Myths about GPS systems dismissed
GPS and navigation systems have been around for over three decades now. While we do rely on these systems to guide us on a daily basis, not many of us are aware of how these navigation systems are designed and function.
It also doesn’t help when there is too much information being bombarded on the internet, with a number of myths that question the very functioning of these devices. Myths about GPS and navigation signals, the involvement of the government, the impact of weather on the signal strength and location accuracy among many others are creating a lot of confusion about this beneficial technology.
There are facts which state otherwise and dismiss these myths. Here are common myths about GPS technology dismissed for your reference:
GPS signals: A lot of people believe that GPS signals originate from independent signal stations set up along multiple routes and coverage areas to help you locate and map out your travel. However, GPS and navigation signals are transmitted through the vast network of satellites orbiting planet earth. The signal bounces off through multiple satellites to provide all the relevant data. Bottom line, these signals originate from above through satellites and not ground signal systems.
The military does not control GPS signals: While many may argue that the military can monitor and control GPS and navigation signals, it is only partially true. The military has space squadrons which can monitor GPS signals, but not control them. The government still maintains all regulations of proprietary GPS systems, which is a taxpayer-funded program.
The government can track your movements: This is another myth! The basic systems are just designed to receive signals and not transmit your location back accurately. Most vehicles that have proprietary GPS and navigation systems are designed to receive satellite signals to pinpoint your location and navigate.
Weather can affect signals: Satellite TV can get affected due to bad weather owing to the inherent design of these signals. GPS, however, it does not get affected by bad weather. As long as the GPS systems are free of any obstruction which will block the signal strength, there is no reason to be worried about catching a signal on the go. Location accuracy also will not get affected when you are outside, regardless of the weather.
GPS is accurate: This is not so much as a myth, but a technical error. While most GPS and navigation systems are accurate to the letter, this will entirely depend on your software. Updated software and apps for that matter will provide an accurate location, but this does not necessarily mean the system is flawed. Proprietary systems work well when the software is updated from time to time.
Additional apps mess up the system: Traditional GPS had only one job, provide location accurately and help navigate through places. Modern-day GPS systems installed in premium automobiles have a bulk of apps installed and integrated with the system, which many people cite as the reason for GPS not working sometimes. Building identifiers, real-time traffic updates, alternative route suggestions are all just useful add-ons in your proprietary system and do not necessarily mess with the signal.
Military GPS versus Civilian GPS: Unlike the myth which is being propagated to mislead people, there is no such thing as military GPS and civilian GPS. Both happen to receive the same signals from orbiting satellites, with the quality and type of equipment used being the only distinguishing factor. The bandwidth is another factor which differentiates these two signals.
One of the most popular manufacturers of GPS and navigation devices is Garmin, both for civilian and military purposes.
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Affordable New SUVs
Read moreIn recent the times, the automotive market in the country sees a considerable upswing in the entry of SUVs of every size and price range. The SUV is increasingly becoming popular owing to its large size, sturdier build, the promise of increased passenger safety and a host of other luxury add ons. However, while there are several tops of the range luxury SUVs that are available for prices that exceed hundred thousand dollars, there are equally a large number of new SUV offerings from manufacturers who are managing to combine efficiency, high performance and reliability with luxurious features at prices that are for the most part affordable.
Here are some new SUVs, which are on the market with on road prices that are less than US$40,000.
The Accura RD-X which has scored very highly on all performance and design tests, can seat 5 and offers fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon within the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2018 model has scored very well on numerous crash tests and offers luxurious driving comforts at a viable price.
The Land Rover is appealing to car enthusiasts who love its rugged exterior bodywork that makes it an ideal vehicle of choice for its off-roading capabilities. However, the Land Rover comes with a price tag that corresponds to its truck like capabilities, but the discovery Sport from Land Rover gives you a reliable mid-sized SUV with the option of adding third-row seating too.
At a base price of US$ 32,900, the Audi Q3 is a new SUV offering from the Audi stables that is available with the high-quality interiors that Audi is reputed for. At this price and you get to buy yourself a compact SUV that comes with the greatly sought after Audi branding.
Another new SUV that has received positive feedback is the Cadillac XT5. This is a midsize SUV with a moderate engine that is designed to give the user a comfortable driving experience. It has a roomy cabin and can seat five passengers very comfortably.
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Tips before trying makeup testers in stores
Read moreBefore buying a cosmetic product, most of us tend to swoop down on the counter at the store where we get to try on the testers. However, after we have tied them out, more often than not we end up feeling guilty for three reasons, two of them being that the tester didn’t match out skin tone or texture and we couldn’t apply it well. However, what we overlook is the question as to how hygienic the tester really is. Although it is obvious that we don’t feel satisfied to buy products without trying them out, we certainly would think twice or thrice before trying on eye shadows or lip lipsticks which have been used before. In fact, according to statistics, half of the testers have been discovered to be crammed with Strep and E. Coli bacteria, having been heavily contaminated due to the heavily varied use. One can even get pink eye or a virus like hepatitis. Listed below are some tips before trying testers:
• Be safe, try personal: Popular stores would be ready to prepare personal testers for their customers, especially for products such as lipsticks, going in from dipping and spraying the shade with alcohol. Alcohol Sanitizer wipes are also available these days, with which one could scrape off the top most layer of the product, the used part, and use the unused one below. Trying products with disposable or brushes is also recommended. Sharpening the top layer is also good enough as all the contamination are deposited on the surface layer.
• Don’t try anything open: Don’t try anything or everything that comes in an open pot or jar. Most people out of fascination dip their own fingers into the product and try it out on their faces, such as face lotions, lip gloss or loose powdered eye shadow. Disposable cotton bud or pads are good to go.
• The trying areas: For the cheeks products like foundation, blush or face glitter, always use the back of your palm as the testing place and now your cheeks or the jawline. Don’t try any eye makeup either, such as pencil eyeliners or kajal – use the back of your hand for that too. This area also helps you identify how soft the bristles are by just drawing fine lines on your skin. If you really want to try on eye products, sanitize the tip with clinical alcohol. Unless and until the sale staff offers you clean fresh sample testers, do not indulge in putting anything on your face. Chances of infections such as zits is very high.
• Days of the week: Try visiting cosmetic stores on weekdays because weekends are too crowded for the staff to be paying complete attention to what kind of testers they’re giving you.
Be smart and follow these tips to stay safe from infections from testers.