So you've got your shiny new bike and you've ridden it all over the place. You've been up and down and round and back home. Your bike has definately had a bit of hammer and will need support in the way of maintenance and regular upkeep to ensure you can go many miles further together.
Chain Reaction
Depending on how long you've ridden your bike for and where you store your bike day-to-day, you can work out how much maintenance you need to give your chain to ensure that your drivetrain will continue to work effectively.
If you ride your bike a lot, over great distances, it will be important to keep your chain well lubricated to keep the wear on the bike components down. There are many different lubes out there for this purpose but there is a runaway favourite of mine which is Finish Line Teflon Lube http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=317 . This lubricant is for use really only in the dry conditions and this may be impractical in old blighty so there's also a wet conditions equivalent: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1041 and at roughly 3 quid a pop, it's not gonna break the bank.
Working at the.... Bike.... wash (Seamless :D)
As important as it is to keep your chain in good condition, it is also a good idea to keep your bike relatively clean as this will prevent transfer of muck to you from the bike. A good fluid for this is the Muc Off Nano Tech bike cleaner (£5.99) : http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=520 . I really like this product because it's a no gimmicks fluid with a spray bottle container. It's really just a point and shoot system which works great if, like me, you have a busy life and just want to keep your bike in good working order.
Stop!!
On the more mechanical / physical side of bike maintenance, it's important to keep an eye on your tyres and brake pads. I'll deal with brake pads first as they're more likely to go before your tyres do ( again, like so much in this article, it depends on the type and frequency of the riding that you do). Brake pads are the traditional way to stop a bike and there are specific types of brake pads for different bikes. Mountain bikes generally have longer brake pads and road bikes have smaller pads mounted in a side-pull fashion. These can be picked up at Halfords or from Chain Reaction Cycles for little money and especially with CRC, there is a massive selection to choose from.
Tyres, again vary depending on the bike and type of riding you do. If you do a lot of mountain biking then slick tyres are not for you. Likewise, a knobby tyre on a road bike lends the it to more cyclo-cross type riding rather than a fast morning commute into the City. A good thing to watch out for with the commuter tyre is whether it has kevlar in it. Kevlar in this application is the same stuff used in bullet proof vests and will go a long way to help protect you from punctures.
Showing posts with label Self help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Self help. Show all posts
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Use Your Blog
Blogging is a pastime / distraction for millions of people around the world. Some blogs are little more than a dry account of someone's day but some are really in-depth tomes about tough issues and can be a really enriching read. Depending on what you like to read and what kind of writing you like the most, different blogs can be an instant turn-off or instill a great affinity for them. It is important, however, to ensure that you blog about things that are true to you and
what you feel is important. People of the same mind will find your blog and engage with what you have put forward.
Clear-cut
When you write, you should write about something that is a very important subject to you. A subject area in which you have great skill or expertise. That way, you're contributing your wealth of knowledge to the internet and when people in need find it, you'll have helped them immensely. By blogging about a few key themes, you can also ensure that you have a focus to your blog and people will come back again and again for that. The reason is, to get the same high quality information in an area that interests them. This adds strength to your blog and makes it a powerful social tool as people may take your advice / experience into their decision making when they see that you're a bit of a guru on the matter.
Opportunity knocks
It may seem strange but by blogging, you are demonstrating the skills you have as a perceptive writer who chronicles life and issues in the real world. This can be an attractive proscpect for employers. Remember, employers read blogs too as they're only human and if they spot that pizzazz in your blog. This demonstration of skills is much better than any interview as it shows the employer directly that you're able to see things and write them down in the way that many people can't. You never know, you may get a job offer in the (e)mail.
Support
As I said above, blogging is an excellent way to put down your opinions and advice for the benefit of others and this works well in many cases. It's also a good way to let of some steam about a trouble in your life. By blogging, you can start a focus group on a specific issue and discuss problems that people have in life then move toward a solution. The anonymity of the internet can give people solace as they can get support in this way when they feel they are at their most vulnerable. This is a more social application of the blog. However, the opportunities afforded by potential job offers resulting from your writings should also be borne in mind.
Remember, blogging can be fun, a crutch in times of emotional hardship and a route to a new life through the potential to get a job from it. Above all though, be true to yourself and write what you feel is important and the world should know.
what you feel is important. People of the same mind will find your blog and engage with what you have put forward.
Clear-cut
When you write, you should write about something that is a very important subject to you. A subject area in which you have great skill or expertise. That way, you're contributing your wealth of knowledge to the internet and when people in need find it, you'll have helped them immensely. By blogging about a few key themes, you can also ensure that you have a focus to your blog and people will come back again and again for that. The reason is, to get the same high quality information in an area that interests them. This adds strength to your blog and makes it a powerful social tool as people may take your advice / experience into their decision making when they see that you're a bit of a guru on the matter.
Opportunity knocks
It may seem strange but by blogging, you are demonstrating the skills you have as a perceptive writer who chronicles life and issues in the real world. This can be an attractive proscpect for employers. Remember, employers read blogs too as they're only human and if they spot that pizzazz in your blog. This demonstration of skills is much better than any interview as it shows the employer directly that you're able to see things and write them down in the way that many people can't. You never know, you may get a job offer in the (e)mail.
Support
As I said above, blogging is an excellent way to put down your opinions and advice for the benefit of others and this works well in many cases. It's also a good way to let of some steam about a trouble in your life. By blogging, you can start a focus group on a specific issue and discuss problems that people have in life then move toward a solution. The anonymity of the internet can give people solace as they can get support in this way when they feel they are at their most vulnerable. This is a more social application of the blog. However, the opportunities afforded by potential job offers resulting from your writings should also be borne in mind.
Remember, blogging can be fun, a crutch in times of emotional hardship and a route to a new life through the potential to get a job from it. Above all though, be true to yourself and write what you feel is important and the world should know.
Monday, 18 July 2011
Mad about Maths?
2 + 2 = 5. Simple. Many people think that's where it ends and after school, it has no relevance. This is not the case.
It is becoming more and more common, people in their middle ages returning to school to enroll
in night courses to improve their skills in maths / english / science or languages. In recent years there have been many government initiatives to engage the general public in improving their skills in maths and english specifically to help them better themselvesin the workplace and increase their confidence with sums they encounter in their day to day lives.
A prime example is the Direct gov programme where parents / adults who find they are bafflled
by their childrens' homework, they should contact the phoneline to get involved with the free
skills courses on offer. This is an excellent initiative as it increases the general level of learning
of the populace. However, this scheme shouldn't be a necessity in today's society and we should examine the root of the problem, the cause of the apathy towards maths in the early years when these skills should be nailed.
Benefits of maths - confidence
The benefits of learning maths skills are many and varied. For one, having a good grasp
of maths means that one isn't forever scowling at a problem and asking colleagues for help.
Having maths skills means you can be more independant and can take on problems head on, without fear. This can greatly increase your confidence and lead to more senior role in the workplace as you oversee those who are developing their skills.
Employability
Having skills and qualifications in maths allows you to apply for a greater variety of jobs.
They instantly open more doors and brighten your outlook as you can say yes to a lot of
different opportunities. Maths not also helps with a professional post with a company but
it can also help by opening up doors to part-time freelance work like tutoring. Many children
suffer at school and need extra help to get their skills up to par and working as a tutor allows
you to aid them whilst also making some money with your own skills. This is a direct example of the maths skills at work but there are also many other different opportunities out there using the same kinds of skills. Bookmaking and small-time accounting are just a few examples.
Economic Wellbeing
There are many benefits to learning maths and keeping your skills up to scratch. the above confidence boost and ability to moonlight as a tutor/ bookmaker are to name but a few. These are personal benefits of learning maths skills but the wider picture is that with better maths skills, there will be less waste in the economy: less time wasted as employees tackle problems quicker. Less waste at events and in government departments as employees gain confidence in the art of estimation and mininise the waste originating from buying too much of a particular consumable. There are many good reasons behind getting involved in learning more english and maths skills. confidence, employability. There is also the lucrative path of working as a tutor, earn part time wage as maths tutor.
Maths, Maths, everywhere !
However, there are many jobs where a good grasp of even elementary mathematics skills are a necessity. A good example is the humble P.A.. Working under someone doesn't mean your skills needn't be up to scratch. The assistant needs to help organise the superior's day. This means calculating time intervals when tasks can be carried out, keeping track of calls and reports. In addition, the seemingly simple task of getting the coffees also requires a sharp mind so correct remuneration for each person's drink can take place.
Root of the problem
In the UK, school doesn't foster the importance of maths skills as a concept. In fact, the opposite occurs frequently. Children are expected to simply pick up the maths at an exponential rate like a savant (Rain Man) with little explanation or reinforcement of how to gofrom A to B in a mathematical system. This 'you know it or you don't' strategy, borne out of the lack of specialist maths tutors and a strict time sensitive curriculum maths in schools.
Patience is the key
These factors are the main reason that children aren't learning the essential skills they'll need
in the working world. The above benefits should be stressed to children when the despair with their maths homework and the concept of delayed gratification, working hard now for something good later in life, should be cemented into their minds. Remember, a good knowledge of maths needs patience to be able to learn it in the first place.
It is becoming more and more common, people in their middle ages returning to school to enroll
in night courses to improve their skills in maths / english / science or languages. In recent years there have been many government initiatives to engage the general public in improving their skills in maths and english specifically to help them better themselvesin the workplace and increase their confidence with sums they encounter in their day to day lives.
A prime example is the Direct gov programme where parents / adults who find they are bafflled
by their childrens' homework, they should contact the phoneline to get involved with the free
skills courses on offer. This is an excellent initiative as it increases the general level of learning
of the populace. However, this scheme shouldn't be a necessity in today's society and we should examine the root of the problem, the cause of the apathy towards maths in the early years when these skills should be nailed.
Benefits of maths - confidence
The benefits of learning maths skills are many and varied. For one, having a good grasp
of maths means that one isn't forever scowling at a problem and asking colleagues for help.
Having maths skills means you can be more independant and can take on problems head on, without fear. This can greatly increase your confidence and lead to more senior role in the workplace as you oversee those who are developing their skills.
Employability
Having skills and qualifications in maths allows you to apply for a greater variety of jobs.
They instantly open more doors and brighten your outlook as you can say yes to a lot of
different opportunities. Maths not also helps with a professional post with a company but
it can also help by opening up doors to part-time freelance work like tutoring. Many children
suffer at school and need extra help to get their skills up to par and working as a tutor allows
you to aid them whilst also making some money with your own skills. This is a direct example of the maths skills at work but there are also many other different opportunities out there using the same kinds of skills. Bookmaking and small-time accounting are just a few examples.
Economic Wellbeing
There are many benefits to learning maths and keeping your skills up to scratch. the above confidence boost and ability to moonlight as a tutor/ bookmaker are to name but a few. These are personal benefits of learning maths skills but the wider picture is that with better maths skills, there will be less waste in the economy: less time wasted as employees tackle problems quicker. Less waste at events and in government departments as employees gain confidence in the art of estimation and mininise the waste originating from buying too much of a particular consumable. There are many good reasons behind getting involved in learning more english and maths skills. confidence, employability. There is also the lucrative path of working as a tutor, earn part time wage as maths tutor.
Maths, Maths, everywhere !
However, there are many jobs where a good grasp of even elementary mathematics skills are a necessity. A good example is the humble P.A.. Working under someone doesn't mean your skills needn't be up to scratch. The assistant needs to help organise the superior's day. This means calculating time intervals when tasks can be carried out, keeping track of calls and reports. In addition, the seemingly simple task of getting the coffees also requires a sharp mind so correct remuneration for each person's drink can take place.
Root of the problem
In the UK, school doesn't foster the importance of maths skills as a concept. In fact, the opposite occurs frequently. Children are expected to simply pick up the maths at an exponential rate like a savant (Rain Man) with little explanation or reinforcement of how to gofrom A to B in a mathematical system. This 'you know it or you don't' strategy, borne out of the lack of specialist maths tutors and a strict time sensitive curriculum maths in schools.
Patience is the key
These factors are the main reason that children aren't learning the essential skills they'll need
in the working world. The above benefits should be stressed to children when the despair with their maths homework and the concept of delayed gratification, working hard now for something good later in life, should be cemented into their minds. Remember, a good knowledge of maths needs patience to be able to learn it in the first place.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Write a better life story
Ever felt so angry and impotent that you stand there fuming or rage-walk around the house, banging and slamming as you go?
Another way
Try writing. Nothing in particular, just sit, take out your notepad and write. writing about how you are feeling and what's wrong at the time is not the way to proceed here as this will just end the exercise as a short essay on expletives. Try to take a step back in your mind and consider your situation as a whole, homing in on the good. The idea of this exercise is not quantity, or quality but distraction from the thing that angered you and crystallisation of the good points of your life. Even if you were right to be angry, being so can cause you to make rash decisions which you regret later. By jotting down in a note-pad, you can focus your energy into writing and not raging, this will help calm you down so you can think clearly. This will allow you to deal with your problems much more rationally.
Exercise
Taking 20 minutes a day and doing this exercise should also help you feel more centred and less prone to raging. The exercise works by acting as a tap, through which, all of your stored stresses and aggression are released upon the page. As you're doing it with no particular direction, your hand will write what you actually feel so you'll have a better guage of how you're feeling instead of the usual mantra of "you're fine. I'm fine, everything's fine". This mantra is the least helpful thing to think of in a stressful situation as it simply delays the crash. By writing, you 'defuse the bomb' and bring the real you out on paper.
Health Benefit
I'm no doctor or psychologist but it doesn't take much common sense to realise that by regularly releasing stress on paper, as one does through sport and gym training, one can help avoid stress related illness. This will help you feel better and more productive at work and you'll achieve more in the work arena. By emptying your mind, your brain will be more still. This will allow you to see the truth of what matters to you in your life and you'll also be able to see more clearly as you de-clutter your life. Not just this, as you'll be less occupied with stress all the time, you will see a change in your outlook. Your world will become sunnier and you'll be less likely to take rain or other minor things as a personal assault on your being.
Potential Future Career
And who knows, as you engage in a daily writing exercise, you train the mind and the body so you may get a taste for writing and this could lead to a part-time writing job, bringing in extra pennies or you may write the best work for 50 years.
health
Another way
Try writing. Nothing in particular, just sit, take out your notepad and write. writing about how you are feeling and what's wrong at the time is not the way to proceed here as this will just end the exercise as a short essay on expletives. Try to take a step back in your mind and consider your situation as a whole, homing in on the good. The idea of this exercise is not quantity, or quality but distraction from the thing that angered you and crystallisation of the good points of your life. Even if you were right to be angry, being so can cause you to make rash decisions which you regret later. By jotting down in a note-pad, you can focus your energy into writing and not raging, this will help calm you down so you can think clearly. This will allow you to deal with your problems much more rationally.
Exercise
Taking 20 minutes a day and doing this exercise should also help you feel more centred and less prone to raging. The exercise works by acting as a tap, through which, all of your stored stresses and aggression are released upon the page. As you're doing it with no particular direction, your hand will write what you actually feel so you'll have a better guage of how you're feeling instead of the usual mantra of "you're fine. I'm fine, everything's fine". This mantra is the least helpful thing to think of in a stressful situation as it simply delays the crash. By writing, you 'defuse the bomb' and bring the real you out on paper.
Health Benefit
I'm no doctor or psychologist but it doesn't take much common sense to realise that by regularly releasing stress on paper, as one does through sport and gym training, one can help avoid stress related illness. This will help you feel better and more productive at work and you'll achieve more in the work arena. By emptying your mind, your brain will be more still. This will allow you to see the truth of what matters to you in your life and you'll also be able to see more clearly as you de-clutter your life. Not just this, as you'll be less occupied with stress all the time, you will see a change in your outlook. Your world will become sunnier and you'll be less likely to take rain or other minor things as a personal assault on your being.
Potential Future Career
And who knows, as you engage in a daily writing exercise, you train the mind and the body so you may get a taste for writing and this could lead to a part-time writing job, bringing in extra pennies or you may write the best work for 50 years.
health
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