2012

                           December 21, 2012 is a buzz topic and has been for the last couple of years. Will the world really come to an end? I'll admit I haven't given it much thought. My brother used to always tell me, "If ignorance is bliss you must be the happiest person in the world". I suppose he was right about that one. I don't really worry about the world ending because if it ends, I'll be dead and won't really care.
                           The blockbuster hit 2012 starring John Cusack is not what has people talking, but the Mayan Calendar that brings a close to the 5,000 + year cycle. There is more than one Mayan calendar, and although incredibly accurate, the Mayan Long Count Calendar is the only one that points to December 21, 2012 as the end of The Great Cycle. What many don't know is that according to Mayan calendars, the earth has gone through 3 Great Cycles. Why is 2012 different then if we've already made it through 3? What has some concerned is that this is the only Great Cycle that "ends" on winter solstice. Not only that, but on that very night, Earth and the sun will align with the center of The Milky Way galaxy, this has not happened for over 20,000 years. What will happen with this galactic alignment? Not even the greatest scientists know. There is much speculation over the events to follow. Everything from great natural disasters to the coming of Christ has been predicted by apocalyptic and religious fanatics. I think the only fanatical group that isn't afraid are the Scientologists that are eagerly awaiting the return of the mother ship.
                             Every generation thinks the end is near, and that's because every generation destroys the earth more than the last. The only difference now is that we have a calendar that has been an excellent predictor of what's to come. The Mayan calendars have predicted natural disasters and assassinations of political leaders and wars. So why would the end of the world be the only thing the Mayans got wrong? I don't necessarily think they got it wrong. I think we're reading too much into the hype. We have books and documentaries and movies telling us that the world is ending and how to survive it. Um, how exactly does one survive the end of the world anyway? Doesn't the end of the world mean there would be nothing to survive? Wal-Mart doesn't have enough milk, bread, and batteries to survive an apocalypse. According to the Mayan calendar, the end of a Great Cycle is a cause for celebration since it's a rare occurrence. So stop building a fallout shelter and start planning a party. Even if it is the end of the world wouldn't you rather be living it up instead of shaking in your knickers underground? 
                           The big question is, "Will this be the end of the world?" And as smart as I like to think I am, I haven't got a clue. Lord knows we've had natural disasters big enough to shake even the greatest of skeptics. We've had sink holes swallow up entire neighborhoods, earth quakes that brought down entire countries, and let's not forget global warming. If the universe doesn't take the world down, humans most definitely will. I just don't think it will happen on December 21, 2012. It's too close to Christmas, and that would be a major buzz kill.