CATA-strophy

This blog is a reaction to the post I read this morning. Here is the link to that.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/

In this economic downturn, and automotive industries taking such a hard hit, many people are talking about alternative sources of energy, hybrid vehicles, solar panels etc. I understand it is necessary to invest more in this resource. I find it really hard to digest the fact that the automakers-GM, Chevy who once ruled the market and profits in America are now really on the debacle, filing for bankruptcy. Obama government is doing all possible things to save this industry.
However, the idea of this post was not to discuss possibilities and changes that could be brought out. I am trying to focus on the public transportation system in my city- State College, the home of the Pennsylvania State University, a highly acclaimed university.

Mike, from the post said it right. Its better to invest in public transportation, mass transit facilities, rail lines etc, than to focus on bringing newer cars into the market. We do have a buses in State college that helps people travel from place to place. However, we need to realize that State college is merely an university town and most people staying here are students.
CATA, as they call it,stands for Center Area Transportation Authority. The best part of this system is that the buses run clean, burning compressed natural gas. Hence, I feel that in a small way, we are trying to be eco-conscious. However, I am against this system for the fact that its too expensive to ride the bus.

I tried working out a balance sheet for the month and this is what I found.

Buying a pass for the month on the CATA line : $ 49
If you own a car and drive to school daily, (You anyways pay for the car insurance even if you do not drive to school), then
cost of fuel for the entire month= $25
Parking cost at the univ = $8 /month
Total= $ 33

This results in a saving of $16 a month. Which on an annual basis reflects to about $185.

This just goes to show that CATA bus service is really expensive. For a transit system that is funded by the county or the state, these services must be cheap. Infact, in many universities, local bus rides are free if you flash your ID.

So what motivates me against taking the bus?

If I drive to school, I can leave home at the time I want. This means that my schedule does not depend on the bus timings. Also, I get to save 15 to 20 bucks a month, depending on how much i drive.

If you are a staff at PSU, you definitely earn more than students, and CATA charges them just 5 bucks a month on the monthly pass. How logical is this?

I'd rather burn more fuel on my car (which I feel sad to say since I am an automotive engineer), but then I am justified in doing so.

Is there a solution to this?

Bhaskar

Are Indians Sex Deprived?

"Indians are sex deprived" flashed on many news channels, as front cover of many weeklies a few days back. How lame could that statement be? On what grounds did the media make such an understatement not realizing that even they are a part of the public. This flashy item kept bothering me for days..

As I read through the article in detail, various reasons are quoted bolstering the argument.

First and foremost, Indian MEN were blamed, for not being able to control their carnal desires after a few unruly incidents took place in various parts of the country on the new years eve. Papers read that men were under the influence of hard liquor and were not able to hold their horses!

Another reason quoted was that there is no emphasis on sex education to school children in India, the girls are separated from boys, and there are very few co-ed schools.

Some other source said that internet came late to India, hence there was quite a bit of deprivation.

Honestly, think back and tell me, does any of the reasons make justice? Why are the men blamed? Why dont you blame a woman for arousing the men? Why don't you talk about the kind of clothes they wear for a party? I mean, when it comes to culture, heritage, respect, moral values, we talk big saying "we are this, we are very respected, Indian girls are too sober...and what not" but where are all these things showing up? I feel that reason number one is not justified.

I agree that there is not much of sex education in Indian schools. For that matter, there is not much of the same in any other place, it is just that the children are left to themselves to decide whats good and whats bad..
Looking at my present location, girls and guys leave home for good after their 15th or 16th birthday. And a survey has said that girls in the US on an average loose their virginity at the age of 13. Now, what difference does it make, if it happens here or happens there? Cultural shock? Attitude difference? Are we better off than the Americans in upholding the dignity and decorum? Arent these people happy? Does not similar events take place on a new years eve here? Arent these people deprived of sex? Why just Indians then?

Internet came late to India..agree. Internet is the leading source for worlds pornography..you can view from pictures, videos to live podcasts of everything you desire...But why are you branding internet to be the cause of depravity? Why dont you realize the other part of internet as a medium of communication, a source of information, data exchange? It just depends on how you use it..

There were more points to it, but I would love to keep it small here. I want to say that Indians are not sex deprived. Unwanted episodes do happen everywhere, not just in India. Indians cannot be lamely branded!

Rise of the Phoenix

A warm welcome to all my blog readers..

I have resurfaced from debacle, with two accounts of mine getting laid in simple terms, to create this new one. I call this as "speak out", where every individual is free to express his or her comments on what ever topic I blog on.

Some of the topics might be life based, true while some might be fictitious. Any relevance to your individual life is purely incidental, hence readers discretion is advised.

For all correspondence, you can leave me a reply on the same blog or contact me on my mailing id.

I appreciate your comments, both positive and negative.

Thanks again..

Bhaskar