The Benefits of Owning a Bicycle

bicycle

A bicycle (sometimes written as bike) is a human-powered, two-wheeled vehicle that uses momentum, force and friction to get riders from Point A to Point B. People ride bikes to work, to school, to visit friends, for fun, and for exercise. The simple-looking machine is a complex mechanical work of art that has undergone centuries of development, optimization, and testing to make it as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Cycling is a great way to increase your physical fitness and enjoy the outdoors, without having to worry about traffic or parking. It also helps you save on bus and fuel costs, and reduces your carbon footprint. It is a great cardiovascular workout that tones and strengthens your leg and thigh muscles, as well as increasing your endurance.

It improves your mental health too, by reducing stress levels and improving your mood. This is because any mild-to-moderate activity releases natural feel-good endorphins, helping to counteract feelings of stress and depression. It is also a great social activity that can help you meet new people and build up your social network. You can cycle with your friends, family, or even take part in cycling races and competitions to further enlarge your circle of friends.

In addition, cycling is a low-impact form of exercise that can be enjoyed by almost anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. In fact, children can start learning to cycle at a very young age, and it is an excellent way to get them into the habit of regular exercise. Moreover, cycling is a very affordable and convenient mode of transport for families, as it can be used to commute between home and work, and also to run errands.

Bicycles can be modified with a variety of accessories to suit the needs of the rider. For example, pegs can be fastened to one or both of the wheel hubs to either help the rider perform certain tricks, or allow a place for an extra rider to stand or rest. Parents often add rear-mounted child seats or auxiliary saddles fitted to the crossbar to transport children. The wheels of the bicycle can also be equipped with a suspension to absorb shock.

The basic design of the modern bicycle has changed little since its invention, but there are many different types and configurations of components available. The most important factor in making a bicycle stable is the interaction between the rider and the bicycle, rather than any single component. The design and configuration of the individual parts have been optimized through a process of trial and error to achieve this, and are the subject of ongoing research and development.

Whether you choose to ride a road bike, a mountain bike, or an electric bicycle, you will find that the principles of stability remain the same. A key part of this interaction is the gyroscopic effect, which can be described as the bicycle’s tendency to stay upright as you pedal. This effect works in conjunction with other parts of the bicycle’s geometry, including the frame design, crank axle and pedals, seat tube angle, chainring configuration, and other factors.

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES)

goes

A board game in which two players place stones (black and white) to mark territory, the earliest records of go date back to Japan in the 14th century. The game has long been an important part of traditional Japanese culture and was introduced to the West in the 19th century, although interest waned until the 1960s, when some Westerners received formal training from East Asian professionals. Since then, the number of active go players has grown rapidly worldwide. The highest rank in go is 9 dan.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) system provides continuous imagery of Earth and real-time data that help NOAA weather forecasters provide accurate and timely warnings about severe storms. NOAA’s GOES fleet is a key component of the nation’s space weather system, providing critical information to electric power networks, satellite and terrestrial communications, the International Space Station astronauts and crew members, high altitude aviators, geophysical explorers, and scientific researchers.

GOES consists of five satellites in a geostationary orbit 22,300 miles above Earth. Each carries an Imager and a Sounder instrument. The Imager detects electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from Earth’s surface and atmosphere, and the Sounder measures vertical atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles.

Both instruments record and transmit telemetry data to a ground station that translates the data into images for display on a map, and the Sounder also records the motion of Earth’s surface and surface water. The GOES-9 satellite, launched in September 2013, has the longest mission to date and will operate for a maximum of ten years.

One of the most useful aspects of GOES imagery is that it can be observed on very short time intervals, such as 10-minute “full disk” images, which allow meteorologists to monitor rapidly developing severe storms and other events, even in observationally limited areas such as over oceans or mountains. These rapid observations are particularly critical in assisting NOAA’s national weather centers and Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers in monitoring aircraft hazards associated with volcanic eruptions.

In addition, GOES-16 and -17 are capable of observing lightning activity over a wide area of the Western Hemisphere on very short time intervals—a capability that significantly enhances the utility of lightning and thunderstorm climatology products (Goodman et al., 2012; Stano et al., 2014). GOES-R will extend this capability to a much wider region over the entire Earth and will also monitor the Sun’s solar environment with its suite of instruments. This will allow a better understanding of how the solar cycle affects the Earth’s weather and climate. The GOES-R instrument suite will include the following:

How Being Nice Can Stifle Creativity and Innovation

nice

People are nice to others because they want to help, be kind and be happy. Being nice is often equated with prosocial behavior, which psychologists define as actions that promote the well-being, safety and feelings of other people. This includes behaviors such as sharing, cooperating and comforting those in distress.

But the problem is that these kinds of actions can also stifle creativity and innovation. For example, I’ve worked with teams where pervasive niceness choked innovation by preventing intellectual honesty and courageous conversations. In this environment, the team members would smile and say all the right things in meetings, but then they’d file off into back-channel conversations or hold kangaroo courts where no one really heard or discussed anything important.

There is nothing wrong with being nice to those who deserve it, but if you’re going to be nice to someone, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Taking advantage of other people’s good intentions is never acceptable, and it’s especially inappropriate when done to children.

Being a good person means you treat everyone with respect and mind their manners, but it’s also important to be a good listener. Listening to other people’s perspectives and concerns is an act of kindness that allows you to connect with them in a meaningful way. It also helps you understand where you may have missed the mark with a past interaction or how to improve in the future.

People who are truly nice are generous with their time and resources. This doesn’t just mean dividing your dessert in half for a younger sibling, but also giving money to charity and making sure you’re always providing more than you take from the world. You can show generosity by donating your old clothes, books or furniture to someone who needs them. You can also give your time by volunteering at a local organization or helping out with a family chore.

When someone does something nice for you, it usually feels good for them, too. But if you ask them to reciprocate your niceness, they will likely be hesitant because they don’t feel the same fulfillment that you do from your act of kindness. This is why it’s so important to not ask for or expect reciprocation of nice behavior, and instead focus on the happiness of the giver.

Lastly, being nice requires empathy and compassion. You can’t be nice if you don’t care about others. Compassion is an emotional instinct that transcends logic. Language and niceness are next-door neighbors in the left brain, but compassion lives in the right brain. It’s a difficult thing to describe in human terms because it’s an instinct, not a set of steps to follow.

To be a good and nice person, remember to be thoughtful of other people’s feelings, always listen carefully to their concerns and speak positively about them when they’re not around. Be gracious and thank people for their efforts, and never gossip behind their backs.

What is the Good?

good

The good (or, in the scholarly sense, the “virtuous” or “righteous”) is a concept of central importance to philosophy, ethics, religion and morality. The good has also been of interest to writers in other disciplines, including the natural sciences, history and literature. The term has also been used as a synonym for “true” or “real”.

In English, the word good is generally taken to mean something desirable or advantageous, and this use is often implicit in the phrase: “a thing of great worth”: “to do good to others.” It can be used to indicate a degree of merit: “He did a good job on the test.” It can also be used to refer to moral qualities: “He was a very good man.”

For many philosophers, ‘good’ has come to mean “what is virtuous, just, or right”, whereas ‘bad’ has come to be associated with what is immoral, unjust or unrighteous. The notion of a “righteous” or “good” action has been given a central place in the theory of ethics, largely since the publication of G. E. Moore’s Principia Ethica in 1903, which ushered in a period of interest in the concept of goodness.

Moreover, the notion of good has been a focus for discussions in other disciplines, such as economics, where it is used to describe the nature and importance of goods. A good is a commodity that is desirable, in the sense that people want to possess it, and this desire gives rise to prices that can be charged for its production. The fact that a good can be consumed at any time by anyone who wants to do so makes it difficult to control, which is one of the reasons for charging prices for goods: it helps to keep people from consuming more than they should.

A good may be a public good, in the sense that it is a service that benefits the community as a whole. It can be contrasted with a private good, which is a commodity that benefits an individual (such as a drug or a vacation).

When writing an article about the topic of good, it is important to consider your audience. It is important to avoid jargon or confusing language that could confuse or alienate your readers. It is also a good idea to use idioms, colloquialisms and analogies that your audience will recognize from their daily conversations. This adds a personal touch and will make your article more engaging. It will also help to avoid excessive or unnecessary references that could bog down the article. This will make your article more readable and will encourage your reader to continue reading. Also, remember to write an outline of your article before beginning the actual writing. This will give you a clear breakdown of the details that your article will cover. This will help you to stay organized and on task throughout the writing process. This is especially important if you are writing an argumentative or persuasive article.

What is a Bicycle?

bicycle

The bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle used for transportation, exercise and recreation. Over a billion people use bicycles worldwide. They are an efficient means of transport, with the ability to carry a load. They are also environmentally friendly, producing less pollution than cars. Cycling is a low impact activity, and provides a good muscle workout. It is easy to get into, and can be done by most people of all ages.

In cities around the world, bicycles are the dominant mode of transport. They outsell automobiles three to one. Cycling reduces traffic congestion, and can be a fun way to spend time outdoors. It is also a great form of exercise, and it can burn anywhere from 400 to 1000 calories per hour. Cycling helps to strengthen the legs, back, abdominal and core muscles. It can also help to improve balance and coordination.

Some common bicycle-related injuries include compression of the nerves in the wrists from gripping the handlebars, pain in the neck, shoulders and back from overuse; hip pain caused by sliding of the soft tissue of the hip over the underlying bone from repetitive motions; soreness or bruising in the area of the genitals from friction against the bicycle saddle; and head injury from contact with motor vehicles and other obstacles.

Bicycle-related deaths and injuries are a major concern. Most of these involve collisions with motor vehicles, but other causes include falls and crashes involving other bikes, pedestrians and stationary objects such as trees and signs. A helmet is recommended for all cyclists. It is essential to maintain a safe speed and distance from other road users, and to keep an eye out for potholes, gravel and ruts.

A bicycle can be purchased from a specialty bike shop or from some department stores. Basic models may come with platform pedals, but most higher-end models are sold without pedals, assuming that the buyer will already have his or her preferred pedal system. Many bicycles also have rack mounts to allow attachment of luggage or baskets.

In some countries, laws require bicycles to have a rear-view mirror and reflectors, and to be fitted with front and rear lights for safety. Some states also require that bicycles be licensed and insured.

Cycling is a great way to get exercise while having fun and saving money. It can also be a great alternative to driving a car, especially in urban areas where parking is difficult and expensive. It can be a convenient way to get to work, school and other places. It is also an excellent choice for commuting long distances, as it can be faster than traveling by bus or train. It can also be a good way to travel with children. A family that commutes by bicycle can reduce their carbon footprint by 67%, according to a European study. Commuting by bike also can be a cheap way to travel to sports events and other leisure activities. It can even be a way to get groceries in some cities.

GOES Satellites Monitor Severe Weather

goes

The verb go can mean to move or proceed from one place to another—whether it’s physically hopping onto a bus or flying to India. It can also refer to a plan or idea, as in the example of “go ahead and make the call.” When strawberries and apples go together, they don’t argue; they just go! But there are many other meanings of the word, such as the phrase “go with the flow.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) uses a constellation of geostationary equatorial satellites—known as the GOES system—to monitor severe weather and natural hazards. These satellites are parked in geosynchronous orbit 35,790 miles above the Earth, where they stay fixed relative to the Earth’s rotation.

NOAA’s GOES satellites are equipped with sensors that capture the electromagnetic spectrum from both visible and infrared radiation. They can detect reflected sunlight off the surface of the ocean and atmosphere, track cloud movement, and provide images of the entire United States or a particular hemisphere every 30 seconds. GOES data can help forecasters predict the progression of dangerous weather events such as severe thunderstorms, hurricanes and wildfires.

GOES satellites have been a vital part of NOAA’s weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities since the launch of SMS-1 in 1974. NOAA oversees the operation of GOES, while the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) manages the design and procurement of the satellites and their payload instruments.

A GOES satellite has two primary instrument sets, an imager and a sounder. The imager provides continuous visual and infrared imagery, while the sounder measures the vertical structure of the atmosphere with sensors for its temperature and moisture content.

All GOES satellites are designated with a letter prior to launch, and once they achieve their orbit they are assigned a number. The current GOES satellites are GOES-13, operating as GOES-East at 75 degrees west longitude and GOES-15, operating as GOES-West at 135 degrees west longitude. The upcoming GOES-R series will maintain this two-satellite system.

Throughout the years, as new technology became available, GOES satellites were modified to incorporate these advancements. For instance, the GOES-9 and -10 satellites introduced an advanced imager and sounder. The VISSR on the GOES-9 and -10 satellites offered three times more spectral channels than the previous imagers, with much higher resolution and scanning rates.

The GOES-16 and -17 satellites launched in 2021 feature an advanced Enhanced Visible Imager (EVI) that has a number of innovative features, including a more robust thermal infrared capability, as well as an improved Atmospheric Sounder (ASU). The Enhanced Visible Imager can detect even the smallest clouds, and the Atmospheric Sounder can provide more information about the atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles at all altitudes. These advances will allow meteorologists to monitor a wide range of critical weather phenomena with greater accuracy.

Is Being Nice Always Good?

nice

People often use the word nice to compliment others. It’s a pretty universal concept that most everyone agrees on: nice means polite and kind-hearted. But, it’s important to recognize that being nice is more than just a veneer of politeness. In order to be nice, you have to be sincere and authentic. A true nice person demonstrates thoughtfulness, empathy, and fairness in all situations. They also take the time to treat themselves with respect. But, is being a nice person always good?

The definition of nice varies depending on context and culture. For example, in one country, being nice may imply a certain way of behaving or dressing. However, in another, it might simply mean being respectful and empathetic. It’s not surprising, then, that the meaning of nice can become confusing. On this week’s episode of That’s What They Say, hosts Rina Miller and Anne Curzan explore the varying definitions of nice.

In this episode, we discover the difference between being a nice person and a good person. While both have positive traits, being a good person goes much further than being nice. A good person has impregnable boundaries and a solid sense of self-worth, while nice people often let their guard down with those around them. This makes it easier for toxic people to manipulate them and cause damage.

Being a good person means having morals and values. A good person is honest with themselves and others, but they are tactful when delivering difficult news. They also believe in treating others fairly and have a strong desire to help those in need. A good person is not a pushover and they don’t believe that they are better than everyone else. They are humble and understand their strengths and weaknesses and know that it’s important to share the spotlight.

A good person is fair and just, even when it’s hard. They are able to stand up for themselves and their beliefs, and they never try to make someone feel bad by telling them the truth. They are a good listener and remember what people tell them so that they can respond to their needs.

A nice person shows respect for their friends and family by listening to them. They also show appreciation for the things they do for them, such as a birthday or a graduation. They are respectful of other cultures and customs and learn about them to better understand the world around them.

A nice person knows when they have done something wrong and works to fix it. They are also able to admit when they’re hurt and express their feelings. They are honest with themselves and their loved ones, and they are willing to face the consequences of their actions. A nice person isn’t perfect, but they work to make themselves the best version of themselves. They are a good role model and a great friend. They are reliable and always want the best for others.

How to Write an Article on the Good

good

In general, the term good denotes anything that is desirable, virtuous or satisfying. Philosophers have refined this notion in different ways. For example, they might talk of the good in terms of the Absolute Perfection that Plato suggests; or they might discuss it as the end of both speculative and practical knowledge, or even the ultimate source of all things. They may also use the word in a moral sense and refer to man’s rational choice as his good.

In the Aristotelian sense, the good is that toward which human actions are directed. Aristotle notes a hierarchy of ends, with the lower ones being desired as means to the ultimate good; and he sees in this an analogy with the natural order in nature whereby a higher good is realized through the development of lower good-ends.

For Sartre and other existentialists, the good is something that exists beyond the realm of consciousness, and thus it cannot be identified in terms of an object or a concept. Rather, it is a phenomenon that is inherently absurd, or in other words, it is a negative.

Man’s ontological good consists of his corporeal-spiritual being with its existent perfections and activities, but this is impermanent and does not represent the ultimate state of human welfare. A person’s moral good, on the other hand, is his free choice of an action that will advance him toward an ultimate good. This is a creative act that is possible only if he is able to employ the intellectual and moral virtues necessary to make it happen.

When writing an article on the subject of good, it is important to thoroughly research your topic. Using reputable sources will help establish your credibility as an author and build reader trust. Moreover, writing in a clear and concise way will help readers understand the information you present. Avoid specialized language or phrases that may be difficult to understand for non-experts. Instead, consider using idioms, colloquialisms or analogies that your audience will recognize and be more likely to connect with.

When it comes to long-form articles, it is a good idea to break up the content into smaller paragraphs with subheadings to keep the article easy to read and follow. It is also helpful to include visual elements such as charts, graphs and diagrams which can help readers better understand the information you’re presenting. This will help you engage your audience and keep them reading until the end of your article. Lastly, make sure your article is free from spelling and grammar errors. These mistakes will distract your reader and could detract from the overall quality of the piece. In addition, it’s important to double-check the facts you’ve presented to ensure they are accurate. This will help prevent any misinformation from being published on your website or blog, which could damage your reputation.

The Basics of a Bicycle

bicycle

A bicycle, also called a bike or a pedal cycle, is a human-powered, two-wheeled, self-propelled vehicle with a frame and one or more axles. It is designed for riding on paved paths, dirt trails or unpaved surfaces such as gravel. A person using a bicycle is called a cyclist or a bicyclist. Bicycles have become one of the most important means of transportation in many parts of the world, as they are cheap, easy to maintain and environmentally friendly. They are used by individuals for recreation, transportation, commuting and as a means of freight transport.

The bicycle is the most efficient human-powered means of transportation in terms of the amount of energy a rider needs to expend for a given distance. This is due to the fact that up to 99% of the energy applied to the pedals is transferred to the wheels, making bicycles much more effective than walking or running. The bicycle has had a profound effect on human society, changing lifestyles and culture. It has allowed people to work and shop in cities without having to depend on horses or trains, and to travel for leisure at speeds three to four times greater than walking. It has also reduced crowding in inner-city tenements, and made it possible for people to commute into the countryside from suburbia.

Modern bicycles have a number of accessories, to make the riding experience more comfortable and convenient. These include safety equipment such as helmets, reflectors and lights; technical accessories such as dynamos, racks, cages, bags and water bottles; and apparel such as shoes, gloves and jerseys. Bicycles may also be equipped with special equipment for transporting children, such as child carriers and trailers.

Most bicycles require regular maintenance and periodic replacement of components such as tires, chains and bearings. The most common method of maintenance is cleaning and lubrication. Bicyclists can perform most of this work themselves, or have it done by a professional. Some components, such as the wheel axles and hubs, are more difficult to service.

Bicycles are relatively simple machines when compared to cars, so they have been widely adopted as an affordable mode of transportation in countries with developing economies. They are easy to maintain and can be very reliable when maintained properly. They are also relatively quiet, and have the advantage of not polluting the air. They also help to reduce traffic congestion and provide exercise for the riders. In China, the bicycle is so popular that Deng Xiaoping once described prosperity as having “a Flying Pigeon in every home.”

The GOES-R Series of Satellites Monitor Earth’s Surface and Atmosphere

goes

Go is a strategy game played by two players. Each player places one of 181 black and 180 white stones (called go-ishi) on a square wooden board (goban) checkered by 19 vertical lines and 19 horizontal lines to form 361 intersections. The goal is to conquer territory by completely enclosing the points of intersection with boundary walls of your own stones. Go has a long history, starting in ancient China and then gaining popularity in Japan during the Tokugawa period (1603-1867), where it was adopted as a game for warriors in the samurai class. It continued to flourish in modern Japan and spread worldwide after World War II.

The GOES program began in 1975 with the launch of SMS-1, an experimental satellite that was able to monitor weather conditions from a fixed location in geosynchronous orbit (more than 22,240 miles above Earth). The SMS-1 satellite used three different instruments: a visible light sensor, a solar radiometer and an atmospheric sounder. The solar radiometer measured the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth and the atmosphere, while the visible light sensor captured the Sun’s reflected radiation that appears in images. The atmospheric sounder derived the temperature, pressure and wind speed of the upper atmosphere.

Several improvements were made to the satellite design and instrument capabilities with each subsequent satellite. In 1994, the GOES-I satellite marked a significant leap forward with advances in both the imager and sounder. Its three-axis stabilization allowed the imager and sounder to work at the same time, providing much more timely and accurate information. This was a major improvement over the previous generation of GOES satellites that had to alternate between imaging and sounding.

In addition to delivering improved data, the GOES-R series has expanded its scope to provide forecasters with an enhanced view of severe storms, hurricanes and other environmental hazards across the continental United States and western half of the globe. The series also hosts a suite of instruments that improve detection of space weather hazards such as solar eruptions and changes in the magnetic field that can disrupt power utilities and communication systems, as well as cause damage to orbiting satellites.

The GOES-R series, built by Lockheed Martin, consists of four satellites. The first two, GOES-16 and GOES-17, serve as NOAA’s GOES East and GOES West satellites, respectively. The next satellite, GOES-S, will be a backup to GOES-16, and the final satellite in the GOES-R series, GOES-18, is scheduled to be launched in 2024. GOES-18 will become NOAA’s primary geostationary weather satellite over the Pacific Ocean. Until it enters service, each GOES-R satellite is designated with a letter before its launch and then will be assigned a number once in geostationary orbit. This video features some of the most significant events that GOES-16 and GOES-17 have observed in their respective areas of responsibility since its launch in 2016.