When the world is going to end?

On December 21[sup]st[/sup], 2012, the world we live in will end, according to the Mayan calendar. On that day, the Fourth Sun will end.

Of course, the Fifth Sun will begin immediately afterwards, so most folks won’t notice much of a change. I’m betting there will be a big-arse party in the Yucatan, though.

There’s a story about the end of earth. I wish I could recall where I read it. Anyway, a professor is explaining to his class that in four and a half billion years, the sun will expand into a red giant and engulf the inner planets including the earth. A hand goes up in the back.
Professor: Yes.
Student: How long did you say before the earth is engulfed?
Professor: Why, four and a half billion years.
Student: That’s a relief, I thought you said four and a half million years.

I can’t tell you when it will happen, but I can tell you one thing about the End of The World:

You think it’s hard to get a cab now

Damnit DrMatrix, you beat me to the punch. I wanted to post that joke. sulks

Ah yes, how could I forget that?
Here’s the link…
http://www.levity.com/eschaton/Why2012.html

<< That’s a relief, I thought you said four and a half million years. >>

Dr Matrix, to set your mind at ease, the originator of that joke (I am reasonably sure) was Walt Kelly.

And one of the other folks listening to the conversation thinks a minute, and then says, “Four and half million years, eh? … Before or after lunch?”