Disaster!

Disasters on the Increase, Are These the End Days?

Disasters happen now more than ever according experts associated with apocalyptic theories. The evidence: volcanoes, floods, hurricanes (that fill the Gulf of Mexico!), and tsunamis, a virtual apocalypse-grade coincidence of disastrous events.

The possible cause of these events, according to the same experts, is the scheduled cosmic alignment on Dec. 21, 2012, at which time the sun will be perfectly aligned with the center of the galaxy. Such an alignment will bring about a political/natural event so cataclysmic that it will result in the end of the world.

Some theorists take solace in this event, as the "end" also marks the possibility of a new beginning.

"While this apocalypse will be marked by serious devastation, undoubtedly creating unbearable conditions on earth, it may be a chance to discover new ways of being, a sort of wake-up call for the responsible use of free will."

Other theorists are not so hopeful.

"The earth will be effectively purged of all life in 2012. We should consider ourselves to be the dinosaurs of this epoch."

Despite debate over the true effect of this impending apocalyptic event, one truth is unanimously agreed upon: "We know for sure that December 20, 2012 is the last day anyone should expect to carry on as normal. After that, we will all be dead or under tremendous, debilitating pain."

Fear and Loathing in Troubled Economic Times

Maybe I listen to the radio too much, but this economic downturn business scares me. I have two paying jobs and a very low cost of living, but still, on the eve of my first student loan payment, I'm worried about my ability to make consistent payments until 2018 (the scheduled last loan payment), worried about the reliability of my little car, the long-term security of my housing, worried about taking on more loans for living and education through grad school...

These are the fears that keep me from sleeping so well. The future is approaching at an awesome pace, and I could be one of its victims.

So, as a result, as a resolutionist by nature, I am going forward with the intellectual problem of confronting fear, either by action or attitude.

I mentioned to a friend (more downtrodden than I can understand) that there is an infinite amount of joy in the world, and that we are charged to embrace it. My fear stems from a lack of faith in this principle of joy.

The apocalypse is much more frightening at its approach than it is from the safety of ivory tower conjecture.