first online graduation ceremony.
Here's the CNN/iReport story.

News - Science & Technology

There's a whole lot happening in the world of science and technology - and I'll put it in here.