The Basics of a Bicycle

A bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle that uses human power to move. The pedals connect to a chain, which then turns the back wheel. This pushes the rider forward, while the front wheel swivels to steer. The bicycle is the most efficient means of human-powered transportation, requiring only about 1% of the rider’s body weight to travel a given distance. It is also the safest way to travel short distances. It is used in many countries as the primary form of transport, and it is an important recreational activity. It is also a common mode of exercise and fitness training.

The bicycle was first developed in the 1860s and has since evolved into a multitude of forms. Early inventors used wood, metal, and leather to build frames for their bicycles. They also experimented with different designs for gears that would enable the cyclist to both pedal and steer the bicycle. They soon discovered that it was necessary to have a separate front wheel for steering and to use a crank, or shaft drive, to efficiently transfer the energy from the pedals into forward motion. The basic components of a modern bicycle include the frame, saddle, handlebars, wheels, and brakes. Many people add accessories to their bicycles, such as a basket or rack for carrying cargo or an auxiliary saddle for a child passenger. Other riders may opt to add a hitch on the rear frame for pulling a trailer.

Some bicycles are designed specifically for racing or speed. These are known as racers’ bikes. They have drop handlebars that allow the rider to hold their hands in a more aerodynamic position. They also have narrower handlebars and a more stretched out geometry that allows the rider to sit further forward and reduce their overall drag. Combined with an efficient drivetrain, these features help racers achieve their fastest speeds.

Bicycles are commonly used for transportation in urban environments. City, or commuter, bikes have flat handlebars and a more upright geometry that is more comfortable for daily riding in traffic and while wearing business attire. These bikes are also built with durability in mind as they can be subjected to more wear and tear than other types of bicycles. Some of these models feature frames with mudguard and rack mounts that make them even more versatile. Some also utilize belt drives that require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan than traditional chains.

Drivers should always be on the lookout for bicycles and give them the same amount of space as they would a car or truck. It is important to keep in mind that, although bicycles can be quite fast, they do not have the same level of control as automobiles. It is also important to wear the appropriate clothing and safety equipment for riding a bike, including a helmet, brightly colored clothing (during the day), and reflective gear (at night or in poor weather). Lastly, cyclists should always ride their bikes within the legal speed limit and obey all traffic laws.

The GOES-R Geostationary Weather Satellite System

The GOES geostationary weather satellite system provides data and imagery that support NOAA’s National Weather Service meteorology operations and severe storm tracking. It also provides valuable information for research into the Earth’s atmosphere, land surface, oceans and climate.

The system consists of two spacecraft operated by NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS). The GOES-R series has been designed to provide up to 15 years of service.

GOES-R’s first full disk image products have been distributed at 10-minute intervals since late October 2016. These images are essential to the National Weather Service’s weather forecast offices and national centers, as well as their Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers in monitoring hazardous conditions that could affect air traffic and aviation safety.

These 10-minute intervals enable the issuance of detailed imagery for areas that are hard to observe at shorter time intervals, such as squall lines and the movement of large wildfires. They are also critical for observing the rapid changes in atmospheric conditions that can lead to volcanic ash and debris.

To achieve these high temporal resolutions, GOES-R has advanced algorithms for processing the satellite data. Specifically, these algorithms employ neural networks that are distant descendants of the neuronal circuits that operate in the brains of living organisms. These artificial networks can perform sophisticated analyses of complex data and find optimal solutions, even if only a small percentage of the total game tree is explored. This type of algorithm is known as a Monte Carlo tree search. It was pioneered at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the 1940s and was used to help design the first nuclear weapons.

A second feature of the GOES-R system is its ability to detect and process distress signals from distress beacons, such as those carried by ships, aircraft and automobiles. This function, which is available on both the GOES-R A and B systems, is based upon technology developed by the NOAA’s Coast Guard Rescue and Assistance Division (CGAS).

CGAS’s specialized satellite sensors can detect distress signals that are transmitted at very low power levels using highly modulated radar waves that do not require an expensive antenna array. The distress signal is then transmitted to a network of ground stations located across the country. CGAS personnel are alerted to the signal and respond as necessary. These systems are a vital lifeline for those in need of emergency aid. They are often used in situations where cellular communications fail, or when search and rescue teams cannot access remote locations.

Partner site: musicrearte.com

The Benefits of Being Nice

Nice means kind, compassionate and supportive. It’s also an adjective people use to describe someone who shows a genuine interest in others. Whether it’s opening the door for a stranger or buying coffee for a colleague, being nice is all about showing concern for those around you. These kinds of acts of kindness not only make you a more pleasant person to be around, but they also trigger the release of serotonin and oxytocin, reducing stress levels and making you feel happy. And it’s not just a feel-good emotion — studies have shown that being nice can actually help you live longer.

Being nice may come naturally to some people, but for others it requires conscious effort. And that’s OK, too. Everyone can learn to be more generous, thoughtful and empathetic. It’s just important to balance your niceness with other traits that will keep you healthy and balanced.

Putting others before yourself is one of the hallmarks of being a nice person, but it’s important to know your limits. If you’re constantly repressing your emotions in order to be nice, that pressure will eventually build up and result in an outburst of anger or irritability. If you’re too nice, you may also be taken advantage of by people who are looking to push you around or manipulate you.

People who are genuinely nice have an open mind and are curious about other cultures and lifestyles. They want to understand the perspectives of different people so they can see things from more than one angle.

Nice people also have a good sense of humor and enjoy a joke or positive attitude. They find happiness in the small things, like a sunny day or a compliment. In addition, they take care of themselves by eating well, getting exercise and sleeping enough. Being nice also includes being honest, but it’s important to be tactful when doing so.

If you’re nice to others, they’ll be more likely to treat you the same way. However, it’s important to set boundaries and not be a doormat for anyone. It’s also important to remember that just because someone is nice doesn’t mean they’re a good friend or coworker. Be selective with whom you choose to be nice.

The Good and Its Implications for Practical Reasoning and Moral Judgment

The good is a key concept in ethics and in philosophical discussions of well-being. Different philosophers define the good in various ways, and many thinkers have explored its implications for practical reasoning and moral judgment. A good is a positive or desirable quality. The word is derived from the Latin term for ‘pleasant, agreeable, or favorable’. A good product is well-made, provides value for money, solves a problem, is easily understood by users, performs its task as efficiently as possible, and improves with use.

The concept of good has been important in discussions about the nature of values and moral judgments, and has been used by thinkers as diverse as Plato and Immanuel Kant. It has also been central to Enlightenment philosophy and religious thought.

In modern English, the adjective good is often used after linking verbs like taste, smell, look, feel, or appear: “This bread tastes good,” “These biscuits smell good,” and “You look really good today!” In some cases, the adjective good can be applied to a person’s spirits as well as their health: “I’m feeling pretty good about myself.”

Good has been a central idea in debates about the nature of goodness and about how we should live our lives. The word is often used as a synonym for right, and has also been defined as what is best for us or what is in our interests. Many philosophers have explored the relations between the good and other concepts such as truth, beauty, and love.

Kraut argues that we can understand the nature of the good by considering how it fits into our lives as human beings. He distinguishes between intrinsic goods – those that are valued for their own sakes – and instrumental goods – those that serve or enable the attainment of an intrinsic good. Money, for example, is usually regarded as an instrumental good, since it can be used to achieve the good of wealth or status.

Philosophers sometimes divide intrinsic goods further into a distinction between natural or agent-relative goods, which are good for someone in particular, and neutral or objective goods, which are good from everyone’s perspective. For instance, a long walk through a crowded city might be a good for someone who enjoys people-watching, but it would not be a good for a misanthrope who hates people.

A final category of good is that which is beneficial for the environment and society as a whole, but which may be difficult or even impossible to accomplish. These include combating climate change, reducing poverty, and promoting equality.

The Basics of a Bicycle

The bicycle is a human-powered land vehicle with two wheels, a seat, and pedals. It uses a chain or other means to transmit power from the cranks to the rear wheel. It also has a frame to provide strength. Some versions use a shaft drive or special belts instead of a chain. The bike was invented in the early 19th century. Historians do not know who invented it, but they agree that it was probably a European invention. Leonardo da Vinci is credited with drawing a contraption that looked like a bicycle in 1492, but this drawing has been determined to be a forgery added later to his Codex Atlanticus.

The first bicycles were velocipedes, or “boneshakers.” They had wooden or iron wheels and a very hard ride. They were also very heavy, making them difficult to maneuver on the road. In the 1860s, French inventors began to add pedals to the front wheel of a velocipede, allowing riders to go faster and farther. This new design was called an ordinary, and it became the most popular type of bicycle in the United States in the 1880s.

A bicycle can be used for recreation, transportation, or competition. It is also used as a workhorse by many farmers and loggers, to haul logs or other cargo over long distances. Some competitions require the use of high-performance bicycles, which are generally designed and built for speed and endurance. They may be equipped with special tires, frames, and handlebars to improve their performance in these competitions.

Cycling is a great way to get exercise and fresh air, but it can be dangerous if the cyclist does not follow certain safety rules. In addition to wearing a helmet, the cyclist should be sure to wear sturdy shoes and clothing, especially when riding on rough roads or trails. He or she should also be aware of the environment around them, and should always obey traffic signals.

There are many types of bicycles available for people of different sizes and abilities. There are also some accessories available for bikes, such as racks and fenders. Some bikes are equipped with gears, which allow the rider to adjust the speed of the bicycle by using different chainrings.

Like any mechanical device, a bicycle requires regular maintenance and replacement of worn parts. Some bicycles are easy to repair, and others require the services of a professional mechanic. It is important for a cyclist to understand the basic construction of his or her bike, and to have access to tools and spare parts. In addition, the cyclist should have a good understanding of the laws and regulations of the area in which he or she plans to ride. Some countries have national bicycle standards that must be followed. Other countries have local or state bicycle codes that must be followed.

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite System (GOES)

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) system uses geosynchronous equatorial satellites to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorology research. It is operated by NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service division. GOES provides advanced imagery and atmospheric measurements of Earth’s Western Hemisphere, real-time mapping of lightning activity, and monitoring of space weather.

The GOES system is made up of two components: the spacecraft and ground segment. The spacecraft are owned and operated by NOAA, while the National Aeronautics and Space Administration manages their design, manufacture and launch. Once launched, NOAA resumes responsibility for the spacecraft and its operation. There are also a number of international satellites that provide complementary coverage to the GOES data set.

Since its inception, the GOES satellite series has been continuously providing near-real time weather data to meteorologists. GOES is the backbone of the NOAA Weather Operations Centers, and serves as the primary source of weather imagery for the National Weather Service (NWS) weather offices, National Weather Centers, and Volcanic Ash Advisory centers.

GOES satellites operate in a geostationary orbit 35,790 km (22,240 miles) above the Earth. Using a three-axis body-stabilized design, the satellites are able to “stare” at the Earth’s surface and constantly image the Continental United States, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Central America, South America and southern Canada. This vigil allows meteorologists to monitor and track the development of thunderstorms, hurricanes, and other tropical cyclones in real-time. In addition, GOES imagery helps meteorologists determine rainfall amounts and track flood conditions during these severe events. It is also used to estimate snowfall accumulations and track the movement of sea and lake ice.

Each GOES satellite contains a suite of instrumentation. Each instrument is designed to monitor specific aspects of the Earth’s atmosphere, including cloud cover, surface temperatures and water vapor levels. Several instruments are able to monitor both day and night, giving the satellites the ability to observe weather phenomena in real time.

In addition to the GOES imaging instruments, a spectroradiometer measures solar irradiance and a radiometer measures wind speed and direction. GOES-13, -14 and -15 have also been equipped with the Sounder instrument package from NOAA’s Space Environment Monitoring (SEM) program.

GOES data is transmitted from the satellite to the NOAA Data Processing and Distribution System (DPDS) in Suitland, Maryland. This system receives, processes and distributes the GOES satellite data and provides it to users through a variety of different methods.

The GOES-R Series satellites are the third generation of geostationary weather satellites. These satellites are expected to replace the current GOES-11 and -12 satellites in 2024. GOES-R features an advanced new design that includes enhanced capabilities to detect and respond to weather events such as tornadoes, flash flooding, snowstorms, wildfires, volcanic eruptions and more. GOES-R is the first NOAA satellite to be equipped with the NEXRAD Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) and a new Space Weather Sensor (SWS). This combination provides an unprecedented level of detail about the Earth and its atmosphere, enabling NOAA’s observing communities to better understand and predict our planet.

The Qualities of a Nice Person

Nice is a versatile word, with many different definitions and a surprising amount of synonyms. It can mean something as simple as pleasant or agreeable, but it can also be a compliment or an adjective that describes someone’s behavior in a friendly, ingratiating manner.

People who are described as nice are usually warm and friendly, displaying empathy and respect for other people. They do their best to be considerate of other people’s feelings and needs, even if they don’t agree with them. They try to avoid speaking badly about others when they are not around, and instead work to resolve conflicts by discussing them openly.

Nice people are generous with their time, energy and words. They make an effort to show people they care, whether it’s by bringing donuts to their office on Friday or giving money to those in need. They have a knack for making other people feel happy, and they do it without expecting anything in return.

They are thoughtful in their relationships with friends and family members, calling often and listening attentively. They are careful not to put their own needs above those of the people they love, and they work hard to be a good partner in their relationships. They have a lot of compassion for those who are suffering, and they work to help them heal.

If they ever find themselves in a relationship that is dragging on too long, they are not afraid to be honest and end it. They are also willing to forgive other people’s mistakes and treat them with dignity.

They have an open mind and are interested in other cultures, lifestyles and opinions. They are eager to learn from other people and understand that there are always two sides to every story. They are respectful of those who have different beliefs and ways of living, and they take the time to listen carefully before making judgements about them.

Being nice is a quality that some people naturally have, but it is a habit that can be learned by all. By practicing kindness and consideration, we can create a better world for everyone. However, it is important to remember that being nice does not excuse bad behavior. We are all human, and it’s okay to lose your temper sometimes. Just don’t let it happen too often, and remember to balance your niceness with other qualities like strength and honesty. Ultimately, being nice is about being the best version of yourself that you can be. We hope that this article helps you think about how nice you can be in your own life.

What Is a Good Thing?

A word of many meanings and a topic that has long occupied the minds of philosophers, the concept of good is central to ethics, morality, philosophy, and religion. Whether used to refer to an outcome (a utilitarian “good”) or to a motivation (a moralistic ‘good’), the notion of what is a good thing has always been a subject of intense debate.

In everyday use, good is a general-purpose adjective that describes something as useful or desirable. It is the standard form after linking verbs like taste, smell, look, feel, seem, and be: It feels good to be home; You’re looking very good today. It is also often used after adverbs, but it can be replaced by the adverb well in formal speech and edited writing: He did a good job on the test; She worked really hard.

When used to describe a person, it usually means they are kind, considerate, fair, honest, or generous. It can also be a term of praise: He’s such a good guy. A good friend is someone who will listen to your problems and help you through them.

Depending on the context, good can also mean that something is suitable or appropriate: The dress is too short to wear in public; I’m not a good singer. It can also be a measure of something: The car is a good value for the money. It was a good idea to invest in real estate.

It can also be a euphemism: a “good boy” or “good girl”; an “alpha male” or “alpha female”. It is sometimes used to distinguish between the various grades of school children: My daughter is such a good student.

The premise of this article is that good is more than just a measurable attribute or a subjective judgment of merit: it’s a way of being, an approach to living, and a model for behavior. It’s important to note that sorting people into the binary categories of good and bad is rarely possible or helpful, especially when it comes to addressing complicated topics like morality.

A truly good person knows that others need praise and will compliment them when it’s deserved. They will also offer constructive criticism when it’s needed. They make sure to call their parents regularly and show respect and gratitude for them. They keep their bad side on a leash and do not let it get in the way of being a good person. Good people are always trying to better themselves and will encourage others to do the same. They have a good sense of humor and are willing to laugh at themselves. They are trustworthy and loyal, and will treat their friends with respect. They believe in standing up for what you believe in. They have a deep faith in God and believe that all things will work out for the best in the end. They are humble and have a strong work ethic. They love their families, and they will do whatever it takes to protect them.

Buying a Bicycle

A bicycle is a two-wheeled steerable machine powered by the feet of the rider, turning pedals connected to cranks that rotate a chain and drive the rear wheel. It is the only human-powered machine that can maintain a constant speed over time without requiring the effort of walking or running. Bikes are a popular mode of transportation for commuting, fitness, and recreation, and have helped transform towns, cities, and countries around the world into healthier, more vibrant places.

The word “bicycle” was coined in the mid-1800s, although earlier terms for two-wheeled vehicles include velocipede de pedal (speedy foot-powered vehicle), dandy horse, hobby horse, and pugilistica (pugilist). Today’s bike designs and materials continue to evolve from those early days of wrought iron frames, steel wheels, and wooden handlebars. Today’s bikes are lighter, faster, more durable, and easier to maneuver than ever before.

Road bicycles are designed for fast, long distance rides on paved roads. Their lightweight frames are typically made from carbon fiber or aluminum alloy to keep them light and fast, and they have gears that allow you to ride hills easily. They also have a narrower saddle than a racing bicycle (you ride more quickly when you’re leaning forward).

Some people use road bikes to compete in races called criteriums, stage races, and one-day classics (like the Tour de France). These are short, fast-paced races on closed-loop courses that test your endurance and technical skill.

Many of today’s hybrid and comfort bicycles feature suspension forks that compress to limit the jarring impact of bumps, cracks, and other obstacles that you may encounter on cycle paths and bridleways. They also have wider, softer tires that are more capable of handling rough surfaces and insulate you from the jolts of uneven ground.

If you plan on using your bike to commute or do other longer rides, look for a model with the mounting points needed for pannier racks. These can be used to carry extra clothing, water, and food for longer trips. Some models even come with pannier racks already installed.

When shopping for a new bicycle, the first step is to determine your ideal frame size. Stand over the top tube of the bicycle and see whether you can place your hands flat on the ground with a slight bend in your knees. Then, measure your trunk length (also known as sitting height) to find out your torso length and reach.

Kids’ bicycles have shorter and lighter overall frames, smaller parts, and quality components that are sized appropriately to fit children’s bodies. Look for names like Shimano and SRAM that are synonymous with quality. In addition, make sure the bike weighs relatively little—remember that proportionally a 60- to 70-pound bike feels much heavier to a kid than it does to an adult. And lastly, look for components that are easily accessible and operate with minimal hand force. In general, it’s a good idea to shop with a knowledgeable professional who can help you select the best bicycle for your riding needs.

GOES-R, the Next Generation of Geostationary Weather Satellites

The GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) series has been a fundamental element of NOAA’s weather monitoring and forecasting system since the launch of SMS-1 in 1974. The GOES system uses geosynchronous equatorial satellites to provide near real-time observations of atmospheric conditions at Earth’s surface and in the atmosphere, day and night.

GOES-R is the next generation of NOAA’s geostationary weather satellites. The GOES-R Program will consist of four satellites, two GOES East and two GOES West, which together will monitor more than half of the planet—from Africa to New Zealand, from near the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle.

Built by Lockheed Martin and based on the A2100 satellite bus, each GOES-R satellite will feature an Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) that scans the Earth’s surface five times faster with three times the number of channels and four times the resolution of previous GOES. In addition, GOES-R will feature an Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensor (EXIS) to monitor the Sun’s activity that could impact satellites, high altitude airlines and power grids.

Also GOES-R will carry a Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) transponder, which relays distress signals transmitted by 406 MHz emergency beacons used by planes, ocean-going vessels and people in need of help to the SARSAT Ground Station Network. The GOES-R series will also provide improved full hemispheric coverage and reduced latency.

The onboard Data Collection System (DCS) on GOES satellites collects and relays a variety of environmental data transmissions from remote automatic data collection platforms located at or near the Earth’s surface, which are subsequently retransmitted to NOAA’s regional observing centers. The DCS also relays narrowband WEFAX (Weather Facsimile) data from GOES satellites to small ground-based regional data utilization centers.

GOES-13, which was launched on October 19, carries the ABI instrument that is designed to detect clouds, monitor severe storms and improve hurricane tracking. The ABI imager will scan the Earth’s surface with images as frequent as every 30 seconds, enabling meteorologists to better forecast and communicate severe weather conditions to the public. GOES-13 is the first of the GOES-R series to offer a zoom function that allows users to view and analyze specific regions of interest.

In addition to the ABI and EXIS instruments, GOES-13 will feature a Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Transponder (SARSAT) that transmits distress signals sent by 406 MHz emergency beacons from airplanes, ships and people in need of assistance to the international SARSAT ground system.

The GOES-R program is a collaboration between NOAA and NASA, with NOAA providing the funding, requirements and operations in orbit, and NASA building and launching the spacecrafts. NOAA operates the satellites and distributes the data to the user community, which includes local and national meteorologists, aviation forecasters and the National Weather Service.