The Basics of a Bicycle

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Bicycles are used in a variety of ways, including transportation, bicycle commuting, and for recreational cycling. They are also widely used by military personnel for reconnaissance, troop movement, and supply of provisions.

The word “bike” is derived from the Latin velocipede, meaning a horse-drawn carriage with pedals. However, historians disagree about the date of bicycle invention. Leonardo da Vinci is often credited with sketching a bicycle in 1492, but it was later discovered to be a forgery.

Regardless of the origin, the bicycle became a popular transportation and recreation device in Europe during the 19th century. It quickly became a symbol of women’s independence, and many women were encouraged to become cyclists to support their cause.

Modern bikes have a standardized design, with an upright seating position and a diamond frame. The bicycle’s front wheel, or crank, is connected directly to the bicycle’s chain and drives a pedal that rotates around the rear wheel, which is connected to a drivetrain via a gear set.

Early bicycles were designed for speed and handling on rough roads, so they were heavy and expensive. They were slowed by reverse pressure on the pedals or by lever-operated spoon brakes; severe braking or back-pedaling could pitch the rider forward.

In the 1880s, the invention of the pneumatic tire sped up bicycle development. These tires, which have little rolling resistance, made bicycles more comfortable and allowed them to handle rougher roads. The pneumatic tire also enabled the development of a front wheel with tension spoking, a feature that greatly increased the bicycle’s speed and stability on poor roads.

Other key features of a modern bicycle include a front fork that connects to the bicycle’s chain and a rear suspension fork that absorbs vibrations from the wheels. Some models have a saddle for the rider’s comfort.

Groupset, a term used to describe the components that make up a bike, includes the bicycle’s frame, fork, stem, and wheels. Some groupsetters may also include pedals, a handlebar, seat, headset, crankset and other parts.

Handlebars come in three basic styles, each with their own characteristic feel and function: Upright, which curve gently back toward the rider; drop, which “drop” as they curve forward; and aerodynamic “crouched,” or flat sections for increasingly upright positions. Upright handles offer a natural grip and an upright riding posture; drop bars “drop” as they curve forward, enabling the rider to hold a braking posture.

Some models of bicycles use a single, fixed gear for pedaling; others have multiple gears and ranges of speeds to match different terrains. The number and type of gears can be altered using a shifter, which allows the cyclist to alter the amount of effort needed for a given distance.

If you are new to bicycling, it’s best to start with a beginner’s model. These generally have lighter frames and lower weights, a narrower range of gears, and wider tires to absorb less bumpy terrain.

Eventually, most people move on to a bike with a better fit and more comfortable ride. Some types of bikes, such as mountain bikes, feature reclined seats that provide a more comfortable sitting position for the rider.

GOES-R – The Next Generation of Geostationary Weather Satellites

GOES is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s geostationary weather satellite system that provides continuous high-resolution, multi-spectral images of Earth’s weather, oceans and environment. This information is used to support the Nation’s weather forecasting, observation and emergency response operations.

Founded in 1977, the GOES series is a revolutionary advance in geostationary weather technology that offers an unprecedented level of resolution and accuracy. It’s a new way to view and monitor weather systems on the Earth’s surface, including severe storms, cyclones, fires and volcanic eruptions that affect our lives every day.

The GOES constellation is made up of eight satellites that orbit at a height of about 520 miles above the Earth’s surface. Each GOES satellite completes about 14 orbits a day, allowing GOES to cover the entire planet in just one day.

Each GOES satellite has an Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) that uses 16 spectral bands to view the Earth. It also has a Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) that measures when and where lightning occurs.

This sensor can detect both sporadic and persistent lightning, which can help forecast tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods. Other instruments on board the GOES-R series are the Magnetometer, Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors, Space Environment In-Situ Suite (SEISS) and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR).

ABI is a key component of the GOES weather satellite system because it provides highly accurate multi-spectral images that allow scientists to make more informed weather predictions. ABI also gives meteorologists the ability to detect clouds that may be forming or deteriorating.

GOES-R is the first GOES satellite to use an enhanced spectral imaging algorithm. This new technology helps increase the sharpness of GOES’s multi-spectral imagery by reducing the time it takes to process the data.

The GOES-R series has also introduced an improved communications system that allows weather officials to receive alerts from the satellite more quickly and accurately than ever before. This new system, called HRIT – High Rate Information Transmission, transmits at a rate of 400Kbps, double the previous 128Kbps service.

HRIT is now available on the GOES-R system, as well as the older GOES-I and GOES-NOP series. The increased bandwidth will enable faster, more detailed information to reach forecasters and other weather experts.

This service can be used by a variety of stakeholders, from the general public to local governments, utilities and commercial organizations. It’s important for the public to have access to timely weather data, particularly during severe weather events.

GOES-R combines the existing LRIT and EMWIN services into a single service. This new service will transmit at a higher bandwidth and is more cost-effective for NOAA to operate.

It also reduces the amount of data transferred to and from NOAA headquarters, allowing NOAA to provide a better service to the public. The higher data rates are a critical tool for NOAA’s efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response.

GOES-R will be an invaluable tool for NOAA and other weather professionals in the coming decades. As the world’s most powerful and sophisticated polar-orbiting satellite, it will have the capability to monitor the most severe storms in the world, helping to improve forecasts for everyone.

The Meaning of “Nice” – What Does It Mean?

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Being nice to people is an important part of being a good person. Practicing the habit of being nice can improve your mood and increase your self-esteem. Moreover, it can help you build stronger relationships with others and make the world a better place.

The Meaning of “Nice”

To be nice is to treat people kindly and without expecting anything in return. This can be done in small ways throughout the day or by volunteering for a cause that benefits others. It can also be done by helping the less fortunate, listening to others and showing compassion.

The Meaning of “Lovely”

A lovely person is someone who has a kind heart, cares about others and makes the people around them feel comfortable. They are genuinely interested in other people’s feelings, listen to them and help them with their problems.

They are able to understand their feelings and give them advice or solutions that they can take action on to help them get out of trouble or solve their problem. They are also a great source of inspiration to those who are around them.

The Meaning of “Humble”

A humble person is someone who accepts her/his strengths and weaknesses. They also admit their mistakes and apologize for them, without making excuses or trying to pass off bad behavior as being someone else’s fault.

The Meaning of “Nice”

Being nice can be hard, especially if you are dealing with a mental health issue or a tough time in your life. Having an illness, depression or anxiety can deplete your energy and make it difficult to be kind to other people.

You might also have to work harder to make yourself feel positive about something that you might have previously been negative about, or to overcome negative emotions. You might even have to be patient and tolerant of other people’s behavior.

The Meaning of “Memorable”

Being memorable is a lot more specific than being nice. A trip to the Grand Canyon, a date that went well or a special afternoon spent with your grandmother might be nice, but it would be more memorable if you remember the details and what happened when you were there.

The Meaning of “Nice”

It is not uncommon for people to use the words “nice” and “kind” interchangeably. This can be misleading, as being kind often requires more than just being nice to others.

A nice person is someone who is humble and honest about their own strengths and weakness. They don’t blow their own trumpet, and they recognize that they are not perfect, but they do strive to be better every day.

The Meaning of “Lovely”

Another way to be nice is to try to make people laugh. Laughing can be an important part of a healthy social life, and it can boost your mood, improve your self-esteem, and increase your chances of success.

Be kind to people by saying “hello” and “good morning,” and avoiding any rude gestures such as putting your hands in your mouth or making a rude face. This will show that you are courteous and polite and that people should respect you for it.

The Good to Great Transition

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Whether you’re writing an article, a blog post, or a feature story for your novel, good writing is crucial to making it stand out among the competition. A well-written piece will capture the attention of your readers and make them eager to learn more.

Achieving good writing requires practice and dedication. That’s why you need to be consistently producing and improving your work. Eventually, you’ll internalize the structure and form of a good article and it’ll be second nature.

The term good refers to something that is morally or perceptively correct in the eyes of others, as well as in your own. It also evokes a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of satisfaction that carries over to others who might be benefited by your actions or statements.

Good is an adverb that is most commonly used as a complement to do or be: He did good on the test. It is also often used as an adjective, after linking verbs such as taste, smell, look, feel, be, and seem: Everything tastes good today; you’re looking good.

In a business context, it’s usually used to refer to the company as a whole, not just its individual leaders or departments. It can be an objective measure of organizational performance that’s easier to use than traditional metrics such as profitability, productivity, and employee engagement.

The Hedgehog Concept

Leaders of good-to-great companies know that their organizations need a simple principle that unifies and organizes their decisions. They can’t have a dozen different ideas that all relate to different aspects of their business, because then every decision becomes more complex than it needs to be. But they can have one idea that’s simple but profound: The Hedgehog Concept.

The Hedgehog Concept helps managers make better decisions. It’s an organizing principle that helps them see where they need to focus their attention. It can also guide them in their thinking as they create a strategy and develop key initiatives that will help achieve that plan.

It’s the same idea that Adam Smith used to predict the future: He saw a flywheel with thousands of tiny pushes. Each small change added up to a big one that made the flywheel move.

Achieving a Good to Great transition takes years of hard work and a lot of patience. As Jim Collins explains in his new book, Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… And Others Don’t, “The jump from good to great is a company-specific event. There must be a clear, specific transition point.”

A good-to-great company must show a pattern of good performance punctuated by a change in its fortunes that marked the moment when it began to perform on a different scale than what had been previously seen. This change isn’t just an uptick in the stock market, though it can be.

Health Benefits of Riding a Bicycle

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A bicycle is an easy-to-use machine that allows people to travel in comfort and safety. Its design and many features make it a popular form of transportation worldwide. It is a great alternative to driving a car and it helps reduce our carbon footprint.

Bicycles are not only fun, but they can help improve your health and well-being. Cycling can be a gentle workout for beginners, and it is great for those who are recovering from injuries or illness. It is also a good way to increase your stamina and strength.

Use the Right Gear When Cycling

Choosing the proper gear can greatly enhance your cycling experience. The gear ratio determines the number of rotations per pedal turn, and is a major factor in whether you can maintain your speed while cycling over varying terrain. A lower gear provides fewer rotations and reduces fatigue. A higher gear gives more rotations and enables you to ride faster, especially when you are riding uphill or carrying a heavy load.

Stay Alert at All Times

You must always keep your eyes and ears open while you ride. You will need to watch for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, and any other potential hazards that may interfere with your safety. You should also look for traffic when turning left or right, and signal before you make any moves to the side of the road.

Listen to Your Body When Cycling

If you are recovering from a physical injury or illness, it is best to avoid high-intensity exercise. This can cause pain and fatigue, so it is important to listen to your body and to give yourself rest.

It is also important to remember that cycling can be a great exercise option for cancer patients. It is a low-impact, low-impact and low-risk form of exercise that can help you feel better, boost your mood and increase energy levels. It is a fantastic addition to your care plan and it can even help to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

Riding a bicycle is an excellent form of aerobic activity and it can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. This can help reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Besides improving your overall health, cycling can also help you lose weight and build lean muscle mass. Studies show that cycling can increase your HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Be Consistent When Cycling

It is vital to keep up your regular bike schedule when you are trying to get fit. This can help you maintain your endurance and keep you motivated. If you’re new to fitness or recovering from an injury, start with a very low-intensity cycle routine and gradually increase the intensity and length of your rides as your body recovers.

Use Your Hands When Cycling

Bicycles are a very useful and practical means of transportation, but they can be dangerous. When riding on the street, follow traffic laws, and use your hands to steer. Never use your head to control your bicycle.

GOES Satellites – Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites

GOES is a constellation of weather satellites that provide images and monitoring of atmospheric, oceanic, climatic and space weather data to support NOAA’s mission to protect life and property. GOES data is used by the National Weather Service, commercial weather services, universities, the Department of Defense and the global research community.

The GOES system consists of five operational satellites: GOES-1, GOES-2, GOES-3, GOES-4 and GOES-8. The GOES-4 satellite was the first in the GOES series to carry the Visible Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer (VISSR) Atmospheric Sounder, which enabled scientists to see into the clouds and measure their temperatures and moisture content.

In 1975, the GOES-1 satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It was followed by GOES-2 in 1977, GOES-3 in 1978, and GOES-4 in 1980. Each GOES satellite was a spin stabilized geosynchronous satellite that carried an imager and a sounder instrument.

Each GOES satellite also had a special position that provided specialized coverage for the South America region. This position was called GOES-South and was usually assigned to older satellites that were replaced by newer ones. The GOES-South position was vacated when the last North American satellite – GOES-12 – was decommissioned on 1 December 2009.

GOES-16 and GOES-17 are the most advanced GOES satellites, providing a number of new features to better serve forecasters and researchers. These include improved imagery, enhanced detection of lightning, real-time tracking of the sun and increased capacity for solar X-ray imaging.

These satellites are in a unique orbit that allows them to stay above a fixed spot on the Earth’s surface for constant vigilance of atmospheric “triggers” that can cause severe storms such as tornadoes, flash floods and hail. This helps meteorologists to identify and track these atmospheric disturbances, so they can issue alerts and warnings before the weather turns bad.

In addition, GOES satellites help to improve storm intensity and hurricane tracking by gathering more precise information about the atmosphere, such as temperature measurements and winds. These measurements enable the forecasters to make more accurate short-term weather predictions and forecasts for severe weather events.

They also collect snowfall accumulations and melt estimates, so they can track the impact of winter storms and issue warnings. These satellites can also detect ice fields and map the movement of sea ice.

GOES satellites are equipped with a magnetometer, which provides measurements of the Earth’s magnetic field and is critical to space weather monitoring and forecasting. This magnetic information is used to forecast weather systems that could affect the transportation industry and electric power networks, as well as support the missions of high-altitude aviators, space station astronauts, and other science and exploration missions.

The GOES-16 and GOES-17 satellites were launched on November 21, 2016 on an Atlas V 541 expendable launch vehicle (ELV). They have been placed in a geosynchronous orbit 22,236 miles above the Earth. They are operated from the Wallops Command Data Acquisition Center in Virginia and from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

7 True Qualities of a Nice Person

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When you think about nice, you might imagine a kind person in a white dress holding open the door for you at a coffee shop or someone who gives you a free swig of water from their bottle on a hot day. However, the true definition of nice involves much more than that.

1. It is about putting yourself out for others and going the extra mile when necessary.

If someone is having a hard time, a nice person will be there to help. They will not hesitate to do anything they can to assist another person, even if it means they have to put themselves in danger.

2. They will go to any lengths to ensure that others are comfortable and happy, regardless of what that might mean for them personally.

A great example of this is when a nice person goes out of their way to make sure that a loved one gets the best care possible. This might involve providing them with food and drinks to help them feel better, or even making sure that they are taken care of when they are in an emergency situation.

3. They will stand up for what they believe in and what they think is right.

Being a good person is all about having strong values and sticking to them. It is important to respect the needs of others, but it is also vital that we not compromise our own morals or beliefs for the sake of pleasing other people.

4. They will admit to mistakes and take responsibility for them.

Everyone makes mistakes, but a nice person will always be willing to take responsibility for their actions. Often this is the most difficult thing to do, but it will allow them to correct their mistakes and move forward.

5. They will show genuine interest in other people and their beliefs, customs and interests.

It can be easy to judge or joke about someone else’s beliefs and customs, but a nice person will not do that. They will ask thoughtful questions and listen to the answers.

6. They will be genuinely interested in you and your experiences.

It is important to pay attention to the other people around you, because they will be able to tell you a lot about their lives and how they see things. This will allow you to build deeper and more meaningful relationships with them, which can help you become a better person in the long run.

7. They will be patient and kind to you.

Being patient and kind is a wonderful trait to have, as it helps you become more confident in yourself. It is especially helpful when dealing with others who might have trouble keeping up with you.

If you want to be a nicer person, you must start by being kind to yourself first. It is only then that you will be able to make the world a better place for those around you.

What Is Good?

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Good is the word we use for something that’s pleasant or beneficial. It’s a word that’s often associated with positive feelings, but it can also be a word that describes things that are bad. It’s one of those words that’s often used in an abstract sense, so it’s not always easy to understand what it means.

The term is often used to describe an item of merchandise, but it can also be applied to a person or an idea. It can refer to a person’s moral character or the quality of their work.

In the ancient world, philosophers distinguished different types of good. Perfective good was that which made a man more of a man; delectable good was that which gave pleasure; and useful good was that which had an objective purpose, such as helping others or serving the community.

Epicureans saw good as relative bodily pleasure; Stoics identified it and virtue with passionless nature lived rationally; utilitarians judged an act as good by its utility to serve the greatest number of people or animals, or by its benevolence toward other creatures.

On the other hand, for Plato and Aristotle the good was what a man judged to be in accord with his reason. He had to know his relation to himself, to lower beings, to his fellow men, and to God. Then, he could decide what he should do to move forward to the final end of his life.

For him, this end was an ideal happiness. It was a state of complete satisfaction in which the exercise of all his characteristically human faculties brought him delight.

St. Augustine synthesizes this Plotinian view of the good with Christian Revelation. The objective good, which he calls the Supreme Good (see good, the supreme), is not to be seen as an apex of perfection that would encompass all other objects; but rather as a divine gift to men, a gift to be fulfilled only through their knowledge of God.

This idea of the good is criticized by Kant in his Critique of Pure Reason, for he saw it as a synthesis of appearances. The existentialism of Sartre, for example, is in line with this trend.

Despite the differences between these two views, there is still a great deal of common ground. A good-to-great CEO, for example, starts by confronting the brutal facts of their company’s performance and asking why they haven’t changed. This is the first step in a disciplined process of transformation.

In a good-to-great organization, the good is often viewed as an immutable law that governs all the decisions made by those who lead the business. That’s why so many executives have a Hedgehog Concept: a set of guiding principles that they believe will take the business to the next level.

How to Choose a Bicycle

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Bicycles are a popular form of transport and recreational activity. They are also a useful tool for reducing your carbon footprint.

How to Choose a Bike

A bicycle is an incredibly effective way to get around town or on the road. It uses a lot less energy than a car, and it takes less time to travel the same distance. In fact, you can save money by commuting to work by bike rather than driving or taking public transportation.

You can ride a bike anywhere you go in the world, and it’s a fun way to get exercise as well. Riding a bike also helps you burn calories and build muscle while improving your cardiovascular health.

There are many different types of bikes on the market, each designed to meet a particular need. Here are a few of the most common types:

Touring bikes

If you want to carry your gear over long distances, a touring bike is a great choice. They’re lightweight and feature attachment points to attach racks, fenders, water bottles, pumps, lights, and more. They’re also easy to control if you have a heavy load and come in both upright and recumbent styles.

Performance bikes

If you’re looking to ride fast on the streets and in organized races, a performance bike is a good choice. They’re lightweight and feature aerodynamic designs to improve your speed and help you climb hills faster.

Hybrids

If your bike riding tends to take you through a mixture of paved and unpaved trails, a hybrid is a great choice. These bikes feature a more upright riding position and usually come equipped with large-diameter road wheels for speed, paired with wider tires for off-road traction.

Pedal-assist bikes

If you like to get on the pedals but don’t have the physical strength, a bicycle with an electric motor can be a great choice. You can find these small electric motors on a variety of bikes, from commuter to cargo to sport models.

Cycling is a gentle, low impact workout that can help you lose weight and build muscles. It’s also an excellent way to keep your balance, which is often lost as we age.

Adaptive biking

If you have a lower-body injury or condition that prevents you from riding an upright bicycle, a recumbent bicycle is a great option. They’re comfortable, and they can be pedaled with a hand-cranked drivetrain or with an electric motor-assist system.

The key is to choose a model that fits you best, and you should always make sure that the bike has proper fitting. Having the wrong fit can increase your risk of injuries and reduce the benefits that you get from bike riding.

It is also important to follow the safety rules of the road while you’re on a bike. You should ride with caution at intersections, and be careful on roads that have poor visibility (i.e., trees, potholes, and other obstructions). You should also ride with reflective clothing so that other people can see you as you pass them.

How GOES Satellites Monitor the Earth’s Atmosphere

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GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) are weather-observing satellites that operate in geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of about 525 miles. Since their launch in 1974, they have been a vital component of the United States’ weather monitoring and forecasting efforts.

Among the many ways in which the Earth’s atmosphere is monitored by GOES are radiometers, instruments that can detect and measure radiation from various atmospheric conditions. These include solar ultraviolet radiation, thermal infrared light from water vapor and cloud tops, and visible light reflected from the surface of the Earth.

Radiation that reaches Earth’s surface is primarily in the form of infrared light. Some of it reflects from the snow, ice, and ground, while some is absorbed by these surfaces. GOES satellites use these reflected light images to help meteorologists identify cloud types, track clouds and provide early warning of severe weather.

Infrared wavelengths can penetrate deep into the atmosphere, where they are emitted by water vapor and clouds. GOES radiometers can detect this radiation and measure its intensity to provide weather data that can be used in a variety of ways.

One of the most common uses for GOES-R imagery is to estimate the thickness of clouds. This can help predict the speed and direction of storms, and to forecast tornadoes, hailstorms, and flash floods.

Another important function of GOES imagery is to monitor the temperature of the air above the Earth’s surface. Temperatures vary widely over the Earth’s surface, and GOES-R has four different bands to measure this information. These include a red band, a blue band, and two bands that are known as “veggie” channels.

GOES imagery is available at a number of resolutions, from a few centimeters to several kilometers. The image quality varies with the type of camera on the satellite, and with the level of detail of the underlying observations.

Some GOES satellites have more than one radiometer, so their resulting images are more accurate and useful. For example, a satellite with a 5-channel Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) can capture more infrared wavelengths than a satellite with a 4-channel radiometer.

There are also a few GOES satellites that are equipped with additional sensors, including the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM). GLM is able to measure when lightning strikes the ground or when lightning develops in the clouds, and it can help forecast storm severity and tornadoes.

VISIBLE LIGHTimagery

Visible light imagery is available only during daylight hours and is an essential part of a GOES satellite’s weather-monitoring mission. This is because sunlight reflected off the tops of clouds and from the Earth’s surface is the same radiation needed to take regular photographs.

It is also important to note that GOES is an instrument-dependent system, meaning that the performance of each GOES satellite is dependent on the performance of the sensors that are installed on it. The GOES-R satellite, for instance, carries the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) to enable multispectral imaging.

GOES satellites are the world’s most successful and widely used Earth-monitoring weather-observing systems, with over 100 operational satellites in orbit at any given time. Their continuous weather imagery and their ability to keep a watch on the weather over the North American continent have helped GOES become a vital and effective tool for monitoring the environment and helping to improve weather forecasting.