GRAPES OF WRATH: That's part of the whole thing is that I have actually heard it both ways. I've heard some experts on Mayan civilization (bearing in mind a plus or minus in overall credibility for some) state unequivocally that the Mayan calendar grinds to a complete and permanent halt late in 2012. I've also heard others state just as vigorously that it's merely the closing of a particular cycle and nothing more, and that there's still much to come on said calendar. It becomes a question of "who to believe?" Considering the certainty with which I've heard both points of view stated, I rather gave up and shrugged my shoulders about the matter. So, yes, there's certainly a camp who believes the calendar (and/or the universe as we know it or not or whatever) ends altogether in 2012.

JIM & VALIANT DANCER: Thanks for the input on the specifics of the Mayan calendar (among others!). Interesting stuff! It has answered my question about why the importance placed on it. That doesn't necessarily mean that I understand the obsession of some with the 2012 date as such, but I do sort of get the reason for it. If that made sense...

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