Beginner To Expert

I am a regular mountain biker, but like to road-ride, too. However, my full-suspension is way too much drama for the pavement and even my hardtail is too heavy for efficient road travel. I want something lighter and better suited. The problem is, I am not super fond of the “feel” of road bikes. I saw that Trek (my fave) had “fitness” bikes and “urban” bikes and I am wondering if anyone can tell me what are the advantages/disadvantages to choosing a fitness or urban bike over a road bike? THANKS! Just to add, a fitness bike is not a stationary bike. It is an actual style of bicycle like urban, road, mountain, triathalon, etc. I was just hoping that someone had some info on what might be better suited for me. Thanks to anyone who can help!
Okay, here goes, a Road bike is a race inspired design. It has you in an “attack” position the whole time regardless of how you place your hands on the bars. The frames are MUCH lighter than MTBs and the tires are much thinner as well (obvious). What is NOT completely obvious is the change in the riding position. The seatpost is higher and the stems/hb is positioned so that you are more erect but arched forward as well. The hybrids, aka fitness bikes/urban bikes are basically a mixture of MTB and road bikes. They are using the geometry of MTB but the concepts/ideals of a road bike. The wheels on a hybrid are 700 cc which is similar to a road bike but the tire size is actually a little bit wider and thicker. (instead of 18-25, it is 32-38). The riding position is similar to that of a MTB with a little more relaxed feeling and not an attack position. The components actually go both ways. Some models have MTB components while some have Road bike components. That depends, however, on how high of a model you get. Some, also have carbon fiber distributed throughout the frame/fork while others are fully rigid. Sometimes you’ll find a suspension seatpost but on “fitness” bikes it is usually a rigid fork. Weight wise, the hybrids range from 20-25lbs but are actually surprisingly fast. Trek, Giant, Specialized, Cannondale and a couple others all offer hybrids now. Pros: hybrids are cheaper and have the same basic concept of getting from point A to point B quickly but comfortably but still a nice ride to work out with. The geometry is very similar to a MTB. Faster than MTB. Not much maintenance required if you take care of it. Cons: Not as light as a road bike. Components can be cheapy if not purchasing a good model. Can be as expensive as road bikes if purchasing a good model. I have both MTB’s and Road bikes and I love both. I just love to ride regardless of what bike it is. However, there is a HUGE difference between the two. If you just want to get from point A to point B, I say get a hybrid. If you want a cardio work out and get HUGE legs, get a road bike. It took me a while to break down and buy a road bike. I owned only MTBs for years but decided to finally give it a shot after starting to work at a bike shop. I like both but nothing beats MTBs. Go to a dealer and try them both out, hybrids and road bikes. Ride it for a while and see if you can see yourself getting comfortable on a road bike. If not, your choice is pretty much made up. If so… well…. questions… questions… questions… and price… price…price. Good luck mate.

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How to study to become a software programmer? I took a few programming classes, but I feel like programming is something strange. It is out or reach? Is there an easy or right way to study programming? Is it true that most programmers often get free codes from internet instead of starting programming from scratch? Is it true that when you study a programming class, you have to learn from book, and also how to use the software to compile the program? Why are the courses of programming classes in University are often hard or out of reach? Do you know some books which could help me to study programming?
-How to study to become a software programmer? Take introductory programming classes at a college or extension college offering C#. It helps to have a mentor. -How to study to become a software programmer? Classes meeting once per week and prividing you with assignments are usually best. Once you master the underlying concepts, you should be able to learn on your own from internet sites, magazines, and books. -I took a few programming classes, but I feel like programming is something strange. It is out or reach? It may be if you are not inclined to master mathematics and have a passion for creating software. If you don’t like it, try something else. You want to do something that is inspiring to you. -Is there an easy or right way to study programming? There’s nothing like doing assignments and writing lots of code. C# is the most important emerging language. Java is also popular and well established on multiple platforms. -Is it true that most programmers often get free codes from internet instead of starting programming from scratch? Using a working module as a basis for code is time saving. It can be used as part of a proof of concept, but should not be incorporated directly in the final product. -Is it true that when you study a programming class, you have to learn from book, and also how to use the software to compile the program? -Most instuctors provide the information in lectures, but that’s the least effective teaching modality. You should be able to learn from books and the Internet. You can copy programs from a book, but you must learn concepts that you can apply to your own work. This comes after years of practice. -Why are the courses of programming classes in University are often hard or out of reach? In my opinion, if you have the proper foundation, they are easy. If you have difficulty with math or abstract concepts, you may need to do more class work in preparation. -Do you know some books which could help me to study programming? Try any step by step book in C#. You will need a current Windows operating system and you can download the C# 2005 Express edition from Microsoft at no cost to you.

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For example if you learn the violin, how easy is it to also learn viola, cello and double bass. How about if you learn one of the flutes, perhaps just the most common C flute, how easy is it to learn all the other flutes. And how about the piccolo? Is it if you just memorise the different position of the notes you can just do them all right? Also, can you help me find other instruments which are similar like this? Thank you.
I agree with the previous posters. One thiing I’d like to add: the music is in your head (timing, pitch, and aestetics). Playing the instrument is just the mechanical part, which may require some muscle training and technique.

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Any input is appreciated, but I’m specifically trying to get an idea of what expert witnesses charge per hour to work on a civil case involving real estate. Also, is there an accepted rate for an initial retainer? Thanks in advance to all who respond.
It depends on what the expert’s field of expertise is. Some don’t have to be paid anymore than the court mandated minimum (because they refuse pay). Some will charge as much as $10,000. It just depends. As for initial retainer, it depends on the type of litigation. Post more facts about your case and I can give you a MUCH better answer.

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That’s an expert my little grasshopper… In the Martial Art I took it went like this… White = beginner Yellow Orange Purple Blue (I got to here.. then quit and started doing music instead) Green Brown Black (1st Degree) Black (2nd Degree) etc

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Search for books on Amazon using the term “autocad” then buy the books with the highest ratings (with more then a couple reviewers), also read online tutorials. Realize it takes years to master any skill, you can’t become an expert in 6 months.

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And when I say “beginner” I mean just that. I have never invested in stocks before. But find that it’s something I’m starting to become interested in as I grow older. Thanks.
As an economist and professional investor, DON’T. Instead do several things. First, go to Edward Jones and give them your money. They are a very well respected brokerage firm. They will keep you out of trouble, which is a big help, and you should do reasonably well. Second, pick up a copy of “The Intelligent Investor,” by Benjamin Graham. It was last published in 1972, but is widely sold at any major book store. After that, it depends upon your accounting knowledge. A good MBA textbook on accounting will help alot if your skills are few. After that, buy “Security Analysis,” by Cottle. Third, and you can do this at the same time as you buy the first book. Go to www.marketocracy.com and register an account. They will give you a fake $1,000,000 to invest. If you do a good job they will pay you, if you make it into the top 100 of the 70,000 competing investors. It will let you see how you stack up compared to others, it will let you make mistakes without actually hurting you, so you can learn, and it is quite realistic. After all of the above, go to www.etrade.com and open an account. They are excellent and provide a very wide array of services.

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I have been playing chess for several years. I played with family and now I play online. I also play against the computer in beginner and expert mode. I win and lose in both modes but lose more with expert mode. There are times when I lose to the computer in expert mode but also times when I win. So am I a chess expert or an intermediate chess player? Either way how can you tell if you’re a chess expert?
There is an international Ratings System, run by FIDE, the international chess body. This gives everyone a rating from Anand and Kramnik at about 2800, down (in principle) to real beginners at 600. This system was devised by a man called Arpad Elo and is named after him, ELO ratings. The bigger the number, the stronger you are (a bit like playing conkers as a schoolboy). The United States Chess Federation runs its own rating system on similar principles and all chess tournaments that are organised in America will report their results in to the USCF, who will then produce a regular update of everyone’s ratings. Computers are not allowed to be part of the ratings system, because by altering their settings, they can be made to play at various strengths and not produce consistent and reliable results. As with any statistical exercise, the more data you provide, the more accurate a rating you can be given. Over here in the UK (which has its own, different system of “grades”), we reckon your grade should be regarded as provisional until you have played 20 games. After that it is likely to be fairly accurate. So the short answer is play some tournaments, get yourself a rating and that will tell you how you are doing. All chess congresses will have ratings sections e.g. Under 1400, Under 1600, Under 1800 etc, so that players of roughly similar strength are matched up with one another. Nobody gets outclassed and demoralised, in other words. Everybody plays in every round, and if you just lost to someone, your next opponent should be someone else who has just lost, too. If you win a game, expect your next opponent to be somebody else who has just won their previous game, too. This is known as the Swiss System and it is a sort of hybrid between a league and a knock-out, combining the best features of both. Chess expert is a rating and title given by the United States Chess Federation. It is awarded to chess players rated from 2000 to 2199. Players rated above that are masters while players below that are class players. Approximately 400,000 chess players have USCF ratings, of which approximately 4000 are rated 2000 or better. Thus, chess experts are in the top 1% of all USCF tournament chess players. The title of chess expert is not awarded for life. Every time a tournament chess player plays a game, his rating goes up or down depending on the game’s outcome and on how strong his opponent is. If the rating of a chess expert falls below 2000, he is not a chess expert any more.

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Or does it aims for technicians? Is it for non-computer users who wants to develop the skills to become computer literate?
A+ exams are geared toward technicians. I would say intermediate users could benefit. beginner it could be hard to grasp without having prior knowledge. Non-computer users should first consider finding material from a bookstore like “PCs for dummies” or something along those lines. Regards.

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