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.

The Importance of Being Nice

nice

Nice is a word with many positive connotations, from “having a refined taste” to being agreeable and respectful. It is often associated with the trait of kindness, which is why people who are considered to be nice tend to have a lot of friends and be well-liked by others. Nice people are generally happy and go out of their way to make other people feel good. However, despite their best intentions, nice people can also be hurt by other people’s bad behavior.

Psychologists divide personality traits into five broad dimensions. One of these dimensions is called agreeableness, which includes characteristics like kindness and empathy. People who are considered to be nice are usually very agreeable, which is why they treat other people with kindness and respect.

Whether they are a parent, friend or colleague, nice people often go out of their way to help others and treat everyone with equality. They are able to put themselves in other people’s shoes and have compassion for them. They are supportive of other people’s goals and dreams, regardless of their own values or beliefs.

A nice person can be very loyal to their friends and family. They are a great support system for those around them and will stand up for their rights if they feel that something is unfair. Nice people are also very reliable, which makes them a trustworthy friend.

Being nice can be beneficial in the long run, but it is important to be able to set boundaries for yourself. Being too nice can have negative consequences, such as being taken advantage of by other people or not being able to stand up for yourself. It is important to learn how to recognize when you are being too nice, so that you can take a step back and start to improve your own self-esteem.

In a society where we are constantly told to be better, it is easy to become a doormat. A nice person will always try to be helpful, but they should not allow themselves to be a doormat. They will know when they are being taken advantage of and will try to stop it. They will not let other people walk all over them and they will be able to set their own boundaries for themselves.

Taking the time to be nice can have a huge impact on other people’s lives. It is important to remember that everyone deserves respect, no matter what their background is. Hopefully, the next time you meet someone new, you will be able to practice some of these tips on how to be nice. If you do, then the world will be a happier place. Good luck! –Daniel M.

The Good in Philosophy

good

The good is any object that fills a need or desire and thus affords satisfaction. Philosophers refine and expand this notion of the good throughout the history of philosophy. They consider a variety of metaphysical and psychological aspects of the good. They often base their discussion on moral phenomena that they experience or perceive in the world around them. They also examine the relationship of the good to human action, and they discuss how it is related to the concepts of pleasure, happiness, morality, and God.

In everyday speech the word good is commonly used as an adverb, especially after forms of do: He did good on the test; She sees good with her new glasses. This usage is different from the meaning of good in philosophical writing. A good article meets a core set of editorial standards and passes the good article nomination process, as described below.

A good article is written in clear language and organized logically. It also contains information that is broad in coverage, neutral in tone and point of view, current, and illustrated, where appropriate, by relevant images with suitable copyright licenses. It also meets a number of other criteria, including that it does not omit any major aspect of its subject.

It is important to do thorough research before writing an article. This includes gathering factual information about your topic as well as reading scholarly and peer-reviewed articles on the same topic. It is also a good idea to take notes while researching so that you have plenty of material to draw on when writing your article. Taking detailed notes helps you remember the most important facts and makes it easier to cite them in your work.

For Plato the good is a perfectibility of the human soul that makes it possible for man to realize his highest end, which is his divine nature as a spiritual being. It is the end toward which all human actions are directed; and it is the object of man’s love and striving.

Moral Evil

In contrast to the ontological good of moral action, there is the moral evil of human choice, which consists in the absence of what ought to be present, namely, the good of the human soul’s perfection. Such evil exists only in the choices made by men, and it is the contrary of what man ought to do as an agent with a rational will.

St. Thomas Aquinas develops the concept of the good by synthesizing the teaching of Aristotle, pseudo-dionysius, and St. Augustine. He argues that the ontological good of man’s freedom is not merely a matter of being, but a kind of synthesis or order that is essentially the same as his soul. He distinguishes the good of moral action from the good of human nature, and he shows that the conscientious judgments that are the good of man are based on complex judgments that must be rooted in personal knowledge.

The Basics of a Bicycle

A bicycle, or bike, is a pedal-powered two-wheeled steerable vehicle. Bikes have been used for both transportation and recreation since the 19th century, and more than a billion of them are now in use around the world—more than twice as many as automobiles. The sport of cycling, or biking, has become popular worldwide as a means of exercise and transportation, and it is also a very efficient form of transport for long distances.

The word “bicycle” derives from the Latin words for two (bi-) and circle (kulos), so the phrase literally means “two-wheeled horse.” In addition to its primary uses, a bicycle is widely used as a recreational tool and for racing. The sport of competitive biking, or road racing, has produced some of the world’s most famous athletes, including Eddy Merckx, who won the Tour de France five times.

A modern bicycle is a complex machine, but the basic design has changed little since the first chain-driven model was developed in 1885. It consists of two wheels of the same size attached to a frame that is supported by a rotatable fork. The rider sits on a saddle and steers by leaning and turning the handlebars, which are connected to the fork via a tangent linkage. The feet power the bicycle by pedaling, which drives a chain that connects the pedals to a sprocket on the rear wheel.

Modern bicycles can be fitted with gears, which allow the rider to climb hills easily or race at nearly the same speed as a car. A typical bicycle has a front chain wheel with 44 teeth and a rear gear with 11 teeth. At a pedaling rate of 60 rpm, the chain moves 326 inches with each stroke, and the top speed for a bicycle with 26-inch wheels is about 37 mph.

Cycling provides a great source of exercise for people of all ages and abilities. It helps to strengthen muscles and bones, improves balance and coordination, burns calories and reduces stress. It also can help prevent osteoporosis, because it is not a weight-bearing activity, and it may even relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

There are some risks to cycling, especially for those who ride aggressively or who have a history of injury or illness. These include injuries to the wrist, which are caused by the pressure of the handgrips on the handlebars; muscle cramps in the legs, arms and back, which can occur from riding for prolonged periods of time or as a result of improper training techniques; sores on the buttocks, which are often caused by pressure on the saddle; and hip pain, which can occur because of repetitive motion of the soft tissues against the underlying bone.

Other risks are more serious, such as collisions with motor vehicles or falls while riding on unpaved trails. For this reason, it is important for all cyclists to wear a helmet when riding, obey traffic laws and be vigilant when sharing the road with other vehicles.

New Generation of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES)

For decades, the geostationary operational environmental satellites (GOES) have delivered critical information for weather forecasting and other mission areas. Now, the Lockheed Martin-built GOES-R series offers orders of magnitude greater spatial and temporal resolution than the legacy GOES spacecraft. In April, GOES-16 and GOES-17 Advanced Baseline Imagers began operating in a new 10-minute “flex mode,” providing full-disk imagery every 10 minutes instead of 15 or 30 seconds. The faster temporal cadence will allow GOES to monitor conditions that might pose hazards to aviation, such as volcanic ash plumes and rapidly moving clouds.

Geostationary orbit allows GOES to keep a constant watch over the same area of Earth, allowing meteorologists to spot atmospheric “triggers” that lead to severe weather events such as tornadoes, flash floods and hail storms. This vigilance helps National Weather Service forecasters keep track of dangerous conditions, which can impact communities around the world and drive commerce and travel.

The first geostationary weather satellite, GOES-1, was launched from Cape Canaveral in 1975. It quickly became a vital part of the National Weather Service’s operations, ensuring that local communities have the information they need to make decisions to stay safe.

Since that time, GOES has grown into a complex fleet of satellites, specializing in a wide range of weather-related applications. As the fleet continues to expand, a new generation of satellites is poised to provide even better images and data on a more frequent basis.

This new generation of GOES satellites is the GOES-R series, consisting of four spacecraft. Two of these are currently operational: GOES-16 in the East position, and GOES-17 in the West position. The final satellite in the GOES-R series, GOES-18 (formerly known as GOES-T) will undergo on-orbit checkouts before formally replacing GOES-17 as the GOES-West satellite in early 2023.

Each of these new GOES-R spacecraft are designed to operate for seven years, though they were built with excess fuel to allow them to operate beyond this expected lifespan if needed. In addition to the three GOES-R satellites currently in operation, two of their second-generation counterparts, GOES-10 and -11, are still operating at the end of their scheduled lifespans.

In the future, the GOES-R series will be expanded to include additional instruments to improve the monitoring of other environmental phenomena. For example, a third generation satellite that would be equipped with a VIIRS instrument could provide improved observations of the Arctic.

The GOES-R program is managed by NOAA’s Office of Science and Technology in partnership with NASA. This partnership enables the agency to take advantage of the best scientific and technological achievements from each agency, and to deliver the most valuable weather products possible to the public.

The GOES-R website provides access to data, information and images from the GOES-16 and -17 satellites, as well as their legacy predecessors, GOES-10 and -11. The website is maintained on a volunteer basis by Tim Schmit and should not be used for any operational observation, forecasting, emergency management or other disaster mitigation or response activities.