December 21, 2012.  Winter Solstice.  End of the current cycle of the Mayan Long Count calendar.  Storied date.  Inspiration for countless movies and documentaries.  Source of much fear, panic, concern, and ridicule but also hope, renewal, transition, and inspiration.

That's a lot of pressure on one ride around the sun.  I wonder if the other planets in our solar system are feeling a bit left out because they don't have their own December 21... but then, even if they did, there wouldn't be anyone around to be impressed by it.