THIS IS NOT THE MAYAN CALENDAR
By Mayan Avitable December 15, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–With all of the news surrounding the Mayan Apocalypse supposedly taking place on December 21, 2012, one aspect of the coverage has been glaringly incorrect. The graphic above has been used as an example of the Mayan Calendar. It is not. It is the Aztec Calendar. In fact, the Mayan Calendar is much more complicated. The Mayans used a combination of three calendars: Haab, Tzolkin, and the Calendar Round. The Mayan calendar of 365 days is called Haab. It is divided into 18 months of 20 days, each with a period of 5 days left over at the end of the year. This short 5 day month Uayeb was often seen as a dark time. There is also another calendar cycle for the Maya called Tzolkin. It is a calendar of 260 days. It is composed of 13 months, each with 20 days. Every day in the 260 day calendar has a unique position in time like the Haab or the solar 360 + 5 day Maya calendar. Each day’s position in the calendars only repeats itself every 52 solar years. A cycle of 52 solar years, called the Calendar Round combines with both the Haab and Tzolkin calendars to form a calendar system of vision and time. In addition, the Mayans developed the Long Count which counts the number of days since their first day — the day the calendar began, or the time it takes for the Solar System to return to the same position in the Milky Way. It is the combination of all three calendars and the Long Count that lead to the prediction of the end of the world as we know it on December 21, 2012. NASA, incidentally, has debunked the doomsday forecast: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/11907 For further information, please visit the sites below used in the preparation of this article, or many more available on the web: http://dylansung.tripod.com/sapienti/maya/maya.htm http://mayan-calendar.com/ancient_tzolkin.html http://www.criscenzo.com/jaguarsun/calendr.html http://www.mayacalendar.com/components.html http://kalarhythms.org/mayan-calendar/52-year-calendar-round.htm#top http://mathdl.maa.org/images/cms_upload/MayaTimeCycles2-143624.pdf
COLORADO RIVER BASIN REPORT UNDERSCORES NEED FOR LONG-TERM WATER SOLUTIONS
Water Authority already is diversifying supplies, encouraging conservation December 15, 2012 (San Diego County)–A new study of the Colorado River Basin’s water future released Wednesday offers the most thorough assessment ever done on the topic and serves as an important framework for meeting water demands in coming decades, officials with the San Diego County Water Authority said. The study was issued by the seven Colorado River Basin states and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It outlines several strategies to reduce the potential for water shortages on the river system through 2060. “This analysis reinforces what other studies have suggested for years: We can’t rely on the Colorado River to meet all the demands of a growing population in a changing climate,” said Halla Razak, director of the Water Authority’s Colorado River Program. “The Colorado River will continue to be an important water supply for San Diego County for decades – but it is subject to forces outside our control,” Razak said. “To address this and other supply challenges, the Water Authority is implementing an aggressive supply diversification strategy.” That strategy – which has been pursued for more than 20 years – features local supply development, including the recent decision to buy water from a desalination plant to be built in Carlsbad. Related efforts include securing highly reliable water through an agriculture-to-urban water conservation and transfer program the Water Authority cemented with the Imperial Irrigation District. The Water Authority also secured supplies through canal-lining projects in the Imperial Valley that conserve water from the Colorado River. In addition, the Water Authority also has been a leader in promoting water conservation. Per capita water consumption in the region has dropped by 37 percent since 1990 through the combined efforts of legislation, outreach and a series of programs to trim indoor and outdoor water use. “This latest analysis is a good reminder that the supply and demand imbalance is a long-term problem that demands long-term thinking, planning and implementation,” Razak said. The document released Wednesday reflects the most up-to-date science, such as estimates of how climate change will alter Colorado River flows. The analysis shows the river system is vulnerable to changes in water supplies resulting from a drier and warmer climate. It says shortages could average 3.2 million acre-feet by 2060. No single solution will address the scope of the potential gap between supply and demand. However the study does offer several options to minimize the shortfall, including expanded conservation, more water reuse and increased water banking.. It outlines several strategies to reduce the potential for water shortages on the river system through 2060. “This analysis reinforces what other studies have suggested for years: We can’t rely on the Colorado River to meet all the demands of a growing population in a changing climate,” said Halla Razak, director of the Water Authority’s Colorado River Program. “The Colorado River will continue to be an important water supply for San Diego County for decades – but it is subject to forces outside our control,” Razak said. “To address this and other supply challenges, the Water Authority is implementing an aggressive supply diversification strategy.” That strategy – which has been pursued for more than 20 years – features local supply development, including the recent decision to buy water from a desalination plant to be built in Carlsbad. Related efforts include securing highly reliable water through an agriculture-to-urban water conservation and transfer program the Water Authority cemented with the Imperial Irrigation District. The Water Authority also secured supplies through canal-lining projects in the Imperial Valley that conserve water from the Colorado River. In addition, the Water Authority also has been a leader in promoting water conservation. Per capita water consumption in the region has dropped by 37 percent since 1990 through the combined efforts of legislation, outreach and a series of programs to trim indoor and outdoor water use. “This latest analysis is a good reminder that the supply and demand imbalance is a long-term problem that demands long-term thinking, planning and implementation,” Razak said. The document released Wednesday reflects the most up-to-date science, such as estimates of how climate change will alter Colorado River flows. The analysis shows the river system is vulnerable to changes in water supplies resulting from a drier and warmer climate. It says shortages could average 3.2 million acre-feet by 2060. No single solution will address the scope of the potential gap between supply and demand. However the study does offer several options to minimize the shortfall, including expanded conservation, more water reuse and increased water banking.
CHP TO ACCEPT NEW OFFICER APPLICATIONS
The law enforcement agency will accept applications for three days only in January December 15, 2012 (Sacramento)–The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced today that it will accept applications in January from individuals interested in a career as a CHP officer. “This is an opportunity to serve alongside some of California’s finest who provide the highest level of safety, service and security throughout the state,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “A career with a law enforcement agency like the CHP offers unlimited opportunities for someone who is looking for a challenge.” Applications will be accepted online only during a three-day period from Thursday, January 3 through Saturday, January 5. This brief application period marks the first time in three years that the CHP has accepted applications. Those interested in applying, or seeking additional information, should visit www.chpcareers.com. “Officers are needed throughout California,” added Commissioner Farrow. “Through this process, we are determined to find qualified men and women from diverse backgrounds who are committed to carrying out the CHP’s mission and making a difference in their communities.” To be considered, candidates must be 20-35 years old, a U.S. citizen, have no felony convictions and be a high school graduate. Each applicant will be required to complete a selection process including a written test, physical ability test, appraisal panel interview, background investigation, medical/vision evaluation and psychological evaluation. The CHP’s recruitment Facebook page is www.facebook.com/chp.recruiting.
ENGINEERING WITH LEGOS® WINTER CAMP FOR AGES 7 – 12 YEARS
December 15, 2012 (La Mesa)–Become a Play-Well Engineer! Students explore concepts in physics, architecture, mechanical and structural engineering, from Gear Cars to Battletracks. The engineer-designed curriculum challenges new and returning students to reach higher level of engineering comprehension while having fun. Camp meets four days, Monday, December 31 through Friday, January 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Camp will not meet on Tuesday, January 1. Over 1000,000 pieces of LEGOS® are used. Campers should bring a snack and water bottle each day, everything else is provided at camp. This camp is not affiliated with the LEGO® Group. Camp is for boys and girls ages 7 to 12 years. The camp will be held at the La Mesa Recreation Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa in MacArthur Park. Please call 619.667.1300 for more information. View the online schedules and enroll online at www.CityOfLaMesa.com/classes. Look for the orange “Enroll Online” button on La Mesa’s Class Enrollment site.
FATALITY TRUCK CRASH KILLS PASSENGER IN LA MESA
December 15, 2012 (La Mesa) – A passenger has died after being ejected from a truck that collided with a raised concrete wall on the elevated ramp from westbound I-8 to southbound State Route 125 in La Mesa. According to CHP Officer Brian Pennings, the driver “failed to maintain control due to his unsafe speed for current conditions” on a rain-slicked roadway. The 2000 GMC box-style truck driven by Jaime Espinoza, 32, of San Diego was propelled across both lanes after striking a concrete wall, then smashed again into another concrete wall on the shoulder. The force of the second collision propelled the right front passenger through the windshield and onto southbound SR-125 below. A preliminary investigation indicates that the passenger was not wearing a seatbelt. The passenger, whose name has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Espinoza, was transported via ambulance to a hospital with minor injuries.
TWO HIKERS RESCUED ON EL CAJON MOUNTAIN
December 15, 2012 (Lakeside) – The San Diego Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team performed a hoist rescue last night to save two hikers off El Cajon (El Capitan) Mountain in Lakeside’s El Monte Valley area. “The hikers reported that they were lost, cold, wet and unprepared for the cold weather,” Sgt. Mike Forbes with the Santee Sheriff Patrol Station reports. The hikers, a 46-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man, called for help at 5:39 p.m. . A Sheriff’s helicopter responded to the scene and was able to determine that the hikers were on the El Monte side of the mountain but were not able to establish visual contact with the hikers due to the weather. Sheriff’s Search and Rescue responded to search for the hikers. When the weather improved a Sheriff’s helicopter was able to establish visual contact with the hikers who were in a ravine in an area with limited access. Copter 2 performed a hoist rescue and lifted both hikers to safety. “The female was shivering uncontrollably and was transported to Grossmont Hospital,” Sgt. Forbes said, adding that the male was given a ride to his vehicle.
STORM TO HIT REGION ON TUESDAY
December 17, 2012 (San Diego) – A cold front is predicted to sweep through the county on Tuesday, with moderate to heavy rain and snow accumulating above 4500 feet. Dense fog will make travel difficult in mountain areas at night, the National Weather Service warns. In addition, a wind advisory is in effect for inland valley areas. The weather is expected to improve Thursday through Saturday, though another storm is possible next Sunday or Monday—and with it, the prospect of a white Christmas for East County’s mountain communities.
ON THE SILVER SCREEN: BLOTTO PILOT (FLIGHT)
Doing some catch-up on films I’ve missed. By Brian Lafferty December 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Every now and then someone writes to Dear Abby, saying his friend or relative is addicted to alcohol and drugs. The friend thinks nothing is wrong with him, but doesn’t realize the damage his addiction is causing to his relationship with his friends, family, and significant other. Invariably, all Abby can advise the writer is that – as much as he’d like to believe otherwise – he can’t change or rescue his friend or loved one from their problem. Only the friend can change and, unless he admits he has a problem, there’s nothing that anyone can do. Whip Whitley (Denzel Washington) is exactly like that. Whitley is a boozing airline captain whose alcoholism has never affected his flying. After a night of heavy drinking and sex with a stewardess, he flies a plane to Georgia and encounters heavy turbulence. Before take-off he sneaks some vodka in his orange juice. Everything seems to go smoothly until mechanical failure puts the plane on a deadly collision course. By some miracle, he crash-lands the plane and only six people die (including the stewardess with which he was having the affair). He is declared a hero by the media, but the NTSB learns he may have been intoxicated on the plane (his blood alcohol level was well above the legal limit at the time he flew). Whitley insists it was mechanical failure, not alcohol, that caused the loss of those lives. He tries hard to quit drinking, but he succumbs to his vice whenever the feeling is too strong. He soon alienates everyone around him, including his new girlfriend (Kelly Reilly), a recovering drug addict whom Whitley rescued from a predatory landlord. Eventually, he finds himself faced with a tough ethical decision before an inquiry board. Whitley is an infuriating character to watch, a feeling made worse by the helplessness the other characters feel. Whitley promises himself and others many times he’ll quit drinking, but he can’t do it. After his stay in the hospital, he junks the dozen or more bottles and cans of booze as well as the marijuana, but it’s not too long before he makes a trip to the convenience store to buy a twelve-pack. It’s infuriating to see him trying to persuade the crew not to reveal the bad stuff, even stooping so low to coach the other stewardess at her colleague’s funeral. He tells his attorney (Don Cheadle) and the NTSB many times that it was a mechanical failure, which is true, and his toxicology reports are ruled inadmissible due to a technicality. But it doesn’t excuse his drinking, and only further drives his denial and arrogance. His unwelcome appearance at his ex-wife’s house garnered sympathy from me, but not the kind that Whitley wanted; I felt sorry for his ex-wife and son, whose house is routinely surrounded by news vans and reporters. The news media hails him as a hero, but a real hero would own up to his problems and seek help. Whitley is a coward. The other characters can be easily sympathized with, and this is from where the unexpected doses of humor germinate. John Gatins’ screenplay turns the exasperation these characters face into something funny and what a lot of people with friends in dire need of help may relate to. When Whitley indulges in booze in the early hours before the federal hearing that will determine his fate, his attorney and security detail get mad, but their exasperated reactions, combined with Whitley’s enabling friend (John Goodman) create chuckles. Gatins’ script does not in any way, shape, or form make fun of alcoholism. The humor comes from how the characters react to it. The flying sequence is a masterwork. The constricted spaces in both the cockpit and cabin make everything feel so close, which ramps up the intensity felt in the bumpy camera mobility and the unpredictable cutting. Everything feels so close, that when the plane hits the ground, you can distinctly feel the impact. With few exceptions when the plane is inverted, cinematographer Don Burgess’s camera stays inside, the only view of the outside coming from the cockpit. When Whitley inverts the plane, the upside down camera renders it even more intense. It’s scary enough when it’s seen from the normal right-side up angle. But seeing an upside down image creates distortion and with it uncertainty; it’s harder to see clearly when everything is presented opposite of what you’re used to. If there is one thing about I disapprove of, it’s the resolution. The way Gatins’ script arrives to it is forced, contrived, and too easy considering the stubbornness of Whitley’s character. But as cheap as it is, thank goodness the studio and the filmmakers chose the right ending for once. B+ Flight is currently still playing at local theaters. A Paramount Pictures release. Director: Robert Zemeckis. Screenplay: John Gatins. Original Music: Alan Silvestri. Cinematography: Don Burgess. Cast: Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly, John Goodman, Bruce Greenwood, and Melissa Leo. Running time: 139 minutes. Rated R. Brian Lafferty welcomes letters at brian@eastcountymagazine.org. You can also follow him on Twitter: @BrianLaff.