A bicycle, or bike, is a two-wheeled human powered land vehicle. It consists of a seat, two pedals, a frame with wheels, and a metal chain connecting the pedals to cogs on the wheels. Bicycles are used by millions of people worldwide for various purposes including recreation, exercise, commuting, deliveries, or racing. The term “bicycle” derives from the Latin words bi- (“two”) and cylindrus (wheel).

The modern bicycle was invented in the late 19th century. Prior to that, people used a variety of wheeled vehicles for transport. These included the dandy horse, hobby horse, boneshaker, velocipede, and penny-farthing.

Some bikes are designed for specific purposes. For example, a mountain bike has a rugged frame, suspension, and brakes that can be used for off-road riding. Other types of bicycles are designed for speed or distance. A road or race bike is built to be light and fast, often with aerodynamic features like dropped handlebars and disc brakes. A touring bike is designed to carry a lot of gear over long distances, with sturdy frames and attachment points for racks and panniers.

Most bikes are constructed with steel or aluminum, but other materials, such as titanium and carbon fiber, have also been used for construction. Steel is the most common material for bicycles because it is relatively inexpensive, durable, and versatile. The choice of material for a particular component depends on its use, performance requirements, and manufacturing costs.

The bicycle was originally pushed along by the rider, but later the cranks were added to allow the rider to propel the bike with their feet. Then in the late 1800s, inventors developed a freewheel that allowed the bike to continue spinning even if the rider wasn’t pushing on the pedals. This allowed for more efficient riding, and soon other inventions like better hand brakes and different types of gears made cycling much easier.

Nowadays, there are a wide variety of bicycles available on the market. Some are designed to be lightweight, some are more comfortable, and some are designed for specific types of terrain. Some bicycles are even fitted with a cargo trailer to transport goods or passengers.

In recent years, electric bicycles have gained popularity as a green transportation alternative. These have an electric motor that assists the rider when they are not pedaling, which can make it easier to climb hills or go faster on flat roads.

Many people who ride a bicycle regularly describe the experience as being similar to that of dating a person. You get to know a bike over time, and it takes some time before you really understand what it can do for you. For most people, a good bike can change their life for the better. Bicycling, or biking, is a lifestyle that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. It can be a fun and healthy way to spend time with friends, commute to work, or even get to the grocery store.

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) provide continuous satellite observations that are a critical element of National Weather Service (NWS) forecasting and storm warning operations. The series of geostationary satellites, which track the Earth in a circular orbit about 35,790 kilometers (22,240 miles) above the surface of the Earth, monitor the atmospheric conditions that affect weather and space weather. They also provide valuable data on Earth’s climate and atmosphere, as well as aid in search-and-rescue efforts. The GOES series of geostationary weather satellites has been an integral part of the NWS mission since 1974. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is responsible for the design and procurement of the spacecraft, as well as the satellites’ onboard instruments. NOAA provides funding and requirements, and owns the resulting system in orbit.

The GOES-R series of satellites, launched in 2015 and beyond, feature state-of-the-art imaging instruments that provide high spectral, spatial and temporal resolution as well as enhanced radiometrics. They feature an Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) with three times the spectral channels, four times the resolution and five times the scanning speed of previous GOES imagers. GOES-R’s other instruments include the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensor (EXIS) and Space Environmental In Situ Suite (SEISS).

In addition to enhancing operational services, the GOES satellites enhance research on the atmospheric and oceanic environments. They are used to improve atmospheric and space weather models, and their data products allow scientists to better understand long-term climate trends.

GOES also contributes to improved public safety by monitoring for dangerous atmospheric phenomena. For example, the GOES-12 and -13 satellites are equipped with a system that detects signals from 406 MHz emergency beacons carried on planes, ships or individuals, and relays them to search-and-rescue crews.

Each GOES satellite has a unique name that is based on its position in orbit: GOES-E gives a view of the Eastern half of North America, and GOES-W offers a picture of the Western side of the continent. The satellites are designated by a letter before launch, and after they reach orbit they are given a number. Images from GOES can be viewed through NOAA’s NESDIS and NASA’s GEOS website.

The GOES satellites are controlled by NOAA’s Satellite Operations Control Center in Suitland, Maryland. During significant events, the satellites can be commanded to change their normal schedules to better monitor conditions.

The onboard Data Collection Platform (DCS) allows GOES satellites to receive narrow-band wefax data transmissions from remote automatic weather stations that are located near the Earth’s surface. The DCS is then able to relay the information via its auxiliary antenna to existing small, regional wefax receiving stations that are in radio view of the GOES satellites.

Nice is a word with many meanings, and it has a long semantic history. It has been used to describe people who are friendly or ingratiating, as well as to describe things that are pleasant or agreeable. It has also been used to refer to a person’s character, and it can be an adjective that describes someone who is good-natured, considerate, and respectful of others.

People who are described as nice often evoke positive feelings in the people around them. They are warm and try to build group solidarity, and they put the needs of others before their own. This type of behavior can make them seem trustworthy. In fact, research shows that a person’s level of agreeableness correlates with their trustworthiness. However, not all agreeableness is created equal. Some types of agreeableness, such as extraversion, can actually be detrimental to a person’s ability to be trusted.

It’s important to understand the difference between being nice and being kind. Being nice means going out of your way to help or please others, while being kind requires a higher degree of benevolence. For example, if you hold the door for someone because you think it will make them feel good, this is being nice, but not necessarily kind. If, on the other hand, you are trying to spare them from inconvenience, this is considered kindness because it’s based on a desire to help them.

Another important thing to know about being nice is that it isn’t always easy. Life can throw us all kinds of curveballs, and being nice isn’t always possible when you are feeling down or overwhelmed. A genuinely nice person will persevere through the hard times and continue to act with kindness even when they aren’t feeling their best.

Being nice is a choice that each of us makes every day. It’s an intentional effort to make other people feel good and contribute to the world in a positive way. It’s a way of life that can bring great rewards, both personally and professionally. Nice people tend to have a greater pool of genuine friends because they are a pleasure to be around and they inspire others to be kind.

Whether they’re a stranger or a loved one, nice people are a joy to be around. They are warm, thoughtful and always ready to lend a helping hand. And they know that a little bit of kindness goes a long way.

What’s more, being nice can be extremely beneficial to your own mental health. According to a recent study, people who perform more acts of kindness reported being happier and less stressed than those who don’t. And it doesn’t matter if the kindness is directed toward friends, strangers or even yourself — the effects are the same.