Thursday, November 5, 2009

Response to NewBlogger

I think you raise a good point. Some nonbelievers might possibly be believers on the inside, but simply do not want to recognize it. This is something that would be up to that individual. I would encourage research and always be true to the deep part of yourself, but once again that is solely up to the single person involved.

Response to DarkMatter

Yes, I do; I think that people feel better when they are surrounded around others that carry the same thoughts. This alone could be a possible contributing factor to need for arguements and controversials issues in our world.

Response to RH

Yes; maybe the fact that Europe seems to have the highest concentration of 2012 support groups does have something to do with the fact that they want to be the first ones to do so. I think this relates to my discussion on the fascination with death and all that surrounds it. Believers want to know all they can about 2012 and Europe may be acting upon this curiosity to motivate themselves toward an answer.

Implications

If the 2012 Prediction division remains unresolved, then the possible implications can be deadly. I touched on this issue in my “Impact” post, but to clarify I will state my thoughts on the future in a more clear way.

This prediction is dividing people. There are believers and nonbelievers. The separation is already happening. There are masses forming support groups for the event as well as people forming blogs dedicated solely to the denouncing of the believers. Disunity rarely has a positive impact. Unless the Prediction is discussed or researched in an unbiased manner then as the date gets closer this division will become bolder and possible repercussions might occur.

The 2012 Prediction: Putting it All in Perspective

It has been my pleasure introducing you all to the intricacies that surround the 2012 prediction and providing possible insights to related subjects that either strengthen or weaken your acceptance of the idea. This is my last blog post and I would like to leave you all with, what I believe, a good summation of the big points that I made during my blogging time so that you will take away from this blog what I have been trying to stress the most.

· The Sun is predicted to start a new solar cycle that coincides with the end of the Mayan Calendar. The sun does this periodically and the last cycle ended 20-30 years ago and we are still here.

· Around December 21, 2012, the Earth will be at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. This has never happened before and no one knows exactly what will happen. Some predict immediate pole shifts, which will cause devastating weather change, while others predict nothing will occur.

· The 2012 Prediction seems to be especially controversial because, as humans, we are innately fascinated with death. Death is interesting. The media knows this and that is why the news today focuses around tragedies. This fascination contributes to the fear associated with the 2012 Prediction as well as to coerce some to take precautions by forming support groups throughout the world.

· No one exactly knows what is going to happen on December 21, 2012. Since no one can predict the future, then trying to predict what exactly is going to happen on such a far away date is impossible.

· Finally, this prediction is dividing people. The believers and the nonbelievers. Division is rarely good and unless collaboration is executed soon, then as the date get closers, individuals may start acting upon this division in conflicting ways.

These are the points that I wish for you to take and reflect deeply upon as this date gets closer. Whatever happens on December 21, 2012, good luck and thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

Response to DarkMatter

Yes; from what I have researched it seems that those interested with the 2012 prediction are easily dividing and members of those groups are becoming more aware and are openly bonded with fellow members of the same group. So the 2012 prediction is in fact dividing us and at the same time uniting us.

Annotated Links Continued

If you want to learn more information about the Mayans and the history of their civilization and calendar, then I suggest that you look at this link. Here you will learn more about the 2012 prediction through the thoughts of a believer. I believe that it is very interesting to feel the tone of this believer and the knowledge that he claims to know based around the Mayan Calendar. Finally, this site is followed by a question and answer session that further explains the prediction in relation to the Mayans.

At this link, a nonbeliever writes, in an informal tone, why there will be no “doomsday” in 2012. He breaks down his argument into three sections: Mayan Calendar, The end of the long count = the end of the earth, and Doomsday. It is very interesting to see the evidence of the Mayan cultural that he elaborates on and how it ensures that 2012 will not be the end of time.

Finally, this link explains why not worrying is important. It breaks down the issue from a general side and then a psychological side. This site also mentions some side effects that are contributed by worrying. If you want to know helpful ways to reduce worrying or in what ways worrying can negatively affect your life, then you might find this site interesting as well as insightful.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Just Imagine

As I was going through the average processes of my day, I was talking to a colleague about my blog and describing to her all that it encompasses. Then she made a comment that I do not believe she meant to be as deep as I took it, but the comment made me think about the division of believers and nonbelievers in a completely different way. She said, “People always need something to argue about.” And I thought to myself, “Is that true?” “Can we not go on with our lives without controversy or something to argue about?” If our world did not have anything controversial nor anything that caused any sort of division, could we not still function? I am reminded of the following song:



After putting much thought into this, I believe this question does not have an answer. The reason why is because we will never know what the world would be like without controversy or division. This is a sad truth. Since the world will never be this way, then we cannot know whether or not we can function.
On a different side, disunity also unites us. This might seem oxymoronic, but those within the same division become more united. The believers will have a stronger bond with fellow believers and vice versa. So my big question to my readers is, do you think the group unity caused by the mass disunity cancel each other out? Or, would a world with no controversy be more or less bonded than one with controversy?

Annotated Links

For all those interested in becoming as informed as myself about the division over the 2012 Prediction and all that it encompasses, I suggest the following links:

This link discusses the suns natural solar cycles and the predicted cycle for 2012. NASA predicts that in 2012 the cycle will be much like the one in 1998. Also, this site offers great insight into the significance of solar flares in respect to the Earth and why we should not fear a great solar storm in 2012 as some might believe.

If you are interested about our seemingly innate fear of death, then this link would be the one for you to go to. At this site, it explains in detail specifically about the phobia of death. Also, this site offers insight into why some might develop this fear. Finally, this site stresses the effect that the fear of death can have on an individual’s life.

This link is the one that I find the most interesting. Dr. Stephen Diamond discusses human acceptance from a psychological viewpoint. He relates the mention of acceptance in different religions and the role that it plays within them. Finally, Dr. Diamond offers ways in which we might partake in order to make ourselves more apt to accept rather than deny.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Reponse to NatureNurture

The issue of why suicide bombers do not fear death is a issue of looking past death. Suicide bombers focus clearly on what they believe lies beyond death. They do not possess this innate fear because they are made to believe that death is just a door they must go through to reach a better place. With this mindset, they gladly accept death.

Response to ATD

Yes; Even if the world should happen to end in 2012, people should try to enjoy their lives why they have them. It will do no good simply worrying all the time about the end. What is going to happen will and it is not worth lessening the value of the life we all currently have.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Self-Analysis

I feel that I have become deeply involved in the problem that my blog expresses. I now know a lot more about the science behind the prediction as well as why the prediction was started in the first place. I also have become so engulfed in the issue that my personal biases are completely gone and have now been able to see both sides clearly. I understand where the believers are coming from as well as the nonbelievers. Furthermore, I have completed many research hours on this subject from blogs to professional sites solely dedicated to this issue. I have also furthered my initial subject by offering interesting related topics such as the fascination with death and the psychology of acceptance. Finally, I have provided with my readers with the relevance (distinction of sides) of the issue and also methods that I believe will lessen the polarization of sides. I am very well-educated about my subject and my maturation of thoughts on the issue stream through into my blog posts.

Impact


The impact that the December 21, 2012 prediction can have on society and more generally, the world, can be devastating. When people become divided, tensions emerge and conflicts can occur. History has tried to teach us this lesson, but apparently we are not heeding its advice. I liken this situation to a less prominent version of the United States Civil War. There were other factors that contributed to the inner split, but the main one was the issue of slavery and whether or not it should exist. This disagreement divided America to such an extent that fights started and eventually a war. The disagreement over the 2012 prediction is certainly not that bad now, but as the date comes closer the hiatus between believers and nonbelievers will become deeper and bolder. I suggest that both sides try to see the points mentioned by the opposing side and keep their minds open to the possibility of the truth or the proof of fiction. In fact, I do not believe this will ever happen. This solution would require that all those concerned about the prediction to be open-minded. The chances of that actually occurring are very low. It seems that once people make up their decision about something, then they are bound to that invisible chain of obligation with little want in knowing more about the subject and they just denounce all that does not coincide with their beliefs. This stubborn mindset will utterly lead to the separation of people all of which could have been peacefully resolved with collaboration.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Class Links!

If you think my blog is interesting, then I believe you will enjoy these also:

Dark Matter

This blog discusses the crisis period that the field astronomy is currently in. The bloggers also proposes causes for the unexplained increase in speed of expansion of the universe. It is a very interesing blog. I highly suggest you take a look!

Drinking Age

This blog discusses the controversial issue of the allowed age for drinking in the United States. The blogger explains both sides and relates the issue to her life. She makes the problem seem interesting as well as very crucial. Her use of personal experiences and easy to follow language make this blog meaningful and informative.

Ethical Limitations of Scientific Breakthrough

This blog discusses the effect of scientific breakthroughs on people's nature of acceptance. The blogger deals specifically with stem cells and the controversy that surrounds this potentially helpful procedure. The blogger has an informed tone with convincing persuasive evidence supporting his claim and stance on the issue. I suggest you keep an open mind and look into this.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Response to NatureNurture

According to my research, death is an innate fear. The question is "Do we fear death as a child?" My answer is that death is an innate fear, but we are not very aware of that fear as a young child. It is not until we learn about death and experience it that we fully realize the magnitude of death. You cannot fear something that you know nothing about.

Theory Post

The common ground that I believe each side of the argument (believers vs. nonbelievers) can agree on is that no one can know for a fact what is going to happen on a date that is so far ahead in time. Both sides can agree that what ever is meant to happen will and that arguing about the issue will not make the overall situation any better. We all need to embrace the future together and support each other all the way. The sense of togetherness can help to strenghten those that feel weakened by the fact that they are powerless to what is meant to happen. Do not waste life worrying, but live the life you have to its fullest. Despite what is going to happen on December 21, 2012, enjoy life now and try to make the best of it. The importance of unity is so vast that it cannot be denounced in the world. The separation of believers and nonbelievers will do nothing but further divide us.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Unexplained Trend

I have done more thinking of the subject over the weekend and I have noticed a trend in the research that I have found. I have noticed that a majority of believers are typically young and most do not reside within the United States. I asked, “Why?” The younger portion of the research coincides with my analysis that less mentally mature minds will typically choose a side with little to no actual deep thought placed on it. The other trend, the geographic trend, baffles me. From what I have been reading, it seems the most concentrated area of believers is in Europe. I am mentioning this not only to share a very interesting fact, but to also express that I cannot find an explanation for this trend. It is not that they are uneducated, but it seems that they, for some reason unknown to me and it is not published in anywhere on the Internet, believing the idea of the end of the world in 2012 easily. I will continue to research this trend in particular, but I am not finding any information explaining why this demographic area is more saturated with believers than any other area in the world. There is not one vital difference between Europe and the rest of the world. There is not something that Europe has that somewhere else does not and vice versa.
I open this question for you. “Why do you believe Europe has the largest number of believers of the 2012 prophecy, than any other part of the Earth?”

Analysis: Explained

My analysis contains a lot of information that might seem overbearing and a bit scattered for some. That is why I am dedicating this blog to further explain my analysis of the 2012 prediction. I start my analysis by simply describing the prediction and what it is. Then, I go into the supporters and the denouncers of the prophecy. I explain the very different attitudes that the opposing sides have against the subject. Next, I bring up another related subject, our ability to accept ideas. I use my research to claim that less mature people are generally less apt to accept ideas and I use Dr. Diamond’s analysis to support this claim. I also describe why Nasa is looking into this subject. The subject is not more valid due to NASA’s investigation, it is just that workers of NASA are more mentally mature and accept the possibility of the truth of the prediction. Finally, I also bring up humans interest in death. I use my research to show a long trend of the fascination of death in the human timeline. I then go into the psychology of the idea of death and use my research to try to explain why we are so curious about the subject of death. I end my blog my reminding you that no one truly knows what is going to happen on a date so far ahead in the future. I also make a prediction of what, I believe, people will do as the date approaches.
I hope this simpler breakdown of the Analysis will make my research, claims, and suggestions easier to understand.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Analysis of December 21, 2012: The Whole Deal (Updated)

If you have been reading my blog, then you already know about the prediction for December 21, 2012 and you also know that I have “debunked” two claims of supporters about this day. For those who have not, the 2012 prediction coincides with the exact day that the Mayan Calendar ends. Many believe at this date, the world as we know it will come to an end too. From a scientific viewpoint, some scientists believe that the Earth will end one of its current cycles and start a new one, which according to Dr. Gregg Braden, happens every 5,125 years. Others believe that the entire prediction is "crazy" and a waste of our time. Based on my research, the truth is no one exactly knows what is going to happen on December 21, 2012. It is like the weather man predicting the temperature for that day, today. It is impossible to try to guess at what is going to happen on a particular day that is so far ahead in time. Theorists can predict and scientists can project, but no one knows for certain because no one can predict the future. We are all human. Although this subject has recently become very debatable and more well-known, it is the source for a much more interesting subject; the subject of people’s denial and acceptance of ideas. I offered the following question in my first blog, “Why is it in such a time of necessity for scientific-backing, some still heed the prediction of a civilization that was prominent over 680 years ago when whims and drastic explanations for unknown events ruled?” This deals with acceptance. Webster defines acceptance as, “an agreeing either expressly or by conduct to the act or offer of another so that a contract is concluded and the parties become legally bound.” Dr. Stephen Diamond, claims that acceptance is a related to being mature. If we think about this outside of this subject, then this appears to be true. People of higher maturity appear to accept new ideas more easily than immature individuals. The information that I just analyzed might seem backwards. Based on my research, I just inferred that those that accept such prophecies are typically more mature. This is not what I am trying to say. I am trying to express that those that are more mature will not immediately denounce the possibility of zed prophecies, but look into them and then decide if it is valued or not. This is why prestigious organizations that require the minds of a level-headed workforce, such as NASA, are looking into the possibility of the 2012 prediction. So when believers of the 2012 prediction claim that since NASA is looking into it, that makes the prophecy more creditable, this is another one of the many “kinks” that I am always finding in their support for the idea. Another interesting aspect of this “hype” with the 2012 prediction is human’s innate affixation with death. The interest in death goes far back in history. From mummifying bodies out of respect for death to the séance boom in the 1920’s, the effect of the aspect of death on our life has and still does affect people. Some even fear death to the point of developing a phobia of it. Today, it is very prevalent that death interests us. From shows like Ghost Hunters, tourism to houses where deaths have occurred, death in media, and the huge impact of death in movies, it is obvious that we are still interested in death like our ancestors. Psychologists believe that our innate lure with death starts when we are young with simple curiosity and the maturation of the thought of death is dependent on our personal experiences and our initial guidance with the subject, which is clearly different for everyone. If this maturation process is not sound and concrete, then a person can become emotionally insecure with the subject and thus reject and fear it. Death is a curious issue for all, but its effect on the lives of people is determined by the individual’s mental development of understanding the subject and all that it encompasses. While no one exactly knows what is going to happen on December 21, 2012, the prediction of the world ending will still be in the minds of many. As the day approaches, those that do not fully understand the subject will most likely innately choose a side with little thought or consideration. When the day is very close, there will no doubt be large groups of people that will perform thoughtless actions. Just remember that these people cannot help but be curious. Our innate fascination with death and variable mental developments, will lead to acceptances and denounces of the prediction and it will be up to the individual to decide where they stand and what actions they will act upon.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Analysis of December 21, 2012: The Whole Deal

If you have been reading my blog, then you already know about the prediction for December 21, 2012 and you also know that I have “debunked” two claims of supporters about this day. For those who have not, the 2012 prediction coincides with the exact day that the Mayan Calendar ends. Many believe at this date, the world as we know it will come to an end too. From a scientific viewpoint, some scientists believe that the Earth will end one of its current cycles and start a new one, which according to Dr. Gregg Braden, happens every 5,125 years. Others believe that the entire prediction is "crazy" and a waste of our time. Based on my research, the truth is no one exactly knows what is going to happen on December 21, 2012. It is like the weather man predicting the temperature for that day, today. It is impossible to try to guess at what is going to happen on a particular day that is so far ahead in time. Theorists can predict and scientists can project, but no one knows for certain because no one can predict the future. We are all human. Although this subject has recently become very debatable and more well-known, it is the source for a much more interesting subject; the subject of people’s denial and acceptance of ideas.
I offered the following question in my first blog, “Why is it in such a time of necessity for scientific-backing, some still heed the prediction of a civilization that was prominent over 680 years ago when whims and drastic explanations for unknown events ruled?” This deals with acceptance. Webster defines acceptance as, “an agreeing either expressly or by conduct to the act or offer of another so that a contract is concluded and the parties become legally bound.” Dr. Stephen Diamond, claims that acceptance is a related to being mature. If we think about this outside of this subject, then this appears to be true. People of higher maturity appear to accept new ideas more easily than immature individuals. The information that I just analyzed might seem backwards. Based on my research, I just inferred that those that accept such prophecies are typically more mature. This is not what I am trying to say. I am trying to express that those that are more mature will not immediately denounce the possibility of zed prophecies, but look into them and then decide if it is valued or not. This is why prestigious organizations that require the minds of a level-headed workforce, such as NASA, are looking into the possibility of the 2012 prediction. So when believers of the 2012 prediction claim that since NASA is looking into it, that makes the prophecy more creditable, this is another one of the many “kinks” that I am always finding in their support for the idea.
Another interesting aspect of this “hype” with the 2012 prediction is human’s innate affixation with death. The interest in death goes far back in history. From mummifying bodies out of respect for death to the séance boom in the 1920’s, the effect of the aspect of death on our life has and still does affect people. Some even fear death to the point of developing a phobia of it. Today, it is very prevalent that death interests us. From shows like Ghost Hunters, tourism to houses where deaths have occurred, death in media, and the huge impact of death in movies, it is obvious that we are still interested in death like our ancestors. Psychologists believe that our innate lure with death starts when we are young with simple curiosity and the maturation of the thought of death is dependent on our personal experiences and our initial guidance with the subject, which is clearly different for everyone. If this maturation process is not sound and concrete, then a person can become emotionally insecure with the subject and thus reject and fear it. Death is a curious issue for all, but its effect on the lives of people is determined by the individual’s mental development of understanding the subject and all that it encompasses.
While no one exactly knows what is going to happen on December 21, 2012, the prediction of the world ending will still be in the minds of many. As the day approaches, those that do not fully understand the subject will most likely innately choose a side with little thought or consideration. When the day is very close, there will no doubt be large groups of people that will perform thoughtless actions. Just remember that these people cannot help but be curious. Our innate fascination with death and variable mental developments, will lead to acceptances and denounces of the prediction and it will be up to the individual to decide where they stand and what actions they will act upon.


http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Truth-About-21-December-2012-and-Planet-Nibiru&id=3092634
http://www.greatdreams.com/2012.htm
http://www.december212012.com/articles/general_information/Is_There_Science_Behind_2012_Prophecies.htm
http://forum.ebaumsworld.com/showthread.php?p=5552245
http://www.greatdreams.com/end-world.htm
http://www.universetoday.com/2008/05/19/no-doomsday-in-2012/
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acceptance
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evil-deeds/200806/secrets-psychotherapy-part-4-change-or-acceptance
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/10mar_stormwarning.htm
http://www.unexplainable.net/artman/publish/article_8375.shtml#
http://www.endoftime2012.com/
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Fascination_with_death
http://www.dealingwithfear.org/fear-of-death.htm/#
http://library.thinkquest.org/16665/mass.htm
http://books.google.com/books?id=oeLg05VoZgcC&pg=PA64&lpg=PA64&dq=psychology+interest+in+death&source=bl&ots=lI7FVLwknT&sig=sBP56v9Fx4eNMjMsFYc4rIb79gM&hl=en&ei=KgjdSs_lEIrW8AbWorC3BQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CAwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=psychology%20interest%20in%20death&f=false
http://www.spiritlakeconsulting.com/SLC/sharedfiles/library/devpsych/mcdeath.htm
http://colfa.utsa.edu/Sociology/masters/topics.html
http://www.december212012.com/believers_list.htm
http://www.trinity.edu/~mkearl/death.html
http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=189768

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Why Are People So Interested With Death?

The other day in class, I had to defend this very blog and a very interesting question was asked to me. Why are people so interested in death? I had no clue. So over the past few days I have been doing a lot of research to try my best to answer this very question (that is why I am writing this first blog on Wednesday rather than my usual Tuesday). I learned that our fascination with death is innate. Plain and simple. Evidence of this extends all the way back to the Ancient Egyptians which mummified their bodies out of the respect for death itself. People, even today, still worship death. Those in Mexico and a select few other Central American countries celebrate a day remembering the dead, “The Day of the Dead.”
Humans and the fascination with death have coincided hand in hand throughout history, from the Greeks and their god/goddesses to popularity of séances in the early 20th century. It is just within us, as humans, to be curious about what is after life. This instinctive lure contributes to the popularity of “End of Days” myths as a whole.
Death is such a powerful subject that it has its own phobia, thantophobia. This power also contributes to the aura that such prophecies, like 2012, emit. Death’s obviously powerful hold on certain people along with our innate curiosity with it, allow for myths that combine these two factors to become very strong and very sensitive. This is the best concise answer that I can give to, Why are people so interested in death?

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/articles/dead-history.html
http://www.phobias-help.com/phobia_fear_of_death.html

Monday, October 12, 2009

Response to RH

In response to the comment by RH on my second blog, I plan to, in the next couple of blogs, identify what some believers of this prophecy believe to be concrete facts that support this claim and, with science and research, accurately describe why these facts are not as sound as they may first appear. Then, describe more generally, the effect of such prophecies on the public and in what situations are such outrageous claims more apt to penetrate the conscience and logical minds of humans. I believe that people in certain environments and states of logical development are more likely to believe extreme assertions than others in different environments and more advanced stages of logical development. I think it will be really interesting to see, scientifically, the ways that the brain reasons and the factors that contribute to gaining acceptance from the mind. Also, I would like to conclude my blog with enough scientific facts to hopefully quiet the seemingly loud and obnoxious claims of anarchy that will, in turn, emerge our society in disorder and chaos. My goal is for my blog to be a beacon that will remind people of reason and hopefully lessen the amount of hearsay and hocus pocus that seems to excite people and at the same time scare them to death. I think over time people forget the vast importance of reason and its essential role in everything that we do, see, or think. Our society in the United States has become so great due to reason and to denounce its value now would be a disgrace to everything that we, as democratic, free Americans, stand for.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Busted Claim 1

The first out of many claims of support for the “End of the World: 2012” prophecy is the claim of an increase in solar flares and solar storms and their effect. I will start off by saying it is an unquestionable fact that the number of sunspots have increased over the past 11 years and seem to be slowly increasing. The theory of how sunspots relate to this prophecy is that it is estimated between 2011-2012 the sun will be in its solar maximum cycle. This is no cause for alarm because the last solar maximum occurred in 2000, and obviously I am still here today writing my blog and you are here reading it. But this particular maximum has everyone worried. My guess is that this fact along with the prophecy has people looking for some way to talk about the end of the world without sounding like a complete lunatic. I do not understand why everyone is trying so hard to predict the end of the world. If the world should truly end, do you think that since they knew how it ended they will be spared? Or would the personal satisfaction will overcome the fear of perishing? To these questions, I have no answer. I respect valuable scientific backing and the unsupported idea that this maximum cycle will be extremely different from the last cycle with no scientific data supporting this claim, I cannot respect this. In the next blog, I will look at another factor that is deemed supporting the theory and until I come across an indisputable fact that point towards oblivion then I cannot help but be skeptical.

http://dsc.discovery.com/space/my-take/solar-storm-sten-odenwald.html

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

End of Days Theories and Their Effect On Society/Economy


Will you die in 3 years? According to the Mayans, you will. Why is it in such a time of necessity for scientific-backing, some still heed the prediction of a civilization that was prominent over 680 years ago when whims and drastic explanations for unknown events ruled? Many claim that there is scientific backing, like the polarity levels are the lowest that they have been in two thousand years and the likelihood of a massive solar flare is great. There is one thing that supporters are forgetting. The Mayans had no earthly idea what either of these two attributes were and how they are related. If the Mayans predicted the end of the world was in 2000, then these facts would still be true, the magnetic field would have still been at an all time low and we would have still been due for a massive solar flare. Also, a big “kink” in the conspiracy is that many professionals in the field of astronomy like astronomer Philip Plait argue that the Mayan calendar does not end in 2012. He relates the calendar to a car’s odometer. When your odometer reaches 9, it must go back to 0; the Mayan calendar is the same way. The calendar happens to need to “turnover” during the month of December, 2012. Then, the calendar will continue many more years with a different starting number. Over the grand scheme of the idea of the end of days, there is scientific evidence supporting both sides. Anyone with a scientific view will realize that since there is conflicting evidence, the most prestigious level the “End of Days” claim can be is a theory; a theory, just like Big Foot, the Yeti, or if Walt Disney is frozen. I do not read of anyone stocking up on supplies and forming groups across the world to prepare for Big Foot attacks.


http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/08/28/disastrous-commercial/