Graduate School

Time has come to really decide what grad school program to go into.

The choices:

• MUD, Masters of Urban Design
• MAT, Masters of Art in Teaching, Special Education or Math

The dilemma that has come up taking the GRE prep course is my lack of English education, analogies are a killer!  Math shall be determined next weekend, but so far it looks like it will be a piece of cake.

More to come in the near future.

Health Care What?

The fact that we have zero true discussion about health care reform shows just how bad it needs to happen. Republicans expect the industry to handle itself, Democrats feel that won't be done and it must be forced. Who will finally cave to push... for legitimate reform that both sides can agree with?

Slower Economy = Lower Ridership

Unfortunately for large cities who have a structured public transit system when the economy slows, ridership goes with it.  I was unable to find the percent of decline in Chicago, but I'm sure it's slightly under New York's since their budget shortfall is hovering around $300m when New York's is over $1b.

London: They're about where we are now - facing a budget crisis with resistance from the union and no solutions yet. From August 2008 to August 2009 there was a 6.4% decline in riders. New York saw a 2% drop from January to January); both saw record highs in 2008. Transport for London is looking at a budget gap of "at least" one billion pounds, or about $1.5b.

I would say New York handled it better by spreading out the cost of handling the shortfall rather than drastically increasing the fare cost.  Part of that goal would be to help divert taxi users, car owners/drivers to public transportation.  They did increase the fare rate and force some service cuts, but it was not as devastating as it could be.  If the fares were increased the rate suggested, 20-30%, it would have potentially continued the decrease in ridership.  I'm not excited about the increase in payroll taxes and fees unless it was specifically designated for areas serviced by New York's MTA.

This does not excuse any public transportation system from being criticized for lack of efficiency which would decrease cost and potentially increase ridership due to it's reliability.  Public transportation should be the epitome of smooth traveling to ensure customers are satisfied and continue usage.

Let's just hope the CTA can resolve the issue with their union and prevent major fare hikes and service cuts.

http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2009/10/14/cta-budget-crisis-if-it-makes-you-feel-any-better-its-not-just-us

One of these days I will sit down and truly hash out numbers for Charlotte commuters from areas surrounding the LYNX blue line.  But for now it appears riding the train is cheaper than driving your vehicle and parking it Uptown.  Why ridership has fallen since the price of fuel has fallen can only be chalked up, if you ask me, to the stigma surrounding public transportation in this city and how embedded vehicle ownership is in their blood.  In this economy, Charlotte's LYNX system should have an increase in ridership due to the savings.

My estimations on driving vs LYNX blue line...

• Main/Polk to Trade/Tryon, 14 miles
• ~30 miles round trip
• $3.60 round trip at 20mpg, $2.40/gallon
  
• Parking Uptown is at least $5
• $8.60 round trip

• Main/Polk to I-485 Park and Ride, 1.6 miles
• ~3 miles round trip
• $0.36 round trip at 20mpg, $2.40/gallon
• LYNX round trip ride, $3
• $3.36 round trip

Which really makes sense?  That's a savings of $5 per day, plus avoiding the aggravation of traffic and increasing your opportunity to relax, read, talk...  Just don't sit on the train with your phone glued to your face.  Don't forget, my $5 for parking is exaggerated.  I'm guessing it is closer to $10+, that only sinks the driver further into the ground.

How Different Groups Spend Their Day

I, still, find this to be a fascinating article.  The data represents a day in the life of Americans.  Eating, shopping, work, education, TV and movies, etc...

Click through the segregated groups to review how their days are handled.

Just realized that I am listed under 25-64 category.  I don't feel like I can be in this label being in school and only working part-time!  Bah.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/31/business/20080801-metrics-graphic.html?scp=3&sq=infographic&st=cse

Let's Do It Already

If we were to implement "going green" efforts under the guise of an addition to the military budget, the right would support it.

Recycled Glass Countertops

It's amazing what the industry has developed over the years as a means to reuse products in everyday life.  For something to turn out as amazing as recycled glass counter tops, it simply shocks me.  On top of the looks, the reuse factor is great--83% of the counter top content is the actual recycled glass and the remaining 17% is cement.   Do your research and find local producers to further limit the effects of pollution and cost by avoiding transportation.

Comparing to granite slab, the cost of the recycled glass countertop is $25-50 per square foot and granite is about $60.

http://www.gilasi.com/
http://www.icestone.biz/
http://www.vetrazzo.com/
http://www.enviroglasproducts.com/

First Time in a Long Time

Just wrote down a new workout routine to try out.  Has been some time since I even had a set plan when going to the gym.  Calisthenics aren't doing the trick right now and I need to try something else.  Here is the plan for now...

Push:

• Back (lats), pulldown
  
• Deltoid (side), upright row
  
• Back (general), bent over row
  
• Trap (upper), shrugs
  
• Biceps, bicep curls
  

Push:

• Chest (general), bench press
  
• Chest (upper), incline bench
  
• Deltoid (front), military press
  
• Triceps, tricep extensions
  

Legs:

• Quadriceps, front squats
  
• Hamstrings, straight-leg dead lifts
  
• Calves (general), calf raises
  
• Abdominal, situps

In the past I used Exercise Prescription (ExRx) to plan a routine so I simply used one of their templates for now.  Aim to hit the gym Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday with stretching throughout the week along with cycling.

Ultimate goal is to drop down to 200lbs again, intermediate goal will be 230 by February.  Then again, weight isn't always the best way to measure progress, how you feel and how your clothes fit give you a stronger sign of progress.  Not to mention, it will make you feel better psychologically.

Weather is crappy and it will continue, best time to start utilizing indoor exercise plans.