Is it the end of the world as we know it? Today, we’ll consider the turning over of the Mayan calendar, discuss Toyota’s poor crash test ratings, and talk about the best way to react to violent emergency situations. Later, we’ll speak with “Silver Linings Playbook” director David O’ Russell. All that and more, on AirTalk.
Party like it’s Dec. 20, 2012: what does the Mayan calendar really say about the end of days?
In Mumbai, Tokyo and Sydney it's already Dec. 21! Technically this version of end-of-world prophecies is scheduled to coincide with the Winter solstice — still 16 hours away (Friday 3:12 a.m. PST). Mayan elders from Mexico, Belize and Guatemala have been dispatched to present a slightly contrary view of doomsday. "A better world is possible! ... as we enter the age of the fifth sun," is how one elder put it.
Academics say it's merely the end of one cosmological cycle, and more importantly, the beginning of another. NASA also takes the sunnier view. In their "Why the World Won't End" FAQ sheet they explain the origins of the latest paranoia: "The story started with claims that Nibiru, a supposed planet discovered by the Sumerians, is headed toward Earth.
This catastrophe was initially predicted for May 2003, but when nothing happened the doomsday date was moved forward to December 2012 and linked to the end of one of the cycles in the ancient Mayan calendar at the winter solstice in 2012."These (slightly scarier) forecasts that the world will in fact continue hasn't reached some in China where 93 people were detained this week for spreading rumors of apocalypse.
Why did this prediction catch on across the planet -- even cutting across religious differences? On a serious note, what harm is caused by doomsday cries? Will you celebrate to mark the date?
Guests:
Michael Shermer, founding publisher of Skeptic magazine and Executive Director of the Skeptics Society
Lisa T. McElroy, Professor of Law, Drexel University, and freelance travel writer, speaking with us from the Cayo region in the rainforest of Belize
New Toyotas tank in crash-tests
After performing poorly in recent crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Toyota’s 2013 Camry and Prius V models both received the lowest safety ratings handed out by the organization. IIHS simulated severe front-end collisions, where a vehicle would crash into another car, tree, or pole. The two Toyota models were the only cars to be given a ‘poor’ rating in the IIHS’s mid-size family cars crash test.
The crash test results are seemingly the latest round of bad PR for Toyota. On Tuesday, Toyota was ordered to pay more than $17 million in fines for delaying a recall related to acceleration problems in their Lexus RX model. Toyota’s reputation as a reliable car at an affordable price could soon come into doubt after their recent quality issues.
Do you take safety tests into account when purchasing a car? How do you balance safety and affordability?
Guest:
Jessica Caldwell, senior analyst at Edmunds.com
What’s the best way to prevent harm in a violent emergency?
Following the Sandy Hook massacre, national discussion about how to prevent future attacks is on the rise. But for many Americans, the effects of Sandy Hook and other similar shootings are about more than prevention.
Schools nationwide saw an increase in security following the mass shooting. In the past, similar responses to other high-profile incidents have inspired reforms to airport security, malls, movie theaters, and other public places. The Department of Homeland Security has put out a pocket size guide for how to act in the unlikely event of a shooting – several other groups have published their own advice. The general consensus? Evacuate, hide, and if there’s no way to avoid confrontation, act as aggressively as possible. If an attacker is armed with a knife instead of a gun, most security advisors say running away is the best option.
What’s the best way to protect yourself if you are under attack? What would you do in this kind of emergency? Is increasing awareness around this issue necessary, or does it cause unnecessary fear?
Guest:
Pete Blair, director of research for ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, Texas State University)
Treasury department to sell GM shares at a loss
Yesterday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced it will be selling 200 million shares of General Motors stock back to GM over the next fifteen months. The stocks will be bought starting at $27.50 a share, and if that price stays basically constant, it will total about 12 to 14 billion dollars for the Treasury. However, that’s 21.6 billion dollars short of the government’s bailout funds which need to be repaid.
Some, especially initial critics of the auto bailout, claim that the American taxpayers are seen as losing out on this deal. Also, they stress that if the company was able to simply file for bankruptcy, their competitors could have benefited from some fresh talent, which could have been better for the domestic auto industry in the long run. But supporters of the auto bailout continue to back the government’s involvement, despite selling these stocks back at a loss. That’s because they cite the fact that the bailout saved 1.5 million jobs, an entire domestic industry and several communities which depend on General Motors for their entire survival.
What side do you take? Is it fair for taxpayers to foot the bill for one industry, even if it is seen as a cornerstone of America? Is this the price we pay for letting the financial industry crash in the way it did? What are the pros and cons as we see now how this all is playing out?
Guests:
Dan Ikenson, director of Cato’s Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies Sean McAlinden, Chief Economist at the Center for Automotive Research
Director David O. Russell on screw-loose love and “Silver Linings Playbook”
David O. Russell is receiving significant praise for his work on the film “Silver Linings Playbook,” which the filmmaker both adapted from Matthew Quick’s debut novel of the same name and directed.
“Silver Linings Playbook” tells the story of a former teacher suffering from bipolar disorder and who moves back in with his parents following a stint in a mental institution. Russell’s 18-year-old son happens to suffer from bipolar disorder, so the story hits close to home for him. The main character, Pat Solitano, was nearly cast with other leading men including Mark Wahlberg and Vince Vaughn before Bradley Cooper landed the role opposite “Hunger Games” star Jennifer Lawrence. "Pat's hunger and determination to reintroduce himself were matched perfectly by Bradley's determination as a performer who hadn't shown many of his dimensions," Russell told the Los Angeles Times.
After navigating movie awards season, Russell will get to work on his next untitled film project about an FBI sting operation set in the 1970s that leads to the conviction of United States Congressmen. Listen in as David O. Russell joins Larry to discuss working on “Silver Linings Playbook” and more.
Guest:
David O. Russell, Writer & Director, “Silver Linings Playbook”
‘Heads in Beds’: Insider secrets for your next hotel stay
What goes on behind the scenes in the hotel industry? “Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality” written by veteran luxury hotel employee Jacob Tomsky.
Tomsky’s insider access to hotel tricks and secrets makes for a fascinating confessional – he takes readers outside their hotel room doors and into the world of bellhops, housekeepers, valet, and concierge. On top of a behind the scenes look into the luxury hospitality industry’s dirty laundry, Tomsky offers up tips and explanations for navigating your home away from home.
Have you ever had a standout hotel experience, good or bad? How do you tip when you’re traveling? Do you wonder what goes on behind closed doors in luxury hotels? Tomsky joins Larry to discuss what really goes into profiting from putting heads in beds.
Guest:
Jacob Tomsky, veteran of the hospitality business and author of Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality (Doubleday)