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Is Dec. 21 the End of the World? Experts Respond

Find out what experts are saying about the Dec. 21, 2012, Doomsday prophesies and the end of the Mayan calendar. Plus, find out where you can go in Ferndale to take cover and party.

Don’t make any rash decisions: Experts say 12/21/12 is going to be just another typical winter solstice.

Killer solar flares aren’t expected. Another planet isn’t on a collision course with ours. And the Mayan “long count calendar” ending on this date has no real significance—they had to end it somewhere!

What is All the Fuss About?

There are a number of theories and predictions that call for earth’s demise on Dec. 21, 2012. They include:

  • The ending of the Mayan calendar. The Mayans, according to a Sarasota Patch article, kept three separate calendars. The “long calendar” ends on Dec. 21. Some say this constitutes a Doomsday prediction; many do not.
  • Nostradamus. That famed French seer from the 1500s has been credited with predicting several end-of-the-world scenarios that some believe will take place in 2012. The website December212012.com points to the potential sparking of World War III on this date.
  • The collision of Earth and the supposed planet Nibiru. This supposed space catastrophe was initially predicted to strike in 2003. The planet in question was supposedly discovered by the Sumerians, according to NASA. When the world didn’t end in 2003, the date was moved to December 2012 for the deadly collision with earth.

What are the Experts Saying?

The intrigue created by multiple end-of-the-world predictions has made many scholars and even NASA, stand up to make statements debunking the claims. They’re all saying the same thing: Go ahead and pay that mortgage bill and wrap those holiday presents.

Here’s what NASA has to say about all of the collective Doomsday prophesies:

The world will not end in 2012. Our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012.

"NOT the End of the World Party" in Ferndale

On Dec. 21, Woodward Imperial in Ferndale will host their "Is This Your Last Chance? It's NOT the End Of The World Party." You'll find drink specials all night and get a free taco at midnight "when we're all still here," according to an event posting on Facebook. Find more information here.

What do you think? Is the world coming to an end in a few days, or are you making sure those bill payments go out on time? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Debbie B. December 20, 2012 at 06:02 pm
Of course its not the end, my bills are due till death due us part, and that ain't 2012.
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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
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Melanie Piana June 11, 2013 at 01:17 pm
The FESC is an important steward of the City’s environmental values and goals, and its membersRead More have performed valuable education programming and environmental policy support on behalf of all Ferndale residents. It was clear, however, the FESC and the city needed to revisit the mission and vision to make sure the group was focused on activities that could make the greatest impact. I worked with the FESC to brainstorm a new mission and purpose ideas with members and helped rewrite the draft ordinance in a collaborative effort with FESC and city staff. I'm happy to say we've made steady progress; last night the city manager and I met with FESC members to review the new ordinance language, and the group's renewel request will come to council on June 24th. Together, we had a great meeting and I believe FESC members are excited about the clearer alignment between FESC interests and the City’s environmental goals. Yes, it did take a bit longer than anticipated, but in the end I believe we'll have a stronger direction for FESC for years to come.
Craig Covey June 11, 2013 at 02:12 pm
Here is a great idea: Let's not have the city automatically water its lawns after two days of rain.Read More That would save water, reduce costs, and not contribute to increased storm water runoff.
Terry Poduska June 5, 2013 at 10:27 am
The South Oakland Family YMCA is hosting a FREE Adult Health Fair - Get Healthy at the Y - onRead More Thursday, June 6 from 10am - 1pm. Free diabetes Screenings - Free Blood Pressure Checks - Free Massages. There will be free exercise session and 5 different speakers. Free lunch will be provided. 20 vendors will be present - chance to win a free 3 month membership to the Y. 1016 W. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI