Schuetz

Mountain bike gears are continually becoming more and more complicated and intricate. Today’s bikes can come with up to 27 gear ratios. It is common for a mountain bike today to use nine gears in the back and three sprockets of different sizes in the front for gear ration production.

Why so many gears? The most common reason is that a large number of gears allow a rider to pedal at the same pace no matter what terrain that he/she is on. This can be understood better if you think about a bike that just has one gear. Every time you turn the pedals one full turn, then the rear wheel also turns one full turn, too (1:1 gear ratio).

For example, your back wheel is measured at 26 inches. If you pedal one full turn, then this would mean that your wheel moved 81.6 inches. If you are riding at 50 RPM, then you will be able to go 340 feet per minute. This means that you were going 3.8MPH, which is equivalent to walking speed. This speed is great for going up a hill that is steep, but it is not a good speed for flat ground or racing downhill.

If you want your bike to go quicker, then you will need a different ratio. If you want to reach a speed of 25 MPH downhill using a 50-RPM cadence, then you will need to have a 5.6:1 gear ration. If you have lots of gears on your bike, then you will be able to get that ratio so that you can continue your pedaling at a consistent pace, no matter what terrain you are on or what your speed is.

A typical mountain bike that has 27 gears will have six gears so incrementally close to the other that you will not be able to determine that there is any difference between the gears when you change them.

Most mountain bike riders decide to choose a gear system with a front socket that is suitable for the slope or terrain that they usually ride on and they stay with this choice, even though it may be more difficult under a heavy load to shift the gears. This is purely a personal decision, but it is simpler to shift between gears when the rear socket, rather than the front one.

When you are pedaling uphill, then you will find that it is much better to choose a sprocket that is smaller on the front and then shift gears with the nine gears that are available on the rear. If you are more speeds on the rear sprocket, then you will find that it is much more efficient to ride.

Mountain biking needs gears so that you can keep an overall speed going. If you didn’t have gears, then you would find it difficult to build up any speed and you would find it nearly impossible to pound your pedals for extra control. Gears help to move the pedals and enable you to gain that speed.

Andrew Caxton is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics like bicycles for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com. You can find more information and resources on mountain bike reviews at his website.

The Hubble Space Telescope has allowed scientists and the rest of the world a look into outer space that was not even imagined one hundred years ago. In fact, it is only in the last one hundred years that it was discovered that there are millions of galaxies beyond ours and that the universe is constantly expanding. Since its launch in 1990 this telescope has been an invaluable source of information to astronomers and scientists throughout the world. As the Hubble Space Telescope orbits its way around the earth once every 95 minutes, it continues to gather more knowledge about not only our galaxy but the ones beyond as well.

A timeline of Hubble Space Telescope History:

1924--Edwin Hubble looked up into the night sky to disprove the theory of a single galaxy. He proved that rather than just gasses and dust, the universe was filled with other galaxies. He was the first to prove that our universe was continuing to grow and expand. However, he did not have the benefit of the tools we have available today, so his knowledge was still somewhat limited although his vision was far-reaching.

1924-1983--the concept of a Large Space Telescope (LST) was conceived, designed, revised and developed and implemented. In 1985, the LST was renamed the Hubble Space Telescope, to honor the man who started it all.

1990--After delays with its launch due to conflicts with the launch of the space shuttle, the Hubble Space Telescope was sent into orbit.

1994--the telescope took pictures of a comet collision, and detailed photos of Pluto, as well as giving us a greater knowledge of Neptune and Uranus.

1995--the Hubble took pictures of the birth of a star as it developed from interstellar clouds.

1996--Photos from the Hubble Space Telescope show that quasars are actually nuclei which illuminate when a black hole uses energies from surrounding gases and stars.

1997--The Hubble takes pictures which prove that black holes are bigger than the sun.

1998--The most detailed pictures of the planets in our solar system are taken.

2004--The Hubble Space Telescope was able to document in pictures how, when, and why stars die and using the Hubble Ultra Deep Field technology, to take pictures of the expanding universe unlike any that had previously been taken. It also took pictures of Mars when it was closer to Earth than it had been in 60,000 years.

2005Took pictures of a comet with a projected piece of equipment from the Hubble Space Telescope.

Future DevelopmentsThe Hubble Space Telescopes mission is scheduled to end with this decade. Astronauts will go up, make repairs and assess the future usefulness of this tool in deep space discovery and a decision will be made about whether it should be discontinued or remain in service. But, no matter what decision is made, this telescope has been an amazing resource for a broader understanding of space and its limitless possibilities. Thank you, Mr. Hubble.

Eriani Doye writes ideas for home and family. To find resources for telescopes visit telescopecom.com.

Drug Addiction, Alcoholism and Dual Diagnosis in the Gay and Lesbian Community Alcoholism and drug addiction is a fatal chronic illness affecting the lives of 20 to 30% of the gay population (Ziebold ; Mongeon, 1982). Studies have found that 35% of lesbians had a history of excessive drinking, compared to only 5% of the heterosexual women in the sample (Saghir, 1970; Lewis, 1982). Approximately 30% of lesbians and gay men are addicted to drugs (Rofes, 1983). The facts show that the homosexual community constitutes a high-risk population with regard to alcoholism, drug addiction and dual diagnosis.

Why is drug addiction and alcohol addiction such a problem?It is important not to assume that homosexuality causes gay drug rehabor gay alcohol addiction. When gays, lesbians and bisexuals internalize societys homophobic attitudes and beliefs, the results can be devastating. Societys hatred becomes self-hatred. As a minority group; gays, lesbians and bisexuals are victims of systemic and ongoing oppression. It can lead to feelings of alienation, despair, low self-esteem, self-destructive behaviour, and drug addiction (Nicoloff & Stiglitz, 1987). Some gays, lesbians and bisexuals resort to drug abuse or alcohol abuse as a means to numb the feelings of being different, to relieve emotional pain or to reduce inhibitions about their sexual feelings. Drug abuse or alcohol abuse often begins in early adolescence when youth first begin to struggle with their sexual orientation. When surrounded by messages telling you are wrong and sick for who you are, eventually you begin to believe it. Having to hide your identity and deal with homophobic comments and attitudes often made by unknowing friends and family can have a profound effect on you. Lesbians and gay men are also 7 times more likely to be the victims of crimes than the average citizen (National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 1984). In response to this overwhelming oppression and homophobia, many lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals use alcohol and drugs to cope.

Homophobia in our society has limited the opportunities for gays and lesbians to meet each other safely. The gay bar culture emerged as a place to find other gays and lesbians without fear of harassment. The gay bar is a seductive institution. It is the most available place where people can explore being gay and socialize. There is also a lack of alternative alcohol-free places and occasions to socialize within the gay community. This only intensifies the implied connection between drinking and socializing in gay and lesbian social circles.

For those gay addicts or gay alcoholics seeking drug rehab or alcohol rehab, there are gay drug rehabs, gay alcohol rehabs or drug rehabs with gay addiction treatment components where a gay or lesbian can expect to receive addiction treatment in a safe, gay friendly environment.

Suicide

More gays and lesbians have considered suicide an option than heterosexuals (Bell & Weinberg, 1978). Lesbian and gay youth are 2 to 6 times more likely to attempt suicide than other youth, and may account for 30% of all completed suicides among teens, although they account for only about 10% of teens (Cook, 1991). This in conjunction with a high incidence of drug use and alcohol abuse, would lead one to believe that dual diagnosis in the gay community is higher than that of the heterosexual community. If you are looking for alcohol rehab or a gay friendly addiction treatment program, you can call Recovery Connection, a national referral helpline, at 1-800-511-9225.

Jonathan Huttner is a principal of Lakeview Health Systems, a drug rehab specializing in addiction treatment, with a gay friendly drug rehab for the gay community...http://www.lakeviewfreedomrings.com

A person undergoing chemotherapy is bound to loose hair all over the body, not just the hair on the head. It is one of the most common side effects of the treatment.

The chances of hair falling out depend on the type of medication and the dosage administered to the patient; it may cause thinning of the hair, or it may lead to complete hair loss. The drugs administered are very powerful drugs that are indiscriminant in attacking the cells in the body. They kill cancer cells along with some healthy cells, so the hair roots are also affected. The effects of chemotherapy are not limited to scalp alone, as the drugs may cause hair from the eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, pubic region, and other parts of the body to fall off. Hair loss will progress as you receive treatment and will fall out completely.

Hair normally starts falling out around 10 to 14 days into the chemo treatment. Hair loss could be gradual, or it could fall out in large bunches. You will notice clumps lying on the pillow, left in the hairbrush, or stuck in your shower drain. It becomes noticeable to other people when about 50 percent has fallen out.

Do not worry, though; the hair loss is not permanent. Hair will start growing back about 4 to 6 weeks into recovery, and you can expect that it will all grow back in about 6 months to a year after the treatment.

When hair starts to grow back, your hair might have a different texture or color; the texture may be curlier, and the color maybe grayish. These changes are temporary as well. Everything will go back to normal once the cells have fully healed from the effects of the chemotherapy.

No chemotherapy guarantees that hair loss will not happen during or after the treatment. The only thing you can do is to prepare for the discomfort of baldness. Some of the things you can do are cut your hair short or completely shave it off once hair starts to fall out; purchase a wig before your hair starts to fall out to allow the hair stylist the best option. Insurance companies offer to pay for wigs as part of the policy; and caps and scarves are useful to hide the hair loss.

Hairloss provides detailed information on Hair Loss , Hair Loss Products , Hair Loss Treatments , Hair Loss Remedy and more. Hairloss is affiliated with Natural Hair Loss Treatments.

A CarFax report is affordable. For less than $50.00, consumers can learn everything that they need to know about a vehicle before agreeing to make a purchase and signing on the dotted line.

With a CarFax report, you will be able to confirm the automobiles VIN number, year, make and model. This is important in making sure that you are purchasing the automobile as it is being presented to you for sale.

With a CarFax report, you can find out if the automobile has ever been flooded or has been repaired for any flood damage. This is very important, especially if purchased in areas that are prone to flooding, hurricane damage, etc. Even if an area is not prone to flood damage, there is always the possibility that an automobile has traveled through high water or been exposed to it at some point.

With a CarFax report, you can find out if the automobile has ever been involved in any type of car accident and, if so, what damages were reported. Every day, automobile accidents occur and the damages often require extensive repairs. It is important for you to know whether or not the automobile you are considering purchasing has ever had any type of damage.

With a CarFax report, you can find out if the automobile has ever suffered from any type of fire damage and, if so, what repairs were made to correct the damages.

With a CarFax report, you can make sure the automobile has a clear title and does not have any liens. This is very important when you purchase an automobile, home or even raw land. If you purchase something that does not have a clear title, you are basically throwing your money away. If you receive a clear title, you will have full ownership of the car and will be able to legally resell it in the future.

A CarFax report will confirm the number of miles to be the original miles as noted on the CarFax report. The sad, but honest, truth is that there are some individuals who attempt to falsify an automobiles actual miles in order to collect a higher sale price.

With a CarFax report, an individual can learn how many previous owners the car has had. This is important in considering why the car has had multiple owners, if it has, and may be a sign that something is wrong. An automobile with only one owner is more likely to be reliable as opposed to one that has been shuffled amongst multiple owners.

With a CarFax report, you can find out what, if any, repairs have been made on the automobile. This is important in considering what type of recurring problem there may be with the automobile or whether or not you are purchasing a lemon. A car that has had excessive repairs, either in various parts or in one particular area, may be an indication that you should be prepared to spend some time at the repair shop as the new owner.

And finally, a CarFax report provides overall peace of mind in knowing that you did the research and are not relying on the seller to provide accurate information. An informed buyer is a smart one.

Find our how to check an used car price with KellyBlueBook or see the latest vehicles recalls and auto accessories on http://www.autonews24h.com/Accessories/

Im a lover, not a fighter. My campness is not a result of liberal idealism; Ive simply lost so many brawls that Ive had pacifism thrust upon me. Nowadays, the only way Id get involved in a ruck is if the wife was being mugged. If we stood together, I reckon we could take her.

Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich do not share my increasingly feminine outlook. War has broken out between manager and chairman, and Chelseas title ambitions are the first confirmed casualty. The beleaguered Blues are still firing on all cylinders in the cups though; Nottingham Forest will be cut down at a scything 1/7.

Petr Cech is so concerned about the ongoing hostilities, hes whipped out his helmet as a safeguard. With the inspirational keeper between the sticks and a revitalised Shevchenko leading the line, Im quietly confident that the Blues will either win 3-0 or 4-0, a scenario which pays out at a more socially acceptable 3/1.

The normally placid Frank Lampard has reacted angrily to criticism from Joey Barton this week. I cant help thinking that Frank should have just taken it on the chin; the second one. The Lamp is in fine fettle, he must be backed at a rotund 11/8 to find the net at any time.

If the fallout from the Big Brother house has taught us anything, its that we must unite as a people. Lets come together, right now, to back West Ham at 5/6 to see off Watford.

Wayne Rooney has admitted to knowing all the songs from Oliver! off by heart. Id have thought Grease would have been more up his alley. They say an army marches on their stomach; Rooney can lead his United troop to a victory over Portsmouth at 3/10.

Southampton look overpriced to cause a shock at Manchester City. The Saints are flying high in the Championship, Bradley Wright-Phillips is in goal scoring form and Pele is sure to make it hard for Psychos men. Man City are always the epitome of unpredictability, the Saints can march in at 4/1.

I dont believe in dj vu, although Ive got a niggling feeling that I may have mentioned that once before. Birmingham face Reading in the 4th Round for the second year running; the Blues came out on top last time, at odds of 6/4, a repeat is more than a possibility.

Violence is never the answer. Unless the question is, Whats the best way to ensure my dinners on the table on time. Reading coach Wally Downes actually laid hands on Neil Warnock last week, when push comes to shove, I suggest you back Birmingham to win 1-0 at 15/2.

Its been reported that Tottenham may be given a bye in the UEFA Cup; how can they be so sure that theyll meet Rangers? Im absolutely positive that Spurs will beat Southend at 1/4.

Is it wrong for me to continually speak of my admiration for Thierry Henry? Apparently, it is during lovemaking. Its hard for me to think of the Gunners without remembering my wedding day. It brings a tear to my eye to think of the wife being led down the aisle by her father, shortly after her brothers had led me down head first. Im welling up about the 8/15 for an Arsenal win over Bolton.

Mike Newells comments on female officials were nothing short of abhorrent in todays more enlightened society. There is a definite place for the fairer sex in the beautiful game; those pies dont heat themselves. Blackburn will see off Luton at a rather warm 5/6.

Stoke will be up for the fight at the Cottage, but like Big Brothers Jackiey, theyre poorly armed. Im going to go out on a limb and suggest that a Fulham win at 8/13 is a punt pulled directly out of the top drawer.

Many people admire Ghandi for his unswerving commitment to resolving conflict in a non-violent manner. Personally, I preferred it when Thumper tried to teach him how to ice skate. Middlesbrough are on fire, theyll turn over Bristol City at a red-hot 11/10.

Its not the size of the dog in the fight; if it was, the wife would be the undisputed world heavyweight champion. Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Fulham, West Ham and Arsenal form an 18/1 accer that is so dominant, any argument against it would be like foreplay; a complete waste of time and effort.

Gerry McDonnell is a professional odds compiler, journalist and rescuer of small orphans.